CIVIL ROCKERS

SOIL INVESTIGATION AND FOUNDATION TYPES

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Subsurface investigations:

Subsoil conditions are examined using test borings, provided by soil engineer (geotechnical).
Number of borings and location of borings depends on building type and site conditions.

Typically for uniform soil conditions borings are spaced 100-150′ apart, for more detailed work, where soil footings are closely spaced and soil conditions are not even borings are spaced 50′ apart.
Larger open warehouse type spaces, where fewer columns are present (long span) required less boring samples.

Borings must extend to firm Strata (go through unsuitable foundation soil) and then extend at least 20 feet more into bearable soil.
Location of borings samples are indicated on engineer plan.
Borings are not taken directly under proposed columns.
Borings indicate: depth, soil classification (according to the unified soil system), and moisture content and sometimes ground water level is shown as well. (Physical properties: particle size, moisture content, density).
Soil report recommendation should be based on testing of materials obtained from on site borings and to include:
1. Bearing capacity of soil.
2. Foundation design recommendations.
3. Paving design recommendations.
4. Compaction of soil.
5. Lateral strength (active, passive, and coefficient of friction).
6. Permeability.
7. Frost depth.

Surface investigations:

High Water Table.
Presence of trouble soils: Peat, soft clay, loose silt, or fine water bearing sands.
Rock close to the surface (require blasting for excavations).
Dumps or Fills.
Evidence of slides or subsidence.

Above ground indicators of soil conditions:

Near Buildings – require shoring or earth and existing foundations.
Rock Outcropping – indicate bedrock, good for bearing and frost resistance, bad for excavations.
Water (lake) – indicate high water table, some waterproofing of foundations is required.
Level Terrain – easy site work, fair bearing, but poor drainage.
Gentle Slopes – easy site work, and excellent drainage.
Convex Terrain (Ridge) – dry solid place to build.
Concave Terrain (Valley) – wet soft place to build.
Steep Terrain – costly excavations, potential erosion, and sliding soils.
Foliage – some trees indicate moist soil. Large trees indicate solid ground.

Soil Classifications:

Engineers dealing with soil mechanics devised a simple classification system that will tell the engineer the properties of a given soil.

The unified soil classification system is based on identifying soils according to their textural and plasticity qualities and on their grouping with respect to behavior.

Soils are usually found in nature as mixtures with varying proportion of particles of different sizes, each of these components contribute to the soil mixture.

Soil is classified on the basis of:

Percentage of gravel, sand, and fines.
Shape of grain.

Plasticity and compressibility characteristics.

In the unified soil classification system (uscs) the soil is given a descriptive name and a letter symbol indicating its principal characteristics.

Placement of solid into its respective group is accomplished by visual examination and laboratory tests.

In the unified soil classification, the terms cobbles, gravel, sand, and fines (silt or clay) are used to designate the size ranges of soil particles.

Soil particle size ranges from largest to smallest:

Cobbles
Gravel (Coarse + Fine)
Sand (Coarse + Medium + Fine)
Fines consisting of Clay or Silt

Soil shear strength is made up of cohesion (water content, how sticky it is) and internal friction (based on size of grains). This is determined by triaxial compression testing

Soil Groups:

Soils are then grouped into three groups consisting of:

1. Coarse Grained – divided into gravely soils (G) and sands and sandy soils (S)
2. Fine Grained – divided based on their plasticity properties. (L,H)
3. Highly Organic – are not subdivided. (Pt)

Coarse Gained – are soils which composed of gravel and or sands and which contain a wide variety of particles. These are most suitable for foundations when well drained and well confined. They are soils with good bearing value. Particularly the G series (GW, GP, GM, GC).

Identified on the basis of the percentage amount of gravel and sand.

Fine Grained – are soils that are Silts and Clays (L,H). Contain smaller particles of silt and clay. These are suitable for foundations but require compactions. The most suitable of this series (L) is the CL.

Based on their cohesive properties and permeability.

Highly Organic – are soils that are usually very compressible and are not suitable for construction. They contain particles of leaves, grass, and branches. Peat, Humus, and swamp soil with highly organic texture are typical of this group (Pt).
These are identified readily on the basis of color, texture, and odor. Moisture content is also very high in this type of soil.
Soil names shown on the unified soil classification system are associated with certain grain size and textural properties. This is the case for the coarse grained soils. For silts and clay the names are based on the plasticity basis of the soil.
Relevant information of samples taken by borings which can aid the geotechnical engineer in determination of foundations includes:

1. For coarse grain soil – the size of the particles, mineralogical composition, shape of grains, and character of the binder.
For fine grained soils – strength, moisture, and plasticity.

In the preliminary stages, a visual inspection can determine the behavior of the soil when used as component in the construction of a proposed building. Soil can be classified according to the classification categories of the unified soil classification system. (Later on laboratory testing can be performed).
Strength and consolidation which make up the compaction characteristics of the soil determines its suitability forbuilding foundations.

Soil Problems:

The problem of uplift pressures in soil can be reduced by having well drained and free draining gravels (GW, GP). Uplift pressures can occur in fine grained soils consisting of silts and clays; such soils can cause heaving of foundations and formation of boils.

Due to potential frost action

Regardless of the frost susceptibility of the various soil groups, two conditions must be present simultaneously before frost action will be a consideration – a source of water during the freezing period and a sufficient period of the freezing temperature to penetrate the ground.
In general silts and clays (ML, CL, OL) are more susceptible to freezing (as they contain moisture). Well drained granular soils are less susceptible to freezing and creating foundation problems.

Due to drainage Characteristics

The drainage characteristics of soils are a direct reflection of their permeability. The presence of moisture in base, sub-base and sub-grade materials may cause the development of pore water pressure and loss of strength.
The gravelly and sandy soils with little or no fines (GW, GP, SW, SP) have excellent drainage characteristics.
Fine grained soils and highly organic soils have poor drainage characteristics.

Compaction:

The sheepsfoot and rubber tired rollers are common pieces of equipment used to compact soils. Some advantage is claimed for the sheepsfoot roller in that it leaves a rough surface that affords better bond between layers.
Granular soils consisting of well graded materials (GW, SW) furnish better compaction results than the poorly graded soils (GP, SP).

Fine grained soils can also be compacted.

For most construction projects of any magnitude, it is highly desirable to investigate the compaction characteristics of the soil be means of a field test section.
Suitability of soils for foundations depends primarily on the strength, cohesion and consolidation characteristic of the soils. The type of structure, load and its use will largely govern the adaptability of a soil as a satisfactory foundation material.
A soil might be entirely satisfactory for one type of construction but might require special treatment for other building.
In general, gravel and gravely soils (GW, GP, GM, GC) have good bearing capacity and undergo little consolidation under load.
Well graded sands (SW) usually also have good bearing capacity.
Poorly graded sands and silty sands (SP, SM) have variable capacity based on their density.
Some soils containing silts and clays (ML, CL, OL) are subject to liquefaction and may have poor bearing capacity and large settlements when subject to loads. Of the fine grained soil group CL is probably the better for foundations.
Organic soils (OL and OH ) and highly organic soils (Pt) have poor bearing capacity and usually exhibit large settlement under load.

Foundations:

For most of the fine grained soils (containing silt and clays) it might be sufficient to use simple spread footings, it is largely depending on the magnitude of the load. The location of the foundations in relation to the soil (need to be aware of foundation walls and hydrostatic pressure as moisture is present in the soil).
If the soil is poor and structure loads are relatively heavy, then alternate methods are required.
Pile foundations might be required in some cases where fine cohesive silt and clay soil is present. (CH, OH).
Sometimes it might be desirable and economically feasible to over excavate remove such soils that are not of bearing capacity; can remove compact and fill back or import other engineered soil.
The geotechnical engineer based on borings will recommend suitable foundations systems or alternative solutions, also beating capacity, minimum depths, and special design or construction procedures might be established.
Safe bearing capacity of soil equals to the ultimate bearing capacity divided by a safety factor (usually 2-4). ultimate bearing capacity is defined as the maximum unit pressure a soil can sustain without permitting large amounts of settlements.
Bedrock has the highest safe bearing capacity.
Well graded gravel and sand that are confined and drained have a safe bearing capacity of 3,000 – 12,000 PSF.
Silts and clays have lower safe bearing capacity of 1,000 – 4,000 PSF.

Role of Foundations:

1. Transfer the building load to the ground.

2. Anchor building against wind and seismic load.

3. Isolate building from frost heaving.

4. Isolate building from expansive soils.

5. Holds building up from moisture.

6. Provide living spaces (basement, storage).

7. Houses mechanical systems.

Foundation configurations are: Slab on Grade, Crawl Space, and Basement.

Foundation Types:

Spread Footings:

Used for most buildings where the loads are light and / or there are strong shallow soils.
At columns there are single spot square pads where bearing walls have an elongation form. These are almost always reinforced.
These footing deliver the load directly to the supporting soils.
Area of spread footing is obtained by dividing the applied force by the soils safe bearing capacity (f=P/A).
Generally suitable for low rise buildings (1-4 Stories).
Requires firm soil conditions that are capable of supporting the building on the area of the spread footings.
When needed footings at columns can be connected together with grade beams to provide more lateral stability in earthquakes.
These are most widely used because they are most economical.
Depth of footings should be below the top soil, and frost line, on compacted fill or firm native soil.
Spread footings should be above the water table.
Concrete spread footings are at least as thick as the width of the stem.

As the weight of the building increases in relation to the bearing capacity or depth of good bearing soil, the footing needs to expand in size or different systems need to be used.

Drilled Piers or Caissons:

For expansive soils with low to medium loads, or high loads with rock not too far down, drilled caissons (piers) and grade beams can be used.
The caissons might be straight or belled out at bottom to spread the load.
The grade beam is designed to span across the piers and transfer the loads over to a column foundation.
Caissons deliver the load to soil of stronger capacity which is located not too far down.

Piles:

For expansive soils or soils that are compressive with heavy loads where deep soils can not take the building load and where soil of better capacity if found deep below.

There are two types of piles.

1. Friction piles – used where there is no reasonable bearing stratum and they rely on resistance from skin of pile against the soil.

2. End bearing – which transfer directly to soil of good bearing capacity.

The bearing capacity of the piles depends on the structural strength of the pile itself or the strength of the soil, whichever is less.
Piles can be wood, steel, reinforced concrete, or cast in place concrete piles.
Cast in place piles are composed of hole drilled in earth and then filled with concrete, it is used for light loads on soft ground and where drilling will not cause collapse. Friction type, obtained from shaft perimeter and surrounding earth.

Mat Foundations:

Reinforced concrete raft or mats can be used for small light load buildings on very weak or expansive soils such as clays.
They are often post tensioned concrete.
They allow the building to float on or in the soil like a raft.
Can be used for buildings that are 10-20 stories tall where it provides resistance against overturning.
Can be used where soil requires such a large bearing area and the footing might be spread to the extant that it becomes more economical to pour one large slab (thick), more economical – less forms.
It is used in lieu of driving piles because can be less expensive and less obtrusive (i.e. less impact on surrounding areas).
Usually used over expansive clays, silts to let foundation settle without great differences.

General Summery:

Ranking of Soil for foundations: (from best to unsuitable):

Sand & Gravel – Best

Medium & Hard Clays – Good

Silts & Soft Clays – Poor

Organic Silt and Clays – Undesirable

Peat – Unsuitable

The greater the PI – Plasticity Index, Cohesiveness the greater the potential for shrinkage and swelling usually characteristic of clay like soils.

Non-cohesive are granular soils consisting of gravel and sands.

Cohesive soils are silts and clays, and also organic.

Differential settlements in concrete foundations should be limited to ¼ to ½” maximum.

Generally cost of foundations are 5% of total construction cost.

Most economical where safe bearing capacity is at least 3000 PSF – Spread Footings.

Piles are most expensive, 2 or 3 times the price than Spread Footings.

SMART MATERIAL CONSTRUCTION

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A structure which can adapt to the changing environmental conditions is called SMART.
This smartness can be achieved by using smart materials like Shape-memory alloys (SMA), piezoelectric crystal, magneto-rheological fluids etc.
Smart structures can take care of their own health and resist natural calamities.

MAIN FACTORS AFFECTING STRUCTURAL HEALTH:

Differential settlement
Earth quakes and vibrations
Structural distress
Corrosion of reinforcement
Temperature stresses

DIFFERENTIAL SETTLEMENT

Structures constructed on clayey soil prone to differential settlement mainly for two reasons:

Consolidation in clay is very slow
Clay has high swell-shrink nature.

The conventional methods adopted to overcome this problem are:

Under reamed pile foundation
Providing water proof apron
Replacing a layer of clay with CNS.

The smart way of preventing settlement

The volume of clay remains unchanged if optimal moisture content is maintained.
This can be achieved by adopting the principle of electro-osmosis as shown below.

EARTH QUAKES AND VIBRATIONS

The seismic waves or other shock waves can be disastrous for a structure if it is at resonant frequency.
It is characterized by suddenness of onset and violence of attack.
The conventional design methods of earth quake resistant structures have not proved very effective so far.

Smart Way of Resisting Earth Quake

Magneto-rheological fluid is a smart material which changes from liquid to solid when exposed to magnetic field.
When this fluid is filled in a cylinder and exposed to alternate magnetic it can act as a damper for shock waves.

An ultrasonic device is used to detect the seismic waves. It is converted into AC current and passed to dampers.
The solid-liquid transformation takes place at a frequency corresponding to that of seismic wave.
The seismic wave is destructively interfered and the building is prevented from shock.
It is estimated that a damper of 200kg can resist a force of 20000N of force.
Many such dampers are fitted to the building as shown in fig.

STRUCTURAL DISTRESS

The structural distress is caused mainly due to:

Improper analysis and design
unexpected loading conditions

Serious distress can even cause structural collapse. The conventional way overcoming this problem is by providing a factor of safety.

Dynamic Solution for Structural Distress

A piezoelectric sheet of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymer is placed under the structure.
When a load causes deflection in beam it the PVDF develops electrical charges.
These charges are amplified and converted into heat energy.
This heat energy is supplied to a SMA at the sides of the structure.

The down ward deflection caused by load is counteracted by the lateral force exerted by the SMA.
This arrangement can be used to monitor the extent of deflection of the material and thus determine the point of distress before the actual failure.

HEALTH MONITORING OF BRIDGES

CORROSION OF REINFORCEMENT

The reinforcement bars undergo electrochemical reaction mainly due to

· Use of salty water in preparation of mortar.

· Due to seepage of water into the structure.

In both the cases localized electroplating occurs causing stress on concrete member.

The conventional solution for this problem is not economical

Smart Way to Check Corrosion

A thin metal foil of non corrodible material is provided surrounding the reinforcement bar.
The metal sheet is given with positive potential and the rod is given negative potential.
When the reinforcement increases in diameter it comes in contact with the foil.
Now electroplating takes place in reverse direction.

ADVANTAGES OF THE SMART STRUCTURES

The smart structure has the following advantages:

This structure cut downs a lot of material cost incurred in using under reamed pile and factor of safety.
India has 25% of area prone to earth quake. This smart technology will help in saving a lot of men and material.
The health monitoring of structures will help in forecasting failure and will provide time for rehabitation.
35% of deccan pleateau has black cotton soil, the use of this technology can ensure safe and economical construction over there.
As the structure is constantly maintained the service life increases and the need for repair decreases.

Child Labour in India

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Child Labour in India
India continues to host the largest number of child labourers in the world today.
According to the Census 2001, there were 12.7 million economically active children in
the age-group of 5-14 years. The number was 11. 3 million during 1991 (Population
Census) thus showing an increase in the number of child labourers. Workers in general
are classified into main and marginal workers1 by the population census. Census data
shows that there is a decline in the absolute number as well the percentage of children
(5-14) to total population in that age group, classified as main workers from 4.3 percent
in 1991 to 2.3 percent in 2001. But there was a substantial increase in marginal workers
in every category of worker irrespective of sex and residence. As a result, despite the
number of main workers declining from 9.08 million in 1991 to 5.78 million in 2001, the
total number of children in the work force increased. A large part of the increase was
accounted for by the increase in marginal workers, which increased from 2.2 million in
1991 to 6.89 million in 2001. The trends between 1991 and 2001 of declining main child
workers along with increasing marginal workers may indicate the changing nature of
work done by children. This is also to be seen in the context of decelerating employment
growth in general in the economy during the last decade.
According to NSSO estimates WPR for children in the 5-9 age group is negligible and for
children in the age group of 10-14, it still continues to be significant though declining.

