Thesis (MScEng (Civil Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Concrete water retaining structures (WRS) in South Africa are under scrutiny due to the numerous durability problems that they have experienced lately; despite the efforts by local and national authorities in conserving these structures. At the heart of these problems are the creep and shrinkage phenomena. While shrinkage is the reduction of concrete volume with time, creep is defined as the time-dependent increase of concrete strain under constant or controlled stress. Both phenomena are affected by conditions to which WRS are exposed hence their accurate prediction is required. Numerical models have been developed to calculate the extent to which concrete creeps or shrinks over time. The objective of this thesis is to identify which of these models is better equipped to be used in South African WRS design. This is achieved through a systematic method that involves an investigation into the contents of these models and a statistical comparison of model calculations to WRS representative data. In partnership with reputable universities, a pioneer experimental creep and shrinkage data base is created in this project from which the WRS related data is selected. While investigating the contents of the numerical models, their applicability to South African WRS is identified and the integrity of model contents is assessed. Indeed, a few irregularities are found in the process and are presented in this thesis. The model calculations are statistically compared to data in the form of individual experiments as well as in the form of groups of experiments with similar concretes to find the ideal prediction model for different types of concretes as well. Also pioneered in this project is a weighted criteria and point system in which the findings of the model content assessment and statistical evaluations are incorporated. It is based on this system that conclusions are drawn and the most suitable prediction model for WRS design in South Africa is selected.

Thesis (MScEng (Civil Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Large areas of the earth’s surface are covered by soils that are susceptible to large decreases in bulk volume when they become saturated. These soils are termed collapsing soils and are very common in parts of the USA, Asia, South America and Southern Africa. This study is concerned with the occurrence of these collapsible soils in the residual granites of the Stellenbosch area. The study was undertaken as relatively little is known about the collapse phenomenon in the problematic weathered granites of the Western Cape. The majority of research thus far has been carried out on the deep residual soils formed on basement-granite in the Transvaal areas, whereas little attention has been paid to the Cape granites. The aim of the study was achieved through the experimental work which included double oedometer testing, indicator analyses and shear strength testing. Double oedometer tests were performed to quantify the potential collapse settlement of the soils from the demarcated study area. To provide a better understanding of the collapse behaviour of the soils, indicator analysis, which included Atterberg limits and particle size distributions, were performed. Direct shear tests were further carried out on saturated and natural moisture content specimens to establish the effect of collapsibility on shear strength and whether substantial additional settlement of the saturated soils would occur during shear. It was found that collapsible soils are prevalent in the demarcated study area as the majority of soils showed a potential collapse settlement of 1% or more. Collapse exceeding 5% were calculated in a few instances proving some soils to be highly collapsible. The double oedometer and indicator analysis results were used in an attempt to obtain a relationship between collapse settlement and a combination of easily determined properties such as dry density (void ratio), moisture content and grading, but no meaningful conclusions have emerged. The shear strength tests indicated that a clear correlation does not exist between collapsibility and shear strength. It was further established that a relationship between collapse settlement determined during the double oedometer testing and the volume change during shear strength testing cannot be assumed. It can thus be concluded that soils can be very unpredictable and further research on the collapse phenomenon is indicated. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Groot dele van die aarde se oppervlakte is bedek deur grondtipes wat geneig is tot ‘n afname in volume as dit deurweek word. Hierdie gronde word swigversakkende gronde genoem en dit word algemeen teëgekom in dele van die VSA, Asië, Suid-Amerika en Suider-Afrika. In hierdie studie word die voorkoms van swigversakkende gronde in die residuele graniet in die Stellenbosch area ondersoek. Die studie is onderneem aangesien relatief min i.v.m. die swigversakking-verskynsel in die problematiese verweerde graniet van die Weskaap bekend is. Die meeste van die navorsing sover is onderneem op die diep residuele gronde wat gevorm is op die Argaïese graniet in die Transvaal gebied, en betreklik min aandag is geskenk aan die Kaapse graniet. Tydens die studie is eksperimente wat dubbele oedometer toetse, indikator analises, en skuifsterkte toetse insluit, uitgevoer. Dubbele oedometer toetse is uitgevoer om die potensiële swigversakking van die grond in die afgebakende studiegebied te kwantifiseer. In ‘n poging om die swigversakking-verskynsel van die grond beter te verstaan, is indikator analises wat Atterberg grense en partikel grootte verspreiding insluit, uitgevoer. Direkte skuiftoetse is ook uitgevoer op deurweekte grondmonsters en op monsters wat natuurlike vog bevat, om sodoende die effek van swigversakking op skuifsterkte vas te stel en om uit te vind of aansienlike addisionele sakking van die deurweekte gronde tydens skuif plaasvind. Daar is gevind dat swigversakkende gronde die oorheersende grondtipe in die afgebakende studiegebied is waar meeste van die gronde ‘n potensiële swigversakking van meer as 1% toon. ‘n Swigversakking van meer as 5% is in ‘n paar gevalle bereken, wat bewys dat sommige grondtipes hoogs versakkend is. Die resultate van die dubbele oedometer en indikator analises is gebruik in ‘n poging om te bewys dat daar ‘n verhouding bestaan tussen swigversakking en ‘n kombinasie van kenmerke wat maklik vasgestel kan word soos droë digdheid (ruimte verhouding), voginhoud en gradering, maar daar kon nie tot ‘n sinvolle slotsom gekom word nie. Die skuifsterkte toetse toon dat daar nie ‘n duidelike korrelasie bestaan tussen swigversakking en skuifsterkte nie. Daar is verder vasgestel dat dit nie moontlik is om te aanvaar dat daar ‘n verhouding bestaan tussen swigversakking soos vasgestel tydens die dubbele oedometer toetsing, en die verandering in volume tydens skuifsterkte toetsing nie. Daar is dus tot die slotsom gekom dat grond baie onvoorspelbaar kan wees en dat verdere navorsing na die swigversakking-verskynsel nodig is.

