ABSTRACT. The cause of damage of over 285 bridges, fords (causeways) and major culverts, according to the initial records from the Papua New Guinea Department of Works and Highway, were damaged by flood action alone in the last five years at a rate of 57 bridges per year. This study considers the case of the Menyamya District of Kapao LLG (Local Level Government) Morobe Province in Papua New Guinea. The population of the LLG is estimated to be around 10,000 people, who are predominantly rural subsistence farmers. Rugged terrain, steep hills, and valleys characterise the topography. The region is predominantly covered by tropical rainforest, and the elevation ranges from sea level to over 2,000 meters above sea level. The region faces several challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, no access to healthcare and education services, and the impact of flooding, landslides and other natural disasters. Despite these challenges, Kapao LLG has significant potential for economic development, particularly in agriculture, forestry, and ecotourism; thus, this study aimed to address it. The study is analysed both in qualitative and quantitative. The authors conducted an interview and observation of the area, samples were collected, and the location was surveyed and analysed using the GeoHecras software. The result shows that a catchment of 765902 square meters with a difference in elevation of 63 m has a scenario that it will be impacted by flooding if not mitigated. The design of a bridge with improvements against flood-induced bridge failures is proposed.

ABSTRACT. This case study investigates the rehabilitation of Lae City's road networks, focusing on Macdhui Street, by identifying appropriate geosynthetic materials. Lae City's economic and transportation significance emphasizes the necessity of robust road infrastructure. Macdhui Street's pavement deterioration, causing traffic congestion and high maintenance costs, necessitates a sustainable solution. Geosynthetic materials, known for prolonging pavement lifespan and reducing repairs, are explored. The study addresses Lae City's unique geotechnical and climatic conditions, bridging research gaps. Key research questions include geosynthetic properties, suitability, mechanical impact, and long-term performance. Methodology involves literature review, field investigations, and laboratory tests. Ethical considerations focus on environmental impact, transparency, and local adaptability. Despite delays due to supervisor issues and lack of authority approval, the study aims to propose innovative, cost-effective pavement designs for Lae City. Limitations include global novelty and broad literature findings, affecting the study's applicability. The study aims to enhance Lae City's roads using geosynthetics, aligning with sustainable development goals.

ABSTRACT. As a developing country, Papua New Guinea faces many problems in urban and rural areas. With the growing population and rapid development in infrastructure, proper water supply is needed to support households and businesses. Major water networks are developed for urban areas such as cities and towns, however the small rural areas tend to have inadequate supply of water. Majority of villages use rivers and dug up wells as a source of water and sometimes these sources of water are located quite a distance from the village. As part of vision 2050 the government has for country, one of its primary goals is to ensure that over 90% of the population will have access to clean, healthy, drinking water. As civil engineers, the challenge is to provide this service to those who need it.

The main objective of this research is to evaluate the existing infrastructure and propose the development of a sustainable water distribution system for the rural area/village. The selected village to focus on is called Hobu, located in Ward 13 of Nabak LLG in Nawaeb District and Ward 13 Ahi LLG of Lae District, Morobe Province. The existing system is assumed to be compromised. In order to develop a sustainable system, research was conducted on similar projects on a similar scale to determine the most suitable methodology to follow.

The research and literature review mainly focuses on three main areas of study which are the objectives of similar projects, the population forecasting methods used in those projects, the methodology and the use of software in the design of water supply systems.

ABSTRACT. Abstract The research project at The Papua New Guinea University of Technology aims to investigate Structural Health Parameters (SHPs) for monitoring and rehabilitating Bailey bridges in Papua New Guinea. The introductory phase of the study will provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of Bailey bridges in the region, highlighting the significance of monitoring and rehabilitating their structural health. The methodology involves a systematic assessment of key SHPs, employing the use of structural monitoring techniques from past literature and current practice of Bridge monitoring and assessment. Through a combination of field surveys, and data analysis, the study seeks to identify critical structural indicators that can offer insights into the health status of Bailey bridges. The study will focus on key parameters determined through research, and analyze real time data to find correlation relationships between them in order the come up with a working framework. This includes an examination of factors such as load distribution, material degradation, and environmental influences. The expected outcomes of the research project encompass the development of a robust framework for continuous structural health monitoring of Bailey bridges. Additionally, the study aims to recommend/propose tentative effective rehabilitation strategies based on the identified SHPs, contributing to the enhancement of the overall resilience and longevity of these vital transportation structures in Papua New Guinea.