Magnitude of Child Labour across States
There is across the board decline in the incidence of child labour in the Southern and
Western Indian States and UTs between 1991 and 2001. However, there has been an
increasing trend in the Eastern and North Indian States and UTs. While the Kerala and
Tamil Nadu stories are well known, it is heartening to see that the state of Andhra
Pradesh, that had a dubious distinction of having the largest child labour force in the
country, shows very remarkable reduction in work-force participation, along with a
dramatic increase in the enrollment of children in school.
Surprising is the case of Himachal Pradesh, which has shown significant increases in
school attendance and in literacy levels.2 However, there is a dramatic increase in the
percentage of children in the age-group 5-14 years who are classified as workers, both
main and marginal

EXISTING PROGRAMMES FOR REHABILITATION OF CHILD LABOUR
1 Legal Framework
As per Article 24 of the Constitution, no child below the age of 14 years is to be
employed in any factory, mine or any hazardous employment. Further, Article 39
requires the States to direct its policy towards ensuring that the tender age of children is
not abused and that they are not forced by economic necessity to enter avocations
unsuited to their age or strength. Recently, with the insertion of Article 21A, the State
has been entrusted with the task of providing free and compulsory education to all the
children in the age group of 6-14 years. Consistent with the Constitutional provisions,
Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act was enacted in 1986, which seeks to
prohibit employment of children below 14 years in hazardous occupations and processes
and regulates the working conditions in other employments. In the last 5 years, the
number of hazardous processes listed in the schedule of the Act has increased from 18 to
57 and occupations from 7 to 13.
2 National Child Labour Programme
A National Policy on Child Labour was announced in 1987 which emphasised the need
for strict enforcement measures in areas of high child labour concentration. In order to
translate the above policy into action, the Government of India initiated the National
Child Labour Project Scheme in 1988 to rehabilitate the working children starting with
12 child labour endemic districts of the country. Under the Scheme, working children are
identified through child labour survey, withdrawn from work and put into the special
schools, so as to provide them with enabling environment to join mainstream education
system. In these Special Schools, besides formal education, they are provided stipend @
Rs.100/- per month, nutrition, vocational training and regular health check ups. In
addition, efforts are also made to target the families of these children so as to cover them
under various developmental and income/employment generation programmes of the
Government. The Scheme also envisages awareness generation campaigns against the
evils of child labour and enforcement of child labour laws.
It is seen that the level of enforcement in the States of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh,
Maharashtra & West Bengal is encouraging, whereas that in UP, Rajasthan, Madhya
Pradesh & Orissa it is very low.
However, so far only 3,74,255 children have been mainstreamed under the Scheme.
3 ILO-International Programme for Elimination of Child Labour (IPEC)
ILO launched IPEC Programme in 1991 to contribute to the effective abolition of child
labour in the world. India was the first country to sign MOU in 1992. The INDUS Project
envisages direct interventions in the identified 21 districts spread across five states for
identification and rehabilitation of child labour. The strategy under the project is to
complement and build up on the existing government initiatives.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ABOLITION OF CHILD LABOUR
1 INCLUSIVE DEFINITION OF CHILD LABOUR
2 AMENDMENT TO THE CHILD LABOUR (PROHIBITION AND
REGULATION) ACT 1986
3 A NEW NATIONAL CHILD LABOUR ERADICATION POLICY
4 REVISED NATIONAL CHILD LABOUR PROGRAMME (NCLP)
4.1. Transitional Education Centres
4.2 Migrant children
4.3. NCLP Project Society at District level
4.4. Social Mobilisation
4.5. Social Mobilisers
4.6 Survey of child labour

5 .SYNERGY BETWEEN ALL CONCERNED DEPARTMENTS
5.1. Department of Labour
5.2. Department of Education
5.3. Department of Home/Police
5.4. Department of Youth Affairs
5.5. Department of Panchayat Raj
5.6. Department of Women and Child Development
5.7. Involvement of Judiciary
5.8. Role of Gram Panchayats
5.9 Vocational Training for children in 15-18 years age group

6. TRAININGS
Youth volunteers, gram panchayats, school teachers, officers of labour department
and so on must all be given training about child labour and their respective roles in
abolition of child labour. Training modules are to be prepared on the issue of child
labour and education. All the participants must have a legal literacy and have a full
knowledge of children’s rights and their entitlements, the role of various
departments, and awareness of the schemes and programs meant for children.

7. STRUCTURES AND PROCESSES FOR MONITORING RESCUE, RELEASE
AND MAINSTREAMING OF CHILDREN
7.1 Formation of Task Force at Block/District level
7.2Constitution of State Monitoring Committee to review problems and issue specific
guidelines and circulars.
7.3National Committee to Review Program
7.4 Inter ministerial committee

Faux Questions

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Faux Questions

What is wrong with YOU that you would….?!

Don’t fall prey to this. Being defensive and offering explanations will weaken you. Only answer questions that show a genuine desire to understand your views or actions. Many difficult people make the mistake of being critical and asking a question at the same time. The question always gets lost in the verbal volley that is triggered. Several examples of ways to coolly counteract (CC) these faux questions are offered below with (AAAH) EXPLANATIONS of what makes the responses effective:
Act-as-if- it’s-all-good—admit, agree, compliment, gratitude.
Asks questions—curious or hidden.
Actively listens—rephrase, name feelings or behavior, sympathizing, validate.
Hide suggestions—truism, false choice, underlying assumptions, reverse psychology, power words, random or unclear responses. Hidden suggestions are set off by ellipses and underscored.

Example #1:

CC1: So are you trying to say I’m defective or do you really… want to understand why I …?

Bully: Of course I want to understand!

CC2: Are you sure… you truly want to know my reasons for ….

EXPLANATION: The first CC asks a question that highlights the attempt to offend and offers a choice to admit that the bully’s aim is to insult or to actually make an effort to understand. It should be made with a tone of sincere curiosity. Even difficult people will take the high road, rather than owning up to being blatantly nasty. This multiple choice questions also hides the suggestion to want to understand. The power word, try, is used to imply that the attempt to point out flaws isn’t working.

If the bully’s tone of voice still sounds angry, a second question is posed to build impatience and focus attention. This creates an opportunity to hide another suggestion to understand and gives the person time to switch gears from debate to dialogue.

Example #2:

CC: Aw…You sound so frustrated, but thanks for … wanting to understand why I….

EXPLANATION: This CC actively listens by naming the person’s feeling. This type of empathy focuses on the vulnerable feeling underlying the more reactive anger. But is a power word that discounts everything that came before it and creates yet another opportunity to hide a suggestion to understand.

Example #3:

CC: Could you please be just a tad more harsh.

EXPLANATION: Reverse psychology in this CC politely encourages bullies to continue undesirable behavior, which puts the target in a no-lose position: bullies either cease uninvited behavior or the person’s true request is granted. Active listening puts the spotlight on the bully’s harsh tone, increasing self awareness, rather than focusing on others.

~ ~ ~

The cruel comment, What is wrong with YOU? is often made by family and spouses. Sincere questions, empathy, and light-hearted reverse psychology are the ticket with the intimate insults.

For more information, please check out some books listed: HOW TO HANDLE BULLIES TEASERS AND OTHER MEANIES; MAKING HOSTILE WORDS HARMLESS, and EMPOWERING DIALOGUES WITHIN (for the bullies in your brain).

IAS officer Sagayam makes assets public

2012-06-07T22:41:00.002-07:00

IAS officer makes assets public:
Namakkal collector creates history, voluntarily declares property worth Rs 9 lakh

Seeking to “walk the talk” on upholding probity in administration, a Tamil Nadu cadre IAS officer has put up his asset details on a state website.

U Sagayam, Collector of Namakkal district, has created history of sorts by being the first IAS officer in the state to upload details of his assets on the district website, taking fellow officers by pleasant surprise.

Taking recourse to the “purely voluntary disclosure” provision under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the 47-year-old officer, during the RTI Week observed in Namakkal district last month, had announced that he would make known his property and bank balance details on the website.

Walk the talk

Fulfilling his intent, Sagayam declared on the Namakkal district website recently that he has a house property worth Rs 9 lakh in Madurai, jointly owned by his wife Vimala and himself, besides a bank balance of a mere Rs 7,172 in his account with the State Bank of India.

As per the All India Service Rules, people entering IAS not only have to furnish details of their personal assets at the time of joining service, but should also submit their property statement to the government every year. Does this make the bold IAS officer’s move a wee bit superfluous?

Sagayam, speaking to Deccan Herald from Namakkal on Wednesday, said though the asset details of IAS cadre officers were already with the government and in the public domain at that level, he still felt impelled to take it to a larger domain of public visibility.

Leading by example

“The collector, as one leading the district administration, instead of just telling his subordinates to be honest, should lead by personal example,” he said.

“It will create confidence in the people and also motivate the administration at large as the impression of public servants in the eyes of the people is at low ebb,” Sagayam reasoned.

He hoped that his action would convey that “there are people serious about upholding integrity in public administration.” It should also help to strengthen the democratic process in the country.

Some IAS officers feel that there is no necessity to disclose their assets on the website as they are already with the government. Yet, Sagayam seems to have made a point to ponder.

Rubber Cement Poisoning

2012-06-05T23:21:00.003-07:00

Rubber Cement Poisoning

Overview
Poisonous Ingredient
Where Found
Symptoms
Home Care
Before Calling Emergency
Poison Control
What to Expect at the Emergency Room
Outlook (Prognosis)
References

Rubber cement is a common household glue. Breathing in large amounts of rubber cement fumes or swallowing any amount can be extremely dangerous, especially for a small child.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Reference from A.D.A.M.

Poisonous Ingredient
Acetone
Heptane
Isopropyl alcohol
Paradichlorobenzene
Trichloroethane

Where Found
Various rubber cements (often used for arts and crafts projects). Elmer's rubber glue is one brand.
Note: This list may not be all-inclusive.

Symptoms

Most symptoms occur in people who repeatedly sniff rubber cement to get "high."
Airways and lungs
Breathing difficulty (from inhalation)
Throat swelling (which may also cause breathing difficulty)
Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
Burning in the nose, lips, throat, or eyes
Vision loss
Heart and blood
Change in the acid balance of the blood, which can lead to organ damage
Collapse
Low blood pressure
Intestinal tract
Abdominal pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Nervous system
Convulsions
Dizziness
Headache
Muscle spasms
Nerve problems
Unconsciousness
Unstable walk
Skin
Irritation

Home Care

Do NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by poison control or a health care professional. Seek immediate medical help.

If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.

If the chemical was swallowed, immediately give the person water or milk, unless instructed otherwise by a health care provider. Do NOT give water or milk if the patient is having symptoms (such as vomiting, convulsions, or a decreased level of alertness) that make it hard to swallow.

If the person breathed in the poison, immediately move him or her to fresh air.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:
Patient's age, weight, and condition
Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
Time it was swallowed
Amount swallowed

Poison Control

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The patient may receive:
Breathing tube
Bronchoscopy - a camera down the throat to see burns in the airways and lungs
Fluids through a vein (IV)
Oxygen
Tube through the mouth into the stomach to wash out the stomach (gastric lavage)
Washing of the skin (irrigation) -- perhaps every few hours for several days

Outlook (Prognosis)

How well a patient does depends on the amount of poison swallowed and how quickly treatment is received. The faster a patient gets medical help, the better the chance for recovery.

Swallowing or putting small amounts of rubber cement in your mouth is usually harmless. However, intentionally eating large amounts can cause damage to your brain, liver, and kidneys. Severe damage to your brain, lungs, and kidneys can occur over time from repeatedly "sniffing" rubber cement.

References

Mirkin DB. Benzene and related aromatic hydrocarbons. In: Shannon MW, Borron SW, Burns MJ, eds. Haddad and Winchester's Clinical Management of Poisoning and Drug Overdose . 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 94.

Rubber cement

2012-06-05T23:18:00.004-07:00

Rubber cement is a versatile adhesive made from latex polymers mixed in acetone or other solvents. Paul Van Cleef invented the adhesive for use in the Van Cleef Brothers factory in Chicago, Illinois in the early 1900s.

Most brands of rubber cement available for purchase today have the same basic formula, although many manufacturers made slight adjustments after learning that the benzene in rubber cement could be linked to the development of certain cancers. Today, n-hexane and n-heptane are commonly used as less toxic alternatives to benzene.

Rubber cement is inexpensive and easy to use. A permanent bond can be created by applying rubber cement to both the top and bottom papers, while a repositionable bond is created by applying the adhesive to only one surface. In addition, excess rubber cement can be peeled or rubbed off without wrinkling or damaging the paper. This makes rubber cement the perfect choice for card making and collage crafts.

At one time, rubber cement was commonly used in scrapbooking. However, today’s crafters have mostly abandoned this practice due to concerns that the acidity of the adhesive may damage photos and memorabilia. If you are interested in creating a scrapbook, use an acid-free archival quality glue stick instead of rubber cement.denatonium benzoate www.gulec.de
high-performance denaturants high-purity, powder form www.gulec.de
Adhesives Hot melt glues Adhesives Dealers & Distributors Economical & Best Quality in www.procure-one.com
india www.procure-one.com
Degreasing Equipment www.Serec-corp.com
Airless Vacuum Vapor Degreasing Industrial Cleaning Equipment www.Serec-corp.com
HighTemperature Materials www.aremco.com
adhesives, coatings, sealants and potting compounds www.aremco.com
glue gun www.plastic-material.net
China glue gun manufacturer, high power for wood, plastic, foam… www.plastic-material.net

Rubber cement may stain some fabrics and upholstery. However, you can remove rubber cement stains by sponging the spot with a small amount of dry cleaning solvent followed by a mixture of lukewarm water and a mild pH balanced detergent. Flush the area with clean water and allow to air dry.

As a safety precaution, rubber cement should always be used in a well-ventilated area. Avoid contact with open flames and never allow children to use rubber cement without adult supervision. If the glue accidentally comes in contact with your eyes, flush with water for at least 15 minutes. If you suspect the chemical has been swallowed, call Poison Control immediately. Do not attempt to induce vomiting without first seeking medical advice.

In recent years, teenagers have discovered that rubber cement has the potential for abuse as an inhalant. When the fumes from rubber cement are inhaled on a regular basis, they produce effects that are similar to the result of alcohol consumption. However, the effects of huffing or sniffing this glue can include brain damage, cardiac arrest, dizziness, hallucinations, and serious heart or lung problems. Rubber cement also contains a variety of poisonous ingredients, including paradichlorobenzene, trichloroethane, acetone, heptane, and isopropyl alcohol.denatonium benzoate www.gulec.de
high-performance denaturants high-purity, powder form www.gulec.de
Adhesives Hot melt glues Adhesives Dealers & Distributors Economical & Best Quality in www.procure-one.com
india www.procure-one.com
Degreasing Equipment www.Serec-corp.com
Airless Vacuum Vapor Degreasing Industrial Cleaning Equipment www.Serec-corp.com
HighTemperature Materials www.aremco.com

Smart Grid, Meet Smart Buildings

2012-06-05T07:26:00.000-07:00

The Networked Grid: Smart Grid, Meet Smart Buildings:

How will intelligent building technologies interface with the smart grid? Here are some examples.
Jeff St. John: March 1, 2012

The smart grid will need smart buildings to talk to, if it’s to fulfill its promise of connecting utilities to their customers. But the vast majority of today’s smart grid projects pretty much end with the smart meter. Meanwhile, building energy efficiency technology remains, for the most part, concerned with what’s happening within its four walls, not on the grid at large.

Still, we’re seeing the first real-world examples of a new stage in the smart grid-smart building nexus. In some cases, we’re seeing utilities reaching into customers’ homes and buildings via new pricing schemes, demand response signals or direct load control switches.

In other cases, advanced building energy management systems, distributed generation sources and even campus-wide microgrids and virtual power plants are hooking up buildings in ways that make them more responsive to grid operators’ needs.

Most of today’s buildings aren’t nearly this smart, though, and we’re a long way from anything resembling a seamless integration of grids and buildings. Still, the potential rewards of that integration are pretty enticing, and that’s made the smart building-smart grid nexus a target of software startups, energy equipment and services giants, and government-funded pilot projects, all with their own approaches to bridging the divide.

We’ll be covering developments in the space at Greentech Media’s The Networked Grid Conference, to be held at the Washington Duke Inn in Durham, NC on April 4-5, 2012, but here’s a preview of the ground to cover. Let’s approach from the building side first. Everyone’s seen the dire statistics on how much energy the commercial building sector wastes -- up to one-third of a typical building’s power use, according to most estimates.

The first step in any building energy management project must be identifying and fixing these obvious sources of waste, which involves the typical low-tech steps of replacing old fluorescent lights with newer, more efficient models, or upgrading an HVAC system with the latest variable-speed fans and high-efficiency compressors and chillers, and the like.

Beyond that, we’ve got a host of companies looking at applying software, sensors and controls to buildings to squeeze more efficiency out of the system. Startups in the space include SCIenergy, SkyFoundry, Serious Energy, Telkonet, Adura, Daintree Networks and many others. They’re being joined by giants in the space like Schneider Electric, Siemens, General Electric, Johnson Controls, Honeywell and others with software-hardware combinations of their own. The fundamental goal is to make building systems run properly to shave 10 percent to 20 percent off power bills -- but again, that’s not meant to be connected to the grid.

Moving from overall energy savings toward actually shifting energy use to take advantage of demand response programs or variable energy prices isn’t yet a priority for most buildings, though demand response projects from the likes of EnerNOC, Constellation Energy, Viridity Energy, Verisae and BuildingIQ are tackling the challenge.

It isn’t easy to get buildings to respond to real-time prices, peak power signals or direct load control. In fact, it takes a careful balancing of the needs of the utility to get a predictable load drop from a building, and the needs of the building owner and tenants to keep the building’s business running smoothly while shaving energy use.

But get the balance right, and the investment made into running buildings more efficiently can suddenly start yielding additional savings from avoiding high peak power prices, or even bidding energy reductions into energy markets to earn revenues, said Building IQ CEO Mike Zimmerman.