Thesis (MEng)--University of Stellenbosch, 2001. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: A dam can have a significant impact on the downstream river morphology by altering both the flow regime and the sediment load. The effect of a dam is dependent on factors such as the storage capacity relative to the mean annual runoff (MAR), the operation of the reservoir and the sediment yield of the catchment. Changes in the river morphology include the degradation and coarsening of the riverbed, generally closer to the dam, and aggradation further downstream where the sediment delivered by tributaries cannot be carried through because of the reduced sediment transport capacity of the river. The impact of a dam can stretch over several hundreds of kilometres. The main objective of this thesis was to gain a better understanding of the impacts that dams can have on the downstream river morphology. This was done by developing equations that can describe the channel geometry, investigating the effect of the presence of clay and silt on the sediment transport behaviour of sediments, as well as detailed evaluation of simulations carried out with a one-dimensional mathematical river model (MIKE 11). The calibrated regime equations were found to be comparable to other internationally developed regime equations and to be suitable for natural rivers. It was found, however, that these regime equations are not applicable to rivers downstream of dams that have highly unnatural release patterns. Further research is needed in this regard. By investigating the effect of cohesive sediments on the sediment transport behaviour of mixed sediments it was found that as little as 7% clay and silt in the bed could affect their sediment transport characteristics. A methodology was also developed by which the critical conditions for mass erosion of cohesive sediments can be described in terms of the applied stream power. Sediment transport equations were calibrated and verified in terms of the unit input stream power for fine and non-cohesivesediments. The sediment transport equation for fine sediments was implemented in MIKE 11. The simulations over a 40 km reach of the Pongola River downstream of Pongolapoort Dam, have shown that even when a large demand is placed on the stored water, and most of the smaller floods are therefore absorbed by the dam, the downstream impact can still be considerable, with as much as 5 m deep erosion in places. The sediment loads are generally reduced (by as much as 35%), but the effective catchment area downstream of the dam has been reduced by as much as 90%, indicating that substantial erosion had to have taken place in the river. Coarsening of the riverbed was also observed during the simulations. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: 'n Dam kan 'n aansienlike impak he op die riviermorfologie stroomaf daarvan, deurdat dit beide die vloei en sedimentlading drasties kan verander. Die effek van 'n dam hang van verskeie faktore af, soos die opgaarkapasiteit in vergelyking met die gemiddelde jaarlikse afloop (GJA), die bestuur van die dam en die sedimentlewering van die opvanggebied. Veranderings in die riviermorfologie behels die degradering van die rivierbed, sowel as die uitspoel van fyn materiaal uit die rivierbed, veral nader aan die dam. Deponering vind verder stroomaf van die dam plaas, waar die sediment wat deur die sytakke ingevoer word nie deurgevoer kan word nie, weens die verlaagde sedimentdravermoe van die rivier. Sodoende kan rivierlope oor honderde kilometers deur 'n dam bemvloed word. Die hoofdoel van die tesis was om meer insig te verkry oor die impak wat damme op die stroomaf riviermorfologie kan he. Derhalwe is vergelykings ontwikkel wat die riviermorfologie kan beskryf. Die effek van die teenwoordigheid van klei en slik op die sedimentvervoer-eienskappe is ondersoek, en gedetaileerde ontledings is met 'n een-dimensionele wiskundige riviermodel (MIKE 11) is gedoen. Daar is bevind dat die regime-formules goed vergelyk met ander intemasionaalontwikkelde formules en dat hulle geskik is vir toepassing op natuurlike riviere. Daar is egter gevind dat die formules nie geskik is vir riviere wat stroomaf Ie van damme wat hoogs onnatuurlike loslatings het nie. Verdere navorsing is op hierdie gebied nodig. Ondersoek na die effek wat klei en slik op die sedimentdravermoe het, het getoon dat slegs 7% klei en slik in die rivierbed die sedimentvervoer-eienskappe van mengsels van fyn en growwe materiaal kan bemvloed. 'n Metode is ontwikkel waarmee die kritiese toestande vir massa-erosie van kohesiewe sediment beskryfkan word in terme van die aangewende stroomdrywing teen die bed. 'n Sedimentvervoer-vergelyking in terme van die eenheids-insetstroomdrywing vir fyn en nie-kohesiewe sedimente is gekalibreer en geverifieer. Die nuwe sedimentvervoer-vergelyking vir fyn sedimente is gebruik in die MIKE 11 simulasies. Hierdie simulasies oor 'n 40 km loop van die Pongolarivier stroomaf van Pongolapoort Dam, het getoon dat selfs as daar 'n groot aanvraag op 'n dam se water geplaas word, en gevolglik meeste van die kleiner vloede deur die dam geabsorbeer word, die impak van die dam nogs steeds aansienlik kan wees, met soveel as 5 m diep uitskuring in plekke. Die sedimentladings het gewoonlik verminder (met soveel as 35%), maar die die effektiewe opvanggebiedarea stroomafvan die dam het met meer as 90% verminder, wat daarop dui dat daar aansienlike erodering in die rivier plaasgevind het. Die simulasies het ook getoon dat die hoeveelheid fyn materiaal in die rivierbed verminder het.

