International Journal of Civil, Environmental and Agricultural Engineering

Study on Key Determinants for TQM Adoption in Construction Practices: An Indian Perspective

Anandakumar S — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of this paper is to explore the factors that influence the implementation of TQM practices in the construction industry. The study was conducted in Tamil Nadu from June 2015 to January 2016. The researchers used a random sample approach to collect data from participants. A questionnaire-based approach was chosen to collect information from participants. Statistical tools such as Cronbach's Alpha, exploratory factor analysis, multiple regression, correlation, standard deviation, and coefficient variation were employed in the study. Nine crucial dimensions of TQM implementation were identified: customer-oriented factors, organizational culture factors, internal communication factors, supplier-related factors, employee participation factors, employee development factors, employee training factors, availability of equipment factors, and process improvement factors. TQM implementation is influenced by a number of factors, including but not limited to customer-oriented factors; organizational culture factors; employee participation factors; employee development factors; availability of equipment factors; and process improvement factors. The study found that TQM implementation is driven by customer-oriented factors. Among engineers and project managers, the focus on customer-oriented factors was the highest. The results of this study can be used to inform policy makers, helping them create effective TQM policies in the construction industry.

Impact of Farmer Producer Companies on Small and Marginal Millet growers

Nandhini S, Narmadha R — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Farmer Producer Company (FPCs) is a viable option to increase the farmers’ income through their collective actions. FPCs are emerging in larger number with the support of SFAC and NABARD to provide business services to small and marginal farmers. Many small and marginal farmers depends on the FPCs. Therefore, the present study aims to find the impact of farmer producer companies on small and marginal millet growers in Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu. The primary data was collected from 60 members and 60 non-members of farmer producer companies comprising total of 120 millet growers. The study employed resource use efficiency and stochastic frontier model to find the profits earned by the millet growers. The sample FPC established a robust backward and forward linkages in which millet growers realized a profit for their produce. The study also found that, in addition to value added products, allied enterprises like cattle and poultry farming brought an additional income for sample FPCs. The results concluded that millet growers gained a substantial increase in farm revenue.

Sustainable Utilization of Marble Dust and Rice Husk Ash as a Partial Substitute for Fine Aggregate in Concrete

Saranya K, Karthikeyan S — Fri, 22 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

A sustainable method for partially substituting fine aggregate in concrete with marble dust and rice husk ash is described. This approach focuses on the utilization of these materials to minimize environmental impact while maintaining the integrity of the concrete structure. In this study, the fine aggregate was partially substituted with marble dust and rice husk ash. Additionally, sisal fiber was incorporated as secondary reinforcement for concrete at percentages of cement by weight. Concrete has good compressive strength but is weak in tension and bending. Thus, sisal fibers were added to enhance the mechanical properties. Sisal fibers were included at 0.1% and 0.2% of cement weight for varying percentages of mineral admixture substitution. 30% of cement was replaced with mineral admixtures, with replacement levels of 0%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 30% of marble dust and rice husk ash. The slump cone and compaction factor tests were performed on fresh concrete mixes to determine workability. Standard cubes, cylinders, and prisms were cast to evaluate the compressive, split tensile, and flexural strengths of the hardened concrete. The results show that the replacement of cement with marble dust and rice husk ash with sisal fiber as an additional reinforcing material shows considerable improvement in tensile and flexural strength. The material properties and test results are presented graphically.

Hip Implant Design using Stainless Steel 316L for Enhanced Stability and Patient Comfort

Rajeshkumar G, Mohammed Nasrullah H, Nithesh Kanna S, Santhosh Kumar, Vignesh M — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 16:11:08 +0000

In a hip replacement procedure, the damaged bone and cartilage are removed and replaced with an artificial component known as prosthesis. Despite advancements in implant sterilization, design, fixation techniques, and the introduction of robotic surgery, a persistent challenge is to identify an optimal, patient-specific hip implant that meets individual criteria. The primary objective of the proposed study was to create a highly accurate patient-specific hip implant by standardizing the existing design. The secondary objective aimed to demonstrate the superiority of a customized design over a conventional one. Geometric measurements of the hip were extracted from CT scans using MIMICS 20.0 software, and the implant design was developed using SolidWorks. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was employed for meshing and analyzing the planned implant. Comparative research through FEA analysis indicated that a customized implant made from SSL 13 material outperformed the standard implant, showcasing its suitability for the patients studied.

Impact of age hardening on the corrosion characteristics of dissimilar aluminum alloys welded using an innovative MIG welding approach

Sahil Garg, Arulpandian Palanisamy — Wed, 27 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

An innovative metal transfer technique in MIG welding was utilized to join aluminum-based alloys such as 6061 and 5083. Following welding, the specimens underwent heat treatment to explore their corrosion resistance by modifying their microstructure. Tafel polarization curve analysis was employed to evaluate the corrosion performance of the weld zone. The findings indicated that finer microstructures in the weldment led to a notable shift towards less negative corrosion potentials compared to coarser microstructures observed in the as-welded condition. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction were used to investigate the microstructural morphology and phase identification of the weld zone. The findings of these tests revealed a link between microstructure and corrosion behaviours.