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DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE & PLANNING
DEPARTMENT OF URBAN AND INFRASTRUCTURE ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF PETROLEUM ENGINEERING
   



DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

Quantification of Flow Resistance for Unlined Canals in Alluvial Soils

The design of unlined channels continues to be a challenge for researchers. The correct estimation of channel resistance is the main parameter which needs to be addressed, since on this depends the channel design. Pakistan irrigation system with 40,000 miles long unlined canals varying in discharge from 20,000 cusecs to 200 cusecs were designed on Lacey’s equations with values of channel roughness based on statistical relationship between various parameters of channels in regime. The present research will focus on develop equations which can describe in a comprehensive manner channel roughness in alluvial soil based on a scientific and rational approach.

The main aim and objective of this research is to develop a “Simplified Adoptive Prediction Model Unlined Canals “(SAPMUC) for unlined canals based on rational scientific basis superseding the cumbersome and substantially erroneous method in vogue. The research endeavour shall also aim at developing the prediction model for unlined canals in alluvial soil which can conveniently utilize method lies pertaining to lined canals. Scope of the research shall encompass experimental and field studies of representative canals for development of the prediction model and validating against existing software. The beneficiaries of this research would include all the engineering design methods in vogue like the Lacey’s and its modifications. Instead of using large number of complex equations in prediction model for unlined canals producing inaccurate results one single equation would be used as done for lined channels. This endeavour being related to Pakistani soil will greatly improve the design methodologies and understanding.

Building Capacity in Pakistan to Seismically Retrofit Essential Structures.

Objective of the research is capacity building in Pakistan to seismically retrofit essential structures in collaboration with experts for Earthquake Engineering Research Centre, University of California, Berkley and John A. Blume Earthquake Centre, Stanford University, USA.

Faculty from various Engineering Universities of Pakistan, as well as practicing professionals were trained in various aspects related to earthquake and its implication on the infrastructure, along with development of curriculum of undergraduate and post graduate level.

The long-term objective of the proposed activity is to build the capacity in Pakistan‘s academic, public, and private sectors to:

• Develop processes for identification of vulnerable essential buildings
• Assess the vulnerability of existing essential buildings
• Develop retrofit solutions appropriate for the Pakistani context
• Improve the quality of academic curricula related to earthquake safety
• Improve the earthquake performance of new structures.

The short-term objectives are to:

• Develop teaching materials and train a cadre of Professors from NED University of Engineering & Technology and other    Pakistani universities, and private-sector professionals in earthquake-related fields, to teach earthquake engineering,    assessment and retrofit methods
• Train private-sector building professionals to understand the earthquake performance of buildings and apply assessment    and retrofit methods
• Strengthen the relationships between earthquake engineering research professionals in Pakistan and the United States.

Fibre Reinforced Polymers (FRP) for Civil Infrastructure Applications in Pakistan

Aim of this project is to explore the possibilities of using FRP in strengthening and retrofitting of civil infrastructure.

Deterioration of civil engineering infrastructure may be attributed to aging, environmentally induced degradation, poor initial design and/or construction, lack of maintenance, change of use, more stringent design criteria and natural events such as earthquakes. Use of conventional materials and methodologies to upgrade and replace existing structures has often led to multiple repairs, a situation unaffordable to infrastructure owners. Newer technologies, such as use of non-corrosive fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcement, will increase the service lives of concrete structures and reduce maintenance costs.

The serious issue of upgrading and rehabilitating Pakistan's civil engineering infrastructure using new materials and construction techniques is addressed in this project. Its primary research objective is the development and field implementation of advanced technologies for the rehabilitation and strengthening of civil engineering structures. In order to extend the service life of infrastructure into the 21st century, substantial rehabilitation programs need to be enacted for the repair and strengthening of existing reinforced concrete (RC) structures. With the development of new and innovative construction materials and techniques, much is changing in the perception of concrete, concrete repair and strengthening, and in the understanding of materials and methods. Key elements in this project are the corrosion-resistant, lightweight FRPs which have recently made major breakthroughs in civil engineering applications. FRP rehabilitation is a cost-effective, state-of-the-art technology in the repair and strengthening of structures. Rehabilitation techniques using FRPs have gained popularity in United States, Canada, Japan and Europe due to these obvious advantages. Use of rehabilitation techniques using FRPs is however almost non-existent in Pakistan. Reservations exist primarily because of unresolved questions concerning the performance; long-term cost-effectiveness and durability of FRP retrofit techniques in severe climatic conditions. Since the technology is relatively new, experimental investigations need to be carried out to study the performance of FRP strengthened RC structural elements that were initially damaged due to the seismic activities and/ or harsh environmental conditions prevalent in the coastal areas of Pakistan.