Thesis (MScEng (Civil Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Reinforced concrete is susceptible to cracking. This makes it less durable than it would be had it been crack-free. Ingress of harmful substances into reinforced concrete through cracks – which causes corrosion of steel – is not desirable. This can be mitigated by the use of fibre reinforced-concretes or mortars showing strain hardening properties accompanied by improved ductility and multiple cracking under tensile loading. Such materials are called Strainhardening cementitious composites (SHCC’s). At Stellenbosch University, work has been done in previous years on SHCC to determine its behaviour under various loading conditions. Some of the aspects of the material that have been studied are the behaviour under uni-axial tensile loading, uni-axial compression and shear. The behaviour of SHCC under biaxial stresses was investigated to enable the prediction of the material behaviour under complex stress conditions. Square plate specimens of nominal dimensions 100 x 100 x 20 mm were cast and subjected to biaxial compressive loading at stress path angles of 00, 150, 300 and 450; which were equivalent to vertical/horizontal stress ratios of 0/1, 0.27/1, 0.58/1 and 1/1 respectively, at ages 23 to 33 days. Comparisons were made between specimens tested using steel platens and those tested using Vesconite sheets. Those tested using Vesconite yielded lower failure stresses. Vesconite was used to reduce the retraining effect of the frictional force between the specimens and the steel platens. Poisson’s ratios were calculated for specimens tested using steel and those tested using Vesconite. The values for Vesconite were found to be higher than for steel. Additionally, the values for the uni-axial case were different from those obtained for other stress ratios. This could have been due to the assumption made that plane stress was realised and that Elastic moduli in tension and in compression was the same. The possibility of the existence of a triaxial stress state could render the calculated Poisson’s ratios incorrect. Shear slip type failure accompanied by wedging was observed. Vertical to near diagonal cracks were evident on the front faces of the specimens for the stress path angles of 00 to 450 respectively. The observed crack patterns showed closely spaced multiple micro-cracking on the narrow edges of specimens indicating Strain-hardening behaviour. The stress-strain curves also showed a slight indication of strain-hardening where tensile strains were measured. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Gewapende beton is vatbaar vir krake. Dit maak dit minder duursaam as wanneer dit kraak-vry is. Instroming van skadelike stowwe in gewapende beton deur middel van krake - wat korrosie van staal veroorsaak - is nie wenslik nie. Dit kan verbeter word deur die gebruik van veselversterkte beton of mortel wat vervormingsverharding eienskappe toon, vergesel deur verbeterde rekbaarheid en veelvuldige krake onder trekspanning. Sulke materiaal word Strainhardening cementitious composites (SHCC's) genoem. Die Universiteit Stellenbosch, het in vorige jare werk gedoen om SHCC se gedrag te bepaal onder verskillende belastingstoestande. Sommige van die aspekte van die materiaal wat bestudeer is, is gedrag onder uni-aksiale trek, uni-aksiale druk en skuif. Die gedrag van SHCC onder biaksiale spannings is ondersoek om voorspelling van materiaalgedrag onder komplekse spanningstoestande moontlik te maak. Vierkantige plaat monsters van nominale dimensies 100 x 100 x 20 mm is gemaak en aan biaksiale drukkragte onderwerp, met spannningspad hoeke van 00, 150, 300 en 450; wat soortgelyk is aan die horisontale spanning verhoudings van 0/1, 0.27/1, 0.58/1 en 1/1 onderskeidelik, op ouderdomme 23-33 dae. Vergelykings is getref tussen monsters getoets met staal plate en diegene getoets word met Vesconite plate. Die proefstukke getoets met Vesconite het laer falingsspannings opgelewer. Vesconite is gebruik om die uitwerking van die wrywingskrag tussen die monsters en die staal plate te verminder. Poisson se verhouding is bereken vir die staal en Vesconite monsters afsonderlik. Daar is gevind dat die Vesconite waarde hoër was as die vir staal. Daarbenewens het die waardes vir die uni-aksiale geval, verskil van dié vir ander spanningsverhoudings. Dit kan wees as gevolg van die aanname van vlakspanning en dat die Elastiese moduli in druk en in trek dieselfde is. Die moontlikheid van die bestaan van 'n drie-dimensionele spanningstoestand, kan beteken dat die berekende Poisson’s verhoudings onakkuraat is. Skuif-glip tipe faling, vergesel deur vaswigting is waargeneem. Vertikale tot feitlik diagonale krake is duidelik sigbaar op die voorkant van die monsters vir spanningspadhoeke van 0-450 onderskeidelik. Die waargeneemde kraak patrone het nou gespasieerde, veelvuldige mikro-krake op die smal randte van die monsters, wat dui op vervormingsverharding. Die spanningsvervormings kurwes het ook effense aanduidings getoon van die vervormingsverharding waar trekvervorming gemeet is.

