Assessment of the fractured state of fire-damaged concrete.

PhDThis thesis reports on an experimental research programme into developing a new quantitative method, based on the Stiffness Damage Test (SDT), to be used in assessing fire-damaged concrete. The SDT subjects a concrete core to low-stress quasi-static load cycles. The energy dissipated during the load-cycle together with other characteristics of the stress-strain response are used as assessing tools of the fractured state of damaged concrete. In addition to the SDT, the extent of damage was also monitored by the following test methods: The Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) technique The dynamic modulus measurements The crushing strength The full stress-strain response of fire-damaged concrete to failure The petrographic approach including: 0 Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) 0 X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) The investigated concrete was heated to various temperatures in the range (ambient - 5000C) to the point when the temperature became uniform and was then exposed to this temperature for various durations. Cooling of the heated concrete was either carried out in air or by means of spraying with tap water for a short duration. Both carbonate and siliceous aggregate concrete were investigated. Maximum aggregate sizes of 10mm and 20mm were used in the siliceous aggregate concrete. The SDT was shown to be a powerful method in quantifying the extent of fire-damage. The energy dissipated in a stress cycle was found to correlate extremely well with the % fired residual stiffness, R 2=0 . 95. Therefore, a new method of classification of fire-damage, based on such correlation is introduced. The currently accepted method of UPV was shown to be unsatisfactory in assessing fire-damaged concrete when moisture content is altered during the fire-fighting operations. The traditional method of assessing fire-damage using the phenomena of colour changes of heated concrete was also shown to underestimate the extent of internal disruption and damage. In this thesis a large body of evidence is presented to support the supposition that the extent of damage is not a sole function of the maximum temperature experienced. The extent of damage was found to be a complex function of: the maximum temperature, the method of cooling, the duration of exposure, and the type and size of aggregate used. Spraying hot concrete with water proved to be a major determinant in the post-firing residual stiffness of concrete

FROM WASTE TO ENERGY: REUSE OF LANDFILLS TO CREATE ECO-FRIENDLY SPACES

Waste to Energy (W to E) minimize the amount of waste sent to landfill, which also reduces negative impacts on the environment. This problem has been a common occurrence since the beginning of time. Waste to Energy will assist in the creation of a low-carbon society. Currently, the challenge behind reaching Eco-friendly space is a result of the continuity of incineration and landfill uncontrolled Municipal Solid waste on slopes and seashore. This environmental disaster as worldwide landfill is oversaturated and can collapse at any moment and cause dangerous damage to the environment. The average trash production increased phenomenally worldwide, resulting in numerous environmental and health concerns. The landfill\u27s greatest height point reached 30 meters, which is much above the minimum-engineered height. Renewable Energy refers to a variety of treatment technologies that convert waste into sustainable development like electricity, heat, fuel or other usable material, as well as a variety of waste. Renewable Energy is divided into four categories: thermal, mechanical, thermochemical and biochemical. Therefore, this research aims to establish guidelines to Reuse the Landfills and create Eco-Friendly Spaces, explore the potential of landfills in reused as new recreational Eco-friendly spaces and to establish Renewable energy. To achieve this aim, the paper will follow a scientific methodology, starting with a literature review highlighting the definition of Waste to Energy, understanding its causes and types, then focus on different methods applying for this disaster and its relation to the city. As focused case study, this paper summarizes the methodology for applying Renewable Energy and transforming the mountain of garbage into entertainment and amusement park. As a conclusion, this research will analyze the effectiveness of Waste to Energy and how it functions strategically in order to improve the quality of life