This project focuses on testing of damaged RC beams strengthened in flexure and shear with externally bonded FRP along with development of a computational tool to predict the load deflection curves of RC beams strengthened by externally bonded FRP strips and wraps. The primary outcome of the research program is expected to provide answers to outstanding practical questions related to the use of FRP strengthening and rehabilitation techniques. These questions are related to the mechanical behaviour of FRP-retrofitted structures, to the design and development of safe and economical retrofitting systems, and to issues related to upgrading of civil engineering infrastructure of Pakistan to withstand natural disasters.


Structural Applications of Polypropylene Fibre Reinforced Concrete (PFRC)

Concrete lends itself to a variety of innovative designs as a result of its many desirable properties. Not only can it be cast in diverse shapes; but it also possesses high compressive strength, stiffness, low thermal and electrical conductivity and low combustibility and toxicity.

Two characteristics, however, have limited its use: it is brittle and weak in tension. Recently, however the development of fibre-reinforced concrete (FRC) has provided a technical basis for improving these deficiencies. With low modulus of elasticity, high strength, excellent ductility, excellent durability, and low price, polypropylene fibre is often used in cement-based materials to improve the toughness and anti-cracking performance of the matrix composite.

Objectives of this study are to characterize mechanical properties of Polypropylene Fibre Reinforced Concrete (PFRC) and conduct analytical study for use of PFRC in structural members such as Beams and in Bridge Deck applications. The experimental work will include characterization of the effect of amount of fibres (volume fraction) on compressive, tensile and flexural strength of PFRC. The analytical work will include the utilization of the stress-strain curves of PFRC to study the beneficial effects in the Beams and Bridge Deck applications (including reduction in cracking).

Use of High Strength bars in Structural Members

Steel has been established for more than 100 years as a principal construction material for civil infrastructure. When steel re-bars are used with concrete (that is weak in tension), the resulting composite Reinforced Concrete (RC) is widely used worldwide and in developing countries including Pakistan for variety of applications including High rise buildings, car park decks, offshore platforms, ocean vessels, bridges, etc.

In Pakistan, quality assurance of re-bars is practically non-existent and there is no generally accepted testing method for testing of re-bars. In Pakistan, steel re-bars of Grade 60 (yield strength of 60 ksi) are exclusively used; however re-bar production of high strength re-bars has recently started. Xtreme re-bars (Grade 72.5, 500 MPa steel) are available for use in Structural applications.

In civil construction a variety of materials are in competition and this is initiating a continuous technological innovation. This innovation not only concerns the improvement of the materials themselves, but also results in the introduction of new technologies and methods for the fabrication, joining and construction. In structural design the common practice is to use Grade 60. It is necessary to know about the advantages and disadvantages of Grade 72.5 steel over Grade 60. A structural engineer should have adequate knowledge about effects of Grade 72.5 steel in reinforced concrete design for an efficient and economical design.


Investigation of Properties of Concrete by using Cements Manufactured in Pakistan

Problems of concrete durability are a cause of major concern all over the country especially in the coastal areas where the structures have undergone deterioration well before their expected life and need proper attention and care. Realizing the aggressive nature of the environmental conditions and the local construction materials of the country, research was initiated to assess performance of concrete made with locally available cements under aggressive environmental conditions.

Objective of this study is to carry out a comparative study of the chemical and mechanical properties of different brands of cements manufactured in Pakistan and to identify the factors that influence variations in the properties of concrete prepared with these cements.





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DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

Renewable Energy Production Using Sustainable Anaerobic Digestion Process

Aim of this research is to optimize the energy generation from single stage reactors using various feed stocks, co-digested with nitrogen and carbon rich waste streams.