Thesis (MEng)--University of Stellenbosch, 2001. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The use of polymer modified binders have increased drastically over the past twenty years. It is generally accepted that current empirical specification tests do not adequately characterise the improvement in binder properties when bitumen is modified with polymers. At the University of Stellenbosch, a programme was initiated to relate binder properties to asphalt mix performance. This study forms part of that programme. This study focuses on three binders and is an attempt to characterise binder properties fundamentally. The binders that were tested are: • 60/70 penetration grade bitumen • SBS modified 60/70 bitumen • Bitumen-Rubber Two rheometers were used to characterise the binder properties: • Sliding Plate Rheometer (SPR) • Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) The Sliding Plate Rheometer was modified to allow testing at elevated temperatures. The modification is described in this thesis. Three types of testing were used to test the binders: • Creep tests (SPR and DSR) • Dynamic tests (Strain and Frequency Sweeps - DSR) • Flow tests (high temperature viscosity tests - DSR) The results of the tests were used to characterise differences between the binders. Shear susceptibility lines were plotted and viscosities calculated from the creep test results; Master Curves and Black Diagrams were plotted from frequency sweep results; flow test results were used to characterise high temperature behaviour. A further development in the asphalt industry is the move towards the development of performance based specifications. A programme has been initiated in this regard and this study forms part of the programme. As a step towards the development of performance based specifications filler was included in this study. BinderlFiller systems were subjected to the same test programme the binders were, to characterise the influence on binder properties of filler addition. Some of the conclusions that were drawn at the end of the study are: • Polymer modification improves binder properties related to rutting. • Filler addition does not affect binder properties negatively. • Shear rate is very important during production of asphalt mixes and construction of asphalt layers containing polymer modified binders. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die gebruik van polimeer gemodifiseerde bitumen het drasties toegeneem oor die afgelope twintig jaar. Dit word algemeen aanvaar dat die huidige empiriese spesifikasie toetse nie die verbetering in bindmiddeleienskappe van polimeer modifisering aanvaarbaar karakteriseer nie. 'n Program is geïnisieer by die Universiteit van Stellenbosch om 'n verband te vind tussen bindmiddeleienskappe en asfaltmengseleienskappe. Hierdie studie vorm deel van die program. Hierdie werk fokus op drie bindmiddels en is 'n poging om die bindmiddeleienskappe fundamenteel te karakteriseer. Die bindmiddels wat gebruik is in hierdie werk, is: • 60/70 penetrasiegraad bitumen • SBS gemodifiseerde 60/70 bittimen • Bitumen-Rubber Twee reometers is gebruik om bindmiddeleienskappe te karakteriseer: • Glyplaat Reometer (SPR) • Dinamiese SkuifReometer (DSR) Die glyplaat reometer is aangepas om toetse by hoër temperature te doen en die aanpassing wat gemaak is word in die tesis beskryf. Drie tipes toetse is uitgevoer om die bindmiddels mee te toets: • Kruiptoetse (SPR en DSR) • Dinamiese toetse (DSR) • Vloei toetse (DSR) Die resultate van die toetse is gebruik om die verksille tussen die bindmiddels te kwalifiseer. Verskillende grafieke en figure is getrek van die resultate om die onderskeie bindmiddels te karakteriseer. Die beweging weg van empmese spesifikasies na werkverrigting gebaseerde spesifikasies in die asfalt industrie is 'n verder nuwe ontwikkeling. 'n Program is geïnisïeer ten opsigte hiervan en hierdie werk vorm deel van die program. As 'n stap in die ontwikkeling van die werkverrigting gebaseerde spesifikasies is 'n vuIler ingesluit in die toetsprogram. Bindmiddel/vuIler stelsels is onderwerp aan dieselfde toetse waaraan die bindmiddels onderwerp is om die invloed van die vuIler op die bindmiddels te karakteriseer. Sommige van die gevolgtrekkings waartoe gekom is aan die einde van die tesis, is: • Polimeer modifisering verbeter bindmiddeleienskappe met betrekking tot wielsporing. • Die toevoeging van vuIler affekteer nie die bindmiddeleienskappe negatiefnie. • Die vervormingstempo is van groot belang wanneer asfaltmengsels gemeng en lae gebou word van mengsels wat polimeer gemodifiseerde bitumen bevat.

Thesis (MEng)--University of Stellenbosch, 2001. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This report deals with the use of Doppler meters to measure flow velocities and hence discharges in streams. The Doppler meter measures the shift in frequency of an acoustic wave, which it emits and then becomes reflected by a moving particle. The reading is converted into a velocity by dividing the shifted frequency by a calibration constant. The particles that reflect the signal need to follow the flow sufficiently closely so that their velocity may be assumed equal to the flow velocity. A previous study on the use of the Doppler meter at a Crump weir (Du Toit and Venter, 1999) indicated that velocities measured with a Doppler meter showed a distinct relationship with recorded water levels. However, the wide scatter of the observed frequencies in this study, necessitated further tests on the use of the Doppler meter at measuring structures as well as calibration tests on the instrument in the hydraulic laboratory of the University of Stellenbosch. The mam objective of this investigation was to establish the relationship between measured Doppler velocities at a Crump weir and the approach velocities in the stream. The instrument was to be tested in both modular and non-modular flow ranges. In addition, the instrument had to be calibrated in the hydraulic laboratory under varying flow conditions, such as very low flow velocities and different sediment concentrations. The placement of the probe at different depths of the flow was also investigated to comment on the accuracy of the Doppler readings at these depths. The results of these tests should serve as guidelines for any additional tests required for use of this instrument in open channel discharge measurements. The Doppler meter used for this study was supplied and manufactured in Stellenbosch by Flotron, and is being marketed as DFM-P-067. It was calibrated in the laboratory in a channel with limited width and hence