Civil Engineering

CIVIL ENGINEERING HOME
Author : ANIL MODINPUROJU
Title of the thesis : FACILITY BASED RURAL ROAD NETWOR PLANNING

USING SPATIAL TECHNIQUES
Guide : Dr. C. S. R. K. PRASAD
Degree : Ph. D.
Student ID No. : 701302
ABSTRACT
Provision of good rural roads to meet the public facilities changes the characteristics of
rural transport. Efficient rural transportation depends largely on a well-knit road network to
provide accessibility and mobility in rural areas. Rural roads are primary infrastructure which
provide essential access to rural population to various social facilities such as education, health,
transportation and market facilities. Transportation planning in rural areas is highly complicated
because of the multiple activities having non-specific interaction between any two places.
Various models for planning of rural road network were developed by different research
organizations, educational institutions, and consultants but in actual practice, they have not
been of much help to implementing agencies (shrestha 2013). There is a need for the
consolidation of the existing rural road network for maintenance and connectivity to the local
community and enable economical transportation of goods and services to provide better
livelihood opportunities as part of poverty reduction strategy.
One of the primary constraints in the development of rural infrastructure is the lack of
sufficient funds in developing countries. Apart from the limited resources to build rural
infrastructures (roads, water supply, electricity, telecommunication network) and public
facilities, the lack of proper planning methodologies for development, improvement, and
management of rural infrastructure is also a significant problem. Optimal use of available funds
is a necessity and may help to develop and improve the present situation. Populations covered
by a road link (Kumar and Kumar, 1999) can be taken as significant indicator to be considered
to take into account the socio-economic benefits from the rural road links. The ii
other factors can be costs (construction costs and travel costs). However, these factors
cannot be assessed precisely for rural areas. Hence, costs can be considered indirectly taking
distances (construction cost) and the person-km (travel costs) (Kumar and Tilloston, 1985;
Makarchi and Tilloston, 1991; Singh, 2010).
NITW - Annual Research Digest Of Ph. D. Theses (2018-2019)
This study envisages consolidation of the existing Rural Road Network to improve its
overall efficiency as a provider of transportation services for people, goods and services. The
proposed methodology in this study, enables to determine rural hubs in the rural areas based
on the facility index of the settlements. The Village Facility Index (VFI) is calculated by
considering the desirable coverage distance. Spatial analysis is carried out in the study area to
identify the Desirable Coverage Distance of the Facility (DCDF). VFI is the summation of all
facility indices such as Educational Facility Index (EFI), Medical Facility Index (MFI),
Transportation and Communication Facility Index (T&CFI) and Economic Activity Facility Index
(EAFI).
The rural road network is generated by connecting the rural hubs by minimum travel
time path in Geographical Information System (GIS). In the present study, travel time was
measured from the field by travelling along the road using design vehicle. In a place where the
terrain is not flat and the level difference between the two origin-destination points is very high,
travel time was considered in both directions. In this study, since the terrain is plain and traffic
volumes in both directions are more or less equal, the travel time in both direction is assumed
to be same. The Minimum Spanning Tree (MST) of network is generated from the existing rural
road network. MST represents the minimum connection level necessary for the rural
accessibility of a specified coverage distance. In this study, MST of network is considered as the
optimal road network of the study area.
Fund available for rural road construction/upgrade is usually a constraint in developing

countries. Hence, the available resources should be effectively used. For this, a prioritisation
method is necessary. Based on a realistic and practical criterion, the rural road links in the
network are to be prioritised. The study explored the different rural road network models for
prioritization of links for new construction and upgradation works. In this study, planning for
prioritization of links is achieved by considering two parameters i.e. population and vulnerability
of link. The model allows investigating the public resource allocation to attain minimum total
cost with an investment budget constraint, intended to design the infrastructure by keeping
total transportation costs to a minimum.

CIVIL ENGINEERING
Author : ARUKALA SUCHITH REDDY
Title of the thesis : DEVELOPMENT OF A FRAMEWORK FOR

SUSTAINABLE BUILDING ASSESSMENT
Guide : Dr. P. RATHISH KUMAR
Degree : Ph. D.
ABSTRACT
The human race is now facing a looming crisis of resource depletion and global
warming. Population trends in recent years indicate rapid urbanization with more than half of
the world’s population living in urban settings. This problem poses several challenges to the
governing bodies including the pressing demand for providing amicable living conditions vis-à-
vis housing, transportation, health, education and infrastructure facilities. A mismanaged,
haphazard approach to population growing needs, lead to degradation of the environment and
undoes the progress in sustainable development achieved so far. To facilitate living conditions
with a minimal backlash on the limited resources, it is imperative to make a transition towards
sustainable urban development.
The built environment was recognized as the largest contributor to changes in the
environment. The construction, operation, and maintenance of buildings are estimated to
account for approximately 40%–50% of all energy usage and emissions of GHG globally. There
may be economic benefits from the investments in infrastructural projects, but they do cause
more negative impacts on social and environmental issues. From the construction industry
perspective, it is believed that sustainability should take into account the protection of a
regional uniqueness incorporating localized architecture depending upon the local needs of the
people despite their economic status. It is understood that the sustainability in construction
industry refers to habitat comfort, the durability and service life of the structure, optimum
utilization of resources, efficient utilization of energy, water, land, protection of the
environment, and developing social integrity. Sustainable construction simply mean efficient use
of natural resources, minimize negative impact on the ecology and improve the human
satisfaction and quality of life. Sustainable urban development has to achieve three goals of
sustainability viz., economic, social, and environmental in order to be well implemented.

Developing countries often face challenges and priorities that are different from those of
advanced countries. These include, but are not limited to infrastructure and housing deficit,
rapidly rising population, skill shortage, social inequity and relatively unstable political climate.
To accomplish the need for sustainability, it is vital to understand the interrelationship between
social needs, economic feasibility, and environmental impacts. The basic needs include food,
clothing and shelter and above all, the ability to live at higher standards i.e., economical
aspects. Therefore, promoting and incorporating sustainability is nothing but balancing the main
three pillars, ecologically termed as sustainable development and this approach is known to be
‘Triple-Bottom-Line’ (TBL) approach.
To balance economic growth with sustainable development in the building sector, many
countries around the world have come up with several building assessment tools to assess the
building’s sustainability performance. A Sustainable building is designed to minimize the
environmental impacts and optimize resource consumption during various stages of its life
cycle, for instance, Leadership in Energy and Environment (LEED) in the US, Building Research
Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) of the UK, Comprehensive
Assessment System for Built Environment Efficiency (CASBEE) of Japan, Green Rating for
Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) of India, etc. Studies conducted in this field have
indicated that these building assessment tools are based mainly on the environmental
component of sustainability and that there is a necessity to include economic, social,
institutional, technical and cultural factors in the assessment tools (Abdul-Rahman et al. 2016;
Banani et al. 2016; Chang et al. 2013; Chen et al. 2017; Erdogan and Šaparauskas, 2019;
Henriksson, 2010; Hussin et al. 2013; Magent et al. 2009; Todd et al. 2010; UNEP SBCI, 2010;
Zarghami et al. 2018).
Most of the building assessment studies are oriented towards environmental indicator
only (Abdul-Rahman et al. 2016; Chan and Chan, 2004; Ding, 2008; Giddings et al. 2002;
Jamilus et al. 2013; Riffat et al. 2016; Vatalis et al. 2013; Waris et al. 2014). This indicates
disregard to social and economic aspects of sustainability, which could further lead to ecological
imbalance and thereby, miss the real goal of sustainable development, though, some of them
focused on measuring sustainable performance considering one or more indicators (Kylili et al.
2016). It is significant to consider environmental, social, and economic dimensions (TBL
approach) while assessing the building performance towards sustainability. However, the TBL
approach has been claimed to distract and limit research, as not all local-level development
issues are clearly either environmental, social, or economic (Alwaer et al. 2010a, 2010b;
Anadon et al. 2016; Cancino et al. 2015; Chan and Chan, 2004; Kaya and Kahraman, 2014;
Kulkarni et al. 2017; Liu and Lin, 2016; Mahmoudkelaye et al. 2017; Teplý et al. 2018). The
criteria like energy efficiency, indoor air quality, water efficiency, water management, pollution,
sustainable sites, human comfort, innovation, material efficiency, and renewable energy etc in
most of the studies have assumed to orient towards only one or more indicators like
environmental, cultural, institutional, socio-economic and political etc., and ignore the
significance over other indicators. For example, the ‘pollution’ criteria considered under
‘Environmental’ indicator is presumed to be insignificant towards another indicator like social
and economic indicators and evaluated the criteria measure towards sustainability. The
interrelationship between indicators, criteria, and interdependency among criteria and indicators
has been neglected. Few of them considered TBL approach but failed to incorporate the
technological advances (Akizu-gardoki et al. 2018; Al-Jebouri e tal. 2017; Ghodoosi et al. 2018;
Laedre et al. 2015; Patil et al. 2016) which have always been the cornerstone in mitigating the
unavoidable side-effects of development and in surpassing the limits/constraints dictated by the
other indicators of sustainability (Park et al. 2017). It was observed that it is imperative to
incorporate the Technological indicator by rejuvenating ideas of reduce, reuse, recycle,
renovate, and repair into implementable solutions. The holistic view under the main umbrella
i.e. TBL along with Technological indicator will balance the construction eco-system for
achieving sustainability. Thus, there arises a need to integrate Social, Environmental, Economic
and Technological (SEET) indicators for assessing the sustainability of building construction.
There exists a cultural, ethical and economic dissimilarity between the developed and
developing countries to understand and implement the sustainability in the construction
industry.
The present study is focused on implementation and adoption of sustainable principles

in building industry, to monitor the performance and identify the specific indicators and criteria.
It is noteworthy to observe here that, mere transfer of indicators and criteria from an existing
building assessment framework developed for a particular country is not suitable to other
country due to differences in regional, culture, heritage and geographical conditions of another
country. The transfer of Technology can be successful only when current priorities and
prevailing conditions of specific location are incorporated. Hence, the assessment tool
developed for one nation or area may not be acceptable for another area. The present study
aims at promoting, monitoring and evaluating sustainable building with regard to SEET
indicators in order to achieve sustainable built environment for better quality of life.
Assessment of building performance requires suitable criteria and indicators and active
participation of experts from various domains of construction industry to consider real-time
conditions of a specific region. This involves multiple perceptions from decisionmakers
considering multiple dimensions and criteria for achieving a single goal. For a framework to be
well-developed, a reliable weighting structure has to be proposed to accept and institutionalize
the importance of a wide variety of sustainable construction concerns. Most of these methods
as said earlier are obstructed by components such as climatic circumstances, regional and
geographic differences, culture, socio-economic elements. For this reason every nation/area
needs their own strategical plan to assess whether the construction industry is implementing
appropriate sustainability practices. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method is a well-
known Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) technique for determining the weights for any
kind of hierarchical structure in various domains. However, it is not effective to handle the
uncertainty and imprecision of the decision-maker. Fuzzy set theory on the other hand captures
the vagueness, uncertainty, and impreciseness of the decision-maker.
From a detailed review of the literature, the following are the observations
A detailed literature review was carried on sustainable development with a focus on
building assessment tool suitable to regional variations, climate conditions, culture, heritage and
topographical conditions of developing countries like India, based on SEET aspects. The
literature study was also aimed at emphasizing the adoption of existing tools for their suitability,
similarities and differences and further checked for the possibility of adapting to the prevailing
conditions without the need for life cycle inventory data. The following are the observations
reported from the literature review:
1. There are studies reported on the factors influencing sustainable construction and that
affect the building performance towards sustainability.
2. Most of the work reported the building performance considering the environmental
dimension only. Some of them considered both environmental and economic dimensions
to observe the impacts, burdens and cost implications.
3. There are very few studies reported on the building assessment based on TBL approach
i.e., Social, Environmental and Economic dimension. However, these lack the
interrelationship among the dimensions and it was noticed that the assessment tools
developed for one nation or region might not be applicable to others.
4. It has been observed from the literature that, ‘Technological’ advances has always been
the cornerstone in mitigating the unavoidable side-effects of development and in
surpassing the limits/constraints dictated by the other indicators of sustainability vis-àvis
Social, Economic and Environmental.
5. It was felt that it is imperative to incorporate the technological dimension by
rejuvenating ideas like reuse, recycle, reduce, renew and regenerate into implementable
solutions of the existing TBL to achieve complete sustainable construction SEET
indicators.
6. Most of the assessment tools utilized the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), a Multi-
Criterion Decision Making (MCDM) method to assess the relative weight.
7. The concept of fuzzy logic was utilized to capture the ambiguity and vagueness of the
decision-makers. It can also be inferred that the Delphi Technique (DT) is preferable to
reach a consensus for the identified criteria based on previous studies.
8. It is important to decide the applicable criteria and sub-criteria to be compatible with the
Indian context, which exhibits a wide range of climates, cultures, and topographic
features. This would enable implementing a domestic assessment method for measuring
building performance.
9. It was observed that due to the unavailability of appropriate life cycle inventory data for
building materials in developing countries like India, the existing assessment tools
(GRIHA, LEED, and IGBC) have disregarded the material component while evaluating
the sustainable building performance. Hence, there is a need to study the behavior of
material performance towards sustainability.
10. It was also felt that there is a necessity to develop a handy Graphical User Interface
(GUI) system, a self-assessment tool to estimate the sustainable building performance.

The scope of the present study includes the following
o Based on the available existing assessment tools, guidelines and policies, the criteria and
attributes are identified considering regional context, climate conditions, culture,
heritage, and topographical conditions.
o Assigning and standardizing the relative weights for sustainable indicators, criteria and
establish inter-relationship between them.
o Distribute credit points to sustainable attributes corresponding to each criterion so as to
quantify the building performance and thus generate a sustainable building performance
score.
o Assess the material performance towards sustainability by generating a material index
considering material life-cycle phases.
o Develop a Graphical User Interface (GUI) web portal using HTML, JavaScript and other
tools and technologies to assess the building performance score and thus rate the
building.
Based on the observations from the literature review, the following objectives are
defined for the present investigation.
1. To identify and evaluate relative weights of sustainable criteria and indicators (SEET)
and establish Inter-relationship between them based on existing tools (LEED, BREEAM,
GRIHA, and IGBC), guidelines and policies.
2. To obtain the relevant quantifiable attributes and pre-requisites for each criterion and
assign weights to them for assessing the building performance.
3. To quantify the building material index by integrating sustainable SEET indicators,
factors influencing material sustainable performance and material life-cycle phases,
without the need for inventory data.
4. To develop a sustainable building performance scoring system based on relative weights
of criteria and global weights of sustainable attributes, and thus develop an automated
GUI embedded Sustainable Building Assessment Tool (SBAT).
To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, a detailed program is designed and carried

out in four different phases.
Phase - I
This phase is dealt in four stages: Comparing, identifying, evaluating relative weights
and establishing interrelationship between indicators and criteria.
The significant criteria that can assess the sustainable performance of a building were
identified based on the existing assessment tools (BREEAM, LEED, IGBC, and GRIHA),
guidelines, policies and related publications considering local context, climatic conditions,
culture, topography, and ethical aspects that prevail in developing countries like India. These
criteria and sub-criteria are assessed and checked for the possibility of transfer and for adopting
in the Indian context. Further, the identified criteria are refined and screened out using Delphi
Technique (DT) and Relative Importance Index (RII) to reach a consensus on the diagnosed
criteria their related attributes for quantification. Based on Six expert decision-makers belonging
to categories such as Academicians, Engineers, Designers, Architects, Consultants, and Other
Technocrats, the criteria whose value is more than or equal to 0.7 has been screened out for
selecting the most significant attributes. A total of eight criteria and 37 attributes were
established to evaluate and assess the building performance towards sustainability. For
evaluating the relative weights of criteria and indicators, questionnaires were framed in such a
way that the relative importance of criteria with respect to each indicator (SEET) is obtained on
a seven point Likert scale. The consistency of the data is checked using Cronbach’s Alpha
coefficient before performing statistical methods. In order to capture the ambiguity and
vagueness of the respondents to the questionnaires, fuzzy logic is integrated with AHP and
termed as FAHP, a Hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision Method (HMCDM) for assigning the relative
weights to indicators and criteria. To perform FAHP, a number of pairwise comparisons for the
four sustainable indicators and eight sustainable criteria for each respondent (Total 58) were
performed. A total of 346 [4 x 4] matrices were developed to assign relative weights to
sustainable indicators (SEET). Similarly, a total of 232 [8 x 8] matrices were developed to
assign the relative weight to sustainable criteria. The interrelated weights are then obtained by
multiplying the relative weights of sustainable indicators and criteria. From the interrelated
weights of criteria and indicators, the average weight is obtained by pooling along with the
criteria with regard to SEET indicators to identify significant criteria.
Phase - II
This phase of work intends to quantitatively assess the eight criteria which were
identified in the previous phase with suitable attributes considering various pre-requisites. The
approach involves determining the relative weights to sustainable attributes, assigning global
weights to pre-requisites for developing a Sustainable Building scoring system using FAHP to
develop a SBAT. Further, to assess the attribute performance, the relative weights of criteria
and their corresponding attributes are multiplied to get the global weight. Based on the global
weights of attributes, the pre-requisites were allotted with credit points in order to quantify the
building performance on the practical field.
Phase - III
Based on the comprehensive literature review, guidelines and policies, and existing
assessment tools, 10 key sustainable factors were identified which were most relevant to the
material assessment. Three different approaches have been established based on MCDM
methods to assess the material prioritization based on the identified sustainable factors. Each
method has its own significance and justification in selecting a sustainable material alternative.
The three methods include (i) Entropy-based Fuzzy Technique for Order Preference by
Similarity to Ideal Solution (EFTOPSIS). (ii) Material Sustainable Performance Score (MSPS) and
(iii) Sustainable Material Performance Index (SMPI). All the methods utilized the same input
data set received from 54 respondents based on 10 sustainable factors and indicators for
evaluation. In this phase, five different alternatives of binder material aiming at developing a
sustainable concrete has been investigated based on different methods. The prominently used
binder material alternatives considered were – Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), Pozzolanic
Portland Cement Flyash based (PPC-F), Pozzolanic Portland Cement Slag based (PPC-S),
Geopolymer (GP) and Composite Cement (CC).
Phase -IV
This phase of work emphasizes on developing preference-based sustainable building

score and an overall SBPS considering SEET indicators. To differentiate the building
performance towards sustainability, based on Sustainable building Performance Score (SBPS),
the study proposes five different performance levels to categorize the building performance.
Graphic User Interface (GUI) is developed for lucidity in use of SBAT, utilizing open-source
software and technologies (Tomcat Apache server, JavaScript, Java Server Pages, and HTML).
The GUI includes the background page, a methodology page and, an Input & Out page. The
input page consists of Yes/No and percentage type of questionnaire, while, the output page
consists of pictorial representations of sustainable building performance. The GUI will act as a
self-assessment tool. Further, a QR code is embedded in the HTML web portal for the
assessment tool to improve awareness and public outreach. To spread the utility and enrich the
convenience of using SBAT, the QR code is embedded in the link given below.
The study identified the need for promoting and practicing sustainable design and
adoption of sustainable principles enabling the transformation from the conventional to
sustainable construction in India. The following conclusions are drawn from the present
research work.
1. A new Technological dimension has been incorporated in the existing Triple Bottom Line
(TBL) approach by introducing the concept of 5R’s (Reduce, Recycle, Reuse, Renovate
and Repair).
2. Eight criteria and 37 attributes have been tailored under Social, Environmental,
Economic and Technological (SEET) indicators, to adapt to the Indian context
considering climatic variations, local context, topography, culture, and heritage.
3. The Technological indicator with a normalized interrelated weight of 28.4% was highest
among SEET indicators. Also, under the Technological indicator, the criterion ‘Material
and Waste Management’ has attained the highest interrelated weight of 15.56%.
4. The relative weights of the criteria are obtained from the Eight focused expertise groups
comprising of Academicians, Consultants, Contractors, Designers, Engineers, Architects,
Suppliers and other stakeholders of the construction industry based on a structured
questionnaire on a five-point Likert scale.
5. The eight proposed criteria include Water Efficiency (12.63%), Materials and Waste
Management (13.96%), Health and Well-being (13.04%), Energy Efficiency (13.15%),

