R C Omar

Optimization of Structural Design for Sustainable Construction of Transmission Tower Based on Topographical Algorithm

Optimization of transmission tower structures is traditionally based on either optimization of members sizes with fixed topographical shape or based on structural analysis modelling strategies without taking cognizance of fabrication and constructability issue facing the contractors . This paper look into an integrated optimum design approach strategies whereby size, shape and topology are combined together with the fabrication issues in the construction of the transmission tower. The topographical algorithm is based on changing the inclination degree of the legs of the tower at first with optimum individual members sizing and later rationalized member sizes are performed through member groupings for the ease fabrication and construction of the transmission tower. The optimum weight using topographical algorithm obtained for the transmission tower is 10,924 kg for singular members and 18,430 kg for element grouping at 10° inclination angle.

Use of Geographic Information System (GIS) tools as network planning aid for antenna mounting in remote areas

This paper presents a network planning aid for choosing antenna mounting locations in remote area using Geographical Information System (GIS) tools. It is important to determine the right location and to decide the optimal network equipment for remote monitoring applications with challenging terrain. Prior to deploying any wireless network, this tool allows the field engineer to study the geographical condition of the target location. The result demonstrate that GIS tool can be utilized or guide the planner for deployment of antenna mountings in remote area.

Performance of labscale solar powered wireless landfill monitoring system

This paper describes the development of a solar powered wireless landfill monitoring system. A remote data acquisition system was constructed for collecting data on the temperature and gas concentration in a mini landfill setup. The data acquisition setup is powered by solar power and data transmission conducted wirelessly. The system consists of temperature and methane sensors, wireless data acquisition system, solar charging system and graphical user interface via LabVIEW.

Determination Of Slope Instability Using Spatially Integrated Mapping Framework

The determination and identification of slope instability are often rely on data obtained from in-situ soil investigation work where it involves the logistic of machineries and manpower, thus these aspects may increase the cost especially for remote locations. Therefore a method, which is able to identify possible slope instability without frequent ground walkabout survey, is needed. This paper presents the method used in prediction of slope instability using spatial integrated mapping framework which applicable for remote areas such as tropical forest and natural hilly terrain. Spatial data such as geology, topography, land use map, slope angle and elevation were used in regional analysis during desktop study. Through this framework, the occurrence of slope instability was able to be identified and was validate using a confirmatory site- specific analysis.

Micaceous Soil Strength And Permeability Improvement Induced By Microbacteria From Vegetable Waste

Green technology method using vegetable waste are introduced in this paper for improvement of phyllite residual soil from UNITEN, Campus. Residual soil from phyllite are known as micaceous soils and it give problem in managing the stability of the slope especially in wet and extensively dry seasons. Micaceous soil are collected using tube sampler technique and mixed with liquid contain microorganism from fermented vegetable waste name as vege-grout to form remolded sample. The remolded sample are classify as 15.0%, 17.5%, 20.00% and 22.5% based on different incremental percentages of vege-grout. The curing time for the sample are 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days before the tests were conducted. Observation of the effect of treatment shows 20.0% of liquid contain Bacillus pasteurii and Bacillus Subtilis with 21 days curing time is the optimum value in strengthening the soil and improve the permeability.

Site suitability analysis for landslide monitoring base station using GIS-based multicriteria evaluation technique

Landslide monitoring of power transmission towers in the rural areas is a challenging process especially if the slope is at a mountainous terrain and suspected to be insecure and risky. Identification of suitable locations for the landslide monitoring base station is one of the critical issues of network planning. Site suitability analysis has become unavoidable for delineating the appropriate site for planning initiatives, especially in the undulating terrain of the hills. It is important to determine the right location and to decide the optimal network equipment for remote monitoring applications. The study illustrates the use of geographic information system (GIS) and multicriteria evaluation (MCE) technique for selection of suitable sites for landslide monitoring base stations along the transmission tower line in Cameron Highland. Four criteria have been selected for site suitability analysis of the antenna base station (BS) which is tower distance, elevation, communication service coverage and slope. The generated thematic maps of these criteria were standardized using pairwise comparison matrix known as analytical hierarchy process (AHP). A weight for each criterion was generated by comparing them with each other according to their importance. With the help of these weights and criteria, the final site suitability map was prepared.