non-two-dimensional flow conditions. Conclusions were drawn on the calibration constant that was established. The calibration of the instrument requires the division of the cross-sectional flow area into a number of sub-divisions over which the flow was integrated. The calibration constant of 1460 established in this study differs by approximately 6 percent from the theoretical constant value of 1375. The sensitivity of the Doppler meter to different sediment concentrations was also investigated. For the instrument to read a shifted frequency, it is essential that suspended particles that follow the water movement sufficiently closely are present in the stream. It was observed that readings of the instrument in "sediment-free" water differed only by 3.6% from the readings taken in water containing sediments. The instrument was thus not very sensitive to different sediment concentrations. It was also found that the angle at which the probe was placed in the water had no effect on the accuracy of the observed Doppler velocity. It was furthermore found that the Doppler meter worked reliably at all depths, including levels very close to the channel floor and levels just below the water surface. One drawback of the apparatus was the minimum velocity that it can measure accurately. This minimum velocity of 0.046 mis does not compare well with that for other commercially available Doppler meters. The Argonaut-Acoustic Doppler meter for example can measure velocities as low as O.OOOlm/s, meaning that the DFM-P-067 measures a minimum velocity 460 times swifter than the minimum velocity of the Argonaut-Acoustic Doppler meter. After the Doppler meter had been calibrated, it was tested at a Crump weir in the laboratory to determine the relationship between the Doppler velocities, measured at the weir's crest, and the velocities in the approach channel. These tests were performed for both modular and non-modular flow conditions. The report concludes that, within the flow range in which the instrument was tested, there is a linear relationship between the two velocities mentioned. It is likely that the results obtained in the modular flow range can be used to extrapolate for high flows, especially for submergence ratios less than 0.93. The wide scatter of results obtained in the previous study was due to the readings not being averaged. The Doppler meter does not measure a point velocity but an average velocity within the acoustic field that it emits. This acoustic field is very small and depends on the geometry of the probe. Finally it is recommended that the linear relationship in the non-modular flow range be investigated further in a larger model, where the submergence ratio can be better controlled. The Doppler meter should in future also be calibrated in a wide channel in which two-dimensional flow conditions are approached and these results should be compared to the results obtained in this study. Every instrument is expected to have its own calibration constant, and depending on its application, it can either be calibrated at a weir or in the laboratory. The calibration of the instrument at a Crump weir should allow for a wider range of flows, and also very low flow velocities. At the end of this report guidelines were drawn up that are based on the results and conclusions obtained in this investigation. They may serve as an aid for measurements that could be carried out with this instrument in open channels. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie verslag handeloor die gebruik van die Doppler-meter om vloeisnelhede en derhalwe die vloeitempos in riviere te meet. Die Doppler meter word gebruik om die verandering in die frekwensie van 'n akoustiese golf wat deur bewegende deeltjies in die water gereflekteer word te meet. Die lesing word dan omgeskakel in 'n snelheid deur die gewysigde frekwensie deur 'n kalibrasie konstante te deel. Die bewegende deeltjies wat die sein reflekteer, volg die vloei genoegsaam sodat aanvaar kan word dat hulle snelhede gelyk aan die vloeisnelheid is. 'n Vorige studie in die gebruik van die Doppler meter by 'n Crump meetwal het baie belowende resultate getoon deurdat daar gevind is dat die gemete Doppler snelheid 'n duidelike verwantskap toon met veranderings in gemete water vlakke. As gevolg van die wye band in die waargenome frekwensies in die studie is aanbeveel dat verdere toetse op die gebruik van die Doppler meter by meetstasies gedoen moet word. Die instrument moet ook in die laboratorium gekalibreer word. Die hoofdoel van hierdie ondersoek was om die verwantskap tussen die gemete Doppler snelhede by 'n Crump meetwal en die aankomssnelhede in die stroom te bepaal. Dit moes gedoen word in beide die modulêre en niemodulêre vloeibestekke. Behalwe vir die kalibrasie van die instrument in die laboratorium moes die betroubaarheid daarvan onder verskillende vloei toestande ook getoets word, soos byvoorbeeld by lae vloei snelhede en by verskillende sediment konsentrasies. Die instrument is ook op verskillende vlakke binne die vloei getoets om te bepaal of daar op hierdie vlakke betroubare lesings verwag kon word. Resultate verkry, kan dan dien as riglyne vir enige verdere toetse wat nog op die instrument in oop kanale uitgevoer moet word. Die Doppler meter wat vir die ondersoek gebruik is, word in Stellenbosch vervaardig deur Flotron en word onder die naam DFM-P-067 bemark. Dit is in die laboratorium in 'n kanaal met 'n beperkte breedte getoets en IS daarom in nie-twee dimensionele vloei gekalibreer. Gevolgtrekkings IS gebaseer op die kalibrasie konstante verkry uit die toetse. Die kalibrasie van die instrument vereis dat die deursnee area van die vloei in verskeie segmente onderverdeel moes word. Die kalibrasie konstante van 1460 bepaal in hierdie studie verskilongeveer 6% van die teoretiese waarde van 1375 vir die konstante. Die Doppler meter se sensitiwiteit vir verskillende sediment konsentrasies is ook ondersoek. Dit is noodsaaklik dat daar gesuspendeerde deeltjies teenwoordig in die water is en dat die deeltjies saam met die water beweeg om te verseker dat die instrument die gewysigde frekwensie kan registreer. Daar is egter gevind dat die lesings van die instrument in sediment-vrye water slegs met 3,6% verskil van lesings wat in water met sediment geneem is. Dit lei tot die gevolgtrekking dat die instrument nie baie sensitief vir veranderlike sediment konsentrasies in die water is nie. Daar is ook gevind dat die hoek waarteen die sender in die water geplaas word nie die akkuraatheid van die Doppler snelhede beinvloed nie. Verder is gevind dat die Doppler meter bevredigende resultate lewer, ongeag op watter diepte lesings geneem word. Tydens toetse is waarnemings baie nabyaan die kanaal bodem asook nabyaan die water se oppervlak gedoen. 