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Infrared Spectroscopy of Minerals and Related Compounds (Springer Mineralogy)
by Nikita V. Chukanov Alexandr D. ChervonnyiThis book provides an overview of the application of IR spectroscopy in mineralogical investigations, as well as modern trends in the IR spectroscopy of minerals. It includes the most important methodological aspects; characteristic IR bands of different chemical groups and coordination polyhedra; application of IR spectroscopy to the investigation of the crystal chemistry of amphiboles, phyllosilicates, tourmalines etc.; neutral molecules entrapped by microporous minerals; and analysis of hydrogen in nominally anhydrous minerals. About 1600 IR spectra (illustrations as well as a list of wavenumbers) of minerals and some related compounds are accompanied by detailed descriptions of the standard samples used. Each spectrum provides information about the occurrence, appearance, associated minerals, its empirical formula, and unit-cell parameters. The book also provides insights into sample preparation and/or spectrum registration methods. It includes IR spectra of 1020 minerals that were not covered in the book “Infrared spectra of mineral species: Extended library” published in 2014 and written by one of the authors. On average, each page provides information on two minerals/compounds. Subsections correspond to different classes of compounds (silicates, phosphates, arsenates, oxides etc.). About 290 new spectra have been obtained, and the remaining 1310 spectra are taken from most reliable literature sources (published over the last 60 years) and are redrawn in a unified style.
Infrared Spectroscopy of Symmetric and Spherical Spindles for Space Observation 1
by Pierre-Richard Dahoo Azzedine LakhlifiThis book is dedicated to the description and application of various different theoretical models to identify the near and mid-infrared spectra of symmetric and spherical top molecules in their gaseous form. Theoretical models based on the use of group theory are applied to rigid and non-rigid molecules, characterized by the phenomenon of tunneling and large amplitude motions. The calculation of vibration-rotation energy levels and the analysis of infrared transitions are applied to molecules of ammonia (NH3) and methane (CH4). The applications show how interactions at the molecular scale modify the near and mid-infrared spectra of isolated molecules, under the influence of the pressure of a nano-cage (the substitution site of a rare gas matrix, clathrate, fullerene or zeolite) or a surface, and allow us to identify the characteristics of the perturbing environment. This book provides valuable support for teachers and researchers but is also intended for engineering students, working research engineers and Master's and doctorate students.
Infrared Technology Fundamentals
by Monroe SchlessingerThis work provides a basic understanding of the physical background and engineering considerations required for the design of IR systems, examining all components and combining them into examples of current surveillance systems. This second edition presents: new coverage of state-of-the-art optical systems, including lightweight mirrors and adaptiv
Infrared Thermographic NDT-based Damage Detection and Analysis Method for Spacecraft
by Chun Yin Xuegang Huang Xutong Tan Junyang LiuThe book focuses on infrared thermographic NDT systems and approaches. Both principles and engineering practice are covered, with more emphasis on the engineering practice of spacecraft damage detection and analysis. This is achieved by providing an in-depth study of several major topics such as infrared feature extraction, damage reconstruction, reconstructed image fusion, reconstructed image stitching, reconstructed image segmentation, defect positioning, defect edge detection and quantitative calculation. A number of application cases are discussed in detail, including impact damage to single-layer and multi-layer protective configurations, simple impact damage, and complex multi-type impact damage. The comprehensive and systematic treatment of practical problems in infrared detection and spacecraft damage identification is one of the main features of this book, which is particularly suitable for those interested in learning practical solutions in infrared detection technology. This book can benefit researchers, engineers, and graduate students in the fields of aerospace design and manufacturing, spacecraft environmental engineering, and non-destructive testing technology, etc.
Infrared Thermography and Thermal Nondestructive Testing
by Vladimir Vavilov Douglas BurleighThis is the first book summarizing the theoretical basics of thermal nondestructive testing (TNDT) by combining elements of heat conduction, infrared thermography, and industrial nondestructive testing. The text contains the physical models of TNDT, heat transfer in defective and sound structures, and thermal properties of materials. Also included are the optimization of TNDT procedures, defect characterization, data processing in TNDT, active and passive TNDT systems, as well as elements of statistical data treatment and decision making.This text contains in-depth descriptions of applications in infrared/thermal testing within aerospace, power production, building, as well as the conservation of artistic monuments The book is intended for the industrial specialists who are involved in technical diagnostics and nondestructive testing. It may also be useful for academic researchers, undergraduate, graduate and PhD university students.
