Thesis (MScEng (Civil Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Pre-cast sections have the advantages of structural efficiency, better quality control and less construction time, which enable them to be widely used in building structures. The connections of pre-cast buildings play a vital role for the stability and strength of structures. Nowadays, more attention is drawn to the aesthetical appearance of building structures, especially by architects. The Hidden Corbel Connection (HCC) was then developed to make the building structures stable and aesthetically pleasing. A modified HCC was designed and investigated in this study. Amongst all the mechanisms in the connection zone, the mechanism of the end anchorage length of tension reinforcement plays a key role in the economy of the connection and is hence further investigated. In order to investigate whether the end anchorage length of tension reinforcement can be reduced for a simply supported beam, a 2D non-linear finite element model is used to analyze the stress distribution inside the connection zone. Based on the stress distribution in the connection zone, the tensile force was calculated at the face of the support, which directly correlates to the required end anchorage length of tension reinforcement. The confinement in the connection zone increases the bond stress, which in turn reduces the required anchorage length of tension reinforcement. Therefore, a 3D model is used to analyze the region inside the modified HCC to find the position of the best confinement. By comparing the finite element (FE) results with Eurocode 2 (2004), and SABS 0100-1 (2000), it is demonstrated that the FE results require the shortest anchorage length, while the longest anchorage length is specified in SABS 0100-1 (2000). Based on the comparison between the FE results and the design codes, a laboratory experiment was then performed to determine if the end anchorage length of tension reinforcement can be reduced. Four beams with different support conditions and with different end anchorage length of tension reinforcement were tested. The results of the laboratory experiment indicate that the end anchorage length for simply supported beams can be shortened from the specification of SABS 0100-1 (2000).

Thesis (M.Tech - Marketing, Faculty of Management Sciences)--Vaal University of Technology, 2010 / This study provides a framework for customer-supplier relationships and service quality measurement in a precast concrete manufacturing firm with the use of the universally accepted SERVQUAL model. Within an increasingly competitive precast concrete market, customer satisfaction is a critical goal for manufacturers of all types. Customer-supplier relationships and service quality were therefore investigated in this study. A quantitative research approach was used in the study to analyse the data. This approach enabled the researcher to obtain an accurate measure of all constructs that relate to service quality improvement for the particular concrete manufacturing firm amongst contractors, civil consultants, government institutions and end users. A sample size of 246 respondents from Gauteng Province was used. Descriptive statistics were used to explain the characteristics of sample data. In addition, factor analysis was used to condense the variables into five factors in order to capture the essence of service quality within a cementitious products organisation. Five dimensions, responsiveness, problem- solving, physical aspects, service personnel and physical appearance were extracted to measure service quality. Results showed that satisfied customers tend to re-patronise suppliers who enhance their service outputs provided to the customers. Thus it is imperative to enhance customer satisfaction and ultimately customer loyalty. These results suggest that improved service qualities can be useful for building customer loyalty and long- lasting relationships. The reliability analysis produced a Cronbach alpha which ranged from 0.700 to 0.815 which were deemed acceptable. The Pearson correlation analysis showed that service quality is associated with customers' future buying behaviour in terms of their decisions to purchase and recommend the supplier to others. Customers felt that service personnel were friendly, courteous and possessed the knowledge to answer customer questions. They exhibited a favourable image of the company and its services. This service dimension was ranked first in terms of importance by the customers therefore, the precast concrete manufacturer ought not be complacent but rather seek innovative ways in maintaining the service personnel dimension of service quality. The overall mean score of expectation of service quality by customers was 4.71. This indicates that the service provided by this company is satisfactory. It therefore suggests that, it is necessary for managerial intervention to prioritise in all these areas to develop a strategy of service quality improvement. Training of personnel is an essential component of service quality enhancement especially with complaints and the complaints-handling procedures. The management team of the organisation needs to play an active role in ensuring that all personnel are adequately trained and highly motivated to understand the user‟s specific problems and in the process to provide competent solutions to problems. Based on literature and results emanating from the empirical survey, these findings may assist the organisation in the enhancement of its service-quality levels. Hence, service-quality levels should be monitored carefully on a continuous basis.

