Site Inspection Research Articles

Calculating the Moduli Elasticity For Reinforced Concrete Using New Rule of Mixtures Approach for the Dam Structure

Dam is the important structure use for water domestic store, electricity power supply, irrigation and flood control. Dam deal with reinforced concrete as a main material in construction. the material considerable safe when ability to support external and internal load. the capability of dam material due to safety is effect by degradation. Prevention monitoring must be conducted for high risk structure. Thus, moduli elastic is a mechanical property to measure stiffness and had relationship between stress and strain of material. While non-destructive and destructive testing in site inspection does not include reinforce and give incorrect moduli elasticity. New approach rule of mixture (Rom) with solid work software refer to United States Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) standard design for small dam, give reliability monitoring with true sustain modulus elasticity of dam structure time by time. the concrete properties for sustain of moduli elasticity standard type gravity concrete dam value is 20.684 GPa. If the value decreases drastically from the standard, high precaution must be taken.

Case Studies-Health Monitoring of Power Transmission Equipment Using Insulating Oil Analytical Methods

This paper presents cases which are encountered during routine monitoring of oil DGA for the 400 kV class and 765 kV class equipments (transformers and reactors). Fault detection of the four equipments was conducted based the DGA and equipment were then subjected to preventive actions. Using Dissolved Gas Analysis excess values of C 2 H 2 gas were reported for 1st case and preventive actions were taken. The equipment is being monitored further. In 2nd case, a rapid rise in H 2 gas content was observed and the improper processing during the past oil filling activity were then ractified. In 3rd case the equipment suddenly tripped with loud sound and the existence of high energy electrical fault were evident in DGA as well as site inspection. Fault had happened because of gradual weakening of phase – phase insulation inside the main tank up to approximately 45 kA of fault current. In the 4th case, Duval Pentagon Analysis showed the system continuously in thermal fault zone Upon inspection severe damages were observed in lead insulation, copper of neutral lead, wooden turret CT supports and neutral turret CT insulation. For the 5th case high energy discharge observed in DGA was confirmed with diverter switch inspection.

Involvement of a body of specialists in investigative actions

The changes in the criminal procedural legislation and judicial reform in Ukraine make the investigator conduct a qualitative and prompt investigation. To do this, in many cases, special knowledge of a team of specialists is needed. In the works of scientists, some problems of participation of a group of specialists in the investigation were considered. A.A. Vainshtein, V.V. Kovalenko, V.M. Makhov, E.B. Melnikova, M.O. Selivanov, V.V. Tsirkal, G.O. Chorniy and other scientists. However the organizational issues remained unexplored. Therefore the aim of the article is to investigate organizational problems when involving a group of specialists in the investigation of crimes.While planning investigative actions (search activities) with involvement of a body of specialists, an investigator determines how many specialists he/she needs and the institution from which specialists must be involved. While planning investigative actions (search activities), an investigator may consult a body of specialists. During immediate investigation or search activities, an investigator must determine functions of each specialist and his/her form of involvement. An investigator should involve subject-matter experts or generalists in investigation of the case. A body of specialists predominantly takes part in searches, site inspections and crime re-enactments. In some cases, it is the defence, who involves specialists in crime investigation. It is also important for an investigator to consult with a body of specialists following investigative actions (search activities).

How Does the Law Put a Historical Analogy to Work?: Defining the Imposition of A Condition Analogous to That of a Slavee in Modern Brazil

