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A Self-Learning Manual - Institution of Engineers Mauritius

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A <strong>Self</strong>-<strong>Learning</strong> <strong>Manual</strong><br />

Mastering Different Fields <strong>of</strong> Civil Engineering Works (VC-Q&A Method) Vincent T. H. CHU<br />

10. How do steel beam barriers (e.g. tension/untensioned beam<br />

barrier and open box barrier) function to contain vehicles upon<br />

crashing? (VP1)<br />

Steel beam barrier consists mainly <strong>of</strong> horizontal rails and vertical posts.<br />

When a vehicle hits the steel beam barrier, the kinetic energy is resolved in<br />

three components, namely vertical, normal to barrier and parallel to barrier.<br />

The vertical and normal components <strong>of</strong> kinetic energy are dissipated<br />

through deformation and bending <strong>of</strong> beam and supporting posts. As such,<br />

the remaining component (i.e. parallel) guides the vehicle back to the<br />

carriageway in a direction parallel to the barrier.<br />

11. How do noise adsorptive materials function?<br />

The basic mechanism <strong>of</strong> noise absorptive material is to change the<br />

acoustic energy into heat energy. The amount <strong>of</strong> heat generated is<br />

normally very small due to the limited energy in sound waves (e.g. less<br />

than 0.01watts). The two common ways for energy transformation are:<br />

(i) Viscous flow loss<br />

The absorptive material contains interconnected voids and pores into<br />

which the sound energy will propagate. As sound waves pass through the<br />

material, the wave energy causes relative motion between the air particles<br />

and the absorbing material and consequently energy losses are incurred.<br />

(ii) Internal fiction<br />

The absorptive materials have some elastic fibrous or porous structures<br />

which would be extended and compressed during sound wave propagation.<br />

Other than energy loss due to viscous flow loss, dissipation <strong>of</strong> energy also<br />

results from the internal friction during its flex and squeezing movement.<br />

12. How do oil interceptors operate? (ORF1)<br />

Grease and oils are commonly found in stormwater run<strong>of</strong>f from catchments.<br />

They come from the leakage and spillage <strong>of</strong> lubricants, fuels, vehicle<br />

coolants etc. Since oils and grease are hydrocarbons which are lighter than<br />

water, they form films and emulsions on water and generate odorous smell.<br />

In particular, these hydrocarbons tend to stick to the particulates in water<br />

and settle with them. Hence, they should be trapped prior to discharging<br />

into stormwater system. Oil interceptors are installed to trap these oil loads<br />

coming from stormwater. In commercial areas, car parks and areas where<br />

construction works are likely. It is recommended to establish oil-trapping<br />

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