Title: Petroleum Plant Sap as an Asphalt Modifier for Pavement Applications

Abstract:-- This research work aims to contribute to the development of a bio-binder for use at the paving industry, from the modification of a petroleum based asphalt by the sap of Euphorbia Tirucalli (Petroleum Plant). Thus, a base asphalt (PG 64-28) was modified with 3%, 5% e 10%, by weight, of sap of the petroleum plant. The functional groups present in the sap were characterized by Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy. The parameters chosen for the analysis of the modified binders were the empirical characteristics (softening point, penetration); the rheological behavior (Brookfield viscosity, complex module, phase angle); and the effects of oxidative aging (all the properties before and after aging at RTFOT). It was also carried out specific rheological tests for the determination of Performance Grade (PG) and the behavior related to permanent deformation by Multiple Stress Creep and Recovery (MSCR) test. The results showed that it was possible to replace up to 10% of the asphalt binder by sap without observe significant changes in the rheological properties, and still reducing the compaction and mixing temperatures. This result implies on major environmental and economical effects, once a material from renewable source reduces the consumption of fossil asphalt binder, and decreases the fuel expenditure for the mixing and compaction procedures as well.

Title: Hierarchal Model for Solving Resource-Constrained Project Scheduling Problem under Minimum Makespan Constraint

Abstract:-- In this paper a hierarchal model for Resource-Constrained Project Scheduling (RCPS) problem is presented. The model consists of two steps; step 1 applies the longest path integer programming model to determine the critical path activities and the free floats of the non-critical path activities. In step 2, Genetic algorithm exploits the information found in step 1 to determine the start times of the non-critical activities such that the total cost of resources needed to perform the project is minimized. This proposed model differs from the conventional RCPS problem in that the proposed model seeks to minimize the total cost of resources to perform the project within the minimum makespan of the project while the conventional RCPS seeks to minimize the total cost of resources usually by extending the duration of the project beyond its minimum makespan. The effectiveness of the model were demonstrated using two illustrative examples. The results of these examples showed that the proposed model is effective in scheduling the non-critical activities within the minimum makespan of the project such that the total cost of resources needed to perform the project is minimized. This proposed model can be effectively used in projects that are very sensitive to durations such as steel bridge construction projects, multi-level steel building projects, air craft maintenance, any other major construction projects, or where ever it is applicable.

Title: Model for Sustainable Construction- Terminal Fishing Campos DOS Goytacazes / RJ: A Case Study Seal Casa Azul

Abstract:-- Nothing more current than the debates about the depletion of natural resources and the attitude of society on the problems arising from such an attitude. In construction, the situation is more delicate, given the excessive level of resources (renewable or not) extracted from nature; not to mention the high consumption of energy which cause the issue, in large quantities of greenhouse gases; or the high number of waste, some even harmful. In Brazil, sustainable construction began to be debated more vigorously from the Eco92 Conference at which culminated in the Agenda 21 (a document that shows the commitment of nations with a planning and environmental attitudes related to human productive activities). There are many questions about the challenges faced by companies in the construction and planning and control of an appropriate environmental management, the inclusion of sustainable processes in their activities; without burdening them, keeping costs within the required and planned. Some ideas come from waste minimization, or materials, manpower, money, either of time or energy. Win the company by reducing its costs, gains the environment, given that the disposal, most often occurs irregularly in wastelands or near rivers. Now, why not put the provision of important Brazilian economic activities, the benefits of an efficient engineering project in which sustainable aspects are covered in the construction and maintenance of a dedicated building for agribusiness? This study has this purpose, submit a technical proposal of clean construction and which would include sustainable aspects of a building (Processing Building) belonging to the construction project of a fishing terminal in the city of Campos dos Goytacazes / RJ. The universe of this research is related to construction of fishing terminals respecting sustainability and striving for clean building actions. This study is focused on the ongoing project in the city of Campos dos Goytacazes / RJ. The literature review presents books, articles, dissertations or theses and, behold, also, information about Seal Casa Azul and what the guidelines that best apply to this study. In particular, the gains made in choosing to build a building with sustainable premises.

Title: Relevance of Sustainability Measurement Instruments Under the Viewpoint of the Sustainability Dimensions

Abstract:-- This article presents the relevance of Ecological Footprint, Dashboard of Sustainability, Barometer of Sustainability e PSR - Pressure, State, Response under the viewpoint of the sustainability dimensions. We developed a field research in which we identified the perception of experts related to the relevance of sustainability measurement instruments for Environmental, Economic and Social dimensions. The results showed similar agreements of the experts with those identified in the literature. The Dashboard of Sustainability and the Pressure, State, Response were considered as high relevance for all dimensions. This result confirms the efficiency of these instruments to show that the dimensions of sustainability do interact during the evaluation of sustainability of a system. The environmental Footprint was considered of high relevance for the Environmental dimension and of low relevance for the other dimensions. The Barometer of Sustainability was considered of high relevance for Environmental and Social dimensions and of moderate relevance for the Economic dimension. The four Instruments for measurement of Sustainability contributed for environment preservation, and sustainability, therefore contributing also for managers and society.

Title: The Main Project Management Problems Faced by Small and Medium Sized Civil Construction Enterprises in Brazil

Abstract:-- This research presents the small and medium enterprises behavior in the civil construction to Problems related to the management of projects, watching them on two specific perspectives that are representative of the impact of the Problems for SMEs and the use of processes project management. the main Problems projects in general have been identified, the representativeness of the Problems for SMEs construction, project management processes most used by SMEs, the diagnosis of the relationship between the representation of the Problems and the use of processes; and also, pointed out a comprehensive solution to minimize project management Problems and their impacts.