Over two decades, the Brazilian state has engaged in concerted legal efforts to identify and prosecute cases of what officials refer to as the imposition of “slave labor” (trabalho escravo). At a conceptual level, the campaign has paired the constitutional protection of human dignity with an interpretation of the offense described in Article 149 of the Criminal Code as “the reduction of a person to a condition analogous to that of a slave.” At the operational level, mobile teams of inspectors and prosecutors have intervened in thousands of work sites, and labor prosecutors have obtained hundreds of consent agreements and convictions in the labor courts. This article – co-authored by a legal historian, a staff attorney at the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies, and a federal judge – draws on a massive archive of work site inspection reports to explore the ways in which inspectors and prosecutors give specific meaning to the analogy with chattel slavery. The authors find that the term “slave labor,” in this context, does not depend upon the international law definition of slavery as the exercise over a person of “any or all of the powers attaching to the right of ownership.” Instead, it identifies specific behaviors that are no longer permissible as between employer and worker, and which reproduce elements of what was once imposed by masters upon slaves. Intermediate normative terms introduced in the 2003 revision of the penal code – which prohibits the subjection of workers to “degrading conditions” and “debilitating work days” – have through the inspection processes taken on specific meaning. Rather than representing subjective notions in potential conflict with the principal of legality, as critics argue, their interpretation has unfolded through careful processes of documentation, negotiation, and prosecution. In Brazil’s current situation of political polarization and institutional fracture, this remarkable campaign against slave labor is coming under fierce attack from large-scale landholders and from elements within the executive, a development which adds urgency to the task of explicating the campaign’s legal bases and operational practices.

Implementation of an expanded point-of-care site inspection checklist in an academic medical center: An eight year experience

BackgroundWe evaluated the effectiveness of an expanded point-of-care (POCT) site inspection checklist over an extended 8-y period. MethodsA retrospective review of site inspection deficiency reports in a large academic medical center from 2010 to 2017 (year to date). ResultsThere was a significant decrease in the number of cited deficiencies per site/inspection from 2010 (3.17) to 2017 (0.27) (p<0.001). The percentage of sites without deficiencies steadily increased from 2010 (8.7%) to 2017 (80.7%) (p<0.001). The most common citation was documentation of competency assessment followed by results documentation and annual procedure review. ConclusionsRegular inspections of sites performing POCT are necessary to maintain regulatory compliance. Over time significant improvements in compliance are achievable.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) based mapping in engineering geological surveys: Considerations for optimum results

UAVs have been used in engineering for at least two decades, mainly focusing on structural health monitoring, geological surveys and site inspections, especially at cases where a rapid assessment is required, for example after a natural disaster. While there is a wide range of recognition algorithms for the automatic identification of structural damage, structural geological features etc. from the acquired images, the parameters affecting the resolution of these images are often overlooked. As a result, the UAV technology is not used at its full potential and at times, it is even regarded as leading to poor outcomes. This paper discusses the main parameters affecting the resolution of the images acquired by a UAV. We present a case study of the structural geological mapping of a coastal area carried out using two types of UAVs: a fixed wing and a hexacopter. A comparison between the structural geological maps based on the orthophotos and one produced using conventional techniques shows that the level of detail is the same and the time spent is at least 5 times less when using a UAV. The fixed wing is faster and therefore, can cover large areas while the copter gives better resolution images as it can fly at lower heights. The latter is cost and time effective only if it is used for surveys limited to small areas. The characterization of some structural geological features has not been possible based solely on the orthophotos. We show that in order to achieve the desired accuracy, a ground sample distance of at least half that value is required. We discuss technical aspects, such as the effect of topography and UAV orientation on the overlap value, the camera calibration, number of control points and lighting conditions, that should be taken into account prior to flying a UAV and provide recommendations on how to obtain optimum results, i.e. orthophotos that suit the needs of the project.

An application of finite element model updating for damage assessment of a two-story reinforced concrete building and comparison with lidar

This article investigates the performance of finite element model updating to identify the induced damage in a two-story reinforced concrete masonry-infilled building using vibration data as well as lidar (light detection and ranging) scans. The building, located in El Centro, California, was severely damaged due to the 2010 El Mayor–Cucapah (Baja California, Mexico) Earthquake, and it was planned to be demolished following a number of ambient and forced vibration tests. The forced vibration tests were performed using an eccentric mass shaker. During the testing sequence, damage was induced to the building by removing four exterior walls. The modal parameters of the structure are estimated using the ambient vibration and forced vibration measurements at the reference state and damaged state. Lidar data are also used to detect surface defects and quantify the temporal changes of surface defects caused by the wall removal and forced vibration tests. Based on site inspections, geometry measurements, and material test data, two initial finite element models are built, namely the un-tuned initial model and the tuned initial model. The tuned initial model implements stiffness reduction factors to account for the observed damage in the building at its reference state while the un-tuned model does not. Two sets of reference models are calibrated to represent the structure at the reference state using the un-tuned and tuned initial models. The reference models are then updated to fit the measured data at the damaged state of the building with damage being estimated as the loss of stiffness in updating substructures. The estimated damage is compared to the nominal value of induced damage and surface defects detected by lidar scans. The analysis of the results indicates that the un-tuned and tuned initial models provide similar updated models and damage identification results which are in good agreement with the nominal values of damage and lidar detection results.