To optimize the hydraulic retention time (HRT), a continuous flow reactor study has been planned attempting three HRTs: 20, 15 and 10 days respectively. To increase the progress two reactors have been fabricated using all local resources and currently two different HRTs 15 and 20 days are being attempted.

During the operation, the daily biogas production, volatile solids removed, environmental parameters such as ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N) total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) total alkalinity (TA) and performance of reactor is being monitored regularly.

 

Application of Solar Disinfection for Treatment of Contaminated Water

A sustainable and simple point of use household drinking water solar disinfection (SODIS) technology was successfully applied to treat microbiologically contaminated water. Field experiments were conducted to determine the efficiency of SODIS and evaluate the potential benefits and limitations of SODIS under local climatic conditions of Karachi, Pakistan.

This is the first detailed scientific research on SODIS in Pakistan.

In order to enhance the efficiency of SODIS, the application of physical (black-backed rear surface and reflective surface batch reactors) interventions were also investigated. Physical interventions increased the temperature of water in the batch reactors and enhanced performance of SODIS. Moreover, an experiment was also conducted to determine concentration of plasticizers with and without application of SODIS.





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DEPARTEMENT OF ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING

NED City Campus Restoration Project

Restoration and rehabilitation of city campus initiated by NED University included documentation, restoration/ conservation report, proposals for campus rehabilitation and phase-wise execution of the project.

First Phase comprises of complete restoration of building 1 and partial works in building 2 & 5 and this phase has completed in year 2009.

In Second Phase, new construction of lecture hall was proposed and work related to this phase has commenced in July 2010 and is in progress.

 


Karachi Historic Buildings Re-Survey Project

The first phase of this project covering 17 historic quarters’ of Karachi was completed in 2010. The outcomes of this phase of project comprised of complete mapping and inventory listing reports, which were presented to the heritage committee and follow-ups were done to push for the enlistment notification of buildings identified for inclusion in the list of protected heritage of Karachi. As a result of these efforts a list of 1061 properties, including buildings, open spaces and urban elements (in addition to the already listed 581 properties) has been approved by the heritage advisory committee, GoS, and notified by the Department of Culture, GoS.

The second phase of the project, extending the surveys into historic quarters and areas of Karachi that were not covered in previous listing process, will be initiated in 2012, and third phase of project comprising of identification of iconic buildings of Karachi due to variety of attributes will follow after completion of second phase.

First phase of this project was commenced in Jan. 2006 and has completed in year 2010. The second phase was approved by Department of Culture in May 2010 and its actual field work has been initiated in Sept. 2011 which is now in progress.

 

Preparation of Technical Reports for Various Buildings

On the request of Department of Culture, GoS, a technical report on a listed building located on 5/4/2 Rambagh-10, Robson Road was submitted in 2009-10; and a follow-up investigation was undertaken in July 2010. Work on technical reports of Fakir Ayazuddin House 237 Staff Lines, City Courts and Karachi Press Club in progress. The Sindh Endowment Fund Trust also requested a technical report on Udho Haveli Complex, Tajo Dero (Jacobabad District) which was submitted in January 2011.

About 32 detailed technical reports have been submitted on different historic buildings during Feb. 2006 to Sept. 2011, which were requested by the Department of Culture, GoS.

Karachi’s Manuscript Publication

Publication of monographs on Karachi’s listed heritage properties compiled in historic quarter-wise volumes; for disseminating research outcome of KHBRP. This work is to be published now.

Conservation Consultancy

The Heritage Cell is presently appointed as consultants for Hamdard Matab Restoration/ Conservation Project (report submitted in April 2011 and work is in progress for BOQs and detailed architectural/ restoration drawings); and working as conservation consultants (in collaboration with architectural consultant) for restoration and extension of Ladies Food Club located on Claremont Road, Civil Lines (report submitted in December 2010).

Recently HC-DAPNED has been approached by FNMH Architects to work in collaboration on the project of Frere Hall Restoration, undertaken by the Department of Antiquities, GoS.

National Foods Ladies Club: Guidelines for Restoration and New Extensions

Heritage Cell undertook this project as co-consultants with ICON. Heritage Cell-DAPNED’s contribution included detailed measured documentation of the historic building and detailed report on restoration and extension guidelines for the main architectural consultants.

