The traditional approaches for bridges maintenance is proven to be inefficient as they lead to random way of
spending maintenance budget and deteriorating bridge conditions. In many cases, maintenance activities are
performed due to user complaints. The objective of this paper is to develop a practical and reliable framework to
manage the maintenance and repair activities of Bridges network in Egypt considering performance and budget
limits. The model solves an optimization problem that maximizes the average condition of the network given the
limited budget using Genetic Algorithm (GA).
The main tasks of the system are bridge inventory, condition assessment, deterioration using markov model, and
maintenance optimization. The developed model takes into account multiple parameters including serviceability
requirements, budget allocation, element importance on structural safety and serviceability, bridge impact on
network, and traffic. A questionnaire is conducted to complete the research scope. The proposed model is
implemented in software, which provides a friendly user interface. The results of the framework are multi – year
maintenance plan for the entire network for up to five years. A case study is presented for validating and testing
the model with Data collected from “General Authority for Roads, Bridges and Land Transport” in Egypt.
Security Constraint Unit Commitment Considering Line and Unit Contingencies-p...IJAPEJOURNAL
This paper presents a new approach for considering all possible contingencies in short-term power system operation. Based on this new approach, both generator and transmission line outages would be modeled in network-based power system analysis. Multi generator and also parallel transmission lines is modeled in this methodology. We also investigate this claim that feasibility and applicability of this approach is much more than the previous analytical methodologies. Security Constrained Unit commitment (SCUC) program which is carried out by Independent System Operator (ISO), is one of the complex problems which would be handled by this approach. In this paper, a DC-Optimal Power Flow (DCOPF) methodology has been implemented by particle swarm optimization technique. The Lagrangian Relaxation technique is based on the derivatives and the PSO is a non- derivative technique. These approaches are effective tools which can be implemented for short-term and long-term power system analysis, especially for economic analysis of restructured power systems. The DCOPF methodology has been considered for LMP calculation in LR, which is not available in PSO techniques. In the other hand, PSO technique may be able to provide the optimal solution, where LR usually getting stuck at a local optimum in a large scale power system. The simulation results show that the presented methods are both satisfactory and consistent with expectation.
Driving cycle is commonly known as the relationship and a series of speed-time profile. The study on this discipline aids vehicle manufacturers in vehicle construction, environmentalists in studying environment quality in proportion with vehicle emissions and traffic engineers to further investigate the behaviour of drivers and the road conditions which assist automotive industry in a better and energy efficient vehicle productions. In order to develop a proper driving cycle for selected routes, information and data based on real-time driving behaviour is important. This research focusses on the modelling of each component and latter designing a conceptual model in Simulink which takes up the data of speed of vehicles in SI unit which is m/s and draws out distance travelled and acceleration of the vehicle together with driving cycle of the route for given timestamp. This relation will be verified with existing Kuala Terengganu BasKITe driving cycle, highway fuel economy test (HWFET), new europian driving cycle (NEDC) and worldwide harmonised light vehicle test procedure (WLTP) driving cycles for the use of future projects and improvements of technology in studies and analysis of powertrain and electric vehicle performances.
International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications (IJERA) is an open access online peer reviewed international journal that publishes research and review articles in the fields of Computer Science, Neural Networks, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Plastic Engineering, Food Technology, Textile Engineering, Nano Technology & science, Power Electronics, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Computational mathematics, Image processing, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, VLSI Testing & Low Power VLSI Design etc.
International Journal of Engineering Research and DevelopmentIJERD Editor
Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering,
Information Engineering and Technology,
Mechanical, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering,
Automation and Mechatronics Engineering,
Material and Chemical Engineering,
Civil and Architecture Engineering,
Biotechnology and Bio Engineering,
Environmental Engineering,
Petroleum and Mining Engineering,
Marine and Agriculture engineering,
Aerospace Engineering.
Security Constraint Unit Commitment Considering Line and Unit Contingencies-p...IJAPEJOURNAL
This paper presents a new approach for considering all possible contingencies in short-term power system operation. Based on this new approach, both generator and transmission line outages would be modeled in network-based power system analysis. Multi generator and also parallel transmission lines is modeled in this methodology. We also investigate this claim that feasibility and applicability of this approach is much more than the previous analytical methodologies. Security Constrained Unit commitment (SCUC) program which is carried out by Independent System Operator (ISO), is one of the complex problems which would be handled by this approach. In this paper, a DC-Optimal Power Flow (DCOPF) methodology has been implemented by particle swarm optimization technique. The Lagrangian Relaxation technique is based on the derivatives and the PSO is a non- derivative technique. These approaches are effective tools which can be implemented for short-term and long-term power system analysis, especially for economic analysis of restructured power systems. The DCOPF methodology has been considered for LMP calculation in LR, which is not available in PSO techniques. In the other hand, PSO technique may be able to provide the optimal solution, where LR usually getting stuck at a local optimum in a large scale power system. The simulation results show that the presented methods are both satisfactory and consistent with expectation.
Driving cycle is commonly known as the relationship and a series of speed-time profile. The study on this discipline aids vehicle manufacturers in vehicle construction, environmentalists in studying environment quality in proportion with vehicle emissions and traffic engineers to further investigate the behaviour of drivers and the road conditions which assist automotive industry in a better and energy efficient vehicle productions. In order to develop a proper driving cycle for selected routes, information and data based on real-time driving behaviour is important. This research focusses on the modelling of each component and latter designing a conceptual model in Simulink which takes up the data of speed of vehicles in SI unit which is m/s and draws out distance travelled and acceleration of the vehicle together with driving cycle of the route for given timestamp. This relation will be verified with existing Kuala Terengganu BasKITe driving cycle, highway fuel economy test (HWFET), new europian driving cycle (NEDC) and worldwide harmonised light vehicle test procedure (WLTP) driving cycles for the use of future projects and improvements of technology in studies and analysis of powertrain and electric vehicle performances.
International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications (IJERA) is an open access online peer reviewed international journal that publishes research and review articles in the fields of Computer Science, Neural Networks, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Plastic Engineering, Food Technology, Textile Engineering, Nano Technology & science, Power Electronics, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Computational mathematics, Image processing, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, VLSI Testing & Low Power VLSI Design etc.
International Journal of Engineering Research and DevelopmentIJERD Editor
Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering,
Information Engineering and Technology,
Mechanical, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering,
Automation and Mechatronics Engineering,
Material and Chemical Engineering,
Civil and Architecture Engineering,
Biotechnology and Bio Engineering,
Environmental Engineering,
Petroleum and Mining Engineering,
Marine and Agriculture engineering,
Aerospace Engineering.
