Physico-mechanical properties of flexible polyether foam: Comparative Effects of fillers

This work studied the effects of fillers on the density, compression set, Elongation at break, Tensile strength, porosity, indentation force deflection (IFD) and sag factor of flexible polyether foam samples filled with chicken bone, palm kernel shell, foam dust, calcium carbonate and Barium sulphate. The results showed that all the filled foams have higher density than the unfilled foam. The fillers also modified other properties more than the unfilled foam. The results of the physico mechanical properties of the barium sulphate were better than the results of other fillers tested. Keywords: Physico-mechanical, flexible, polyether foam Comparative Effects, filler

Nanotechnology for Sustainable Infrastructure in 21st Century Civil Engineering

Civil engineering profession has delivered infrastructures of various scales and complexities to different generations, as far as human history can stretch. Over this period, the demands and expectations from the profession have increased. At the dawn of 20th century the expectations from the profession was articulated, defined and encapsulated in one killer-phrase- sustainable development. The Brundtland Report of 1987 highlighted development challenges to humanity. The problems stem from our living and consumption patterns vis-a-vis interaction with the wider ecosystem. Sustainable development as a concept is multidimensional, straddling across socio-economic, ecological, and technical perspectives. In the civil engineering and construction sector, the Brundtland report heralded a paradigm shift from traditional infrastructure procurement and delivery with the focus now on sustainable infrastructure systems. However, appropriate technologies are needed to transform existing construction processes in product development. This paper discusses an innovative technology that offers solution to the challenge facing civil engineering in the 21st century. Nanotechnology is an underpinning technology that addresses some of the infrastructure sustainability challenges. The paper discusses the application of nanotechnology and nanomaterials for sustainable infrastructure delivery, and charts directions for further research

Synergising R&D initiatives for e-enhancing management support systems

Many R&D projects aim at developing Information and Knowledge Management (IKM) systems for enhancing productivity and performance levels in certain operations within specific segments of construction supply chains e.g. for improved collaborative design management, enhanced material control systems, and streamlined communications management. It is proposed that related R&D outputs now need to be brought together, and efforts made to align future inputs towards a consolidated cluster of systems and tools that could be applied to management support systems across the entire construction supply chain in general. In this context, two ongoing exercises to develop IKM based management support systems for large clients and small and medium contractors respectively are described, and a suggestion made for eventually linking and synergizing the two systems on specific projects through an e-platform for project-based collaborative IKM. This provides an example of the potential synergies in aiming for a convergence of some of the many hitherto parallel (or even divergent) R&D endeavors in construction academia and industry. This should help to overcome some of the obstacles impeding progress towards e-enhanced transactions across the entire supply chain, aiming at efficient e-procurement and e-delivery of construction projects

Propelling construction industry developments through SMC development

Recent construction industry development recommendations seem to have been mostly formulated from the perspectives of 'large contractors', e.g. in partnering. But small and medium sized contractors (SMCs) are very significant, in terms of their number and share in the industry, the workforce they employ, and the amount of work they carry out. Therefore, no improvement initiatives can be achieved without addressing the problems faced by SMCs. The present paper reports on an ongoing Research and Development (R&D) project in Hong Kong. It is designed to improve the efficiency of SMCs, which can eventually contribute to industry improvement. The paper coveys project highlights, including the types of services to be offered, in order to improve and maintain the SMC competitiveness. These are based on a preliminary 'needs analysis' study, a structured questionnaire survey, workflow analysis, and relevant feedback from the industry, including collaborating organisations

Empowering smaller construction enterprises

Small & Medium Construction Enterprises (SCEs) do most of the actual work in many construction industries, but often receive the least attention. Recent industry development initiatives have mostly targeted the issues raised by large, and therefore prominent, construction enterprises. This paper profiles a recent Hong Kong based initiative to empower the organisational learning and development of Small & Medium Contractors (SMCs). This learning is facilitated by providing a SCE-friendly web-based platform and useful tools for continuous improvement in boosting productivity, quality and image, through strategic information and knowledge management. For example, efficiencies are envisaged through accelerated access via the web-based platform to (a) specially compiled SCE-friendly information modules, (b) a wider range of potential business partners (e.g. suppliers, subcontractors, etc.), and (c) formats and guides to assist in some basic work processes, such as materials management, permit applications, as well as for performance improvements through benchmarking etc. Parallels are drawn with a recent initiative to stimulate innovations in Small Construction Enterprises (SCEs) in Wales. While each approach should be designed to suit specific regional characteristics and priorities, it is concluded that academia industry partnerships are valuable in uplifting the lower levels of the construction supply chain; and that without this boost, the industry can never grow to its expected heights

Needs of SMCs in Hong Kong: information management and IT

Abstract not available