This work commenced in June 2010 and completed in Jan. 2011.

 

 

Frere Hall Documentation Project

The phases of the project include measured documentation as first phase and detailed technical report of Frere Hall as second phase, in collaboration with FNMH Architecture.

Duration of first phase of this work was from May 2011 to Sept. 2011 and it completed by that time. The second phase work has started in Feb. 2012 and is in progress.

 

Hamdard Matab Restoration and Renovation Works Project

The project is divided into three phases i.e detailed documentation and detailed report with proposals, for repair/ maintenance, restoration and renovation works.

The first phase commenced in Oct. 2010 and completed in Nov. 2011. The second and third phase have commenced in Dec. 2011and are in progress.

 
Existing Elevation of Hamdard Matab
Elevation Proposal (Final)-Model

 

Asian Coalitions for Housing Rights (ACHR) Project

Asian Coalition for Housing Rights (ACHR) by Asian Coalition for Community Action (ACCA) has recently approved funding for research proposal, submitted by HC-DAPNED to undertake active research in three identified historic building clusters of Karachi. In order to investigate ground realities and getting feedback of associated communities to develop viable options for revitalization of the respective clusters of Karachi.
The expected commencement and completion dates for this project are March 2012 and Sept. 2012 respectively.

Documentation of Heritage in Shikarpoor

Shikarpoor Inventory Publication: An agreement has been signed with Sindh Endowment Fund Trust for sponsoring the publication of a two volumes compilation of inventories on the historic properties of Shikarpoor. A survey to update and do final verification of this compilation was undertaken in December 2010 and January -March 2011. The final draft of the publication manuscript was submitted to the Sindh Endowment Fund Trust in April 2011.

The Department of Culture has approved this work for notification and press notification is awaited now.
Sixth Seminar in Urban and Regional Planning

The Sixth Seminar on Urban and Regional Planning (URP) was held on Saturday, 26 March 2011 at NED Main Campus Auditorium with partial assistance from Higher Education Commission and Endowment Trust Funds for Cultural Heritage in Sindh. H.E. Hans-Christian Kint, Ambassador of Belgium to Pakistan attended the event as Chief Guest. Prof. Brian Goodey, Emeritus Professor at Oxford Brookes University was the key note speaker. Nine papers by international and national researchers were presented followed by panel discussions. Proceedings of the seminar have been published.

 

Karachi Land Management Study

Karachi Land Management Study is collaborative study by the Urban Research and Design Cell at Department of Architecture and Planning, NED University along with renowned Urban Planner Arif Hasan of Arif Hasan Associates, for the International Institute of Environment and Development (IIED) U.K.

The study is designed to document and analyze the availability, utilization and Management of land generally and provision of land for the poor specifically in the context of Karachi. The study covers administrative and legal aspects like laws & statutes related to land, land owning authorities, mechanism of provision of land etc. The study also tries to explore the market dynamics and its related actions like role of builders and developers, informal sector and financial institution that find housing in detail. The impact of both of the above interviewed aspects on the provision of land for poor for the accommodation and livelihood purposes. The study findings are based on literature reviews, interviews and socio-economic & physical surveys in many settlements scattered lengths and breadths of Karachi. The study also covers role of non-governmental organization as facilitators in the provision of land for the masses.

This work has commenced in May 2011and following is its progress status.
Stage -1: literature reviews complete.
Stage-2: Socioeconomic and physical survey complete.
Stage-3: Interviews, questionnaires and the report draft complete.
Stage-4: Comprised on workshop that was held on Feb. 27, 2012. During this workshop the study has been concluded. Now the final report writing is being done.

Sustainable Cities Programme – Planning for 08 Cities of Pakistan

Under the One-UN Joint Program on Environment (JP‐E4), Un-Habitat leads the “Sustainable Urbanization Programme”, a component of the JP-E4. The program vision is to “build capacity to provide an effective and sustained improvement in urban poor living conditions, including urban issues relating to climate change”.