Using Remote Sensing Techniques For Monitoring Ecological Changes In Lakes: C...IJERA Editor
The ability to use remote sensing in studying lake ecology lies in the capability of satellite sensors to measure
the spectral reflectance of constituents in water bodies. This reflectance can be used to determine the
concentration of the constituents of the water column through mathematical relationships. This work identified a
simple linear equation for estimating suspended matter in Lake Naivasha with reflectance in Landsat7 ETM+
image. A R² = 0.94, n = 6 for suspended matter was obtained. Archive of Landsat imagery was used to
produce maps of suspended matter concentrations in the lake. The suspended matter concentrations at five
different locations in the lake over 30 year’s period were then estimated. It was therefore concluded that the
ecological changes Lake Naivasha is experiencing is the result of the high water abstraction and the effect of
climate change.
Ground water distillation by basin type solar still for different basin water...IJERA Editor
Adequate quality and reliability of drinking water supply is a fundamental need. Without potable water or
drinking water (less than about 500 ppm of salt) human life is not possible. Only 1% of Earth's water is in a
fresh, liquid state, and nearly all of this is polluted by both diseases and toxic chemicals. For this reason,
purification of water supplies is extremely important.
Keeping these things in mind, we have devised a model which will convert the saline ground water into pure
and potable water using the renewable source of energy (i.e. solar energy). Solar energy is an abundant, never
lasting, and available on site and pollution free energy.Solar Energy is freely available and can be used as a very
cheap option to convert saline ground Water through Solar Distillation, by using Solar Stills. The conventional
single basin and single slop Passive Solar Still can be used to purify water but the main problem is that the per
square meter distillate output is less. So it is need to modify the design of solar still for high output of solar
distillate
Solar still is easy to construct, can be done by local people from locally available materials, simple in
operation by unskilled Personnel, no hard maintenance requirements and almost no operation cost. Simplest
basin type models of solar still in earlier days, researchers have progressed a lot to increase its efficiency.
Suitable modification of solar still can produce high output using minimum areas of land and even in cloudy
days. Experimental study is done at Rewa M.P. on two different basin water depth solar stills. Low water depth
solar water still is produced more distillate than high water depth still by the experiment.
Distributed Shared Memory – A Survey and Implementation Using OpenshmemIJERA Editor
Parallel programs nowadays are written either in multiprocessor or multicomputer environment. Both these
concepts suffer from some problems. Distributed Shared Memory (DSM) systems is a new and attractive area of
research recently, which combines the advantages of both shared-memory parallel processors (multiprocessors)
and distributed systems (multi-computers). An overview of DSM is given in the first part of the paper. Later we
have shown how parallel programs can be implemented in DSM environment using Open SHMEM.
Total Monomeric Anthocyanin and Total Flavonoid Content of Processed Purple P...IJERA Editor
It is well known that processing change physical and chemical composition of foods, thus affecting the content
in bioactive substances. Potatoes are almost always consumed after processing (baked, fried or boiled) making it
critical to understand the effect of such processing techniques on the containing in bioactive compounds. In
order to determine the influence of processing on the content of anthocyanin pigments and flavonoids was
achieved the extraction of these compounds from boiled and baked purple potato tuber (Albastru-Violet de
Galanesti variety). Also, in order to obtain the maximum amount of anthocyanin pigments and flavonoids from
processed potatoes was applied ultrasonic extraction (20 kHz) and was performed the mathematical modeling
(central composite design) using SigmaXL software. The total anthocyanins content were determined
spectrophotometrically by the pH differential method and the total flavonoids content were determine
colorimetric by AlCl3 method. This study proves that the potato processing decreases the content of
anthocyanin pigments and flavonoids.
A Survey of provenance management in wireless sensor networkIJERA Editor
Wireless Sensor Networks have great potential for numerous applications such as military target tracking and
surveillance, natural disaster relief, health monitoring and hazardous environment exploration and seismic
sensing. This paper describes the concepts of efficient mechanism of provenance in WSNs as provenance
respresents a key factor in evaluating the trustworthiness of sensor data. Data in sensor networks is processed by
the multiple agents; data provenance plays an important role for assuring data trustworthiness. Due to energy
and bandwidth limitations of WSNs, it is crucial that data provenance for these networks be as compress as
possibles. To address such issues, this paper explained various proposed technique.
Seismic Microzonation Study in Tabriz Metropolitan City for Earthquake Risk M...IJERA Editor
Azerbaijan is the site of convergent plate collisions along the Alpine-Himalayan active mountain belt. Brittle
faults in the Azerbaijan area are mostly Cenozoic in or younger. The data presented demonstrate clearly that
geological structures are commonly repeated at all scales from outcrop to regional. Several regional earthquakes
have been strongly felt and caused damages in and around Tabriz during history. Urban seismic risk is
increasing with population growth and encroachment of vulnerable built in environment into areas susceptible
seismic hazard. Seismic -hazard assessment an estimate of ground motion at the site of interest, taking into
account instrumental and historical earthquake records, information on tectonics, geology, and
attenuation characteristics of seismic waves Tabriz is important industrial city of Iran. It has a very high
population density about 2.000000 people in area just 90 km2. The main objective of the Tabriz seismic
instrumentation and microzonation study was to carry out and propose new building in Tabriz and suburbs in
order to apply these criteria its development programs and determine the potential for damage to
existing constructions during earthquake motions, and finally earthquake risk mitigation assessment.
Routing in Cognitive Radio Networks - A SurveyIJERA Editor
Cognitive Radio Networks (CRNs) have been emerged as a revolutionary solution to migrate the spectrum
scarcity problem in wireless networks. Due to increasing demand for additional spectrum resources, CRNs have
been receiving significant research to solve issues related with spectrum underutilization. This technology
brings efficient spectrum usage and effective interference avoidance, and also brings new challenges to routing
in multi-hop Cognitive Radio Networks. In CRN, unlicensed users or secondary users are able to use
underutilized licensed channels, but they have to leave the channel if any interference is caused to the primary or
licensed users. So CR technology allows sharing of licensed spectrum band in opportunistic and non-interfering
manner. Different routing protocols have been proposed recently based on different design goals under different
assumptions.
Effects of A Simulated Power Cut in AMS on Milk Yield Valued by Statistics ModelIJERA Editor
A statistics model was developed in order to be able to determine the effects of a simulated power cut of an
Automatic Milking System on the milk output.Measurable and relevant factors, such as power cuts, milk yield,
lactation days, average two days digestion and rumination and time were considered in the calculation tool.