Infrared Thermography for Thermo-Fluid-Dynamics
by Tommaso Astarita Giovanni Maria CarlomagnoInfrared thermography is a measurement technique that enables to obtain non intrusive measurements of surface temperatures. One of the interesting features of this technique is its ability to measure a full two dimensional map of the surface temperature and for this reason it has been widely used as a flow visualization technique. Since the temperature measurements can be extremely accurate it is possible, by using a heat flux sensor, also to measure convective heat transfer coefficient distributions on a surface making the technique de facto quantitative. This book, starting from the basic theory of infrared thermography and heat flux sensor guides, both the experienced researcher and the young student, in the correct application of this powerful technique to various practical problems. A significant number of examples and applications are also examined in detail.
Infrarot-Kameras: Grundlagen, Technologien und Systeme
by Arnulf Wallrabe Maurus Tacke Reinhard EbertIn vielen Bereichen der kommerziellen Technik, und ganz besonders in der Wehrtechnik, gewinnt die Infrarot-Sensorik an Bedeutung. Für die Nachtsichttechnik kann man sich zwei verschiedene Prinzipien zunutze machen: 1. Bildverstärkergeräte, die darauf beruhen, dass häufig nachts eine geringe Resthelligkeit vorhanden ist; 2. Wärmebildgeräte nutzen dagegen die von jedem Körper naturgesetzlich im Infraroten ausgesendete Wärmestrahlung, die ohne jegliche Beleuchtung auskommt. Dieses Buch ist für alle geschrieben, die sich in das noch relativ junge Gebiet der Wärmebildtechnik einarbeiten, wobei es sowohl für Anwender von Wärmebildgeräten als auch für Naturwissenschaftler und Ingenieure, die sich über diese Technik informieren oder selbst auf diesem Gebiet arbeiten wollen, von Nutzen ist. Es folgen technische Realisierungen, Konzepte und Konstruktionen von Geräten. Nutzen daran hat auch der Offizier an nachtsichtfähigen Waffensystemen. Es ist zur Zeit das einzige deutschsprachige Buch zum Thema Höchstleistungs-Wärmebildgeräte.
Infrasound Monitoring for Atmospheric Studies
by Alain Hauchecorne Alexis Le Pichon Elisabeth BlancThe infrasound field, the science of low-frequency acoustic waves, has developed into a broad interdisciplinary field encompassing academic disciplines of physics and recent technical and scientific developments. In 1996, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), prohibiting atmospheric nuclear explosions worldwide. The infrasound network of the International Monitoring Network (IMS) of the CTBT-Organization has demonstrated its capability for detecting and locating infrasonic sources such as meteorites, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, auroras, mountain associated waves... Nearly 70% of the global network is now operational and regional cluster arrays are deployed around the globe. Systematic investigations into low-frequency acoustic signals have evidenced an unprecedented potential of the monitoring of infrasonic waves permanently generated by natural and man-made events. Furthermore, recent studies point out new insights on quantitative relationships between observables and atmospheric specifications, and therefore opening new fields into the mathematics of geophysical inverse problems for atmospheric remote sensing. This volume reviews the most important areas of infrasound, with emphasis on the latest researches and applications, e.g. instrumentation, engineering, signal processing, source monitoring, propagation modeling, atmospheric dynamics, global changes, remote sensing methods. Researchers and students will benefit from a comprehensive content of infrasound related topics, where both fundamental and applied topics are discussed by authors from international institutions, all experts in their fields.
Infrasound Monitoring for Atmospheric Studies
by Alexis Le Pichon Elisabeth Blanc Alain HauchecorneSince the publication of the first volume “Infrasound monitoring for atmospheric studies” published in 2010, significant advances were achieved in the fields of engineering, propagation modelling, and atmospheric remote sensing methods. The global infrasound network, which consists of the International Monitoring Network (IMS) for nuclear test ban verification completed by an increasing number of regional cluster arrays deployed around the globe, has evidenced an unprecedented potential for detecting, locating and characterizing various natural and man-made sources. In recent years, infrasound has evolved into a broad interdisciplinary field encompassing academic disciplines of geophysics and innovative technical and scientific developments. The advances in innovative ground-based instruments, including infrasound inversions for continuous observations of the stratosphere and mesosphere, provide useful insights into the geophysical source phenomenology and atmospheric processes involved. Systematic investigations into low-frequency infrasound signals and the development of complementary observational platforms point out new insights into the dynamics of the middle atmosphere which play a significant role in both tropospheric weather and climate. This monitoring system also provides continuous relevant information about natural hazards with high societal benefits, like on-going volcanic eruptions, surface earthquakes, meteorites or severe weather. With this new edition, researchers and students benefit from a comprehensive content of both fundamental and applied inter-disciplinary topics.