ABSTRACT. Abstract:

This research examines the Kamkumung Bridge in Lae City, Papua New Guinea, with a focus on stress, displacement, strain, shear, and moment concerns under various loading circumstances. To accomplish this, a thorough modelling approach was used, with CSI Bridge and Solidworks being used to precisely depict the geometric and material aspects of the bridge. The objectives of this research are in three parts: first, to create a detailed model of the Kamkumung Bridge while assuring precision in retaining its structural properties. Second, a comprehensive loading analysis will be performed that use CSI Bridge and Solidworks simulation tools to investigate the bridge's response to pedestrian, traffic, dead, and superimposed dead loads. Finally, to identify the extremes of stress, displacement, strain, bending moment, and shear caused by various loading scenarios. The significance of this research develops from the observed vibrations experienced by the Kamkumung Bridge during vehicle crossings, which may cause structural deformations, shear stresses, bending moments, and stress on the concrete deck and the overall bridge structure. Field investigations were carried out to collect critical data, such as dimensions and material qualities. Computational models were then created to extract extreme values of structural parameters. This study takes on safety concerns by evaluating the bridge's structural integrity under varied loads. The findings will be used to recommend adjustments to ensure the safety of people and cars crossing the Kamkumung Bridge.

ABSTRACT. The purpose of this research project is to investigate the feasibility of using localized aggregate materials found on Karkar Island in concrete mixes. Concrete is one of the most important engineering materials used in construction and the addition or replacement of some of its materials may change the properties of the concrete mix. Karkar Island has deposits of igneous rocks scattered across the island with natural black sand found along its coastline. The research also aims to assess the performance of concrete mixes made using localized aggregates against conventional aggregates. The study will focus on evaluating the possibility of utilizing localized aggregates as substitute for conventional aggregates used in making concrete. This research will employ the mixed method approach, which focuses on the collecting, analysing and mixing both quantitative and qualitative research and methods in a single study to understand the research problem. The results of this study, at the end of the research will provide us a comprehensive understanding of the physical properties of localized aggregates and the possibility of using it as the main source of both coarse and fine aggregate in concrete mixes for the Rehabilitation of Kinim Wharf.

ABSTRACT. Structural optimization considering two objectives simultaneously would generate a set of optimal solutions, which is called a Pareto set, instead of a unique optimal solution and thus may not satisfy the requirements of designers. This paper focuses on proposing a comprehensive criterion to weight each objective and thus convert multi-objective optimization problems to single-objective optimization problems. In recent decades, the failure of bridges during service, as well as new construction has increased with an average of 129 bridges per year during the decade 2007–2017. The average age of the bridges is 34.53 years at failure during service against the prescribed design life of 100 years. The average age of failure of bridges in India is relatively high compared to failures in China (23.60 years) and much lower compared to failures in the USA (at least 51.70 years). Thus considering the local technical issues of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar are considered and based on that a general framework is tried to prepare. In this paper, the factors affecting the design of the flyover are identified. Further they are classified as dependent and independent parameters and the bounds of independent parameters are identified based on the manual design of the flyover.

ABSTRACT. A preliminary site investigation in Papua New Guinea focused on rural structures' suitability, safety, resilience, and durability, with a particular emphasis on ridge engineering. This study examined four key aspects: slope stability, river erosion, flow dynamics, and riverbank protection. Kumalu River, near Wau Bulolo Highway in Morobe Province, served as the case study. Slope stability analysis, essential for preventing collapses, involved site visits, sample collection, and Geoslope software simulations to assess geological, topographical, and environmental impacts near bridges. The research also delved into scour and sedimentation analysis, uncovering how river dynamics lead to sediment build-up and scouring, endangering bridge foundations. Hydraulics of river systems were studied to understand flow patterns, rates, sedimentation, and flood risks, all of which influence bridge safety and longevity. Effectiveness assessments were conducted on river bank protection structures like revetments and retaining walls to safeguard bridge foundations against erosion and scour. This research aimed to offer insights into rural bridge challenges in Papua New Guinea, presenting practical recommendations for improved design, construction, and maintenance. It contributes to engineering knowledge while benefiting rural communities.

