British Standard BS Research Articles

DEVELOPMENT OF A CORRELATION MODEL FOR TORSIONAL SHEAR MODULUS PROPERTIES BETWEEN STRUCTURAL SIZE SPECIMENS BASED ON EN 384:2016 AND SMALL CLEAR SPECIMENS (MS544: PART 2)

In timber design, the shear modulus of beams is crucial for ensuring torsional stability and minimizing vibrational issues. Traditionally, the ratio of modulus of elasticity (E) to shear modulus (G) is assumed to be 16:1. However, bending tests often combine flexural and shear stresses, making it difficult to assess pure shear properties. The British Standard BS EN 408:2012 now recommends the torsion test as the preferred method for determining the shear modulus of structural-size timber and timber composites. This method has received limited attention in Malaysia. This study investigates the torsional shear modulus of Malaysian tropical timber species across different strength groups (SG), including Balau (SG1), Kempas (SG2), Kelat (SG3), Kapur (SG4), Resak (SG4), Keruing (SG5), Mengkulang (SG5), Light Red Meranti (SG6), and Geronggang (SG7). Torsion tests were conducted in line with BS EN 408, and the results were compared with modulus of elasticity values from MS554: Part 2. The findings showed that the E to G ratio for these species ranged from 17:1 to 29:1, with an average of 21:1—exceeding the conventional 16:1 ratio. This indicates that torsional shear modulus must be experimentally tested rather than inferred from the traditional ratio.

ANALYSIS OF TIMBERCRETE: SAWDUST-INFUSED CONCRETE MIXTURES

This investigation aims to advance sustainable construction practices by investigating the feasibility and environmental benefits of incorporating sawdust instead of sand in concrete mixtures. By using sawdust, a byproduct of the forestry industry, in the process of making concrete, the investigation addresses the pressing need for resource conservation and waste reduction, since the construction sector is a significant user of raw materials. According to British European Norm Standard BS 8500-2:2023 for C35 grade concrete, the experimental programme examines how different percentages of sawdust (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%) substituted for sand affect the physical characteristics of concrete, including its compressive strength, dry density, and water absorption. The workability, consistency, and strength of the sawdust-incorporated concrete mixes were assessed by a combination of techniques including sieve analysis, slump testing, casting and curing procedures, and compression tests. The results indicate a potential reduction in material costs and environmental impact with the ideal sawdust content by showing a negative association between the amount of sawdust and the concrete's density and compressive strength. A larger sawdust content was associated with higher rates of water absorption, highlighting the hygroscopic nature of sawdust and its implications for the durability of concrete. According to the investigation's results, it is possible to substitute concrete with up to 5% sawdust, providing an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional concrete while still having sufficient mechanical properties for use in construction. It is recommended that further research be conducted to improve sawdust's compatibility with cementitious materials, increase the durability of sawdust-incorporated concrete, and create industry guidelines for its use. This investigation contributes to the body of knowledge on environmentally friendly building materials by promoting the use of sawdust and other eco-friendly substitutes in the building sector to reduce negative effects on the environment and increase resource efficiency.

Properties of oriented strand boards made from two Indonesian bamboo species at different pressure levels and strand lengths

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of bamboo species, specific pressure, and strand length on the properties of oriented strand boards (OSBs). Laboratory scale OSBs were made from two Indonesian bamboo species [tali (Gigantochloa apus) and andong (Gigantochloa pseudoarundinacea)] with three different strand lengths (75, 100, and 150 mm). For each bamboo species and strand length, OSBs were fabricated by bonding bamboo strands with 7% phenol formaldehyde resin and 0.5% wax emulsion based on their oven-dry weight. The layer structure of the face, core, and back of the three-layer cross-oriented board were 25%, 50%, and 25%, respectively. A specific pressure of 25 or 30 kg/cm2 was applied for 6 min at 160 °C. The targeted OSB density was 0.75 g/cm3. The results showed that OSBs from andong bamboo had better dimensional stability and bending strength than those from tali bamboo. The bending strength of bamboo-based OSBs increased with increased bamboo strand length. A strong interaction was found between bamboo species, specific pressure, and strand length on the mechanical properties of OSBs. The properties of all bamboo-based OSBs produced in this study conform with the requirements of the Japanese Industrial Standard JIS A 5908 (2015) and British Standard BS EN 300 (2006).

