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Energy Landscape of Rwanda and Institutional Framework
Ituze Gemma,
Mwongereza Jean d’Amour,
Abimana Colette,
Rwema Michel,
Chisale Paul
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 3, June 2017
Pages:
16-22
Received:
22 April 2017
Accepted:
28 April 2017
Published:
21 June 2017
Abstract: This paper reviews Rwanda’s energy landscape. It looked into potentials energy resources, installed capacities and available technologies. Rwanda is well-endowed with energy resources, such as solar, biomass, hydro, and methane gas and geothermal, though most of these resources remain untapped. Energy is considered the most powerful keys for a country to measure its economy development. Therefore, the inter-paly between energy production and consumption, and is preccussor of the level of development. The access to clean energy is very paramount and brings along with it alot of socio-economic benefits to the citizens in terms of poverty reduction, cost effectiveness and safegaurding the environment. As a result of improving the service sector with emphasis on energy, regulatory, legal and institution framework measures, Rwanda has been, in 21st century, one of the ten fastest growing economies in the world. Among others, has fast growing energy accessibility rate of 8 % in 2008 that is currently standing at 23%. Rwanda has an ambitoius target to be achieved 70% access rate by 2017/2018. Hydro remains the major source of electricity; followed by solar which has high potential; biomass, at 85%, is Rwanda’s primary energy source; and lake Kivu methane gas is the new source of energy.
Abstract: This paper reviews Rwanda’s energy landscape. It looked into potentials energy resources, installed capacities and available technologies. Rwanda is well-endowed with energy resources, such as solar, biomass, hydro, and methane gas and geothermal, though most of these resources remain untapped. Energy is considered the most powerful keys for a coun...
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Finite Element Analysis of FRP Strengthened Masonry Walls Subject to In-Plane Loading
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 3, June 2017
Pages:
23-35
Received:
28 February 2017
Accepted:
4 May 2017
Published:
31 July 2017
Abstract: Interest in the application of Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) for strengthening of masonry buildings has been growing steadily due to their ease of application and favorable structural at tributes. Some of these structural attributes include high ductility, stiffness, corrosion resistance and low weight. Studies have shown that FRP composites can improve the lateral resistance of un- reinforced masonry (URM) walls significantly. Analytical models and numerical calculations using finite element models developed for both cross and grid configurations of FRP strengthening are discussed in this paper. Different FRP strips are applied along the wall diagonals in the form of “X” shape and vertically and horizontally along the wall on one side. The walls were subjected to in-plane loading. Results showed that the application of FRP strips modified the static behavior of the walls due to transfer of tensile stresses from masonry to the FRP strips.
Abstract: Interest in the application of Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) for strengthening of masonry buildings has been growing steadily due to their ease of application and favorable structural at tributes. Some of these structural attributes include high ductility, stiffness, corrosion resistance and low weight. Studies have shown that FRP composites can i...
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Assessment on the Performance of a Rainwater Harvesting System
Azzlia Mohd Unaini,
Muhammad Rizal Razali,
Thamer Ahmed Mohammed Ali,
Aidi Hizami Alias,
Ernaleza Mahsum
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 3, June 2017
Pages:
36-43
Received:
7 August 2017
Published:
7 August 2017
Abstract: The rainwater harvesting system is an alternative way to meet domestic water demand. At the same time, it can also help in reducing run-off, especially in urban areas. In this study, a rainwater harvesting system, which located at the Faculty of Engineering, was taken as a case study. Indicators that measure the performance of the rainwater harvesting system have been developed. One such indicators are reliability, which is dependent on the rainfall and water consumption patterns, tank size and effective roof area. Flow meter and rain gauge used to measure the volume of harvested rainwater and collect the rainfall depth data respectively. In this study also, a model is developed to predict the volume of rainwater harvesting with respect to the rainfall depth with a particular roof catchment. It demonstrates good fits with R2 = 0.952. The reliability of rainwater harvesting using existing tank 4.08 m3 is 60.8%, 66.5%, 67.7% and 98.2% for Consumption 1 (flushing toilets, gardening and washing vehicle), Consumption 2 (flushing toilets and gardening), Consumption 3 (gardening and washing vehicle) and Consumption 4 (flushing toilets and washing vehicle) respectively. The run-off coefficient for the selected roof is found to be 0.92.
Abstract: The rainwater harvesting system is an alternative way to meet domestic water demand. At the same time, it can also help in reducing run-off, especially in urban areas. In this study, a rainwater harvesting system, which located at the Faculty of Engineering, was taken as a case study. Indicators that measure the performance of the rainwater harvest...
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Study of Vertical Variation Regularity of Horizontal Soil Arching Height Along Pile Length
Dengfeng Li,
Xiewen Hu,
Xiaoyan Zhao,
Jingwu Zhang,
Victor Maicolo Nhansumba
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 3, June 2017
Pages:
44-49
Received:
7 August 2017
Published:
7 August 2017
Abstract: Stabilizing piles are now considered one of the most effective measures of enhancing the stability of landslides, the horizontal soil arching effect has an important influence on the force of the structure between piles. Until now, the variation of the soil arching height along pile length is not considered in practice, and the variation which can affect the force of stabilizing piles and the structures between piles. This paper presents the numerical simulation to analyze the law of the variation of soil arching height along pile length. The results show that (a) the height of the soil arching decreases monotonously along pile length; (b) the position of the soil arching appears above sliding surface and under the pile-top; (c) the soil arching effect cannot be considered under the sliding surface.
Abstract: Stabilizing piles are now considered one of the most effective measures of enhancing the stability of landslides, the horizontal soil arching effect has an important influence on the force of the structure between piles. Until now, the variation of the soil arching height along pile length is not considered in practice, and the variation which can ...
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