A study on Quality Attributes of Ghee based on packaging materials and storag...IJERA Editor
Glass ,Polyethyleneterephthalate(PET), Polypropylene (PP) and High density Polyethylene(HDPE) bottles were
filled with ghee, prepared by differently treated cream, under light with little headspace to determine the effects
of light ,method of preparation, packaging materials and storage time on the stability of ghee. The moisture
content, acid value, peroxide value, refractive index and TBA Value were measured to determine the stability of
ghee every 30 days of storage period.. Glass bottles recorded lower oxidation values followed by ghee packed in
PET, PP and HDPE. In few cases, PET packaged ghee also showed comparable good results. This study showed
that packaging material, method of preparation and storage time has an effect on the stability of ghee.
A Method to Determine End-Points ofStraight Lines Detected Using the Hough Tr...IJERA Editor
The Hough transform is often used to detect lines in images, yielding the equations of lines found. It works by
transforming a line in a given image to a point in a new transform image while accumulating a measure of the
likelihood that a point in the new image corresponds to a line from the original image. The resulting equation of
a line describes a line of unspecified length, with no information about the end-points of the actual lines in the
image which informed the detection of the line of unspecified length. This paperpresents a method to determine
the end-points of the actual lines in the image.The method tracks points from the original image whose
transforms led to evidence of lines in the transform image. Consecutive points are then grouped into sub-lines
according to whether or not there are enough of them in the group so that they constitute a significant sub-line,
and all points in the group are far enough from any other points along the same line, that those other points
should not be considered part of the same sub-line.Sample results are shown.
Application of GIS and MODFLOW to Ground Water Hydrology- A ReviewIJERA Editor
Groundwater is one of the most valuable natural resources, which supports human health, economic
development and ecological diversity. Due to over exploitation, the ground water systems are affected and
require management to maintain the conditions of ground water resources within acceptable limits. With the
development of computers and advances in information technology, efficient techniques for water management
has evolved. The main intent of the paper is to present a comprehensive review on application of GIS
(Geographic Information System) followed by coupling with MODFLOW package for ground water
management and development. Two major areas are discussed stating GIS applications in ground water
hydrology. (i) GIS based subsurface flow and pollution modelling (ii) Selection of artificial recharge sites.
Although the use of these techniques in groundwater studies has rapidly increased since last decade the sucess
rate is very limited. Based on this review , it is concluded that integation of GIS and MODFLOW have great
potential to revolutionize the monitoring and management of vital ground water resources in the future.
Absorption Reduction Capacity with Chromium (Cr) and Cadmium (Cd) Contaminant...IJERA Editor
This study aims to analyze the large of reduction capacity of chromium metals and cadmium in the soil compost
media and absorption capacity of chrome and cadmium in phytoremediation process of vetiver; to compare the
reduction-absorption capacities of chromium and cadmium metals in phytoremediation process of vetiver
(Vetivera zizanioides). The study was carried out for 2 months with a range of sampling every 7 days, and then
analyzed by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Contaminants used as artificial contaminants
containing heavy metals chromium (Cr) and cadmium (Cd). This study is an experimental research includes two
variables. First, the variations of Cr concentrations used were 400 ppm, 600 ppm and 800 ppm and Cd
concentrations used were 40 ppm, 60 ppm, 800 ppm. Secondly, the variations of total plant are 3, 6, and 9 plant.
The period of observation is made every week. Planting media used is compost soil with compost and clay
composition of 20%, 30% and 40%. The results of study showed that there are a significant relationship between
the reduction capacity of Cr and Cd of compost soil and the absorption capacity of Cr and Cd for vetiver
(Vetiveria zizanioides). The higher of Cr and Cd decreases in soil followed by increased levels of Cr and Cd in
vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides). The capacity of Cr reduction varies between 57% - 86% and Cd 36% - 64%
where as the absorption capacity of vetiver on Cr between 38% - 75% and Cd between 34%-74%. The capacity
of reduction-absorption of Cr is relatively higher than Cd in phytoremediation process of vetiver.
A New Surface Modification Technique and Their Characterisation: Friction Sti...IJERA Editor
Since aluminium alloy is a well-known light alloys to use in aerospace and automotive industries. Therefore, a
new method, so far little known in metal forming industries, is the friction stir processing of surface layers.
Friction stir processing (FSP) is an emerging surface engineering solid-state technology which provides the
ability to thermomechnically process selective locations on the materials surface and to enhance specific
properties to some considerable depth. However, from a practical point of view it is important to determine the
impact of FSP conditions, therefore, a tool rotation speed, travel rate, pressure force as well as the shape and
type of tool on the moment acting to heat generated in the stirring area. The heat generated in the area being
processed and the level of plastic strain are factors having a decisive effect on microstructural changes, and,
consequently, on the mechanical and functional properties of newly formed areas. In this phenomena that the
main FSP features have been investigated through OM (optical microscopy), SEM (scanning electron
microscopy), FESEM (field emission scanning electron microscopy), TEM (transmission electron microscopy)
and mechanical properties. Moreover, aluminium alloy being an age-hardening response to evaluated through
Vicker’s hardness measurement a typical characterisation at present task. The research of the FSP of surface
layers, so far has been focused mainly on the metallurgical analysis of microstructural changes in modified
aluminium alloys.
Evaluation of Effect of Lateral Forces on Multi-Storeyed Rcc Frame by Conside...IJERA Editor
Reinforced concrete column with varying cross-sectional dimensions are commonly used in many engineering structures since use of such elements in a structural system may reduce the weight of the system, since neither axial load nor stiffness is constant along the column height the stability analysis of a stepped column is usually more complicated than that of a uniform column. The lateral forces can produce critical stresses in the structure, induce undesirable vibrations or cause excessive lateral sway of the structure. The present study deals with the comparison of Concentric Non-Prismatic columns and Stepped columns under the effect of static, wind and dynamic loads with the help of ETABS Software.
Mechanical and Chemical Properties of Bamboo/Glass Fibers Reinforced Polyeste...IJERA Editor
The chemical resistance of Bamboo/Glass reinforced Polyester hybrid composites to acetic acid, Nitric acid, Hydrochloric acid, Sodium hydroxide, Sodium carbonate, Benzene, Toluene, Carbon tetrachloride and Water was studied. The tensile and impact properties of these composites were also studied. The effect of alkali treatment of bamboo fibers on these properties was studied. It was observed that the tensile and impact properties of the hybrid composites increase with glass fiber content. The author investigated the interfacial bonding between Glsss/Bamboo fiber composites by SEM. These properties found to be higher when alkali treated bamboo fibers were used in hybrid composites. The hybrid fiber composites showed better resistance to the chemicals mentioned above. The elimination of amorphous hemi-cellulose with alkali treatment leading to higher crystallinity of the bamboo fibers with alkali treatment may be responsible for these observations.
