Madzlan Napiah

Methodology for Multi Criteria Group Decision and Negotiation Support on Value-Based Decision

This paper presents a methodology for multi agent negotiation in value-based decision on building system selection. It consists of methods and knowledge acquisition, negotiation protocols, and model of the agent negotiation. The project management of research including review of research positioning in domain of computer application in value engineering, data necessary and analysis, agent methodology. Results presented are knowledge of building system (roof system) with a model of decision-making using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) based on three-stakeholder preferences and concept of protocol negotiation. This methodology combines value analysis method, decision method and multi agent development method. FAST analysis is a tool for value analysis. AHP is a tool for decision process. Prometheus model has been used for developing a negotiation agent.

Nanosilica composite asphalt mixtures performance-based design and optimisation using response surface methodology

Abstract In recent times, the use of polymer nanocomposite for construction of durable asphalt mixtures has been gradually replacing the application of polymer-modified binders. In this investigation, the optimisation of nanosilica and binder content for nanocomposite-modified asphalt mixtures has been examined to obtain optimum quantities for high-performance properties. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was applied for the optimisation based on central composite design (CCD). Interaction effects of two independent variable factors, nanosilica and binder content, on nanocomposite strength, volumetric and performance properties were analysed using CCD design. The responses were analysed using RSM, and models were developed to fit the experimental results for prediction of the responses. The results indicate that the individual effects of nanosilica and binder content are both important for performance improvement. Based on the numerical optimisation, 1.5% nanosilica and 5% binder content were found to be the optimal values. Also, the mean error obtained from optimisation results are all less than 5% for all responses, indicating that predicted values agree with experimental results and the developed models fit to the experimental results. Furthermore, the study concluded that for composite asphalt mixture design with high-performance properties, optimisation using RSM is a very good approach.

Rheological and rutting evaluation of composite nanosilica/polyethylene modified bitumen

In this research, composite nanosilica/polyethylene modified binder samples were prepared at varying concentration of nanosilica. The modified binder samples are prepared by adding 1, 2 and 3 nanosilica by weight of bitumen in to 6 linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) polymer modified binder. Effects of nanosilica on physical and rheological properties of composites were investigated through penetration, softening point, temperature susceptibility, dynamic mechanical analysis and rutting resistance evaluations. Results shows that, nanosilica affects the rheological properties of LLDPE modified binder due to decrease in penetration and increase in softening point observed with increase in nanosilica content, this enhances composite binders hardness and resistance to temperature. Temperature susceptibility shows that, composite modified binders are less susceptible to temperature compared to LLDPE modified binder. DSR rheological analysis shows that, nanosilica enhances the composite modified binders properties at intermediate to high temperatures. Also rutting parameter evaluation indicates that composite modified binders have high resistance to rutting deformations due to increase in elastic behavior and stiffness of the composites.

Aggregation and Coalition Formation on Value-based Decision

Value-based decision is very complicated since many parties involved. Where a number of stakeholders are involved in choosing a single alternative from a set of solution alternatives, there are different concern caused by differing preferences, experiences, and background. Therefore, a negotiation is required to enable each stakeholder to evaluate and rank the solution alternatives before engaging into negotiation with the other stakeholders. Decision techniques applied to determine the relative value of the alternative solutions for performing the function. The results demonstrate a comparison of aggregation and coalition formation in a multi criteria group decision and negotiation. It further emphasizes the importance of performance evaluation in the design process and value-based decision.

High accuracy traffic light controller for increasing the given green time utilization

Traffic congestion has become one of the main complications in the urban cities according to the growing number of vehicles in those cities, outdated technologies used on the streets of those cities, unsuitable road design, and several other reasons. So, that has urged the need for a more precise traffic light controlling system; the one that will help in preserving high stability at all levels of demand. This paper introduces a dynamic traffic light phase plan protocol for single-isolated intersections. The developed controlling method was compared with four other methods and showed a good performance in terms of reducing the average and maximum queue lengths, optimizing the given green time amount as needed, and increased the intersections throughput (increased the given green time utilization). In addition, it maintained a good traffic light stability at all levels of demand.

