Applied Mechanics and Materials Vols. 773-774

Abstract: This study was focusing on the utilization of Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA) and the effect of fine sand to develop the strength of the mortar. The flexural and compressive strength of fine grained mortar (FGM) with the addition of POFA and the sand usage with a size less than 1 mm were investigated. Then, the optimum percentage of POFA as a replacement material for cement was determined. Cement was partially replaced with POFA at various percentage of 0 % to 40 % by weight of cementitious materials with three (3) samples for each percentage. The laboratory test was conducted for this study are divided into two which are properties of samples (X-ray fluorescence and particle size analyzer), and hardened mortar (compressive and flexural strength). The prism specimens size are 40 mm x 40 mm x 160 mm and were tested at the age of 7 and 28 days according to BS EN 196-1:2005: Method of Testing Cement. The results showed that the highest flexural and compression strength is at 10 % due to a factor which is the effect of POFA and fine sand produce a strong bond between the particles with the longer curing time, that is after 14 days. This is indicated that an additional of 10 % POFA in FGM is the optimal percentage of POFA as a replacement for cement.

Abstract: This paper investigates the performance of rice husk ash (RHA) in a fine grained mortar. RHA produced from control combustion of rice husk. Fine grained mortar (FGM) is a mortar containing fine sand with a maximum size of 1mm. Chemical composition of RHA and Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) were investigated using XRF in order to know the silica content in these materials. The particle size of RHA was analyzed to make sure it fineness is same with OPC after grinding. Compressive and flexural strength of FGM were tested on mortar prism for size 40mm x 40mm x 160mm with replacement of RHA 10%, 20% and 30% by weight of cement at 7 days and 28 days ofcuring. All 24 specimens of FGM were caste and tested. The flexural strength, compressive strength of FGM have shown quite encouraging and interesting results. The optimum replacement of RHA in FGM from compressive and flexural strength is 20% by weight of cement.

Abstract: High-tech development on laboratory with high resolution and sensitive device is increased nowadays. This equipment requires very sensitive location to accommodate in a special room, because it may cause improper functioning for a certain devise which required low level of vibration. Due to this problem, the aim of this study are to perform the structural response on two story laboratory subjected to ground vibration input due to traffics and to assess the level of vibration at the floor. The vibrations input are measured by using portable equipment called Laser Doppler Vibrometer. The field measurement is done at the laboratory Block E, Faculty of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM). Finite element ANSYS software is fully utilized to model the building structure and perform analysis in order to determine structural modal and transient analysis for the building. Time history response from ANSYS post-processing is transferred into ModalV analysis in MATLAB software in order to evaluate the vibration criteria level of the floor according to specific overseas guideline. It was found that the vibration response on the middle slab of the first floor at level Vibration Criteria, VC-A or maximum particle velocity level at 50μm/s. Vibration Criteria (VC) curve analysis on floor slab indicated the highest vibration will occur at the middle of floor slab and the lowest vibration will occur at the edge of slab which near the column and below VC-E level for ground floor slab.

Abstract: In some countries quite a number of construction projects that are either not completed or out rightly abandoned. This paper is an overview on abandoned construction projects, and the causes and effects due to the formidable situation relating to this issue. This was conducted referring to the studies and findings in the thesis and journals on abandoned projects. Few probable causes and effects are identified from various researchers based on studies conducted by them on this issue. It is found that most of the studies on the related matter was conducted mainly using questionnaires and also by conducting interviews with the relevant parties. There were various probable causes and implications that was identified from the studies and analysis that was carried out, which does not differ much from one another, and in fact some have suggested the mitigation measures for this issue. After reviewing the research and studies that has been conducted on the issue of abandoned projects, as a conclusion, it is notable to have a more thorough investigation on the existing problem up to this date and look into the whole issue from different aspects in depth.

Abstract: An experimental work was carried out to study the influence of impressed current on residual bond strength of corroded specimens. In accelerated corrosion process, two different current densities 0.08 mA/cm² and 0.4 mA/cm² were used which identified as ‘slow’ and ‘fast’ current. Beam end type bond specimens reinforced with 10 mm and 16 mm bar diameter were prepared for the bond test. Stirrups were provided along the main bar. Corrosion level of the main reinforcement was limited to 8% theoretical section loss. Other parameter such as the location of the test bar (corner and centre location) was also considered. The results indicate a significant influence of impressed current on the crack width with the ‘fast’ current tended to have wider crack than the ‘slow’ current. The influence on bond strength and other related parameters are being discussed.