STUDY OF BIO-GROUT TREATED SLOPE MODELS UNDER SIMULATED RAINFALL

Previous data reported that soil erosion in Malaysia was directly related to rainfall trends. This phenomenon could affect the overhead transmission towers which are at risk of collapsing due to slope failure. For soil stabilization, chemical grouting such as cement, lime and acrylamides were generally applied to enhance the physical properties of the soil. However, some of the chemical additives used in the grouting suspension may be toxic and hazardous to both humans and the environment. Thus, it is important to look for alternative grouting substances that are safe and sustainable. Recently, a new soil improvement technique based on carbonate precipitation by microbial activities from vegetable waste has been developed as biogrout. This study was aimed to investigate the effectiveness of bio-grout from the vegetable waste in reducing soil loss due to rainfall impact. Soil samples were collected from an eroded slope nearby a transmission line in Perak and molded into 45 ̊ slope models in a custom-made box. A simple rainfall simulation was performed on the untreated and treated soil samples mixed with bio-grout for 30 days. The results showed that the soil loss of treated samples has been significantly reduced from 34.6 g to 13.5 g. Scanning electron microscopy showed aggregated particles occupying the empty spaces of the treated soils. Evidence of bio-mediated microbial activity was indicated by the presence of microorganisms in the biogrout liquid. The bio-grout from vegetable waste proved to be an effective and eco-friendly new grouting material for soil erosion control.

Erosion and Soil Contamination Control Using Coconut Flakes And Plantation Of Centella Asiatica And Chrysopogon Zizanioides

Land degradation in Malaysia due to water erosion and water logging cause of loss of organic matter, biodiversity and slope instability but also land are contaminated with heavy metals. Various alternative such as physical remediation are use but it not showing the sustainability in term of environmental sustainable. Due to that, erosion and soil contamination control using coconut flakes and plantation of Centella asiatica and Chrysopogon zizanioides are use as alternative approach for aid of sophisticated green technology known as phytoremediation and mycoremediation. Soil from cabonaceous phyllite located near to Equine Park, Sri Kembangan are use for monitoring the effect of phytoremediation and mycoremediation in reducing soil contamination and biotechnology for erosion control. Five laboratory scale prototypes were designed to monitor the effect of different proportion of coconut flakes i.e. 10%, 25%, 50% & 100% and plantation of Centella asiatica and Chrysopogon zizanioides to reduce the top soil from eroding and reduce the soil contamination. Prototype have been observe started from first week and ends after 12 weeks. Centella asiatica planted on 10% coconut flakes with 90% soil and Chrysopogon zizanioides planted on 25% coconut flakes with 75% soil are selected proportion to be used as phytoremediation and mycoremediation in reducing soil contamination and biotechnology for erosion control.

Generating 1 meter contour from ASTER-GDEM for monitoring landslide in Merapuh area

This paper documents the process of generating high spatial resolution contour of one meter from ASTER GDEM (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer Global Digital Elevation Model) data by combining the Remote Sensing and Geospatial technology using ERDAS IMAGINE 2014 and ArcGIS 10.2 software. The study area is Merapuh, Pahang due to its variety in elevation of the earth surface. The ground verification survey also was executed to ensure the reliability of the contour generated besides gathering additional data by conducting levelling survey to see the differences of elevation on the area. The one meter contour produced in this paper will be overlay with other relevant data such as landslide history, land use and land cover, aspect, Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and others for the purpose of monitoring landslide in the area later.

Antenna placement for landslide monitoring using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Geographical Information System (GIS)

Landslide monitoring of Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) transmission towers in the remote areas is a challenging process especially if the slope is at a mountainous terrain and suspected to be insecure and risky. One option is to do real time monitoring by deploying the appropriate sensors for slope failure detection such as inclinometer, rain gauge and piezometer. This study presents a monitoring network planning to determine the best possible antenna location for landslide monitoring. It is based on Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) as a multi criteria decision making procedure and the extensive use of Geographical Information System (GIS) data in arriving at consensus decision in selecting the best location for remote monitoring applications.