“We’re seeing a multiple of the savings we can verifiably deliver to the customer by doing direct load control, as well as providing the sophistication of self-learning and adaptive behavior,” Zimmerman said in an interview last month. BuildingIQ does things like pre-cool buildings before peak afternoon prices hit, then turn off air conditioning systems and let temperatures gradually drift upward, saving money or bidding the reduction back as “negawatts” for the grid.

Knowing just how much you need to pre-cool to leave the building still comfortable at the end of a peak period is a matter of analyzing the building and its energy systems beforehand, Zimmerman said. That’s the same kind of building energy profiling that SCIenergy, Serious Energy and big energy services companies aim to provide. Hooking it up to the grid takes another layer of sophistication. Right now, BuildingIQ has pilots underway with several Australian utilities, and recently announced a deal with San Francisco-based energy services company Syserco to roll out its product in the United States.

Another startup with a lot of building-optimization-to-smart-grid projects underway is Viridity Energy. The Philadelphia-based software vendor analyzes buildings and campuses to identify energy saving potential, and then works with partners to install the demand response capabilities to play the capabilities into the energy market. It just launched a partnership with ConEd Solutions, the energy services and trading arm of big New York utility Consolidated Edison, to create a commercial-scale program serving regions from New England to Texas.

On the other end, Viridity connects and interfaces its “microgrid” projects into the network of IT and legacy systems that allow grid operators, utilities, generators and buyers of power to conduct their daily business. That sector covers everything from old-fashioned emergency demand response from vertically integrated utility sectors to fast-reacting, market-based energy shifting based on wholesale power prices or spot demand for grid balancing power.

Most of these smart building upgrades require some sort of building management system (BMS) to connect to. Most big commercial properties do have building automation systems installed, but many lack energy data. Getting accurate energy measurements can require installing sensors or doing complex analytics to estimate discrete building energy costs against meter readings, for example.

We’re seeing companies take different paths to enable buildings for grid integration. Constellation Energy’s VirtuWatt platform, a customer interface for bidding buildings into energy markets, has been deployed at customers like Marriott where it serves as an ad-hoc BMS for hotels that lacked one, as well as being integrated into pre-existing building systems. Johnson Controls bought customer-facing demand response tech vendor EnergyConnect last year, and has integrated it into its new Panoptix building energy management platform.

Honeywell, which owns the Tridium line of BMS integration systems, also does automated demand response via its Akuacom acquisition, and is linking building controls to demand response signals in Hawaii, California, the U.K. and China. U.S. demand response market leader EnerNOC saw its EfficiencySmart energy efficiency and building management services business grow 77 percent in 2011, with big customers including Southern California Edison.

At the end of the building-grid connection, LIES A dashboard that a building operations manager or real estate portfolio owner can read to get at the numbers they really care about: dollars and cents. That includes what’s being wasted, what can be saved, what can be controlled in close to real time, and what the return on investment may be for all of the available options.

Siemens recently acquired Pace Global Energy Services, a Fairfax, Va.-based company that manages more than $5 billion in global energy spending for clients with about $100 billion in energy assets. Siemens plans to use the acquisition to “extend our reach into the energy market and enhance our current building automation portfolio.” Likewise, Schneider Electric acquired energy procurement company Summit Energy last year, giving it a reach into Summit’s $2 billion business in energy trading that it could connect with its dominant market share in building-side power systems.

Schneider is also working with Cisco, using the networking giant’s EnergyWise protocol to integrate energy data into its new StruxureWare line of building management software. Cisco has apparently abandoned the goal of building servers to control building energy, but its EnergyWise technology could find broader adoption with other BMS vendors.

IBM is another big player in the smart building space, with partnerships with Schneider, Johnson Controls, Honeywell and others to find ways to optimize efficiency. IBM also bought building software startup Tririga last year.

Last but not least, we’ve got the slew of companies aimed at the data center efficiency market. Data centers are, after all, buildings, only with lots of very complex and intelligent power users called servers, rather than assembly lines or office cubicles. Expect much data center expertise from the likes of Microsoft, Cisco, HP and others to seep into the building management world.

Intelligent buildings design and building management systems

2012-06-05T07:21:00.003-07:00

Intelligent buildings design and building management systems :
Overview of 'intelligent buildings' and 'intelligent homes' technologies:

The field of Intelligent Buildings, Intelligent Homes, Building Management Systems (BMS) encompasses an enormous variety of technologies, across commercial, industrial, institutional and domestic buildings, including energy management systems and building controls. The function of Building Management Systems is central to 'Intelligent Buildings' concepts; its purpose is to control, monitor and optimise building services, eg., lighting; heating; security, CCTV and alarm systems; access control; audio-visual and entertainment systems; ventilation, filtration and climate control, etc.; even time & attendance control and reporting (notably staff movement and availability). The potential within these concepts and the surrounding technology is vast, and our lives are changing from the effects of Intelligent Buildings developments on our living and working environments. The impact on facilities planning and facilities management is also potentially immense. Any facilities managers considering premises development or site relocation should also consider the opportunities presented by Intelligent Buildings technologies and concepts. This free summary article is contributed by Gary Mills, a leading UK-based expert in the field of Intelligent Buildings, Intelligent Homes, and Building Management Systems.

The origins of Intelligent Buildings and Building Management Systems have roots in the industrial sector in the 1970's, from the systems and controls used to automate production processes and to optimise plant performances. The concepts and applications were then adapted, developed and modularised during the 1980's, enabling transferability of the technology and systems to the residential and commercial sectors.
intelligent buildings - control theory

The essence of Building Management Systems and Intelligent Buildings is in the control technologies, which allow integration, automation, and optimisation of all the services and equipment that provide services and manages the environment of the building concerned.

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC's) formed the original basis of the control technologies.

Later developments, in commercial and residential applications, were based on 'distributed-intelligence microprocessors'.

The use of these technologies allows the optimisation of various site and building services, often yielding significant cost reductions and large energy savings. There are numerous methods by which building services within buildings can be controlled, falling broadly into two method types:
Time based - providing heating or lighting services, etc., only when required, and
Optimiser Parameter based - often utilising a representative aspect of the service, such as temperature for space heating or illuminance for lighting.

heating - time-based control:
Time-based controls can be used to turn on and off the heating system (and/or water heating) at pre-selected periods (of the day, of the week, etc). Optimiser Parameters: whatever the conditions, the controls make sure the building reaches the desired temperature when occupancy starts
.
heating - optimiser parameter-based (temperature) control examples
Temperature control: protection against freezing or frost protection generally involves running heating system pumps and boilers when external temperature reaches a set level (0°C).
Compensated systems: will control flow temperature in the heating circuit relative to external temperature. This will give a rise in the circuit flow temperature when outside temperature drops.
Thermostatic radiator valves: these sense space temperature in a room and throttle the flow accordingly through the radiator or convector to which they are fitted.
Proportional control: involves switching equipment on and off automatically to regulate output.
Other methods can include thermostats, occupancy sensing PIR's (passive infra-red sensors), and manual user control.

lighting control methods:
Different control systems exist, again time-based control and optimiser parameter-based where a level of illuminance or particular use of lighting is required.
Zones: lights are switched on corresponding to the use and layout of the lit areas, in order to avoid lighting a large area if only a small part of it needs light.
Time control: to switch on and off automatically in each zone to a preset schedule for light use.
Passive Infra-Red (PIR) Occupancy sensing: In areas which are occupied intermittently, occupancy sensors can be used to indicate whether or not anybody is present and switch the light on or off accordingly.
Light level monitoring: this consists of switching or dimming artificial lighting to maintain a light level measured by a photocell.

building management systems and intelligent buildings - energy savings:
Until recent years, energy efficiency has been a relatively low priority and low perceived opportunity to building owners and investors. However, with the dramatic increase and awareness of energy use concerns, and the advances in cost-effective technologies, energy efficiency is fast becoming part of real estate management, facilities management and operations strategy. The concepts are also now making significant inroads into the domestic residential housebuilding sectors.

For lighting, energy savings can be up to 75% of the original circuit load, which represents 5% of the total energy consumption of the residential and commercial sectors.

Energy savings potential from water heating, cooling, or hot water production, can be up to 10%, which represents up to 7% of the total energy consumption of the domestic residential and commercial sectors.

Experiences from studies in Austria suggest potential heating and cooling energy savings are up to 30% in public buildings. Even allowing for the fact that buildings used in the study may have been those with particularly high energy usage, the figure is an impressive one. (Source: EU2 Analysis and Market Survey for European Building Technologies in Central & Eastern European Countries - GOPA)

building management systems and intelligent buildings - environmental and greenhouse gas benefits
Greenhouse gas emission reductions depend on and correlate to reductions in energy use.

Intelligent Buildings and Building Management Systems technologies contribute directly to the reduction in energy use, in commercial, industrial, institutional and domestic residential sectors.

In short, Intelligent Buildings and suitably applied Building Management Systems are good for the environment.

Legislation and environmental standards; health and safety regulations; and global trends towards improving indoor air quality standards are all significant drivers of - and provide a continuous endorsement of the need for - Building Management Systems and the Intelligent Buildings technologies.

Government Initiatives around the world are also driving the development and adoption of Building Management Systems technologies. For example the UK Carbon Trust allows Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) to be offset against taxation on energy efficient systems, which enables savings of around 30% for all energy-related Building Management Systems and Intelligent Buildings equipment, and the associated installation and design costs.

building management systems and intelligent buildings - market trends
Careful interpretation is required. In the UK, adoption of controls technologies into the new build and major refurbishment sectors is relatively high: Estimates a few years ago of the UK market for Building Management Control Systems for new build and major refurbishment, all sectors, suggest market adoption of (as at 1994 - Source UK1 An Appraisal of UK Energy RTD, ETSU -1994):
Heating controls 70%.
Hot water system controls 90%.
Air conditioning controls 80%.

However according to European Commission as many as 90% of all existing buildings have inapplicable or ineffective controls, many of which require complete refurbishment of control systems.

Moreover conventional control systems stop short of automated Intelligent Buildings full capabilities. A significant human element is required for optimal effective operation even if control systems correctly specified and installed.

Given typical installations and equipment there is often a difficulty for building occupants (residential) or managers (commercial) to operate them correctly. Usage and correct operation are vital for effective results.

Education of users; improved systems-design user-friendliness, and the provision of relevant instructions and information are all critical to enable theory to translate into practice, and for potential effectiveness and savings to be realised.

building management systems and intelligent buildings - practical benefits
Energy-effective systems balance a building's electric light, daylight and mechanical systems for maximum benefit.

Enhanced lighting design is more than an electrical layout. It must consider the needs and schedules of occupants, seasonal and climatic daylight changes, and its impact on the building's mechanical systems.

lighting systems Adding daylight to a building is one way to achieve an energy-effective design. Natural daylight 'harvesting' can make people happier, healthier, and more productive. And with the reduced need for electric light, a great deal of money can be saved on energy. Nearly every commercial building is a potential energy saving project, where the electric lighting systems can be designed to be dimmed with the availability of daylight. Up to 75% of lighting energy consumption can be saved. In addition, by reducing electric lighting and minimizing solar heat gain, controlled lighting can also reduce a building's air conditioning load.

mechanical systems The HVAC system and controls, including the distribution system of air into the workspaces, are the mechanical parts of buildings that affect thermal comfort. These systems must work together to provide building comfort. While not usually a part of the aesthetics of a building, they are critical to its operations and occupant satisfaction.

The number one office complaint is that the workplace is too hot. Number two is that it's too cold.

Many people cope by adding fans, space heaters, covering up vents, complaining, conducting 'thermostat wars' with their co-workers, or simply leaving the office. Occupants can be driven to distraction trying to adjust the comfort in their space. Improper temperature, humidity, ventilation, and indoor air quality can also have significant impacts on productivity and health. When we are thermally comfortable we work better, shop longer, relax, breathe easier, focus our attention better.

In order to provide a comfortable and healthy indoor environment the building mechanical system must:
Provide an acceptable level of temperature and humidity and safe guard against odours and indoor air pollutants.
Create a sense of habitability through air movement, ventilation and slight temperature variation.
Allow the occupant to control and modify conditions to suit individual preferences.

resistance to building management systems and intelligent buildings technology
"Our buildings are already energy-efficient." (Is the whole building energy-efficient, or is the landlord limiting his focus to common areas and gross leased spaces?)
"We prefer the equipment with the lowest first cost when fitting out tenant space." (Does the specifier have any idea who will bear the increased operating costs of such a strategy?)
"We need a two-year simple payback or less." (Is this still realistic, given that the percentage return on money markets is literally one-tenth what it was 20 years ago?)
"Tenants pay all energy costs, and will get all the savings." (Do tenants really pay all energy or just the energy over a pre-set base year or expense stop?)
"We're selling the building." (Should we assume then that lowering the operating expenses and reaping the increased asset value are not important?)

intelligent homes
building management systems for residential applicationsWith the widespread adoption of digital technologies there will be a profound change in how we communicate with others. Even how, in our homes, we shop for goods and services, receive news, manage our finances, learn about the world, and, conduct business, manage resources, find entertainment, and maintain independence and autonomy as we enter old age.

These activities increasingly take place in the home. As our perception of banks, shops, universities, communities, and cities change in response to new technologies, so home building management systems are taking on an extraordinary new importance.

As it exists today the home cannot meet these demands or take advantage of new opportunities created by social and technological changes. Most people live in spaces poorly tailored to their needs.

Until recently, the majority of homes were wired with little more than the main electrical circuits, a few phone lines, and a few TV cables. Times have changed. Electrical and security system contractors routinely install low voltage communication network cables for a wide range of intelligent home or 'smart home' systems.

Services and equipment that utilise these networks include: security; home theatre and entertainment; telephones, door-phones and intercoms; PC and internet networks; surveillance cameras; driveway vehicle sensors; communicating thermostats; motorized window blinds and curtains; entry systems; and irrigation systems.

smart homes 'Smart home' is an alternative term for an intelligent residential building, or an intelligent home. A few years ago these concepts weer considered futuristic and fanciful. Now they are reality. These terms are now commonly used to define a residence that uses a control system to integrate the residence's various automation systems.

Integrating the home systems allows them to communicate with one another through the control system, thereby enabling single button and voice control of the various home systems simultaneously, in pre-programmed scenarios or operating modes.

The development of smart home systems focus on how the home and its related technologies, products, and services should evolve to best meet the opportunities and challenges of the future. The possibilities and permutations are endless. Here are some examples:

smart home example scenario 1
A scenario such as 'I'm Home' could be triggered by pressing one button on a key-ring remote-control from your vehicle as you approach the driveway. The control system receives the key-ring remote-control's command. This will then trigger a pre-programmed sequence of functions. For example starting by turning on the lighting in the driveway, garage, hallway, and kitchen. It then disarms the security system, opens the garage door, unlocks the interior garage entry door, adjusts the heating to a preset temperature, and turns on the whole-house audio system playing your favourite cd, whilst drawing you a bath.

The control system is programmed to meet specific user requirements, initiating sequential automatic operation of the home systems, in response to 'one button' commands based on the situation and or time.

smart home example scenario 2 At 7:30am and you awake to the sound of your favourite cd playing in the background; the lights in your bedroom switch on; 'fading up' to allow you to wake up in your own time. The downstairs intruder alarm system is de-activated. In the kitchen the coffee machine turns on to make a drink. The ground floor curtains and blinds open; the towel heater in the bathroom warms the towels. And you haven't even got up yet.

This simple example demonstrates how smart home technology will change people's lives. Designing systems that group together and automate everyday simple tasks, improve quality of life and reduce stress levels.

I am grateful to Gary Mills of Fusion Group for providing much of the content in this article. Fusion specialise in the design of intelligent buildings, and living and working environments, which includes design for energy efficiency and climate change considerations. If you are in the UK and interested in receiving a Transparent Building CD-ROM which includes information relating to these subjects please email your enquiry to gary.mills@fusionibs.co.uk, or call: (UK) 08450 204 360.

References

www.eca.gov.uk

www.actionenergy.org.uk

www.defra.gov.uk

www.thecarbontrust.co.uk

www.clipsal.com/cis

www.europa.eu.int/comm

BOTTLE WALL CONSTRUCTION

2012-06-03T23:11:00.001-07:00

BOTTLE WALL CONSTRUCTION:
A building construction style which usually uses 1l glass bottles (although mason jars, 1/2l glass jugs, ... may be used as well) as masonry units and binds them using adobe, sand, cement, stucco, clay, plaster, mortar or any other joint compound to result in an intriguing stained-glass like wall. An alternative is to make the bottle wall from 1/2l glass jugs filled with ink and set them up by supporting them between 2 windows
Construction materials:

Bottle walls may be made from recycled mason jars, such as this jam jar

Although bottle walls can be constructed in many different ways, they are typically made on a foundation that is set into a trench in the earth to add stability to the wall. The trench is filled with a rubble of pea gravel and then filled in with cement. Rebar can be set into the foundation to add structural integrity. Bottle walls range one bottle to two bottles thick. Primitive mixture, such as cob or adobe can be used as mortar to bind the bottles. It is thickly spread on the previous layer of bottles followed by the next layer which is pressed into the mixture. Typically two fingers of separation are used as a means of spacing although any kind of spacing can be achieved.