Infrastructure and Built Environment for Sustainable and Resilient Societies: Proceedings of IBSR 2023 (Sustainable Civil Infrastructures)
by Arkopal Kishore Goswami Bharath Haridas Aithal Swati Maitra Ankhi BanerjeeThis book presents the select proceedings of the Annual Conference on "Infrastructure and Built Environment: Towards Sustainable and Resilient Societies" (IBSR 2023). It covers the latest research and technologies in the area of smart and sustainable built environment for inclusive societies. Various topics covered in this volume are multimodal urban transport, spatial informatics in urban planning, urban morphology, sustainable transport infrastructure development and many more. This book will be useful for researchers and professionals working in the fields of urban mobility, affordable housing, road infrastructure, and spatial informatics.
Infrastructure and Environment
by Anna Krakowiak-Bal Magdalena VaverkovaThis book constitutes the 25th International Conference on Infrastructure and Environment (infraeco 2018) that focuses on rural problems connected with infrastructural equipment.In general, infrastructure issues are dedicated to urban areas while rural topics are linked to agriculture so this conference bridges these two aspects. It also explores ways to manage and separate conflicts between different and important needs of inhabitants, the environment, and other spatial users.The conference provides a forum for much needed cooperation between various scientific disciplines regarding these multidisciplinary problems and issues; hence, Infraeco 2018 draws together engineers, planners, consultants, land developers, and academics from across all disciplines of highway planning, design, operations, and engineering to presents effective practices and share current research results.
Infrastructure and Safety in a Collaborative World
by Evangelos Bekiaris Evangelia Gaitanidou Marion WiethoffThe book investigates how, and which, forgiving road environments (FOR) and self-explaining road measures (SER) will contribute to increasing road safety and also increase network efficiency on the road. It presents both the general approach and the methodology for generating the possible FOR and SER measures. The book further discusses the prioritization and the testing methodologies, as well as the designing VMS methodology. The next parts of the book present a few important examples: lane departure warning systems; intelligent speed adaptation systems and perception enhancement studies; designs of European pictorial signs, e.g. for VMS but also examples of designs of European road wordings; and finally how personalization can take place of VMS signs and wordings for the individual driver. The last part shows the final evaluation of FOR and SER, and detailed Multiple Criterion Analysis and Cost Benefit Analyses are performed on a number of FOR and SER measures. This results in the development of a set of guidelines, conclusions and recommendations for the future.
Infrastructure as Business: The Role of Private Investment Capital
by James McKellarInfrastructure as Business brings new emphasis and clarity to the importance of private investment capital in large-scale infrastructure projects, introducing investors, policymakers, and other stakeholders to a key element that is surprisingly absent from the discourse on public-private partnerships. Despite the importance of modernizing infrastructure across the globe, governments often face challenges in securing the necessary capital to meet future need, as well as developing policy to meet these goals. Explaining the structure of the private investment universe and flow of private capital in such projects, this book ambitiously aims to bridge this "infrastructure gap" by elucidating shared terminology, conceptual frameworks, and an alignment of goals and objectives between public and private sectors—essential to meet increasing environmental, social, and governmental requirements for infrastructure in coming years. Appropriate for graduate-level courses in real estate, public policy, and urban planning that focus on infrastructure, project finance, and procurement and delivery models such as PPPs. Provides a clear understanding of private investment and PPPs to the investment community as well as professionals in real estate, project finance, and related fields, who often learn mostly on-the-job and from colleagues. Equips government officials and policymakers with key terms and concepts needed to "sit across the table" with private financers and explore opportunities for private capital investment in early project stages. Outlines communication strategies for both public and private sectors, which will increasingly need to collaborate to address climate change, respond to new technologies, and develop efficient ways to deliver services. Written to engage academic, private investment, and public policy/governance audiences alike, Infrastructure as Business: The Role of Private Investment Capital invites discussion and opens doors to advancing new business models, with international applications, to offer increased value for private investors as well as more efficient, flexible funding for innovative infrastructure development in the future.