Spatial Tourist and Functional Diversity on the Volcanic Island of Gran Canaria

The conducted research is focused on spatial, functional and landscape diversity, the existing tourist potential and the possibilities for further development of a small, volcanic island of Gran Canaria. The discussed island was compared against other islands of the Canarian archipelago (Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Tenerife, La Palma, El Hierro). Similarly to the remaining Canary Islands, the economy of Gran Canaria is predominantly based on tourism (approx. 4,5-5,0 million tourists visit the Canary Island annually and approx. 2,8 million come to Gran Canaria). Additionally, Puerto de la Luz transhipment centre in Las Palmas plays a very important role because of the goods imported from overseas. It is one of the largest ports in Spain (it reloads almost 2 million containers per year) also being an important Atlantic refuelling station. Apart from tourism, an important role is played here by agriculture, primarily the cultivation of bananas and tomatoes, which represent the most significant export good of the archipelago. The conducted spatial research showed an extensive diversity. This situation is, to a great extent, influenced by the climate. The northern part is cooler and dominated by agriculture, whereas the southern one is much warmer and characterized by a well-developed tourism infrastructure. Site inspections performed out along the outer contour of the island resembling a circle. Numerous architectural and urban sketches, urban analyses and photographic documentation were made. Community surveys were carried out. For a researcher, it was extremely interesting to answer the questions whether Gran Canaria is different from the other Canary Islands, especially in the functional and landscape context, and if so what exactly these differences consist of. What is Gran Canaria in particular characterized by and what kind of role it plays in the economic sector of Spain?

IMPROVEMENT OF THE TRANSFER PATH USING A MOVING FLOW SEPARATION SYSTEM AND A TRANSPORTATION VULNERABLE ESCALATOR SYSTEM

Traffic demands have increased rapidly, and traffic congestion has been raised due to the urbanization in Seoul. Most of the metro stations of commuting time have a moving speed and a density corresponding to the E or F grade in LOS(Level of Service). In particular, Jongno-sam-ga Station has a geometric structure because it is the transfer station of the 3 lines located in the center of Seoul. So the long transfer distances and the complex transfer system of Jongno-sam-ga Station induce an increment in transfer time and a decrement in public transportation demands. Therefore, this research was investigated the present conditions of the movement and transfer path on Jongno-sam-ga Station through a site inspection, and it presented the improvement plan through the analysis on the movement and transfer path for the general public, the disabled and the elderly. Based on the results, the improvements of the transfer paths by separating the moving flow and the transfer paths and applying the transportation vulnerable escalator systemare suggested.

The Polluter-Pays Principle and its Implications for Environmental Governance in China

The polluter-pays principle aims to correct market failure and its resulting social injustice by shifting pollution costs from the public at large to polluting enterprises, while at the same time reducing the amount of pollution produced. This article argues that China’s undoubted commitment to the implementation of the polluter-pays principle as a key instrument of pollution control in its domestic jurisdiction necessitates as a matter of legal principle a corresponding reliance on a nationally regulated system of verification of pollution data by private-sector firms operating at arm’s length from the government. Even though China has taken significant steps to implement the polluter-pays principle, to date there has been no provision for independent third-party verification of the monitoring-and-reporting practices of polluting enterprises. Instead, verification of the reported data is being carried out by the government itself, through site inspections by teams of government agents. In its eagerness to enforce environmental law in a society where violations by polluters are the norm more than the exception, China’s government is contravening the polluter-pays principle’s requirement of ‘independence’ in the verification of pollution data. For the principle to be implemented fairly, the legislature should facilitate the development of an industry of environmental verifiers in the country’s non-government sector.