The article firstly investigates a discrete numerical model of finite interaction between successive micro structural bond failures and remaining intact internal bonds in materials. Secondly, it reveals the general linear finite continuous cause and effect interaction concept. The interaction model is examined numerically, experimentally and analytically on an illustrative case of a parallel system of bonds. The general concept is applied to the macroscopic stress-strain interaction model of material plasticity. Examples of metallic materials are elaborated on reported theoretical and experimental strain data.
A Wear Analysis of Composite Ball Materials using TribometerIJERA Editor
The bearing is a main element in case of rotating machines for aircraft engines applications. The major failure of
ball bearing is because of wear of balls. This paper focused on prediction of wear of balls under pure sliding
contact conditions for Chrome steel, Alumina Oxide and Silicon Nitride materials. The wear calculation method
is employed as per ASTM G99 standard. Pin on Disc Apparatus is used to perform trials. To reduce number of
experimentations, DOE technique is used with L9 orthogonal array. Accordingly tests are conducted. Engine oil
is used for maintaining the lubricating conditions. Finally Comparison is done for various materials.
A Comparative Study on Profile Based Location Management for Personal Communi...IJERA Editor
Location of the mobile user is registered to the two databases for call tracking and those registration processes basis much network traffic. By this speed of Call delivery reduced and location updating cost improved. In this paper, the first method a new meek location management by registering Representative VLR of group of certain VLRs regionally and broadcasting for searching a mobile user, so called rVLR-B.This The representative VLR of several VLRs and register mobile users’ location. When set up the call path between mobile users, the VLR of the caller inquiries callee’s rVLR for searching the location of callee instead of demanding to VLR of callee. And then rVLR broadcast the callee’s location to all VLR of the region simultaneously. Location registration is only performed when a mobile user visits a new rVLR network area from present area. Using the rVLR-B, the cost of maintaining location of mobile users was abridged. The second technique for reducing the costs during the location tracking and location update is proposed. Taking the regular movement pattern of the users it produces the block and the user registers with the HLR only after crossing the block instead of crossing the single cell. The block register (BR) is introduced between the block and the HLR in two level systems to preserve the blocks, thus creates three level architecture. In this architecture some signaling cost values between the MSC-BR, BRHLR and BR-BR are maintained to get the better enactment. By the rVLR-B and BR the performance of speed of call delivery improved and location updation will be diminished. Keywords: Home Location Register, Visitor Location Register, Mobile Switching Center, Base Station, Block Register, Mobile Station, r-VLR- Representative VLR
Stability Analysis of Quadruped-imitating Walking Robot Based on Inverted Pen...IJERA Editor
A new kind of quadruped-imitating walking robot is designed, which is composed of a body bracket, leg
brackets and walking legs. The walking leg of the robot is comprised of a first swiveling arm, a second
swiveling arm and two striding leg rods. Each rod of the walking leg is connected by a rotary joint, and is
directly controlled by the steering gear. The walking motion is realized by two striding leg rods alternately
contacting the ground. Three assumptions are put forward according to the kinematic characteristics of the
quadruped-imitating walking robot, and then the centroid equation of the robot is established. On this basis, this
paper simplifies the striding process of the quadruped-imitating walking robot into an inverted pendulum model
with a constant fulcrum and variable pendulum length. According to the inverted pendulum model, the stability
of the robot is not only related to its centroid position, but also related to its centroid velocity. Takes two typical
movement cases for example, such as walking on flat ground and climbing the vertical obstacle, the centroid
position, velocity curves of the inverted pendulum model are obtained by MATLAB simulations. The results
show that the quadruped-imitating walking robot is stable when walking on flat ground. In the process of
climbing the vertical obstacle, the robot also can maintain certain stability through real-time control adjusted by
the steering gears.
International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications (IJERA) is an open access online peer reviewed international journal that publishes research and review articles in the fields of Computer Science, Neural Networks, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Plastic Engineering, Food Technology, Textile Engineering, Nano Technology & science, Power Electronics, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Computational mathematics, Image processing, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, VLSI Testing & Low Power VLSI Design etc.
Using Remote Sensing Techniques For Monitoring Ecological Changes In Lakes: C...IJERA Editor
The ability to use remote sensing in studying lake ecology lies in the capability of satellite sensors to measure
the spectral reflectance of constituents in water bodies. This reflectance can be used to determine the
concentration of the constituents of the water column through mathematical relationships. This work identified a
simple linear equation for estimating suspended matter in Lake Naivasha with reflectance in Landsat7 ETM+
image. A R² = 0.94, n = 6 for suspended matter was obtained. Archive of Landsat imagery was used to
produce maps of suspended matter concentrations in the lake. The suspended matter concentrations at five
different locations in the lake over 30 year’s period were then estimated. It was therefore concluded that the
ecological changes Lake Naivasha is experiencing is the result of the high water abstraction and the effect of
climate change.
Ground water distillation by basin type solar still for different basin water...IJERA Editor
Adequate quality and reliability of drinking water supply is a fundamental need. Without potable water or
drinking water (less than about 500 ppm of salt) human life is not possible. Only 1% of Earth's water is in a
fresh, liquid state, and nearly all of this is polluted by both diseases and toxic chemicals. For this reason,
purification of water supplies is extremely important.
Keeping these things in mind, we have devised a model which will convert the saline ground water into pure
and potable water using the renewable source of energy (i.e. solar energy). Solar energy is an abundant, never
lasting, and available on site and pollution free energy.Solar Energy is freely available and can be used as a very
cheap option to convert saline ground Water through Solar Distillation, by using Solar Stills. The conventional
single basin and single slop Passive Solar Still can be used to purify water but the main problem is that the per
square meter distillate output is less. So it is need to modify the design of solar still for high output of solar
distillate
Solar still is easy to construct, can be done by local people from locally available materials, simple in
operation by unskilled Personnel, no hard maintenance requirements and almost no operation cost. Simplest
basin type models of solar still in earlier days, researchers have progressed a lot to increase its efficiency.
