Saskatchewan Ministry of Highway and Infrastructure (SMHI) currently use the Marshall compaction method for the preparation of hot-mix asphalt laboratory samples. Due to increases in commercial truck traffic on most provincial highways, there has been an observed increasing trend in the occurrence of permanent deformation within the hot-mix asphalt concrete (HMAC) layer. One of the most important material properties found to influence the resistance of HMAC to structural permanent deformation is volumetric air voids within the mix.<p> End product air voids within a hot mix asphalt concrete pavement in the field is simulated by the method of compaction used during the laboratory design process. Based on findings of the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP), the gyratory compactor is believed to better simulate field compaction of asphalt mixes at the time of construction, as well as better predict mix consolidation over the field performance period. However, the SuperpaveTM sample preparation protocol specifies a fixed angle of gyratory compaction, which may not be the optimal parameters to evaluate Saskatchewan hot-mix asphalt concrete mixes during the laboratory mix design phase.<p> The primary objective of this research was to investigate the relationship between laboratory characterization and field evaluation of Saskatchewan SPS-9A asphalt mixes across alternate laboratory compaction protocols. A second objective of this research was to quantify the effect of gyratory and Marshall compaction energy on the physical and mechanical properties of Saskatchewan SPS-9A asphalt mixes in the laboratory. The third objective of this research was to compare field ground penetrating radar dielectric permittivity profiles and rutting performance across Saskatchewan SPS-9A test sections.<p> The hypothesis of this research is that gyratory laboratory compaction will provide improved sensitivity in the characterization of physical asphaltic mix properties. It is also hypothesized that varied volumetric properties of HMAC mixes influence the mechanistic triaxial frequency sweep material properties of both conventional Saskatchewan and SuperpaveTM dense graded HMAC mixes.<p> The laboratory portion of this research included volumetric and mechanical properties of the seven Saskatchewan SPS-9A asphaltic mixes. The scope of this research included an investigation of the Saskatchewan Specific Pavement Study-9A (SPS-9A) asphalt mixes constructed in Radisson Saskatchewan in 1996. Physical volumetric properties as well as mechanistic triaxial frequency sweep properties were characterized across all seven Radisson SPS-9A mixes. Rutting after ten years of performance in the field was quantified as well as in situ ground penetrating radar dielectric permittivities of the Radisson SPS-9A test sections.<p> Based on the findings of the study, there was a significant reduction in VTM with an increase in Marshall compaction energy from 50 to 75 blows. Marshall stability was observed to be higher at 75 blow compared to 50 blows across the test sections.<p> Similarly, with regards to gyratory sample preparation, there was an observed reduction in VTM with an increase in gyratory compaction energy. VTM of SuperpaveTM mixes were higher than VTM SMHI Marshall mixes. VTM of the SuperpaveTM mixes were above acceptable SMHI limits at all angles of gyration at Ndesign. SuperpaveTM gyratory compactor accurately predicted field air voids of the Radisson SPS-9A asphalt after ten years of traffic loading at 2.00° angle of gyration.<p> In general, this research showed significant sensitivity of volumetric material properties across both Marshall and gyratory compaction energy.<p> This research also demonstrated that there was an improvement in the triaxial mechanistic material properties of the Radisson SPS-9A HMAC mixes with an increase in gyratory compaction energy. Dynamic moduli across all test section mixes increased with an increase in gyratory compaction energy. Similarly, it was shown that Poissons ratio generally increased with an increase in compaction energy across all test sections. Phase angle also increased with an increase in gyratory compaction energy. Radial microstrain (RMS) displayed the most significant sensitivity to increased gyratory compaction energy.<p> This research concluded that compaction energy in the laboratory can significantly influence the volumetric and mechanistic properties of hot-mix asphalt concrete mixes. As indicated by the field performance of the Radisson SPS-9A test sections, it is known that both volumetric and mechanistic properties can influence field performance. Mechanical material properties of HMAC may be improved by increasing compaction energy, as long as volumetric properties are adhered to. The use of rapid triaxial frequency sweep testing demonstrated the ability to characterize mechanistic material properties as a function of varied compaction energy.<p> Based on the findings of this research, it is recommended that Saskatchewan asphalt mixes, both Marshall and SuperpaveTM types, be characterized using gyratory compaction with 2.00° angle of gyration and the SHRP specified number of gyrations. Further, the gyratory compacted samples provide the ability to characterize the mechanistic material constitutive properties of asphaltic mixes for mechanistic based road structural design purposes.<p> Future research should evaluate the relationship of laboratory material properties to the field performance of various Saskatchewan asphalt mixes across various field state conditions.