Remaining Fatigue Life Assessment of Damaged RC Decks -Data Assimilation of Multi-scale Model and Site Inspection-

Remaining Fatigue Life Assessment of Damaged RC Decks -Data Assimilation of Multi-scale Model and Site Inspection-

V&amp;V – All the Way Through

AbstractThis paper is primarily aimed at industry sectors that are late to adopt Systems Engineering; such as Infrastructure and Ground Transportation. These sectors are in distinct contrast to mature, early Systems Engineering sector adopters, such as Aerospace and Defense. Verification and Validation must be executed as a cradle to grave process, as described in IEC15288, yet the authors have noted that this is not typically accomplished in the Infrastructure and Ground Transportation sectors. What is actually observed is the degradation of Verification and Validation into “site inspection and acceptance” at the very end of the project – which is the equivalent of attempting to “inspect quality into a product” that is already built. The issues with a final inspection approach was a key focal point for Joseph M. Juran and W. Edwards Deming when teaching Japanese manufacturers about Quality Assurance (QA) in the 1970s. Juran and Deming demonstrated the value of improving organizational processes throughout the process with stakeholders, rather than simply performing inspection (Quality Control or QC) at the process end.This paper provides some root cause analysis for this industry‐specific degradation of Verification and Validation. This paper further provides practical recommendations, including key features of a Verification and Validation Plan template, for correcting this situation. The recommendations are focused on the importance of using Quality Assurance over the project or systems lifecycle to enforce accountability and process discipline.

Performance of road bridges during the 14 November 2016 Kaikōura Earthquake

The transport infrastructure was majorly affected by the 14th November 2016 Kaikōura Earthquake. Severe vertical and horizontal peak ground accelerations generated high inertial forces, land-slides, and liquefaction. Most of the bridges in the Hurunui, Malborough and Kaikōura districts were critical nodes to the railway and road networks. In total, 904 road bridges across those districts were affected. Two reached the life safety limit state, suffering severe damage, however, most of the affected bridges experienced only minor to moderate damage. This paper describes the structural performance of the most severely damaged bridges based on observations made from site inspections. In addition to this, several performance issues have arisen from this event and are posed in this paper, hopefully to be addressed in the near future.

Survey on the Status of Enforcement of European Directives on Health and Safety at Work in Some Farms of Central Italy

Nine years after the publication of the Italian decree on safety and health in the workplaces, a failure to comply with the obligations that employers should fulfil to ensure the health and safety of workers still remains. In survey, conducted through farm site inspections, authors were able to highlight the management criticalities can be addressed through organizational interventions. These interventions can allow a company to increase the quality of workers working life. The study took into account 25 agro-livestock farms (36 % livestock, 28 % cereal, 24 % hazelnut, 8 % fruit, 4 % vegetable) in the territory of Lazio region, central Italy. The research shows that over half of the farms (66 %) has not performed the obligations related to the appointment of the figures responsible for work safety and health. But the most worrying aspect is the lacking of workers' training: it appears to be in rule only in 33 % of monitored companies, and it dramatically decreases (4 %) if we look at the specific training for workers. Even from the point of view of the required documentation many farms (39 %) are not compliant: the employer should ensure the immediate availability in case of inspection by the supervisory boards. The last item analysed by the survey is the one concerning the verification of some technical and structural aspects for which 40% of farms is not in compliance with laws. In addition to endangering the safety of workers, this kind of lacking also jeopardizes the health of citizens, as it is often observed the presence of structures whose roofs contain potentially carcinogenic asbestos fibres. The framework outlined by the research highlights a situation nothing short of disheartening, since it refers to obligations linked to an Italian law (Legislative Decree 81/2008, transposition of several European directives, including 89/391/EEC) that all employers must comply to ensure the health and safety of their workers in the workplace. This geographical situation, which probably does not differ from the national context, is the demonstration that the incomplete fulfilment of legal obligations of Legislative Decree 81/2008 does not guarantee the safety of those who daily carry out their tasks on the farm; and the confirmation of this can be seen in the Italian annual injury trend with more than 600 000 injuries and more than 500 deaths in the workplaces.