Bottles can also be duct taped together to create a window-type effect. Two similar size bottles can be taped together with the openings allowing a light passage way. This also traps air and creates a small amount of insulation. Filling glass with liquid that will be subjected to freezing and thawing is not a good idea, but is useful if the glass is protected from temperature extremes.

Heat sink:

When the bottles are filled with a (dark) liquid, or other dark material, the wall can function as a thermal mass, absorbing solar radiation during the day and radiating it back into the space at night, thus dampening diurnal temperature swings.
Binding Mixtures:

A typical mortar mix is 3:1 mason sand to a pozzalan (fly ash) cement mix. Other mixtures could be made from mortar and clay, adobe, cob, sand or cement. Bottle walls are extremely versatile and could be bonded with pretty much anything that can endure its given climate.

Bottle Houses Throughout History:

a Bottle Wall of an Earthship Bathroom ,the exterior bottle walls of 2 earthships

The use of empty vessels in construction dates back at least to ancient Rome, where many structures used empty amphorae embedded in concrete. This was not done for aesthetic reasons, but to lighten the load of upper levels of structures, and also to reduce concrete usage. This technique was used for example in the Circus of Maxentius.

It is believed that the first bottle house was constructed in 1902 by William F. Peck in Tonopah, Nevada. The house was built using 10,000 bottles of beer from Jhostetter's Stomach Bitters which were 90% alcohol and 10% opium. The Peck house was demolished in the early 1980s.

Around 1905, Tom Kelly built his house in Rhyolite, Nevada, using 51,000 beer bottles masoned with adobe. Kelly chose bottles because trees were scarce in the desert. Most of the bottles were Busch beer bottles collected from the 50 bars in this Gold Rush town. Rhyolite became a ghost town by 1920. In 1925, Paramount Pictures discovered the Bottle House and had it restored for use in a movie. It then became a museum, but tourism was slow, causing it to close. From 1936-1954, Lewis Murphy took care of the house and hosted tourists. From 1954-1969, Tommy Thompson occupied the house. He tried to make repairs to the house with concrete which, when mixed with the desert heat, caused many bottles to crack (Kelly had used adobe mud).

Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California, has a bottle house, made from over 3,000 whiskey bottles, that it uses as an "Indian Trader" store today. The house is a remake of the Rhyolite Bottle House replicated from photos taken by Walter Knott in the early 1950s.

Another famous bottle house site was built by the self taught senior citizen Tressa "Grandma " Prisbrey. Located in Simi Valley California, Bottle Village is lauded by art scholars, The State of California, The National Register of Historic Places and in exhibitions, as a major artistic achievement. Beginning construction in 1956 at age 60, and working until 1981, Tressa "Grandma" Prisbrey transformed her 1/3 acre lot into Bottle Village, an otherworld of shrines, wishing wells, walkways, random constructions, plus 15 life size structures all made from found objects placed in mortar. The name "Bottle Village" comes from the structures themselves - made of tens of thousands of bottles unearthed via daily visits to the dump.

The Washington Court Bottle House in Ohio was made with 9,963 bottles of all sizes and colors. The builder was a bottle collector and, to display his collection, he had them built into this house which was on display at Meyer's Modern Tourist Court. In Alexandria, Louisiana, there is a bottle-house gift shop that still stands today. The bottle house was constructed by Drew Bridges who used bottles from his drugstore. There are about 3,000 bottles used as masonry units with railroad ties used as the framing structure.

The Kaleva Bottle House in Kaleva, Michigan, was built by John J. Makinen, Sr.(1871-1942) using over 60,000 bottles laid on their sides with the bottoms toward the exterior. The bottles were mostly from his company, The Northwestern Bottling Works. The house was completed in 1941, but he died before he could move in. The building was purchased by the Kaleva Historical Museum in 1981 and is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. Boston Hills Pet Memorial Park in Boston, Massachusetts, has a bottle wall from 1942. It is part of a small building used for storage. The Wimberley Bottle House in Wimberley, Texas, was constructed using over 9,000 soda bottles. It was built in the early 1960s as part of a pioneer town, a simulated Old West town set to be a tourist attraction/theme park. The house was modeled after Knott's Berry Farm bottlehouse in California

IBM opens $50 million Smarter Cities Challenge grant program

2011-12-01T19:39:00.000-08:00

IBM opens $50 million Smarter Cities Challenge grant program to 2012 applicants November 21, 2011

ARMONK, N.Y. — IBM announced that it has opened the IBM Smarter Cities Challenge grant program to new applications for 2012. Smarter Cities Challenge is a three-year, 100-city, $50 million grant program in which IBM's top technical experts and consultants provide actionable advice to urban centers.

The grant program provides select applicant cities with access to teams of elite IBM employees with expertise on a variety of urban-related matters, such as finance, sustainability, public safety, and citizen services. They devote weeks of their time analyzing unique opportunities and challenges facing municipalities, particularly within the context of today's challenging economic climate. After conferring with officials, citizens, businesses, academics and community leaders, the IBM teams recommend actions to make the delivery of services to citizens more efficient and innovative. Issues addressed include jobs, health, public safety, transportation, social services, recreation, education, energy, and sustainability.

As in 2011, selected applicants must demonstrate a commitment to using all publicly available urban data to help identify local problems and solutions. To that end, IBM will provide special assistance to each winning city on the use of City Forward (www.cityforward.org), a free online tool it developed with public policy experts that explores trends and statistics in a visual way, and which can be adapted for the study of any number of issues across cities. Looking at these issues in a more scientific, systematic fashion provides insight that can help shape public policy solutions to pressing municipal problems.

Issues that IBM's consultants addressed this past year were diverse, ranging from transportation and public safety, to economic development and budgeting. Following are just a few examples of the impact that recommendations funded by IBM Smarter Cities Challenge grants have already made in the past year:

• Mecklenburg County, N.C., cities and towns have agreed to create a common capital budget planning process and to coordinate even more closely with one another when creating and adopting budgets. They have also agreed to jointly identify development goals and put them into place; share neighborhood data; and measure performance.

• Edmonton, Alberta, which had grappled with a high rate of traffic fatalities, created and published a plan to improve traffic and pedestrian safety and efficiency. To support the effort, Edmonton is now actively analyzing and acting on a variety of data; partnering with organizations to research and monitor trends; and measuring outcomes in a rigorous manner.

• St. Louis, previously saddled with a high crime rate, has undertaken significant leadership and day-to-day operational changes to improve public safety. Measures include more formal and rigorous collaboration among the courts, police department, mayor's office, prosecutors, and corrections officials. The goal is to use data to make more informed and nuanced criminal justice decisions.

• Milwaukee leaders, the city's private sector, and local urban agriculture organizations are establishing an Urban Agriculture and Aquaponics Council to advance the aquaponics industry, an eco-friendly approach to agriculture that recycles water from fish farms to nourish crops without the use of soil. Participants want to collaborate more effectively to make food healthier and more profitable, available, and affordable — and in the process, create opportunity and local jobs.

Key factors for a successful grant application include strong city leadership, willingness to collaborate with many stakeholders, and the desire to make their cities smarter and more efficient. Cities will also need to champion actionable and measurable efforts that have the potential to make a real impact on the lives of its citizens. In addition, winning applicants will identify areas that are closely connected with a city's top priorities, and involve a range of disciplines and departments.

"Last year, we were gratified to receive literally hundreds of Smarter Cities Challenge grant applications worldwide. In 2012, we expect the demand for Smarter Cities Challenge grants to significantly increase," said Stanley S. Litow, IBM vice president of Corporate Citizenship & Corporate Affairs, and president of IBM's International Foundation. "The success in year-one ought to increase demand this year and next. We look forward to reviewing the proposals of the many creative, forward thinking city leaders who are striving for excellence."

The need to capitalize on the use of new technologies and approaches to address long-standing civic challenges has never been greater. In 2008, according to the United Nations, more than half the world's population began living in cities for the first time in the world's history. These population centers are more economically powerful, politically influential, and technologically advanced than at any time in human history. But while they represent so much promise for realizing the dreams and aspirations of so many, cities also struggle with significant budgetary and operational challenges.

To find out more, or to apply for a Smarter Cities Challenge grant, each of which has an equivalent value of approximately $400,000 in talent and technology, visit http://smartercitieschallenge.org. This website also provides case studies that describe IBM's recommendations to 2011 grant recipients. Videos documenting some of the 2011 Smarter Cities Challenge engagements can also be found at www.youtube.com/user/citizenIBM.

The deadline for 2012 grant applications is December 16.

Central Valley water management planning software availabl

2011-12-01T19:35:00.000-08:00

Central Valley water management planning software available for public use November 28, 2011

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. — The Bureau of Reclamation's Mid-Pacific Region and the California Department of Water Resources have made Central Valley water management planning software, CalLite 2.0, available for public use. CalLite 2.0 can be used to simulate the hydrology of California's Central Valley, reservoir and project operations, delivery allocation decisions, delta salinity responses to river flow and export changes, and habitat-ecosystem flow indices.

The model, which is designed to support studies of the federal Central Valley Project and the State Water Project, can be applied to assist in the screening of a variety water management options and to educate decision makers on system responses. The tool is designed for use in a variety of stakeholder processes for improved understanding of water system operations and future management changes.

CalLite 2.0 can be downloaded at http://baydeltaoffice.water.ca.gov/modeling/hydrology/CalLite/index.cfm.

ANTI CORRUPTION...

2011-12-01T19:31:00.000-08:00

Anti Corruption
The word corruption in the financial sense refers to the individuals whether in politics, governments or the corporate world who choose to seek illegitimate personal gain from via a form of illegal activity. The illegal activity may take the form of bribery, extortion, embezzlement, theft or other abuse of power to gain unfair and illegal advantage. Anti Corruption refers to the efforts of banks and other financial institutions to combat this illegal activity and prevent the laundering of Proceeds of Crime at the earliest possible opportunity.

In the financial world reputation is paramount. Now more than ever legislation and good business practice requires that financial institutions deploy Anti Corruption methods and systems to protect their customers and your institution's good reputation. The management of financial institutions need to be absolutely sure that any prospective new client will bring you good, reliable income and that you can limit your risk exposure, especially with customers from new, emerging markets. Each institution will want to be sure that they are not / have not unwittingly helping a client to hide the proceeds of corruption and launder their ill-gotten gains through the financial system. The regulatory penalties for failing to pickup corrupt individuals / institutions are significant indeed.
You need to be able to find out if your prospective client could be what the financial industry calls a Politically Exposed Person – a PEP – someone in a position of authority, with access to funds, who might be tempted to steal some of it. And you want to be sure that you can meet the requirements of regulators and lawmakers across the globe.

How can you best do that? Anticorruption.org gives you access to the world's leading database of individuals and entities who are a known heightened-risk of corruption, against which you can check your client's name, as well as details of family and associates, to see if they need the extra due diligence and monitoring which will protect your interests and satisfy the regulators that you are in control of your business.

In recent years corruption has been closely associated with Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs). It is not against the law or regulation for you to have a PEP as a customer, but regulation and law in most countries require you to carry out extra due diligence when you take the customer on, to carry out regular updates of your customer data, and to apply greater scrutiny to the transactions.

In the fight against financial crime regulators have take an increasingly hard line approach against institutions that are not fully equipped to combat corruption. It is not sufficient to say that you have found no evidence of corruption in your organisation, and the emphasis has now turned to proving to the regulator what Anti-Corruption measures you have taken proactively as an institution.

www.world-check.com provide one of the most effective Anti corruption tools on the market today. These products ensure that financial managers are much better informed of the background of your client when you take them on and during the relationship. You need to be sure that you have clients on whom you can rely for a regular, solid and honest income and not to have criminals on your books. You need to be sure that you are meeting regulatory requirements and World-check.com can provide that comfort.

Participatory Irrigation Management

2011-11-05T22:53:00.000-07:00

Participatory Irrigation Management

Introduction

The concept of Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) has been recognized all over the world as a

tool for improving irrigation management along with sustainability of the system. Irrigation systems

need to be restructured to make water management efficient. However increasing demand of water in

all sectors including irrigation made it imperative that the efficiency of the Irrigation Water

Management must be increased. National Water Policy and State Water Policy, lay emphasis on

participatory irrigation management to be adopted as an essential strategy for improving the

performance of all the irrigation projects and therefore farmers should be involved progressively from

the grass root level particularly in water distribution &canal maintenance. Thus the Government has

planned to involve farmers-users in a more systematic way, at least, at the tertiary level of the canal

systems for alleviation of the management problems.

Objectives

To promote and secure equitable distribution of water among its users, adequate maintenance of

irrigation system, efficient and economical utilization of water to optimize agricultural production.

To protect the environment and to ensure ecological balance inculcating sense of ownership of the

irrigation system in accordance with the water budget and the operational plan.

To Bridge the gap between potential created and potential utilized.

For Prompt attention to problems and resolutions of disputes.

For Collective involvement in better application & management of agricultural extension services.

PIM in Orissa

Participatory Irrigation Management that was introduced in the state during 1995 on a pilot basis under

Orissa Water Resources Consolidation Project (OWRCP) under the banner of farmers’ organization and

turn over (FOT). Experiencing its success at large, it was extended to all the commands of Major,

Medium, Minor and lift Irrigation Projects. Subsequently, during the year 2000, the water users

associations have been renamed as Pani Panchayats. From its inception, till date a lot of efforts have

been given for wide acceptance of the programme. During this period massive awareness campaign,

capacity building through training, workshops, interactive workshops had been conducted at regular

interval for the farmers, office bearers of Pani Panchayats and officials of concerned departments.

Legal Framework-Act & Rules.

To strengthen the Pani Panchayat programme, it was felt that there should be a legal backing to the

existence of the Pani Panchayats. In this regard the Orissa Pani Panchayat Act-2002 came into force

with effect from 15.11.2002 & the Orissa Pani Panchayat Rule-2003 came into force with effect from

23.04.2003. Later necessary amendment of the Pani Panchayat Act. has been made and published in

t h

Orissa Gazette on 20

Jan, 2009.

Structure

Farmers Organization is three tiers for Medium and Minor Irrigation Projects and four-tier for Major

Irrigation Projects, as indicated below:

Annual Report 2009-10

i. WUA / Pani Panchayats at primary level consisting of several chak committees.

ii. Distributary Committee at secondary level (Major Projects) is a federation of all WUA / Pani

Panchayats under the distributary.

iii. A Project Committee, at project level, is a federation of all distributary committees’ for major

projects. Similarly for Medium Irrigation Projects it is a federation of all WUA / Pani Panchayats.

iv. In Lift Irrigation Projects it is a single tier system i.e. Pani Panchayat.

Above all, there will be a state level Committee to lay down policies for implementation of Pani

Panchayat Programme as per the provision of the Orissa Pani Panchayat Act, 2002.

Pani Panchayats are farmers’ organizations formed by involving the farmers owning land withing the

hydraulically delineated block of 300 Ha. To 600 Ha. In the command area of Major & Medium

Irrigation project. These Pani Panchayats are represented by the members of various chaks under the

same Pani Panchayat.

Physical Progress-

(Formation, Handing over & Election)

Out of programmed 19551 Pani Panchayats 18014 Pani Panchayats have been formed and the

Canalsystem has been handed over to them.

Initially Pani Panchayat were formed and registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. Now

Pani Panchayats are being formed by conducting election as per Orissa Pani Panchayat Act, 2002 &

Orissa Pani Panchayat Rule, 2003. By end of March, 2010 election of Pani Panchayat has been

completed in 17803 Pani Panchayats under major, Medium, Minor & Lift Irrigation Projects. The details

are as given below:

Annual Report 2009-10

Function

The functions of Pani Panchayats have been defined in the Orissa Pani Panchatyat Act-2002and the

Orissa Pani Panchayat Rules-2003. Some of the important functions are given below:

To prepare cropping programme considering the soil and agro climatic condition with due regards

to crop diversification.

To prepare a plan for the maintenance of irrigation system in the area of its operation at the end of

each crop season and carryout the maintenance works with the funds of the Pani Panchayats from

time to time.

To regulate the use of water among the various pipe outlets under its area of its operation

according to the warabandi schedule of the system.

To promote economy in the use of water allocated.

To assist the Revenue and Disaster Management Department in the preparation of demand and

collection of water rates except EC aided projects and L.I projects over the farmers collect water

tax among themselves.

To resolve the disputes, if any, between the members and water users in its area of operation and

to raise resources.

Under World Bank assisted Orissa Community Tank Management Project (OCTMP) Pani Panchayats

have been empowered to collect water rate & retention of the same for O&M and take up the O&M

of Head works including the distributary system.

Annual Report 2009-10

CAD&PIM Directorate

To provide necessary support to operationalise the PIM concept in the State, a new Directorate

of Command Area Development and Participatory Irrigation Management (CAD&PIM ) has been

established during 2007-08 under Department of Water Resources. This Directorate will make

concerted effort to scale up the CAD & PIM activities to all completed and ongoing projects in the State

wide effectively. This Directorate have three units namely O&M unit to look after O&M works, CAD

(Engg) unit to look after CAD activities and Pani Panchayat Support unit to look after the PP formation

and elections, capacity building of PPs and their functioning. The organizational structure of the

Directorate is given in the following page.