Infrastructure Asset Management with Power System Applications
by Lina Bertling TjernbergInfrastructure Asset Management with Power System Applications is about infrastructure asset management, which can be expressed as the combination of management, financial, economic, and engineering, applied to physical assets with the objective of providing the required level of service in the most cost-effective manner. It includes management of the whole lifecycle of a physical asset from design, construction, commission, operation, maintenance, modification, decommissioning, and disposal. It covers budget issues and focuses on asset management of an infrastructure for energy—i.e., the electric power system. Features Offers a comprehensive reference book providing definitions, terminology, and basic theories as well as a comprehensive set of examples from a wide range of applications for the electric power system and its components. Spans a wide range of applications for the electric power system area, including real data and pictures. Contains results from recently published research and application studies. Includes a wide range of application examples for the electric power systems area from hydro, nuclear, and wind, plus shows future trends. Contributes to the overall goals of developing a sustainable energy system by providing methods and tools for a resource efficient use of physical assets in the electric power system area.
Infrastructure Delivery Systems: Governance and Implementation Issues (Management in the Built Environment)
by Bankole Osita Awuzie Peter McDermottThis book provides a framework for governing policy implementation by various stakeholders during the delivery of infrastructure projects. This framework relies on the tenets of the Viable Systems Model (VSM), a systems cybernetic model that enjoys a high level of acceptance in organizational analysis. The book presents a step-by-step guide for the multi-level governance of implementation during project delivery. Although the book focuses on the context of local content development policy and construction projects (infrastructure), it is presented in a manner that allows it to be adapted to other policies and sectors. The book includes a step-by-step methodology for assessing policy implementation in project or policy delivery systems. In addition, it shares insights into the probable challenges faced by the actors within the delivery system in achieving optimal implementation performance. Critical success factors are also highlighted, and illustrative diagrams of the framework are provided to facilitate understanding. The book is logically structured and presented in a straightforward manner. Also, the transposition of the VSM from a conventional organizational context to a multi-organizational context will appeal to readers with a background in systems thinking, monitoring or evaluation.
Infrastructure Development and Construction Management
by J. C. EdisonThis is a comprehensive book on infrastructure development and construction management. It is written keeping in mind the curricula of construction management programmes in India and abroad. It covers infrastructure development, the construction industry in India, financial analysis of the real estate industry in India, economic analysis of projects, tendering and bidding, contracts and contract management, FIDIC conditions of contract, construction disputes and claims, arbitration, conciliation and dispute resolution, international construction project exports and identifying, analysing and managing construction project risk. Thus, this book covers most of the construction management activities that are carried out at different stages of a construction project. This is an essential book for students of construction management, construction professionals, academicians and researchers.
Infrastructure for the Built Environment: Global Procurement Strategies
by Herbert Robinson Rodney HowesThroughout the world there is a growing demand for high quality public services to support socio-economic development. Infrastructure is central to improving the level of public services and the quality of the built environment. But in key areas such as transport, energy, water, healthcare, education and communications, public resources are not sufficient to keep pace with this demand. As the public sector struggles to keep up, the private sector is increasingly involved in the procurement of economic and social infrastructure. Until now procurement strategies have often concentrated on the mechanisms and the ‘bricks and mortar’ without a thorough analysis of the processes and their implications for services. The result is that all too often infrastructure projects are implemented in an ad hoc and fragmented way. In this ground-breaking book, Rodney Howes and Herbert Robinson provide a holistic approach to infrastructure provision that facilitates infrastructure delivery aimed at continuously improving the level and quality of services. Critical issues of policy and strategy, implementation, and operational aspects are examined within the context of sustainability. By emphasising the importance of procuring infrastructure within an overall national or regional development policy and strategy, the authors have demonstrated the importance of linking investment and resource decisions to local social, economic and environmental needs. With each chapter carefully written to reflect part of the infrastructure delivery chain and illustrated with practical examples and case studies from around the world, this book offers a new blueprint for infrastructure investment and resource management.