Abstract: The World Health Organization (WHO) predicted that in 2020, road accidents will become the third cause of deaths in the world. Several factors contribute to road accidents, among them are human error, speeding, irregularities in road design and period of driving (either nighttime or daytime). In road design, horizontal curves are of particular interest to the designer, given that accidents are very likely to occur at such locations if drivers lose control of their vehicles due to inappropriate speed choices. This study was conducted to investigate the variation of driving behaviour on horizontal curves. The test car was fitted with a Global Positioning System (GPS) device and driven by 30 participants. The research findings show that drivers’ choice of speed varies while approaching horizontal curve, on the curve and just after leaving the curve. Apart from this, although drivers were found to have driven at a slightly higher speed during daytime compare to evening driving, however the difference was not significant. A comparison between genders also revealed that female and male drivers drive at similar speed behaviour

Abstract: Building Information Modeling (BIM) is currently being used by the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry in Malaysia. It has been introduced by the Director of Public Works Department (PWD) in 2007 to reduce construction costs and avoid design problems. BIM utilization in construction can detect any clash analysis during the design stage, improves efficiency of project scheduling, reduce costs and ensure high quality of the project as well as facilitate communication among construction players. Since it has been introduced by the PWD, several projects have been constructed and being constructed using BIM and one of the project is The National Cancer Institute (NCI). The project is owned by the Malaysian government. This paper discusses the application of BIM in the project, the first project launched by the Malaysian government. A literature review was conducted to explore previous BIM studies on the history of BIM, benefits and importance, barriers and challenges as well as existing BIM projects in the Malaysian construction industry. Furthermore, semi-structured interviews were carried out with the client, consultant and contractor involved in the project. The interviews results reveal necessities and benefits of implementing BIM in completing the project. BIM is necessary for construction because its implementation can increase project quality. It is useful in assisting construction players to complete projects successfully. The results provide clear evidence of the effectiveness of implementing BIM in government projects. This paper can serve as a reference for critical studies of developing a strategy approach model for BIM implementation in the Malaysian construction industry.

Abstract: Bridge is one of the important facilities use in daily life as bridge is built to span physical obstacles such as a body of water, valley or road for the purpose of providing passage over the obstacle. Various testing conducted on the bridge in order to know the dynamic characteristics of the bridges. One of popular testing use is ambient vibration test. Ambient vibration is a non-destructive test conducted using highly sensitive sensor. This testing is easy to be conduct with less labour, time and also cost. This paper aim to provide up to date literature review on ambient vibration test on bridge includes sources of ambient vibration, procedure of conducting the measurement and results from ambient vibration test. It is important to known the dynamic characteristics of the bridge especially to determine the dynamic response of the structure and also as dynamic information for seismic design.

Abstract: Construction projects are facing time and cost overrun globally. Since, this problem occurs due to various factors, hence for achieving successful construction projects, it is very important to control the responsible factors causing time and cost overrun. This study assessed the relevancy for each mitigation measures in relation with causative factors of time and cost overrun in Malaysian construction projects. A total of 56 mitigation measures were identified and correlated with the critical factors of time and cost overrun which were categorized into four phases of project life cycle. Data collection was done by conducting structured interviews amongst the experienced practitioners of the southern regions of Peninsular Malaysia.

Abstract: Performance measurement system to assess development of large infrastructure project has developed due to the unachieved of high design and technical requirements, excessive cost investments and lack of competent human resources and managerial capabilities. Growing numbers of discrepant of interest among key participants has also led to conflicts, blame cultures, and mismatches of objectives that have been found to be contributory factors to poor project performance. Although, several approaches have been determined, the challenges in terms of time, cost, and quality (objective measures) are still arguable. Further exploration requires the inclusion of additional challenges in delivering large infrastructure projects, particularly in relation to subjective measures, such as safety, relationship, satisfaction, social and environmental aspects. Owing to this limitation, preliminary findings of identification challenges in large infrastructure projects are vital to fulfill the current needs in the development of innovative performance measurement. The research adheres to by reviewing relevant literature and evaluating expert insights on the research topic. The results of the research would provide qualitative evidence in support of the notion that appropriate and comprehensive performance measurement to improve project outcome. This study may also encourage key stakeholders mainly involved in infrastructure projects to increase their attention on possible challenges to achieve project objectives and requirements in the development of a large project, and helps to the achievement of government transformation programme (GTP).