It has been observed that mortar joints, where precast concrete trim and limestone building blocks are used in conjunction, tend to crack in the course of one or two years to such an extent as to admit water. It seemed possible that a difference in the thermal coefficients of the two materials might cause unequal changes in length along the joint, thereby setting up shearing stresses in the mortar, sufficient in time to destroy the bond. This investigation was undertaken in order to determine the relative rates of expansion of the local materials in question and to consider the validity or the theory that such differences might affect the mortar. The investigation and the conclusions drawn therefrom form the first part of this thesis. Part two consists of an investigation into the effects of different mixes on the thermal coefficient of such a concrete as might be suitable for the manufacture of precast trim. / M.S.

The focus of this thesis is on the precast concrete products manufacturing industry, which as one of the labour-intensive industries requires a substantial number of highly skilled operators in terms of crews to produce the final product. A crew is a group of multi-skilled chargehands and operators that have various skills and experience necessary to conduct an activity in a professional way. The high cost of skilled operators and the apparent inefficiencies of utilising such skilled operators in the industry are the major driving force. To achieve this, optimal crew allocation is required. Crew allocation is complex because of the multi-criteria nature of the problem and availability of thousands of possibilities and allocation alternatives. There is a gap in previous research efforts associated with crew allocation planning in the precast industry. Current practices suggest that the crew allocation process is carried out intuitively and the allocation of crews to production processes is subjective. This has led to high process-waiting times, improper allocation of skilled operators and ultimately higher production costs. In this context, the aim of this research is to propose an effective crew allocation methodology and a computer-based intelligent simulation model for its implementation. The objective of the approach is to guarantee a better workflow through minimising process-waiting time, optimising operator utilisation, and subsequently reducing the allocation cost. This research develops a holistic and integrated methodology for modelling crew allocation problems by reviewing state-of-art resource allocation techniques, structured interviews with production managers, site visits and a detailed case study. The methodology is developed using an IDEF0 process model and a generic process map for both the business and the production processes of the precast manufacturing system. A multi-layered genetic algorithm model is developed in conjunction with a process-simulation model to form a hybrid allocation system dubbed ‘SIM_Crew’. The model incorporates databases (Excel and MS Access), a simulation model (developed using Arena 12.0) and genetic algorithms (developed using Visual Basic for Applications) to facilitate the generation and evaluation of various “what-if” crew allocation scenarios. A number of performance criteria have been developed to evaluate the allocation plans. ‘SIM_Crew’ enables the investigation and analysis of allocating possible schedules and provides a facility to visualise the production processes. ‘SIM_Crew’ was validated using real life case study data and it was concluded that the allocation of crews to precast processes using genetic algorithm improves the throughput time and reduces the allocation cost as compared with real life production data. It is anticipated that future use of this research will solve the crew allocation problem in the precast industry.

Nesta dissertação, as alças de içamento de lajes pré-moldadas utilizadas em obras residenciais foram caracterizadas e ensaiadas à tração com o propósito de integrá-las ao sistema produtivo que conta com as lajes devidamente empilhadas no canteiro de obra e içadas ainda jovem até o pavimento. O centro de carga devido aos pontos de içamento deve coincidir com o baricentro da laje e o conjunto de pontos deve resistir aos esforços solicitantes, que no presente trabalho, destacam-se os momentos fletores máximos e punção em cada ponto. A segurança estrutural quanto à flexão foi avaliada pela resistência dos materiais, com base na flexão simples, e pela proposta de bielas e tirantes através da treliça 45º proposta por Morsch e que também foi utilizada para determinar a carga máxima a partir das tensões de tração na superfície cônica próxima ao ponto de içamento na tentativa de relacioná-la às cargas de punção calculadas por equações obtidas de normas, como ACI 318 e NBR 6118, e equação de resistência à carga de punção proposta por Muttoni em 2008. / In this research, the metallic inserts in concrete precast slabs to lift up, which are useful in residential buildings and this lifting system was characterized and took at evaluable of strength at pull-out testing with the purpose of integration into the productive system which contain the precast slabs produced in construction site. The loading center of group lifting inserts may coincide with center of mass in the slab and the set should resist efforts such as bending of the slab and punching shear at each lifting handle. The structural safety of concrete over bending has been evaluated by flexural stress on the across section no cracked concrete and also strut and tie model proposed by Morsch and which model has been suggested to determine the punching shear load on conical surface near by lifting insert in the precast concrete slab and compare with some codes, such as ACI 318 and NBR 6118, also Muttoni\'s punching shear load equation of 2008.