Sustainable Sites (12.88%), Social Welfare (11.48%), Transportation (11.36%), and
Management (11.49%). These criteria facilitate policymaking, formulate guidelines and
develop the green building rating tool.
6. From the findings, it was observed that the relative weights of indicators are in the order
of Environmental (30%), Technological (27%), Economic (22%), and Social (21%).
Material and Waste management (MW) and Energy Efficiency (EE) attained the highest
relative weights of 14.98% and 13.96% respectively.
7. The criteria, ‘Regionally available materials’ and ‘Renewable energy production’ attained
global weights of 3.01% & 2.40% respectively among the various attributes chosen
under technological indicator.
8. Ten significant factors viz., Climate change, Pollution, Construction & Demolition Waste,
resource consumption, life cycle cost, Health & Safety, Local Economic Development,
Recyclability and Reusability, Human Satisfaction, and Practicability & Flexibility were
identified to assess the material performance based on content analysis.
9. Three methods (EFTOPSIS, MSPS, and SMPI) were used for assessing the material
performance. These methods revealed the significance of adopting material life cycle
phases in the selection of sustainable material, without the need for inventory data.
10. It was noted that the method ‘Sustainable Material Performance Index’ (SMPI) was
found to be robust and flexible and was able to accommodate both qualitative and
quantitative insights. Higher the SMPI value better is the material performance towards
sustainability.
11. Among the five different binder material alternatives (OPC, PPC, PSC, GP, and CC)
investigated, it was observed that Geopolymer (GP) is highly prioritized with an SMPI
value of 10.63. This was evaluated based on MCDM methods.
12. The study witnessed the order of significance of the material life cycle as
Postconstruction (39%), Construction (32%) and Pre-construction (29%), based on
analysis of Relative Ranking Index (RRI).
13. Among the 10 identified sustainable factors for material evaluation, the factors ‘Climate
change’ and ‘Pollution’ has highest SMPI values in the three life-cycle phases.
14. The SMPI framework developed from the study facilitates valuable inputs to building
professionals in selecting a sustainable material alternative, without the need for Life
Cycle Inventory data.
15. The novel method of assessment of building (SBAT) using attribute global weights takes
into account the sensitivity to suit the practices, issues, and priorities of local to a certain
region.
16. A scoring system to evaluate the Sustainable Building Performance Score (SPBS) based
on the allotted credits points to attributes was developed. Further, a five-star rating
based on a number of credit points to categorize sustainable performance of the
building, more robust than the other building assessment tools are evolved.
17. A Graphical User Interface (GUI) embedded with QR code is developed for the enduser
and acts as a self-assessment tool to identify the potential gaps and improvements for
attaining the status of a sustainable building.
Through the development of the SBAT framework, a new contribution has been made to
the literature for assessing the buildings. The most important of those are as follows:
o The well-known existing assessment tools for building assessment tend to avoid explicit
disclosure of the process based on which their methods are developed. This study not
only proposes a theoretical model, but also, makes the methodology transparent.
o The basis of any building assessment method is embedded in its assessment indicators,
criteria, attributes and prerequisites. The present study has disclosed the applicable
criteria and attributes that form the main structure specific to Indian sustainable building
assessment.
o Weighting systems are integral to reliable evaluation. This study has determined a
weighting system for the approved criteria and attributes, which form the most
applicable framework for the sustainability development of the built environment in
India. The weighting system developed, includes a procedure (weights, interrelations,
rating formulas, benchmarking expression and categorization) that provides a single
result to indicate the level of sustainability of the built environment.
o In terms of impact on the community, the framework can potentially act as an education
medium that encourages a continuous learning process, enhances communication
between, and participation of the stakeholders Viz., Architects, Designers, Consultants,
Engineers, Contractors, Suppliers, and Academicians. The framework developed could
potentially be used as a guideline for planning or policymaking to promote sustainable
buildings in India. It is hoped that in this manner, the theoretical model becomes more
flexible and consequently more adoptable, for other developing countries also.
More broadly, Sustainable Building Assessment Tool (SBAT) contributes to the

development of a new model or approach appropriate to developing countries, through which a
country-specific building sustainability assessment framework may be established.

CIVIL ENGINEERING
Author : D. HARINDER
Title of the thesis : RUTTING POTENTIAL OF COIR GEOTEXTILES AS

INTERFACE OVER POOR SUBGRADE FOR LOW
VOLUME ROADS
Guide : Dr. S. SHANKAR
Degree : Ph. D.
ABSTRACT
Low Volume Roads (LVRs) constitute an integral component of the road system in all
countries. Their importance extends to all aspects of the social and economic development of
rural communities. India has a total road network of over 5.3 million kilometers in length,
making it the second-largest road network in the world. This is about 80 percent of all types of
roads in India. Given this, they often form the most crucial link in terms of providing access to
educational, medical, recreational and commercial activities in local and regional areas.
The use of geosynthetics for engineering applications is not a new concept. The concept
of reinforcing weak soils to enhance their load carrying capacity has been developing until
present times, and the first textiles were used in road construction in the United States in 1926.
After that, it has been practiced for centuries in various infrastructure projects and road
construction. Geosynthetic materials include geotextiles Geonets, Geogrids, Geocells, and
Geocomposites. Most of these materials become a permanent part of the road. The use of
Geosynthetic materials has grown significantly in road construction for the past 40 years and
trial construction over the past 15 years. In the pavement, they perform four essential
functions, namely reinforcement; separation; drainage; and filtration. Today a variety of
geosynthetic materials can be used in many engineering projects such as roads, railroads,
dams, retaining walls, tunnels, landfills, recreation areas, etc. The construction of LVRs on weak
subgrade soil within the sinking budget is a challenging task. Most of these roads are lower
order roads and subjected to low traffic. Under such circumstances whenever the poor native
subgrade soil found, it is mandated to adopt the soil stabilization techniques or ground
improvement methods.
Coastal and river portion of India is predominantly blessed with clays and expansive
soils. These soils behave very typically due to the presence of montmorillonite minerals.
Further, they pose several problems in terms of swelling and shrinkage and contribute cause for
various distresses. To address these issues one of the common and innovative techniques are
promoting the usage of geotextiles. So, the utilisation of geotextiles has gained universal
promises to enhance the weak subgrade soil and geotechnical engineering aspects.
A review of existing literature revealed that most of the experimental studies were
conducted on polymeric geosynthetic to reinforce the weak subgrade soil; limited research is
available on coir Geotextile applications for LVRs. The LVRs are usually the lower order roads in the
world, where the traffic ranges from 100 vehicles per day to 5000 vehicles per day.
The coir geotextile is naturally available eco-friendly and abundant material. It is available in
huge quantity in the coastal area and also Malaysia, Indonesia, Srilanka, etc. The coir geotextile has
higher tensile strength, more extended durability high performance among the other natural
geotextile material, the utilisation of coir geotextile mats in pavement and geotechnical applications
having high demand. It also creates an opportunity for rural employment, saving of natural material
such as aggregate, morrum soil in the pavement application. With this background, in the present
study four types of the coir geotextile mats such as Non-Woven Coir Mat (NWCM), Woven Coir Mats
(WCM), Coir Composite (CC) and Geogrid with Non-Woven Coir Mat (GG+NWCM) combinations
were considered with a aim to evaluate their effectiveness and potential benefits in laboratory using
the Wheel Tracking Test (WTT) setup and in-situ by constructing a test tracks in the field under
Accelerated Pavement Testing (APT). The primary conclusion from the laboratory study is that the
maximum and minimum rut depth was 37.0 mm and 13.0 mm was found at sub-base-I and sub-
base-II with 200mm thickness of the fabricated mould. The placement of the coir geotextile mats
with morrum soil showed more significant performance in terms of rut depth and No. of passes than
the gravel soil sub-base. It is also concluded that the inclusion of coir-geotextile mats improved the
No. of passes (1200 passes) in sub-base-II with 100mm layer thickness with 300 mm assemble of
mould during reduction thickness of the sub-base material. The rut depth at sub-base-I and sub-
base-III position are noticed with reinforcement and without reinforcement as 3.0 mm, 4.0 mm and
11.0 mm, 24.0 mm respectively. In addition, the gravel sub-base soil is more effective when
providing the decreased thickness of the sub-base as per the design standard charts (225 mm). In
the case of the reinforcement function, the composite material provided better reinforcement than
the woven and non woven coir mats. From the test track study, it was noticed that the reduction
(55mm to 40mm) of the sub-base layer thickness is more in case of gravel soil with different types
of coir geotextile. The deformation in the gravel sub-base soil is less than the morrum sub-base soil.
To summarize finally, it is noticed that test track studies are more reliable to quantify the
performance of these materials than laboratory evaluation. The coir composites material are shown
the better function (reinforcement and separation) than the woven coir geotextile, the thickness of
pavement can be reduced up to 55 mm with provisions of coir geotextile mats.
Keywords: Coir Composite, woven coir mat, non-woven coir mat, and geogrid with non wovencoir
mat, wheel tracking test, accelerated pavement test, reinforcement, separation, rutting.

CIVIL ENGINEERING
Author : D ABHIGNA
Title of the thesis : GAP ACCEPTANCE BEHAVIOUR AND CAPACITY

ANALYSIS OF URBAN UNCONTROLLED
INTERSECTIONS FOR MIXED TRAFFIC CONDITIONS
Guide : Dr. K. V. R. RAVISHANKAR
Degree : Ph. D.
ABSTRACT
Intersections are the critical zones where vehicles perform different maneuvers in an
attempt to share the same space at the same time. As the vehicle reaches the intersection, the
driver of the subject vehicle has to take a quick decision by taking into account the intersection
geometry, speed and type of the vehicles approaching the intersection from the other legs. At
uncontrolled intersections there are no external signs or signals to control the movement of
vehicles and the traffic operates based on the priority of traffic movements. In mixed traffic
conditions priority rules are often violated by the road users. Vehicular interactions at
uncontrolled intersections under mixed traffic conditions are very complex. At higher traffic
volumes, the minor road vehicles tend to wait for longer time to cross the intersection that
increases the probability of the vehicles to accept the shorter gaps. Hence, the general behavior
of different vehicle types and the gap required for each vehicle type approaching from the
minor and the major road taking right turn need to be carefully analyzed. Gap acceptance
method is used for mixed traffic condition because it is based on the critical gap and follow-up
time, which in turn depends on the type of vehicles and traffic conditions. Also, gap acceptance
procedure is more suitable for mixed traffic conditions because it can be used for different
composition of vehicles.
For this study, data was collected from three three-legged and three four-legged
intersections located in various cities in India. The following parameters were extracted from
the videographic data at each intersection and for each vehicle type: total volume, gap
accepted, gap rejected, follow-up time, stopped delay, and total delay. This study tries to
analyze the effect of vehicle type on gap acceptance behaviour of each of the right turning
vehicles from the minor and the major road. Also, this study analyzes the major stream vehicle
combinations on the gap-acceptance behavior of the minor stream and the major stream
vehicles. It is observed that the size of the vehicles and traffic volumes has a significant
influence on the critical gap. Depending on the major road vehicle combinations, the critical gap
for each right turning subject vehicle varied from 1.4 s to 8.7 s.
Mixed traffic is composed of different vehicle types with varying geometric and
acceleration characteristics. The performance of an intersection very much depends on the
vehicular composition. This may be due to varying lengths and widths of different vehicle types
which influences the intersection capacity. Different vehicle compositions are simulated using
VISSIM for different vehicle types with an increment of 10% starting from 0% to 100%. The
proportion of each vehicle type for the selected composition is considered in such a way that
these proportions matches with the observed field proportion. Thereby, the effect of traffic
composition on delay and volume at urban uncontrolled intersections is studied for all the
vehicle types. Also, the total delay and the service delay is calculated for all the vehicles at all
the intersections considered in this study. It is observed that there is an increase in delay as the
size of the vehicle increases. Finally, the field delay data is compared with the simulated delay
data and the error observed is less than 10% for all the vehicle types.
Capacity estimation is necessary for designing the intersection facilities and for
upgradation of the control facilities to avoid unnecessary delay. Capacity at uncontrolled
intersection is measured either by gap acceptance method, empirical regression approach, or
conflict technique. Performance of uncontrolled intersection is influenced by the delay caused
by low-priority movements on minor roads. In this study, capacity at uncontrolled intersections
is estimated by considering the gap acceptance models including Tanner’s model, Drew's
model, modified Sieogloch's model, and Luttenin's model. Further, the capacity is also estimated
using the HCM (2010) and Indo-HCM methods. Based on the MAPE, Tanner's model is observed
to be the best among the selected models for determining the capacity at urban uncontrolled
intersections. Also, the performance of each of the six intersections is evaluated using the LOS
criteria. HCM (2010) failed to differentiate between the performance of the six intersections.
However, the LOS evaluated using the volume-capacity ratio resulted in significant variation in
performance of the six intersections.
Keywords – Capacity, critical gap, follow-up time, gap acceptance, service delay, total
delay, uncontrolled intersection.

CIVIL ENGINEERING
Author : DANG DONG NGUYEN
Title of the thesis : THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON

HYDROLOGICAL REGIMES IN THE SAIGONDONGNAI
RIVER BASIN
Guide : Dr. K.V. JAYAKUMAR
Degree : Ph. D.
ABSTRACT
Extreme events are becoming more intense, more frequent and more destructive.
Changes in extreme events such as flood and droughts are the primary ways that most people
experience climate change. Flooding may intensify in many regions in the world particularly in
regions of South Asia. Study for prediction of future flood risks in catchment scale using
hydrological models along with climate change projection has played a considerable role in
recent years.
Vietnam is one of the countries severely impacted by climate change. Trian watershed is
located in the upper Saigon-Dongnai River basin and it is one of the biggest sub-basins of this
river. Besides, this region is also the economic center in the south of Vietnam. However, not
many studies have been conducted or reported in the literature to assess the impact of climate
change on this region. It is, hence, necessary to evaluate the potential impact of climate
change in future on this watershed, particularly on flood frequency, because flood events cause
negative impacts on economic and social aspects.
Peak over Threshold (POT) approach uses the available flood data more efficiently and
this approach can estimate return level more accurate. The Generalized Pareto Distribution
(GPD) is fitted with POT magnitude as a default in extreme value analysis. However, there
could be more than one distribution that can be fitted to the data sample. Therefore, it is
important that POT approach for testing numerous distributions should be considered in
assessing the changes of flood frequency.
The downscaled atmospheric data are used as input for a physically-based hydrological
model to simulate future streamflow data. The changes in the frequency of flood peak extracted
by the POT approach is compared between historical and future periods. The results indicate

that there is a significant increase in flood magnitude under climate change for Trian
catchment. To be more specific, the 100-year return level of Trian catchment is increasing up to
32.34 % in one of future scenario. Moreover, the results of this study also indicate that directly
using the asymptotic distribution to model the POT dataset sometimes provides wrong insights.
The flood characteristics namely, peak, duration and volume for a given frequency
provide important knowledge for the design of hydraulic structures, water resources planning,
reservoir management and flood hazard mapping. Flood is a complex phenomenon defined by
strongly correlated characteristics. If univariate frequency analysis is used to assess the
behaviour of each flood characteristics, it will lead to over or under estimation of associated
flood risk. In these cases, multivariate probability approach, which provides a comprehensive
understanding of flood characteristics and their relationship, may provide better estimate of the
flood magnitude when compared to the univariate approach.
Traditional multivariate parametric distributions have widely been applied for

hydrological applications. However, this approach has some drawbacks such as the dependence
structure between the variables, which depends on the marginal distributions or the flood
variables have the same type of marginal distributions. Copulas are applied to overcome the
restriction of classical multivariate flood frequency analysis by choosing the marginal distribution
from different types of the probability distribution function for flood characteristics. The most
important step in the modelling process using copula is the selection of copula function which is
the best fit to data sample. The choice of copula may significantly impact on the bivariate
quantiles.
From the results of the study, it is observed that the result from tail dependence test is
useful in selecting the appropriate copula for modelling the joint dependence structure of flood
variables. The extreme value copulas with upper tail dependence have proved that they are
appropriate models for the dependence structure of the flood characteristics. Frank, Clayton
and Gaussian copulas have been identified as the appropriate copula models in case of
variables, which are diagnosed to have asymptotic independence.
Flood hazard mapping is one of the important aspects of flood risk assessment which
has a significant implication on the planning of social and economic development activities. It
also provides useful information to operate the flood warning system as well as to prepare the
emergency evacuation plans. However, the development of the hydrodynamic models for the
large river system is a very challenging task. The hydrodynamic models have to be large
enough to cover the entire river basin and it must be sufficiently detailed to represent smaller
features. Therefore, the latest advances in flood modelling techniques, such as flexible meshes
generation and the advantages of coupled hydrodynamic model with the high-resolution of
topography data will be applied in this study.
MIKE FLOOD, which is a coupled hydrodynamic model, is used to simulate the flood
regime. The coupled hydrodynamic model has been developed for cross-sections based on
channel modelling with 1D model and linking these floodplain modelling with 2D model. The
design flood hydrograph is estimated using bivariate flood frequency analysis, high-quality
topography data (i.e., DEM and LiDAR) and flexible meshes generation are used as the input
data for hydrodynamic model to simulate the flood regime for the study area. Two parameters
namely flood depth and flow velocity, which are obtained from a coupled hydrodynamic model,
have been used for developing the high-resolution flood hazard maps.
This study presents the results of the assessment of the changes in the flood hazard and
the duration of inundation under climate change context for Saigon-Dongnai River basin,
Vietnam. From the results, it is observed that 54.47 km2 of the study area is subjected to H6
hazard index under 100-year return period in the present flood. 140.62 km2 and 50.90 km2 are
under H6 hazard index for RCPs 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios respectively. This study indicated that
the duration of inundation is not only controlled by flood magnitude but also by the volume of
flood. Further, this study showed that most of the agricultural areas located downstream of
Trian catchment will be severely inundated under climate change context.