Research on Ultrasonic Flaw Detection of Steel Weld in Spatial Grid Structure

The welding quality of spatial grid member is an important link in quality control of steel structure. The paper analyzed the reasons that the welding seam of small-bore pipe with thin wall grid structure is difficult to be detected by ultrasonic wave from the theoretical and practical aspects. A series of feasible detection methods was also proposed by improving probe and operation approaches in this paper, and the detection methods were verified by project cases. Over the years, the spatial grid structure is widely used the engineering by virtue of its several outstanding characteristics such as reasonable structure type, standard member, excellent space integrity and quick installation.The wide application of spatial grid structure brings higher requirements on nondestructive test of grid structure. The implementation of new Code for Construction Quality Acceptance of Steel Structure Work GB50205-2001 strengthens the site inspection of steel structure, especially the site inspection of ultrasonic flaw detection in steel weld. The detection for spatial grid member structured by small-bore and thin-walled pipes is difficult due to the irregular influence of sound pressure in near-field region of sound field, sound beam diffusion generated by small bore pipe and reduction of sensitivity. Therefore, it is quite significant to select correct detecting conditions. The spatial grid structure of welding ball and bolt ball is statically determinate structure with high-order axial force which is connected by member bars and joints. It is welded by shrouding or conehead of member bars and of member bar and bolt-node sphere. It is obvious that to ensure the quality of these welding positions is critical to the quality of overall grid structure. However, the complexity of weld structure and limitation of ultrasonic detection method cause many difficulties in detection. No satisfactory results will be obtained by the conventional detection technology, so some special approaches must be used.

Study on Mechanical Characteristics of Tunnel Structure with Cavities Behind Linings in Arch

Cavities behind the linings are common quality defects in tunnel construction, among which the cavities behind linings in arch are the most serious ones. Cavities behind the linings cause no contact between surrounding rock and supporting system, and also influence tunnel structure stress status. In order to obtain the structural force laws of the tunnel linings influenced by the cavities behind linings in arch, model tests, which include cavities with different sizes behind linings in arch, are designed to simulate the deformation characteristics, stress characteristics and failure modes. The test results are as follows: cavities behind linings in arch change the tunnel structure deformation and stress status dramatically; two cracks beside the cavities have formed as the loads grow; the cracked linings can also bear certain surrounding rock pressure. The test results can provide reference for tunnel site inspection and maintenance work.

Application of ventilation management programs for improved mine safety

The purpose of ventilation management systems is to ensure the health and safety of underground workers by creating and incorporating structured plans, procedures and processes on the day-to-day operations of the mine ventilation system. The application of ventilation management programs consists of audit, verification, and corrective action procedures to: (1) ensure adherence to regulatory standards, or to (2) return to compliance and safety standards when an upset condition arises. This paper describes how a ventilation management program can be developed and implemented to ensure regulation compliance, to increase safety, to improve operational efficiency and to reduce the operating costs of an operating mine. Two case applications are presented in this paper. The first case is presented to demonstrate use of a ventilation management program in response to a site inspection and audit, with follow-up application of corrective actions. The second case application describes how air quality conditions has been substantially improved with the development and implementation of a ventilation management program for an operating underground hard rock mine.