Suitable modification of solar still can produce high output using minimum areas of land and even in cloudy
days. Experimental study is done at Rewa M.P. on two different basin water depth solar stills. Low water depth
solar water still is produced more distillate than high water depth still by the experiment.
Distributed Shared Memory – A Survey and Implementation Using OpenshmemIJERA Editor
Parallel programs nowadays are written either in multiprocessor or multicomputer environment. Both these
concepts suffer from some problems. Distributed Shared Memory (DSM) systems is a new and attractive area of
research recently, which combines the advantages of both shared-memory parallel processors (multiprocessors)
and distributed systems (multi-computers). An overview of DSM is given in the first part of the paper. Later we
have shown how parallel programs can be implemented in DSM environment using Open SHMEM.
Total Monomeric Anthocyanin and Total Flavonoid Content of Processed Purple P...IJERA Editor
It is well known that processing change physical and chemical composition of foods, thus affecting the content
in bioactive substances. Potatoes are almost always consumed after processing (baked, fried or boiled) making it
critical to understand the effect of such processing techniques on the containing in bioactive compounds. In
order to determine the influence of processing on the content of anthocyanin pigments and flavonoids was
achieved the extraction of these compounds from boiled and baked purple potato tuber (Albastru-Violet de
Galanesti variety). Also, in order to obtain the maximum amount of anthocyanin pigments and flavonoids from
processed potatoes was applied ultrasonic extraction (20 kHz) and was performed the mathematical modeling
(central composite design) using SigmaXL software. The total anthocyanins content were determined
spectrophotometrically by the pH differential method and the total flavonoids content were determine
colorimetric by AlCl3 method. This study proves that the potato processing decreases the content of
anthocyanin pigments and flavonoids.
A Survey of provenance management in wireless sensor networkIJERA Editor
Wireless Sensor Networks have great potential for numerous applications such as military target tracking and
surveillance, natural disaster relief, health monitoring and hazardous environment exploration and seismic
sensing. This paper describes the concepts of efficient mechanism of provenance in WSNs as provenance
respresents a key factor in evaluating the trustworthiness of sensor data. Data in sensor networks is processed by
the multiple agents; data provenance plays an important role for assuring data trustworthiness. Due to energy
and bandwidth limitations of WSNs, it is crucial that data provenance for these networks be as compress as
possibles. To address such issues, this paper explained various proposed technique.
Seismic Microzonation Study in Tabriz Metropolitan City for Earthquake Risk M...IJERA Editor
Azerbaijan is the site of convergent plate collisions along the Alpine-Himalayan active mountain belt. Brittle
faults in the Azerbaijan area are mostly Cenozoic in or younger. The data presented demonstrate clearly that
geological structures are commonly repeated at all scales from outcrop to regional. Several regional earthquakes
have been strongly felt and caused damages in and around Tabriz during history. Urban seismic risk is
increasing with population growth and encroachment of vulnerable built in environment into areas susceptible
seismic hazard. Seismic -hazard assessment an estimate of ground motion at the site of interest, taking into
account instrumental and historical earthquake records, information on tectonics, geology, and
attenuation characteristics of seismic waves Tabriz is important industrial city of Iran. It has a very high
population density about 2.000000 people in area just 90 km2. The main objective of the Tabriz seismic
instrumentation and microzonation study was to carry out and propose new building in Tabriz and suburbs in
order to apply these criteria its development programs and determine the potential for damage to
existing constructions during earthquake motions, and finally earthquake risk mitigation assessment.
Routing in Cognitive Radio Networks - A SurveyIJERA Editor
Cognitive Radio Networks (CRNs) have been emerged as a revolutionary solution to migrate the spectrum
scarcity problem in wireless networks. Due to increasing demand for additional spectrum resources, CRNs have
been receiving significant research to solve issues related with spectrum underutilization. This technology
brings efficient spectrum usage and effective interference avoidance, and also brings new challenges to routing
in multi-hop Cognitive Radio Networks. In CRN, unlicensed users or secondary users are able to use
underutilized licensed channels, but they have to leave the channel if any interference is caused to the primary or
licensed users. So CR technology allows sharing of licensed spectrum band in opportunistic and non-interfering
manner. Different routing protocols have been proposed recently based on different design goals under different
assumptions.
Effects of A Simulated Power Cut in AMS on Milk Yield Valued by Statistics ModelIJERA Editor
A statistics model was developed in order to be able to determine the effects of a simulated power cut of an
Automatic Milking System on the milk output.Measurable and relevant factors, such as power cuts, milk yield,
lactation days, average two days digestion and rumination and time were considered in the calculation tool.
A study on Quality Attributes of Ghee based on packaging materials and storag...IJERA Editor
Glass ,Polyethyleneterephthalate(PET), Polypropylene (PP) and High density Polyethylene(HDPE) bottles were
filled with ghee, prepared by differently treated cream, under light with little headspace to determine the effects
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ball bearing is because of wear of balls. This paper focused on prediction of wear of balls under pure sliding
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Location of the mobile user is registered to the two databases for call tracking and those registration processes basis much network traffic. By this speed of Call delivery reduced and location updating cost improved. In this paper, the first method a new meek location management by registering Representative VLR of group of certain VLRs regionally and broadcasting for searching a mobile user, so called rVLR-B.This The representative VLR of several VLRs and register mobile users’ location. When set up the call path between mobile users, the VLR of the caller inquiries callee’s rVLR for searching the location of callee instead of demanding to VLR of callee. And then rVLR broadcast the callee’s location to all VLR of the region simultaneously. Location registration is only performed when a mobile user visits a new rVLR network area from present area. Using the rVLR-B, the cost of maintaining location of mobile users was abridged. The second technique for reducing the costs during the location tracking and location update is proposed. Taking the regular movement pattern of the users it produces the block and the user registers with the HLR only after crossing the block instead of crossing the single cell. The block register (BR) is introduced between the block and the HLR in two level systems to preserve the blocks, thus creates three level architecture. In this architecture some signaling cost values between the MSC-BR, BRHLR and BR-BR are maintained to get the better enactment. By the rVLR-B and BR the performance of speed of call delivery improved and location updation will be diminished. Keywords: Home Location Register, Visitor Location Register, Mobile Switching Center, Base Station, Block Register, Mobile Station, r-VLR- Representative VLR
Stability Analysis of Quadruped-imitating Walking Robot Based on Inverted Pen...IJERA Editor
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1. Hesham Abd Elkhalek et al. Int. Journal of Engineering Research and Applications www.ijera.com
ISSN: 2248-9622, Vol. 6, Issue 1, (Part - 5) January 2016, pp.48-54
www.ijera.com 48|P a g e
Framework for Bridges Maintenance in Egypt
Hesham Abd Elkhaleka
, Sherif M. Hafezb
, Yasser El Fahhamc*
a,b
Professor of construction Management, Structural Engineering Dep., Alexandria University
c*
(Corresponding author) Teaching assistant, Structural Engineering Dep., Alexandria University
ABSTRACT
The traditional approaches for bridges maintenance is proven to be inefficient as they lead to random way of
spending maintenance budget and deteriorating bridge conditions. In many cases, maintenance activities are
performed due to user complaints. The objective of this paper is to develop a practical and reliable framework to
manage the maintenance and repair activities of Bridges network in Egypt considering performance and budget
limits. The model solves an optimization problem that maximizes the average condition of the network given the
limited budget using Genetic Algorithm (GA).
