Thesis (Ph.D.) - University of Queensland, 2006. / Includes bibliography.

The research presented in this dissertation focuses on the material characterization of ultrahigh performance fiber reinforced concrete (UHP-FRC) at both the microscopic and macroscopic scales. The macroscopic mechanical properties of this material are highly related to the orientation of the steel fibers distributed within the matrix. However, the fiber orientation distribution has been confirmed to be anisotropic based on the flow-casting process. The orientation factor and probability density function (PDF) of the crossing fiber (fibers crossing a cutting plane) orientation was obtained based on theoretical derivations and numerical simulations with respect to different levels of anisotropy and cut planes oriented arbitrarily in space. The level of anisotropy can be calibrated based on image analysis on cut sections from hardened UHP-FRC prisms. Simplified equations provide a framework to predict the mechanical properties based on a single fiber-matrix interaction rule selected from existing theoretical models. Along with the investigation of the impacts from different curing methods and available post-cracking models, a versatile parameterized uniaxial stress-strain constitutive model was developed and calibrated. The constitutive model was implemented in a finite element analysis software program, and the program was utilized in the preliminary design of moveable bridge deck panels made of passively reinforced UHP-FRC. This deck system was among the several alternatives to replace the problematic steel grid decks currently in use. Based on experimental investigations of the deck panels, failure occurred largely in shear rather than flexure during bending tests. However, this shear failure is not abrupt and usually involves large deformation, large sectional rotation, and wide shear cracks before loss of load-carrying capacity. This particular shear failure mode observed was further investigated numerically and experimentally. Three-dimensional FEM models with the ability to reflect the interaction between rebar and concrete were created in a commercial FEM software to investigate the load transfer mechanism before and after bond failure. Small-scale passively reinforced prisms were tested to verify the conclusions drawn from simulation results. In an effort to improve the original design, several shear-strengthened deck panels were tested and evaluated for effectiveness. Finally, methods and equations to predict the ultimate shear capacity iii were calibrated. A two-dimensional frame element based complete moveable bridge finite element model was built for observation of bridge system performance. The model contained the option to substitute any available deck system based on a subset of pre-calibrated parameters specific to each deck type. These alternative deck systems include an aluminum bridge deck system and a glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) deck system. All three alternatives and the original steel grid deck system were evaluated based on the global responses of the moveable bridge, and the advantages and disadvantages of adopting the UHP-FRC deck system are quantified.

Les biens publics mobiliers s’entendent comme l’ensemble des biens mobiliers placés dans une relation juridique patrimoniale avec les personnes publiques. Certes, ils se caractérisent par leur mobilité (comme les biens privés mobiliers), c’est-à-dire une aptitude à la circulation, physique et juridique, vectrice de souplesse et de fragilité, favorable à la dissociation de leurs utilités ; mais la question ici centrale est celle de savoir si la propriété publique est toujours un instrument pertinent pour appréhender cette mobilité. Il s’avère que la propriété publique, lorsqu’elle est sollicitée, exerce potentiellement une force d’attraction efficace sur tous les biens publics mobiliers ; elle permet ainsi de freiner leur circulation. En revanche, une fois le bien capté, la propriété publique ne suffit plus à maîtriser l’intégrité des biens publics mobiliers. Elle n’endigue pas leur délitement et leur évaporation naturels. Elle est même concurrencée par d’autres rapports de droit qui, par des dissociations des utilités des biens, par la déliaison entre propriété et utilisation, conduisent à interroger sa pertinence. / Movable public property shall be understood as the set of personal property placed in a patrimonial legal relationship with public entities. These goods are characterized by their mobility (such as movable private property), that is to say an ability to circulate, physically and legally, a flexibility and fragility medium, favouring the dissociation of their utilities. But the central question remains whether public ownership is still a relevant instrument for understanding this mobility. It turns out that public ownership, when called upon, potentially exerts an effective force of attraction on all movable public property; thus it allows slowing down their circulation. However, once the good’s ownership has been claimed, public property law is not sufficient to monitor the integrity of movable public property. It doesn’t stem their natural crumbling and evaporation. It is even challenged by other legal relationships which, by dissociation of goods’ utilities, and by unbinding ownership and use, lead to question its relevance.