Saskatchewan Ministry of Highway and Infrastructure (SMHI) currently use the Marshall compaction method for the preparation of hot-mix asphalt laboratory samples. Due to increases in commercial truck traffic on most provincial highways, there has been an observed increasing trend in the occurrence of permanent deformation within the hot-mix asphalt concrete (HMAC) layer. One of the most important material properties found to influence the resistance of HMAC to structural permanent deformation is volumetric air voids within the mix.<p> End product air voids within a hot mix asphalt concrete pavement in the field is simulated by the method of compaction used during the laboratory design process. Based on findings of the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP), the gyratory compactor is believed to better simulate field compaction of asphalt mixes at the time of construction, as well as better predict mix consolidation over the field performance period. However, the SuperpaveTM sample preparation protocol specifies a fixed angle of gyratory compaction, which may not be the optimal parameters to evaluate Saskatchewan hot-mix asphalt concrete mixes during the laboratory mix design phase.<p> The primary objective of this research was to investigate the relationship between laboratory characterization and field evaluation of Saskatchewan SPS-9A asphalt mixes across alternate laboratory compaction protocols. A second objective of this research was to quantify the effect of gyratory and Marshall compaction energy on the physical and mechanical properties of Saskatchewan SPS-9A asphalt mixes in the laboratory. The third objective of this research was to compare field ground penetrating radar dielectric permittivity profiles and rutting performance across Saskatchewan SPS-9A test sections.<p> The hypothesis of this research is that gyratory laboratory compaction will provide improved sensitivity in the characterization of physical asphaltic mix properties. It is also hypothesized that varied volumetric properties of HMAC mixes influence the mechanistic triaxial frequency sweep material properties of both conventional Saskatchewan and SuperpaveTM dense graded HMAC mixes.<p> The laboratory portion of this research included volumetric and mechanical properties of the seven Saskatchewan SPS-9A asphaltic mixes. The scope of this research included an investigation of the Saskatchewan Specific Pavement Study-9A (SPS-9A) asphalt mixes constructed in Radisson Saskatchewan in 1996. Physical volumetric properties as well as mechanistic triaxial frequency sweep properties were characterized across all seven Radisson SPS-9A mixes. Rutting after ten years of performance in the field was quantified as well as in situ ground penetrating radar dielectric permittivities of the Radisson SPS-9A test sections.<p> Based on the findings of the study, there was a significant reduction in VTM with an increase in Marshall compaction energy from 50 to 75 blows. Marshall stability was observed to be higher at 75 blow compared to 50 blows across the test sections.<p> Similarly, with regards to gyratory sample preparation, there was an observed reduction in VTM with an increase in gyratory compaction energy. VTM of SuperpaveTM mixes were higher than VTM SMHI Marshall mixes. VTM of the SuperpaveTM mixes were above acceptable SMHI limits at all angles of gyration at Ndesign. SuperpaveTM gyratory compactor accurately predicted field air voids of the Radisson SPS-9A asphalt after ten years of traffic loading at 2.00° angle of gyration.<p> In general, this research showed significant sensitivity of volumetric material properties across both Marshall and gyratory compaction energy.<p> This research also demonstrated that there was an improvement in the triaxial mechanistic material properties of the Radisson SPS-9A HMAC mixes with an increase in gyratory compaction energy. Dynamic moduli across all test section mixes increased with an increase in gyratory compaction energy. Similarly, it was shown that Poissons ratio generally increased with an increase in compaction energy across all test sections. Phase angle also increased with an increase in gyratory compaction energy. Radial microstrain (RMS) displayed the most significant sensitivity to increased gyratory compaction energy.<p> This research concluded that compaction energy in the laboratory can significantly influence the volumetric and mechanistic properties of hot-mix asphalt concrete mixes. As indicated by the field performance of the Radisson SPS-9A test sections, it is known that both volumetric and mechanistic properties can influence field performance. Mechanical material properties of HMAC may be improved by increasing compaction energy, as long as volumetric properties are adhered to. The use of rapid triaxial frequency sweep testing demonstrated the ability to characterize mechanistic material properties as a function of varied compaction energy.<p> Based on the findings of this research, it is recommended that Saskatchewan asphalt mixes, both Marshall and SuperpaveTM types, be characterized using gyratory compaction with 2.00° angle of gyration and the SHRP specified number of gyrations. Further, the gyratory compacted samples provide the ability to characterize the mechanistic material constitutive properties of asphaltic mixes for mechanistic based road structural design purposes.<p> Future research should evaluate the relationship of laboratory material properties to the field performance of various Saskatchewan asphalt mixes across various field state conditions.

