https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/70398 2026-04-22T14:41:28Z 2026-04-22T14:41:28Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/95613 2022-05-12T09:21:41Z 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The characteristic compressive strength of masonry walls with reconstituted limestone blocks from building waste Abstract: Maltese Globigerina Limestone (GL) structures have distinctive aesthetical and traditional features which are immediately recognised from their colour, texture and construction method used. This makes GL the most common source of structural elements in local constructions. Malta has been experiencing an increase in construction in the last couple of decades. This means that not only new constructions are being built but, also, older buildings are being demolished in order to make way for new constructions which are able to adapt to the new demand. This means that a great amount of Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste is being generated every year with no intended reuse apart from being used as infill. The use of concrete blocks for masonry constructions has been the alternative construction material replacing natural stone blocks as it is a cheaper solution and provides more flexibility with respect to its manufacturing abilities. It is also an ever-evolving material which can adapt to new demands for the construction industry. This aforementioned statement leads to the initiation of the research by Buhagiar & Montesin (2010) for the use of C&D waste limestone powder subjected to a compression force inside different sized and shaped moulds for different testing procedures. Multiple studies for different aspects of this produced material have been explored. Since then the reconstituted stone mix has been adapted with respect to results achieved. This study is a continuation of research undertaken by Gatt (2011), Formosa (2012), Genovese (2013), Falzon (2013), Davison (2014) and Gatt (2016), where casts of reconstituted stone blocks are assembled into representative masonry walls and tested for their characteristic compressive strength. These are then to be compared with identical replicas of masonry walls constructed with natural stone blocks retrieved from the same quarry location that have been used for the previously conducted studies. Furthermore, a new variable, being different mortar mixes, are introduced as the binder in the construction of the masonry walls. Description: M.ENG.

2017-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/78594 2021-07-27T07:27:01Z 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Seismic design of existing load-bearing unreinforced masonry buildings overlying open plan basements retrofitted with reinforced concrete plane frames Abstract: Two tectonic plates of particular importance, namely the Euro-African plate and the Hyblean-Malta Escarpment, lie within close proximity of the Maltese Islands. Unfortunately, Maltese masonry buildings have not been traditionally assigned to withstand seismic activity. The local population is under the false perception that Malta is free from seismic hazard and, therefore, there is a tendency to ignore the associated seismic risks (Galea, 2007). Description: M.SC.STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

2016-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/78575 2021-07-28T06:24:19Z 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Padre Tomasucci's subterranean aqueduct Abstract: The Wignacourt Aqueduct, in Malta, was constructed between 1610-15 to deliver water to the, then, newly founded city of Valletta. Within this paper, the aqueduct has been classified into two main segments: the upstream segment, directed by Padre Tomasucci, and the downstream segment, directed by Bontadino de Bontadini. The former runs underground throughout, except for a very few exceptions; while a considerable amount of the latter, runs above the surface on arcades and substructions. This dissertation examines the upstream segment, with the primary intent of discovering whether this part of the aqueduct could be used to deliver water for agriculture activity in the area. This paper presents the findings collected through numerable site inspections and measured surveys. These findings, in turn, have been amalgamated with a number of interviews. The subjects of which, consisted of a number of farmers who have inherited an agricultural tradition which depends on its association to the aqueduct. Apart from providing empirical documentation about this relatively unexplored infrastructure, this study has also laid down the foundations for its potential future rehabilitation. Description: M.ENG.

2016-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/78555 2021-07-27T09:06:45Z 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The effect of edge preparation on glass flexural strength Abstract: This dissertation is concerned with the study of what effect the glass edge preparation has on its flexural strength. Glass fails because it has micro cracks in the surface, which lead to stress concentrations of thus failure. When glass is cut, a shallow score is induced in the surface, thus creating a concentration of micro cracks. Testing was conducted using a series of four point bending tests on annealed glass samples, which had different edge preparations. These edge preparations consisted of, non-polished and polished edges, with the non-polished samples being further divided into two groups, those having the cutting score mark on the tension side and those that had it on the compression side. Description: M.ENG.STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

2016-01-01T00:00:00Z