The main tasks of the system are bridge inventory, condition assessment, deterioration using markov model, and
maintenance optimization. The developed model takes into account multiple parameters including serviceability
requirements, budget allocation, element importance on structural safety and serviceability, bridge impact on
network, and traffic. A questionnaire is conducted to complete the research scope. The proposed model is
implemented in software, which provides a friendly user interface. The results of the framework are multi – year
maintenance plan for the entire network for up to five years. A case study is presented for validating and testing
the model with Data collected from “General Authority for Roads, Bridges and Land Transport” in Egypt.
Keywords – Bridge Maintenance, condition assessment, deterioration, cost optimization, fund allocation.
I. Introduction
Managing bridges maintenance is vital to keep
such important infrastructure in healthy condition. In
Egypt, bridges suffer major deterioration. Fund
scarceness, high traffic, user needs, and other
constraints make it difficult to decide which bridge
need immediate repair or rehabilitation. That needs
effective tools. The consequences of delayed
maintenance are higher user costs due to travel
delays, accidents, vehicle operating costs, and even
bridge failure.
Bridge Management System (BMS) is defined
according to the AASHTO as "A system designed to
optimize the use of available resources for the
inspection, maintenance, rehabilitation, and
replacement of bridges" [1]. The main components of
a typical BMS are (a) Inspection, (b) inventory, (c)
The Condition-rating (d) performance prediction, and
(e) Cost optimization. [2]. Bridge inspections are
conducted to determine the physical and functional
condition of the bridge. Successful bridge inspection
depends on proper planning, adequate tools and
equipment, advanced technology for monitoring
systems, and the experienced inspection team. To
evaluate the condition of bridges, Performance
Measures are used. Bridge inventory data and
inspection reports are used to provide the necessary
data. Different Performance Measures for BMS
includes; Condition Ratings (CR), Condition Index
(CI), Sufficiency Rating (SR), Health Index, National
Bridge Inventory Rating (NBI), Vulnerability Rating
(VR), and load rating [3], [4]. Deterioration
prediction of bridges is required to perform Life
Cycle Cost Analysis. According to [5], Approaches
used in modeling bridge deterioration can be
categorized as mechanical, deterministic, stochastic
(Markov chain) and artificial intelligence models.
Prioritization is used to rank bridges for maintenance
activities. Bridges with high priority ranking indicate
urgent need for repair actions. A common practice is
to rank Bridges and elements in the worst condition
first regardless of their effect on the network and
costs [6]. Such approach is known as “worst first”.
However, it fails to account for the level of change in
benefit for the funds expended and the network
consideration. Another ranking approach is coupling
a condition index and a strategic index [7].
Optimization represents the most modern and
sophisticated approach for selecting the optimum
maintenance schedule for bridges network. Many
objectives can be considered in the problem such as
minimizing maintenance cost, getting the highest
return on the repair budget, and maximizing bridge
condition. The constraints that could be considered
includes: budget limits, governmental and political
constraints, user defined constraints, and performance
constraints.
Related work in Egypt was initiated by Abu –
Hamd [8] how developed a framework that includes
3 modules; database, structural analysis, and rating
model. The framework considered steel bridges only.
El-Kafory [9] introduced an approach to estimate the
structural condition for the bridge flexural elements
RESEARCH ARTICLE OPEN ACCESS
2. Hesham Abd Elkhalek et al. Int. Journal of Engineering Research and Applications www.ijera.com
ISSN: 2248-9622, Vol. 6, Issue 1, (Part - 5) January 2016, pp.48-54
www.ijera.com 49|P a g e
by calculating reliability index for shear and flexure
failure modes. Abbas [10] introduced EBRMS based
on the outcome of BRIME project in Europe, the
framework prioritizes concrete bridges for
maintenance and provides one-year plan.
This research introduces a bridge management
tool called E-BMS to best allocate the limited
maintenance fund on bridges in transportation
network to keep all bridges in the target level of
performance within the available budget.
II. Description of The Framework
The proposed framework aims to produce
simple, Efficient, accurate system for managing
bridges in Egypt taking into account the limited
budget and target level of performance of the
network. Fig. 1 shows the main structure of the
proposed E-BMS. The framework contains Database,
Condition evaluation, deterioration, and optimization
models. The database includes the basic information
and documents describing bridge configuration and
network characteristics. It also contains the results of
inspection reports. It is recommended to perform
inspection according to AASHTO standards [3].
Detailed information about the other models are
listed below.
III. Condition-Evaluation Model
Condition Evaluation aims to describe the
current condition of a structure. According to
AASHTO (2010) [11], each element has four
condition states listed with qualitative descriptions
and viable maintenance actions. Elements conditions
and quantities are estimated during field inspection.
Table I provides a definition of each condition state
and feasible actions. Measuring the condition of
elements and bridge are determined by calculating
Health index, which is a single number ranges from 0
to 100 (0 for the worst possible health). This method
is similar to that used in the Pontis BMS with some
modification in the weighting factor to best suit local
conditions and available data in Egypt. The process is
accomplished in two steps; Step one calculates the
Element Health Index (EHI). Step two computes the
entire Bridge Health Index (BHI) based on the
weighted EHI. According to [12], the health index of
an individual element (EHI) is calculated according
to (1) as:
𝐸𝐻𝐼 =
𝐾𝑠 𝑞𝑠𝑠
𝑞𝑠𝑠
x 100 % (1)
The health index of the entire bridge (BHI) is
evaluated as a weighted average of the health indexes
of bridge elements based on element relative
importance. It can be calculated by (2) as follows:
𝐵𝐻𝐼 =
𝐻𝑒 𝐸𝐼𝐹𝑒𝑒
𝐸𝐼𝐹𝑒𝑒
𝑋 100% (2)
Where; EHI : the health index of an individual
element, s : the index of the condition state (4), qs :
the quantity of the element in the sth
condition state,
ks : a coefficient corresponding to the sth
condition
state and reflects the level of deterioration. See Table
II, BHI : the health index of the entire bridge, He : the
health index of an individual element (EHI), e : the
number of an element, EIFe : Element Importance
Factor of element e. It is a weighting factor
representing the importance of each element to the
structural safety and serviceability of the bridge.