For this objective Un-Habitat selected eight (08) Secondary cities of Pakistan with the objective To improve lives and living conditions in urban slums through the collection of data, preparation of participatory urban plans, reinforcement of municipality capacities and implementation of demonstrative projects reducing urban poor vulnerability. The Department of Architecture and Planning NED-UET is responsible for achieving the objectives of the Sustainable urbanization project in Pakistan and was given the following tasks:

1. Establishment of baseline data and mapping on critical urban issues.

2. Creating multi stakeholder based mechanisms for participatory urban planning and management.

3. Designing Demonstration projects to improve indicators of informal settlement dwellers.

This work has commenced in March 2011 and following is its status of progress.

Stage -1: literature reviews and background study completed.
Stage-2: Socioeconomic and physical survey, completed.
Stage-3: Interviews, questionnaires and the report draft completed.
Stage-4: Stakeholders Workshops, completed
Stage-5: Final report writing, Administrative completion (in progress)



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DEPARTMENT OF URBAN AND INFRASTRUCTURE ENGINEERING

Sr.No. Project title and description Funding Type Status
1. Development of an ITS –based Traffic Management Model for Metropolitan Area
of Pakistan with Karachi as a Pilot Study

The primary objectives of this Pak-USAID project include strengthening the education and
research institution in Pakistan for adapting modern geospatial technologies and science
models of traffic flow and air quality in metropolitan urban areas in Pakistan with Karachi as
a pilot case study. The project grant is being used to provide technology transfer of the
latest innovations in space borne remote sensing technology applications for transportation
infrastructure inventory, geographical information system (GIS) database of road network
and traffic volume, road safety assessment, congestion and air quality impacts, and traffic
management. The final report on this project would provide detailed account of various
achievements such as Capacity building in the field of GIS and its use in transportation
management, Framework for developing road accident database and its engineering
analysis for suggestion of various remedies etc.		 Pak--
USAID		 Completed
(2007-
2012)
2. Road Safety Research

Department of Urban and Infrastructure Engineering has been involved in studying road
safety problems in the metropolis Karachi since 2007. In this effort the department played a
central role in the establishment of Road Traffic Injury Research & Prevention Centre
(RTIR&PC). This centre is responsible for collecting road accident data from five major
public and private hospitals of Karachi and after detailed analysis and investigations suggest
remedial measures to improve road safety situations. The Department of Urban and
Infrastructure Engineering collaborates RTIR&PC in various aspects of data collection, data
analysis and investigations on state of the art scientific notions, and also provides platform
to City traffic management authorities for their interaction. This joint collaborative effort
produced some fruitful results as various black spots in the city have been re-designed
considering safety aspects.

 Indus
Motors
(Pak) Ltd		 Ongoing
(2007-
date)
3. Incorporation of Traffic Heterogeneity in Capacity Analysis of Multi-Lane Urban
Arterials of Karachi through Development of a Simulation Model

The project is based on establishing PCE factors for multi-lane highways in Karachi, in order
to adapt capacity analysis methodology. PCE factors will be developed by developing a
model in the simulation package and then running various scenarios to find out the effect of
vehicle type interaction under different conditions.
During this work, various approaches have been identified from the literature survey that
can be utilized to derive PCE factors. Data collection and experiment design process is
currently underway. S-paramics (microsimulation package) have been identified as a tool for
establishment of model.

 NED
University		 Ongoing
(2011-
date)
4. Evaluate the rutting potential of asphalt concrete by adding polymer fiber

Rutting is a pavement distress that not only renders the pavement useless before its service
life but is also dangerous for moving vehicles. This study aims to investigate the use of
polypropylene fibers for reinforcing the asphalt pavements and controlling rutting. As this
work is in progress, sieving for Marshall and rutting samples has been completed while work
on preparation and testing of Marshall Samples is going on.
 FWO Completed
(Jan-Aug
2012)
5. Traffic Congestion Quantification and Estimation of Congestion Economic Cost

This project aims to quantify level of congestion through key traffic parameters on selected
arterial of Karachi and then estimate the cost of congestion as a general estimate
incorporating all travellers of a selected road. The aims also include estimation of
burden/cost to industries due to traffic congestion. For this purpose a model will be
developed which takes certain inputs and then based on these inputs provide the cost. At
the beginning of this project, equipment required for data collection has been identified and
procurement process is underway.

