A simulation computer program named RMCSIM has been developed to simulate a whole day of activities for a concrete plant with N mixing bays, M truckmixers (with two different capacities: 5 m3 and 7 m3) serving S sites, where sites are at variable distances D from the plant and variable...

Concrete is a very important construction industry material, and this is especially true in Hong Kong. The efficient organization of the supply of concrete from ready mixed concrete plants is beneficial to both concrete companies and contractors. It is also essential for an efficient...

Porous NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) with 48% porosity and an average pore size of 50–800 μm was synthesized by capsule-free hot isostatic pressing (CF-HIP). To enhance the surface bioactivity, the porous NiTi SMA was subjected to H2O2 and subsequent NaOH treatment. Scanning electron...

A survey was undertaken of the losses or costs incurred in building contracts because of accidents on building sites. Altogether, 576 accidents from 18 building sites were investigated. On each site, an accident occurrence index (AOI) was calculated by dividing the total equivalent day loss by...

Direct financial costs of accidents are the tip of the iceberg when compared to the indirect costs. Notwithstanding the difficulties involved, it is very important to estimate the indirect costs borne by society, and the non-material losses due to pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment of life...

One of the most effective tools for evaluating the success of a quality management programme is the measurement of quality costs (prevention, appraisal and failure costs). The application of the concept of quality costs originated in the manufacturing industry in the early 1950s. As increasing...

A 'Process Cost Model (PCM)' approach has been proposed previously (Aoieong et al., 2002) for measuring the quality costs of construction projects. The PCM is proposed because the traditional models on PAF (prevention, appraisal and failure) quality costs have been found to be unsuitable for the...