As estruturas de concreto pré-moldado tendem a ser mais moduladas e mais padronizados do que as estruturas de concreto moldadas no local, logo as técnicas de otimização podem produzir mais benefícios econômicos devido à produção em escala. Entre as técnicas de otimização utilizadas em engenharia estrutural, os algoritmos genéticos têm sido reconhecidos como uma forte tendência devido à sua facilidade de implementação e os excelentes resultados obtidos. Este trabalho trata da otimização integrada de pavimentos de edifícios com estruturas de concreto pré-moldado utilizando algoritmos genéticos e minimizando os custos. O principal objetivo é apresentar uma formulação para a otimização do pavimento, baseado em restrições arquitetônicas; restrições estruturais e restrições construtivas. A função-objetivo contemplou não só o consumo de materiais, mas também os aspectos relativos à fabricação, transporte e montagem. Atesta-se a consistência da representação do problema pelo modelo em função dos resultados que foram muito coerentes com a prática dos projetos. Os vários exemplos apresentados mostraram a robustez e a aplicabilidade do modelo e evidenciou-se a possibilidade de sua utilização em um sistema de apoio à tomada de decisão, que sirva como ferramenta de auxílio aos projetistas na concepção estrutural. Foi implementada a rotina dos transgênicos, que melhorou a convergência, e, a dos gêmeos, que aumentou a variabilidade da população. / The precast concrete structures are more modular and standardized than the cast in place concrete structures, therefore optimization techniques can improve economics gain because of series production. Among the optimization techniques in structural engineering design, genetic algorithms have been recognized as a trend. This work aims the floor precast concrete building optimization using GA\'s and minimizing the cost. The main goal of the work is to present a model to optimize the floor taking account of the structural, architectonics and constructive restrictions. The adopted model reached its purpose of the representing the more realist as possible the problem. The cost function considered not only the material consumption but the manufacture, transport and assembled stage. An integrated structural optimization is performed from the structural layout (columns position, directions and spans for beams and hollow cores) through the complete elements detailing (dimensions and reinforcement). The example results evidence the effectiveness of the formulation, they were very consistent with the design practice and they present the system application possibility like a decision support system that helps the engineer in the projects development. It was implemented a transgenic routine to improve the convergence and a twin routine to improve the variability of the population.

Este trabalho apresenta uma abordagem generalista das estruturas pré-moldadas de concreto nos edifícios de pequena altura (até 12 m), excluídos os galpões. É analisada a questão da qualidade na produção dessas estruturas sob as recomendações da série ISO 9000. São analisados os tópicos mais relevantes para a elaboração dos projetos dessas estruturas. Um estudo de caso escolhido ilustra as peculiaridades no desenvolvimento do projeto de estrutura pré-moldada nesta categoria. As conclusões obtidas retratam a quebra de alguns paradigmas brasileiros para o emprego das estruturas pré-moldadas: a) A qualidade das estruturas de concreto pode ser controlada por um sistema de gestão da qualidade internacionalmente reconhecido e empregado nos mais diferentes processos de produção de bens e serviços. b) Os índices técnico-econômicos evidenciam que mesmo em uma estrutura com característica não modular e pequena área construída pode ser empregado o concreto pré-moldado. / This work presents a general focus on precast concrete structures for low height buildings (up to 12 meters) not including storage sheds. The work is an analysis of the question of production quality of such structures according to the recommendation of the serie \'ISO 9000\'. Also, the most relevant topics for the elaboration of the projects for the focused strutures are analysed. A study of a chosen case illustrates the peculiarity of the development of the project for the precast struture for the chosen category of buildings. The final conclusion of the study demonstrates a break for the brazilian paradigma on the use of the precast concrete structures: a) The quality of the precast concrete structures can be controlled by the same quality control system widely known worldwide and used for controlling quality of production of a wide range of products and services as well. b) The technical-economics rates are shown with sharp evidence that even a small and non-modular precast structure within a small construction area can be object of precast concrete.