 Indus
Motors
(Pak) Ltd		 Ongoing
(Apr 2012-
date)


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DEPARTMENT OF EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING

Project: APPLIED RESEARCH ON SAFER CONSTRUCTION AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

Partner Agencies:
NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi, Pakistan
Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan &
Disaster Risk Management Initiative, AKDN, Geneva

Introduction:
It is a harsh reality that in developing countries, a significant portion of building stock is comprised of non-engineered buildings. The major reasons of such a development are lack of monetary resources and absence of strict implementation of rules and bye-laws. The non-engineered buildings are generally constructed based on experience. While such a construction performs well for gravity loads in general, it is not designed for extreme loading scenarios, such as earthquake, wind or flood loadings. Consequently, a huge amount of damage for the non-engineered constructions is observed in such events. Bearing in mind that the dwellers of non-engineered construction generally belong to humble background with very limited financial resources, there is need of simple and cost-effective solutions that can be used to improve the resistance of non-engineered buildings in case of extreme events. To this end, this research project has two goals: cost effective, local resource driven research and development to improve the traditional human habitats; 2- establish technology transfer mechanism to bridge the gap between R & D and field practices to improve predominant traditional habitats.

Objectives / scope of the activity under the TOR

  1. To understand the structural resilience and weakness of the traditional construction and evolve the approach for structural and functional improvement. The assessment will be carried out w.r.t. natural hazards, energy and thermal factors.

  2. To review and assess the characteristics of building construction material and develop cost effective local material for safer construction.

  3. To encourage and develop safer and cost effective, socially acceptable, climate friendly housing through R & D to build capacity and skills.

  4. To provide necessary technical support to development agencies to implement habitat improvement programmes.

  5. To document and disseminate success stories of habitat improvement programmes through development of manuals, guidelines, newsletter, training and workshops.

Project Period: 1 Year (October 2012 – March 2013)

 

Evaluating the INFLUENCE OF concrete block infill panels on seismic performance of RC frames
Mr. muhammad Haider supervised by, Prof. sarosh lodi, Dr. Mukesh Kumar and Prof. masood rafi

Summary: Structures with infill walls are very common in many countries. Over the years it has been observed that the presence of masonry walls play an important role to resist the lateral loads due to high stiffness and strength in the reinforced concrete frame buildings. However, in most cases, the contribution of stiffness and strength due to presence of infill panels is not incorporated in the design process. Moreover, most of the countries do not specify the modeling, design and assessment procedures in their codes. In the absence of code requirements, there is a need to develop a realistic approach towards performance of masonry infill walls against the lateral loads. Moreover, it is noted that the influence of masonry on RC frames may be vary significantly due to different types of masonry used in different parts of world. A significant amount of work has been conducted to evaluate the lateral stiffness of RC frame with infill panel used in US and Europe. However, there is a lack of work in this area of research in Pakistan. Therefore, the main goal of this study is to evaluate the characteristics of concrete infill panels and their influence on the behavior of RC frame subjected to lateral loading so that simple analytical technique can be developed for structural designers for Pakistan region. To this end, various experimental tests shall be performed to obtain mechanical properties of the masonry infill using direct compression test, direct shear test and diagonal compression test. Subsequently, a full scale RC frame with concrete block infill will be tested for lateral loading to investigate the behavior of RC frame. Finally, the comparative analysis between experimental results of in-filled RC frame and analytical modeling will be conducted.

 

Development of Vs30 maps for Karachi
Ms. maria ansari supervised by Dr. Mukesh Kumar and Prof. sarosh lodi

Summary: The objective of the research is to develop Vs30 (shear wave velocity at a depth of 30m) map for Karachi City by conducting geophysical (MASW- Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves) and geotechnical (Using empirical relations through SPT-N value) surveys. The map will be utilized to conduct soil amplification study for Karachi and obtaining the data by two different methods would also help to recommend any one method for future studies on the basis of its accuracy. The methodology of the project includes collecting borehole information and subsequent computation of Vs30. A cross check can be applied while experimentation is performed on same locations as that of boreholes by using conducting MASW survey to obtain shear wave velocity profile and Vs30. These values enable the division of Karachi City on the basis of its capability to amplify ground motions. The future perspective of the research would facilitate deterministic and probabilistic seismic hazard assessment. Furthermore, it will help engineers to carry out assessment and design of existing and new structures respectively.