The service life of rigid sewer pipes is often controlled by joint integrity. Leaking joints can cause ingress of water and develop voids where surrounding soil has eroded. The influence of soil voids on the stability of buried rigid pipes is investigated, considering the effects of void size, void location and void shape. A series of simplified void geometries are defined, and their influence on bending moments in the rigid sewer is studied through finite element analysis. Elastic analysis indicates that the bending moments from expanding voids at the springline will increase slowly, accelerating once the void spans a 45 degree arc, approximately doubling at 90 degrees, and tripling if the loosened backfill is modeled for shear failure. This preliminary study suggests that the growth of erosion voids should be stopped before they reach 45 degrees, but validation through physical testing is necessary. Elastic-plastic finite element analysis is used to calculate the deformation of rigid fractured pipe with different thicknesses, considering both bonded and full-slip interface conditions. The analysis confirms that bonded idealized flexible pipe theory is very effective for calculation of increases in horizontal diameter of the fractured pipe. Furthermore, decreases in vertical diameter can be simply related to increase in horizontal diameter using (1-2t/OD) obtained from fractured pipe kinematics. Both elastic and elastic-plastic finite element analyses used to study the deformations of fractured rigid pipe reveal that contact angle appears to be the dominant factor affecting fractured pipe deformations. Deformation of the damaged rigid pipe increases dramatically with void growth and accelerates when erosion void contacts with the outer surface of the pipe over an arc greater than 45 degrees. Computational analyses examine the behavior of centrifuge model tests which examine soil load transfer to flexible sewer liners after fracture and erosion voids form nearby. The magnitude of deformation changes for finite element models is found to be comparable to observations when voids are formed at springline. However the development patterns are dramatically different as voids located under the invert, and it appears that the laboratory test featured physical characteristics that are not modeled in the analysis. / Thesis (Master, Civil Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2007-09-24 20:33:29.689

Investigou-se o efeito da radiopacidade de diferentes materiais obturadores sobre a sensibilidade, especificidade e confiabilidade da análise radiográfica de obturações endodônticas. Após determinação da radiopacidade dos materiais, um total de 80 dentes caninos tiveram seus canais radiculares preparados com a técnica clássica antes de serem divididos em 5 grupos cada qual a ser obturado com um dos cimentos obturadores estudados (AH Plus, Endomèthasone®, Sealer 26, Acroseal e cimento não-radiopaco). Antes do preenchimento com a técnica de condensação lateral da guta-percha, em metade dos dentes de cada grupo, inseriu-se um fio de nylon radiolúcido (Ø 0.25 mm), ao longo do canal radicular para simular um defeito de obturação (n=8). Um total de 36 dentes molares superiores, depois de instrumentados, foram divididos em 3 grupos cada qual a ser obturado com um dos cimentos testados (AH Plus, Acroseal e cimento não-radiopaco) (n=12). Antes da obturação com a mesma técnica utilizada nos caninos, um fio de 0.08 mm de espessura foi estendido no canal disto-vestibular de cada dente. Após a utilização de artifícios para simular a sobreposição dos tecidos humanos, os dentes obturados foram radiografados e as imagens periapicais analisadas por endodontistas e radiologistas quanto à presença de defeitos de preenchimento nas obturações. Após análise estatística empregandose os testes exato de Fisher, Kappa e teste t (p<0.05). Observou-se menor sensibilidade no exame dos dentes anteriores obturados com os cimentos radiopacos, principalmente na avaliação dos radiologistas, e identificou-se maior especificidade para as obturações efetuadas com os cimentos endomethasone® e Acroseal. No julgamento dos dentes posteriores, o cimento Acroseal proporcionou menor sensibilidade do que o AH Plus e houve menores valores de especificidade na avaliação dos endodontistas, embora sem diferenças entre os grupos de cimentos estudados. A confiabilidade mostrou-se maior para as obturações dos caninos realizadas com Endomethasone® e Sealer 26 e não se detectaram diferenças entre os grupos na avaliação das obturações dos molares. Concluiu-se que a radiopacidade dos cimentos influenciou na sensibilidade, especificidade e confiabilidade da análise radiográfica de obturações endodônticas, assim como a especialidade dos examinadores. / The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different radiopaque sealers in the sensitivity, specificity and realiability of radiographic root canal filling exam. After radiopacity distinction of root canal sealing materials, a total of 80 extracted single-rooted upper canines had their canals prepared with classic technique before being divided into 5 groups, each to be filled with one of the tested sealers (AH Plus, Endomèthasone®, Sealer 26, Acroseal and non-radiopaque sealer). In half specimens a radiolucent nylon monofilament string (Ø 0.25 mm) positioned