CIVIL ENGINEERING
Author : DASARI KARTHIK
Title of the thesis : A SCIENTIFIC APPROACH TO ESTIMATE THE

MASONRY LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY USING HUMAN
PHYSICAL PARAMETERS
Guide : Dr. C.B. KAMESWARA RAO
Degree : Ph. D.
ABSTRACT
The productivity problems are usually associated with the performance of construction
workers involved in labour-intensive tasks. The measurement of labour productivity at task level
masonry activities is defined as a Masonry Labour Productivity (MLP). While low productive
masonry worker practices were not challenged, the causes of low masonry labour performances
at site level have not been focused. In construction projects, workers perform vigorous activities
such as lifting and carrying construction material, pushing, dragging and pulling, loading,
carrying out difficult work positions and engaged in tiresome activities. Accordingly, workers
should be physically strong to withstand these vigorous activities on the construction field. Since
different people have different physical strength capabilities, analysing physical ability-
productivity relationships could propose a way to estimate labour productivity that can further
aid in improving the productivity of construction industry.
It is observed that even though there is a vast research on productivity and significant
factors responsible for variation of labour productivity, there is less focus towards the
assessment of labour productivity based on the worker’s individual performance. The problem
to be addressed in this research is the estimation of labour productivity, specifically in masonry
construction with regard to physical capabilities, and how does these capabilities (i.e., human
physical parameters) predict the task level labour productivity in masonry construction
activities.
From the literature it is evident that utilization of human physical parameters in

construction will help in determining the performance of the labour on site. The physical fitness
of human body can be apparently assessed using isometric strength tests. These tests involve a
maximum controlled contraction performed at a specified body joint angle of humans in
stationary position. Therefore, to focus on effective application of human factors, present study
selected four parameters such as age, Body Mass Index (BMI), Hand Grip Strength (HGS) and
Upper Body Muscles Strength (UBMS) for measuring the labour performance on site.
In the present study, ongoing construction projects were selected in Warangal and
Hyderabad of Telangana State, India. Survey was conducted on forty-five brick layers in which
the data of thirty-eight workers is successfully recorded for the study. Therefore, the study is
focussed on developing a scientific approach on a real time construction field for assessing
labour productivity. The outcome of this research is expected to present a methodology that
can be applied in construction industry.
Present research is specifically focused on masonry labour construction. An investigation

on masonry workers in a real time building construction projects was carried out in India.
Human parameters are denoted in the form of categories. The parameters are combined in to a
unified parameter using human parametric categorization. Sum of the weightages of respective
performance classes corresponding to human parametric category (can) of a worker will be the
index of that worker which is termed as Human Parameter Index (HPI).
HPI is a non-dimensional and MLP is a dimensional parameter. MLP can be made in to

non-dimensional parameter taking performance levels and physical abilities of labour in to
consideration to form an indexed value, called as Productivity Index (PI). The HPI and PI of
workers were calculated. From the relationship between HPI and PI of workers by regression
analysis, a model to estimate MLP is developed.
The validity of the model was checked by conducting an independent survey. In a way it
is proposed to apply the relationship model for a real time field construction activity and
examine its level of prediction. Validation of model is carried out for workers involved in
masonry construction activities. The newly developed parameter HPI is corroborated with the
established heart rate parameter. It is found that as HPI increases heart rate of the workers
decreased.
The influence of human parameters on MLP is examined in carrying out AAC block wall
construction activity. All four human physical parameters together were found as good
indicators in assessing MLP. The findings revealed that the subjects (masons) can be
categorized with respect to human physical parameters based on their level of performance
such as lower(ca3), middle(ca2) and upper(ca1) categories. Human physical parameters when
considered in category showed promising trends on MLP.
The study contributes to knowledge about the utilization of parameters related to

physical strength in qualitative assessment of MLP in construction industry. It is concluded that
the productivity of construction labour on site can be assessed from categorizing their
performance.

CIVIL ENGINEERING
Author : HANUMA KASAGANI
Title of the thesis : A STUDY ON STRENGTH AND DEFORMATION OF

GRADED GLASS FIBER REINFORCED CONCRETE
UNDER UNIAXIAL STRESS
Guide : Dr. C.B. KAMESWARA RAO
Degree : Ph. D.
ABSTRACT
Concrete is a brittle material, with low tensile strength and strain capacity. However, the
tensile behaviour of concrete can be significantly improved by addition of fibers. Glass fibers are
fundamentally different and their strength in tension is significantly higher than that of the host
matrix. The fine size of the fibers also allows large volume fractions to be easily mixed and
uniformly dispersed in the matrix. Closely spaced fibers can then provide effective reinforcing at
the micro-cracking level, prevent the coalescence of micro-cracks into unstable macro-cracks,
and increase the strength.
In most cases, fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) contains only one type of fiber. A given
type of fiber can be effective only in a limited range of strength gain, ductility and toughness.
FRC mainly dependent on the fiber properties and dimensions of the fibers. The combination of
one type of fiber with another type of fiber or one length of fiber with another length of fiber, is
commonly known as hybrid fiber reinforced concrete (HFRC). In hybrid fiber reinforced
concrete, different fibers such as steel, glass and polypropylene etc. are combinedly used as
fibers and it improves pre peak strength and post peak toughness by properly dispersing fibers.
Hybrid fiber reinforced concrete is a research area in which different types of fibers are
combined where the best qualities of each contribute to improve strength and deformation of
concrete. Short length and long length fibers are also combined to achieve the same benefits of
hybrid reinforced concrete. Combining short length and long length fibers in concrete is named
as Graded fiber reinforced concrete. Earlier research shows that short length fibres primarily
control the propagation of micro cracks, and improve the ultimate strength whereas, long
length fibers arrest the macro cracks and improve the post peak deformation of concrete. Thus
different combinations of short and long length fibers would help in arresting the micro as well

as macro cracks to improve both pre and post peak performances of concrete. Synergy
between Short fiber-long fiber hybridization is realised but not investigated at length.
The present research work is carried out in two phases and are explained briefly. The
first phase of investigation is aimed to understand the behaviour of Mono Glass Fiber Reinforced
Concrete (MGFRC). The main variables of this study are length of fiber and volume fraction.
Four different fiber lengths 3mm, 6mm, 12mm and 20mm and five different volume fractions
0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4% and 0.5% are used to study. This work is carried out with the two
grades of concrete (M30 and M50).
The second phase of study is aimed to understand the behaviour of Graded Glass Fiber
Reinforced Concrete (GGFRC). Two or more length of fibers are mixed to form Graded Fibers.
When the mixture consists of 3mm and 6mm is named as Short Graded Fiber (SGF), mixture
consists of 12mm and 20mm is named as Long Graded Fiber (LGF) and mixture of all the four
lengths 3mm, 6mm, 12mm and 20mm is named as Combined Graded Fiber (CGF). The main
variables of this study is short graded fibers (3mm+6mm), long graded fibers (12mm+20mm),
combined graded fibers (3mm+6mm+12mm+20mm) and total volume fraction (0.3%, 0.4%
and 0.5%). In this study mixing of fibers is done in proportion of 20%+80%, 40%+60%, 50%
+50%, 60%+40% and 80%+20% to obtain graded fibers. This work is carried out with the
two grades of concrete (M30 and M50).
Phase-I: Study on Mono Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (MGFRC)
In this investigation, the experimental work was carried out under uniaxial tension and
uniaxial compression for M30 and M50 grade of concrete with the 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%
and 0.50% fiber volume of Mono Glass Fibers (3mm, 6 mm, 12 mm and 20 mm length fiber).
In order to understand the workability of Mono Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (MGFRC) the
slump test was conducted. As volume of fiber and length of fiber increased from 0.1% to 0.5%
the slump decreased. However, 0.4% and 0.5% volume of fibers led to bundling, balling and
hence significant reduction in workability is observed in composite. Hence, Workability of
MGFRC decreased with increase in fiber length and volume fraction. The specimens with 0.3%
fiber volume content has shown the maximum improvement in compressive strength.
The tensile and compressive stress strain curves are analysed to obtain the initial slope,
strengthening factor, ductility factor, strain hardening slope and Strain softening slope of the
composite. Specimens with long length fibers (12mm and 20mm) exhibited higher ductility
factor, energy absorption capacity than that of short length fibers (3mm and 6mm). Specimens
with short length fibers showed higher strengthening and initial slope compared to the long
length fibers.
Specimens with Short length fibers (3mm and 6mm) have given higher tensile strength
than the specimens with Long length fibers (12mm and 20mm). Specimens with long length
fibers (12mm and 20mm) have contributed more post crack deformation capacity than the
specimens with short length fibers (3mm and 6 mm) in tension. Specimens with Short length
fibers (3mm and 6mm) have given higher peak strength than the specimens with long length
fibers (12mm and 20mm). Specimens with long length fibers (12mm and 20mm) have
contributed more post peak deformation capacity than the specimens with short length fibers
(3mm and 6 mm) in compression. Hence, the short fibers are more effective in improving the
strength by delaying the formation of micro cracks and long fibers are more effective in
increasing the deformations by bridging the macro cracks in both tension and compression.
Tensile properties of fibre concrete are governed mainly by the number, dispersion and
orientation of fibres in the cracking area, as well as dispersion characteristics of fibres. Several
techniques (Yang Y, 2002; Yilmaz Akkaya et al, 2001 and Bang Yeon Lee, 2009) including
image analysis, transmission X-ray photography, and Advanced CCD Imaging Spectrometer
(ACIS) are available for evaluating the fibre distribution in a composite made of cement matrix
and steel, carbon, glass, or organic fibres; i.e., these techniques can be employed to determine
the degree of fibre dispersion and orientation in the composite. Among these techniques, image
analysis is the most applicable and trusted method to evaluate the distribution characteristics of
fibres in a composite.
Fiber dispersion and fiber orientation at fracture plane of specimens is examined

through optical microscope. The strength of the fiber reinforced composite is influenced by the
fiber length coefficient (ηl), fiber orientation coefficient (ηθ) and fiber dispersion coefficient
(ηd). Higher the fiber dispersion coefficient and fiber orientation coefficient higher the strength
of composite due to homogeneity of fiber dispersion and fibers performs efficiently across the
fracture plane.
Normal compressive stress generates transverse tensile strain. As the compressive

stress reaches peak stress, dilation of concrete initiates and lateral deformation increases.
Presence of fibers restrain the lateral deformation. Degree of resistance offered to lateral
deformation is proportional to volume of fibers and the fibers come into action after cracking in
concrete in compression which is similar to the action of fibers in concrete after the onset of
cracking in tension. The fibers present in concrete will participate by resisting dilation of
concrete only after sufficient mobilization of dilation of concrete. That is why there is a
remarkable improvement in strain softening of concrete in compression with the increase in
fiber content.
Strain softening in compression and strain hardening in tension is noticed. Irrespective

of length of fiber, specimens with 0.3%, 0.4% and 0.5% have exhibited strain hardening in
tension and corresponding strain softening is noticed in compression. It is noted that strain
hardening in tension is not observed for specimens with 0.1% and 0.2% and corresponding
strain softening in compression is not significantly present. The amount of deformation and
slope in the strain hardening and strain softening region are directly influenced by the volume
of fiber and length of fiber. In order to understand the complementary behaviour of strain
hardening behaviour in tension and strain softening behaviour in compression, the normalised

stress and normalised strain at the onset of strain hardening and at the inflection point of strain
softening is taken for a given fiber length (Lf) and volume of the fiber (Vf).
Reinforcing index (RIMF) is defined as product of volume fraction (Vf) and aspect ratio
of fiber (Lf/Df). Tensile and compressive stress strain behaviour is predicted for different
reinforcing indexes. In order to correlate tensile and compression data for various Reinforcing
Index (RIMF = Vf (Lf/Df)) of MGFRC, a relationship between Reinforcing Index and strain
hardening in tension, strain softening in compression is proposed. Specimens with Short fibers
i.e. RIMF of 0.64 and 1.29 producing low strain hardening in tension and strain softening
behaviour in compression, where as in specimens with long fibers i.e., RIMF of 2.57 and 4.29
exhibited significant strain hardening in tension and strain softening behaviour in compression.
As the reinforcing index (RIMF) of mono fibers increases the strain hardening in tension
complements strain softening in compression.
A model is developed for predicting stress–strain curves of MFRC in tension and

compression. All properties required for the generation of compressive stress-strain curves are
estimated using the reinforcing index (RIMF). A material parameter β is developed for
predicting stress–strain curves of MGFRC. The analytical curves show good correlation with
experimental test results of MGFRC in both tension and compression.
Phase-II: Study on Graded Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GGFRC)
In this investigation combination of different lengths of mono fibers are considered and
named as Graded fiber reinforced concrete to distinguish from Hybrid fiber reinforced concrete.
Inspiration is obtained from concrete mix proportioning where in different sizes of aggregates
are combined to obtain well graded aggregates. Similar synergy with well Graded fibers of
different lengths may improve strength and deformation of concrete. In the present work four
lengths of AR glass fibers 3mm, 6mm, 12mm and 20mm are combined in different proportions
to form Graded Glass Fibers.
MGFRC results shows that the given length of fiber can be effective only in a limited
range of strength gain, ductility and energy absorption. To further improve the properties
(strength and ductility) of the composite simultaneously different lengths of fibers are mixed
together with different fiber volume combinations and named as Graded Fibers. In this
investigation, two or more length of fibers are mixed to form Graded Fibers. When the mixture
consists of 3mm and 6mm is named as Short Graded Fiber (SGF), mixture consists of 12mm
and 20mm is named as Long Graded Fiber (LGF) and mixture of all the four lengths 3mm,
6mm, 12mm and 20mm is named as Combined Graded Fiber (CGF). In this present work, an
attempt has been made to study the effect of addition of Graded Glass Fibers with different
fiber length and volume fraction in Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete. The experimental work was
carried out under uniaxial tension and uniaxial compression for M30 and M50 grade of concrete
with the 0.3%, 0.4% and 0.50% total fiber volume of SGF, LGF and CGF.

In order to understand the workability of graded fibers, slump test was conducted for
M30-GGFRC and M50-GGFRC with 0.3%, 0.4% and 0.5% volume fraction. It can be concluded
that, there is significant difference existed in the loss of the slump for mono glass fibers. The
slump loss was small in the concrete with graded fibers. Hence, graded fibers improves
workability.
Compression test was conducted on cube specimens of M30-GGFRC and M50-GGFRC

with 0.3%, 0.4% and 0.5% volume fraction. Results shows that different fiber volume
combinations of SGF mixes showed that cube compressive strength of SGF with
40%3mm+60%6mm is greater than all other short graded fibers whereas in LGF mixes showed
LGF with 40%12mm+60%20mm is greater than all other long graded fibers and in case of CGF
mixes showed that cube compressive strength of CGF with 40%SGF+60%LGF is greater than
all other combined graded fibers. In any given volume fraction (0.3%, 0.4% and 0.5%), among
all the mixes shows that CGF have given the best improvement in terms of cube compressive
strength compared to MGF, SGF and LGF. It can be concluded that the combined graded fibers
(CGF) improves the cube compressive strength of concrete.
In order to understand the tensile and compressive stress strain behaviour of Graded
fibers (SGF, LGF and CGF). Uniaxial tensile and uniaxial compression test was conducted on
dog-bone and prism specimens of M30-GGFRC and M50-GGFRC with volume fractions of 0.3%,
0.4% and 0.5%. Irrespective of volume of fibers i.e., 0.3%, 0.4% or 0.5%, the specimens
containing the 40%3mm + 60%6mm of SGF has given the best benefit of improvement in both
strength and deformation compared to all other short graded fibers and specimens containing
the 40% 12mm + 60% 20mm of LGF has given the best benefit of improvement in both
strength and deformation compared to all other long graded fibers. Specimens containing the
40% SGF + 60% LGF of CGF has given the best benefit of improvement in both strength and
deformation compared to all other combined graded fibers.
Short graded fibers are more effective in improving the ultimate strength by delaying
the formation of micro cracks and long graded fibers are more effective in increasing the
deformations by bridging the macro cracks. The combination of short graded and long graded
fibers forms the combined graded fibers. It can be concluded that the combined graded fibers
(CGF) has given the best benefit performance in terms of strength and deformation compared
to SGF and LGF. Irrespective of volume of fibers i.e., 0.3%, 0.4% or 0.5%, different lengths of
fibers have controlled the different levels of cracking thus contributing to increases in strength
and deformation of Graded Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete.
In all, irrespective of volume of the fiber (0.3%, 0.4% and 0.5%) and grade of concrete
(M30 and M50), long graded fibers (LGF) exhibited higher ductility factor, energy absorption
capacity than that of short graded fibers (SGF). Short graded fibers showed higher
strengthening and initial slope compared to the long length fibers. Hence, the combination of
SGF and LGF i.e., CGF have exhibited the higher strengthening factor, ductility factor and
energy absorption capacity than that of SGF, LGF and MGF in both tension and compression.

Fiber dispersion and orientation are the two important parameters to understand the
tensile behaviour of the composite. These parameters are examined on fracture plane of M30-
GGFRC and M50-GGFRC specimens with 0.3%, 0.4% and 0.5% volume fraction. It shows that
the composite with SGF has more the fiber density at the center and less at the edges and
corners. Where as in long graded fibers, the fiber density is more at the edges and corners and
less at the center. Composite with CGF (containing SGF + LGF) showed the almost uniform
distribution. The results of image analysis shows that graded fibers with different fiber volume
combinations disperse homogeneously avoiding clumping or balling. Graded fibers showed the
higher fiber dispersion coefficient and higher fiber orientation coefficient when compared to the
mono fibers.
An equation is proposed to arrive at RIGF for graded fibers. This is developed on

observing of stress strain behaviour and fiber density variations of GGFRC with different fiber
volume combinations. The composite tensile strength and corresponding composite tensile
strain of GGFRC is calculated based on the RIGF. The predicted composite tensile strength and
composite tensile strain values are closer to the experimental values. A model is proposed to
predict the tensile and compressive stress strain behaviour. All properties required for the
generation of stress–strain curves are estimated using the reinforcing index (RIGF). A model is
developed for predicting compressive stress–strain curves of MGFRC and GGFRC. The analytical
curves show good correlation with experimental test results.
The strain hardening in tension and strain softening in compression phenomena is

noticed in the stress strain behaviour of GGFRC which is similar to that of MGFRC. Degree of
resistance offered to lateral deformation is proportional to grading of fibers (SGF, LGF and CGF)
and volume of fibers (0.3%, 0.4% and 0.5%), and the fibers come into action after cracking in
concrete in compression which is similar to the action of fibers in concrete after the onset of
cracking in tension. With well grading of fibers, the strain hardening in tension complements
strain softening in compression.
In order to understand the strain hardening behaviour in tension and strain softening
behaviour in compression for M30-GGFRC and M50-GGFRC, a relationship between Reinforcing
Index (RIGF) and strain hardening in tension, strain softening in compression is proposed.
The gradient of increase of strain hardening in tension is similar to the gradient of strain
softening in compression for the specimen with the same RIGF and it is influenced by RIGF. It
was observed as the value of RIGF decreased, the strain softening in compression increased
and also increase in strain hardening in tension.

CIVIL ENGINEERING
Author : JEW DAS
Title of the thesis : HYDROLOGICAL MODELLING AND UNCERTAINTY

ANALYSIS TO ASSESS THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE
CHANGE OF A RIVER BASIN
Guide : Dr. N. V. UMAMAHESH
Degree : Ph. D.
ABSTRACT
Climate change is a global phenomenon having varying degree of regional impacts.