Este trabalho apresenta o estudo de uma argamassa modificada para ser utilizada como almofada de apoio em ligações entre elementos de concreto pré-moldado. Esta argamassa é composta de cimento e areia, com a adição de látex estireno-butadieno (SB), agregado leve (vermiculita) e fibras curtas (polipropileno, vidro e PVA). As pesquisas anteriores mostraram que este compósito apresentou uma boa resistência à compressão e baixo módulo de elasticidade. O objetivo desta pesquisa é dar continuidade dos estudos anteriores analisando a influência da rugosidade superficial nas almofadas, introduzida para aumentar a sua deformabilidade e testar diferentes tipos de fibras. A rugosidade é analisada comparando placas com ambos os lados lisos, um lado liso e outro rugoso e ambos os lados rugosos. Foram estudadas dois tipos de fibras de polipropileno de 10 mm de comprimento - uma com 12 \'mü\'m e outra com 180 \'mü\'m de diâmetro. Nesta pesquisa foram realizados ensaios de caracterização do compósito (compressão simples, tração por compressão diametral e módulo de elasticidade) e ensaios em placas (compressão centrada monotônica e cíclica, força concentrada e flexão). Os resultados de caracterização apontam um bom comportamento do compósito, com resistência à compressão de 41 MPa e módulo de elasticidade de 12,8 GPa. Os ensaios de placas mostram melhores resultados para fibras de 12 \'mü\'m de diâmetro em função de: a) uma redução de 30% da rigidez nos ensaios monotônicos em relação a uma argamassa de referência, b) melhor capacidade de absorção de carga no ensaio de força concentrada e c) no ensaio de flexão, um índice de tenacidade 40% maior quando comparadas com os outros traços estudados. Na análise da rugosidade superficial, o melhor resultado é com rugosidade em ambos os lados da placa, sendo que nos ensaios de carregamento monotônico e cíclico houve uma redução de até 30% na rigidez e um aumento do afundamento acumulado de mais de 120% em relação às placas com ambos os lados lisos. / This paper presents the study of a mortar modified to be used as a bearing pad connections between precast concrete elements. This mortar is composed of cement and sand, with the addition of styrene-butadiene latex (SB), lightweight aggregate (vermiculite) and short fibers (polypropylene, glass and PVA). Previous research showed that this composite presents good compressive strength and low modulus of elasticity. The objective of this research is to continue the previous studies, analyzing the influence of surface roughness on the pads, introduced to increase its deformability, and test other types of fibers. The roughness is analyzed by comparing bearing pads with both smooth sides, one side smooth and other rough and rough both sides. Two types of polypropylene fibers of 10 mm in length - one with 12 \'mü\'m and another with 180 \'mü\'m in diameter are studies. In this research, test were carry out to characterize the composite (compressive strength, tensile strength by diametral compression and modulus of elasticity) and test on bearing pads (uniform compressive load - monotonic and cyclic, concentrated load and bending). The results on cylindrical samples to characterize the composite indicate a good behavior, the compressive strength of 41 MPa and modulus of elasticity of 12.8 GPa. The test bearing pads presents the best results for fibers of 12 \'mü\'m of diameter in terms of: a) a 30% reduction of stiffness in the monotonic tests in relation to a reference mortar, b) the best ability to absorb the load test concentrated load and c) the bending test, an index of toughness 40% higher when compared with the other mixture studied. Regarding surface roughness analysis, the best result is with roughness on both sides of the bearing pads, and tests of monotonic and cyclic loading are reduced by 30% in stiffness and an increase in deformation accumulated more than 120% bearing pads regarding with both sides smooth.