'n Tekortkoming van hierdie instrument is die minimum snelheid wat dit akkuraat kan meet. Daar is gevind dat die Doppler meter se muurnum snelheid lesing van 0.046 mis nie goed vergelyk met dié van ander meters wat kommersieël beskikbaar is nie. Die Argonaut-Acoustic Doppler meter kan byvoorbeeld vloeisnelhede so laag as 0.0001 mis meet wat beteken dat die DFM-P-067 se minimum betroubare vloeisnelheid 460 keer vinniger is as die Argonaut-Acoustic Doppler meter se minimum betroubare vloeisnelheid. Nadat die Doppler meter gekalibreer is, is dit by 'n Crump meetwal in die laboratorium getoets om die verhouding tussen die Doppler snelhede gemeet by die oorloopkruin en die snelhede wat in die aanloopkanaal gemeet is, te bepaal. Hierdie toetse is uitgevoer op beide modulêre en nie-modulêre vloei toestande. Daar is gevind dat daar binne die vloeibestek waarin die toetse plaasgevind het 'n liniêere verband tussen die twee bogenoemde snelhede bestaan. Dit is hoogs waarskynlik dat die resultate wat in die modulêre vloeibestek gevind is gebruik kan word om vir hoë vloeie te ekstrapoleer, veral vir grade van versuiping laer as 0.93. Die vorige studie se uiteenlopende resultate kan toegeskryf word aan lesings waarvan die gemiddelde lesing vir 'n spesifieke vloeitoestand nie bepaal is nie. Die Doppler meter meet nie 'n bepaalde punt-snelheid nie, maar 'n gemiddelde snelheid binne die akoestiese veld wat dit uitstraal. Hierdie akoestiese veld is baie klein en afhanklik van die geometrie van die sender. Ten slotte word aanbeveel dat die lineêre verband in die nie-modulêre vloeibestek in 'n groter model, waar die graad van versuiping makliker beheerbaar is, verder ondersoek moet word. Die Doppler meter moet ook in 'n breë kanaal waarin twee dimensionale vloei voorkom, gekalibreer word. Resultate so verkry moet vergelyk word met die wat in hierdie studie behaal is. Elke instrument behoort sy eie kalibrasie konstante te hê en afhangende van waar dit gebruik word, kan dit of by 'n meetwal of in die laboratorium gekalibreer word. Die kalibrasie van die instrument by 'n Crump meetwal behoort 'n wyer reeks vloeie toe te laat met ook baie lae snelhede. Die verslag word afgesluit met riglyne gebaseer op die resultate en gevolgtrekkings wat uit die ondersoek voortgespruit het. Hierdie riglyne en gevolgtrekkings kan dan dien as 'n hulpmiddel vir metings wat met hierdie instrument in oop kanale uitgevoer word.

Thesis (MScEng)--University of Stellenbosch, 2002. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Actionl'I' is a project undertaken by a consortium consisting of CSIR, Simeka Management Consulting, University of Pretoria and the University of Stellenbosch for the Innovation Fund of the Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology in South Africa. Their objective is to create a basic specification for seletected information exchange that is compatible with all levels of government. The comparison between existing information systems at municipal level and ActionIT specifications will be investigated for the purpose of exposing shortcomings on both sides. Appropriate features of existing information systems will be identified for the purpose of enhancing the ActionIT specifications. The ActionIT project is presently in its user requirement and conceptual model definition phase, and this thesis aims to assist in providing information that may be helpful infuture developments. The study undertaken in this thesis requires the application of analytical theory and a working knowledge of information systems and databases in order to: 1. Research existing information systems and relevant engineering data at local municipal authorities. Also important will be the gathering of information regarding systems currently in use, and the format in which information is stored and utilised at municipalities. 2. Do an adequate analysis of the contents of recorded information. This information will establish background knowledge on the operations of local authorities and a clearer understanding of information systems. 3. Evaluate to what degree existing information systems comply with ActionIT specifications. This will be the main focus of this thesis. Thus the focus of this thesis is to record (provide an overview oj) activities in a municipal environment and the interaction with the environment on information system level where standards provided by ActionIT as an Open Decision Support Framework can be of value. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: ActionIT is in projek wat deur ActionIT konsortium bestaande uit die WNNR, Simeka Management Consulting, Universiteit van Pretoria en die Universiteit van Stellenbosch, onderneem is vir die Innovasie Vonds van die departement van Kuns, Kultuur, Wetenskap en Tegnologie van Suid-Afrika. Hul mikpunt is om in spesifikasie vir informasie sisteme te onwikkel, wat met alle vlakke van regering kan skakel. Die vergelyking tussen die bestaande informasie sisteme op munisipale vlak en ActionIT spesifikasies salondersoek word vir die doelom tekortkominge aan beide kante uit te wys. Vir die verbetering van ActionIT spesifikasies moet aanvaarbare eienskappe van bestaande informasie sisteme geindentifiseer word. Die ActionIT projek is tans in die gebruikers vereiste en konseptueIe model definisie fase, en die tesis is gemik daarop om 'n bydrae te lewer tot die bevordering van informasie wat mag help in toekomstige ontwikkeling. Die werk onderneem in die tesis vereis in teoretiese kennis van informasie sisteme en databasise om: 1. in Ondersoek in die bestaande informasie sisteem en relefante ingenieurs data van in plaaslike munisipaliteit te doen. Die insameling van informasie oor die huidige sisteme in gebruik, die formaat waarin die informasie gestoor en gebruik word is ook belangrik. 2. in Analise van die inhoud van die waargenome informasie te doen. Die informasie sal agtergrond kennis gee oor die werking van plaaslike munisipale owerheid en in beter insig in informasie sisteme gee. 3. in Evaluasie van die verband tussen die bestaande informasie sisteme en ActionIT spesifikasies te doen. Dit is die hoof fokus punt van die tesis. Dus die doel van die tesis is om in oorsig te gee oor die aktiviteite in in munisipale omgewing en die interaksie met die omgewing op informasie sisteem vlak. Waar standaarde wat deur ActionIT voorgeskryf word as in "Open Decision Support Framework" van belang kan wees.