Though there are different schools of thought regarding the contribution of different driving
forces of climate like greenhouse gases, aerosols etc., and also the sequence and pace of the
phenomenon, climate change and global warming is a reality. In the context of climate change,
assessment of adverse effects on water resources for proper allocation and risk management
has become a challenge for the research community. Changing nature of the climate, due to
the perturbations induced by the human activities, draws significant attention in water
resources and hydrology. To assess the induced impact in future for better risk and resources
management, Global Climate Models (GCMs) are used as most credible tools. The climate
variables are well simulated by GCMs at a coarser resolution i.e. at continental and
hemispherical scale; however, the impact analysis at finer grid i.e. at regional scale requires the
variables at the sub-grid scale. Due to the existing gaps between the GCM realizations and
hydrological concern in spatial as well as temporal scale, the efficiency of the GCM to simulate
at fine resolution decreases; whereas, the importance of the hydrological processes increases at
finer scale. The method of modelling the hydrologic variables at a regional scale based on large
scale GCM outputs is known as downscaling. The downscaling techniques are classified as
statistical and dynamic; whereas, statistical downscaling has gained popularity in the
hydrological studies because of its less computational time. Moreover, encompassing the
uncertainty analysis with the future projection will improve the predictability and robustness of
real-time prediction.
This thesis deals with developing statistical downscaling models to assess the climate
change impact on river basin scale, uncertainty analysis associated with the multi-model GCMs
and return levels with different return periods, comparison of uncertainty with stationary and
non-stationary approaches, and spatio-temporal variation of water balance components with
probability based areal drought analysis.
Initial part of the thesis is devoted to develop statistical downscaling model to predict
monsoon precipitation over Godavari River basin from GCM output of large scale mean sea level
pressure, specific humidity, and 500 hPa geopotential height. The historical data of the selected
GCM outputs are obtained from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction / National
Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP/NCAR) reanalysis project. Initially, two different climate
models (Canadian Earth System Model, CanESM2; The Norwegian Earth System Model,
NorESM1-M) with one future projected scenario and the later considers single model with
different climate scenarios. The observed high resolution 1o × 1o gridded rainfall data over
Godavari river basin are collected from India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the basin
covers 25 IMD grid points. The downscaling model comprises of Principal Component Analysis
(PCA), Fuzzy clustering, and multiple linear regression. PCA is used to reduce the dimensionality
and correlation among the predictors. Also, fuzzy clustering is used to classify the principal
components (PCs). Then, a statistical relationship is established between the PCs with
membership functions and predictand (monsoon rainfall) to project the monsoon rainfall for the
future over the 25 IMD grid points. With RCP 4.5 and two different climate models, it is
observed an increasing trend of monsoon precipitation over the basin considering the collective
effect of two models. However, the individual model projections are different from each other.
CanESM2 model with RCP 2.6, 4.5 and 8.5 is considered to project the monsoon precipitation
over the basin. In addition, a post modeling bias correction is introduced to minimize the error
in the prediction through equiprobability transformation. From the statistical downscaling
results, it is observed an increasing trend over the zone under high magnitude of rainfall in
historical period and a decreasing trend over the zone under low magnitude rainfall in the past.
Interannual variability of anomaly for sub-basins under the monsoon zone shows the frequency
of deficit rainfall is very less in all the scenarios. A sudden increase in the precipitation is
observed at different temporal scales in RCP 2.6 and 4.5; whereas a gradual increase in the
rainfall for RCP 8.5.
In the second part, classification and regression based statistical downscaling is used to
project the monthly monsoon streamflow over Wainganga basin, India using 40 large-scale
global climate models (GCM) outputs and Representative Concentration pathways (RCP)
scenarios. Mean sea level pressure, specific humidity, 500 hpa geopotential height, and 2m
surface air temperature are used as potential predictors. Two machine learning techniques
namely, support vector machine (SVM) and relevance vector machine (RVM) are considered to
perform the downscaling. Both the techniques are calibrated and validated based on the
historical observations and different statistical measures. RVM is able to obtain the better model
efficiency than SVM and used to simulate the future projection of monsoon flows for different
time periods (2011-2040, 2041-2070, 2071-2100) incorporating the GCMs‘ output. Ensemble
average is obtained from the different individual GCM projections and considered to analyse the
potential climate change impact. In addition, variability in water availability of the basin is
examined by plotting the flow duration curve (FDC) for different scenarios and the associated
uncertainty is analysed using non-parametric bootstrapping technique. Furthermore, the change
point detection is performed using Bayesian analysis for the annual monsoon flows. It is
observed from the obtained results that the upper extreme of the monsoon flows are highly
sensitive to the increase in temperature and showing a continuous decreasing trend. The
medium and low flows are increased in the future projection for all the scenarios and high
uncertainty is noticed in case of low flows, particularly 0.8 probability of exceedance. Early
detection of change point is detected in case of high emission scenarios (RCP 4.5, 6.0 and 8.5);
whereas, in case of RCP2.6 the year of CP is detected later part of the twenty first century i.e.
around 2070.
In the context of climate change, it is essential to quantify the uncertainty for better
design and risk management practices. Therefore quantification the model and parameter
uncertainties over a river basin are carried out. Six high-resolution Global Climate Models
(GCMs) under the COordinated Regional Downscaling EXperiment (CORDEX) for the South Asia
from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune (IITM) with two Representative
Concentration Pathways (RCPs) are used to access the future climate change impact on
streamflow of Wainganga River basin. Uncertainty associated with the use of high-resolution
multi-model is treated with Reliability Ensemble Average (REA) with bias-correction for rainfall
and the bias-corrected weighted outputs are used as an input to Variable Infiltration Capacity
(VIC) model, a physically based hydrological model. Multiple calibrations and validations are
carried out for the hydrological modelling and the sensitive parameters of VIC are fixed through
trial and error method. The parameter uncertainty associated with the future projected flows
are dealt with the Bayesian analysis and modelled through Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC)
simulation technique using Metropolis-Hastings algorithm with the non-informative prior
distribution of the parameters. It is found that the uncertainty in the high return period is more
in comparison with the shorter duration with higher uncertainty in the RCP 8.5 than RCP 4.5.
In the prevailing adverse consequences of climate change, quantification of uncertainty

and implementation of non-stationarity to model the return levels has gained popularity with
the advancement of the computational facility. The potential impact of climate change on
hydrological components which intensifies the uncertainties in the management of water
resources are to be analysed. Therefore, in the present study future changes in the streamflow
are analysed with non-stationary approach over Wainganga river basin, India. With the recent
development of Extreme Value Theory (EVT), the annual maximum flows for past and future
are modelled with non-stationary assumption and validated using Akaike Information Criterion
(AIC) value and likelihood ratio test. Stationarity assumption fits well in the case of observed
and future projected flows under RCP 4.5 whereas; non-stationarity is more suitable under high
emission scenario like RCP8.5. The obtained future flood quantiles are not likely to be critical in
the coming century under both stationary and non-stationary assumptions. The return level
uncertainty bound is more in the case of high climatic forcing. The early changes in the
estimated return levels under non-stationary approach are detected for the lower return period
in comparison with the stationary method. In the case of annual maximum flood non-stationary
estimate is more useful in lower return levels to design low capacity hydraulic structures.
Bayesian uncertainty using Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulation provides high
uncertainty range in the case of non-stationary assumption as compared to stationary
assumption.
Water availability and streamflow are very sensitive to the change in the precipitation
and temperature and evaluating the changes with respect to the climate change scenarios over
a river basin will help in proper planning and management of the water resources systems. In
order to address the climate change impacts on water balance components over Wainganga
River basin, India, a macro scale, semi-distributed three layer variable infiltration model (VIC-
3L) is applied as discussed earlier. The future projections (2020-2094) of the streamflow are
analysed temporally and spatially over the basin. A probabilistic based drought event using
standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) and also the flashiness index are
computed. The results from the present study show that the streamflow is more sensitive to the
precipitation than the temperature. With the same spatial pattern as observed the magnitude of
the rainfall, evapotranspiration and runoff has increased over the basin. An increasing trend in
the non-monsoon season is observed for the rainfall and runoff than the monsoon period. The
water availability has increased in the range between 20%-90% probability of exceedance. The
projected areal index of the drought condition is going to be decreased under both the future
scenarios.

CIVIL ENGINEERING
Author : K PRAVEEN
Title of the thesis : STUDIES ON SHEAR BEHAVIOUR OF RECYCLED

AGGREGATE BASED STEEL FIBER REINFORCED SELF
COMPACTING CONCRETE
Guide : Dr. S. VENKATESWARA RAO
Degree : Ph. D.
ABSTRACT
Of all the different kinds of failures in concrete, shear failure is a sudden and brittle and
occurs abruptly without any prior warning. To avoid these types of failures in concrete beams
are traditionally reinforced with stirrups at closer spacing based on design. Congested
arrangements of rebars and stirrups in Reinforced Concrete (RC) members such as, columns,
beams and slabs makes it difficult to compact concrete into every corner of form work by
means of any mechanical vibrators. Unoccupied voids and macro-pores inside concrete arise
from inappropriate vibration and compaction might affect the mechanical strength and
durability of the concrete and possible reasons of deterioration in concrete. Self-Compacting
Concrete (SCC), originally established by Okamura in 1986 is a well thought-out solution to
solve the above stated problems. Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) as the name itself indicates,
no external effort in compacting the concrete, it compacts itself under its own weight.
Shear failure of conventional reinforced concrete beams usually occurs by tensile failure
of concrete in the shear span. For this reason, shear failure in general is sudden and brittle, and
in practice shear reinforcement in the form of stirrups are incorporated to prevent this type of
failure, and to increase the shear strength of the beams. Addition of steel fibers in concrete
improves the post cracking behaviour and enhances the flexural-tensile strength. In recent
years, application of use of short steel fibers in concrete increased tremendously. Steel Fiber
Reinforced Concrete (SFRC) is a composite material that is characterized by enhanced post-
cracking behavior due to the capacity of fibers to bridge the crack faces if they are present in
sufficient amount.

The nature of the construction industry is not environmentally friendly and the need for
sustainable methods in construction is very crucial to ensure that natural materials are not
depleted for future. The usage of cement and natural aggregate has increased drastically over
the past few years in the construction industry. Due to depletion of natural resource such as
lime stone and natural aggregates, there is an urgent requirement of replacing the main
ingredients in concrete like cement and natural aggregates with locally available waste
byproducts like mineral admixtures (flyash, GGBS, silica fume) as substitute to cement and
recycled concrete aggregates to natural coarse and fine aggregates. The use of mineral
admixtures as partial replacement to cement is a well-established fact that it helps in improving
the strength and durability performance of concrete and it is used by many researchers and by
construction organizations. Although, the use of recycled concrete aggregate is well recognized
as a sustainable material that can replace the natural coarse aggregates and offers solutions to
this problem, but it is still considered as inferior to natural aggregate in terms of its structural
properties.
There are various softwares available to perform nonlinear analysis on reinforced

concrete and to study the behaviour of fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) in flexure and shear.
ATENA Gid is one such software developed exclusively to perform non-linear analysis on
reinforced concrete. ATENA is a finite element based software used for nonlinear analysis of
reinforced concrete structures. By using Atena software, the actual behaviour of reinforced
concrete structures, such as concrete crushing, cracking and yielding of reinforcing can be
analyzed.
Combining the above and from a detailed literature review, the following points were
observed.
 Use of steel fibers in self-compacting concrete not only improves the load carrying
capacity but also changes the failure pattern from a brittle behaviour to ductile mode.
 Effect of steel fibers on shear behaviour of Self compacting concrete needs to be
established.
 Recycled aggregates can be used as replacement for natural aggregates and can be
used in self-compacting concrete. The shear behaviour of recycled aggregate based SCC
is to be investigated.
 Effect of stirrup diameter and spacing of stirrups on shear behaviour of SFRSCC needs
to be investigated.
 Analytical modelling using a Finite element based software can be used in studying the
shear behaviour of SFRSCC beams for both natural and recycled aggregates.
 The scope of the present investigation includes:
 Evaluation of strength properties of steel fiber reinforced self-compacting concrete for
various dosages of steel fibers (0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75% and 1% by volume of
concrete) for three grades of SCC i.e. M30, M50 and M70 and maximize the dosage of
steel fibers.

 To study the shear behaviour of NASCC and RASCC beams for three span to depth ratios
(a/d =2, 2.5 and 3) for both without and with steel fibers and compare the experimental
results with various models available in the literature for vibrated concrete for 30 MPa
and 70MPa strengths.
 To study the effect of stirrup diameter (6mm and 8mm Ø) and spacing of stirrups on
shear behaviour of NASFRSCC and RASFRSCC beams of strength 30 MPa and 70MPa .
 Analytical modelling of steel fiber reinforced self-compacting concrete using a finite
element software ATENA for both NASCC and RASCC for 30 MPa and 70 MPa concrete
strength.
 To validate the experimental results with results obtained through analytical modelling
using finite element software ATENA.
The following broad objectives have been formulated to study and validate the use of
steel fibers in self-compacting concrete to evaluate the shear behaviour.
1. Evaluate the Fresh and hardened properties of steel fiber reinforced self-compacting
concrete for various dosages of steel fibers (0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75 % and 1% by
volume of concrete) for three grades i.e. M30, M50 and M70 and determine the optimal
dosage of steel fibers based on fresh and hardened properties.
2. To investigate the shear behaviour of steel fiber reinforced self-compacting concrete for
three shear span to depth ratios (a/d= 2, 2.5 and 3) for 30 MPa and 70 MPa strength
concrete for both NASCC and RASCC.
3. To study the effect of stirrup diameter (6mm and 8mm ) and spacing of stirrups on
shear behaviour of NASFRSCC and RASFRSCC beams of strengths 30 MPa and 70 MPa.
4. To correlate the experimental results with various models available in literature on
vibrated concrete for both without and with steel fibers.
5. To validate the experimental results with results obtained through software ATENA for
both NASFRSCC and RASFRSCC.
To achieve the above objectives and keeping in view the scope of the research work, a
detailed experimental program was planned and the work was divided into four phases.
Phase - I:
Studies on fresh and hardened properties of steel fiber reinforced self-compacting

concrete for various dosages of steel fibers (0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75 % and 1% by volume of
concrete) for three grades i.e. M30, M50 and M70 and determine the optimal dosage of steel
fibers based on fresh and hardened properties. The fresh properties include Slump flow test, V-
funnel test, V-funnel at T5 minutes and J-ring test .The mechanical properties include
compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural strength. Also a preliminary study was
carried out to know the difference on shear behaviour of SCC and NC.
Phase - II:

Studies on shear behaviour of natural aggregate based self-compacting concrete for
three shear span depth ratios (a/d= 2, 2.5 and 3) and also to evaluate the effect of stirrup
diameter (6mm and 8mm ) and spacing of stirrups for 30 MPa and 70 MPa strengths for both
without and with steel fibers. To correlate the experimental results with various models
available in literature for vibrated concrete.
Phase - III:
Studies on shear behaviour of recycled aggregate based self-compacting concrete for

three shear span depth ratios (a/d= 2, 2.5 and 3) and also to evaluate the effect of stirrup
diameter (6mm and 8mm ) and spacing of stirrups for 30 MPa and 70 MPa strengths for both
without and with steel fibers. Correlate the experimental results with various model available in
literature for vibrated concrete.
Phase - IV:
Analytical modeling of steel fiber reinforced self-competing concrete using both natural
and recycled aggregates and to evaluate the effect of stirrup diameter (6mm and 8mm) and
spacing of stirrups using a finite element software ATENA. Compare the experimental results
with results obtained through analytical modelling for 30 MPa and 70 MPa strength SCC.
The parameters of investigation include
 Grade of concrete - SCC of grade M30, M50 and M70 for (preliminary study to determine
the optimal dosage of steel fibers.)
 Dosage of steel fibers - 0%, 0.25%,0.5%,0.75% and 1 % by volume of concrete
 Strength of concrete - 30 MPa and 70 MPa ( adopted for casting of beams)
 Type of aggregate - Natural aggregate and Recycled concrete aggregate
 Shear Span to depth ratio (a/d) - 2, 2.5 and 3
 Diameter of Stirrup (Ø) - 6mm and 8 mm
 Spacing of stirrups (sv) - 𝐚 , 𝐚𝟐 ( where a is shear span)
 Dosage of steel fiber - 0% and optimal dosage of fiber ( adopted for casting of beams)
From a detailed experimental study on Shear behaviour of Steel Fiber Reinforced

Recycled Aggregate based Self-Compacting Concrete, the following conclusions have been
drawn.
1. Based on Fresh and hardened properties it can be confirmed that 0.5 % dosage of steel
fibers by volume of concrete is maximum for self-compacting concrete in all the three
grades (30MPa, 50MPa and 70 MPa). There is a good increase in the split and flexural
strengths due to the fibres bridging the crack propagation resulting in increased ultimate
load carrying capacity of the specimens.

2. The compressive strength increased by 4.9% whereas, split tensile by 15.44% and
flexural strength by 22.3% for normal strength concrete (30 MPa) with the use of
maximum dosage of steel fibers (i.e. 0.5% by volume of concrete).
3. In case of standard grade SCC (50 MPa) due to addition of maximum dosage of steel
fibers(0.5% volume of concrete), the compressive strength increased by 2.63%, split
tensile strength by 20.8% and flexural strength by 14.5%.
4. Similarly, in case of high strength SCC (70 MPa) due to addition of steel fibers, the
compressive strength increased by 6.51%,split tensile strength increased by 12% and
flexural strength by 21.67% with 0.5% dosage of steel fibers.
5. Due to addition of steel fibers, the ultimate shear strength increased by 36.8% and 15%
in SCC30 and SCC70 respectively compared to plain beams. The failure mode changed
from a sudden brittle failure to a ductile flexural type failure. This is true for both the
stirrup diameters (6mm and 8mm).
6. Due to the combined effect of stirrups and steel fibers, the ultimate shear strength
increased by 89.34% and 80.65% in SCC30 and SCC70 respectively compared to plain
beams for beam with a/d=2 at 180 mm spacing.
7. With increase in the shear span to depth (a/d) ratio, the ultimate shear strength
reduced by 5.2% and 22.54% for SCC30 for a/d =2.5 and 3 when compared with
a/d=2. Similarly, in case of SCC70, it is reduced by 19.59% and 22.44% respectively.
This behaviour was true in case of both fibrous and non-fibrous concrete beams with
8mm stirrup.
8. With increase in the area of shear reinforcement, the ultimate shear strength increased
by 18.7% and 51.09% for SCC30-180 and SCC70-180. Similarly, the shear strength
decreased with increase in the spacing of stirrups. It was also noticed that with the use
of steel fiber reduction in area of stirrup was possible. Similar behaviour was observed in
case of beams tested for shear span to depth ratio 2.5 and 3 also.
9. As the shear span to depth (a/d) ratio increased, crack angle (θ) has reduced and this is
true for both grades SCC30 and SCC70. The Theoretical Shear Strength for NASCC is
given by:
 𝐕𝐮= 𝐕𝐮𝐜+𝐕𝐮𝐬
 𝐕𝐮={𝐝𝐒𝐢𝐧𝛉∗𝐛∗𝐅𝐭 ∗𝐂𝐨𝐬𝛉}+{𝟎.𝟖𝟕∗𝐟𝐲∗𝐀𝐬𝐯𝐂𝐨𝐬𝛉 }∗𝐤𝟏 ; Where Ft = Split tensile strength

of NASCC or NASFRSCC and θ = 50.459 - 3.2802(a/d).
k1=0, when crack does not cross the stirrup and k1=1 , when crack crosses the stirrup

10. The Analytical shear strength predicted based on Non-linear Regression analysis for
NASCC is given by:
 Vu = (0.3*fck)+(0.016*Asv)-(0.001*Sv)-(0.038*Ast)-(0.712*a/d) + (0.8*Vf)
Where, fck = Compressive strength of concrete; Asv= Area of shear reinforcement, Sv =

Spacing of stirrups, Ast = area of longitudinal reinforcement; a/d= shear span to depth
ratio and Vf = Percentage of fiber (0.5)
11. With the use of recycled aggregates, the compressive strength decreased by 7.8% and
8% respectively for 30MPa and 70 MPa concrete.
12. The ultimate shear strength decreased by 12% and 10.2% in case of plain SCC beams
with use of recycled aggregates. Similarly, in case of fibrous SCC beams the ultimate
shear strength reduced by 2.36% and 6.98% respectively for standard (30 MPa) and
high strength (70 MPa) SCC with respect to plain NA beams.
13. Due to addition of steel fibers in RASCC beams, the shear strength increased by 2.3%
for 30 MPa and 1.2% for 70 MPa concrete, compared to plain NASCC beams.
14. The predicted theoretical shear strength for RASCC is given by:
 𝐕𝐮= 𝐕𝐮𝐜+𝐕𝐮𝐬 ;
 𝐕𝐮={𝐝𝐒𝐢𝐧𝛉∗𝐛∗𝐅𝐭 ∗𝐂𝐨𝐬𝛉}+{𝟎.𝟖𝟕∗𝐟𝐲∗𝐀𝐬𝐯𝐂𝐨𝐬𝛉 }∗𝐤𝟐 ; Where Ft = Split tensile

strength of RASCC or RASFRSCC and θ = 50.459 - 3.2838(a/d).
k2=0, when crack does not cross the stirrup and k2=1 , when crack crosses the stirrup
15. The analytical shear strength predicted based on Non-linear Regression analysis for
RASCC is given by
 Vu = (0.35*fck) + (0.014*Asv)-(0.001*Sv)-(0.04*Ast)-(0.73*a/d) + (0.24*Vf)
Where, fck = Compressive strength of concrete; Asv= Area of Shear reinforcement, Ast
= area of longitudinal reinforcement; a/d= shear span to depth ratio and Vf =
Percentage of fiber (0.5).
16. The Numerical results obtained compared well with those of the experimental results
and the values are within 85-90% limits.
17. A correlation among experimental deflections and the deflections obtained though
ATENA modelling are close to each other, with a percentage variation less than 15%.
18. A comparison of Numerical shear strength obtained based on ATENA modelling with the
predicted theoretical shear strength was found to be satisfactory.
CIVIL ENGINEERING
Author : M VENU
Title of the thesis : STUDIES ON BEHAVIOR OF TIE-CONFINED FLY ASH

AND GGBS BASED GEOPOLYMER CONCRETE UNDER
AXIAL COMPRESSION
Guide : Dr. T.D. GUNNESWARA RAO
Degree : Ph. D.
ABSTRACT
Production of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) leads to huge emission of carbon dioxide
into atmosphere contributing to greenhouse effect. To reduce the negative impacts on
atmosphere, sustainable construction materials are being developed to over use of virgin
materials used to produce concrete. In such context, the geological origin materials or industrial
by-product materials rich in silica and alumina can be used in producing concrete. Many efforts
are being conducted to reuse waste industrial processes (such as fly ash, blast furnace slags,
etc.) in the manufacture of concrete.
In this study fly ash and GGBS are used as binders instead of ordinary Portland cement
in the preparation of Geopolymer concrete. A suitable combination of fly ash and GGBS as
binders in geopolymer concrete (GPC) results in high compressive strength even under ambient
curing conditions. Many researchers reported the mechanical and durability aspects of GPC, but
very few research works are focused on confinement effect of GPC. Though several
investigators have proposed mix design for fly ash and GGBS based GPC but there is a less
research work reporting the stress-strain behaviour of plain and tie-confined Geopolymer
concrete. The confinement of GPC is very essential parameter as it improves the flexural
strength, toughness and ductility as well as change the failure mode of concrete under flexural
loading. The techniques of reinforcing and/or pre-stressing of concrete take care of its tensile
capacity. However, these techniques improve the ductility of concrete. Thus, the present study
is aimed to investigate the confinement effect of GPC by considering the parameters viz. tie
reinforcement, alkaline/binder ratio, compressive strength of concrete. An experimental
program was carried out to evaluate the confinement effect of geopolymer concrete prisms
(200 mm * 100 mm * 100 mm) by varying the parameters like confinement index, compressive
strength of GPC (20 MPa, 40 MPa, 60 MPa) and tie-configuration (6 mm, 8 mm).
The obtained results conclude that the modulus of elasticity increases with an increase
in the compressive strength of concrete, and an equation is proposed for calculating the
modulus of elasticity based on the compressive strength of the GPC. It is also found that the
modulus of elasticity of fly ash and GGBS based geopolymer concrete is lower that of
conventional concrete obtained based on the formula given in IS456-2006 (5000√fck).
Equations are proposed to determine the ultimate strength and strain at ultimate stress of
Geopolymer concrete in terms of confinement index. A non-dimensionalised stress-strain
equation was developed adopting Sargin’s model to predict stress-strain behaviour of tie-
confined geopolymer concrete under axial compression.
To validate the proposed semi-empirical equation and also to predict the

momentcurvature (M-Ø) relationship, under and over reinforced beams (1800 mm * 200 mm *
120 mm) were cast by varying compressive strength of geopolymer concrete (20 MPa, 40 MPa,
60 MPa). The experimental M-Ø results were compared with analytical M-Ø relation developed
using MATLAB programming. The results indicated an error less than 15% by comparing
experimental and predicted moments and its corresponding curvatures. Increase in strength of
concrete increases the ultimate moment carrying capacity but decreases the curvature
marginally. However, the predicted analytical value is only slightly lower than that of the
experimental values. Hence the M-Ø relationship of the geopolymer concrete beam at ambient
temperature is found to be satisfactory and it could be predicted well by adopting strain
compatibility criteria.

CIVIL ENGINEERING
Author : NOOLU VENKATESH
Title of the thesis : STUDIES ON RESILIENT AND PERMANENT

DEFORMATION CHARACTERISTICS OF GRANULAR
PAVEMENT LAYERS
Guide : Dr. M. HEERALAL
Degree : Ph. D.
ABSTRACT
Civil engineering practice has gone a long way from using California bearing ratio (CBR)
value alone for designing of flexible pavements. Empirical methods of design have given way to
limiting shear failure methods, limiting deflection methods, regression method based on
pavement performance or road test and finally landing up on Mechanistic Empirical Pavement
Design methods. Mechanistic-empirical design practice for flexible pavement as suggested by
AASHTO relies mainly on the resilient modulus of the granular materials. Though the resilient
modulus is assumed to account for plastic strain accumulation, some subgrade soils with more
fine content undergo excessive plastic deformation under repeated loads even though they
have remarkable resilient properties. Hence, permanent deformation is also an important
parameter, which should be considered in the design process. In the presentthesis
investigations are carried out to study the resilient and permanent deformation characteristics
of granular materials. Two clayey soils, with intermediate plasticity and high plasticity are
selected for the experimental work. Stabilization of clayey subgrade will be essential for better
long term performance of the flexible pavement. Studies regarding the resilient and permanent
deformation characteristics of chemically stabilized subgrade materials are also very less
reported in the literature. Calcium carbide residue(CCR) is a by-product from acetylene factories
is used to improve subgrade soils in the present work. Utilization of recycled aggregates as a
subbase material is also considered in the present study. The resilient and permanent
deformation behaviour of both natural and recycled aggregates are compared.
As the first research objective, an attempt has been made to evaluate the potential of
calcium carbide residue as an admixture to improve the engineering behaviour of the two
clayey soils (both CH and CI). The role of different percentages of these binder contents in
altering the atterberg limits, compaction characteristics, strength, mineralogical and
morphological behaviour has been examined. The plasticity properties and compaction
characteristics of both clayey soils have improved considerably with the addition of calcium carbide
residue. Significant improvement in the strength properties such as unconfined compressive strength
and California bearing ratio has been observed with the addition of calcium carbide residue up to
8% for the black cotton soil, whereas for red soil the maximum strength was observed at 4% binder
content. The increase in strength can be attributed to the formation of calcium-based minerals
formed as a result of pozzolanic reactions in the soil-binder mixture which is confirmed from
mineralogical and morphological studies. Second objective of the present study is to evaluate the
influence of calcium carbide residue in resilient modulus of clayey subgrade soils. The improvement
in resilient modulus of two clayey soils (with low plasticity and high plasticity) with the addition of
calcium carbide residue is investigated by carrying out repeated load triaxial (RLT) tests. The
influence of variation in moisture content, deviatoric stress and confining pressure on the repeated
loading behaviour of virgin soils and CCR stabilized soils is examined. Two regression models
(Universal and NCHRP model) reported in literature are found to exhibit very good fit with the
experimental data. Third objective is to examine the permanent deformation behaviour of clayey
subgrade soils by subjecting the samples to large number of loading cycles in cyclic triaxial
apparatus. The influence of confining pressure, moisture content and deviator stress levels on the
permanent deformation behaviour is examined. Effect of calcium carbide residue on permanent
deformation behaviour of both the clays is analysed. The transition of the soil sample from stable to
unstable state can be observed and critical stress levels established with the help of shake down
theory. Based on the experimental investigations it is observed that in the case of black cotton soil
specimens prepared at OMC, the elastic shakedown limit is at 50% stress level, whereas plastic
creep stage is observed at 60% stress level. For a higher water content OMC+2% and OMC+4%,
the elastic shake down range is found to be in between 40% and 50% stress levels and the plastic
creep stage commenced at 40% stress level. For Red soil, the elastic shakedown limit for samples
prepared at OMC is found to be at the 30% stress level, whereas plastic creep stage is observed at
40% stress level. For a higher moulding water contents of OMC+2% and OMC+4%, the elastic
shake down range is observed below 20% stress level and the plastic creep stage commenced at
30% stress level itself. Therefore, it can be inferred that with increase in the sub-grade water
content, the stress level corresponding to shakedown decreases, leading to rutting under repeated
load. The stabilization with calcium carbide residue is found to be more effective in worst case
scenario with higher water content and cyclic stress levels. Two regression models reported in the
literature, Power law model and VTT model, are used to predict the plastic strains with a number of
load cycles and stress levels as the variables. Fourth objective is divided into two phases. The first
phase deals with the comparison of resilient and permanent deformation behaviour of natural and
recycled aggregates. Effect of confining pressure and deviatoric stress levels on resilient and
permanent deformation of natural and recycled aggregates were investigated. The permanent
deformation behaviour is quantified using the critical cyclic stress levels based on the shake down
theory. The experimental data for the permanent deformation of the aggregates is also found to fit
well with VTT model and power law model. The second phase deals with pavement model tests
carried out on test tank with untreated and treated clayey soil as subgrade material and the natural
aggregate as the base material.

CIVIL ENGINEERING
Author : P NAGA SOWJANYA
Title of the thesis : CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT STUDIES FOR WATER

RESOURCES OF WARDHA AND KRISHNA RIVER
BASINS
Guide : Dr. K. VENKATA REDDY
Degree : Ph. D.
ABSTRACT
Climate change is a global phenomenon having varying degrees of regional impacts.

Management of river water is an important aspect for governing the political and economic
affairs of any country. With the increasing pace of climate change, it has become indispensable
to evaluate the impact of climate change over a river basin for efficient management of water
resources. To assess the climate change induced impact at basin level, Regional Climate Models
(RCMs) database is the most credible source. The RCM database contains the dynamically
downscaled products of the coarser resolution Global Climate Model (GCM) outputs to a finer
resolution by incorporating the physical laws, boundary conditions and atmospheric processes.
Future projections of important meteorological variables of Representative Concentration
Pathways (RCP) 4.5, 8.5 climate change scenarios are available for 5 different high-resolution
GCM outputs under COordinated Regional Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX). Moreover,
encompassing the uncertainty analysis with the future projection will improve the predictability
and robustness of real time prediction.
In this research work, RCM database has been used to assess the climate change impact
on water resource of river basin, Uncertainty analysis associated with multi model RCMs,
meteorological and streamflow drought indices and trend analysis of streamflow for future
projections. Spatio-temporal variations of water balance components have been studied with
induced climate and Land Use Land Cover (LULC) changes and rule curves are developed for
reservoir operating system based on the impact analysis using Stochastic Dynamic
Programming (SDP).

Initial part of the research is devoted to investigate the variations in stream flow of
Wardha watershed, India under changing climatic conditions. Regional Climate Models (RCMs)
data with Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) of 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios were used to
simulate the streamflow for the Historic and Future periods using Soil and Water Assessment
Tool (SWAT) model. Sequential Uncertainty FItting (SUFI-2) algorithm of SWAT calibration and
uncertainty program (SWAT-CUP) was used for sensitivity analysis, calibration and validation of
the SWAT model. SWAT simulated streamflow for the future period has been analysed by
dividing the total period into four twenty years spans as 2020-2039, 2040-2059, 2060-2079 and
2080-2099. The results indicate a decrease in future streamflow compared to earlier periods.
Intra and Inter annual variability of stream flows for the future periods is less as compared to
historic period.
Krishna river basin, which is over utilized and highly sensitive to climate change was
investigated to evaluate the future projections of monthly streamflow under different climate
forcings. The uncertainty associated with the multiple RCMs is analysed using Reliability
Ensemble Averaging (REA) method. SWAT hydrological model is used to simulate the future
projection of streamflow over the basin and model parameters are optimized using SWAT-CUP
at multiple gauging stations. The analysis was carried out for four 25-year time slices as Historic
(1980-2004), Future1 (2020-2044), Future 2 (2045-2069) and Future 3 (2070-2094). The
results indicate that REA data projects reasonably close values when compared to observed
values in the middle and lower parts of the Krishna basin. Spatial and temporal variations of
ensemble climate variables on annual, seasonal and monthly bases are prepared. Future
projections of the precipitation show a decrease of about 20% in the Future period I. Absolute
and relative changes in future streamflow compared to historic streamflow projects lower values
in monsoon period and higher values in other periods at Huvinhedgi, Mantralayam and
Pondhugala gauge stations. Trends in the streamflow throughout the basin show a decrease in
the first future period when compared to the other two future periods. The recommendations
made from this research work can be used as preliminary measures for formulating water
management and adaptation practices for Krishna River basin.
Meteorological and streamflow drought indices are quantified for the future projections
(2020 to 2099) using Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and Streamflow Drought Index
(SDI) for the Krishna river basin. The results show that drought events will be more severe in
Tungabhadra and lower Krishna regions during future 1 period and more frequent drought
conditions in Bhima, Upper and Middle Krishna regions in future 3 period. Similarly, SDI for the
sub basins shows that Tungabhadra basin is less effected by drought whereas Bhima, Middle
and Lower Krishna regions will face more drought conditions in the future periods.
The spatiotemporal change of the LULC plays a major role in estimating the reliable
predictions in hydrology. In the present research work, combined impact of climate and LULC
change on water balance components of Munneru, a sub basin of Krishna river has been carried
out using Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). The decadal LULC change over time is
detected for the years of 1985, 1995 and 2005. The dominant land use in the study area is
Cropland/Irrigated land and major changes of land use identified are increase of urban area
from 42.85km2 to 93km2 and deciduous forest from 821.74km2 to 922.87km2 of the total area
during the 20-year period. The climate model database obtained projects decrease in
precipitation until 2040. Hence, simulations were carried out by adapting LULC change from
1985 to 2005 and climate model data up to 2040. The results project an increase in
Evapotranspiration of about 10%, 1.7%, 3.84% in the 2020, 2030, 2040 decades respectively.
Decrease in surface runoff of about 50% is predicted in the next three decades with the
predicted zero-base flows in most of the sub basins by 2040.
In this research work, adaptive policies are formulated for a reservoir based on climate
change impact on water resources for future periods. Nagarjuna sagar dam is a multipurpose
reservoir serving flood control, irrigation and hydropower generation located in Middle Krishna
basin, India. Hydrologic impacts on the reservoir operation are mitigated considering the
performance criteria evaluated using r package known as ‘reservoir’ for the adaptation policies.
It is observed that the reliability decreases with the increase in vulnerability as a result of
climate change if the Standard Operating Policy (SOP) using the current rule curves is
employed. Hence Stochastic Dynamic Programming (SDP) is employed to develop a suitable
adaptation policy to mitigate the impact of climate change. Storage yield curves are developed
for all future scenarios with varying reliabilities to minimize the storage volumes to adapt to the
climate change for proper management of resources. The monthly rule curves developed
indicate that reservoir-operating rules may have to be revised in basins where climate change
projects an increasing probability of droughts.
The climate change impact results obtained in this study for Wardha, Krishna, Munneru
rivers can be used for devising suitable adaptation plans for managing water resources in these
basins. Adaptive policies proposed for Nagarjuna sagar reservoir are useful for effective sharing
of water resources between different stakeholders under climate change conditions. The
methodology proposed in this research work can be used for other river basins in India and
across the world.
Keywords: Adaptive policy, Climate Change Impacts, Drought, LULC, RCM, Reservoir
performance, River basin, Streamflow, Uncertainty.

CIVIL ENGINEERING
Author : P SWAMY NAGA RATNA GIRI
Title of the thesis : CONSTITUTIVE BEHAVIOUR OF TIE CONFINED SELF

CURING SELF COMPACTING CONCRETE (TCSCSCC)
Guide : Dr. G RAJESH KUMAR
Degree : Ph. D.
ABSTRACT
Strength and deformation are interrelated and needs to be considered simultaneously in

the flexural design of RC beams. Evaluation of deformation is independent of some key
parameters like concrete strength, steel yield strength and level of confinement. Out of these
parameters, concrete strength is interlinked with many factors like mixing, placing and curing.
While mixing and placing are taken care by adopting new methodologies in construction
industry like Self Compacting Concrete (SCC), curing of concrete, is largely neglected and needs
to be taken care using effective curing techniques. During hydration, there is a need to
maintain higher relative humidity. The decrease in relative humidity will cause self desiccation
or autogenous shrinkage at micro level. To prevent this problem, it is imperative that embedded
water is made available for curing and this can be done by using self curing compounds and/or
recycled aggregates which can act as internal curing agents.
SCC has excellent applicability in elements with congested reinforcement and

complicated shapes and sizes. The compactness of SCC matrix, due to higher amount of fines
and extra fine particles, improves properties in the Interfacial Transisition zone (ITZ). Curing,
especially at early ages is very important as this is related to the early activity of C-S-H gel
formation. The normal conventional curing methods may fail to meet the requirements of
required hydration as evaporation of water cannot be avoided. Hence, use of internal curing
techniques i.e. Light weight aggregates, super absorbent polymers and hydrophilic chemicals
can be experimented as alternative curing techniques for improving the performance.
Depletion of natural sources and scarcity of material forced engineers to think in terms
of sustainable development. During the last few decades, there has been enormous thrust on
implementation of green technology. For maintaining harmony and protect the limited amount

of natural sources available, reuse of construction demolished waste as aggregates in concrete
is becoming inevitable. Use of recycled aggregate (RA) in concrete is a desirable alternate
material for natural aggregate (NA) keeping in view of sustainability. The structural behaviour
of this concrete is influenced by variation in type of processing, w/c ratio and replacement of RA
in concrete. Recycled aggregates can also help in curing process, due to the presence of pores
in the adhered mortar on the top surface of aggregates; the pre-soaked aggregates can act as
water reservoirs similar to light weight aggregates and super absorbent polymers. Further, the
use of self curing chemicals in recycled aggregate based concretes can benefit such concretes
in terms of internal curing and internal sealing also.
Concrete is a versatile material, however, the major deficiency is the brittleness of

concrete. This can be overcome by providing suitable confinement to concrete in the
compression zone. A method of confining concrete in structural members is by providing spirals,
ties, fibers, FRP’s, Ferrocement etc. Circular binding is more efficient than rectangular binding in
confining the concrete, because, in the former case, the confinement effect is developed by
hoop tension. Confinement produces a tri-axial state of stress, due to which, the strength and
deformation increases, the later increases to a greater degree. As flexural members are usually
rectangular in shape, a rectangular tie is preferred. When confined with such spirals/ties, the
deformable capacity of the section is improved and hence, the moment-curvature
characteristics of such a cross section tend to be similar to that of steel section. However, the
level of confinement required for a particular type and grade of concrete need not be the
same.Apart from compaction, curing is an important aspect which is largely neglected and
compressive strength has a bearing on the curing of concrete. In this context, investigating the
influence of self curing agents on the structural behaviour of SCC is important.
The following broad objectives have been formulated to study and validate the efficacy
of the chosen self curing SCC and investigate the structural behaviour of such a material.
1. To develop Self Curing SCC with natural aggregates and thus evolve the Stress-Strain
behaviour and stress block parameters for Tie Confined Self Curing Self Compacting
Concrete.
2. To develop Self Curing SCC with recycled aggregates and evolve the Stress-Strain
behaviour and stress block parameters for Tie Confined Self Curing Self Compacting
Concrete.
3. To develop analytical Moment-Curvature relationship for tie confined self curing self
compacting concrete for both natural and recycled aggregates.
4. To validate the proposed analytical Moment-Curvature with suitable experimentation

based on flexural studies on simply supported RC SCC beams.
To achieve the above objectives and keeping in view the scope of the research work, a
detailed experimental program was planned and the work is divided into four phases.

Phase-I:
Studies on Self Curing Self Compacting Concrete with natural aggregates and thus
evolve the Stress-Strain behaviour and stress block parameters for Tie Confined Self Curing Self
Compacting Concrete.
Phase - II:
Studies on Self Curing Self Compacting Concrete with recycled aggregates and thus
evolve the Stress-Strain behaviour and stress block parameters for Tie Confined Self Curing Self
Compacting Concrete.
Phase - III:
Developing the analytical Moment-Curvature relationship for tie confined self curing self
compacting concrete (TCSCSCC) for both natural and recycled aggregates.
Phase - IV:
Validation of the proposed analytical Moment-Curvature with suitable experimentation,

based on flexural studies on simply supported self curing self compacting RC beams.
With the use of hydrophilic (PEG 4000 & PEG 200) as self curing agents in SCC studies
were undertaken on fresh and hardened properties of two grades of natural (NA) and recycled
aggregate (RA) based SCC subjected to various curing conditions (Conventional curing, No
curing and Self curing). The following are the broad conclusions drawn:
 Lower dosage of high molecular weight (0.1% of PEG 4000) hydrophilic chemical
improved the water retention better in higher grade concretes (Mix A). While in case of
Mix B i.e. lower grade concrete, higher dosages (1.0% of PEG 4000) was necessitated.
 In case of Mix A- NASCC specimens, there is a decrease in compressive strength by 22%

for no cured specimens compared to conventional water cured specimens. With the use
of optimum amount of PEG 4000 (0.1%), this loss was compensated by 20%.
 In case of Mix A and Mix B-RASCC specimens, the optimum dosage of self curing agent
(PEG 200) is 0.1% with respect to water retention and compressive strength tests.
Improved performance was observed in self cured RASCC specimens compared to no
curing and the values were on par with wet cured RASCC specimens.
 The stress-strain relationship for Tie Confined Self Compacting Concrete (TCSCC) is
developed for different curing conditions.
 A common non-dimensional characteristic equation is proposed for the stress strain
curve of natural aggregate and recycled aggregate based Tie confined SCC under
different curing conditions.
 An analytical moment–curvature relationship for self compacting concrete beams is

proposed by considering the common stress-strain curve developed in line with the
Saenz’s model for both conventional and self curing natural and recycled aggregates
based TCSCC.
 Use of self curing agents in SCC improved the moment carrying capacity of the beams
and was closer to water cured specimens. This is true for both NASCC and RASCC
beams. However, the moment carrying capacity observed was high in natural aggregate
based SCC beams compared to recycled aggregate based SCC beams.
It can in general be concluded that with optimum dosages of self curing chemicals in
SCC the structural behaviour in terms of stress-strain and moment - curvature relationship was
almost similar to water cured specimens.

CIVIL ENGINEERING
Author : POOJARI YUGENDAR
Title of the thesis : MICRO AND MACROSCOPIC ANALYSIS OF CROWD

BEHAVIOR
Guide : Dr. K. V. R. RAVI SHANKAR
Degree : Ph. D.
ABSTRACT
Development of cities across the globe is unstoppable and it‟s very difficult to carefully
plan cities. In this situation, understanding pedestrian movements is very essential for design
facilities with respect to safety, security, level of service and low cost. Religious occasions,
congregations at carnivals, political rallies, and crowd at terminals are occasions pertaining to
crowd congregations. These congregations act as serious intimidations for the crowd, because a
large number of people moving in limited space results in crowd stampedes. Most of the crowd
crushes occurr in developing countries during large congregations and more people die when
compared with developed countries (Andrade et al. 2006). Prassana Kumar et al. (2015) stated
that on an average more than 70 people per year lost their lives due to stampedes in India.
Indian states of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh are in top the list of more than 300 deaths in
the 15 years (2001-15). Hence, it is very important to study crowd behavior to increase public
safety. Understanding crowd behavior and the tools required to forecast crowd behavior are
necessary in planning and design facilities such as bus terminals, train platforms, etc.
Three locations were selected for the study: Location-1 is situated in Vijayawada,
Andhra Pradesh, India, whereas Location-2 is situated in Medaram, Telangana, India and
Location-3 is situated in NIT, Warangal, Telangana. Data was collected by placing digital
camera on top of the building. The videos were taken from a high-raise point near the location
to avoid occlusion problem during tracking. Camera stands were used to ensure the videos
recorded were steady, without any disturbance that might affect the frames at various stages of
analysis. Markings were made on the road sections. Distance measurements were made using a
standard tape such that the speeds could be cross-checked while extracting data using
software.
Various parameters extracted from the video include people count, density, speed of
individual persons, and crowd flow. Number of persons in a frame was counted using
background subtraction technique. Speed and tracking of each individual were extracted using
TRACKER software. Pixel coordinates were converted to real coordinates using the method of
Wolf and Dewitt (2000).
In microscopic analysis, parameters like age, gender, group size, child carrying, child
holding, and people with and without luggage were considered. For statistical analysis, ANOVA
and Pearson correlation tests were performed using SPSS. From these tests, it was concluded
that, there was a significant effect of age, gender, density and luggage on the crowd walking
speed. Gender has more significant effect on speed followed by luggage and age. MLR, ANN,
ANFIS models were developed for the modelling of crowd speed using the above mentioned
factors in the study. The developed model was validated using RMSE (Route Mean Square
Error) and MAE (Mean Absolute Error) values. Based on RMSE and MAE values, ANFIS model
was observed to be better-fitted model when compared to other models. Gender, density and
luggage have a negative effect on speed of the crowd while age has a conflicting effect on
speed of the crowd. The increase in number of female persons in the crowd leads to speed
reduction. Generally, the speed of the female person is low compared to male. Density is found
to have an adverse effect on speed, whereas, at low crowd density, the speed of the crowd was
high due to fewer interactions between persons and more space for overtaking. The speed was
observed to be low at high crowd density because of more interactions between persons and
little space for overtaking. Further, it was observed that luggage has an adverse effect on
crowd speed. The speed of people with luggage is low when compared to people without
luggage. Children and the old people were negatively associated with crowd speed. Also, as the
number of children and the old people increases, it was found that the speed of crowd
decreased. Additionally, younger and elder persons were positively associated with crowd
speed. As the number of younger and elder persons increased, the speed of the crowd was
observed to be higher.
In macroscopic analysis, flow parameters such as free flow speed (Uf), optimum speed
(Uo), jam density (Kj), optimum density (Ko) and maximum flow (Qm) were estimated from the
fundamental relationships. Flow–density and speed–flow relationships were then calibrated
from the speed–density relationship. To determine the crowd characteristics, two single-regime
speed–density models were used Model I - Greenshield‟s (L) and Model II - Underwood (E).
Model I gave the minimum MAPE and RMSE values, which implies that Model-I gives better
prediction than Model II for crowd movement. In real conditions, it is not possible to model the
entire traffic mass as a single regime due to the existence of both uncongested and congested
flow. A multi-regime model concept is thus essential to represent different flow conditions. For
two-regime model, the speed–density relationship is developed for two regimes by introducing
a breakpoint to distinguish between two different regimes. This breakpoint is identified by K-
means clustering analysis using SPSS software. The final selection of the breakpoints was
determined using a visual approach. Four models i.e., Model I, II, III and IV representing L-L,
L-E, E-L, and E-E were used to determine the crowd characteristics in two-regime model. The
minimum MAPE and RMSE values of the crowd characteristics (speed, density and flow) were
obtained using Model III (E-L). Three-regime models consider uncongested flow, transitional
flow and congested flow regimes. In three-regime models, the speed–density relationship is
developed for three regimes by introducing breakpoints to distinguish between three different
regimes. Four models i.e., Model I, II, III and IV representing L-L-L, E-E-E, E-E-L, and E-L-E
were used to determine the crowd characteristics in three-regime model. Model-II (E-E-E), with
the lowest MAPE and RMSE values when compared to all the four models, provided the best
predictions. MAPE and RMSE values of the best multi-regime models were less than that of the
best single-regime model. Therefore, multi-regime models provide better predictions than
single-regime model. Of the multi-regime models, MAPE and RMSE values of three-regime
models were less when compared to two-regime model, which implies that the three-regime
model gives better predictions than two-regime models.
In capacity analysis, buffer space is introduced in this study to study the influence of
overtaking within the crowd while evacuation. Therefore, this study is divided into two cases:
presence of buffer space and absence of buffer space. The height and length of the bottleneck
are constant. Five varied widths of bottlenecks which consisted of 80, 100, 120, 140, and 160
centimeters repectively were chosen. In this experiment, 30 and 50 individuals were involved in
two different compositions. The evacuees were divided into two groups and assigned different
walking responsibilities for every test (move slowly, and move fast). The groups were diverse
and comprised male and female. Since the entire group of 50 was of same age group, the
group was divided so as to incorporate the effect of age variation within the group. One group
of evacuees was designated by the colour of their caps (white). Whereas, persons without caps
represent normally acting participants, while the persons with caps follow specific instructions.
The first step in density estimation was the conversion of video into frames, and the
next step was to divide the entire area (50 m2) into equal number of grids having a grid size of
0.5 × 1 meter. Further, using the manual count method, the number of persons in each grid
was noted, and finally, the average values of densities (people/area) for all frames in each grid
were computed. The whole study area was divided into grids, in order to calculate the density
in each grid because it was not uniform throughout the study area. This also gives us an idea of
the path/ route of evacuation chosen by most individuals at the time of evacuation. In crowd
analysis, another issue involves the tracking of people and finding the location of the same
person in a series of images. For this a free open source software TRACKER was used, which
tracks persons semi-automatically.
From the experimental study, total time, time gaps, flow, specific flow and densities
were extracted. It was observed that the total time decreased as the bottleneck width
increased, for both compositions in cases with and without buffer space. The buffer space effect
in the reduction of total time was more in case of 50 persons, when compared to 30 persons. It
was observed that flow increased as the width of the bottleneck increased, and this increase in
flow is due to the formation of dynamic layer, as noted by some researchers in their studies. It
was observed that, specific flow was decreasing as the width of the bottleneck increases and
specific flows were more for without buffer space as compared to with buffer space.
Trajectories were plotted in order to know the route choice of each individual throughout the
evacuation period in the study area. It can be identified that lateral occupancy of persons is
more in the case of without buffer space as compared to with buffer space, for both
compositions (N = 30 & 50).
Arching phenomenon was observed at the entry of exits; this was apparent when a
crowd with highly anticipated speed tries to pass through a door in limited amount of time
because of which the exit gets congested, and the crowd becomes arc-shaped. It can be
observed that densities were decreasing as the width of the bottleneck increased. Density value
was observed to be higher for groups of fifty, when compared to groups of thirty people for the
same width of bottleneck. High densities were observed near the bottleneck opening when the
flow gushing in goes beyond the capacity of the bottleneck, leading to jamming at the
bottleneck. It can be observed that, flow of crowd increases as the width of bottleneck
increases and this increase is stepwise, and not linear. When the crowd enters the bottleneck,
formation of lanes occurs inside the bottleneck as width increases due to zipper effect. For a
width of 80 cm, formation of lanes is absent. As the width increases from 80 cm to 100 cm, two
lanes were formed and these lanes were continued and laterally expanded up to a width of 140
cm. For a width of 160 cm, it can be clearly observed that three lanes were formed. It can also
be observed that the distance between these lanes does not influence bottleneck width (B).
Five types of distributions (i.e., exponential, displaced exponential, Gamma, displaced

Gamma and semi-random) were tested to cover the random, intermediate and composite
headways. Five types of distributions mentioned above have been compared with the observed
data and tested with goodness of fit (χ2 test). It was found that, among five types of
distributions, semi-random distribution is observed to be the best fit for the observed data. The
percentage of constrained headways (ϕ) observed in case of 50 persons was more than that of
30 persons. This implies that free flow decreases with increase in number of persons. In order
to estimate the capacity of bottleneck, Buckley model is used. It can be observed that, capacity
of bottleneck increases as the width of the bottleneck increases and this increase in capacity is
because of the dynamic layer formations due to zipper effect. It can also be observed that,
capacity of bottleneck with buffer space is more compared to capacity without buffer space.
The obtained capacities were compared with capacities from different experimental studies
done in relation to pedestrian flows at bottlenecks. For comparison, Kretz and Muller studies
were considered because of their similarity with this study. Capacities obtained in this study
were lower than that of capacities obtained from Kretz and Muller. The reason behind the
reduction in capacities was Kretz and Muller didn't consider the formation of dynamic layers,
hence the effective utilization of width concept was absent, resulting in larger capacities in their
study.
Further, the same experimental study area and participants were used for the estimation
of capacity of doors. Five varied widths of the doors consisting of 80, 100, 120, 140, and 160
centimeters were chosen for single doors and doors of 100 cm width selected for double doors.
Parameters such as total time, time gaps, and densities were extracted and analyzed in terms
of various relations such as time gap versus door width, total time versus door width, and flow
versus door width. Crowd trajectories and density plots were drawn for different door widths.
Capacities were estimated both for single and double doors and comparison of capacities for
different door widths was performed. Average time gaps and total times were observed to
decrease as the width of the door increased, for cases with and without buffer space. In case of
single and double doors, the total time was more in case of 50 persons than for 30 persons.
Observations from trajectories have revealed a phenomenon called arching. In case of double
doors, it was observed that evacuees were choosing the congested door rather than an
uncongested one due to herding behavior. Herding behavior occurred when people were not
making individual decisions but behaving as a group. In the evacuation scenario, herding
behavior means that, the evacuees choose the most congested exit rather than the
uncongested exit. Evacuees think that the congested exit is the most popular choice.

CIVIL ENGINEERING
Author : S SRIKANTH
Title of the thesis : TRAFFIC FLOW MODELING AND SIMULATION OF

TRAFFIC FLOW BEHAVIOR UNDER MIXED TRAFFIC
CONDITIONS ON MULTILANE HIGHWAYS
Guide : Dr. ARPAN MEHAR
Degree : Ph. D.
ABSTRACT
The mixed traffic behavior on multilane highways remains scarcely explored. Most of the
studies on multilane traffic flow pertain to homogeneous traffic scenarios. These studies have
very limited applications to mixed traffic conditions due to their incapability in satisfactorily
explaining the complexities of mixed traffic behaviour. Also, the available literature on mixed
traffic mainly deals with the single and two-lane roads and there is no comprehensive study for
understanding traffic flow behavior on multilane highways. IRC: 64-1990 also provides detailed
guidelines for capacity of single-lane, intermediate lane and two lane rural roads; leaving multi-
lane highways almost unattended. Due to lack of standard codes for multilane highways in
India, it is difficult for traffic engineers, policymakers and planners to take accurate decisions
with respect to planning, design, and operations of these highways. The present research work
aims at investigating the mixed traffic flow behaviour on highways for varying conditions of
traffic volume. To understand the traffic flow behavior on four-lane divided highways under
mixed traffic conditions, the arrival patterns of vehicles, time headway characteristics, speed
characteristics, lateral placement of vehicles and overtaking behavior were analyzed.
The aim of the present study is to develop more appropriate models for estimating the
passenger car units of different vehicle types on multilane highways, considering the limitations
of available methods. Present study describes a modified methodology for estimation of PCU
value of subject vehicles that includes the time headway as influencing parameter. The
approach used in the present study is inspired from the method of dynamic PCU estimation
where a PCU is expressed as the ratio of speed ratio and area ratio of standard cars to the
subject vehicle type. Unlike dynamic PCU method, this method includes time headway factor for
PCU estimation. The method was found to be more realistic and logical as it provides relatively
higher values of PCUs than those obtained from dynamic PCU method.

Multiple non-linear regression (MNLR) method is proposed for estimation of equivalency units
for vehicle types by developing speed models based on multiple non-linear regression
approaches. The equivalency units estimated by using models are found to be realistic and
logical under heterogeneous traffic flow conditions. The PCU values estimated by the multiple
non-linear regression method are compared with and found to be relatively higher values than
the values obtained by the dynamic PCU method. The accuracy of the models is checked by
comparing the observed values of speed with estimated speeds. The multiple non-linear
regression approach is also used for estimating the equivalency units on six-lane divided
highways.
The primary limitations of field data arises due to practical difficulties in conducting
extensive field experiments under wide variations of traffic flow parameters, non-availability of
required field conditions, difficulty in experimenting with individual components in isolation, etc.
As a solution to these practical problems, computer simulation has been proved to be a
powerful tool in replicating complex traffic systems which allows experimentation to the basic
traffic flow system. For the simulation VISSIM microscopic simulation tool is used and data
analysis is performed by considering individual parameters and performance measures like
speed, volume and random seed number. Statistical tests have been performed to check the
sensitivity of the different simulation parameters and calibration is done using trial and error
method and optimization is performed using solver function. The maximum simulated flow rate
was found with default values as 4599 veh/hr, and with calibrated values is 5147 veh/hr which
is close to the target capacity 4958 veh/hr as obtained using field composition. Calibrated
values of CC0 and CC1 and CC2 parameters are found as most optimised values to achieve
target capacity. Finally, validation of calibrated parameter values was also performed on other
section of a multilane highway which have shown satisfactory results.
Lane changing is a very complex maneuver which can be studied through microscopic
and macroscopic measures. Calibrated VISSIM model was used for generating traffic flow data
to obtain the essential parameters. Lane change behaviour is analysed with homogeneous
vehicle type traffic on four-lane, six-lane and eight-lane divided highways sections through
VISSIM simulation model. The study finds the number of lane changes depends on traffic
volume as well as on number of lanes provided for a direction of travel. Lane change data was
correlated with traffic volume and third degree polynomial trend was found to be fitted on each
type of simulated highway sections. Maximum number of lane changes and lane change at
capacity level of volume are also quantified on simulated sections of four-lane, six-lane and
eight-lane divided highways. It is found that no more number of lane changes is observed in all
simulated sections when traffic volume reaches to maximum capacity. The relationship between
capacity per lane and number of lane changes is established which shows capacity decreases
with addition of number of lanes.
Level of service concept is applied in the present study to estimate the passenger car
unit (PCU) value of each vehicle type at different level of service and different percentage
share. Calibrated VISSIM model was used to simulate traffic conditions for the development of
PCU models. The PCU value of each vehicle type at different level of service and different
percentage share was found for the development of the models. The accuracy of the models is
checked by comparing the obtained PCU values with PCU values estimated by dynamic PCU
method. PCUs of different vehicle types at six lane and eight lane divided highways are also
estimated. The effect of number of lanes on PCUs was studied, and it was observed PCU of
each vehicle type decreases with increase in the number of lanes and at a different level of
service. Artifical neural networks (ANN) and Artificial neuro fuzzy interface system (ANFIS)
models are also developed for estimating PCU values of subject vehicle types with respect to
passenger cars. The PCU estimated from different approaches are compared statistically in
order to justify the best approach with the same set of input variables.

CIVIL ENGINEERING
Author : SHARAT CHANDRA PILLALAMARRI
Title of the thesis : DESIRABLE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SHARES FOR

INDIAN CITIES
Guide : Dr. C.S.R.K. PRASAD
Degree : Ph. D.
ABSTRACT
The theme of this research is to develop a desirable public transport (PT) share model
for Indian cities. If cities are “engines of growth”, then the PT system is the fuel through which
these engines derive its energy, and therefore, the extent of the PT system is one of the factors
that influence the urban development. It is the critical stakeholder in urban 3Es (Economy,
Environment and Equality) dynamism. Good public transportation increases the economic
growth of a city (Economy), reduce energy consumption, emissions level (Environment) and
increase accessibility to all levels of income groups’ (Equality).
In the absence of an adequate and efficient PT, many private and para-transit modes
have entered into the market to meet the travel demand. The decline in PT shares is a severe
concern regarding health, urban environment and city’s sustainable mobility. Due to the
absence of clear guidelines to implement the PT system and level of desirable PT share to be
achieved, cities are inconveniently moving towards alternative transport system. Out of 468
Indian class- I cities, less than 20% of cities are having organised PT system. Cities with a
population of over 1 lakh (0.1 million) shall target for a minimum 30% PT share (MoUD 1987).
However, even after 30 years of such policy in existence, only limited cities have reached this
minimum. The need of the hour is to introspect these policy recommendations, revise the
benchmarks if needed, incorporating the characteristics of the city.
PT is a function of various urban factors. Statistical evidence reveals that PT shares are
influenced by urban variables such as population, urban form, density, average trip length,
vehicle ownership, per capita trip rate, fare, public transport network density, fleet size, etc.
The research methodology is outlined in four phases. Phase-I discusses the review of
the preliminary literature and research objectives. In phase-II, a comprehensive literature
review was conducted and compiled the inferences from all the relevant works and

methodological approaches related to the research. The secondary data collection process, data
analysis and models development have been discussed in phase-III. The desirable PT share
model approach, model development, study conclusions and recommendations have been
addressed in phase- IV.
36 Indian cities and 11 International cities (restricted to the Asian continent) are
analysed as part of the study. The cities are shortlisted based on the availability of data and its
uniformity across different cities. The research study is significantly developed from secondary
data. The determinants are then filtered by discarding correlated variables. The relevant
variables of the existing PT model have been substituted with desirable variables to develop the
desirable PT modal share model.
The research analysis revealed that city average trip length and population density are
essential factors in PT share. The developed desirable PT model will help to propose the
sustainable PT shares for Indian cities and support in the formulation of city transport policies.
Keywords: public transport, modal share, sustainability, desirable, mobility, class-I cities.

CIVIL ENGINEERING
Author : SIEMPU RAKESH
Title of the thesis : STUDIES ON THE BOND BEHAVIOUR OF RECYCLED

AGGREGATE BASED SELF COMPACTING CONCRETE
Guide : Dr. P. RATHISH KUMAR
Degree : Ph. D.
ABSTRACT
One of the reasons for success of reinforced concrete as a two phase building material
lies in the perfect transfer of forces from a material that is relatively strong in tension to a
material that is strong in compression and vice versa. This transfer of force is a result of loading
on the member and results in shear stress along the contact surface of reinforcement and
concrete. Bond is classified as anchorage/development bond and flexural bond.
Anchorage/development bond is the case of tension or compression whereas, flexural bond
comes into picture, where, there is change of bending moment along the length of the bar.
Bond in reinforced concrete is achieved through three mechanisms; firstly, chemical adhesion
which is due to the C-S-H gel that is formed as a product of hydration of cement, secondly
frictional resistance that is offered by the surface of reinforcing bars and grip exerted due to
concrete shrinkage and thirdly, mechanical interlock because of the ribs that are provided on
the surface of the bar (absent in case of plain bars) (ACI 408, 2003).
The factors that influence the bond performance are mainly divided into three categories
namely: structural characteristics, bar properties and concrete properties. In the present
investigation, three major factors that influence the bond behavior namely, compressive
strength of concrete, diameter of bar and embedment length of bar are addressed.
In order to determine the bond strength of reinforcement embedded in concrete, four

tests are in practice namely, pull-out, beam-end, beam anchorage and splice test (ACI 408,
2003). Pull-out test is performed for evaluating anchorage or development bond and beam tests
for determining the flexural bond. Of all these tests, to determine the bond strength, pull out
test is widely adopted because of its ease of fabrication of the test specimen and simplicity of
test. In a pull-out test, the bar is subjected to tension whereas, the surrounding concrete will be
in compression. This stress state matches with few cases in actual construction. However, in
other three bond tests, the steel as well as concrete will be in tension. Hence, determining the
development length solely using pull-out test is not recommended by ACI 408 (2003) and any
other tests like beam-end, beam anchorage and splice tests are to be performed in addition to
pullout test. In the present investigation both pull-out and beam tests are performed.
Sustainable construction is the order of the day which can be achieved in construction
industry. The term sustainability according to Brundtland (1987) is defined as “The
development meeting needs of the present without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs”. Construction industry is one of the major industries
contributing to the emission of CO2 to the atmosphere. Sustainability can be achieved through
materials used for construction, concrete production process, improving concrete properties and
innovations in construction techniques. Few works were reported on the bond in recycled
aggregate concrete (Xiao and Falkner (2007), Butler et al (2011), Prince and Singh (2013), Kim
and Yun (2013 and 2014) and Guerra et al (2014)). The results concluded that the use of
recycled aggregates reduce the bond stress in concrete compared to that of natural aggregate
based concrete. The reduction in bond stress in the studies revealed an increase with increase
in the replacement of natural aggregates with recycled aggregates. The normalised bond stress
was however high in case of recycled aggregate based concrete.
Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) is a high performance concrete which possess the

abilities of flowing and passing without segregation in congested reinforcement locations. SCC,
because of its self compactability, ensures uniform compaction throughout the length of the
member resulting in reduced top-bar effect which is usually more significant in case of vibrated
concrete (Valcuende and Parra, 2009). Several works were reported on the bond performance
of Self Compacting Concrete (SCC) with natural aggregates in comparison with Vibrated
Concrete (VC) (Almeida Filho et al (2008), Foroughi-Asl et al (2008), Sfikas and Trezos (2013),
Pop et al (2013) and Helincks et al (2013)). The major findings are that SCC performed better
in terms of bond compared to VC. This improved performance is attributed to the fact that the
increased binder content reduce the pores in concrete leading to enhanced microstructure. As
the quality of concrete encapsulating the bar increase in case of SCC compared to VC, the load
carrying capacity required in pulling out of bar increases in case of SCC specimens.
The evolution of software packages based on finite element techniques have overcome
the difficulties of materials, time and space and reduced the laboratory facilities for
experimentation. A well-defined software model can predict the results closer to experimental
values. The results of various works reported earlier on the use of finite element based software
for modelling the bond between steel and concrete were found to be in close comparison with
experimental results (Amleh and Ghosh (2006), Shafaie, Hosseini and Marefat (2009), Cheung,
Leung and Kabele (2010), Almeida Filho and El Debs (2013), Tavares, Barbosa and Lorrain
(2014) and Guerra, Ceia, de Brito and Julio (2014)).
SAP 2000 (SAP v19, 2017), ABAQUS (ABAQUS/CAE, 2017), ANSYS (ANSYS v18.2, 2017)
and ATENA (ATENA v5.4, 2017) are some of the software packages available to help
understand the behaviour of concrete. ATENA is employed for modelling the bond behaviour of

steel and concrete. ATENA was developed by Cervenka Consulting, Czech Republic (ATENA
v5.4, 2017). ATENA is a user friendly finite element based software specially designed for non-
linear analysis of concrete and fibre reinforced concrete. It simulates the real behaviour of
concrete and reinforced concrete structures including cracking, crushing and reinforcement
yielding. ATENA uses all the material properties based on cube strength using equations from
the fib Model Code 2010 (2013).
From a detailed review of literature the following are the observations:
1. Studies reported on the influence of various factors that affect the bond between steel
and concrete focused on natural aggregate based vibrated concrete. Some works on the
bond behaviour of natural aggregate based self compacting concrete were also
reported.
2. The use of recycled aggregates (both coarse and fine aggregates as 100% replacement)
in concrete and their effect on the bond between steel and concrete was not
investigated. This is a potential area of investigation. The bond behaviour of recycled
aggregate based vibrated and self compacting concretes needs investigation.
3. The models proposed by several researchers and standard codes of practice for
predicting the bond stress is based on the work done on natural aggregate based
vibrated concrete. There is a need to develop a model for recycled aggregate based
vibrated and self compacting concretes.
4. The work reported in the literature on the bond behaviour is mainly based on “pull-out”
tests. There is a need to study the bond behaviour based on flexural bond tests for
validation.
5. The use of finite element based software for analysis of concrete problems is gaining
attention due to numerous advantages. ATENA is one such finite element based
software developed for non-linear analysis of reinforced concrete. This software can be
used to analyse the bond behaviour in concrete also.
The scope of the present investigation includes the following:
 Developing analytical model for predicting the maximum bond stress in natural and
recycled aggregate based vibrated concretes.
 Understand the bond behaviour of self compacting concrete with surrounding
reinforcement with natural and recycled aggregates and develop an analytical model for
predicting the same.
 Validation of the proposed analytical model based on pull-out test for predicting the
bond stress by conducting flexural pull-out test.

 Numerical modelling of the pull-out behaviour of plain and ribbed bars using finite
element based software ATENA.
Based on the conclusions from the literature review the following objectives are defined
for the present investigation.
1. To study the bond behaviour in Self Compacting Concrete (SCC) and compare with that
of Vibrated Concrete (VC) and propose an analytical model to predict the bond stress.
2. To evaluate the effect of Recycled Aggregates (RA) on the bond behaviour of vibrated
and self compacting concretes and propose an analytical model to predict the maximum
bond stress.
3. To validate the proposed analytical model thorough flexural bond tests and determine
the effect of cover to bar on the bond stress.
4. To determine the effect of type of bar i.e plain and ribbed in VC and SCC by using
numerical modelling through finite element software (ATENA).
To achieve the above formulated objectives, a detailed experimental program is

designed and carried out in four phases.
Phase – I
Bond behaviour of Natural aggregate based Vibrated Concrete (NA-VC) and Natural
Aggregate based Self Compacting Concrete (NA-SCC) was evaluated by conducting pull-out
tests. Based on the experimental results obtained, an analytical model is proposed to predict
the bond stress in concrete. The model is compared with the available models in the literature.
Phase – II
Bond behaviour of Recycled Aggregate based Vibrated Concrete (RA-VC) and Recycled
Aggregate based Self Compacting Concrete (RA-SCC) was established. A comparison is made
with the results of corresponding natural aggregate concrete specimens. An analytical model
was proposed to predict the bond stress in concrete. A common model covering the natural and
recycled aggregate is brought out.
Phase – III
Tests on NA-VC, NA-SCC, RA-VC and RA-SCC beam specimens were conducted and
flexural bond stress was determined. The validation of the proposed analytical model based on
the pull-out tests is done using the experimental flexural bond stress results. Also, the effect of
variation in cover to the bar is studied.
Phase – IV
The bond behaviour of both plain and ribbed bars in NA-VC, NA-SCC, RA-VC and RASCC
is studied using ATENA software. The results of the ribbed bar are compared with the
experimental results of the pull-out test.
The present investigation is divided into four phases and the various factors that
influence the bond behaviour in the investigation are listed below.
1. Type of concrete – Vibrated Concrete (VC) and Self Compacting Concrete (SCC).
2. Type of aggregate – Natural Aggregate (NA) and Recycled Aggregate (RA).
3. Grade of concrete – Mix-A, Mix-B and Mix-C.
4. Diameter of bar (D) – 10, 12 and 16 mm.
5. Embedment length of bar (L) – 2.5D, 5D and full depth of the specimen. (for pull-out
test)
6. Cover to bar (C) – 16 and 40 mm. (for flexural bond test)
7. Type of bar – Plain (P) and Ribbed (R) bars (for numerical modelling).
Based on the experimental investigations carried out on bond behaviour of natural and
recycled aggregate based vibrated and self compacting concrete by conducting pullout and
flexural bond tests, the following conclusions are drawn:
1. Self Compacting Concrete (SCC) specimens exhibited higher bond stress than the
corresponding Vibrated Concrete (VC) specimens. The average percentage increase in
bond stress was marginal at 5.10, 2.93 and 1.55 in case of mixes A, B and C
respectively.
2. With increase in the concrete strength, the bond stress increased. The average
percentage increase in bond stress in case of NA-VC for mix-A to mix-B and mix-B to
mix-C was 11.07 and 12.00 respectively. In case of NA-SCC, this average percentage
increase was 8.79 and 10.50 respectively.
3. With increase in the embedment length from 2.5D to 5D, the average percentage
decrease in bond stress was 27.70, 28.79 and 29.45 respectively with three bar
diameters 10, 12 and 16 mm for NA-VC. In case of NA-SCC this percentage decrease
was marginally lower at 27.21, 28.72 and 29.25 respectively.
4. The slip, defined as relative movement between steel and concrete was found to be
high in case of NA-SCC compared to NA-VC. This can be attributed to better bond in
SCC. With increase in concrete strength, bar diameter and embedment length, there is
an increase in slip and this was true in both NA-VC and NA-SCC specimens.
5. NA-SCC specimens exhibited higher fracture energy than the corresponding NA-VC
specimens and this increased with increase in slip. There is a good correlation between
fracture energy and slip.
6. There is a general reduction in bond stress with the use of recycled aggregates in
concrete. The average percentage decrease in bond stress was 7.81, 10.10 and 12.60 in
case of mixes A, B and C of RA-VC. In RA-SCC, this percentage decrease was 7.44, 9.71
and 11.73 respectively.
7. The slip and fracture energy both reduced with the replacement of natural aggregates
with recycled aggregates in both vibrated and self compacting concrete. This is true in
all the mixes A, B and C.

8. A relationship was established between fracture energy and slip and it was noticed that
there is an increase in fracture energy with slip. The relationship is having a correlation
of about 85% in case of both VC and SCC specimens.
9. The flexural bond stress of self compacting concrete specimens is higher than the
corresponding vibrated concrete specimens. The average percentage increase in flexural
bond stress of NA-SCC compared to NA-VC for mixes A, B and C was 6.29, 4.09 and
1.92 respectively. This average percentage increase in RA-SCC was 6.34, 3.95 and 2.24.
10. The replacement of natural aggregates with recycled aggregates in concrete decreased
the bond stress. The average percentage decrease in maximum flexural bond stress of
RA-VC compared to NA-VC was 7.12, 9.76 and 12.60 in case of mix-A, mix-B and mix-C
respectively. In case of RA-SCC this average percentage decrease was 7.09, 9.88 and
12.33.
11. The average maximum percentage variation between the bond stress from proposed
model based on pull-out test and experimental flexural bond test values is within ±15%
(11.09%, 12.36%, 13.28% and 12.64% in case of NA-VC, NA-SCC, RA-VC and RA-SCC
respectively).
12. The results of the pull-out model obtained for ribbed bars from ATENA (ATENA v5.4,
2017) are compared with the results of pull-out experiments. An average percentage
deviation of 11.08, 15.88 and 10.53 was observed in case of embedment length to bar
diameter ratio (L/D) 2.5, 5 and 10 respectively for different concrete types (NA-VC, NA-
SCC, RA-VC and RA-SCC).

CIVIL ENGINEERING
Author : SRIKANTH KONIKI
Title of the thesis : STUDY ON INFLUENCE OF FIBER HYBRIDIZATION

ON STRENGTH AND CONSTITUTIVE STRESS-STRAIN
BEHAVIOUR OF CONCRETE
Guide : Dr. D. RAVI PRASAD
Degree : Ph. D.
ABSTRACT
Concrete is a widely used construction material all over the world. Since the problems
associated with concrete such as low tensile strength and low ductility is limiting the usage in all
practical applications. Short randomly discrete fibers used in concrete to control cracking in
fresh and harden state of the concrete. But the improvement in mechanical properties with the
addition of fiber is limited in extent as the fracture in concrete is gradual and multi scale
process. This necessitates the addition of two or more different kind of fibers to improve the
wide range of concrete properties such as shrinkage resistant, tensile strength and toughness.
This research was under taken with an objective to evaluate the mechanical properties
and constitutive stress-strain behaviour of hybrid fiber reinforced concrete. Effect of fiber
hybridization on different grades of concrete i.e., 30 MPa (low strength), 50 MPa (medium
strength) and 70 MPa (high strength) concretes was studied. Fibers used in the present
investigation were hooked end steel, polyester and polypropylene. Entire experimental
programme was carried out in four different phases.
First stage of the investigation is carried out on mechanical properties and constitutive
stress-strain behaviour mono-FRC. Compressive strength, direct tensile strength, flexural
strength of mono-FRC are determined. The stress-strain behaviour of mono-FRC under uni-axial
compression and tension are also assessed. Fiber dosages of polyester and polypropylene are
varied from 0.0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15 and 0.2% and the fiber dosage of steel fiber is varied from 0.0,
0.5, 0.75, 1 and 1.25%. From the results it is observed that there is no significant improvement
in compressive strength with the addition of fibers, but tensile strength and flexure strength of
the concrete increased with the addition of fibers. It is also noticed that concrete containing
non-metallic fibers dose not significantly enhanced the both pre-peak and post-peak behavior of
concrete under uni-axial stresses, whereas addition of steel fibers enhanced the post-peak
toughness but the tensile strength of the concrete is not significantly improved. Results
obtained from the phase I gave an idea about mono-fiber behaviour in concrete and paved the
way for developing the HFRC in the further investigation.
The second phase of the investigation is carried out to develop and study the
mechanical properties of non-metallic HFRC. The non-metallic HFRC aims to counteract the
plastic shrinkage cracks forming at early stages of concrete and also to bridge the micro-cracks
forming at low-stress levels of harden concrete. Even though Young’s modulus of both polyester
and polypropylene fibers are nearer, due to the variation in tensile strength and aspect ratios of
the fibers, the tensile strength of the concrete improved without compromising the plastic
shrinkage cracks. Three types of hybrid combinations are considered i.e. PP 25% + PO 75%, PP
50% + PO 50% and PP 75% + PO25% at a total fiber volume fractions of 0.1, 0.15, 0.2 and
0.25%. From the experimental results it is observed that the optimum hybrid combination
achieved at all fiber dosages is 75% PO + 25% PP. It is also observed that concrete reinforced
with PO and PP hybrid fibers enhanced the tensile strength and toughness of the composite
compared to mono-FRC for the same fiber volume fraction. The positive synergy between the
non-metallic fibers drives to develop metallic and non-metallic HFRC.
The third phase of the investigation is carried out to develop the metallic and non-metallic
HFRC with an aim to assess the strength properties and constitutive stress-strain behaviour. The
developed HFRC can counteract the fracture process of concrete and achieve the overall
performance of concrete in terms of strength, ductility and toughness. From the phase 2
experimental results, it is observed that non-metallic HFRC improved the tensile strength of the
concrete but the improvement in toughness at post crack region is marginal. To increase the tensile
strength and toughness at post-crack region, fiber hybridization is done using metallic and non-
metallic fibers. Compressive strength, direct tensile strength, flexural strength and stress-strain
behaviour under uni-axial stresses are studied. It is observed that Synergy effect was found to be
more with the addition of metallic and non-metallic fibers due to inhibition of crack control at
different stress levels. Results from the phase 3 have shown significant improvement on parameters
like strength, ductility and toughness.
The fourth phase of the investigation consist of modelling of HFRC using ATENA software.
Small prism of size 200 x 100 x 100 mm is modelled in ATEN to get the stress-strain curve
analytically. The results obtained from the ATENA model are compared with the experimental
values. The results shown good agreement with the experimental values within 15% variation. Later
with the inputs from 200 x 100 x 100 model, flexure specimen of 500 x 100 x 100 model has been
generated and analysed in ATENA. Results obtained from the flexure model are validated with
experimental results. Experimental results and values obtained by the ATENA model is within 10%
variation.
Overall the present study indicates that hybridisation of metallic and non-metallic fibers
improved the properties of concrete with respect to tensile strength, flexural strength and toughness
of the composite compared to mono-FRC and control mix for the same fiber volume fraction. Hence
HFRC proven to be effective in resisting the cracks developed in concrete at all stress levels.

