Researchers explain concrete damage in tunnel fires
Article Abstract:
Research done at the Laboratoire Central des Ponts et Chaussees in Paris, France, reveals that dehydration and compression may cause concrete in tunnels to spall and crack during fires. This finding could help engineers repair the 11.6-km Mt. Blanc tunnel, which caught fire on Mar 24, 1999, and burned for two days. Franz-Josef Ulm, one of the researchers, said that fires dehydrate the water which acts as a binding material that holds the concrete together. Once water evaporates, concrete suddenly starts to lose cohesion, which leads to weakness and brittleness.
Publication Name: Civil Engineering
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 0885-7024
Year: 1999
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As you leak it: Leakage can mean losses, damage to equipment and trouble with legislation
Article Abstract:
The choice of leakage monitoring systems in old plants should consider factors such as signaling of escaped leakage fluid and whether risks associated with the fluid make it preferable to make provision for splash protection and clean air. Point based recording leakage detectors use plate electrodes, rod electrodes and suspension electrodes to detect conductive fluid. A plate electrode can be used underneath pipelines, and rod electrodes can be used in double pipe systems. Suspension electrodes are usually used to detect leakages in collection tubs.
Publication Name: Engineering
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 0013-7782
Year: 1999
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Eastern quake's costs and damage could eclipse Northridge
Article Abstract:
An earthquake measuring 7 on the Richter scale can cause an estimated damage of up to $26 billion in New York City. An earthquake of the same intensity will damage the eastern coast more than the western coast. The estimated damage is more than that caused in Northridge, California. Most of the damage will be due to the destruction of buildings which have either not been reinforced or have been built on land fills. Plans made for recovery from earthquakes should specifically focus on damage caused to lifeline services such as fire stations.
Publication Name: Civil Engineering
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 0885-7024
Year: 1995
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