Resource Management in Construction Project

Construction projects experience various problems and complex factors such as cost, duration, quality and safety. Construction sector is diverse as it contains sub-contractors, contractors, consultants, architects, owners, and others. The aim of this paper is to identify and analyze resource management issues in construction project. Other than that is to ascertain the significance of the resource management as one of the key element in construction project success. A literature review and a questionnaire survey were done for data collection and analyzed using Relative Importance Index and Cronbach’s alpha. The questionnaires were distributed to the team members of KLIA 2 – New Low Cost Terminal Project: Client, Architects, Main Contractor, and Sub-Contractor. The findings revealed that dependent on foreign workers to respond to the high demand of skilled workers, weather condition affecting machineries/equipment-work-related performance and weaknesses in quality assurance for the supply of construction materials should be given serious attention in order to ensure the productivity and financial performance of the projects. Keywords: Construction Project Management, Resource Management, Manpower, Machineries, Materials

Traffic light control via VANET system architecture

Driving on roads nowadays has a lot of limitations. Traffic congestion is increasingly happening especially at the urban areas because of the increasing population & urbanization. Accordingly, the traffic flow is not being run properly (vehicles delay & traffic congestion) and reduces the throughput at the intersections. We are taking the opportunity of using Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) to overcome the road limitation resultants. We are proposing a system design with its protocol and set of algorithms to help balancing the road traffic load and make the driving on highways and urban cities roads more comfort. Initially, the system has five main devices which would co-operate together to provide safety, assistance, and comfort for the drivers. By applying this system on roads, we expect to see an easy traffic flow and more efficient and comfort driving. Chosen application results were obtained from simulation studies, are compared with our system to show the significance or the need for the proposed system and its protocols control actions and strategies.

Influence of nanosilica on moisture resistance of polymer modified bitumens

ABSTRACT In this research, the effects of nanosilica and polymer on moisture resistance and other properties of hot mix asphalt have been investigated. The asphalt binder was modified using polyethylene and polypropylene polymers with varying percentages of nanosilica. The Marshall stability, flow, indirect tensile strength, stiffness modulus and resistance to moisture damages test tensile strength ratio (TSR) and retained Marshall stability (RMS) tests were conducted. The results show that application of nanosilica improves the stability, reduces optimum binder content, increases stiffness as well as strength characteristic of the asphalt mixtures. Moisture damage analysis of the modified mixtures shows a good enhancement due to addition of nanosilica particles.

The perception of Malaysian pedestrians toward the use of footbridges

ABSTRACT Objective: The footbridge is a vital structure in the road network and a cornerstone among crossing facilities. Yet, it suffers from low usage by pedestrians as they try to cross the street on the level. This study aims to analyze the perceptions of Malaysian pedestrians toward the use of footbridges with the consideration of different factors. Method: The study was carried out by collecting data from field observation and questionnaire distribution on the street among the public. The data were statistically analyzed by applying multiple linear regression models and a series of chi-square tests. Results: The study found that the most influential factor cited by pedestrians in decision making regarding using a footbridge is the existence of an escalator. Being in a hurry and the fear of heights were significantly associated with choosing not to use a footbridge. Zebra crossing was chosen as the most favorable type of crossing facility by the majority of respondents. In addition, installation of a fence and barriers was proposed as an effective procedure to prevent jaywalking. To construct new and efficient footbridges in the future, the study suggests consideration of traffic volume, posted speed limit, and the number of lanes, because these are the most influential factors to predict the usage rate. Conclusions: The study encourages decision makers and stakeholders to consider providing escalators for new footbridges to enhance the safety of pedestrians.

Fatigue life and rutting performance modelling of nanosilica/polymer composite modified asphalt mixtures using Weibull distribution

ABSTRACT This study has investigated the fatigue and rutting performance of composite polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) asphalt mixtures with the addition of nanosilica particles (NS). In this study, a composite modified asphalt binder was prepared usingPE and PP with NS in a concentration of 1–4% by weight of bitumen. A flexural beam fatigue test using four-point flexural beam fatigue test was conducted. A Wessex wheel tracking test was also conducted to estimate the rutting deformation of the mixtures. Weibull distribution was applied to evaluate the fatigue life of the two composite mixtures at different strain levels. A parametric survival analysis was utilised to compare the reliability of the composites. Also, a Weibull failure rate function was used to fit the experimental Wessex wheel tracking rut depth results. The results showed that the fatigue life of the composite mixtures at all strain levels complied with a two-parameter Weibull distribution with a statistical coefficient of determination greater than 0.9. The survival analysis showed that the PP composites had higher reliability at all strain levels. Furthermore, a good correlation was observed between the fitted Weibull failure rate function and the experimental rut depth obtained from the Wessex wheel tracking test.