Effect of unprotected interior beams on membrane behaviour of composite floor system in fire, I: Experimental investigation

A number of previous studies on tensile membrane action have been conducted and they are very valuable towards understanding the behaviour of isolated slabs as well as of floor assemblies. However, the role of unprotected interior beams in the development of TMA still has not clearly determined. This paper presents an experimental study on the effect of unprotected interior beams on the behaviour of composite floor assemblies in fire. The experimental observations and results of two one-fourth scale composite slab-beam systems, 3.15 m by 3.15 m in plan, subjected to transient-heating test are presented.The test results show that the presence of interior beams can reduce the slab deflection and greatly enhance the slab load-bearing capacity. The interior beams have a major role in helping the slab in passing through the ‘transition’ stage, and thus the slab can mobilize more tensile membrane forces. Without the interior beams, the compressive ring failure may occur resulting in a little contribution from TMA in the slab load-bearing capacity

Effect of unprotected interior beams on membrane behaviour of composite floor system in fire, II: Numerical assessment

The authors’ companion paper presented the observations and results from two one-forth scale composite beam-slab systems tested in fire. This paper introduces the numerical assessment based on these experimental results. A non-linear finite element model is developed using ABQUS/Explicit to simulate the specimen behaviour. Material properties at elevated temperatures are assumed to vary according to EN 1994-1-2 (2005). The FE model was first validated with the test results, and then was used to examine the effect of unprotected interior beams on tensile membrane action. It is found that the numerical predictions agree well with the test results. The presence of interior beams significantly affects the magnitude as well as the distribution of stress of the slab elements, i.e. mesh reinforcement and concrete slab. The part with maximum tensile force is not necessarily at the slab centre. It may be part of the concrete slab above the edge beams. Shortcomings of the numerical model in predicting the failure modes are indicated

Impact of Service Quality Performance on Customer Satisfaction: A Case Study of Vietnam’s Five Star Hotel

To exist in highly competitive market, companies need to pay more attention in improving quality of products and services. It is necessary to maintain customers’ loyalty for sustainable future development. This research focuses on investigating the impact of service quality performance on customer satisfaction in a sample of Vietnam’s five star hotels, with a case study of Hotel X, where service quality is considered as the key to success. This study chose the SERVPERF model as a conceptual framework. Analysis of results shows that components RES-EM, ASSURANCE and RELIABLITY explain customer evaluation of perceived service quality in Hotel X. These components play important roles in service quality measurement and thus it is suggested that five star hotels generally and Hotel X in particular needs to have specific strategies to enhance these components as well as customer satisfaction

Catholic Relief Services: Information and Communication Technology in Monitoring and Evaluation

In February 2015, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Vietnam initiated a new project to support the reintegration and rehabilitation of survivors of accidents involving landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW). With funding from the Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs (PM/WRA), CRS’ Access and Reintegration (A&R) project takes a comprehensive approach to serving the needs of 3,219 survivors of landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Quang Binh and Quang Tri provinces. Through collaboration with the Government of Vietnam’s provincial Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (DOLISA), CRS provides survivors with access to medical care, rehabilitation, and social and livelihood support services. The key to success has been establishing an effective and functional coordination system at the local level for referrals, strengthening a network of community-based workers, and supporting families to provide appropriate, home-based care and support. CRS’ A&R project creates a network of support that ensures increased access to comprehensive services for survivors and advances their reintegration into society. The A&R Project has established a model for scaling to six affected districts in the targeted provinces and beyond