ORGANOGRAM OF CAD-PIM DIRECTORATE

Annual Report 2009-10

Grant-In –aid for O&M of canals

Grant-in-aid is being given to the Pani Panchayats on achievement of 75% of membership by paying a

nominal participatory fee for O&M of canals handed over to them. Initially, it was decided to give

Grant-in-aid @Rs.35/- per hectare and later it was enhanced to Rs.100/- per hectare for the first year

and it is proportional to the percentage to the membership for subsequent three years. From fifth year

onwards the Grant-in-aid shall be proportional to amount of water rate assessed and collected in the

preceding financial years.

Construction of Pani Panchayats Building

The Government has issued instructions to provide assistance for construction of office building for

Pani Panchayats out of M.P. &M.L.A. LAD fund with the following criteria.

i. The operation and maintenance of Minor & Sub-minors are taken over by Pani Panchayats.

ii. The membership should be at least 80% of the total number of beneficiaries.

iii. The collection of water rate for the previous 3 years should be at least 75% of the demand.

iv. The assistance for each building will be limited to Rs.50,000/- (Rupees fifty thousand) only, which

will be credited to the bank account of the pani Panchayat as a grant-in-aid.

v. The cost of construction of office building may be met out of M.L.A LAD fund or any other grant that

the Government may decide from time to time. The upper limit of Pani Panchayat Building,

constructed out of MLA LAD fund, should not exceed Rs.3.00 lakh.

vi. The Pani Panchayats concerned shall provide land for the building free of cost or bear the cost of

the land. They are also free to make such other contribution to the building in cash or in kind as

they may decide.

vii. In respect of the building to be constructed out of MLA LAD assistance, the work can be executed

by Pani Panchayat or as per the MLA LAD Scheme guidelines issued by Governemnt in P&C Department

from time to time and subject to such other conditions as would be prescribed by Water Resources

Department. In this regard, Planning & C-ordination Department has amended Rules and procedures

for sanction of MLA LAD funds 1997 to make construction of Pani Panchayat buildings as admissible

project.

Annual Report 2009-10

Procurement of Paddy & sale to FCI through Pani Panchayats

As per the decision of the Government, so far the Pani Panchayats of Salandi Irr. Projects, Salia,

Ghodahada, Dhanei, Pitamahal, Budhabudhiani, Aunli, Derjang, Bhaskel Uttei, Hirakud and Upper jonk

are involved for procuring paddy and selling it to FCI.

Capacity Building

a.T raining & Workshop

Training Programme for P.P office bearers’ and junior level officers were conducted by WALMI and 15

Krushak Vikash Kendras (KVKs) of the state. Altogether 425 programmes were conducted during 2009-

2010 covering 15596 pani panchayats office bearers.

Lady Farmers after concluding monthly meeting (Rushikulya Irrigation Project)

PP office bearers are undergoing pratical training in WALMI

Mass Awareness

a.Observation of Pani Panchayat Fortnight:

disseminate the concept of Pani Panchayat among the farmers for better involvement in this

programme, Pani Panchayat fortnight is being observed throughout the state every year during the

Annual Report 2009-10t h

period 26

December to 9

January. The fortnight was observed at 50 divisions and at project level of

all major and medium irrigation projects, at 18 divisions and 4 circle of the minor irrigation projects &

31 divisions of OLIC of the state. The closing ceremony of the fortnight was celebrated at Ravindra

Mandap, Bhubaneswar on 9

January 2010 where in best two Pani Panchayats of different circles

including minor irrigation project were awarded with cash prize, certificate and memento by Honbl’e

Chief Minister.

b.Publication of Pani Panchayat Samachar

The Pani Panchayat Samachar is being published quarterly basis and distributed to at all Pani

Panchayats for wide publicity of Programme and policies of Government related to Pani Panchayat.

t h

During 2007-08 the 13

, 14

and 15

issue of Pani Panchayat Samachar were published and

distributed among the farmers. The 25

issue of the same is under publication. In additions, posters

containing different themes of the concept and leaflets were published and distributed to all Pani

Panchayats for creating mass awareness.

Field channel constructed by members of MAA Pani Panchayat members of Salandi Irrigation

Harachandi Pani Panchayat Projects cleaning of the canal

c.Gramsat Programme

Interactive Training for Pani Panchayats is being imparted through Gramsat programme each month on

an interactive mode to have a wider coverage of the programme. This year 10 nos. of GRAMSAT

programmes have been conducted on different aspects of Pani Panchayat. Through this programme,

Annual Report 2009-10

farmers sitting at district and block level interacted with the central resource persons and clarified all

their doubts through direct conversations.

Monitoring

For effective implementation of PIM, the programme is monitored regularly at different levels.

i. The State Government has constituted a committee of High Level Working Group on PIM under the

Chairmanship of Chief Secretary, Orissa.

ii. The Agriculture Production Commissioner and Principal Secretary, Department of Water Resources

are monitoring the progress of Pani Panchayat at State Level.

iii. The Chief Engineer & Basin Managers are making necessary review of PIM activities at Project level.

iv. The district Collectors are monitoring the PIM of the district under their.

v. Jurisdiction in District Level Advisory Committee Meeting in every two months interval. In addition,

day to day activities of the programme are being monitored by Directorate of CAD-PIM

Performance Evaluation & Incentives.

As a factor of motivation best first and second Pani Panchayat on the basis of grading of major,

medium, minor & Lift Irrigation Project were awarded with best prize and certificate on the closing

ceremony of the Pani Panchayat fort night by Hon’ble Chief Minister, Orissa during2009-10.

Achievements.

1. Farmers are being involved in PWT in preparation of project report including plan, estimate and

implementation. This is compulsory in ADB assisted OIIAWMP and World Bank assisted OCTMP.

2. Gap ayacut between potential created & potential utilized is being reduced. According to the Impact

Evaluation Study for CAD programme in Mahanadi Delta Stage-I by WAPCOS, the gap ayacut

between potential created & potential utilized has been reduced from 24% to 21%.

3. Construction of field channel and field drain of 43224 hectare has been carried out by487 nos. of

Pani Panchayats in 2009-10.

4. Crop diversion & crop intensification is gradually increasing in the command area.

5. 17803 Pani Panchayat have already been formed by conducting election out of 19551targeted Pani

Panchayats.

6. 15596 nos. of farmers belonging to Pani Panchayats were trained during the year2009-10.

Conclusion.

Pani Panchayat can emerge as socio-economic institution to ameliorate the rural poverty by providing a

single window platform for all developmental activities of irrigated agriculture and can subsequently

permeate to other developmental areas as its multiplier effects. It will help to preserve the rural

harmony in a holistic manner by checking the migration of labour from rural to urban area thus will

help strengthening the rural economy of the State.

Annual Report 2009-10

Percolation ponds

2011-11-05T22:49:00.001-07:00

Percolation ponds

A percolation pond, like an irrigation tank, has a structure to impound rainwater flowing through a watershed, and a wasteweir to dispose of the surplus flow in excess of the storage capacity of the lake created. The section of the bund is similar to that of an irrigation tank, except that the cut-off trench is taken to a depth equal to half the height of the bund. The purpose of the cut-off in the case of the percolation tank is just to prevent erosion of the downstream slope of the bund due to piping. The cut-off should be shallow enough to permit the percolating water to pass downstream into the aquifer. The percolation tank bund has a hearting and a casing, and is provided with stone pitching on the upstream face and turfing on the downstream slope. A masonry waste weir is also necessary to pass surplus water. Drains are provided under the bund to lead water percolating into the bund safely downstream. The percolation tanks of Maharashtra have, on an average, a larger storage capacity than the rapats of Rajasthan. The storage capacity of percolation pond is around 30 to 60 million litres

Percolation Tank

The downward movement of the water through the soil due to force of gravity is termed as Percolation. The percolation water goes deep into the soil until it meets the free water table. On the one hand, due to rapid percolation, there is practically no danger of soil suffering from bed drainage, but on the other hand, there is a possibility of the dissolved plant nutrients like calcium and magnesium being carried deep into lower layers and depositing beyond the reach of the roots of common field crops. In sandy or open textured soils there is a rapid loss of water through percolation. The flow of water due to gravity is very marked when the soil is in a saturated condition, and generally the direction of such flow is downward, although a little lateral flow also takes place. The larger pores i.e., the macro-pores serve as the main channels for this gravitational flow.

Percolation losses: When rainfall is high and water holding capacity of soil is less, the losses due to percolation are very great. Such losses are very rapid particularly when the soils are sandy and porous e.g., in case of lateritic soil in Konkan region, the soil is quite workable within a few hours even after a heavy rainfall. Besides rapid percolation of water there is also a heavy loss of plant nutrients viz., Ca, Mg, S, K, etc., resulting in soil becoming acidic.

Percolation tanks are the structures for recharging ground water. These are generally constructed across streams and bigger gullies in order to impound a part of the run-off water. This water, in due course, finds its way into subsoil and recharges the found water. This leads to better recuperation of wells in the downstream areas. Such ponds have become popular in many a place. In Maharashtra there is legislation to cover percolation tanks. The water is not used for surface irrigation. In Tamil Nadu, where there is over-exploitation of ground water, farmers are now volunteering to spare land for percolation tanks. In the Saurashtra region of Gujarat these tanks are constructed for recharging wells that support peanut production.

CE 2301

2011-11-05T22:48:00.003-07:00

CE 2301 Irrigation Engineering Anna University Question bank Question Paper 2 marks and 16 Marks , important university questions

UNIT – 1

1) Define irrigation ?

Irrigation is defined as the science of artificial application of water to the land in accordance with the crop requirements.

2) What are the necessity of irrigation ?

1.inadequate rainfall

2.increasing yield of crops

3.growing perennial crops

4.uneven distribution of rainfall.

3) What are the advantages of irrigation?

1.increase in food production

2.optimum benefits

3.general prosperity

4.afforestation.

4) What are the disadvantages of irrigation?

1.over irrigation may lead to water logging

2.it may reduce cropyield

3.it is expensive and complex.

5) What are the types of irrigation?

1.surface irrigation

2.sub-surface irrigation.

6) what are the techniques of water distribution in the farms?

1.free flooding

2.border flooding

3.check flooding

4.basin flooding, furrow irrigation method, drip irrigation method.

7) What are the types of sprinkler system?

1.permanent system

2.semi-permanent system

3.portable system

8)What are the advantages of sprinkler irrigation?

1.land levelling is not required

2.fertilisers can be uniformly applied

3.it is less labour oriented

9) What are the limitations of sprinkler irrigation?

1.initial cost of the system is very high

2.it requires larger electrical power

3.high wind may distort sprinkler pattern

10) What is arid region?

The area where irrigation is must for agriculture is called arid region

11) What is semi-arid region?

The area in which inferior crops can be grown without irrigation

12) What is crop period?

The time period that elapses from the instant of its sowing to the instant of

its harvesting is called crop period.

13) What is base period?

The time between the first watering of a crop at the time of its sowing to its

last watering before harvesting is called the base period

14) What is rotation period?

The time interval between two such consecutive watering is called

frequency irrigation.

15) Define duty of water?

It is the relationship between the volume of water and the area of crops it

matures is called duty of water.

16) Define delta of a crop?

each crop requires a certain amount of water after a certain fixed interval of

time, through its period of growth is called delta of a crop

17) What are the factors on which duty depends?

1.type of crop

2.climate and seasons

3.useful rainfall

4.type of soil

5.efficiency of cultivation method

18) What are kharif crops?

The kharif crops are rice,bajra,jawar,maize,cotton,tobacco, groundnut,etc.

19) What are rabi crops?

Rabi crops are wheat,barley,gram,linseed,mustard,potatoes,etc

20) Define irrigation efficiency?

It is the efficiency of water output to the water input,and is

usually expressed as percentage.

21) What is called effective rainfall?

Precipitation falling during the growing period of a crop that is

available to meet the evapo-transpiration needs of the crop, is called effective rainfall.

IRRIGATION METHOD

1) List some types of irrigation ?

canal irrigation,lift irrigation,tank irrigation,etc

2) What are the necessity of irrigation ?

1.inadequate rainfall

2.increasing yield of crops

3.growing perennial crops

4.uneven distribution of rainfall.

3) What are the advantages of irrigation?

1.increase in food production

2.optimum benefits

3.general prosperity

4.afforestation.

4) What are the disadvantages of irrigation?

1.over irrigation may lead to water logging

2.it may reduce cropyield

3.it is expensive and complex.

5) What are the types of irrigation?

1.surface irrigation

2.sub-surface irrigation.

6) What are the techniques of water distribution in the farms?

1.free flooding

2.border flooding

3.check flooding

4.basin flooding,furrow irrigation method,drip irrigation method.

7)What are the types of sprinkler system?

1.permanent system

2.semi-permanent system

3.portable system

8)what are the advantages of sprinkler irrigation?

1.land levelling is not required

2.fertilisers can be uniformly applied

3.it is less labour oriented

9) what are the limitation of sprinkler irrigation?

1.initial cost of the system is very high

2.it requires larger electrical power

3.high wind may distort sprinkler pattern

10) What are the types of canals?

1.alluvial canal

2.non-alluvial canal

11)what are alignment of canals?

1.watershed canal or ridge canal

2.contour canal

3.side slope canal

12)what are distribution system of canal irrigation?

1.main canal

2.branch canal

3.major canal

4.watercourses

5.minor canal

13)define tank irrigation?]

it is defined as the storage irrigation scheme,which utilizes the water

stored on the upstream side of a smaller earth dam

14)define tank banks?

the earthen bunds,spanning across the steams are called tank bunds or

tank banks

15)what is called alluvial soil?

the process of silt deposition may continue over long periods of

time,resulting in the formation is called alluvial soil

16)what is called non-alluvial soil?

moutaineous regions may go on disintegrating over a period of

time,resulting in the formation of a rocky plain area called non-alluvial soil

17)what is called watershed canal?

the dividing ridge line between the catchment areas of two streams is

called watershed canal]

18.what is the other name for drip irrigation?

drip irrigation is also called as trickle irrigation.

19.what is called sprinkler irrigation system?

water is applied to the soil in the form of a spray through a network of

pipes and pumps is called sprinkler irrigation system

20.what is called called borders?

land is divided into a number of strips separated by low leeves called

borders.

UNIT-3

1) What is meant by canal escape?

Canal escapes are the safety valves of canals &must be provided at

regular intervals depending upon the importance of channel& availability of suitable

drainage for the disposal of the exposed water.

2) Define base period.

the time period that elapses from the instant of sowing to instant of

harvesting is called crop or base period.

3) State diff types of sprinkler system.

1.permanent system

2.semi-permanent system

3.portable system

4) State various kinds of dams.

1.earth dams

2.rock fill dams

3.solid masonry gravity dams

4.hollow " " " "

5.timber dams

6.steel dams

7.arch dams

5). State diff types of spillways.

1.straight drop spillway

2.ogee spillway

3.trough spillway

4.side channel spillway

5.shaft spillway

6.syphon spillway

6) Define gross commanded area.

it is the total area bounded with in the irrigation boundary of a project. it

includes the cultivable as well as uncultivable areas.

7). What are the various types of dams?

1.earth dams

2.rockfill dams

3.solid masonry gravity

4.hollow “ “

5.timber dams

6.steel dams

7.arch dams

8)What is weir?

The major part of the water is achieved by a raised crest or a small part is achieved

by raising shutters then this barrier is known as weir.

9) What is tank sluices?

it is an opening in the form of culvert under the tank bund and supplying water to

the distributory channel.

10) Forces acting on arch dams.

1.water pressure

2.uplift “ “

3.earthquake forces

4.silt pressure

5.wave pressure

6.ice “ “

11) Define sluiceway.

Pipe or tunnel provided for the withdrawl of water from the dams is known as

sluiceway.

12) What is spillway?

Spillway is a structure constructed at a dam site for disposing the surplus water

from upstream to downstream.

13) Types of earthen dams.

1.homogeneous embankment type

2. zoned “ “ “

3. diaphragm type.

14) Define barrage.

the most of the ponding is done by gates and a smaller of it is done by raised

crest then the barrier is known as barrage.

15). What are the modes of failure in gravity dams?

1. by over turning about the toe

2.by crushing

3.by development of tension

4.by sliding

16) Define diversion headwork.

Any hydraulic structure, which offers water to the offtaking canal, is called

diversion headwork.

17) What is gravity dam?

a structure which is designed in such a way that its own weight resist external

forces and it is more durable .

18)Define stream line.

it represent the path along which the water flows through the subsoil.at a given

point in upstream of hydraulic structure will travel its ownpath &will represented the

stream line.

19). Types of aeration tanks.

1.air diffusion

2.mechanical aeration

3.combined “ “

20) Limitations of blighs creep theory.

1. no difference b\w hzl & vtl creep

2.hzl distance b\w pipe line is greater than 2 times the depth

3.no idea about exit gradient

IRRIGATION WATER MANAGEMENT

1).what are the causes of water loss?

1. seepage from the canal

2. over irrigation of field

3. heavy surface runoff

2) what are ways of water loss in the canal?

1. seepage loss

2. evaporation loss

3) What are factors on which seepage loss depends?

position of water table

porosity of sub-soil

porosity of soil

extend of absorbing medium

4) What are two different condition of seppage?

1.perculation

2.absorption

5. What are the remedial measures for losses?

1.efficient surface drainage

2..restriction of irrigation

3. change in crop pattern

6) What are the advantages of irrigation water managements?