Analysis of a Large-Scale Physical Model of Geosynthetic-Reinforced Piled Embankment and Analytical Design Methods

The piled embankment represents one of the solutions for the realization of a soil body on a compressible subsoil where extended settlement or insufficient stability threatens the serviceability of related structures. Widely adopted analytical design procedures were analyzed: Marston’s formula and Hewlett and Randolph method contained in the British standard BS 8006-1, the German regulation EBGEO and the Dutch regulation CUR 226. Using these recommendations, the theoretical values of the individual parts of the load acting in the embankment and, subsequently, the values of the axial strain or tensile forces in the reinforcement were determined and compared with experimental data obtained from the tests in the large-scale physical model. For the presented case, without subsoil support, CUR 226 with the inverse load, which is recommended in the case of subsoil with low bearing capacity, shows better coincidence with the measured data. Overall, EBGEO and CUR 226 can be considered to be close to the real behavior of the piled embankment. Because of the frequent utilization of geosynthetic reinforcement and possible changes of subsoil parameters during the service life of the piled embankment, a rheological process of its elements should be investigated during the design process.

Исследование конструкции земляного полотна на свайном основании с гибким ростверком

Purpose: To investigate the roadbed in the construction of pile foundation united by flexible grillage made of geosynthetic material. To investigate how geosynthetic material will work in such a grillage. To create analytical model of pile foundation with flexible grillage. To determine the strength of such textile material used in the construction. To analyze the advantages and flaws of existing methods for calculating pile foundation structure united by flexible grillage made of geosynthetic material. Methods: Structure parameters of flexible grillage reinforced with geosynthetic material, were calculated using three methodologies: British standard BS 8006-2010, German EBGEO methods, flexible thread calculating method. Results: Arched effect arising in mound body has been studied. Deflections in geosynthetic material were calculated at different loading levels of the structure by soil. Experimental values of forces in geosynthetic material are obtained. "Critical height" is set - the distance from pile top which within, arched effect is formed. Numerical value of uniform emptying has been established which at, pile foundation different rigidity is not revealed on surface. The strength of geosynthetic material of flexible grillage of highway mound foundation is estimated. Existing calculation methods for compliance with experiment results are analyzed. Practical importance: Technical solutions have been developed for two types of flexible grillage structures, both, combined and flexible ones with the use of one or more layers of high-strength geotextile with sand in the form of geo-confining. The developed technical solutions meet all requirements of existing regulatory documents and obtained calculated indicators as well as the requirements for strength, reliability and structure durability. The proposed constructions can be recommended for practical use.

BR209: Site layout planning for daylight and sunlight : A guide to good practice, third edition 2022 — a review

Following the UK implementation of European Standard EN 17037:2018 ‘Daylight in Buildings’ in May 2019, and the subsequent withdrawal of British Standard BS 8206–2:2008, the BRE’s 2011 publication ‘Site layout planning for daylight and sunlight: A guide to good practice, second edition (BR209), which is widely regarded as the leading authority on all matters relating to daylight and sunlight at design and planning stage, suddenly became outdated. The industry has since been left in a state of uncertainty when tasked with evaluating the amenity provision of daylight and sunlight within new developments, torn between the tried-and-tested BR209 methodology from the now withdrawn BS 8206 and the newer but more complex British Standard methodology — until now. The eagerly anticipated revised addition of BR209 has now been published, but will it provide clarity on common issues relating to current daylight and sunlight analysis and evaluation methods that are prohibitive to achieving planning permission for higher-density development delivering much-needed housing, or will it only prove to compound these issues? This paper explores the new guidance and reviews the recommended methodology to understand what the changes will mean for developers and neighbours alike.