Thesis (M.Sc. (Civil Engineering)--University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Engineering, 1992.

In the study, an innovative method is developed in 2-D wave flume tests to explore how much sand is set in motion by waves, and how wave-moved sediment is related to wave properties. Wave conditions on an initial sea bed slopes with grain size of about 0.1mm are varying during the experiments. Three initial bottom slopes of 1/30, 1/45, and 1/60 are analyzed in the study. The total number of waves acting is about 39,600 for each wave condition. The accumulated time of generated waves during the study is more than 1,280 hours; this is equivalent to about 2.45 million waves. The dark sands, along the observing window of the wave tank, of an initial sea bed are replaced by a slice column of white sands. The mixing caused by the waves moved dark and white sands together which generates a layer of grey sands that marks the interface of moved and unmoved white sands on the window. In some cases, three additional white sand columns are merged into the dark sand body perpendicular to the window to verify the uniformity of the moved layer in the wave crest direction. The quantity of the moved sediment is then computed and the wave-moved sediment by each wave is evaluated. Results show that the wave-moved sediment by each wave is linearly correlated to the wave breaking induced turbulent eddy viscosity, based on Prandtls mixing length model. The corresponding proportional coefficient reaches an asymptotic value as the number of acting waves is more than about 10,000. A Similar trend, but more diverse, is found when the wave-moved sediment is related to a movable parameter defined from the Shields number in which the Komars relation of bottom friction and slope is applied. However, the results indicate that the wave-moved sediment does not linearly correlate with the breaking wave power as proposed by most previous studies.

No description available.

This study explored the development of a stationary robotic strawberry harvester that was combined with a movable bench system as part of the development of an industrially production system for a strawberry in a plant factory. At first the difficulty of approaching target fruit was investigated using table-top plants cultured in a greenhouse. Then the maximum force needed to separate fruit from the peduncle was measured. Based on these results, an end-effector was designed with three unique functions; (1) suction cup was vibrated to minimize the influence of the adjoining fruits at the time of approach; (2) compressed air was blown toward the adjoining fruits to force them away from the target fruit; (3) peduncle was removed with the motion of tilting and pulling the target fruit. Next, an optical system to equip the machine with the ability to detect and determine the position and coloration of strawberry fruit was constructed. The position of the fruit was detected from below with a stereo-camera. The coloration measurement unit was set against the bed of the movable bench system at fruit level to capture images of target fruit. Considering the spectral reflectance characteristics of strawberry fruit, the coloration measurement unit was equipped with red, green, and white LEDs. Finally the stationary robot was tested in an experimental harvesting system in which the robot was combined with a movable bench unit. In the experiment system, the stationary robot enabled highly stable harvesting operation. / Kyoto University (京都大学) / 0048 / 新制・論文博士 / 博士(農学) / 乙第12528号 / 論農博第2747号 / 新制||農||988(附属図書館) / 学位論文||H23||N4584(農学部図書室) / 28350 / (主査)教授 近藤 直, 教授 清水 浩, 准教授 飯田 訓久 / 学位規則第4条第2項該当

The master's thesis focuses on a topic which lies on the intersection of civil law procedure and constitutional law. The chosen type of execution proceedings is looked at through the lens of constitutional law with specific focus on dwelling and inviolability of the home, which are interfered with by specific steps of the execution sale of movable property. The aim of the thesis is to bring forth an analysis of the topic from an unusual perspective, and therein answer several research questions, especially to lay out specific (impermissible) interferences with the inviolability of the dwelling within execution proceedings with the goal of highlighting inviolability of the home as a value embodied in the constitutional system of the Czech Republic. The thesis is divided into two parts and only the conjunction of these parts forms a unique whole. The first part focuses on execution sale of movable items. Firstly, it gives an overview of the execution proceedings and clarifies the purpose and goals of the court executors. In the following chapter the thesis looks at the distraining enforcer as a person in direct contact with the debtors and third parties during his on-the-spot operations for the purpose of execution proceedings. The text then shifts its focus to specific aspects of execution sale of...