EXTENDING THE ROLE OF ARCHITECTURE INTERVENTION ACROSS THE DISASTER LIFE CYCLE

Disasters have been a common occurrence since the beginning of time, yet they are increasing phenomenally worldwide and especially in developing countries. Factors that led to the cause of destructive disasters are often complex and interrelated; researchers detect human influence and rapid development is intensifying the damage and scale of disaster-prone areas through urban sprawl and human interference. Observing the disaster life cycle, it is made up of four stages: preparedness stage, resilience and mitigation stage, response and relief stage, and finally reconstruction and recovery stage. The main focus usually lies in the response and relief stage which comes immediately after the disaster has struck. The aim of this research is to extend the architectural intervention across all stages of the disaster; using a dynamic disaster response system made up of three components, primarily a disaster educational centre that can reliably respond to any disaster occurrence using a network of prebuilt structures spread across the perimeters of disaster-prone areas. The structures help with strategic preparedness, promote resilience, mitigating damage and spread, provide recovery and relief, and aid in eventual reforestations and reconstructions. As well as, designed to host an adaptable module of prefabricated units that can be easily mobilized and transported to plug-in to the host structures; the hosting structures will also provide a mechanical response across all stages of the disaster life cycle with a minimum disruptive footprint. Utilizing primarily the inductive method, this research will analyse the effectiveness of this unconventional architectural design approach in how it functions both reactively and strategically across all stages of any disaster life cycle. The paper also relies on analytical and deductive methods to help portray the effectiveness of the unconventional architectural design approach in how it functions both reactively and strategically across all stages of any disaster life cycle

PROPOSING GUIDELINES TO UPGRADE THE OPEN PUBLIC SPACES IN THE INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS

Informal Settlements have expanded rapidly in the last fifty years and have kept rising. With rapid population expansion has come an increase in haphazard urbanisation and informal settlements, frequently referred as slums. Defined as a settlement that was formed in an unplanned and uncontrolled way, which means they are mostly unrecognized. Unfortunately, focusing on the problem of current challenges in informal settlements, on the socio-cultural and environmental levels, which are facing a massive shift in the quality of life in these sites, this is reflected in urban fragmentations, social and infrastructures are lacking, service systems that have become progressively inefficient over time, a shortage of open public spaces, and inequality. Which all influence the urban environment. This paper, therefore, aims to provide guidelines to upgrade the open public spaces in the informal settlements to evolve these sites. To achieve this aim, the paper will follow a scientific methodology, starting by presenting a literature review highlighting the definition of an informal settlement, recognizing its causes, types, and its relation to the city. As a focused case study, the research will tackle Taamir district in Saida applying the field method, which are primarily inhabited by refugees, abandoned peoples, and fragmented families, as a scoped case study. This methodology investigated the challenges of its residents and proceeded with recommendations to improve their quality of life. These guidelines may be used to all those communities while considering the conditions of each region. As a conclusion, improving the quality of life in informal settlements includes ensuring that resident’s academic, economic, environmental, and socio-cultural issues are addressed

APPLYING METAMORPHOSIS PHILOSOPHY TO REVIVE THE ABANDONED BUILDINGS

The metamorphosis philosophy is related to architecture, for instance this translation is showcased in the transformation of spaces in buildings that is either done by the destruction or modification of the architectural product. Unfortunately, many buildings, structures and spaces are left abandoned because of changing situations, war, or natural causes. These abandoned buildings can increase the crime rate and leave lands covered in leftover spaces which can have drastic consequences on the environment. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to propose a set of design approaches that can apply the philosophy of metamorphosis in the revival of abandoned buildings with the goal of discovering adaptive solutions for abandoned buildings through their transformation. Hence, to accomplish this aim, this paper will cover accordingly a literature review, desk research case studies and previous readings about the relation of metamorphosis to abandoned buildings. Through the analysis, the research will detect ways of applying space transformation to abandoned buildings and will test the role of metamorphosis in reviving a place. That being the case, the paper will highlight on the reuse of abandoned buildings in Mar Mikhael, Lebanon as a case study