Thesis (MEng)--University of Stellenbosch, 2002. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Segmentally lined tunnels are increasingly being built to transfer water from one water scheme to another. The segments that line such tunnels are often in the form of pre-cast concrete sections, which are placed around the perimeter of the tunnel. As these tunnels are very expensive to construct, it is imperative that their hydraulic capacities can be calculated accurately. Even a slight variation in the design diameter has a significant effect on the cost of the tunnel. Due to the construction method involved, alternative segments are not always properly aligned. This creates roughness elements in the tunnel commonly known as steps. These steps occur randomly and vary in size. Since the steps lead to increased roughness and thus decrease the hydraulic capacity of the tunnel, it is essential that this effect be allowed for in the design of the tunnel. A hydraulic model was used to determine the contribution of steps to the hydraulic roughness, according to step size and frequency of steps. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Tonnels word al hoe meer gebou om water tussen waterskemas te vervoer. Die voering van sulke tunnels word dikwels saamgestel uit voorafvervaardigde beton panele wat geplaas word om 'n huls langs die omtrek van die tonnel te vorm. Aangesien hierdie tonnels geweldig duur is om te bou, is dit uiters noodsaaklik dat die hidrouliese kapasiteit van 'n tonnel akkuraat bereken kan word. 'n Klein variasie in die diameter van die tonnel het 'n betekenisvolle effek op die koste daarvan. Die konstruksiemetode van sulke tonnels veroorsaak dat opeenvolgende panele nie altyd presies oplyn nie. Sulke afwykings in die belyning van die tonnelpanele veroorsaak klein trappies, wat bydra tot die ruheid in die tonne I en sodoende die kapasiteit daarvan laat afneem. Die afwykings varieer in grootte en kom in geen spesifieke patroon voor nie. 'n Modelstudie is uitgevoer om die bydrae wat die afwykings in the belyning van die opeenvolgende ringe tot die hidrouliese weerstand maak, te bepaal.

Thesis (MScEng (Civil Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Labour based technology has extensively been utilized in delivery of poverty alleviation programmes. Most of the projects implemented have been of construction in nature. In many cases, labour based works have been characterized with poor performance of not having projects completed within budget, in time and of good quality. Furthermore labour based works projects have been ad hoc in nature, lack spatial focus with no link to national development and sparingly involves engineering skills in its make shift administrative arrangements. Research has shown that most construction problems have been management process related and not product related. This research was initiated as a response to these challenges and represents an attempt to deliver sustainable improved performance of labour based works projects. The research identifies seven phases with various deliverables through the assessment and analysis of management processes of labour based works using the Process Protocol. The Process Protocol based phases consider the whole life cycle of a construction project whilst integrating the process elements under a common framework. To achieve a successful project and process execution, the findings indicate three operational levels of the participants of the activity zone. Several risk factors which need to receive special attention during planning and implementation of labour based works projects have been identified. The practical experiences in responding to, monitoring and controlling of the risk factors are also provided. The analysis of the key sequential phases and documentation of management of labour based works was based on a literature review of conference papers, reports, available project documents and limited interviews with officials involved in public works programmes. Best practices in management of labour based works have been used to follow and synthesise the Process Protocol approach to the management processes of labour based works. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Arbeid-baseerde tegnologie word algemeen gebruik in programme wat ontwerp is om armoede te verlig. Die meeste van die programme wat geïmplementeer is, het te make met konstruksie. In baie gevalle is hierdie arbeid-baseerde projekte gekenmerk deur swak prestasie en die projekte is nie betyds voltooi nie, daar is nie gehou by die begroting nie, of die gehalte van die werk was swak. Verder is hierdie projekte ad hoc van aard, is daar ’n gebrek aan ruimtelike fokus, is dit nie gekoppel aan nasionale ontwikkeling nie en word daar te min gebruik gemaak van ingenieursvernuf en is die administrasie gebrekkig. Navorsing het bewys dat die meeste konstruksie probleme te wyte is aan bestuurs-prosesses en dat dit nie produk-verwant is nie. Hierdie navorsing is gedoen as gevolg van hierdie probleme en is ’n poging om volhoubare verbeterde prestasie te lewer in arbeid-baseerde projekte. Tydens die navorsing is sewe fases geïdentifiseer d.m.v. die ontleding van bestuursprosesse. Die Proses Protokol is gebruik. Hierdie Proses Protokol gebaseerde fases behels die hele lewens-siklus van ’n konstruksie projek en integreer al die proses komponente in ’n enkel raamwerk. Die bevindinge toon dat daar drie operasionele vlakke van deelnemers in die aktiwiteit sone nodig is om die sukses van ’n projek te verseker. Daar is verskillenmde risiko faktore wat tydens die beplanning en implementering van projekte spesiale aandag moet geniet . Praktiese wenke betreffende die monitor van, reageer op en beheer van risiko faktore word ook verskaf. Die ontleding van sleutel fases en die dokumentasie van die bestuur van arbeid gebaseerde projekte is gebaseer op ’n literatuur oorsig van konferensie verslae, beskikbare projek dokumente en beperkte onderhoude met amptenare wat betrokke was in openbare programme. Daar is gebruik gemaak van beste praktyke in bestuur van arbeid gebaseerde projekte in die sintese van bestuurprosesse vir arbeid gebaseerde projekte.

