Title: The Effect of Cardanol-Formaldehyde Resin in the rheological properties of the Asphalt Binder

Abstract:-- Due to the increased traffic in federal and state roads, the asphalt pavements have, more and more, problems such as permanent deformation, fatigue cracks and thermal breakdown. This work aims to use a phenolic resin obtained from a renewable product (Cashew Nut Shell Liquid- CNSL) as an additive in asphalt mixtures. The resin was synthesized from the reaction of formaldehyde with cardanol, which was extracted from Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) by liquid-liquid extraction. After FTIR characterization, the resin was added to the asphalt binder. This mixture called CAPRES showed very interesting results, like reduction of approximately 10°C in the mixing and compaction temperature (MCT), improved elastic response and an increase in rigidity compared to pure petroleum asphalt cement (CAP). These results reduce significantly the problems that are found on asphaltic pavement with regard to structural problems such as permanent deformations.

Title: Buckling Failure of Slender Tubular Member of Offshore Structure with Cutout Presence

Abstract:-- Slender steel tubular members are widely used in jacket platform truss structures. When the member is in compression, buckling phenomenon governs its capacity. The critical load (Pcr) is a main indicator of buckling failure. Euler formula for predicting the capacity of slender compression member is no longer applicable when defect, such as a hole resulting from pitting corrosion, presence on the member. This research was conducted to study experimentally the effect of a circular hole on the buckling capacity of slender steel tubular member commonly found in typical platform structures. Variation on hole positions was at 0.125 L, 0.25 L, and 0.5 L, where L is the length of the member. The hole was 0.5 pipe diameter. Experiments were carried out in two scales, namely small models represented by seamless pipe SCH40 with ½ inch diameter, and large models that used similar pipe with diameter of 2 inches. Both models had the same slenderness ratio of 126. Monotonic axial compressive loading was applied to the member up to buckling occur. Load cell was used to monitor the applied load, while the axial and lateral displacements at the center were observed by LVDT’s. Strain gauges were placed closed to the cutout position. From the test results upon 12 specimens it was observed that: (a) the presence of cutout reduced the buckling load significantly, (b) the reductions ranging from 3 to 12%, depending on the hole posistions, (c) the maximum reduction occurs when the hole position was in the middle of the member length, and (d) the buckling modes corresponded with member bent away to opposite side of the cutout position.

Title: The Effectiveness of The Green Carrier as a Traffic Noise Barrier

Abstract:-- This study aims to evaluate the green barrier—carrier type—as an acoustic attenuation system for the traffic noise in Amman. In addition, it discusses the featuresand the design considerations of this barrier, such as the types of vegetation suitable to the local climate. A scale absorption material is used and tested in a standing wave apparatus, BB & K type 4002, showing a similarity in the absorption coefficient in real plant and scaled material. 1:5 a scale model of the barrier is erected in the anechoic chamber, and the traffic noise is simulated by 6 small tweeters connected to sound sources, B & K type 4205. The signal is picked by a ½ inch microphone, B & K type 165, at an interval of 1m from the barrier. The resultant additional attenuation of the absorbing barrier in approximately 6dB over the range of the frequency tested. However, the total attenuation provided by the absorbed barrier ranged between 6.6 dB and 24 dB.