http://researchspace.csir.co.za:80/dspace The Researchspace digital repository system captures, stores, indexes, preserves, and distributes digital research material. Wed, 16 May 2012 02:24:02 GMT 2012-05-16T02:24:02Z http://hdl.handle.net/10204/5859 Title: Creep recovery behaviour of bituminous binders - relevance to permanent deformation of asphalt pavements Authors: Mturi, GAJ; Nkgapele, M; O'Connell, J Abstract: The increase in traffic loads and loading time in road pavements worldwide has resulted in the widespread usage of polymer modified binders (PMBs) since they offer increased resistance to pavement distresses. The extensive use of inherently different modifiers has expanded the range of PMBs to select from when designing pavements in order to avoid pavement deformation. The new binder selection criterion using the Multiple Stress Creep and Recovery (MSCR) protocol as per ASTM D7405 is meant to differentiate the resistance to permanent deformation of different road binders. The MSCR test is essentially a repeated creep-recovery test at a fixed loading/unloading interval. This paper aims to highlight the limitations of the MSCR test but also show how creep tests can differentiate the resistance to permanent deformation for different bituminous binders, whether modified or unmodified. The paper will also illustrate creep as a time-dependent deformation phenomenon that is specific to the rate and magnitude of traffic load. Description: 2nd International Conference on Road and Rail Infrastructure, Dubrovnik, Croatia, 7-9 May 2012 Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10204/5859 2012-05-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10204/5858 Title: Supercomputing for weather and climate modelling: convenience or necessity Authors: Landman, WA; Beraki, A; Engelbrecht, F; Landman, S Abstract: Weather and climate modelling require dedicated computer infrastructure in order to generate high-resolution, large ensemble, various models with different configurations, etc. in order to optimise operational forecasts and climate projections. High end computing is also required for doing research on the weather and climate system. Description: Centre for High Performance Computing National Meeting and 5th BELIEF Symposium, Sandton Convention Centre, Gauteng, 7-11 December 2009 Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10204/5858 2009-12-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10204/5856 Title: The Internet of Things in bridging the gap in municipal service delivery in South Africa Authors: Dlodlo, N; Olwal, T; Mvelase, P Abstract: There continues to be high expectations of the government from the citizens of South Africa to improve the delivery of services , and hence the need to come up with comprehensive measures to alleviate the problem. This paper proposes the adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in enhancing service delivery in the South African municipalities. The paper is an attempt to influence policy on the potential of IoT to lessen the impact of some of the service delivery hurdles through examples of IoT applications that can make a difference to the South African economy. The paper identifies not only the sectors of the economy that fall under municipal service delivery but also a number of IoT applications that can be of value. Description: IST Africa 2012, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 9-11 May 2012 Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10204/5856 2012-05-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10204/5855 Title: How hard do mineworkers work? An assessment of workplace stress associated with routine mining activities Authors: Schutte, PC; Edwards, A; Milanzi, LA Abstract: Mining operations are frequently associated with difficult working conditions and high levels of workplace stress. Workplace stress can be defined as the harmful physical and emotional responses that oc-cur when the psychological and/or physiological requirements of the job do not match the capabilities or needs of the worker. Evidence in the literature suggest that unacceptable levels of workplace stress influence workers' health and safety and could result in accidents and injuries, as well as poorer worker well being. Information on the physiological strain (the combined strain reflected by the thermoregulatory and car-diovascular systems) of mineworkers is rather limited and, where information is available, it has been based on the physiological responses of young, healthy males only. There is also no information available on the role of psychological factors in the development of workplace stress in the local mining industry. At present mines are required to accommodate a diverse workforce comprising of males and females. The current difficulties experienced with the placement of female miners in underground occupations where physical work is performed, highlights the need for more information on the physiological strain and psycho-logical stress associated with mining occupations. To address this lack of specific knowledge exploratory stu-dies were undertaken and the results obtained are discussed in this paper. Description: 2012 Mine Ventilation Society of South Africa Conference, Emperors Palace, Kempton Park, 28-30 March 2012 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10204/5855 2012-03-01T00:00:00Z