Estimating using cost significant global cost models

Cost significant models have been suggested as one way of overcoming criticisms of the amount of detail contained within the traditional bill of quantities. Recent research into these models reveals a lack of formal rules for the selection of work packages to be used within the models, and a potential to overestimate the cost of projects. This paper presents a methodology for selecting work packages, and recommends a refinement to the technique that reduces the variability in estimates produced using cost significance. Estimates are produced using both the traditional method of producing cost significant models, and a refined global cost methodology. Both techniques are tested against unpriced bills to measure the difference in results, with significant improvements being achieved with the new technique.     

Polychlorinated naphthalenes in air and snow in the Norwegian Arctic: a local source or an Eastern Arctic phenomenon?

PCNs were measured in air and snow during separate field campaigns at Ny-Alesund (April 2001) and Troms? (February/March 2003) in the Norwegian Arctic. Air concentrations ranged from 27 to 48 and 9 to 47 pg sigmaPCN m(-3) for Ny-Alesund (n=6) and Troms? (n=10), respectively. These concentrations (including the tri-chlorinated naphthalenes) greatly exceeded concentrations previously measured in the Canadian Arctic, but did fall within the upper range of concentrations observed over the eastern Arctic Ocean and regional seas. Local sources appear to be affecting concentrations observed at both sites, with the presence of several hexa-chlorinated naphthalenes at Troms? probably attributed to local/regional sources. Use of air mass back trajectories at Troms? revealed that background air concentrations in the Norwegian Arctic are likely to range between <9 and 20 pg sigmaPCN m(-3) and that contemporary concentrations derived close to potential sources (i.e. arctic towns) may equal or exceed those of PCBs. The mean concentration in surface snow was 350 and 240 pg sigmaPCN L(-1) (meltwater) (or 0.014 and 0.01 pg g(-1) (snow)) at Ny-Alesund and Troms?, respectively. The wide variation in concentrations observed between fresh snowfalls could be explained by different snow densities (as a surrogate of snow surface area), rather than attributed to varying air concentrations. A statistically significant inverse relationship was found between snow density and concentrations of tri- to penta-chlorinated homologues and compliments similar findings for the polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). This suggests that the vapour-sorbed quantity changes rapidly with snow ageing/compaction; with implications for the fate of these chemicals in the Arctic.     

Continuous-flow metal biosorption in a regenerable Sargassum column

Metal biosorption behavior of raw seaweed S. filipendula in ten consecutive sorption-desorption cycles has been investigated in a packed-bed flow-through column during a continuous removal of copper from a 35mg/L aqueous solution at pH 5. The elutant used was a 1% (w/v) CaCl2/HCl-solution at pH 3. The sorption and desorption was carried out for an average of 85 and 15h, respectively, representing more than 41 days of continuous use of the biosorbent. The weight loss of biomass after this time was 21.6%. The Cu-biosorption capacity of the biomass, based on the initial dry weight, remained relatively constant at approximately 38 mg Cu/g. Loss of sorption performance was indicated by a shortening breakthrough time and a broadening mass-transfer zone. The column service time, considered up to 1 mg Cu/L in the effluent, decreased continuously from 25.4 h for the first to 12.7 h for the last cycle. The critical bed length, representing the mass-transfer zone, increased almost linearly from 28 to 34cm. "Life-factors" for S. filipendula were found to be 0.0008h(-1) for the breakthrough time and 0.008cm/h for the critical bed length, using an exponential decay and linear fitting functions, respectively. Regeneration with CaCl2/HCl at pH 3 provided elution efficiencies up to 100%. Maximum concentration factors were determined to be in the range 16-44, a decreasing tendency was observed with an increasing exposure time.     

Earthquake-induced net section fracture in brace connections — experiments and simulations

Results from six tests, finite element simulations and a synthesis of previous test programs on slotted end bracing connections are presented. The main objective of the research is to examine the deformation capacity of these connections, with the ultimate objective of minimizing the requirement for net section reinforcement that is often inconvenient from the perspective of fabrication. The experiments and simulations feature commonly used pipe specimens and end details. The main parameters investigated include the gusset plate thickness, the slot length and introduction of a wrap-around weld that eliminates the reduced section at the edge of the gusset plate. The results indicate that even without reinforcement, the connections offer adequate to excellent deformation capacity if they are provided with the wrap-around weld or if the net section strength is larger than the gross yield strength. This may be achieved in situations where shear lag in the connection is minimal, and where the area reduction due to the slot is small relative to the gross area. Design considerations are presented along with limitations of the study.     

Human response to blast-induced vibration and air-overpressure: an Indian scenario

Ground vibration (V_max) and air-overpressure/noise (p) are some of the negative effects of blasting. The associated human annoyance and complaints are expected to show an increasing trend in the future as there is no economically viable alternative to blasting in mines in India.A study of the human response to blasting in four mining localities across India has shown that the response is not simply political, as frequently assumed. It has been found that irrespective of those questioned, a basic concern for the safety of property was the main response. There was a greater response from the middle-aged and middle-educated while fewer women than men responded. Assuming that a 100% negative response from the inhabitants will translate into complaints, a methodology is suggested to take account of the human response criteria when considering blasting within 400 m of habitations.     

Evaluation of the fern Azolla for growth, nitrogen and phosphorus removal from wastewater

Water fern (Azolla filiculoides Lam.) has been assessed for nitrogen and phosphorus removal in outdoor experiments comparing sewage water (S) from an experimental aquaculture plant, well water (W) and mineral growth medium Hoagland (H). The experiments were undertaken during the spring and the summer. The yield of fern biomass and nitrogenase activity was higher in H than in W and S waters. The enzyme activity had a decreasing trend with significant differences (p < 0.05) in the three waters. Peroxidase (POD) activity in April decreased with significative differences in W and S waters (p < 0.05). The electrical conductivity and the concentrations of NO3- in the three waters decreased significantly (p < 0.05). The highest removal of nitrate from the media was obtained in July. In S water, NO2- concentration decreased, while it increased in W water. PO(4)3- concentration was very low in W and S waters and decreased in H medium. The results obtained confirm the ability of the fern to grow in sewage water.     

The Options Available for Ammonia Removal at Davyhulme Sewage-Treatment Works

Davyhulme sewage-treatment works, which serves the Manchester drainage area, is one of the lagest in the UK. The dry-weather flow is 300 000 m³/d, and the plant receives a wide range of industrial effluents. The works has been identified as a major source of pollution in the Mersey estuary, with an average discharge of 6500 kg ammonia/day. As part of its initiative to improve the Mersey estuary, North West Water intends to reduce the daily ammonia load from Davyhulme to about 1000 kg/d by 1995. In order to assess the capabilities of both conventional and novel processes to achieve this degree of ammonia removal, a number of on-site pilot plants were established. This paper reports on the pilot-plant studies and the selection of process options. Recommendations with regard to design parameters and final process selection are given.     

Optimization of Technological Regulation of Container Glass Production: Best Available Technologies,General Binding Rules,and Carbon Intensity of Products

Glass and Ceramics - A system for technological regulation of adverse environmental impacts (AEI) that is based on the best available technologies (BAT) was analyzed. The expediency of updating the...     

Application of Granulometry for Rapid Assessment of the Performance Properties of Acid-Activated Sedimentary Rocks

Glass and Ceramics - The granulometric compositions of native and acid-activated rocks containing aluminosilicates are compared. It is shown that in water rocks gradually dissolve and the particle...     

Composition and Tribological Properties of Hardened Cutting Blades of Tillage Machines under Abrasive Deterioration

The article presents the results of metallographic study of low-carbon 20 steel grade and high-carbon 70 and 65G steel grades upon carburizing, heat treatment, and laser hardening. The change in the microhardness through the depth of the surface layer of steels and their abrasion resistance upon hardening under different conditions has been measured. Optimal hardening conditions have been proposed for steels for cutting blades of tillage machines that enable the durability of the blades to be improved.