1 .achievement of optimum irrigation efficiency

2.economical and efficient operation and maintanence of irrigation system

3.equitable distribution of supplies to irrigators especially at the end

7) Discuss some components of water management?

1.water shed management

2.land management

3.rain water management

4.reservoir management

8.What are the impact of water user association?

1.conveyance efficiency

2.operation efficiency

3.equity

4.area water unit ratio

9.) What are the advantages of water user association?

1.better maintenance of the distributry

2.possibility of high value of crop programme

3.availability of water and irrigation process

10) What are optimization of water user association?

1.to reduce the seepage loss and conveyance

2.control over the usage of water

3.planning

4.to avoid excess supply of water

11).what are the factors which influence evaporation loss?

1.temperature

2.wind velocity

3.relative humidity

12. What is land management?

The intensity of raising productivity per unit area per unit time needs

to be increased which amounts to increasing croped area.

13. What are the irrigation methods for cultivation?

1.border strip-wheat

2.furrow method –cotton

3.basin method –orchard

14. What is meant by cad?

Command area developments.the concept of this developments is to

ensure efficient water utilization.

15. What are the uses of irrigation waters?

1.wastages due to over irrigation

2.wastages due to surface runoff

3.wastages due to escape of water

16. What are the work of on farm development?

1.irrigation practice

2.crop planning

3.irrigation method

4.right amount of irrigation

17. what are the components of on farm developments?

1.field drain

2.crossing in field channel

3.crossing of field channel

4.formation of field channel

18. What is called optimum water depth?

The quantity of water at which the yield is maximum, is called the

optimum water depth.

19. What is called optimum utilisation of irrigation?

It generally means, getting maximum yield with any amount of water.

20.what is the relation between efficieny and losses?

efficieny is inversely proportional to the losses.

SIXTEEN MARK QUESTIONS

1) What are the merits and demerits of irrigation?

2) What are the factors affecting duty?

3) Briefly explain about irrigation efficiencies?

4) What are the consumptive use of water?

5) Briefly explain about planning and development of irrigation project?

1.Briefly explain about c anal irrigation?

2.Briefly explain about lift irrigation?

3.Briefly explain about tank irrigation?

4.Briefly explain about flooding methods?

5.Briefly explain about sprinkler irrigation methods?

1.What are the factors affecting location and types of dams?

2.Briefly explain about tanks,sluices,and wiers?

3.What are types of dams and dam arches?

4.What are forces acting on a dam?

5.Explain the design features of cross drainage works?

1.What is the necessity of river training works?

2.Describe in brief different types of river training works?

3.What is mean by guide banks?what are their functions and effects?

4.State the necessity and location of canal falls?

5.Briefly explain about classification of canals?

1.Briefly explain about on-farm-development works?

2.What is the need for water user’s association?

3.What is the need for optimisation of water use?

4.Briefly explain about perculation pond?

V.Shijumon,Lecturer Civil Engg Dept ,NICE

5.Discuss the role of farmers in water management?

CE2305

2011-11-05T22:48:00.001-07:00

CE2305 FOUNDATION ENGINEERING

UNIT -1

1. What are components of total foundation settlement?

elastic settlement, consolidation settlement, secondary consolidation settlement

2. What are the types of shear failure?

general shear failure, local shear failure, punching shear failure

3. What are assumptions in Terzaghi’s bearing capacity theory?

- the base of the footing is rough

- the load on footing is vertical and uniformly distributed

- the footing is continuous

4. List out the methods of computing elastic settlements?

based on the theory of elasticity, Pressure meter method,

Janhu –Bjerram method, Schmentmann’s method

5. What are the limitation of Terzaghi’s analysis?

- As the soil compresses, pi changes slight down ward movement of footing may

not develop fully the plastic zones

- Error due to assumption that the resultant passive pressure consists of three

components is small

6. Define ultimate bearing capacity?

gross pressure at the base of the foundation at which the soil fails in shear is

called ultimate bearing capacity.

7. Define net ultimate bearing capacity ?

Net pressure increase in pressure at the base of the foundation that causes failure

in shear, is called as net ultimate bearing capacity

8. Define allowable bearing capacity?

It is the net loading intensity at which neither the soil fails in shear nor there is

excessive settlement detrimental to the structure

9. Write the expression for correction due to dilatancy submergence?

Ne = 15 + ( No-15 )

10.What are the requirements for a stable foundation?

-must be safe from failure

-must be properly located

-must not settle or deflect sufficiently to damage the structure or impair its

usefulness.

11. What are the factors which depends depth?

Type of soil, size of structure, magnitude of loads, environmental conditions, etc

12 .Define net pressure intensity ?

It is the excess pressure, of the gross pressure after the construction of the structure

and the original overburden pressure.

13. What are the zones used in the Terzaghi’s bearing capacity analysis for dividing the

failure envelope of the soil.?

Elastic equilibrium zone, Radial Stress zone, plastic zone

14. Write the ultimate bearing capacity equation for the general shear failure of soil in

Terzaghi’s analysis for a strip footing.

qu = c Nc + _DNq + 0.5 _B N_

15. Define Shallow foundation.

If the depth of the foundation is less than its breadth, such foundation is known as

shallow foundation.

17. Write down the equation for estimating the elastic settlement based on the theory of

elasticity.?

18. When will the total settlement be completed in the case of cohesion-less soil?

Once the construction is over, the total settlement is assumed to be completed.

19. Define differential settlement

If any two points of the foundation base experiences different settlements then

such settlement is known as differential settlement.

20. What type of shear failure of soil is more likely to happen in the case of very dense

soil?

usually punching shear failure and local shear failure may also be possible.

21. Write the ultimate bearing capacity equation for the general shear failure of soil in

Terzaghi’s analysis for a square footing.

qu = 1.3 cNc + _D Nq + 0.4 _B N_

22. Write down the reduction factors for water table level to be applied in the ultimate

bearing capacity equation.

23. Draw the pressure distribution diagrams under a footing on cohesion less and

cohesive soils.

24. When will the Consolidation settlement get completed?

In the case of cohesion-less soil, the consolidation settlement gets completed once

the construction is over. But In the case of cohesive soil, the consolidation

settlement takes place for several years.

25. Define Deep foundation

If the depth of the foundation is equal to or greater than the breadth of the

foundation such foundation is called as deep foundation.

26. For which type of foundation, Terzaghi’s bearing capacity equation is applicable.

Why?

Shallow foundation only. Because the effect of the depth is not considered.

UNIT -2

1.What are the information obtained in general exploration?

preliminary selection of foundation type

depth of water,

depth, extent and composition of soil strata

engineering properties required disturbed or partly disturbed samples

approximate values of strength and compressibility

2. Define significant depth?

Exploration depth, in general it should be carried out to a depth upto which increase

in the pressure due to structural loading is likely to cause shear failure, such depth is

known as significant depth.

3. What are the types of soil samples?

disturbed soil sample

undisturbed soil sample

4. What is the difference between disturbed and undisturbed soil sample?

Disturbed soil sample

Natural structure of soils get partly or fully modified and destroyed

Undisturbed soil sample

Natural structure and properties remain preserved

5. What are the disadvantages of wash boring?

It is a slow process in stiff soil

It cannot be used effectively in hard soil, rocks ,etc.

6. What are design features that affect the sample disturbance?

area ratio, inside clearance, outside clearance, inside wall friction,

method of applying force

7. What are the corrections to be applied to the standard penetration number?

overburden pressure correction

dilatancy correction

8. What are various methods of site exploration?

open exacavation, borings, geophysical methods, sub-surface soundings

9. What are the methods of boring?

auger borings, shell boring, wash boring, rotary boring, percussion boring

10. Define area ratio?

Area ratio is defined as the ratio of maximum cross sectional area of the cutting

edge to the area of the soil sample

11. Define liquefaction of sand?

The mass failure occurs suddenly, and the whole mass appears flow laterally as if

it were a liquid such failure is referred to as liquefaction.

12. How will you reduce the area ratio of a sampler?

by increasing the size of the soil sample.

UNIT –III

1. Under what circumstances, a strap footing is adopted?

When the distance between the two columns is so great, so that trapezoidal

footing is very narrow and so it is uneconomical. It transfers the heavy load of one

column to other column.

2. What is a mat foundation?

It is a combined footing that covers the entire area beneath a structure and

supports all the walls and columns.

3. Where mat foundation is used?

It is used when the area of isolated footing is more than fifty percentage of whole

area or the soil bearing capacity is very poor.

4. Define spread footing?

It is a type of shallow foundation used to transmit the load of isolated column, or

that of wall to sub soil. The base of footing is enlarged and spread to provide

individual support for load.

5. What are types of foundation?

shallow foundation , deep foundation

6. What are the footings comes under shallow foundation?

spread footing or pad footings , strap footings, combined footings,

raft or mat foundation

7. What are the footings comes under deep foundation?

pile, caisons(well foundation)

8. Define floating foundation?

It is defined as a foundation in which the weight of the building is approximately

equal to the full weight of the soil including water excavated from the site of the

building.

9. What is mean by proportioning of footing?

Footings are proportional such that the applied load including the self weight of

the footing including soil .the action are not exceeding the safe bearing capacity

of the soil.

10. What are the assumptions made in combined footing?

- the footing is rigid and rests on a homogenous soil to give rise to linear stress

distribution on the bottom of the footing.

- the resultant of the soil pressure coincides with the resultant of the loads,

then it is assumed to be uniformly distributed.

UNIT -IV

1. List out the type of pile based on material used?

timber pile, concrete pile, steel pile, composite pile

2. How is the selection of pile carried out?

The selection of the type, length and capacity is usually made from estimation

based on the soil condition and magnitude of the load.

3. What is mean by group settlement ratio?

The settlement of pile group is found to be many times that of a single pile. The

ratio of the settlement of the pile group to that of a single pile is known as the

group settlement ratio.

4. What are the factors consider while selecting the type of pile?

-the loads

-time available for completion of the job

-availability of equipment

-the ground water conditions

-the characteristics of the soil strata involved

5. What are the type of hammer?

drop hammer, diesel hammer, double acting hammer,

single acting hammer, vibratory hammer

6. What is pile driver?

Piles are commonly driven by means of a hammer supported by a crane or by a

special device known as a pile driver.

7. What are methods to determine the load carrying capacity of a pile?

- dynamic formulae

- static formula

- pile load test

- penetration tests

8. What are the two types of dynamic formulae?

- Engg. news formula

- Hiley’s formula

9. What is meant by single-under reamed pile?

The pile has only one bulb is known as single under reamed pile

10. Write down the static formulae?

The static formulae are based on assumption that the ultimate bearing capacity

Qup of a pile is the sum of the ultimate skin friction Rf and total ultimate point or

and bearing resistance Rp.

Qup=Rf+Rp

Qup=Asrf+Ap.rp

11. Define modulus of subgrade reaction?

The ratio of soil reaction (p) to the deflection (y) at any point is defined as the

modulus of subgrade reaction Es or soil modulus.

12. Find the group efficiency using Feld’s rule for 9 piles in a group.

13. A pile group consisting of four piles is in a square pattern with equal spacing in both

the directions. Find the c/c spacing in terms of the diameter of the piles, if efficiency

of the group is 75% as per Converse-Labarre formula.

UNIT -V

1.Define conjugate stresses?

The stress acting on the conjugate planes is called conjugate stresses

2. How do you check the stability of retaining walls?

- the wall should be stable against sliding

- the wall should be stable against overturning

- the base of the wall should be stable against bearing capacity failure

3. Define angle of repose ?

Maximum natural slope at which the soil particles may rest due to their internal

friction, if left unsupported for sufficient length of time

4. Define theory of plasticity?

The theory on which the condition of the stress in a state of a plastic equilibrium is

called as theory of plasticity.

5. What are assumption in coulomb wedge theory?

- the backfill is dry, cohesionless, isotropic, homogenous,

- the slip surface is plane which passes through the head of the wall

6. How to prevent land sliding?

Sheet piles, retaining wall may be used to prevent the land sliding

7. Write down any two assumptions of Rankine’s theory?

- semi infinite soil

- cohesion-less backfill

- homogenous soil

- the top surface is a plane which may be inclined or horizontal.

8. Distinguish Coloumb’s wedge theory from Rankine’s theory?

Rankine considered a soil particle at plastic equilibrium but Coulomb considered

the whole soil mass.

9. Make an estimate of lateral earth pressure coefficient on a basement wall supports

soil to a depth of 2 m. Unit weight and angle of shearing resistance of retained soil are

16 kN/m3 and 32° respectively.

10. Draw the lateral earth pressure diagram of clay depend for active condition.

SIXTEEN MARK QUESTIONS

UNIT -I

1. Explain any two methods of site exploration in detail?

2. Explain wash boring method of soil exploration?

3. Explain the arrangements and operations of stationary piston sampler?

4. Explain about standard penetration test?

5. Explain any two important types of samplers

6. Explain with neat sketch auger boring method of soil exploration.

7. Explain dynamic cone penetration test.

8. Describe the salient features of a good sub-soil investigation report?

UNIT -II

1. What is shallow foundation? Explain its types?

2. What is settlement? What are the components of settlement? Distinguish between

them?

3. Explain the test to be conducted for find out the bearing capacity?

4. What is bearing capacity? What are the factors affecting bearing capacity? what are

improving factors of bearing capacity?

5. A Strip footing of width 3m is founded at a depth of 2m below the ground surface in a

(c-_) soil having a cohesion c = 30 kN/m2 and angle of shearing resistance _ = 35o.

The water table is at a depth of 5m below ground level. The moist weight of soil above

the water table is 17.25 kN/m2.

For _ = 35o, Nc = 57.8, Nq = 41.4 and N_ = 42.4

Determine (i) the ultimate bearing capacity of the soil

(ii) the net bearing capacity of soil

(iii) the net allowable bearing pressure and the load/m length

for a FS = 3.

Use the general shear failure theory of Terzaghi.

6. Size of an isolated footing is to be limited to 1.5 metres square. Calculate the depth at

which the footing should be placed to take a load of 200 kN, with a factor of safety 3.

The soil is having angle of internal friction _ = 30o. The weight of the soil is

21 kN/m3. Bearing capacity factor for _ = 30o, Nq=22 and N_ = 20.

7. Calculate the settlement of a structure founded on a clay. Thickness of clay stratum is

6m at 10m below from the ground level. The overlaying layer is sand upto ground

level. Water table is at 6m from the ground level. Unit weight of sand above the water

table is 18 kN/m3 and below water table it is 21 kN/m3. Specific gravity of the clay is

2.75, natural moisture content of the clay is 40% and its liquid limit is 45%. Increase in

overburden pressure at the centre of the clay structure, due to proposed construction of

the building is 100 kN/m2.

8. Explain Terzaghi’s analysis of bearing capacity of soil in general shear failure.

9. A Strip footing of width 3m is founded at a depth of 2m below the ground surface in a

(c-_) soil having a cohesion c = 30 kN/m2 and angle of shearing resistance _ = 35o.

The moist weight of soil above the water table is 17.25 kN/m2.

For _ = 35o, Nc = 57.8, Nq = 41.4 and N_ = 42.4

For _ = 25o, Nc = 25.1, Nq = 12.7 and N_ = 9.7

The water table is at a depth of 5m below ground level. Determine

(i) the ultimate bearing capacity of the soil

(ii) the net bearing capacity of soil

(iii) the net allowable bearing pressure and the load/m length for a FS = 3.

Assume the soil fails in local shear .

10. A Strip footing of width 3m is founded at a depth of 2m below the ground surface in a

(c-_) soil having a cohesion c = 30 kN/m2 and angle of shearing resistance _ = 35o.

The moist weight of soil above the water table is 17.25 kN/m2.

For _ = 35o, Nc = 57.8, Nq = 41.4 and N_ = 42.4

For _ = 25o, Nc = 25.1, Nq = 12.7 and N_ = 9.7

If the water table occupies any of the positions

(i) 1.25 m below Ground Level or

(ii) 1.25 m below the base level of the foundation,

What will be the net safe bearing pressure?

Assume _sat = 18.5 kN/m3, _ (above WT) = 17.5 kN/m3, Factor of Safety = 3

11. Explain different types of shear failures of soil with neat sketch

12. Compute the consolidation settlement by oedometer test data method

13. A footing rests at a depth of 1m has a size of 3m x 1.5m and it causes a pressure

increment of 200 kN/m2 at its base. The soil profile at the site consists of sand for the

top 3 m, which is underlined by a clay layer of 3m. Water table is at a depth of 2.5m

from the ground surface. The unit weight of sand layer above and below water table

are 16kN/m3 and 18 kN/m3 respectively. The unit weight of clay is 15 kN/m3. The

initial void ratio is 0.8 and compression index is 0.3. Determine the consolidation

settlement at the middle of the clay layer. Assume 2:1 pressure distribution and

consider the variation of pressure across the depth of the clay layer.

14. Compute the safe bearing capacity of a square footing 1.5 m x 1.5 m located at a

depth of 1 m below the ground level in a soil of average density 20 kN/m3. _ = 20°,

Nc = 17.7, Nq = 7.4 and N_ = 5. Assume a suitable factor of safety and that the water

table is very deep. Also compute the reduction in safe bearing capacity of the footing

if the water table rises to the ground level.