EIFe is determined by a questionnaire where the
results are shown in Table III.
TABLE I
CONDITION STATE DEFINITIONS AND FEASIBLE ACTIONS
Level
Condition state
1 2 3 4
Good Fair Poor severe
Condition state
Descriptions
No or minor
defects; those not
Affecting
structural safety
and serviceability
of bridge.
minor defects, but
do not weaken
structural safety
and serviceability
of bridges.
failures and
defects that
currently develop
and affect
structural safety
and serviceability
serious failures and
defects that adversely
affect structural safety
and serviceability
Feasible
actions
Do Nothing,
Protect
Do Nothing,
Protect,
Repair
Do Nothing,
Protect,
Repair,
Rehabilitate
Do Nothing,
Rehabilitate,
Replace Immediately
3. Hesham Abd Elkhalek et al. Int. Journal of Engineering Research and Applications www.ijera.com
ISSN: 2248-9622, Vol. 6, Issue 1, (Part - 5) January 2016, pp.48-54
www.ijera.com 50|P a g e
Input Process Output
Inventory
Inspection
Priority ranking
Element Health Index: EHI
Bridge Health Index: BHI
Condition Rating Model
Prioritization
Optimization Model
1) Traffic volume
2) Road class
3) Bridge location
Repair actions
Condition States
Geometric
etc. ....
Elements
Identification
Objective : Max. network performance
Deterioration
Calculate Bridge Importance Factor (IF)
Element Defects
Datacollectedfrom
etc. ....
questionnairetoidentifythe
factorsandtheirweights
Datacollectedfrom
bridgessites
Database Model
transportationagencies
Bridges data:
etc. ....
measure the current condition using:
Performance
Years
Planning horizon t
Now
Stores bridges and network data
Model
Cost data
Year budget
Repair Cost
Inflation rate
Interest rate
Year
2016
Bridge
defected
elements
B1
Element 1
Element 2
B2
Element 1
Element 2
.......
2017 B3
Element 1
.......
Element Bridge
... .......
Optimization results: multi - years maintenance plan.
Deterioration is considered during planning horizon.
C 1
C 2
C 1
C 2
...
C 1
...
... ...
Constraints: Budget (obligatory)
Repair Cost
....... ...
Network Condition
Before After
... ...
Reports:
1) Structure Reports
2) Inspection Reports
3) Performance reports
4) Maintenance Reports
5) Financial and Management
Reports
Report 1
Target performance
Fig. 1 Main structure of the proposed BMS
TABLE II
VALUES OF KS COEFFICIENT
Condition
State no
1 2 3 4
ks 1.0 0.67 0.33 0
TABLE III
ELEMENT IMPORTANCE FACTOR (EIF)
EIFElements
1.0Columns, abutments
0.90
Piles, pile caps, foundation, columns
caps, main girders
0.70
Transversal girders, Floor beams, Slabs,
Retaining walls, wing walls, Joints
0.60
Bearings, surface finish, asphalt, Lighting
columns
0.50
Drainage system, Parapets, Handrail,
Sidewalks, safety barriers, others
IV. Deterioration Model
This paper considers the deterioration of the
bridge element to be a Markov process, which is
extensively used to forecast the future condition of an
element, based on its current condition states and
transition probability matrix. Any element can exist
in one of four environments (Benign, Low,
Moderate, Severe), which describe different weather
or operating conditions. [3]. Each environmental
class has one transition probability matrix. Thus, four
matrices have to be feed to the E-BMS for each
element. These matrices are obtained from literature.
The general form of a deterioration transition
probability matrix (P) is presented in Table IV [13].
TABLE IV
GENERAL FORM OF A TRANSITION PROBABILITY
MATRIX
If the initial condition vector P(0) that describes
the present condition of a bridge element is known,
then the future condition vector P(t) at any year t can
be obtained as follows [14]:
𝑝𝑖𝑗 = 1 (3)n=4
j=1
P (t) = p (0) × pt
(4)
P (0) = [q1 q2 q3 q4] (5)
Where; qi: the quantity of an element in condition
state i, i=1, 2, 3, 4
V. Optimization Model
This section represents the decision – making
tool of the proposed that searches for the best
solution of maintenance fund allocation.
To state
1 2 3 4
From
state
1 P11 P12 P13 P14
2 0 P22 P23 P24
3 0 0 P33 P34
4 0 0 0 1
4. Hesham Abd Elkhalek et al. Int. Journal of Engineering Research and Applications www.ijera.com
ISSN: 2248-9622, Vol. 6, Issue 1, (Part - 5) January 2016, pp.48-54
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A. Bridge Importance Factor (IF)
The impact of the loss of bridge service to
traffic, are other factors should be considered in
deciding which bridges to be repaired. The
importance factor (IF) is developed for this purpose.
IF is a single indicator ranges from zero for less
importance to 100 for the most important bridges.
Many parameters are taken into account to determine
the bridge importance factor (IF). These factors are
collected from literature. Besides, a confirmation is
conducted using a questionnaire to determine the
factors affecting the importance factor (IF) and their
weights in the calculation formula. Table V illustrates
these factors.
