Effective Stress Nonlinear Model Parameters and Simulation of Stress-strain for Expansive Soil

An experimental investigation of the stress-strain and volume change behaviour of normally consolidated expansive (Barind) soil characteristics are studied using a computer controlled triaxial cell. This paper presents a procedure for estimating the effective nonlinear stress-strain parameters for Barind soils from the results of triaxial, consolidation and direct shear tests. In this study compacted soil is tested to different stress level. Since field tests are very costly, it is essential to develop suitable model parameters to predict the behaviour of Barind soils based on the triaxial, consolidation and direct shear tests. From the results of the drained triaxial compression tests, the Young’s modulus and modulus exponent, defined for their dependencies on shear stress level and strain rate were quantified. A procedure for estimating the bulk modulus number, the bulk modulus exponent and the unload-reload modulus number is also presented. Finally, a comparison is made between the predictions and experimental results using model constants and the predictions are found to be satisfactory

Instrumentation and matric suction measurement in a decomposed granite soil slope

A field instrumentation program was carried out to measure the matric suction in a granite residual soil slope. The variation in matric suction due to changes in climatic condition was investigated to study its effect on slope stability. Matric suction in the soil increased during dry periods and decreased during wet periods. Maximum change in matric suction occurred near the ground surface and the magnitude of matric suction change decreased with depth. The amount of decrease in matric suction after a rainfall was observed to be a function of the initial matric suction just prior to the rainfall. Large variations in matric suction near the ground surface due to evaporation and infiltration processes would result in changes in shear strength of the soil. As a result, the stability of the slope also changes with the change in matric suction. Effect of matric suction on the slope stability is also investigated and discuss

New Public Management, Service Provision and Non-Governmental Organizations in Bangladesh

New public management (NPM) is now a universal phenomenon dominating the reform agenda of all countries. Bangladesh is no exception. Following the dismal performance of the state-led development the old paradigm of public sector has come under scrutiny. There is now a call for a minimal government. The scale of operations and the role of the government have to be drastically reduced to focus on core functions. In doing so, this will pave the way for the private sector and the civil society organizations to undertake developmental responsibilities in their areas of expertise. This article is an attempt to analyze the significant role played by Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) in rural development service provisions. It argues that the government has to share the developmental responsibilities with NGOs, which have proved their potential in reaching the target population and that an effective partnership is a sine qua non for the meaningful rural development in Bangladesh. Copyright Springer Science + Business Media, Inc. 2005new public management, non-governmental organizations, rural development, developing countries, Bangladesh,