UNIT -III

1. What are the different types of raft foundations?

2. State the design requirement of a foundation?

3. Briefly explain about the structural design of spread footing

4. Briefly explain how proportioning and structural design of trapezoidal combined

footing is done with diagram

5. Derive the relation between the dimensions of trapezoidal combined footing and

unequal column loads Q1 and Q2?

6. A trapezoidal footing is to be produced to support two square columns of 30 cm

and 50 cm sides respectively. Columns are 6 meters apart and the safe bearing

capacity of the soil is 400 kN/m2. The bigger column carries a load of 500 kN and the

smaller carries a load of 3000kN. Design a suitable size of the footing so that if does

not extend beyond the face of the columns.

UNIT -IV

1. Explain the method of determining the load carrying capacity of a pile?

2. What are the cased cast in-situ concrete piles?

3. What are the uncased cast in-situ concrete piles?

4. What are different types of piles and their functions?

5. What are group capacity by different method

6. What are the various factors influencing the selection of pile?

7. Explain briefly cyclic load test on pile.

8. A pile is driven with a single acting steam hammer of weight 15kN with a free

fall of 900mm. The final set, the average of the last three blows, is 27.5mm. Find the

safe load using the Engineering News formula.

9. A group of 16 piles of 50 cm diameter is arranged with a center to center spacing

of 1.0 m. The piles are 9m long and are embedded in soft clay with cohesion

30kN/m. Bearing resistance may be neglected for the piles. Adhesion factor is 0.6.

Determine the ultimate load capacity of the pile group.

UNIT -V

1. Explain the active and passive states of earth pressure acting on a retaining wall.

2. Explain the Coulomb wedge theory with neat sketches

3. Explain the Rebhann’s graphical method for active earth pressure calculation

4. Explain the Culmann’s graphical method and the effect of line load

5. Explain the Rankine’s theory for various backfill condition to calculate active state

earth pressure.

6. A retaining wall is 4 metres high. Its back is vertical and it has got sandy backfill

upto its top. The top of the fill is horizontal and carries a uniform surcharge of

85 kN/m2. Determine the active earth pressure on the wall per metre length of wall.

Water table is 1m below the top of the fill. Dry density of soil = 18.5 kN/m3.

Moisture content of soil above water table = 12%. Angle of internal friction of soil =

30°, specific gravity of soil particles = 2.65. Porosity of backfill = 30%. The wall

friction may be neglected.

CE2304

2011-11-05T22:47:00.002-07:00

CE2304 Environmental Engineering – I

PART – A

1. Define the term potable water.

2. State the causes for water pollution.

3. Write the advantage of sub-surface sources

4. What are the uses of nomograms?

5. Define the terms ‘Sedimentation’

6. Differentiate between Temporary and Permanent hardness.

7. Draw the typical line sketch of ‘Dead end system’.

8. What is meant by equalizing reservoirs?

9. Rainwater harvesting is the need of the hour – justify.

10. List the commonly using disinfectant.

11. What are the different tests done during water analysis?

12. What do you understand by the term per capita demand? In a town or city for what purpose generally water required.

13. What major precautions are taken in handling and laying water pipe lines?

14. What are the factors be considered for locating a pumping station?

15. Sketch the layout plan of water treatment plan.

16. What are various processes required to remove the various types of impurities?

17. What are the requirements of a good distribution system?

18. Compare the merit and demerits of continuous and intermittent supply system water

19. What are the factors to be considered for rain water harvesting?

20. What are the various methods by which ground water recharge is accomplished?

21. List out any four factors affecting rate of demand

22. What are the objectives of public water supply scheme?

23. What are the intakes?

24. What are the advantages of steel pipes in water supply project?

25. What is the purpose of coagulation?

26. How can you classify filters into different categories?

27. What are the general considerations of the water distribution system design?

28. Distinguish between Gravity system of distribution and pumping system of distribution?

29. What is meant by “Ground Water Re-charge”?

30. List out the various methods of “Water Conservation” presently followed in India?

31. State the effects when each of the following substances exceeds the prescribed limits in a water sample.

(a) Nitrates (b) fluorides

32. Define ‘percapita demand’.

33. What are intakes?

34. What do you mean by ‘tuberculation’ in pipelines?

35. Draw the sequence of treatment you would recommend for ground water free from pollution but containing dissolved salts in large concentrations.

36. What do you mean by disinfection?

37. What are the various methods of distributing water?

38. What do you mean by ‘hydraulically balanced network?

39. What do you mean by ‘appurtenances?

40. Write a note on reuse of waster water.

41. Define the term “Per capita demand”.

42. Give a list of different sources of water.

43. Differentiate between ‘dry’ and ‘wet’ intake.

44. What are the different materials used for water supply pipes?

45. What is meant by super chlorination?

46. List out four coagulants used in treatment of water.

47. Mention any two differences between intermittent and continuous water supply.

48. Give any two methods of leak detection in pipes.

49. Define specific yield of ground water.

50. What is reuse of waste water? Give an example.

PART – B

11. Define the term ‘per capita demand’. Write the factors affecting ‘per capita demand’ and state the reasons for variations in demand.

(or)

12. What are the causes for pollution of surface and subsurface sources of water? State the measures to be adopted to prevent pollution of water.

13. Draw a neat sketch of canal intake and explain the working principle. State its merit and demerits.

(or)

14. Describe the procedure adopted for laying and testing of water mains.

15. Draw a typical line sketch of water treatment plant and explain the various components in it.

(or)

16. What do you understand by the term water softening? Explain with neat sketch the zeolite process for softening of water.

17. Describe the various methods for laying the distribution lines.

(or)

18. Write a brief note leak detection and state the various tests used to detect the leakage of water.

19. Draw a neat sketch of a rain water harvesting structure and write the problems associated with operation and maintenance of rain water harvesting structures.

(or)

20. Discuss in detail the concept of linking of Indian rivers. Write the various constraints in executing this project.

21. Write in detail about “Water Pollution” in India. (4)

(b) Explain in detail about the “Reasons for the analysis of water”. (4)

(4)

(or)

22. (a) What are the various methods of population forecasts? (4)

(b) The census records of a city show population as follows:

Present 50,000

Before one decade 47,100

Before two decades 43,500

Before three decades 41,000

Workout the probable population after one, two and three decades by using Incremental increase method (8)

23. (a) What considerations govern the choice of a particular type of pump in water supply project? (6)

(b) List out the advantages of cement concrete pipes in water supply project. (6)

(or)

24. (a) What are ‘Air Valves’? Explain their working in detail. (4)

(b) Explain in detail about ‘Canal intakes’ with a neat diagram.

(8)

25. (a) Explain with a neat sketch, the working of a continuous flow type sedimentation tank. (8)

(b) Explain the principle of coagulation (4)

(or)

26. (a) List out the differences between slow sand and Rapid sand filters. (8)

(b) What is the necessity for disinfection of water? (4)

27. (a) Compare the merits and demerits of the ‘Continuous’ and ‘intermittent’ systems of water supply.

(b) Give sketches of the following:

(i) Elevated Reservoir

(ii) Surface Reservoir

(or)

28. (a) Discuss in detail about ‘Radial method’ of layout of distribution pipes (6)

(b) What are the points to be considered in the maintenance of distribution system of water supply?

29. (a) Explain in detail about how the ‘Rain water harvesting’ is useful in the conservation of water. (8)

(b) ‘Waste Water is also an unused, misplaced resource’ Explain. (4)

(or)

30. (a) Explain the advantages and disadvantages of ‘Linking of Indian Rivers’ from Economical, Environmental and Social point of views.

31. Mention the common impurities in water which should be taken into account in deciding the potability of water. sample. Describe the essential tests to be performed on such a sample.

(or)

32. The population figures of a town during the four decades ie 1960, 1970, 1980 and 1990 are 25,000, 30,500, 35,500 and 42,000 respectively. Predict its population in the year 2000 and compare the results through Arithmetical progression. Geometrical progression, Incremental increase method and changing Increase Rate method.

33. Explain the procedure for the complete testing of a newly laid C.I. pipe for carrying water supply.

(or)

34. What factors are required to be considered in the selection of the type of pump? Discuss the situations under which the following types of may be used.

(a) Reciprocating pumps

(b) centrifugal pumps

35. (a) State the principles of working of a horizontal flow sedimentation tanks.

(b) What should be the size of a rectangular sedimentation tank to treat 1.0 MLD with 2 hours detention and overflow rate less than 40,000 litres per day per sq.m. of the surface areas?

(or)

36. (a) What are the merits and demerits of the rapid sand filters as compared with slow sand filters?

(b) What is air binding? What are its effects?

37. What are the methods available for supplying water to the consumers? Which one do you think to be preferable and why?

(or)

38. What are the different methods of analyzing a given distribution system? Explain Hardz-Cross method of pipe network analysis.

39. Explain various methods of ground water recharging and state the factors to be considered.

(or)

40. What are the advantages of Rain water harvesting and discuss the various methods of rain water harvesting.

41. Discuss the various Physical, Chemical and Biological characteristics of water.

(or)

42. Name the various methods of population forecast and explain the circumstances under which it is applicable.

43. Mention any three pipe appurtenances with neat sketches.

(or)

44. What are intakes? Explain any two intake structure with neat sketches.

45. Distinguish between the slow sand filter and rapid sand gravity sand filters in a tabular form.

(or)

46. Water has to be purified for a town whose daily demand is 9 x 10⁶ litres/day. Design a suitable sedimentation tank of the water works fitted with sludge remover. Assume the velocity of flow, in the sedimentation tank as 22cm/min and the detention period as 8 hrs.

47. What are the different method of analyzing a given distribution system? Explain Hardy Cross method of pipe network analysis.

(or)

48. Write short notes on:

(a) Service storage

(b) Fire hydrant

49. Explain briefly about “Rain Water Harvesting”.

(or)

51. Linking of Indian rivers – Discuss.

(a) Give the permissible limits for the following in drinking water

(i) Turbidity (ii) Chlorides

(iii) Nitrates (iv) Hardness (v) Total Solids

(b) Enumerate the method which you can adopt for determining

the total water requirement of community.

(or)

52. (a) Name five important communicable – water borne diseases what are the fundamental requirement of portable water.

(b) Describe the bacteriological rests to be performed for portable water.

53. Determine the capacity of a pump to meet the water requirement of town with the following data

(a) population of the town

(b) Difference of water level between the source and treatment plant

(or)

54. (a) What are the different type of pipes in use for carrying water Indicate approximately diameters and pressure ranges in which they are used.

(b) Explain and Sketch any two types of joints used for water mains.

55. (a) What are the points to be considered for public water supply?

(b) Explain the treatment processes carried out for the removal

of impurities in water?

(or)

56. (a) Discuss the relative merits of rapid sand filters and slow

sand filters indicating the condition favorable for the choice

each

(b) Discuss the use of chlorine as disinfecting agent with reference to a.

a) Its disinfecting action.

b) Dosage

c) Its form

d) Testing its residuals

57. (a) What are the four different systems of distribution? Explain any one system in a neat sketch.

(b) What are the different types of reservoirs used for storage purposes? Explain any one system in a neat sketch.

(or)

58. (a) Explain the hardy cross method used for pipe network analysis in water distribution system.

(b) What are the main function of the storage and distribution reservoirs?

59. (a) Explain the Nalgonda technique of deflouridation by exhibiting its use for an individual rural household.

(b) Describe the methods of effective usage of waste water.

(or)

60. (a) Discuss in detail the environmental aspects of linking of Indian rivers.

(b) Describe the procedure for removal of iron from raw supplies in rural areas.

CE2306

2011-11-05T22:47:00.000-07:00

CE2306 Design of RC Elements Anna University Question bank Question Paper 2 marks and 16 Marks , important university questions

PART-A

UNIT – I

1. What are the advantages of limit state method over working stress and ultimate load methods?

2. How do you find the moment of resistance of a beam section?

3. Discuss the merits of working stress method?

4. What is modular ratio? Determine the modular ratio at M20 grade concrete.

5. What do you understand by limit state of collapse?

6. Draw stress-strain curve for various grades of steel.

7. State the assumptions made in working stress method.

8. What is modular ratio? Determine the modular ratio at M25 grade concrete.

UNIT – II

1. Distinguish between one –way and two way slabs.

2. Explain the terms ‘balanced’, ‘over reinforced’ and ‘under reinforced’ sections in bending

3. Discuss the different limit state to be considered in reinforced concrete design?

4. Why is it necessary to provide transverse reinforcement in a one way slab?

5. What are the three basic methods using factor of safety to achieve safe workable structures?

6. Explain maximum depth of neutral axis.

7. Find the depth of neutral axis in terms of ‘d’ for a balanced section using Fe 415 steel, in limit state method.

8. What is the difference in the design of one way slab and two way slabs?

UNIT – III

1. What are the types of reinforcements used to resist shear?

2. Explain the difference between primary and secondary torsion. Give two examples each.

3. Under what circumstances are doubly reinforced beams used?

4. Reinforced concrete slab are generally safe in shear and do not require shear reinforcement? Why?

5. What is modular ratio?

6. Mention the difference in design principles for L Beam and T Beam.

7. When shear reinforcement is necessary in a beam

8. What is bond stress? Write an expression for it.

UNIT IV

1 What is the minimum and maximum percentage of steel allowed in R.C.Column? Explain why it is necessary to specify the minimum and maximum percentage.

2 Give example of columns that are in practice subjected to unaxial and biaxial bending.

3 Explain (a) Equilibrium torsion (b) Compatibility torsion

4 How do you classify a column as long?

5 What will be minimum and maximum area of tension reinforcement in a beam?

6 How shear reinforcement improves the strength of beam?

7 How do you classify a column as short or long?

8 Write the procedure for the design of an axially loaded short column.

Unit – V

1. Sketch the placement of steel in rectangular footing with a non-central load.

2. What are the situations in which combined footings are preferred over isolated footings?

3. Draw a neat sketch of a masonry footing.

4. What is slenderness ratio for a masonry wall? State the maximum values?

5. Compare the behavior of tied and spirally reinforced column.

6. How do you classify one-way footing and two-way footing in foundation?

7. Under what circumstances a trapezoidal footing become necessary?

PART-B

UNIT - I

1. A singly reinforced concrete beam is of width 450mm and effective depth 715mm. It is reinforced with 8Nos.20mm mild steel bars. Assuming M20 concrete, determine its moment of resistance according to the working stress method. Determine also the stress in steel when the beam is subjected to the above moment.

2. Determine the reinforcement for a T beam with flange width = 1500mm, web width = 300mm, thickness of slab = 100mm, effective depth 735mm, to carry a moment of 380kNm due to characteristic loads. Use M25 concrete and Fe 415 steel. Using Working Stress Design.

3. A singly reinforced concrete beam is of width 400mm and effective depth 615mm. It is reinforced with 8Nos.20mm mild steel bars. Assuming M25 concrete, determine its moment of resistance according to the working stress method. Determine also the stress in steel when the beam is subjected to the above moment.

4. Design a rectangular slab supported on its all four edges (600mm thick) over a classroom of size 4.8m x6.2m. Two adjacent edges of the slab are discontinuous and the remaining two edges are continuous. A finishing surface of cement concrete of 20mm shall be provided over the slab. The slab shall be used as classroom. M20 grade of concrete and HYSD bars shall be used. The unit weight of finishing surface concrete is 24KN/m3.

5. Design a rectangular beam section subjected to an ultimate moment of 120kNm. Use concrete M20 and steel Fe415. Adopt limit state method.

UNIT II

1. A rectangular beam has b=200mm, d=400mm if steel used is Fe 415 and grade of concrete is M25. Find the steel required to carry a factored moment of 12kNm.

2. Design of roof slab for an interior panel of size 5mx6m. Live load is 5.0KN/m². Use M30 Concrete and Fe 415 Steel.

3. Design a simply supported R.C.C.SLAB for a roof of a hall 4mx10m (inside dimensions) with 230mm walls all around. Assume a live load of 4kN/m² and finish 1KN/m².Use grade 25 concrete and Fe 415 steel.

4. A T beam continuous over several supports has to carry a factored negative support moment of 1000kNm. Determine the area of steel at supports if b_W = 400MM, b_fy =1600mm, D_f = 100mm, D=610mm, d^’ = 60mm, f_ck = 30N/mm², f = 415 N/mm².

5. A doubly reinforced concrete beam is 250mm wide and 510mm depth the center of tensile steel reinforcement. The compression reinforcement consists of 4 Nos. of 18mm dia bars placed at an effective cover of 40mm from the compression edge of the beam. The tensile reinforcement consists of 4Nos. of 20mm diameter bar. If the beam section is subjected to a BM of 85kNm, calculate the stresses in concrete and tension steel.

6. Design a smallest concrete section of a RC beam to resist an ultimate moment of 62kNm, assuming width 230mm, concrete grade M20 and HYSD bars of grade Fe415.

7. A rectangular beam of width 300mm and effective depth 500mm reinforced with 4 bars of 12mm diameter. Find the moment of resistance and stresses in the top compression fiber of concrete and tension steel. Use concrete M20 and steel Fe415. A dopt working stress method.

8. Design the interior span of a continuous one way slab for an office floor continuous over tee beams spaced at 3 meters. Live load = 4kN/m, Floor finish = 1kN/m².Use concrete M20 and steel Fe415. Adopt limit state method. Sketch the steel reinforcement.