Energy attenuation performance of impact protection worn by motorcyclists in real-world crashes

ABSTRACTObjective: Laboratory studies have demonstrated that impact protectors (IP) used in motorcycle clothing can reduce fracture severities. While crash studies have reported IP are associated with reduced likelihood of soft tissue injury, there is little evidence of their effectiveness in reducing fracture likelihood. This discrepancy might be related to IP quality. There are mandatory requirements for IP supplied with protective clothing in Europe, but not elsewhere. This study examines the energy attenuation performance of IP used by Australian riders.Methods: IP were harvested from clothing worn by crashed riders admitted to hospital. The IP were examined and energy attenuation properties were determined using EN 1621-1 test procedures. Impact injury was identified from medical records and defined as fractures, dislocations, and avulsions that occurred following impact to the rider's shoulders, elbows, hips, and/or knees. Fisher's exact test was used to examine the relationship between meeting the EN 1621-1 energy attenuation requirements and impact injury. The association between the average and maximum transmitted force, and impact injury was examined using generalized estimating equations. Motorcycle riders were recruited as part of an in-depth crash study through three hospitals in New South Wales, Australia, between 2012 and 2014. Riders were interviewed, and engineers conducted site, vehicle, and clothing inspections. Clothing was collected, or identical garments were purchased.Results: Clothing was inspected for 62 riders. Of these, 19 wore clothing incorporating 76 IP. Twenty-six of these were impacted in the crash event. Almost all impacted IP (96%) were CE marked, and most (83%) met Level 1 energy attenuation requirements of EN 1621-1 when tested. Of the 26 impacted IP, four were associated with impact injuries, including midshaft and distal clavicle fractures and a scapula and olecranon fracture. No associations between meeting EN 1621-1 requirements and impact injury were found (p = 0.5). There was no association between average force transmitted and impact injury (95% CI: 0.91–1.24); however, as maximum force transmitted increased, the odds of impact injury increased (95% CI: 1.01–1.2). These results indicate a high probability of impact injury at 50 kN, the limit of maximum transmitted force specified in EN 1621-1.Conclusion: The allowable transmitted force of EN 1621-1 may be too high to effectively reduce the probability of impact injury. This is not surprising, given human tolerance levels that are reported in literature. Reducing the force limit below the reported fracture tolerance limits might be difficult with current technology. However, there is scope to reduce the EN 1621-1 maximum limit of 50 kN transmitted force. A reduction in the maximum force limit would improve rider protection and appears feasible, as 77% of tested IP recorded a maximum force <35 kN. This level of transmitted force is estimated to be associated with <20% probability of impact injury. While the performance of IP available to Australian riders is not regulated, most IP was CE marked. The results indicate a significant association between maximum transmitted force, tested according to EN 1621-1 procedures, and impact injury. Further investigation of the EN 1621-1 requirements may be warranted. This work will interest those targeting protective equipment for motorcyclists as a mechanism for reducing injury to these vulnerable road users.

Occupational Health and Safety legislative compliance in the construction sites in Windhoek, Namibia

Non compliances towards occupational health and safety legislations has been on increase globally which leads to higher incidence of occupational accidents, injuries and diseases. The aim of the study is to determine the presence of occupational hazards in the construction industry and to investigate the occupational health and safety provision and compliance among construction sites in Windhoek. A quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive design was used to conduct the study. Census sampling was used to include ten construction sites with project running during data collection time and whose site managers agreed to participate in the study. Data was collected in ten construction sites with the site inspection checklist to assess the occupational hazards and OHS compliance in participated construction sites. Data was analysed with SPSS software. The study findings indicated that occupational hazards are prevalent in the construction industry, but there is poor mechanism to control hazards and to prevent hazard exposures. Furthermore, most construction sites are non compliant towards OHS legislations. It is recommended that OHS legislations should be enforced to promote the OHS in the construction industry.

Platform collapse incident of a power plant in Jiangxi, China

This short communication gives a brief report of a recently anthropic hazard of collapse of a working platform for a cooling tower during construction in the city of Fengcheng in Jiangxi Province, China, which occurred on November 14, 2016. This collapse resulted in 74 people dead and 2 people injured. This short communication presents the accident background, accident scene, and related emergency response at first. The main reason for this collapse is the reduction in construction duration and lack of scientific management. Following control measures of this kind of collapses in the future are proposed: (1) to establish more meticulous laws to keep the rational profit of contractor; (2) to establish more strength punishment law; (3) to conduct site inspection during each step of significant construction; and (4) to train construction labors including both technical and law senses. By conducting these scientific management measures, the sustainable development can be achieved and benefits for the mitigation of construction induced hazards in China.