ROLE OF 3D PRINTED GREEN WALLS IN HEALING ARCHITECTURE

Three-dimensional (3D) printing has become a fundamental issue in modern global technology, touching practically every element of modern human life.Three-dimensional (3D) printing (also known as additive manufacturing) is an advanced manufacturing technology that can autonomously manufacture complicated shape geometries from a 3D computer-aided design model without the use of equipment or fixtures.However, there is a friction between traditional designs and the rise of 3D printed technology when it comes to architectural healing approaches, and this adaptability is hurting human healing tactics that are dependent on the relationship between space and environment.Due to its capacity to create products in a wide range of materials rapidly and at a lower cost, additive manufacturing is having a significant impact on production in a variety of areas. Even though it encompasses a wide range of techniques and applications, additive manufacturing (AM) may be described as a system for converting solid model data from a computer-based model into a physical prototype by the incremental addition of material via layer superposition. Therefore, this research aims to examine the 3d printed green walls as new proposed design elements that can upgrade the natural healing architecture. To achieve this goal, the study begins with a literature review that includes scientific methodology based on principles that assist architects dealing with advanced tools in transforming their intentions from digital to analogue means as part of a controlled system intended to innovate design and construction principles of the use of 3D printed green walls. It will also assist in the quest for a concept design that confronts the regeneration of a new spatial delineation ideology

Stress–strain model for concrete confined by FRP composites

In this paper, a stress–strain model for concrete confined by fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites is developed. The model is based on the results of a comprehensive experimental program including large-scale circular, square and rectangular short columns confined by carbon/epoxy and E-glass/epoxy jackets providing a wide range of confinement ratios. Ultimate stress, rupture strain, jacket parameters, and cross-sectional geometry were found to be significant factors affecting the stress–strain behavior of FRP-confined concrete. Such parameters were analyzed statistically based on the experimental data, and equations to theoretically predict these parameters are presented. Experimental results from this study were compared to the proposed semi-empirical model as well as others from the literature

Personal Lived Experience of Mechanically Ventilated Patients during the Recovery Period after Open-Heart Surgery at El Manial University Hospital

Patients on mechanical ventilators are subjected to extreme physical and emotional stress in the Intensive Care Unit .Less attention has been paid to patients' subjective experience of mechanical ventilation; even though psychological factors have been proposed as important determinants of outcomes in some patients. Thus Critical care nurses need to be cognizant of the importance of maintaining a close and supportive environment for the patient. Therefore the aim of this study was to explore the personal lived experience of Mechanically Ventilated patients during Recovery Period after Open-Heart Surgery. The following research question was stated; what are the personal lived experiences of patients connected to mechanical ventilator during recovery period after open-heart surgeries? A qualitative phenomenological design was used using purposeful sample. The data saturation occurred with fourteenth participants. In-depth Semi-structured interview was used to collect data using a pre-prepared interview question guide which was written in the lay Arabic language. All interviews were audio tape recorded. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using Giorgi’s methods for phenomenological analysis. Two major themes were identified through analysis:  physical experiences and emotional experiences contain four and nine subthemes respectively. Physical experiences contains: breathlessness, mouth dryness, pain and physical discomfort. And emotional experiences contain; shock, bothering, near death, inability to endure, powerlessness, knowledge deficit, sense of safe/unsafe, body image, and spirituality. Participants responses centered on spiritual aspect. Ethical principles were maintained throughout the study. The participants' identified experiences formed the basis for formulation of recommendation guidelines to improve nursing management of mechanically ventilated patient during recovery period after open heart surgery. Keywords: Lived Experience, Mechanically Ventilated Patients, Recovery Period, and Open-Heart Surger

Recent Modalities in Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis: Review Article

Background: Inflammation of the skin marked by itchy, pigmented, dry areas is known as Atopic Dermatitis (AD), also known as Atopic Eczema (AE) or Eczema. Symptoms include red, itchy pimples that leak fluid and crust, scaly or raw skin, or raw or scaly skin. Dermatitis can come in many different forms, such as atopic, contact, or seborrheic. In children, atopic dermatitis is the most prevalent kind of eczema and often occurs in association with other allergic or asthmatic conditions. Eczema is most commonly found on the face, neck, elbows, knees, and toes, among other places. In terms of phototherapy, ultraviolet B phototherapy (280–320 nm) is the "oldest" method that is used in treatment of atopic dermatitis. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) injection utilizes the body's own regenerative mechanisms to help treat disease in the patient. Objective: Determination of the updated treatment modalities in Atopic Dermatitis management. Conclusion: Clearly there remains a need to find more potent topical agents with fewer side effects. The most gratifying advances in AD therapy have come from better understanding of immune and inflammatory mechanisms