Experimental investigation on anisotropic fatigue crack growth characteristics of Q420C steel

The hot-rolled steel sheets often exhibit anisotropy in their mechanical characteristics due to the grain’s elongation along the rolling orientation. The anisotropy characteristic also appears in the fatigue crack growth behaviour. However, it has not been thoroughly studied for some types of steel materials although they have been widely used for wind turbine towers. In this study, the longitudinal fatigue crack growth behaviour of the hot-rolled steel sheet (Q420C) is investigated by an experimental programme. A total of six specimens were tested under constant amplitude loading cases with different load ratios. It was found that longitudinal cracks are approximately 15% faster than transverse cracks at the load ratio of 0.1; at the load ratio of 0.3, they are approximately 22% faster. The anisotropy of crack growth rates is attributed to differences in the microstructure of the material. A comparison of the crack growth rate is carried out for Q420C steel and some widely used American-made steel materials. Furthermore, the applicability of design curves in the British Standard BS 7910 is explored, the crack closure phenomenon is analysed and the fatigue crack growth mechanism is discussed.

What is the contribution of different business processes to material circularity at company-level? A case study for electric vehicle batteries

With the growth of electric mobility, automotive manufacturers are nowadays facing the challenge of implementing a Circular Economy (CE) for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Meanwhile, no consensus exists on how to assess material circularity and assign responsibilities across different business processes of the organization. To address this gap, the present study uses an illustrative case study of an automotive manufacturer seeking to improve the material circularity of its’ electric vehicle battery portfolio. Following a 3-step framework inspired by the British Standard BS 8001:2017, we investigate how business processes in relation to product development, supply chain, production, end-of-life and business models can contribute to the material circularity of EV batteries in different scenarios. Among the key contributions, the study firstly provides guidance for companies on how to model material circularity for batteries at company-level based on EV market projections. Secondly, our findings show that by combining a closed-loop production with different end-of-life strategies such as remanufacturing, repurposing and recycling, automotive manufacturers can increase material circularity for critical battery materials from 5% today to 23% by 2030. Thirdly, we specify how different business processes can contribute to increasing material circularity, including a) which business processes collaborate, b) the affected material streams (i.e. inflow or outflow), c) through which activities and d) to what extent, i.e. the impact on the quantitative results for material circularity. Based on the findings, we discuss limitations of the study and derive pathways for future research on how to assist companies in an accelerated transition towards a CE.

Failure investigation of the tube of a dual fired steam boiler in a western nigerian food and beverage manufacturing plant

This paper investigates the causes of failure in the tubes of a 12,000 kg/hr. dual fired steam boiler used in a Food and Beverage manufacturing plant located in southwestern Nigeria. The techniques adopted in analyzing the failure includes visual examination, chemical composition analysis, microstructural analysis, and water chemistry analysis. All the investigations were carried out in accordance with the British standard code BS 3059 PART 1 GR 320 ERW. Physical examination revealed some levels of rupture both on the flue gas side and the water sides. Decarburization and grain growth were observed on the outer diameter (OD) of the tubes while pitting and thermal oxidation were noticed on the internal diameter (ID). Uneven heat distribution in the boiler tube was attributed to corrosion emanating from the scaling in the OD. The failure mechanism in the boiler tubes was attributed to significant localized corrosion and uneven heat distribution in the tubes which caused thermal oxidation.