inside the root canal to simulate a radiolucent void before being filled with gutta percha lateral condensation (n=8). A total of 36 maxillary molars were divide into 3 groups, each to be filled with one of the tested sealers (AH Plus, Acroseal and non-radiopaque sealer). Before being filled with lateral condensation technique, a Ø 0.08mm string was positioned alongside distobuccal root canal. After root canal filling, each tooth was strictly positioned in a device to simulate bone and soft tissue before being exposed to X rays. The resulting images were interpreted for presence of voids by radiologists and endodontists. The differences between groups were assessed using Fisher Exact, Cohens Kappa and t test (>0.05). There were less sensitivity for all radiopaque sealers, specially for radiologists, and higher specificity when Endomethasone® and Acroseal were used to fill the upper canines. Root canal fillings performed in maxillary molars with Acrosel showed lower sensibility values than AH Plus mainly to endodontists, but no difference in specificity between groups. There were lower reliability than control group for canines filled with Endomethasone® and Sealer 26. The differences of reliability between groups were not statistically significant. It was concluded that radiopacity of sealers influenced on sensitivity, specificity and reliability of radiographic root canal filling exam, as well as the speciality of examiners.

Composite materials are increasingly used in many industries due to the high strength and low weight properties that they exhibit. Since composites are becoming more popular, they are being used in applications such as aircraft, boats, wind turbine blades, and even sports equipment. Composite behavior is complicated since they are made up of two completely different materials such as strong thin fibers and a relatively weaker resin material that hold the fibers together. It is becoming more important to understand how composites behave in different situations so that equipment designers have reliable material information in order to design safe products that will not harm human life. Fabrication of composite material is not perfect and introduces defects such as the fibers being wavy and the matrix having voids. These defects decrease the strength of composites and if not accounted for in design, could be detrimental. To better understand the effects of these defects in composite materials, experimental tests can be performed to determine the material properties but it costs a lot of money and time. If the material properties of the composite do not match what is desired, different constituent materials are selected to create new composite specimens and the tests must be repeated which costs more time and more money. Computational approaches such as Finite Element Modeling (FEM) are gaining popularity as a way to predict composite behavior without the high cost of fabrication and equipment. Another advantage is the ability to test various materials and various defects by simply changing parameters in the computation. For this thesis, an FEM protocol is developed to model composites made from the material AS4/8552. First, the strength properties are extracted from a model without defects and then, defects such as waviness in the fiber and voids in the matrix are added to the model to see its effect. Knowing the effect of certain defects may help motivate composite fabricators to develop processes that eliminate detrimental defects.

Polymer matrix composites are widely used as structural components in the aerospace industry and wind turbine industry etc. to take advantage of their unique mechanical properties and weight saving ability. Although there have been considerable developments in analyzing delamination growth and effects of voids on certain mechanical properties of composites, none of the present literatures investigates the effects of voids on delamination growth under compression. In this research, a parametric study is performed to investigate the effects of voids on delamination growth in composite laminates under compression. In composite structures, delamination would be created by eccentricities in structural load path, structural discontinuities, and during manufacturing and maintenance processes. Also, the service damage such as the impact of foreign objects may also result in delamination. In the Finite Element model developed, a through-width surface delamination is assumed, and void is placed in critical locations ahead of crack tip. Strain Energy Release Rate (SERR) is calculated by the Virtual Crack Closure Technique (VCCT) in order to study the delamination growth. It is found that the delamination front experiences a mixed-mode delamination behavior when local out-of-plane buckling occurs. During the loading, Mode II SERR increases monotonically while Mode I SERR increases first and then decreases as the delamination front starts to close. Meanwhile, Mode II SERR is found to be much larger than the Mode I component. The presence of void does not significantly alter the transverse displacement of the delaminated part. However, the presence of void increases the Mode II SERR, as well as the total SERR, and this increase depends on the size and location of void. For Mode I SERR, the effect of void is not that prominent.