Thesis (MScEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2003. / Some digitised pages may appear illegible due to the condition of the original hard copy. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: A critical evaluation of provisions for imposed loads in the South African Loading Code for design of structures, SABS 0160-1989 (SABS), by comparison with other codes was performed earlier. The evaluation revealed the SABS loading code to be generally non-conservative in its provisions for imposed loads for a range of general and specialist occupancy classes. The SABS provision for imposed loads for inaccessible roofs was found to be substantially non-conservative in comparison with the other codes. An investigation into the imposed load for inaccessible roofs is subsequently performed in order to establish a scientific rationale through which the codified design values may be measured effectively. Due to the lack of information and the large uncertainties involved in the imposed roof load, stochastic treatment of the loads is implemented. This is in line with the stochastic modelling of loads as implemented in general. The approach applied is to select a type of building that can be regarded as a generic example of buildings to which these loads apply, and to discretisize the load into the various sub-mechanisms that translate into the imposed roof load. The probabilistic models for the load mechanisms are then quantified, either through physical load surveys, or through conducting an expert survey for those variables which are not observable. The use of expert opinion as a resource for information is not readily accessible in terms of yielding scientifically defendable results. Therefore, the expert survey is performed as a calibrated experiment whereby weights were calculated for the individual experts' opinions and their opinions combined accordingly. The probabilistic models for the load mechanisms are then translated into load effects by taking into account the physical process resulting in the load effects. By applying these mechanisms in such a way as to maximise the said load effects, equivalent uniformly distributed loads (EUDL's) were calculated for each mechanism. The probabilistic models obtained in terms of the EUDL's pose an easily accessible format through which existing load models and codified provisions can be evaluated. These load models are then utilised to evaluate the SABS provisions in terms of the level of reliability catered for by SABS ultimate limit-state design criteria. It is concluded that the SABS conservatively provides for maintenance loads on the roof, while the reliability for construction loads is non-conservative for large tributary areas and highly non-conservative for small areas. The load models so obtained can further be applied for structural reliability assessment. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: "n Kritiese evaluasie van die voorskrifte vir opgelegde belastings in die Suid- Afrikaanse Selastingskode vir die ontwerp van strukture, SASS 0160-1989 (SASS) deur 'n vergelyking met ander kodes is vroeër uitgevoer. Die evaluasie het getoon dat die SASS in die algemeen onkonserwatief is in sy voorsiening vir opgelegde belastings oor 'n bereik van algemene en spesialis okkupasie tipes. Die SASS voorskrif vir opgelegde belastings vir ontoeganklike dakke is hoogs onkonserwatief in vergelyking met die ander kodes. 'n Ondersoek na die opgelegde belasting vir ontoeganklike dakke word gevolglik uitgevoer met die doelom 'n wetenskaplike rasionaal daar te stel waardeur die gekodifiseerde voorskrifte effektief gemeet kan word. As gevolg van die gebrek aan inligting en groot onsekerhede betrokke by die opgelegde dakbelasting word stogastiese modellering geimplimenteer. Die aanslag wat gevolg is, is om 'n tipe gebou te selekteer wat beskou kan word as verteenwoordigend van die geboue waarvoor hierdie belastings van toepassing is, en om die belasting te diskretiseer in die verskeie lasmeganismes wat die opgelegde dakbelasting voortbring. Die waarskynlikheidsmodelle vir die lasmeganismes word dan gekwantifiseer, óf deur fisiese opnames, óf deur die uitvoering van 'n ekspertopname vir daardie veranderlikes wat nie waarneembaar is nie. Die gebruik van ekspert opinie as "n bron van inligting is nie maklik toeganklik in terme daarvan om wetenskaplik verdedigbare resultate te lewer nie. Daarom is die ekspert-opname uitgevoer soos 'n gekalibreerde eksperiment waardeur relatiewe gewigte bereken word vir die individuele eksperts en hulopinies daarvolgens gekombineer word. Die waarskynlikheidsmodelle vir die lasmeganismes word dan omgeskakel in laseffekte deur in agneming van die fisiese proses wat die las-effek voortbring. Deur die lasmeganismes op só 'n manier toe te pas dat die betrokke las-effekte gemaksimeer word, word ekwivalent uniforme belastings (EUS's) bepaal. Die waarskynlikheidsmodelle in terme van EUS's bied "n maklik toeganklike formaat waardeur bestaande lasmodelle en gekodifiseerde voorskrifte evalueer kan word. Die lasmodelle word gevolglik gebruik om die SASS voorskrifte te evalueer in terme van die vlak van betroubaarheid wat gehandhaaf word deur SASS limiet-staat ontwerp kriteria. Dit is bepaal dat die SASS konserwatief voorsiening maak vir onderhoudslaste op die dak, maar onkonserwatief tot hoogs-onkonserwatief is vir konstruksie laste. Die bepaalde lasmodelle kan verder toegepas word in strukturele betroubaarheids analise.