How to use COSMIC Functional Size in Effort Estimation Models?

Although Functional Size Measurement (FSM) methods have become widely used by the software organizations, the functional size based effort estimation still needs further investigation. Most of the studies on effort estimation consider total functional size of the software as the primary input to estimation models and they mostly focus on identifying the project parameters which might have a significant effect on the size-effort relationship. This study brings suggestions on how to use COSMIC functional size as an input for effort estimation models and explores whether the productivity values for developing different functionality types deviate significantly from a total average productivity value computed from total functional size and effort figures. The results obtained after conducting a multiple case study in which COSMIC method was used for size measurement are discussed as well

Combined effect of steel fibre and expanded vermiculite on properties of lightweight mortar at elevated temperatures

The goal of this research is to evaluate the influence of steel fibres and expanded vermiculite on some physical and mechanical properties of lightweight mortar at elevated temperatures. An experimental program has been carried out on lightweight mortar specimens exposed to high temperatures up to 1100 degrees C, combining different concentrations of both, steel fibres as a reinforcement of the mortar and expanded vermiculite. The target properties of the mortar to be determined were the flexural strength, the compressive strength and the ultrasonic pulse velocity of hardened mortar after air cooling. Non-linear models derived from a regression analysis and 3D graphics for the measured properties with good agreement to the test results are also presented. Lightweight mortar with expanded vermiculite shows a good performance at elevated temperatures that improves as the percentage of added fibre increases