TABLE V
IMPORTANCE FACTOR MEASUREMENT SUMMARY
Factor
Weight
(wi)
Reference
1)Traffic volume 0.155 [6], [10], [15]
2)Rood class 0.135
[6], [8], [10],
[15]
3)Bridge location class 0.127 [10]
4)Possible detours 0.113 [16]
5)Historical
importance
0.092 [10], [15]
6)Defense
Considerations
0.106 [10], [15]
7)Width condition 0.088 [10], [15]
8)Vertical clearance 0.096 [10], [15]
9)% trucks 0.088 This study
𝐼𝐹 = 𝑤i
9
𝑖=1
∗ 𝑓𝑖 (6)
Where;
wi : weight of factor i 𝑤i
9
𝑖=1 = 1
fi : Factor Measurement fi ={0.25 to 1.0}
B. Improvement after repair
The conditions of elements after performing
specific type of repair improve to certain level. In the
real world, some repair actions do not necessarily
make the element condition as good as new. The
technique used in this study is similar to that used in
[17] and. [18]. It is assumed that when doing nothing
to a bridge element, no improvement will happen in
its condition. Protection or Minor maintenances will
enhance the condition to 78% of the initial new
condition. Major repairs will raise the element
condition to 89% of the initial new condition. Finally,
replacement or reconstruction will reset the element
to the initial new state (100%). These values of
improvement are confirmed by questionnaire. The
Element Health Index after performing the repair
activities (EHIAfter) is calculated as:
𝐸𝐻𝐼𝐴𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑟 =
100𝑞1 + 78𝑞2 + 89𝑞3 + 100𝑞4
𝑞1 + 𝑞2 + 𝑞3+ 𝑞4
% (7)
C. Optimization process
The selection of proper maintenance activities
for bridges network is modelled as quality
maximization of network given the limited annual
budget. The following steps summarize the
methodology used to get the optimal maintenance
plan:
1. Calculate for each element; the values of
Element Health Index (EHI).
2. Calculate for each bridge, the values of Bridge
Health Index (BHI) and Importance Factor (IF).
3. A reference value is set for BHI; this value
represents the target minimum performance of
bridges (BHIref.). All bridges with BHI below
this value are considered to need maintenance,
repair, or rehabilitation activities and will be
included in the optimization process. The
remaining bridges are excluded because they
satisfy the minimum level of performance
specified by transportation agency. However, the
not-selected bridges may be selected the next
years when excessive deterioration occurs.
4. For bridges selected in step 3, a reference value
for element condition is set (EHIref.). All
elements with EHI below this value are
considered to need maintenance, repair, or
rehabilitation activities and will be included in
the optimization process these elements are put
into a list called “Eligible elements list”, the
remaining not-selected elements are excluded.
5. Operate the Genetic algorithm (GA) optimization
process for elements in “Eligible elements list”
selected in step 4.
D. Problem Formulation
Maximize: 𝑧1 = Ht (8)
Subject to: 𝐶𝑡 ≤ 𝐵𝑡 (9)
𝐻𝑡 =
𝐵𝐻𝐼𝑖𝑡 ∗ 𝐼𝐹𝑖 ∗ 𝐵𝐶𝑖
N
i=1
𝐼𝐹𝑖
𝑁
𝑖=1 ∗ 𝐵𝐶𝑖
(10)
Where; Ht = average performance of the entire bridge
network at year t, BHIit : Bridge Health Index of
bridge i at year t after applying repair actions for the
selected elements in that bridge, IFi : Importance
Factor of bridge i, BCi : the estimated Budget cost of
bridge i, Ct : the total repair Cost of the network
during year t, , N : the total number of bridges in the
network, E: the Total number of elements in bridge i,
Bt : available budget at year t.
E. Genetic Algorithm (GA)
A genetic algorithm (GA) is a method for
solving both constrained and unconstrained
optimization problems based on a natural selection
5. Hesham Abd Elkhalek et al. Int. Journal of Engineering Research and Applications www.ijera.com
ISSN: 2248-9622, Vol. 6, Issue 1, (Part - 5) January 2016, pp.48-54
www.ijera.com 52|P a g e
process that mimics biological evolution. The
algorithm repeatedly modifies a population of
individual solutions. In this study, GA is used to
solve the optimization problem.
VI. Validation Using Case Study
A case study of ten real Bridges in Egypt is used
to validate the developed framework and test its
applicability. The ten bridges have different types,
traffic load, size, and location. Table VI provides a
description of these bridges. Different scenarios are
assumed to test the proposed system as shown in
Table VII. Each scenario has its own budget,
objective, and target performance.
TABLE VI
GENERAL DATA OF BRIDGES
Bridge ID
Length
(m)
Width
(m)
BHI
(%)
IF (%)
B1 594 16.2 88.1 55.2
B2 600 22 89.9 76.9
B3 1135 22 95.1 77.9
B4 550 11 87.7 77.9
B5 80 24 88.3 68.3
B6 400 18 96.4 52.4
B7 36 16 77.3 54.2
B8 664 26 87.5 72.5
B9 72 38 93.6 65.7
B10 27 9.60 70.3 55.4
TABLE VII
DESCRIPTION OF THE CASE STUDY SCENARIOS
Scenario
Plannin
g year
Target
performance
(%)
Budget
(LE)
BHIref.
EHIr
ef.
Scenario 1 2016 95 95 1,000,000
Scenario 2 2016 95 95 2,000,000
Scenario 3 2016 95 95 3,000,000
Scenario 4 2016 95 95 4,500,000
Scenario 5 2016
2017
2018
95 95
1,000,000
1,000,000
1,000,000
The system results are reasonable, acceptable and
feasible as they satisfy problem constrains. Selected
results are presented. In scenarios 1, 2, 3, and 4,
performance maximization problem is solved using
different budget limits at each scenario to get one –
year maintenance plan. While a multi – year
maintenance plan is produced in Scenario 5. The
algorithm selects bridge elements that maximize the
fitness function; these elements have high EIF and
are located on more - important bridges. More bridge
elements are selected for maintenance and repair
works as more fund became available. The current
Average condition of the network was 90.55%
(before repair); this condition is enhanced when the
available maintenance budget has increased as shown
in Fig. 2 which provides the average network
condition corresponding to different repair costs.
The results of scenario 5 are organized in Fig. 3,
which displays the repair cost of each bridge during
the three years. Fig. 4 presents sample results of the
proposed system.
Fig. 2 Results of different budget scenarios
Fig. 3 Repair Costs of each bridge (Scenario 5)
VII. CONCLUSION
The objective of this paper is to allocate
optimally the limited maintenance budget to
competing bridges in network. The problem is
formulated as quality maximization. The impact of
the bridge on transportation network is considered by
introducing the Importance Factor (IF).
Computerized software is developed to implement
the model. Validation and verification is
accomplished using case study. The study provides a
practical tool called E-BMS that could be operated
within the available data to manage the maintenance
of bridges in Egypt. The methodology proposed
herein is general, and can be applied to all aspects of
concrete bridge management. Future improvements
can include; producing Transition Probability
Matrices for all elements to best suit the condition in
6. Hesham Abd Elkhalek et al. Int. Journal of Engineering Research and Applications www.ijera.com
ISSN: 2248-9622, Vol. 6, Issue 1, (Part - 5) January 2016, pp.48-54
www.ijera.com 53|P a g e
Egypt, and including user and failure costs in the model.
Fig. 4. Sample results of the proposed system
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