Small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) with synchrotron radiation was used to characterize nano-sized voids in different nominally pure aluminum (Al) alloys produced by quenching. The scattering signal from nano-voids is shown to be predictable from SAXS theory, and the information related to the void population confirm past experiments and reveal new details about quench-void formation in Al. Specifically, voids were produced in 99.97 at.% to 99.9994 at.% Al alloys by infrared heating to 450 – 625 °C followed by controlled rapid quenching at 10^3 to 10^5 °C/s. For changing processing conditions, the size of voids varied between 5 to 11 nm, and the density of voids varied by over an order of magnitude. Results from SAXS were consistent with TEM observations performed on the same specimens, indicating that synchrotron SAXS can be reliably used to characterize nano-voids produced in quenched Al. Factors determined to affect voids were consistent with previous studies, except that the present nano-voids dissolved after only 3 min. at 145 °C, indicating that quenched nano-voids are less stable than previously determined. SAXS also showed that void size is sensitive to quench temperature and quench rate. The activation energies for void nucleation and growth were determined to be 0.75 ± 0.10 and 0.19 ± 0.03 eV/at., respectively, confirming that hydrogen and di-vacancies take part in nucleation and growth during quenching. It was concluded that the non-linear tail of the quench curve plays a crucial role in void formation, and that voids form when long range diffusion is inhibited. This information can be utilized to design new Al alloys that limit incipient void formation, which is detrimental to properties such as formability. / Thesis (Master, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2008-04-25 15:17:30.211 / Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada; General Motors of Canada Limited

In methanol processing plants, steam-methane reformers consist of hundreds of vertical tubes operating at temperatures up to 1000°C. These reformer tubes fail by creep through the formation of creep voids during service. Preliminary research showed that the occurrence of these voids was not random and may be related to certain microstructural features of the material. In the present research, the technique of serial sectioning was used to generate threedimensional reconstructions of voids in several steam-methane reformer tube samples with creep damage. The serial sectioning method and subsequent 3D reconstruction revealed creep void information such as size, density, location, and shape in three-dimensions, information that cannot be obtained from two-dimensional micrographs alone. Samples were obtained at various locations along the length of an ex-service reformer tube to investigate the effects of service conditions on the characteristics of creep voids. In addition, samples were taken from various positions along the wall thickness where there were differences in temperature, stress, and microstructure. Additionally, the identity and crystallographic orientations of the phases adjacent to creep voids were studied by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) to determine the crystallographic trends in creep void locations. Three dimensional observations revealed that creep voids were indeed not uniformly distributed through the volume in terms of their size, shape, and location. All voids appeared next to carbides and these voids came into contact with M₂₃C₆ precipitates somewhere along their perimeter. Most of the voids were found on austenite (ɣ) grain facets (the interface between two ɣ grains) but the larger voids were generally found at grain edges and corners. The grain boundaries where voids were located were generally oriented at 45 degrees with respect to the hoop stress direction. Here, the effective stress due to a combination of loading and temperature were highest. xviii Abstract EBSD results showed that 80% of the M₂₃C₆ precipitates surrounding these voids have an irrational crystallographic orientation relationship (OR) with the austenite matrix. In contrast, grain boundary precipitates in an aged sample always show a rational OR with respect to one adjacent grain. This implied that the preferred sites for creep voids are low registry boundaries between M₂₃C₆ precipitates and austenite. The data obtained from 3D observations were applied to a classic void growth model. Various permutations of the parameters obtained from this work were applied to the model to simulate conditions that may be beneficial to extending the service lives of reformer tubes. It was shown that the void growth model required accurate and representative materials constants for good estimation of life. Furthermore, the model revealed that more work was required in terms of observations of void nucleation in 3D, in order to fully utilize the model. Finally, it was shown that void density measurements are the most critical item for accurate prediction of growth of voids.