UNIT – III

1. A rectangular beam width b=350mm and d=550mm has a factored shear of 400kN at the critical section near the support. The steel at the tension side of the section consists of four 32mm bars which are continued to support. Assuming f_ck=25 and f_y=415(N/mm²) design vertical stirrups for the section.

2. A reinforced concrete rectangular beam has a breadth of 350mm and effective depth of 800mm. It has a factored shear of 105kN at section XX. Assuming that f_ck=25, f_y=415(N/mm²) and percentage of tensile steel at that section is 0.5percent, determine the torsional moment the section can resist if no additional reinforcement for torsion is provided. Workout the problem according to IS456 principles of design for torsion.

3. A simply supported beam is 5m in span and carries a characteristic load at 75kN/m. If 6Nos. of 20mm bras are continued into the supports. Check the development length at the supports assuming grade M20 concrete and Fe415steel.

4. A rectangular RCC beam is 400x900mm in size. Assuming the use of grade M25 concrete and Fe415 steel, determine the maximum ultimate torsional moment at the section can take it.

(i) No torsion reinforcement is provided and

(ii) Maximum torsion reinforcement is provided.

5. A rectangular beam width b = 250mm and effective depth 500mm reinforced with 4 bars of 20mm diameter. Determine the shear reinforcement required to resist a shear force of 150kN. Use concrete M20 and steel Fe415.

6. Design a rectangular beam section of width 250mm and effective depth 500mm, subjected to an ultimate moment of 160kNm, ultimate shear force of 30kN and ultimate torsional moment of 10kNm. Use concrete M20 and steel 415.

7. A RC beam 300x450mm in cross section in reinforced with 3 Nos. 20mm diameter of grade Fe250, with an effective cover of 50mm. The ultimate shear at the section of 138kn.Design the shear reinforcement (i)Using only vertical strips without bending any bar for resisting. (ii) Bending 1 bar dia 20mm at 45 degree to resist shear at the section. Assume concrete of grade M20.

8. A reinforced concrete beam 500mm deep and 230mm wide is reinforced with 8Nos.20mm diameter bars at mid span to carry a UDL of 22.5kn/m (inclusive of its own weight) over simple span of 8m. Assuming concrete grade M20, steel grade Fe415, load factor 1.5 and width of support 230mm (i) determine the minimum development length required for 20mm diameter bar to develop full strength (ii) apply check for flexural development length at support assuming all bar to continue at support (iii) determine the minimum number of bars required at support for development length of flexure.

UNIT – IV

1. A rectangular column of effective height of 4m is subjected to a characteristics axial load of 800kN and bending moment of 100kNm about the major axis of the n. Design a suitable section for the column so that the width should not exceed 400mm. Use the minimum percentage of longitudinal steel. Assume f_y=415N/mm² and f_ck=20N/mm².

2. An R.C.Column 500x400mm is subjected to an axial ultimate load of 2500kN and bent in single curvature about the minor axis with M_y(top)=90knm and M_y(bottom)=120knm as ultimate moments. If L₀=7.2m and L_e=5.75m on both axes, calculate the design moments for the column.

3. Design the reinforcement in a spiral column of 400mm diameter subjected to a factored load of 1500kN.The column has an supported length of 3.4m and is braced against side way. Use M20 concrete and Fe415 steel.

4. A column 300x400mm has an unsupported length of 3m and effective length of 3.6m.If it is subjected to pu=1100kNm and Mu=230kNm about the major axis, determine the longitudinal steel using fck=25N/mm².

5. Calculate the ultimate strength in axial compression of column 400mm in diameter and reinforced with 8Nos. of 20mm dia. of grade Fe250 when the column in helically reinforced by 8mm dia at (i) 60mm pitch, (ii) 30mm pitch. Assume concrete of grade M20. Assume clear cover equal to 40mm.

6. Design an axially loaded tied column 400mmx400mm pinned at both ends with an unsupported length of 3m for carrying a factored load of 2300kN.Use M20 concrete and Fe415 steel.

7. Design a circular column with helical reinforcement of 400mm diameter and 4m in length to carry factored load of 1000kN.The column is hinged at both ends. Use concrete M25 and steel Fe415.

8. A column 300mmx400mm has an unsupported length of 4m and fixed at both ends. It is subjected to a factored load of 1000KN and an ultimate moment of 200kNm about the major axis. Determine the longitudinal reinforcement and lateral ties. Use concrete M25 and steel Fe415 d’=60mm.

UNIT – V

1. A rectangular column 300mmx400mm reinforced with 20mm diameter bars carries a load of 1400kN. Design a suitable footing for the column. The safe bearing capacity of the soil is 200kN/m².Use concrete M20 and steel Fe415.

2. Design a combined rectangular footing for two columns spaced at 5 centers. The first column 400mmx400mm carries a load of 1200kN and the second column 450mmx450mm carries a load of 1800kn at service state. Weight of Soil = 20kN/m², angle of repose=30⁰ and safe bearing capacity of soil = 150kN/m². Use concrete M20 and steel Fe415.

3. Design a interior wall of a single storied workshop of height 5.4m surrounding a RCC roof. The bottom of the wall rests over a foundation block. Assume roof load equal to 45kN/m. A pier provided at a spacing of 3.6m along length of wall.

4. Design a compound wall of height 1.8m to the top of 100mm thick coping. Assume wind pressure is equal to 1kN/m² and is UDL. The safe bearing pressure of soil is 120kN/m².

5. A solid footing has to transfer a dead load of 1000kn and an imposed load of 400kn from a square column 400mmx400mm. Assuming fck=20N/mm² and f_y=415N/mm² and safe bearing capacity to be 200KN/m², Design the footing.

6. Design a combined rectangular footing for two columns spaced at 500cm centers. The first column 300mmx300mm carried load of 1000kn.and second column 300mmx300mm carries a load of 1500kn at service state. Weight of Soil = 20kN/m², angle of repose=30⁰ and safe bearing capacity of soil = 150kN/m². Use concrete M25 and steel Fe415.

7. A solid footing has to transfer a dead load of 1000kN and an imposed load of 400kN from a square column 400x400mm (with 16mm bars.) Assuming f_y=415 and f_ck=20N/mm² and safe bearing capacity to be 200kN/m². Design the footing.

8. Design a plain concrete footing for a 450mm wall carrying 300kN per meter length. Assume grade 20 concrete and the bearing capacity of soil to be 200kN/m².

The Story of Bodhidharma

2011-11-05T22:35:00.000-07:00

Shaolin monks and disciples follow a unique practice among Buddhists in that they greet each other using only their right hand. This greeting is a tradition which dates back to Da Mo and his disciple, Hui Ke.

In 495 AD, the Indian monk Ba Tuo, or Buddhabhadra, came to China teaching a form of Buddhism known as Xiao Sheng Buddhism. He was given land at the foot of Shaoshi mountain by Emperor Shao Wen and founded the Shaolin Temple on this land.

Around the time that Ba Tuo was founding the Shaolin Temple there was an Indian prince named Bodhidharma. Bodhidharma was very intelligent and was the favorite son of the king of a region that is now part of southern India. Bodhidharma had two older brothers who feared that their father, the king, would pass them over and bequeath the kingship to Bodhidharma. In their jealousy, the two older brothers often disparaged Bodhidharma while talking with their father, hoping to turn him against their younger brother. The older brothers also attempted to assassinate Bodhidharma but Bodhidharma had very good karma and so the attempts were not successful. Despite being the favorite son of the king, Bodhidharma realized that he was not interested in a life of politics. He chose instead to study with the famous Buddhist master Prajnatara and become a Buddhist monk.

Bodhidharma trained with his master for many years. One day he asked his master, "Master, when you pass away, where should I go? What should I do?" His master replied that he should go to Zhen Dan, which was the name for China at that time. Years later, Bodhidharma's master passed away and Bodhidharma prepared to leave for China.

During the many years that Bodhidharma had studied as a monk, one of his older brothers had become king of India and that older brother's son had become king after him. The king of India was very fond of his uncle and wanted to make amends for the actions which Bodhidharma's older brothers had taken against him. He asked Bodhidharma to stay near the capital, where he could protect and care for him, but Bodhidharma knew that he must go to China as his master had said.

Seeing that Bodhidharma would not remain, the king of India ordered that carrier pigeons be sent to China with messages asking the people of China to take care of Bodhidharma. These messages made Bodhidharma famous among many Chinese who wondered what was so special about this particular Buddhist monk that the king of India would make such a request.

In 527 AD, 32 years after Ba Tuo's founding of the Shaolin temple, Bodhidharma crossed through Guangdong province into China. In China, he was known as Da Mo. Da Mo arrived in China practicing Da Sheng (Mahayana) Buddhism. When Da Mo arrived, he was greeted by a large crowd of people who had heard of the famous Buddhist master and wished to hear him speak. Rather than speak, Da Mo sat down and began meditating. He meditated for many hours. Upon completing his meditation, Da Mo rose and walked away, saying nothing.

His actions had a profound effect upon his audience. Some people laughed, some cried, some were angry and some nodded their heads in understanding. Regardless of the emotion, everyone in the crowd had a reaction.

This incident made Da Mo even more famous, so famous that Emperor Wu heard of him. Emperor Wu, who ruled over the southern kingdom of China, invited Da Mo to come to his palace. When Da Mo arrived, Emperor Wu talked with Da Mo about Buddhism. The emperor had erected many statues and temples devoted to Buddhism. He had given much wealth to Buddhist temples. In talking of his accomplishments, Emperor Wu asked Da Mo if his actions were good. Da Mo replied that they were not. This response surprised Emperor Wu, but they continued talking and eventually Emperor Wu asked Da Mo if there was Buddha in this world. Da Mo replied that there was not.

Da Mo's replies were a reflection of Emperor Wu. By asking if his actions were good, Emperor Wu was searching for compliments and affirmation from Da Mo. Da Mo denied that Emperor Wu's actions were good because it is the duty of the emperor to care for his people. Rather than seeking compliments, Emperor Wu should have been content to help his people through Buddha. Similarly, if one asks if there is Buddha in the world, then one has already answered the question: Buddha is a matter of faith, you either believe in your heart or you do not. In questioning the existence of Buddha, Emperor Wu had demonstrated a lack of faith.

Da Mo's answers enraged Emperor Wu and he ordered Da Mo to leave his palace and never return. Da Mo simply smiled, turned and left.

Da Mo continued his journey, heading north, when he reached the city of Nanjing. In the city of Nanjing, there was a famous place called the Flower Rain Pavillion where many people gathered to speak and relax. There was a large crowd of people gathered in the Flower Rain Pavillion around a Buddhist monk, who was lecturing. This Buddhist monk was named Shen Guang.

Shen Guang had at one time been a famous general. He had killed many people in battle but one day realized that the people he had been killing had family and friends and that one day someone might come and kill him. This changed him and he decided to train as a Buddhist monk. Eventually, Shen Guang became a great speaker on Buddhism. As Da Mo neared the crowd, he listened to Shen Guang's speech. Sometimes Shen Guang would speak and Da Mo would nod his head, as if in agreement. Sometimes Shen Guang would speak and Da Mo would shake his head, as if in disagreement. As this continued, Shen Guang became very angry at the strange foreign monk who dared to disagree with him in front of this crowd. In anger, Shen Guang took the Buddhist beads from around his neck and flicked them at Da Mo. The beads struck Da Mo in his face, knocking out two of his front teeth. Da Mo immediately began bleeding. Shen Guang expected a confrontation; instead, Da Mo smiled, turned and walked away.

This reaction astounded Shen Guang, who began following after Da Mo.

Da Mo continued north until he reached the Yangzi river. Seated by the river there was an old woman with a large bundle of reeds next to her. Da Mo walked up to the old woman and asked her if he might have a reed. She replied that he might. Da Mo took a single reed, placed it upon the surface of the Yangzi river and stepped onto the reed. He was carried across the Yangzi river by the force of his chi. Seeing this, Shen Guang ran up to where the old woman sat and grabbed a handful of reeds without asking. He threw the reeds onto the Yangzi river and stepped onto them. The reeds sank beneath him and Shen Guang began drowning. The old woman saw his plight and took pity on Shen Guang, pulling him from the river. As Shen Guang lay on the ground coughing up river water, the old woman admonished him. She said that by not asking for her reeds before taking them, he had shown her disrespect and that by disrespecting her, Shen Guang had disrespected himself. The old woman also told Shen Guang that he had been searching for a master and that Da Mo, the man he was following, was that master. As she said this, the reeds which had sunk beneath Shen Guang rose again to the surface of the river and Shen Guang found himself on the reeds being carried across the Yangzi river. He reached the other side and continued following after Da Mo.

There are many people who believe that the old woman by the river was a Boddhisatva who was helping Shen Guang to end the cycle of his samsara.

At this point, Da Mo was nearing the location of the Shaolin Temple. The Shaolin monks had heard of his approach and were gathered to meet him. When Da Mo arrived, the Shaolin monks greeted him and invited him to come stay at the temple. Da Mo did not reply but he went to a cave on a mountain behind the Shaolin Temple, sat down, and began meditating. In front of the Shaolin Temple, there are five mountains: Bell Mountain, Drum Mountain, Sword Mountain, Stamp Mountain and Flag Mountain. These mountains are named after the objects which their shape resembles. Behind the Shaolin Temple there are five "Breast Mountains" which are shaped like breasts. The cave in which Da Mo chose to meditate was on one of the Breast Mountains.

Da Mo sat facing a wall in the cave and meditated for nine years. During these nine years, Shen Guang stayed outside Da Mo's cave and acted as a bodyguard for Da Mo, ensuring that no harm came to Da Mo. Periodically Shen Guang would ask Da Mo to teach him, but Da Mo never responded to Shen Guang's requests. During these nine years the Shaolin monks would also periodically invite Da Mo to come down to the Temple, where he would be much more comfortable, but Da Mo never responded. After some time, Da Mo's concentration became so intense that his image was engraved into the stone of the wall before him.

Towards the end of the nine years, the Shaolin monks decided that they must do something more for Da Mo and so they made a special room for him. They called this room the Da Mo Ting. When this room was completed at the end of the nine years, the Shaolin monks invited Da Mo to come stay in the room. Da Mo did not respond but he stood up, walked down to the room, sat down, and immediately began meditating. Shen Guang followed Da Mo to the Shaolin temple and stood guard outside Da Mo's room. Da Mo meditated in his room for another four years. Shen Guang would occasionally ask Da Mo to teach him, but Da Mo never responded.

At the end of the four-year period Shen Guang had been following Da Mo for thirteen years, but Da Mo had never said anything to Shen Guang. It was winter when the four-year period was ending and Shen Guang was standing in the snow outside the window to Da Mo's room. He was cold and became very angry. He picked up a large block of snow and ice and hurled it into Da Mo's room. The snow and ice made a loud noise as it broke inside Da Mo's room. This noise awoke Da Mo from his meditation and he looked at Shen Guang. In anger and frustration Shen Guang demanded to know when Da Mo would teach him.

Da Mo responded that he would teach Shen Guang when red snow fell from the sky.
Hearing this, something inside Shen Guang's heart changed and he took the sword he carried from his belt and cut off his left arm. He held the severed arm above his head and whirled it around. The blood from the arm froze in the cold air and fell like red snow. Seeing this, Da Mo agreed to teach Shen Guang.

Da Mo took a monk's spade and went with Shen Guang to the Drum Mountain in front of Shaolin Temple. The Drum Mountain is so called because it is very flat on top. Da Mo's unspoken message to Shen Guang was that Shen Guang should flatten his heart, just like the surface of the Drum Mountain. On this Drum Mountain Da Mo dug a well. The water of this well was bitter. Da Mo then left Shen Guang on the Drum Mountain. For an entire year, Shen Guang used the bitter water of the well to take care of all of his needs. He used it to cook, to clean, to bathe, to do everything. At the end of the first year, Shen Guang went down to Da Mo and again asked Da Mo to teach him. Da Mo returned with Shen Guang to the Drum Mountain and dug a second well. The water of this well was spicy. For an entire year, Shen Guang used the spicy water for all of his needs. At the end of the second year, Shen Guang went back down to Da Mo and asked again to be taught. Da Mo dug a third well on the Drum Mountain. The water of this third well was sour. For the third year, Shen Guang used the sour water for all of his needs. At the end of the third year, Shen Guang returned to Da Mo and agains asked to be taught. Da Mo returned to the Drum Mountain and dug a fourth and final well. The water of this well was sweet. At this point, Shen Guang realized that the four wells represented his life. Like the wells, his life would sometimes be bitter, sometimes sour, sometimes spicy and sometimes sweet. Each of these phases in his life was equally beautiful and necessary, just as each of the four seasons of the year is beautiful and necessary in its own way. Without really saying many words to Shen Guang, Da Mo had taught Shen Guang the most important of lessons in a mind-to-mind, heart-to-heart fashion. This mind-to- mind, heart-to-heart communication is called "action language" and is the foundation of the Chan Buddhism which Da Mo began at the Shaolin Temple.

After his realization, Shen Guang was given the name Hui Ke and he became abbot of the Shaolin temple after Da Mo.

To pay respect for the sacrifice which Hui Ke made, disciples and monks of the Shaolin Temple greet each other using only their right hand.