Papan Semen Partikel Campuran Kayu Jabon (Anthocephalus Cadamba Miq.) dan Sekam Padi Berdasarkan Variasi Tekanan Kempa

This research aims to determine the quality of cement-bonded particleboard based on variations in pressure from a mixture of jabon (Anthocephalus cadamba Miq.) and rice husks with a ratio of 50:50 at board density target of 1 g/cm3. The pressure variation was 20, 25, and 30 bar for 4 hours, while the catalyst used was Ca(OH)2. Physical and mechanical properties testing including density, moisture content, water absorption, thickness swelling, MoE, MoR and IBS tests referring to International Standards ISO 8335: 1987 and British Standards BS 5669: 1989. The test results show better quality trends at higher pressures and have met both standards on the physical properties, whereas mechanical properties does not meet both standards.

Uncertainty quantification of the failure assessment diagram for flawed steel components in BS 7910:2019

The failure assessment line (FAL) describes the interaction between plastic failure and fracture of flawed steel components subjected to tension or bending. This paper quantifies the model uncertainty of the FAL as provided in the internationally used British Standard BS 7910:2019 by comparing the assessment with the actual failure load of 82 wide plate and 4 tubular joint tests. In line with findings of others, it is demonstrated that the accuracy of the assessment is significantly improved if the crack tip constraint is considered in the assessment. Irrespective of this crack tip constraint consideration, a non-negligible number of wide plate tests has a lower failure load than the one predicted by the FAL in BS 7910:2019, if based on three fracture toughness tests. A penalty or safety margin on the FAL is advocated to compensate for this. It appears advantageous to base the assessment on the average instead of the minimum of three equivalent fracture mechanics tests together with an associated (quantified) safety margin.

Dynamic Behavior of the Composite Steel–Concrete Beam Floor Systems under Free and Forced Vibration

This paper aims to investigate the dynamic behavior of composite steel–concrete floor systems under both free and forced vibrations. A combination of numerical and analytical methods was comprehensively employed to calibrate the suggested solutions to extend the application of accurate numerical methods in future design purposes. Different commercial Finite Element Packages including ABAQUS/CAE and Strand7 were precisely utilized. The obtained results from the Finite Element Simulations were broadly compared with the available international design guidelines including British Standard BS 6472 and international standard ISO 10137. The first 10 active vibration modes in different composite steel–concrete beam floor systems were numerically investigated. Different concrete slabs by respecting the designated various types of secondary and primary steel beam components were comprehensively examined. It was found that the lengths of primary and secondary beams can considerably influence the computed fundamental frequencies and the response factors of the simulated composite floor system. Based on carrying out an extensive parametrical study, further practical recommendations were suggested to provide a reliable benchmark for structural designers.

Raspored detektora dima u prostorijama sa gredama prema britanskom standardu BS 5839-1

Smoke detectors as fire detectors present the most frequently used fire detectors from all other detectors. Their great appliance is enabled because smoke presents the consequence of f almost every fire. The realisation of these detectors can be in the form of point smoke detectors, in the form of linear smoke detectors and in the form of special smoke detectors. Generally, there are rules for arrangement of these detectors related to valid standards. Standards in some cases can be similar, but in some cases, there can be some differences between standards. This is specially noted for smoke detectors arrangement in special cases. One of such case is room with girts. Girts can be different located in room and can have functional or aesthetic purpose. This paper was written to present smoke detectors arrangement in room with girts, with different room`s height, related to British standard BS 5839-1 and test all potential cases using FDS simulator.

Variations of Stem and Branch Wood Properties of <i>Nesogordonia papaverifera</i> in Ghana

The characteristics of <i>Nesogordonia papaverifera</i> stemwood and branchwood were investigated. Within Ghana's middle belt, five mature trees with identical diameter at breast height were chosen. Mechanical characteristics and basic density were determined in accordance with British Standard BS 373 and ASTMD 2395, respectively. The IAWA list of microscopic features for hardwood identification was followed by anatomical features. Basic density, mechanical, and anatomical parameters all had a positive connection (P<0.05). Branchwood had a little higher basic density than stemwood, and heartwood had a slightly higher basic density than sapwood. There were minor changes in MoE, MoR, compression, shear, and hardness between the heartwood and sapwood. The stem and branch, on the other hand, were comparable. Fibre percentages were higher in stemwood than branchwood and in heartwoods than sapwoods anatomically. There were more vessels in the branch than in the stem, and in the sap than in the heart. The branchwood of <i>N. papaverifera</i> had medium strength qualities that were comparable to most medium construction species' stemwood and could thus be used in addition to their stemwood. The study has offered information on <i>N. papaverifera</i> branchwood that may inspire trust and interest in the use of branchwood as a supplemental material in the manufacture of wood products.

Justification of the parameters of a flexible grillage to strengthen the soft foundations of the subgrade of high-speed highways

The paper analyzes the determination of the parameters of a flexible pile grillage according to the British standard BS 8006 and according to the methodology set out in the “Manual for the design of the subgrade of roads on soft soils”. The BS 8006 methodology does not take into account the characteristics of the soft soil of the inter-pile space, while the methodology for designing the subgrade of roads on soft soils does not take into account the change in the load on the pile grillage from the height of the embankment. At the same time, the maximum tensile forces for the considered cases, obtained by various methods, turned out to be similar. The results of modeling the operation of a flexible pile grillage by the finite element method are presented. To assess the forces arising in the geosynthetic material of a flexible grillage, numerical modeling of embankments reinforced with CFG piles, sand drain piles, and Jet-Grouting piles was performed in the Plaxis software package. Modeling was carried out for embankments with a height of 6, 8 and 10 m on a soft foundation. In the course of modeling, the values ​​of forces in the geosynthetic material were obtained. The obtained values ​​of tensile forces in a flexible grillage with concrete piles of the CFG type, determined by numerical simulation, turned out to be approximately 2 times less than those calculated by analytical methods. The values ​​of tensile forces in the flexible grillage for Jet-Grouting piles and sand piles in a geotextile shell are approximately 1.8 times higher than the forces arising from the reinforcement with CFG piles. The influence of the characteristics of the soft soil of the inter-pile space on the values ​​of tensile forces in the flexible grillage has been determined. The tensile forces that occur in geosynthetics, in all the cases considered, do not exceed the allowable values. Therefore, it can be recommended as a flexible pile grillage for the subgrade of high-speed highways.

Fire Safe Interior Surface Finishes : A Selection Guide

The main focus of this article was to mitigate the fire hazards occurring from the internal furnishing materials widely used in buildings. To enhance the safety of life and property inside buildings, internal material selection guide characteristics were developed. The internal furnishing materials used in the buildings were initially characterized as non-combustible and combustible materials based on the ignitability properties of materials as per Indian Standard, IS: 3808 – 1979. The combustible materials were further classified as Class 1 – 4 based on the surface spread of the flame (SSF) as per British standard BS 476 : Part 7. With these specifications and standard test methods, the internal furnishing materials such as gypsum board, rock wool slab, deodar wood, Polyvinylchloride structural foam, Phenol formaldehyde foam, particleboard, rice husk board, and particleboard, etc. were characterized. Recommendations were prepared on their usage of the materials for selection and application at a suitable location, with respect to ceiling height, and any fire-retardant treatment. These internal furnishing materials selections/recommendations guide will help to improve fire safety in buildings.

Fatigue simulation with pedalling load and vertical load for city bike frame following British standard EN 14764

The frame supports both the load from the rider and the riding conditions. When the loading conditions occur repeatedly, the bicycle frame will experience fatigue failure. This study discusses the fatigue simulation for city bike frames made of titanium, intending to know the safety factor and the service life of the bicycle frame according to a pedal load and a vertical load following British Standard BS EN 14764. The bicycle frame used for this research is a frame for the city bike type, where each composing tube of the bicycle frame has a thickness of 1.2 mm. The pedalling load applied to each pedal is repeated downward with 1000 N. While the dynamic load vertically downwards with a force magnitude from 0 to +1000 N. The results of the fatigue test simulation with each type of loading indicate that the titanium material with 1.2 mm thickness is overdesigned. Therefore, it is necessary to modify the bicycle frame by reducing the thickness of the frame to 1 mm on each tube. The safety value of the resulting fatigue simulation shows a decrease due to the reduction in thickness, however it still safe in terms of the material strength limit. The resulting bicycle frame after modified is lighter, where the initial mass was 6.79 kg and reduce to 3.92 kg.

Experimental and numerical studies on the impact resistance of large-scale liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage outer tank against the accidental missile

Regarding the disastrous consequences when the dome or cylindric wall of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) was damaged, the large-scale LNG storage tank should be designed to resist the potential impact loadings, e.g., turbine and wind-borne missiles. This paper aims to study the impact resistance of large-scale LNG storage outer tank subjected to the accidental low-velocity and large weight missile experimentally and numerically. Firstly, the reinforced concrete/steel liner (RC/steel) composite targets designed according to the dome of LNG storage tank were fabricated. Fifteen free dropping tests of rigid impactor on the RC/steel targets were conducted, in which the mass of the impactor were 500 kg, 800 kg and 1100 kg, and the corresponding impacting velocities were ranged from 14 m/s to 26.19 m/s, respectively. The local damage and failure modes of RC/steel target panels under large caliber hard projectile impact are assessed experimentally. Then, the commercial finite element (FE) program LS-DYNA was utilized to perform the corresponding numerical simulations, the numerical algorithm, constitutive models and the corresponding parameters are validated by comparing with the test data. Finally, the impact resistance of the prototype of Chinese Dalian large LNG storage outer tank subjected to the accidental impact of missiles specified by British standard BS 7777 and United States regulatory guide U.S. 1.76 are evaluated numerically. The present work and conclusions can provide helpful references for the design and impact resistance evaluation of large-scale LNG storage tank subjected to the accidental missile.

Review of British Standard BS 4094-1:1966 part 1: data on shielding from gamma radiation

British Standard BS 4094-1:1966 Part 1 (entitled ‘Data on Shielding from Ionizing Radiation Part 1: Shielding from Gamma Radiation’) provides a series of transmission curves (the figure 2 series) which illustrate the attenuation of gamma radiation from 11 isotopes through a variety of absorber media. As such it is widely utilised across the nuclear industry and other sectors. However, British Standard BS4094-1:1966 was collated over 50 years ago when both computer codes and nuclear data were significantly less advanced than they are today. This paper reproduces the British Standard figure 2 series in order to benchmark it against modern computer codes (specifically MCNP 6.2 and RANKERN) and data taken from more modern nuclear data libraries. The results show good agreement in the majority of cases. However, there are some significant discrepancies in a number of isotope/absorber combinations and in some of these cases British Standard BS 4094-1:1966 Part 1 may not be conservative. This paper concludes that a modern revision to British Standard BS 4094-1:1966 Part 1 would be appropriate and timely.

Physical and mechanical properties of five Indonesian wood treated with polystyrene

Five Indonesian wood include sengon (Falcataria moluccana), manii (Maesopsis eminii), pinus (Pinus merkusii), duabanga (Duabanga mollucana) and maniani (Flindersia pimenteliana) were treated with polystyrene. The purpose of this study was to determine the physical and mechanical properties of treated wood. Air-dried samples were placed under vacuum at 600 mmHg for 30 minutes, which was followed by immersion in monomer styrene and pressure at 10 kg/cm2 used varied for 30, 60, and 90 minutes respectively. The wood samples were then wrapped in aluminium foil and placed in an oven at 103±2 °C for 24 hours. Furthermore, the aluminium foil was removed and the samples were weighed for polymer loading calculation. The test of impregnated wood conducted by refers to the British Standard BS 373:1957, comprised of moisture content, density, water absorption, shrinkage swelling, modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, and hardness. Results showed that wood treatment with polystyrene could improve the physical and mechanical properties of wood.