Investigou-se o efeito da radiopacidade de diferentes materiais obturadores sobre a sensibilidade, especificidade e confiabilidade da análise radiográfica de obturações endodônticas. Após determinação da radiopacidade dos materiais, um total de 80 dentes caninos tiveram seus canais radiculares preparados com a técnica clássica antes de serem divididos em 5 grupos cada qual a ser obturado com um dos cimentos obturadores estudados (AH Plus, Endomèthasone®, Sealer 26, Acroseal e cimento não-radiopaco). Antes do preenchimento com a técnica de condensação lateral da guta-percha, em metade dos dentes de cada grupo, inseriu-se um fio de nylon radiolúcido (Ø 0.25 mm), ao longo do canal radicular para simular um defeito de obturação (n=8). Um total de 36 dentes molares superiores, depois de instrumentados, foram divididos em 3 grupos cada qual a ser obturado com um dos cimentos testados (AH Plus, Acroseal e cimento não-radiopaco) (n=12). Antes da obturação com a mesma técnica utilizada nos caninos, um fio de 0.08 mm de espessura foi estendido no canal disto-vestibular de cada dente. Após a utilização de artifícios para simular a sobreposição dos tecidos humanos, os dentes obturados foram radiografados e as imagens periapicais analisadas por endodontistas e radiologistas quanto à presença de defeitos de preenchimento nas obturações. Após análise estatística empregandose os testes exato de Fisher, Kappa e teste t (p<0.05). Observou-se menor sensibilidade no exame dos dentes anteriores obturados com os cimentos radiopacos, principalmente na avaliação dos radiologistas, e identificou-se maior especificidade para as obturações efetuadas com os cimentos endomethasone® e Acroseal. No julgamento dos dentes posteriores, o cimento Acroseal proporcionou menor sensibilidade do que o AH Plus e houve menores valores de especificidade na avaliação dos endodontistas, embora sem diferenças entre os grupos de cimentos estudados. A confiabilidade mostrou-se maior para as obturações dos caninos realizadas com Endomethasone® e Sealer 26 e não se detectaram diferenças entre os grupos na avaliação das obturações dos molares. Concluiu-se que a radiopacidade dos cimentos influenciou na sensibilidade, especificidade e confiabilidade da análise radiográfica de obturações endodônticas, assim como a especialidade dos examinadores. / The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different radiopaque sealers in the sensitivity, specificity and realiability of radiographic root canal filling exam. After radiopacity distinction of root canal sealing materials, a total of 80 extracted single-rooted upper canines had their canals prepared with classic technique before being divided into 5 groups, each to be filled with one of the tested sealers (AH Plus, Endomèthasone®, Sealer 26, Acroseal and non-radiopaque sealer). In half specimens a radiolucent nylon monofilament string (Ø 0.25 mm) positioned inside the root canal to simulate a radiolucent void before being filled with gutta percha lateral condensation (n=8). A total of 36 maxillary molars were divide into 3 groups, each to be filled with one of the tested sealers (AH Plus, Acroseal and non-radiopaque sealer). Before being filled with lateral condensation technique, a Ø 0.08mm string was positioned alongside distobuccal root canal. After root canal filling, each tooth was strictly positioned in a device to simulate bone and soft tissue before being exposed to X rays. The resulting images were interpreted for presence of voids by radiologists and endodontists. The differences between groups were assessed using Fisher Exact, Cohens Kappa and t test (>0.05). There were less sensitivity for all radiopaque sealers, specially for radiologists, and higher specificity when Endomethasone® and Acroseal were used to fill the upper canines. Root canal fillings performed in maxillary molars with Acrosel showed lower sensibility values than AH Plus mainly to endodontists, but no difference in specificity between groups. There were lower reliability than control group for canines filled with Endomethasone® and Sealer 26. The differences of reliability between groups were not statistically significant. It was concluded that radiopacity of sealers influenced on sensitivity, specificity and reliability of radiographic root canal filling exam, as well as the speciality of examiners.

Tata has been successfully trading in Africa for over 35 years in diverse industries and countries. This case study focuses specifically on Tata Africa’s strategies and operational innovations.In African countries, institutional voids exist — the absence of conventional mechanisms that make business work — which present a significant challenge for businesses operating on the continent. The objective of this case study is to understand how Tata has had to adapt its strategies in Africa to overcome these institutional voids in a way that has allowed it to operate successfully in multiple countries and industries.The case study format has been used because it enables a deep analysis of the strategies adopted by Tata. It also provides a means for classroom teaching methods that will enable students to better understand the challenges of doing business in Africa and how to overcome them.Two central questions posed to students of Africa are: 1.) Why has Tata developed activities that are so different from its core businesses? 2.) Instead of allowing the challenges it found to prevent Tata from trading in Africa, the company has devised strategies to ensure long-term success. What are they?Based on the findings, the answers to these questions lie firstly in the “five context framework” proposed by Khanna, Palepu and Sinha (2005) to identify the existence of institutional voids, and secondly in a model derived from the research into the strategy of Tata in Africa that offers solutions to overcome the institutional voids.Other issues for class debate and discussion are also offered. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted