Simulation means driving a model of a system with suitable inputs and observing the corresponding outputs. It is widely applied in engineering, in business, and in the physical and social sciences. Simulation method ology araws on computer. science, statistics, and operations research and is now sufficiently developed and coherent to be called a discipline in its own right. A course in simulation is an essential part of any operations re search or computer science program. A large fraction of applied work in these fields involves simulation; the techniques of simulation, as tools, are as fundamental as those of linear programming or compiler construction, for example. Simulation sometimes appears deceptively easy, but perusal of this book will reveal unexpected depths. Many simulation studies are statistically defective and many simulation programs are inefficient. We hope that our book will help to remedy this situation. It is intended to teach how to simulate effectively. A simulation project has three crucial components, each of which must always be tackled: (1) data gathering, model building, and validation; (2) statistical design and estimation; (3) programming and implementation. Generation of random numbers (Chapters 5 and 6) pervades simulation, but unlike the three components above, random number generators need not be constructed from scratch for each project. Usually random number packages are available. That is one reason why the chapters on random numbers, which contain mainly reference material, follow the ch!lPters deal ing with experimental design and output analysis.
This book covers new advances in materials and methods, particularly orientated towards the optimization of energy expenditure required for the preparation of aggregates, bituminous binders and bituminous mixtures and the implications which arise with regard to the European specifications and codes of practice.
Every year more than 30 million tonnes of bituminous mixtures are laid in the UK in the course of maintenance and improvements of the road network. However, much of the technology associated with road construction and maintenance has never been published - until now. Bituminous mixtures in road construction has been published as the definitive guide to blacktop and addresses the theoretical and practical aspects of the design, manufacture and laying of bituminous mixtures. Written by a team of leading experts, the book provides up-to-the-minute thinking in materials specification, test methods and harmonisation of standards and covers all aspects of fully flexible road construction from foundation design through to surface treatment. In one handy volume, Bituminous mixtures in road construction presents the best of British expertise and will prove to be an essential guide for all engineers working on the construction and maintenance of highways.
This guide reviews the way asphalt mixture can be specified, with particular emphasis on the test methods used to measure performance. The advantages and limitations of the tests are described for measuring the desired property, and engineers can specify a test according to the material’s use. The book starts with a resume of specifications and their relative advantages and disadvantages for different situations. Then different properties are discussed in terms of: their specification; the test methods that can be used (primarily the EN 12697 suite of European methods, of which the author has been responsible for drafting); the extent to which the results predict performance; the levels that can be achieved with different asphalt mixes and types; what levels, if any, should be specified in various situations and pavement layers; and which other properties are adversely affected by enhanced performance. The final section covers various aspects of sustainability, with a strong emphasis on durability. Better understanding should enable clients and consultants who specify pavements to produce durable asphalt pavements more economically, and also help asphalt producers and students trying to understand the black art of asphalt.
The maintenance and upgrading of our built environment, including large sections of coastal defences, relies heavily on natural construction materials. The text aims to highlight a range of pressing research issues in natural construction materials of direct relevance to an industry facing growing pressures for environmental sustainability and standardization of product quality within Europe. Tests and specifications given in the forthcoming Eurostandards for aggregates and armourstones are considered and correlated with older more widely used tests, including those which could impact upon current road safety. This text should be useful to: aggregate and amourstone suppliers and users; civil and engineering geologists; quarry companies; and Local and County Authority engineers and coastal engineers.