Earthquake Hazard and Risk in Karachi  
NORSAR Funded project

A collaborated research project aimed at computing earthquake risk for Karachi is awarded to Department of Earthquake Engineering NED University and NORSAR for three years. The research is aimed at estimating earthquake hazard and risk in Karachi. The paradigm of this study is to carry out quantitative as well as qualitative analysis to attain the following objectives;
Tectonics and Seismicity of the Region

  • Geological and Geotechnical Considerations of the Region
  • Ground Motion Prediction Models
  • Probabilistic Earthquake Hazard
  • Earthquake Scenarios
  • Deterministic Earthquake Hazard
  • Site Specific Seismic Hazard
  • Ground Failures

 

 

Earthquake risk is the combination of hazard and vulnerability. The buildings of Karachi cover all typologies from the most advanced highrise structures to poor masonry neighborhoods (the shantytowns are not included because they are less vulnerable in terms of earthquake shaking). The earthquake risk is represented primarily by the structures, however, the variation is significant, and only by proper identification of the most vulnerable structures a sensible program for reinforcement can be designed in order to reduce the earthquake risk.

Figure. Examples of structures in Karachi

The earthquake hazard assessment for the city of Karachi will be conducted with risk analysis using deterministic computations of seismic risk relevant to worst-case earthquake scenarios. Additionally, deterministic assessments will also be conducted in a Monte Carlo approach using the synthetic earthquake catalogues, results of which are of importance in the insurance sector. Results, where appropriate ground motion prediction models are selected, will be applied after a careful comparison and calibration to have them commensurate with the earthquake source conditions and regional geological conditions. Earthquake hazard data will be aggregated in geo-cells with predefined dimensions and the same geo-cells will also be used for aggregation of the geotechnical data and the building inventories.

The research results: hazard, vulnerability and risk will be presented in easy understandable terms and will be presented both to the National Disaster Management Authority (NMDA) and to the Karachi City authorities.

NORSAR is the seismological institution in Norway responsible for monitoring the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty on Nuclear testing. It has since 1968 been the driving research institution in the development of new array based technologies in seismic monitoring and surveillance. NORSAR has over the last 20 years been a leader in probabilistic and semi-probabilistic seismic hazard investigations and had, among others, a key role in the development of the new anti-seismic building code in Norway effective from 2005. The earthquake risk evaluation code SELENA, is developed and maintained by NORSAR, and this will be an important tool within the planned cooperation.



Earthquake Model of the Middle East Region (EMME)

EMME (Earthquake Model of the Middle East Region) aims at the assessment of seismic hazard, the associated risk in terms of structural damages, casualties and economic losses and also at the evaluation of the effects of relevant mitigation measures in the Middle East region in consult with the aims and tools of GEM. The EMME will encompass several modules such as the Seismic Hazard Module, Risk Module, Socio- Economic Loss Module and the development of an IT infrastructure or platform for the integration and application of modules under consideration. The methodologies and software developments within the context of EMME will be compatible with GEM in order to enable the integration process. As such, a comprehensive interaction between the two projects is foreseen.

EMME aims to contribute to and facilitate the seismic risk reduction through the realization of the following specific tasks:

• Calculate seismic hazard uniformly and with the highest standards
• Rigorously validate earthquake and shaking probabilities using regional and global data
• Communicate seismic risk clearly, accurately, and transparently to all users
• Integrate local expertise in a regional and global context
• Monitor and update changing infrastructure and vulnerability
• Build seismic risk management capacity in the whole region
• Enable dialogue with decision-makers
• Implement EMME as part of the Global Earthquake Model

EMME will enable users to take the following specifications to achieve risk-reducing outcomes:

• Improved earthquake preparation and response
• Adoption and enforcement of building codes
• Implementing seismic mitigation measures
• Enabling accurate post-earthquake alerts and rapid assessment of direct and indirect losses
• Increased earthquake insurance usage
• Ensuring uniform comparability of seismic risk across multiple geographies

The Department of Earthquake Engineering is participating in the risk module and socio-economic module of EMME. The risk module consists of two Work Packages: Seismic Risk Assessment (WP4), and Deterministic City Scenarios (WP5).