Depuis 2006, le droit français des sûretés mobilières conventionnelles a connu un véritable bouleversement. À travers celui-ci, il s’est agi pour le législateur français de moderniser et de rendre plus compétitif le droit interne. Essentielles au crédit et donc à l’économie, les sûretés mobilières constituent en effet un élément important de l’attractivité d’un système juridique par rapport aux autres.Pourtant, la question de l’efficacité de ces sûretés soulève des difficultés lorsqu’elles évoluent dans une situation présentant un élément d’extranéité. En effet depuis 1933, la Cour de cassation affirme que la loi française est applicable aux droits réels dont sont l’objet les biens meubles situés en France. Cette solution conduit la Cour de cassation à juger incompatible avec des principes fondamentaux de l’ordre juridique français les sûretés étrangères qui lui sont soumises.Toutefois, les réformes entreprises depuis 2006 devraient atténuer cette hostilité du droit français à l’égard des sûretés étrangères. En effet, dans le cadre de ces réformes, le législateur s’est inspiré plus ou moins directement de ce qui est perçu comme le meilleur à l’international de sorte que certains mécanismes étrangers ont traversé la frontière. Tel est le cas du trust, qui à travers la fiducie reçoit une certaine consécration en droit français. C’est aussi dans le but de rendre plus attractif le droit français des sûretés mobilières que le législateur a réformé le droit commun du gage. En consacrant la possibilité de constituer un gage sans dépossession, le législateur a rapproché le droit français des sûretés mobilières du modèle de la sûreté unique en vigueur aux États-Unis ou au Québec. / Since 2006, the French law of movables securities has gone through major upheavals. The legislator tried to upgrade and make that part of French law more competitive. Essential to loaning and therefore to the economy, movables securities play a substantial role in the attractiveness of one law system over another.However, the real efficiency of those securities raises many uncertainties when a foreign element is to be taken into account. Indeed, since 1933, the French Supreme Court rules that French law is relevant when considering in rem rights of personal property located in France. This ruling leads the French Supreme Court to judge foreign securities incompatible with the key elements of the French legal system.To lessen the hostility that French law has towards foreign securities, some changes were introduced since 2006. Indeed, the law-making process, more or less inspired by what's perceived as best abroad, tried to integrate some foreign tools into French law. That is especially true for trust law which shyly integrated our legal system through the "fiducie" mechanism. Always aiming to make French law more attractive, the legislator amended the pledge. By allowing to create a pledge without delivery, the French law of movables securities became closer to US or Quebec law where you only have one security.

Numerous movable books, the so-called pop-ups, are being ascribed to Vojtěch Kubašta (7th ofOctober1914-7th ofJuly1992),anartist,whospentmostofhislifeinPrague.Majority of these titles were published out of Czechoslovakia - in other European countries, in the United Kingdom, but also in more distant Iran or Japan. Kubašta had a unique ability of transforming one plain sheet of paper into an elaborate three-dimensional scene just by cutting and folding its surface on the right places. This artistry of the Czechoslovakian illustrator and paper engineer made him famous and successful all over the world except in his home country. His books are being collected and exhibited, but the very personality of the man, who worked even for Walt Disney, is yet to be discovered. This thesis will examine the life and work of Vojtěch Kubašta. The focus of the text will be the form of his movable fairy tales and their impact on the reader. Answering the question, what makes Kubašta's techniques of making pop-ups so unique, will be the main goal of the presented research. key words: Vojtěch Kubašta (1914-1992), visual arts, book culture, illustration, pop-up, popular culture, Artia, Walt Disney, Czechoslovakia 1948-1989