ABSTRACT. Abstract: Concrete is a crucial material in construction. However, its production using natural aggregates has depleted our natural resources. To address this issue and manage construction waste effectively, it is recommended to replace natural aggregates with recycled aggregates. In this study, we replaced 25%, and 50% of natural coarse aggregates with recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) to create recycled aggregate concrete (RAC). Additionally, we substituted 5% and 10% of cement in the RAC mixes with blended hydrated lime and brick powder (HBr). We conducted mechanical and durability tests to evaluate the strength and durability properties of the RAC mixes, including compressive strength, water absorption, and aggressive environment tests. The results showed that the RAC mixes had lower compressive strength compared to the ones with natural aggregates. However, the utilization of blended HBr enhanced the compressive strength of RAC. Moreover, blended HBr positively impacted the aggressive environment and reduced the values of water absorption. The aggressive environment test results also suggested that the addition of blended HBr reduced the risk of erosion in the RAC mixes. Further analysis using FESEM and EDS demonstrated that the pozzolanic material reduced the pores and voids, resulting in a densified concrete matrix. Therefore, for practical applications, it is feasible to prepare M20-grade concrete using 50% RCA with blended hydrated lime and brick powder.

ABSTRACT. This research project explores the best practices and challenges involved in designing an overhead pedestrian bridge in Mount Hagen City. Considering the city's unique geographical, social, and economic factors, the study draws on a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating engineering, urban planning, and community engagement. The methodology involves a systematic literature review to establish a theoretical foundation, case studies of successful pedestrian bridge projects from different regions to extract relevant design principles, semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders to gather insights into local challenges and cultural considerations, and surveys to understand pedestrian behavior and preferences. The expected outcomes of this research are to identify and analyze the design key elements, develop a comprehensive understanding of the challenges, and best practices, and finally, propose strategic recommendations that should support the design of an overhead pedestrian bridge in Mount Hagen City The findings will contribute to the academic discourse on urban infrastructure development and inform the sustainable growth and livability of Mount Hagen City. By identifying and analyzing the best practices and challenges involved in designing an overhead pedestrian bridge, the study seeks to pave the way for a transformative and sustainable infrastructure project that will benefit the entire city, province, and country as a whole.

ABSTRACT. Abstract: This research project aims to evaluate the Bagahinupa/Hofaga washed-out bridge in Unggai Bena District of Eastern Highlands Province in Goroka. The study includes an analysis of the causes and consequences of the bridge failure, as well as an assessment of the community's on the consequences it has on the socioeconomic aspects of the locals. We conducted a site visit to the bridge location, interviewed local officials and community members, and assess the components of the washed out bridge by physical measurements as well as observations on the cause and impact of the washed out bridge. Our findings indicate that the primary cause of the bridge failure was heavy rainfall and flooding as well as poor flood estimation of the site before construction, compounded by poor construction and insufficient funding for infrastructure upgrades. The economic and social impacts of the bridge closure were significant, with local businesses and residents experiencing decreased access to essential services and increased transportation costs. Based on our analysis, we recommend several potential solutions for the community, including funding for reconstruction of the bridge with proper flood estimation of the site, improved emergency response plans, and community education on the risks of extreme weather events. This research highlights the importance of proactive planning and investment in infrastructure to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters on vulnerable communities.

ABSTRACT. Bridges serve as vital links, fostering unity among people and communities by offering reliable and secure passage over water bodies, valleys, and other obstacles. The enhancement of transportation systems through these connections is pivotal for community development, as it facilitates the movement of goods, services, and individuals, thereby opening up new markets and expanding economic opportunities. Prioritizing the construction and upkeep of bridges is essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of communities, requiring regular maintenance to prevent catastrophic failure and promote longevity. Monitoring structural components and adhering to strict safety parameters, including inspections, repairs, and upgrades, is crucial. Weather conditions, traffic volume, and environmental factors must be considered to determine necessary maintenance requirements. This paper critically assesses the causes and effects of scour-induced bridge failure, analyzing a site with evident scouring. The aim is to establish effective mitigation measures for scouring, acknowledging it as a top priority for bridge inspection and maintenance due to its potential for rapid and catastrophic impact.