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This paper focuses on the perspectives of passengers who were railway users and how railways as a service can be uplifted with technological advancements through the introduction of information and communication technologies (ICTs). For this purpose, a questionnaire was designed comprised of six sections related to information on socio-economic-demographics, travel, station facilities, train facilities, customer care, and familiarity with and benefits of ICTs. A total of 800 respondents were recruited on trains and in railway stations to collect data through a random sampling technique. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, factor analysis, bivariate correlation analysis, and ordered logistic regression analysis. The three hypotheses tested showed that (i) there is a correlation between socio-demographic factors, train frequency, and satisfaction levels, (ii) satisfaction with station and train facilities and customer care impacts users' travel likelihood with the train service, and (iii) users' familiarity with perceived benefits of ICTs influences passengers' travel likelihood with the train service. The results indicate that the users' satisfaction with attributes of station facilities, train facilities, and customer care and perceptions about ICTs significantly influences their travel frequency with the train service. This study is useful for multiple stakeholders, especially for railway management authorities, to provide inclusive services to passengers and to plan for future transportation, which should be well-equipped with ICTs, well-integrated with other transport modes, and well-connected with optimum stops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the shear strengthening capabilities of reinforced concrete (RC) shallow beams constrained by externally bonded glass chopped strand mat (GCSM) sheets and metallic mechanical anchors. The research investigated the effectiveness of GCSM sheets, known for their cost-effectiveness, ease of installation, and absence of specialized labor requirements, in improving the shear capacity, energy dissipation, and deformation capacity of RC beams. Experimental results revealed that GCSM sheets significantly enhanced the deformation capability, ultimate shear strength, and energy dissipation of RC shallow beams. Beams with GCSM applied to both the sides and bottom (SB) configuration demonstrated higher load-bearing capacity and energy dissipation compared to beams with GCSM only on the sides. The incorporation of a metallic mechanical bolt anchorage (MBA) system reduced the load-carrying capacities of beams with SB and beams with GCSM applied to only side by 28% and 5%, respectively, due to the drilling required for installation. However, the MBA system significantly improved the deflection performance, with beam B-S-A (GCSM on sides only and supplemented with MBA exhibiting the highest ultimate deflection of 23.92 mm. Overall, beams equipped with the MBA system showed superior ultimate deflection compared with those without it. Despite some reductions in load-bearing capacity, GCSM sheets combined with MBA systems proved highly effective in enhancing the shear strength, energy dissipation, and deformation capabilities of RC shallow beams, making them a valuable alternative for shear strengthening applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive research efforts have been undertaken in the past to utilize several kinds of recycled fine aggregates to produce environmentally friendly and more sustainable concrete. In Thailand, various types of bricks, including fired clay hollow, fired clay solid, and hydraulically pressed cement-clay bricks, are manufactured for constructing low-rise buildings. There is an urgent requirement to employ recycled fine aggregates made from these bricks to mitigate the disposal and demolition waste generated by the brick industry. At present, the utilization of waste bricks of Thailand's origin as fine aggregates in concrete is yet to be investigated. Three types of fine recycled brick aggregates were utilized to create sustainable concrete. The recycled fine brick aggregates were substituted for natural fine aggregates at proportions of 0%, 10%, and 20% to formulate the concrete mixes. Furthermore, three distinct types of tests—compression, splitting, and flexural tests—were conducted to evaluate the mechanical properties of the concrete. The compressive and splitting tensile strengths increased with the replacement ratio of recycled aggregates. Notably, up to 51% and 80% improvements in the compressive and splitting tensile strength were observed, corresponding to 20% replacement proportions, respectively. However, the flexural strengths exhibited were attributed to the type of waste brick, with a maximum improvement of up to 22%. Moreover, the water absorption tendency was reduced by incorporating recycled fine aggregates in concrete. The current work aimed only at examining the strengths of recycled brick aggregate concrete. Therefore, future works are recommended to investigate the complete stress vs. strain constitutive relationships of this concrete as well as its flowability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an assessment study of traffic-induced ground vibrations and their effects on masonry-type historic structures in Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Thailand. The first objective is to propose a practical prediction of the attenuation rate of vibration for risk management of the monuments located along roadsides in the city. The attenuation of vibration waves traveling from traffic sources and the intensity of ground vibrations were determined by in situ vibration measurement. The results from the investigations in the Ayutthaya area were compared with those obtained from other sites having different characteristics of subsoil classified by the average shear wave velocity (Vs). It was found that the attenuation rates at a long distance from the source tend to be dependent on soil property in terms of Vs of subsoils. The attenuation curves derived from the regression analysis are proposed for risk management from the vibration of the heritage site. The second objective is to assess the effects of traffic vibrations on historic structures. The highest amplitude observed in Ayutthaya was within the recommended vibration criteria for historic buildings. In addition, finite element analysis of a 3D stupa model revealed that the stresses resulting from the ground vibration records induced by traffic was lower than the strength of ancient brick and mortar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of various water types in concrete mixes to minimize freshwater consumption and combat scarcity. River water, sea water, estuary water, domestic wastewater, and fresh water were assessed, analyzing concrete properties such as water absorption, compressive, flexural, and splitting tensile strengths. Results indicated comparable failure modes across different water types in compression, flexure, and splitting. Estuary water decreased compressive strength by 8%, while other water types enhanced it, with domestic wastewater showing the most improvement. Splitting tensile strength saw no significant reductions; domestic wastewater exhibited the highest enhancement (24.39%), followed by estuary and river water, whereas estuary water led in flexural strength improvement. Domestic wastewater reduced absorption and increased slump by up to 60%. To summarize, domestic wastewater positively influenced compressive and splitting tensile strengths, decreased water absorption, and increased slump. River water exhibited properties akin to fresh water, implying its suitability; further exploration into reinforced concrete using these water sources is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]