Risk-based Optimization of Sensor Distribution in Roof Constructions – A Conceptual Study

The objective of placing moisture sensors in roof constructions is to warn about leakage events, and thus avoid undesirable consequences. However, considering that placing an additional sensor is directly related to increasing the total cost of the solution, the distribution and placement of the sensor system should be sought as a risk-based problem seeking for the most optimal solution. This paper conceptualises a risk-based optimization methodology that seeks the optimal solution for the sensor system in roof constructions as the one that maximises the return of investment. The latter is sought as a function of the leakage risk, which is derived as a multiplication of the likelihood that leakage events may occur in a roofing system, and their consequences, defined as the amount of direct (and indirect) costs in case a leakage event occurs. The optimal solution is expressed as the total number of sensors and their geometrical distribution. This conceptual study intends to foster innovative usage of sensor systems within the construction sector to allow owners and contractors to identify and avoid consequences of leakage events in roofing systems.

Influence of the Datum Definition on the Accuracy of Horizontal Geodetic Control Networks for Engineering Objects

For the construction of various civil engineering structures, particular care should be taken in the perspective of geodetic control. Therefore, the design and implementation of the geodetic network deserves special attention. This paper is focused on various aspects of datum definitions for tested micro-triangulation network. It was shown that the geometrical distribution of datum points in a minimally constrained solution has a great impact on the accuracy of the geodetic network. Estimates of the accuracies of individual station y-x coordinates, error circles and error ellipses, obtained by free adjustment, where the datum selection was independent of errors in fixed coordinates, revealed much better quality of control points.

Total Appearance Measurements of Special Effect Finish after Real-Live Tests

Special-effect finishes are used in many applications to create new color impressions, pronouncing the design of a product and at the same time making the product appear alive. Total appearance conducting color and geometrical factors such as gloss, shape, etc. Gloss is an attribute of visual appearance that originates from the geometrical distribution of the light reflected by the surface. This paper presents new technologies that were developed to objectively describe total impression of appearance special effect finishes, coated composites and automotive paints after real live tests.

Transmittal properties of a superconductor-ferromagnetic metamaterial subjected to magnetic fields generated by the permanent magnets

Superconductor-ferromagnetic (FN) metamaterial with effective magnetic shielding and transmittal properties that allow the cloaking and transferring of static magnetic fields has been introduced. Most metamaterials consist of different arrangements of superconducting and ferromagnetic materials whose performance and feasibility mainly depend on the involved materials, their geometrical distribution and the permeability of each. In this paper, combining the method of transformation optics with the design of metamaterials, we experimentally demonstrated a superconductor-FM metamaterial system, composed of two coaxial cylinders of different lengths, to investigate the influence of the length and the properties of superconducting material on the magnetic transferring properties of the magnetic field produced by the permanent magnets. By comparing the transmittal magnetic field of different cases, the optimal structure has been ultimately achieved in terms of calculating the transmitted magnetic field ratios. The insights attained by the present study are aimed to provide useful implications for the design of wireless energy transmission and increasing the efficiency of magnetic transmittal devices.