WP4 (Seismic Risk /Hazard Assessment for Pakistan) includes the overall seismic risk assessment for Pakistan and its major outcomes consist of inventories of vulnerable elements at risk in forms of building stock and infrastructure of the Pakistani cities.

Probabilistic risk assessment curves (Fragility curves) have also been developed that can predict damage prediction for a given probability of recurrence, based on a probabilistic seismic hazard model, population distribution, and building inventory. The qualitative outcomes of WP4 are as follows:

• Population and building distribution in Pakistan is prepared using GIS on a 1km x 1km grid.
• Building Typologies of Pakistan are identified.
• Fragility curves for load bearing masonry structures in Pakistan have been developed.
• Fragility curves for RCC structures in Pakistan are in progress.

WP5 (City Scenarios- Seismic Risk Study for the City of Karachi) aims to assess the seismic hazard and the associated risk in terms of structural damages, casualties and economic losses and also at the evaluation of the effects of relevant mitigation measures in the Middle East region.

This study requires availability of certain data inputs, carried over from WP4 and collection of further data is required to adequately assess earthquake risks for the Karachi region.

The outcome of the proposed study will comprise of the following components for city of Karachi:

• Earthquake hazard analysis
• Elements at risk mapping (i.e. buildings, population, lifelines, critical facilities, and high loss facilities)
• Vulnerability analysis of at risk elements
• Deterministic Shaking Scenarios
• Estimation of risk and loss



Testing of 'I Section' in Advanced Material Testing Laboratory Testing of Block Masonry structure with Shake Table

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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DEPARTMENT OF PETROLEUM ENGINEERING

 

PROJECT SUMMARY

Project Title:         Establishment of Norwegian Centre of Excellence in Petroleum Studies.

Project Awarded by: Planning & Development Division of Pakistan under the Pak-3004, Pak-Norway Framework Institutional Cooperation Programme,
                                       Phase-II
Project Duration:       3 years ( Starting from July,2012)
Project Cost:              NOK. 2.917 million. (PKR.45.210 million, Approx).

Project Brief
The project envisages establishment of Norwegian Centre of Excellence in Petroleum studies at NED University, first ever in Pakistan, with the help of Department of Petroleum Engineering and Applied Geophysics at NTNU, Norway. It includes expertise development in Petroleum sector through institutional strengthening in teaching, laboratory resources and research facilities of Petroleum Engineering department at NED University by sharing the competence and facilities of collaborating Norwegian university. and development of linkage between the two institutions on sustainable basis for fu cooperation in education and research.

The latest trends in Petroleum Engineering Education and research compatible to the need of the petroleum industry from local, regional and global perspectives are  the main focus of considerations. The Norwegian partnering university will assist the host NED University through its rich experience and cutting edge expertise in the capacity building process. The following four major Goals are to be achieved as per scope of the project; anticipated outcome of each is also provided.


1. Capacity Building of Teaching Faculty.
    Outcome: Four junior teaching members will receive Master Degree, three faculty /IT personnel will receive training on latest teaching techniques, use & application of specified software

2. Strengthening of Laboratory Resources.
    Outcome: Strengthening of equipment resource of PVT, Core, Mud Cementing & Petrophysic laboratories; capacity building of Five (5) laboratories Engineers/technical staff in laboratory equipment handling, data analysis & reporting.

3. Development of Master Programme and Research Competence.
    Outcome: Development  of Master Programme and capacity building in undertaking Research.

4. Development of Sustainable Linkage between the Participating Institutions.
    Outcome: A strong and sustainable linkage between NTNU and NED University will be developed for future cooperation in education & research. Exchange of students, faculty members and researchers from both institutions will be a special focus of considerations for long term benefits to both collaborative  institutions.

Professor Sarosh.H.Lodi is the Project Director.The PI of the project from NED University is Professor Abid Murtaza Khan while Professor Michael Golan is the PI from NTNU side. In addition to it some eminent Professors from NTNU will be contributing in major areas of Petroleum Engineering; they include Professor Jon Kleppe (Chairman of the Department), Prof. Curtis H.Whitson, Prof.Ole Torsaeter, Prof. Marlin Landro, and Ms.Sylvi Vefsnmo.

NED University will be the focal point of this project and the experienced gained will be shared with the other major public sector universities/institutions in the country.

 
 

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