https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/70124 2026-04-15T22:03:26Z 2026-04-15T22:03:26Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/71450 2021-03-17T11:40:21Z 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Developing a time and motion study for the Floriana park and ride shuttle service Abstract: The integration of public transport and car parking facilities has been greatly beneficial. The Park and Ride (P&R) facility allows users to park their private vehicles and make the rest of their journey by public transport. Hence, P&R facilitate the user’s daily parking problem and reduces traffic congestion and pollution. However, P&R can also be seen as exacerbating traffic and pollution as the attractiveness of easy parking can alter user’s habits who previously used public transport for their entire journey and shift to an increasing number of private vehicles on the road. The success of a P&R greatly relies on the effects and user satisfaction provided. The dissertation presents the use of a time and motion study to identify whether or not the reliability of the shuttle service affects the amount of users of the P&R. The data collected indicated that the shuttle service relies on the amount of users alighted and indicated that users prefer using other means to get to the P&R instead of the free shuttle service. The focus of the study was to outline the factors affecting the shuttle service of the Floriana P&R and recommending multiple alterations which can be implemented to upgrade the service and engage more users to benefit from the P&R. Description: M.ENG.STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

2019-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/71424 2021-03-17T11:39:31Z 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The use of UHDC to strengthen reinforced concrete columns Abstract: The use of concrete in building construction during the last century has increased greatly. Throughout this period, several structures such as bridges, high-rise buildings and industrial buildings have been constructed with this material. The development of these structures involves a substantial investment of resources, and therefore it becomes essential to preserve their structural integrity. It is a well-known phenomenon that concrete experiences some damage throughout its lifetime. Deterioration is mainly caused by gradual degradation brought about by physical and chemical processes. It is important to have an understanding of the underlying causes of concrete deficiencies to perform a meaningful evaluation for structural repair. An overview of different types of structural repair and rehabilitation will be discussed, with particular importance given to the use of Ultra High-Durability Concrete (hereinafter referred to as UHDC) with self-compacting characteristics as a repairing and strengthening material for concrete columns. The effectiveness of UHDC for jacketing of concrete columns in repair and strengthening shall be assessed through the production of cylindrical specimens to be tested under compressive loading. A strengthening method using a UHDC jacket will be used to improve the performance of concrete with reference to the following test variables: assessment of UHDC confinement to ordinary concrete, and load application method on samples to assess improvement in axial strength and confinement. Description: M.ENG.STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

2019-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/71420 2021-03-17T11:38:42Z 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: A study on the enhancement of the shear capacity of reinforced concrete half-joints through the introduction of steel sections Abstract: Half-joints are a particular type of connection, mostly associated with precast construction. They are widely used in buildings and bridges. The abrupt change in the cross section of the beam causes the beam to behave differently. For this reason, alternative methods of analysis to simple bending theory have been developed, namely the strut-and-tie method. In this research study, a variation of the typical reinforcement layout in the nib area was examined. This included the introduction of a steel beam section in the nib area. The effects of this type of reinforcement on the strength of the nibs were studied by means of physical testing and a non-linear finite element analysis. A comparative study was conducted to quantify the increase in strength capacity generated by the steel beam section and to numerically model the results obtained by using the finite element method of analysis. From the finite element model, a parametric study was possible. The effects of changing the stirrup diameter, the size and position in the nib of the steel beam, the middle reinforcement diameter and the bottom reinforcement diameter were analysed. The introduction of the steel beam section generated 13% increase in capacity in the physical test while a 20% increase was observed from the finite element model. This enhancement in capacity was compared to results obtained from previous work to be able to evaluate the efficiency of this strengthening technique. Description: M.ENG.STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

2019-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/71419 2021-03-17T11:37:53Z 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The effect of water/cement ratio and vibro-compaction on the compressive strength of reconstituted limestone Abstract: Waste material generated from the construction industry is a major threat to our environment. However, this waste has the ability of being recycled and reused in combination with other building materials, thus minimizing the production of construction waste. The fabrication of a masonry composite building material, consisting of limestone powder produced from crushed blocks or quarry waste, is currently an ongoing project at the University of Malta. The process of creating this engineered stone involves the mixture of mainly limestone powder, cement and water, which can be produced as either blocks, cladding or paving. Former research focused on the generation of compressive strength by compacting the material in order to expel excess water, which results in a dense material. The current objective of this project intends to explore the variation in compressive strength with varying water/cement ratios in the absence of a compaction load. This is achieved by means of a large batch sampling with varying water and cement contents, and vibration times. The workability of mixes containing a constant high water content and varying cement contents, is investigated with respect to mixing time. The research aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing the compressive strength of reconstituted stone, which will enable further optimization of the mix, leading to the production of the building block. Description: M.ENG.STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

2019-01-01T00:00:00Z