CIVIL ENGINEERING
Author : SUDHEERKUMAR YANTRAPALLI
Title of the thesis : EVALUATION OF LOCALLY AVAILABLE CLAYEY

SOILS FOR THEIR SUITABILITY AS LANDFILL
LINERS
Guide : Dr. P. HARI KRISHNA
Degree : Ph. D.
ABSTRACT
Indiscriminate and improper disposal of industrial as well as municipal solid/liquid

wastes are highly responsible for the contamination of the soil and surrounding environment.
In-order to minimise the contamination, researchers have developed various disposal
methodologies such as solidification & immobilization, incineration, and land filling. Among
these methods, landfilling is considered to be safe and cost effective method when compared to
the rest. The efficiency of the engineered landfills highly depends on the hydraulic conductivity,
sorption capacity and cracking intensity of the liner material. In general, the hydraulic
conductivity of the liner material is considered as the main criterion for selecting the material
and for designing the engineered landfill liner system. However, in addition to the hydraulic
conductivity, sorption and cracking characteristics of the soils play a major role in preventing
the transport of contaminants through the landfill liner system.
The presence of organic chemicals in the leachate influences the migration of heavy
metals through the liner material. Among the various liner materials, compacted clay liner (CCL)
is predominantly used in the landfills because of their low hydraulic conductivity and high
sorption capacity. Formation of CCL requires large quantity of suitable soil as liner material. At
present, in Warangal the biggest city of Telangana, the entire waste is disposed in an open
dump yard in the out skirts of the city as there is no engineered landfill system, which is leading
to lot of pollution in the surrounding areas. The general soil profile of this city consist of Black
cotton soil and Red Earth of considerable thickness followed by murrum to very great depths.
In view of the above criteria, the two abundantly available local soils (Black cotton soil -
CH, Red Earth - CI) were selected to evaluate their suitability as liner material based on the
physical, sorption, breakthrough and cracking characteristics under the influence of organic
chemicals. In the present study an organic chemical Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic Acid (EDTA)
is used to understand the influence on the behaviour of clay liner. The sorption characteristics
of these materials were established by conducting batch sorption and column flow experiments
and the cracking characteristics were evaluated using image analysis criteria. Batch sorption
studies have shown that, the adsorption of metal ions by both the soils increase with increase in
pH of the heavy metal solution. In the presence of organic chemical (EDTA), the adsorption
decreases with the increase in the pH for both the soils. The column flow studies have revealed
that due to the multi metal (Pb, Ni, Cd and Cr) interaction, the diffusion of heavy metals
increased when compared to the single metal interaction for both the soils. Due to the presence
of organic chemical (EDTA) in the heavy metal solution, the diffusion characteristics of soils got
further increased. The image analysis on cracked CH and CI soils indicate that, the crack
intensity factor (CIF) is increasing with increase in water content and with the presence of
heavy metal solution. The migration of heavy metals is observed to be more through both the
soils due to the formation of cracks. However, the time to achieve breakthrough of heavy
metals (Pb, Ni, Cd and Cr which are considered in the present study) through CH soil is more
when compared to the CI soil. Among the four metals considered, chromium exhibited a
different sorption behaviour when compared to other heavy metals due to its anionic form. In
the presence of organic chemical EDTA, due to the formation of metal EDTA complex, there is
an increase in the mobility of heavy metals through the soils.
The crack intensity factor is found to increase with the increase in compaction water
content and number of wetting – drying cycles due to contaminants. Similarly, the value of
permeability ratio (Kr) is observed to increase with the compaction water content. The range of
increase in the permeability ratio is around 25% to 55% when the water content is increased
from dry of optimum to wet of optimum. The diffusion of heavy metals through desiccated soils
are in the range of 2.01 x 10-6 to 5.90 x 10-6 m2/sec for CH soil and 3.06 x 10-6 to 9.9 x 10-6
m2/sec for CI soil. From these studies, it is observed that the migration of heavy metals
through CH soil is less when compared to CI soil. This is due to the fact that, CH soil is having
good adsorption and more self-healing capacity when compared to CI soil. Based on the above
observations, it can be concluded that, the locally available CH soil can be used more effectively
as a compacted clay liner when compared to CI soil.
Key Words: Solid waste land fill, compacted clay liner, sorption studies, diffusion coefficient,
crack intensity factor (CIF), permeability ratio (Kr)

CIVIL ENGINEERING
Author : VEMU VENKATA PRAVEEN KUMAR
Title of the thesis : STUDY ON STRENGTH AND DURABILITY

CHARACTERISTICS OF LIME SLUDGE BASED
BLENDED CEMENT CONCRETE
Guide : Dr. D. RAVI PRASAD
Degree : Ph. D.
ABSTRACT
Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) is most conventionally used as the primary binder to
produce concrete due to availability of the raw materials. The environmental issues associated
with the production of OPC are well known, namely the amount of the carbon dioxide released
during the manufacture of OPC due to the calcination of limestone and combustion of fossil
fuels. Concrete is one the most commonly used material in construction industry all over the
world possessing good strength and durability characteristics. The increased demand for
cement has led to huge emission of greenhouse gases. Production of 1 ton of cement is
producing similar amount of CO2 which is about 5-7% of total carbon emission globally which is
extremely hazardous and in turn leading to global warming. This figure is likely to increase even
more in the coming decades. This is mainly because many developing countries are undergoing
swift development in the infrastructure to meet the increased demand for growing population.
To meet the increased demand of infrastructure, necessity of production of concrete using
natural materials also increased which is the main reason for carbon footprint. The use of
Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) in blended concrete can reduce the amount of
CO2 into the atmosphere and also sustainability can be maintained (Imbabi et al. 2012). In
Recent times, SCMs and their use in blended concrete receiving great attention all over the
world. Blended concrete using SCMs have economic and performance benefits compared to
conventional concrete. Many supplementary cementitious materials (SCM’s) like fly ash, silica
fume, slag cement, rice husk ash, metakaolin, palm oil fuel ash are being used extensively but
less attention is given on the use of Lime Sludge in concrete and its suitability. Keeping these
issues in mind the present investigation is carried out on the utilization of lime sludge as one of
the supplementary cementitious material with other mineral admixtures in blended cement
concrete.

Based on the available literature, it was noticed that lot of researchers have focused on
supplementary cementitious materials in order to reduce the consumption of cement content in
concrete and to replace it with other suitable materials. Strength and durability were the
parameters determined by many researchers using supplementary cementitious materials,
where as to understand the materials in structural applications, there is a definite need to
understand complete behaviour of materials in concrete using fly ash, silica fume and lime
sludge. In addition to strength and durability, constitutive stress strain relationship and moment
curvature relations are investigated in the present study.
Firstly, lime sludge was procured from nearby paper industry and the physical tests,
chemical analysis and SEM analysis was performed on it. After obtaining the chemical
composition of Lime sludge, suitability of lime sludge in preparing the concrete is verified by
partially replacing cement by the sludge from 0-30% at an interval of 10% in three different
grades of concrete. Total specimens cast for this is 72 cubes of standard size 150 X 150 X 150
mm size, 72 cylinders of standard size 150 mm diameter and 300 mm height and 36 prisms of
standard size 500 X 100 X 100 mm. Mechanical properties such as compressive, split tensile and
flexural strength at 7 and 28 days were evaluated for lime sludge based concrete and compared
it with control mix .The results indicated the beneficiary effect of lime sludge as a partial
replacement of cement due to the presence of high calcium content. Further the investigation is
carried out in preparing blended concrete.
The investigation then focused on developing ternary blended cement concrete mix of
different grades 30MPa, 50MPa and 70MPa containing fly ash, silica fume and lime sludge in
different proportions to evaluate its mechanical and durability properties. The mineral
admixtures used in the investigation were optimized consecutively. Firstly, experimental
investigation was carried out to find out the optimum content of fly ash at different cement
replacement levels of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25%. With the optimal dosage of fly ash, a
binary mix is developed using fly ash and by replacing cement at different levels of 0, 4%, 6%,
8%, 10% of silica fume and then with the obtained optimum contents of fly ash and silica
fume, ternary blended cement concrete mix is developed with fly ash (FA), silica fume (SF) and
lime sludge (LS) as replacement to cement at different levels of 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%. In
order to determine the optimum contents of mineral admixtures such as fly ash, silica fume and
lime sludge with the presence of cement and to develop ternary blended cement concrete mix,
a total of 144 cubes of size 150 x 150 x 150 mm were cast, water cured for 28 days and tested.
Durability is one of the most important aspects to be verified for any concrete and the
same was performed on the established ternary blended cement concrete specimens and
comparison was done with control mix specimens using OPC.
In the current investigation the following parameters were evaluated such as cumulative
sorpitivity coefficient, acid mass loss factor (AMLF), acid strength loss factor (ASLF) and acid
durability factor (ADF) in HCl and H2SO4 concentration of 5% along with advanced techniques
for evaluation of chloride attack on concrete specimens like Rapid Chlorination Penetration Test

(RCPT) performed on the optimum dosages of Ternary blended mix and compared with control
mix to evaluate the durability characteristics. Sorpitivity coefficient was determined by casting
18 cubes of standard size 150 X 150 X 150 mm and placing them in water tubs. The results
indicated the blended cement concrete mixes were having lower sorpitivity values compared to
control mix indicating the impermeable nature of concrete specimens due to the presence of
these mineral admixtures.
Acid mass loss factor and acid strength loss factor were determined at 7, 28 and 56
days by casting 108 cubes of standard size 150 X 150 X 150 mm immersed in 5% concentration
HCl and H2SO4 solution. Mass and strength of the concrete specimens was measured initially
before the placement of specimens in acid tubs and mass of specimens was measured after the
exposure periods. The comparison of concrete specimens was performed before and after the
exposure period and thus acid mass loss factor and strength loss factor are determined. The
results inferred that the ternary blended cement concrete specimens have shown better
resistance in an acidic environment compared to control mix specimens for all the grades
investigated.
Chloride ion penetration into the ternary blended cement concrete and control mix
concrete specimens was performed by rapid chlorination penetration test. Blended cement
concrete specimens were superior compared to control mix specimens as the current passed
into the specimens was lower compared to control mix.
Accelerated corrosion penetration test was also performed by casting cylinders of size
100 mm diameter and 200 mm height with a steel reinforcement rod of 8 mm diameter placed
exactly at the centre. The results inferred that the blended cement concrete performed superior
compared to control mix.
Constitutive stress strain characteristics of ternary blended cement concrete mix and
control mix were performed by casting and testing cylinder specimens. The results indicated
that the peak stress and the strain carrying capacity corresponding to peak stress of blended
cement concrete specimens was higher compared to control mix specimens. It is evident, that
the inclusion of these mineral admixtures as a partial replacement of cement has shown better
performance compared to control mix.
Experimental moment curvature relationship was also investigated with the optimized
contents of mineral admixtures and compared with control mix specimens. A total of 12 singly
reinforced concrete beams of size 1800 mm X 100 mm X 200 mm were designed, cast and
tested. The results indicated that there is a beneficial effect of mineral additives. There is a
considerable increase in moment carrying capacity and corresponding curvature of ternary
blended reinforced cement concrete beams compared with control mix specimens. The
validation of experimental moment curvature relationship was performed using finite element
method based software ATENA. The moment and curvature values obtained through modelling
were in good agreement with the experimental results.

CIVIL ENGINEERING
Author : VILLURI MAHALAKSHMI NAIDU
Title of the thesis : MODELLING TRIP GENERATION RATES FOR INDIAN

CITIES
Guide : Dr.C. S. R. K. Prasad
Degree : Ph. D.
ABSTRACT
In this modern world where everything is becoming smart, there is a great need for the
trip forecasting to catch up with the transportation planning. Cities across the world are growing
in terms of their urban area and in number. Every city has its travel demand based on its socio-
economic and land use characteristics. Number of trips generated in a day per person in a city
is considered as Trip Rate. In this work, trip generation rate, Per Capita Trip Rate are
synonymous with the word Trip Rate.
Present transportation planning models are prepared for estimation of cross-sectional

data, hence are referred to as cross-sectional demand models. These works have demonstrated
the theoretical and practical significance of developing travel demand models based on panel
data (Kitamura 1988; Kitamura 1990; Meurs 1990; Goodwin et al. 1987; Michael et al. 2002 and
2006). Residential trip rates are underreported by the residents, especially trips that are not
made with consistency. Retail trips are probably underreported than trips for work purpose
(Reid 1982; Kumar et al. 1993). Modelling of small urban regions using single internal trip
purpose was carried out by Anderson (2001).
Yam et al. (2000) formulated a multi linear regression model to assess traffic generation
to high density, large scale, multi-story public residential accommodation estates in Hong Kong.
The cross-classification analysis is more universally adopted (McNally 2000) with applications in
passenger travel (Guevara et al. 2007) and also freight (Bastida et al. 2009). Even though,
there were various attempts in the field of trip generation, quick estimates of trip generation
rates for developing countries has become a field of rare focus. Keeping this in view, trip
generation rate estimation process is studied for a developing country like India.
Trip generation studies include Cross-classification, Linear Regression, count data and
neural network techniques. However, there is requirement for advancement in this matter.

Instant estimation of trip generation rates for developing countries is required. Hence, this
research work is taken up.
Parameters related to socio-economic status and land use were considered in the study.
It is found that trip rate varies with power function, trip length varies linearly with respect to
population of the city. Both these parameters vary exponentially with population density. For
combined data, City Population and Industrial Area (%) are found to be having a logical sign,
and population parameter is found to be most significant in the trip rate model. Cities were
categorized based on population and area. Cities are categorized based on the population as
CP1 (Population <10 Lakhs), CP2 (Population: 10-40 Lakhs) and CP3 (Population >40 Lakhs).
Cities are categorized based on the Area as CA1 (Area <300 sq.km), CA2 (Area: 300-1000
sq.km) and CA3 (Area >1000 sq.km). Regression models were developed for these categories.
Regression models were developed for combined cities and categorized cities data. As multiple
parameters are available, the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is used to reduce the
dimensionality. Combined data (Socio-economic and Land-Use) is processed to get principal
components. Better regression models were developed for the data of all the cities with
principal components.
Data was processed through Artificial Neural Network (ANN) for trip rate prediction. For
accurate prediction of trip rate, ANN has been applied. The Artificial neural network analysis
with same data (Socio-economic and Land-Use) was employed. Performance of these models
using ANN is found to be better than the performance of corresponding regression models.
Various sets of Nomograms were developed to assess the trip rate using different input
variables for all the city categories considered. PyNomo, sub-module of Python program was
used for developing Nomograms. For all categories of cities, various Nomograms were
developed with single and two input variables.
Trip rate increase with population size and this increase is steep up to a population of 40
lakhs. There is an abrupt change around 40 lakhs and increase in trip rate is found to be
nominal, beyond 40 lakh population. The trip length of the city increases with the increase in
population size. Regression analysis revealed that city population is found to be the significant
variable in explaining Trip Rate. The training function TRAINLM has performed perfectly using
the Feed Forward Back Propagation algorithm producing a predicted trip rate value. Principal
Components with Artificial Neural Network arrangement models yielded superior correlation
coefficient.

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CIVIL ENGINEERING HOME

Author : ANIL MODINPUROJU

Title of the thesis : FACILITY BASED RURAL ROAD NETWOR PLANNING

Guide : Dr. C. S. R. K. PRASAD

Student ID No. : 701302

Fund available for rural road construction/upgrade is usually a constraint in developing

NITW - Annual Research Digest Of Ph. D. Theses (2018-2019)

Author : ARUKALA SUCHITH REDDY

Title of the thesis : DEVELOPMENT OF A FRAMEWORK FOR

Guide : Dr. P. RATHISH KUMAR

Student ID No. : 716105

NITW - Annual Research Digest Of Ph. D. Theses (2018-2019)

The present study is focused on implementation and adoption of sustainable principles

NITW - Annual Research Digest Of Ph. D. Theses (2018-2019)

To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, a detailed program is designed and carried

This phase of work emphasizes on developing preference-based sustainable building

NITW - Annual Research Digest Of Ph. D. Theses (2018-2019)

More broadly, Sustainable Building Assessment Tool (SBAT) contributes to the

NITW - Annual Research Digest Of Ph. D. Theses (2018-2019)

Title of the thesis : RUTTING POTENTIAL OF COIR GEOTEXTILES AS

Guide : Dr. S. SHANKAR

Student ID No. : 701405

NITW - Annual Research Digest Of Ph. D. Theses (2018-2019)

Title of the thesis : GAP ACCEPTANCE BEHAVIOUR AND CAPACITY

Guide : Dr. K. V. R. RAVISHANKAR

Student ID No. : 701401

NITW - Annual Research Digest Of Ph. D. Theses (2018-2019)

Author : DANG DONG NGUYEN

Title of the thesis : THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON

Guide : Dr. K.V. JAYAKUMAR

Student ID No. : 715014

NITW - Annual Research Digest Of Ph. D. Theses (2018-2019)

Traditional multivariate parametric distributions have widely been applied for

NITW - Annual Research Digest Of Ph. D. Theses (2018-2019)

Author : DASARI KARTHIK

Title of the thesis : A SCIENTIFIC APPROACH TO ESTIMATE THE

Guide : Dr. C.B. KAMESWARA RAO

Student ID No. : 715001

From the literature it is evident that utilization of human physical parameters in

Present research is specifically focused on masonry labour construction. An investigation

HPI is a non-dimensional and MLP is a dimensional parameter. MLP can be made in to

The study contributes to knowledge about the utilization of parameters related to

NITW - Annual Research Digest Of Ph. D. Theses (2018-2019)

Author : HANUMA KASAGANI

Title of the thesis : A STUDY ON STRENGTH AND DEFORMATION OF

Guide : Dr. C.B. KAMESWARA RAO

Student ID No. : 714104

NITW - Annual Research Digest Of Ph. D. Theses (2018-2019)

Phase-I: Study on Mono Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (MGFRC)

Fiber dispersion and fiber orientation at fracture plane of specimens is examined

Normal compressive stress generates transverse tensile strain. As the compressive

Strain softening in compression and strain hardening in tension is noticed. Irrespective

NITW - Annual Research Digest Of Ph. D. Theses (2018-2019)

A model is developed for predicting stress–strain curves of MFRC in tension and

Phase-II: Study on Graded Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GGFRC)

NITW - Annual Research Digest Of Ph. D. Theses (2018-2019)

Compression test was conducted on cube specimens of M30-GGFRC and M50-GGFRC

NITW - Annual Research Digest Of Ph. D. Theses (2018-2019)

 Vu = (0.35fck) + (0.014Asv)-(0.001Sv)-(0.04Ast)-(0.73a/d) + (0.24Vf)