No contexto da modernização da construção civil, a aplicação de elementos estruturais de concreto pré-moldado nas construções oferece comprovados benefícios à estratégia de execução das obras, dentre os quais se destacam o atendimento a vãos relativamente grandes, rapidez de montagem, leveza e excelente qualidade dos elementos que compõem a estrutura. Tratando-se especialmente do comportamento dinâmico das estruturas de concreto, os elementos pré-moldados, por apresentarem diversas situações transitórias de solicitação, devem ser avaliados quanto aos efeitos dinâmicos decorrentes da sua produção, transporte, montagem, execução das ligações, finalização da obra e uso. Considerando, nesse contexto, que a protensão é um recurso frequentemente utilizado nos elementos, evidencia-se a necessidade de estudos sobre a sua influência nos parâmetros dinâmicos. Em particular, elementos pré-fabricados protendidos, tais como painéis tipo duplo-T e lajes alveolares, têm sido muito utilizados em pisos de edifícios, todavia e não raras vezes sem uma prévia análise dinâmica quanto à vibração e ao atendimento aos limites de vibração em serviço. O presente trabalho apresenta uma síntese dos procedimentos de cálculo e verificação indicados por normas técnicas do Brasil e do Exterior para a avaliação do conforto humano quanto a vibrações excessivas, assim como os métodos analíticos empregados na determinação da frequência natural de um elemento estrutural, seja ele protendido ou não. Efetuou-se um estudo comparativo dos resultados analíticos com os de uma simulação numérica de painéis duplo-T e lajes alveolares, feita com programa computacional ANSYS, baseado no Método dos Elementos Finitos, sendo eles discutidos quanto ao Estado Limite de Vibrações Excessivas (ELS-VE). Este trabalho apresenta também um estudo experimental sobre um modelo físico de viga de concreto protendido com cabos externos, com o objetivo de demonstrar a aplicação de técnicas de caracterização dos parâmetros dinâmicos e discutir eventuais soluções para o controle ou atenuação de vibrações excessivas. Essa viga foi também analisada numericamente com o programa computacional ANSYS e feita a comparação dos resultados experimentais e numéricos. Conclui-se que, do ponto de vista do ELS-VE, os painéis duplo-T e lajes alveolares particularmente analisados são passíveis de restrições a partir de certos vãos e que, sob determinadas condições ora discutidas, o emprego de tirantes externos, protendidos ou não, podem ser aplicados no controle de vibrações, seja por aumento da rigidez do sistema viga-tirante, seja pelo controle da fissuração do concreto. / In the context of construction modernization, the application of precast concrete elements offers a good and reliable alternative in the construction strategy, among them large spans, fast assembly, lightweightness and excellent structural members quality. Dealing about dynamic behavior of concrete structures, precast elements are subjected to several loading conditions, from their manufacturing, transport, assembly, connection and finally to service. Prestressing technique is often applied in precast elements, so the influence of prestressing forces on dynamic parameters must be considered. Precast prestressed concrete elements, such as double-T panels and hollow core slabs are commonly used in building floors, but not always a previous dynamic evaluation is accomplished, so vibration problems are likely to occur. This work presents a synthesis of design procedures as recommended by the brazilian and foreign codes regarding to human comfort under vibration conditions. Analytical methods allow the determination of natural frequency of structural elements, being them prestressed or not. Also typical double-T panels and hollow core slabs were analyzed by Finite Element Method (ANSYS software) and analytical and numerical results were compared. A discussion of the results about the Service Vibration Limit State is made. This work also presents an experimental study on a reinforced concrete beam provided with external prestressing tendons. The goal of this study was to demonstrate dynamic tests to characterize dynamic parameters and to discuss vibration control. The tested beam was also simulated on ANSYS to compare theoretical and experimental results. Some conclusions has been drawn, such as typical double-T panels and hollow core slabs may suffer restrictions above certain span dimensions. Also the application of external tendons, with or without prestressing forces may be applied to reduce vibration levels, either by increasing stiffness of the structure or controlling cracking of the concrete beam.

Elementos pré-moldados são uma opção para aumentar a racionalização no processo construtivo em alvenaria estrutural. Eles associam-se a particularidades desse processo com relação à rapidez de execução, rígido controle de qualidade, coordenação modular e alto nível organizacional da produção. Este trabalho pesquisou os pré-moldados freqüentemente utilizados em edifícios de alvenaria estrutural, tais como: blocos, escadas, contramarcos, vergas e peças de ajuste dimensional. Os pré-moldados foram analisados em seus aspectos estruturais, dimensionais e geométricos, respeitando-se as características que os tornam viáveis no aspecto construtivo, como a facilidade de produção, de manuseio e de transporte. Considerou-se, sempre, a coordenação modular e a compatibilização dimensional entre os componentes e subsistemas. Quando necessário, foram apresentados roteiro e exemplo de projeto, assim como quadros comparativos de vantagens e desvantagens / Precast concrete elements are a good option to improving the rationalization in structural masonry building process. They are related to the following features of this process: reduction of building times consumption, strict quality control, modular coordination and high level of manufacturing organization. This work deals with precast concrete elements commonly used in structural masonry buildings, such as: blocks, stairs, window’s frames, lintels and pieces for dimensional adjustment. Structural, dimensional and geometrical characteristcs of precast concrete elements are analysed, considering the viability of production, transporting and handling the pieces. Modular coordination and the dimensional compatibility are always taken in account. Guidelines, design examples and comparative tables with pros and cons are inserted when convenient