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Theses and dissertations (Engineering and Built Environment)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://ir-dev.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/10

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    An analysis of the factors influencing the relationship between soil properties and optimum moisture content and the formulation of an abbreviated test method of determinig maximum dry density
    (1997) Allinsin, Anthony James; Coetzee, J.
    The strength and durability of any soil structure is dependent on the quality of the compaction of the soil. This quality is measured by employing a standard compaction test, which provides a standard with which density may be compared, called the maximum dry density, and the moisture content of the soil at which this is achieved, called the optimum moisture content. As a matter of routine during quality control, the particle size distribution, plasticity index and liquid limit of the soil are determined at the same time as its maximum dry density and optimum moisture content.
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    Cost effective electrical reticulation of the rural areas in Transkei at the district of Lady Frere (Nkolonga)
    (1995) Booi, Bongani Mpumelelo; Khumalo, J.
    The purpose of this study is to investigate the most cost effective way of electrifying rural areas in the Transkei concentrating in the district of Lady Frere. One Administrative Area (A.A) was used for research. Questionnaires were send to people of this area where a like rat format was followed. For the purpose of this study, 20 families were randomly selected for investigation.
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    An investigation into the quality of supply voltage dip-proofing
    (1998) Lange, Lyle George; Crow, A.
    With the ever increasing electrical demand on an electrical system, the quality of the supply will be tested more and more. And it is with this deteriorating quality that the topic of voltage dips and depressions has become a contentious issue amounts the industrial sector and supply authorities, hence the means to combat this issue in recent years.
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    The development of techniques for the analysis of reactive dyes in textile dyeing wastewater
    (1999) Hansa, Ayesha; Buckley, Chris
    An environmental problem facing the textile industry is the coloured effluent from the dyeing of cellulosic fibres with reactive dyes. Reactive dye loss during dyeing operations is about 10 to 40 %, indicating the need to learn more about the fate of these dyes. Increasing environmental regulations are driving technical innovation to manage this problem. Good analytical techniques for the separation and detection of reactive dyes and their derivatives are necessary for monitoring dye-house effluent, as well as in the optimisation of dye synthesis, purification, formulation and application.
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    Development of an interface monitor to operate over a data transmission line
    (1994) Crankshaw, Brett Robert; Bajic, Vladimir B.; Galbraith, Bruce G.
    One of the telecommunication facilities provided by Telkom S.A. is connection to the National and International X.25 data network. This network follows the international data protocol standard based upon the CCITT Recommendation X.25. The network allows data calls to be made from the X.25 user in very much the same fashion as a caller on the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), in that the caller must specify the number of the called user on the network in order to be connected. It is in this environment, specifically in the testing and maintaining of these data circuits, that this study is based.
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    Controlling the feedrate of material from a vibratory pipe conveyor using an electro-magnetic vibrator and load cell system
    (1994) Janse van Vuuren, Gary Peter; Eitelberg, E.
    This work presents a novel way of controlling the feed rate of raw material from a vibratory pipe feeder system. The system consists of a hopper, feeder pipe, electromechanical vibrator and a loadcell which measures the mass of the complete system. Raw material is gravity fed onto the vibrating pipe whose amplitude of vibration controls the amount of material fed.
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    Design of a non-linear analog PID controller
    (1997) Govender, Poobalan; Bajic, Vladimir B.
    In this study we propose an analogue nonlinear PID controller with antiwindup and dead-time compensation to optimise the control of loops experiencing degradation in the control performance as a result of dead-time and saturation nonlinearity. Loops containing a significant dead-time are notoriously difficult to control. The proposed controller optimises the control of loops experiencing the negative effects of saturation and dead-time.
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    An investigation into concrete pole damage to the Inwabi Plateau distribution line
    (1998) Turner, Stephen; Kurz, M.
    The use of pre-stressed concrete poles for the Inwabi Plateau rural distribution line has presented unforseen problems for the Durban Electricity Service Unit, such as poor line performance and structural damage to the poles. The effects are thought to be due to lightning. This dissertation deals with an investigation into the cause of the damage as well as recommendations regarding the repair and prevention of future damage. To achieve this, an evaluation of the line Basic Insulation Level (B.I.L.) together with a review of the existing literature on the effects of lightning to overhead lines was used in order to establish what the specific damage mechanisms are. Field and laboratory tests were also undertaken as part of the investigation. Based on the results obtained, the overhead line was modified in terms of it's B.I.L. A preliminary evaluation of the modifications was done, with recommendations regarding further work to be done in the future.
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    Design, fabrication, production and erection of elements for a low cost housing unit
    (1999) Nxumalo, Mutshutshu; Bajic, Vladimir B.
    Housing is currently one of the most critical development areas in the Republic of South Africa (RSA). This developmental project forms part of a possible solution in the delivery of housing through mass production. The objective of this study is to establish a empathetic connection between modem geodesic construction and the traditional dome and to design an effective and efficient prefabricated dwelling unit suited to be easily built by semi-skilled persons. The success of this project will fulfill one of the major objectives of the RSA's Reconstruction and Development Programmes (RDP) - 'A better lifefor all'.