Infrastructure Monitoring with Spaceborne SAR Sensors
by Andrei Anghel Gabriel Vasile Remus CacoveanuThis book presents a novel non-intrusive infrastructure monitoring technique based on the detection and tracking of scattering centers in spaceborne SAR images. The methodology essentially consists of refocusing each available SAR image on an imposed 3D point cloud associated to the envisaged infrastructure element and identifying the reliable scatterers to be monitored by means of four dimensional (4D) tomography. The methodology described in this book provides a new perspective on infrastructure monitoring with spaceborne SAR images, is based on a standalone processing chain, and brings innovative technical aspects relative to conventional approaches. The book is intended primarily for professionals and researchers working in the area of critical infrastructure monitoring by radar remote sensing.
Infrastructure Planning and Finance: A Smart and Sustainable Guide
by Vicki Elmer Adam LeiglandInfrastructure Planning and Finance is a non-technical guide to the engineering, planning, and financing of major infrastucture projects in the United States, providing both step-by-step guidance, and a broad overview of the technical, political, and economic challenges of creating lasting infrastructure in the 21st Century. Infrastructure Planning and Finance is designed for the local practitioner or student who wants to learn the basics of how to develop an infrastructure plan, a program, or an individual infrastructure project. A team of authors with experience in public works, planning, and city government explain the history and economic environment of infrastructure and capital planning, addressing common tools like the comprehensive plan, sustainability plans, and local regulations. The book guides readers through the preparation and development of comprehensive plans and infrastructure projects, and through major funding mechanisms, from bonds, user fees, and impact fees to privatization and competition. The rest of the book describes the individual infrastructure systems: their elements, current issues and a 'how-to-do-it' section that covers the system and the comprehensive plan, development regulations and how it can be financed. Innovations such as decentralization, green and blue-green technologies are described as well as local policy actions to achieve a more sustainable city are also addressed. Chapters include water, wastewater, solid waste, streets, transportation, airports, ports, community facilities, parks, schools, energy and telecommunications. Attention is given to how local policies can ensure a sustainable and climate friendly infrastructure system, and how planning for them can be integrated across disciplines.
Infrastructure Planning and Management in India: Opportunities and Challenges (Studies in Infrastructure and Control)
by Rahul Nath Choudhury Pravin JadhavThis book addresses comprehensive issues of infrastructure management at the sectoral level in India. This book analyses four critical sectors viz. Transportation, Power, Urban, and Digital Infrastructure and their planning and management from an Indian perspective. The book also identifies empirical risks and challenges in the planning and management of infrastructure in India. A diverse set of management solutions that can support better infrastructure management across sectors are also discussed in the present book.
Infrastructure Planning and Management: An Integrated Approach
by Virendra ProagThis book explains how water, electricity/power, roads and other infrastructure services are linked together within the general basket of development and how to obtain the optimum use of resources. The emphasis, nowadays, is on multipurpose activities, optimum use of resources, environmental approach, minimum use of energy. This book tries to integrate all of these, by showing the links between the different components of infrastructure and trying to model them. A well articulated, socially attractive and desirable project may fail during the implementation or operation stage, not only from bad design, but also due to inadequate attention paid to the human aspects required for its operation. This book is intended for graduates and practising professionals who are involved in the general development planning of their country/region. It enables better understanding, collaboration and communication with other professionals in relation to their own or different disciplines.
Infrastructure Procurement and Funding: Harnessing Investment to Deliver a Better Future
by Sharon McClementsInfrastructure is vital to a resilient society and infrastructure investment is therefore critical to the vibrant functioning of societies. Infrastructure assets span economic and social spheres, but despite the prime importance of infrastructure investment, national governments simply cannot fund all of society's infrastructure requirements. This book, Infrastructure Procurement and Funding explores the key models of procuring and financing major projects and infrastructure works whilst critically acknowledging the inherent challenges in successfully securing the necessary funding. The book provides the reader with a detailed review of contemporary methods of financing and procuring infrastructure projects, commencing with an examination of the role of infrastructure in society in creating resilient societies. It reviews public sector funding mechanisms for infrastructure investment and then introduces, before presenting emerging trends in private sector investment in infrastructure. Fundamentally this book identifies robust, innovative, and contemporary solutions to the procurement, financing and investment in major infrastructure projects, globally, nationally and regionally. The book is ideal reading for international courses in construction procurement, construction project management, infrastructure asset management, real estate investment and finance, but will also be useful for those construction business leaders in public and private sectors who are responsible for making major project and infrastructure financial and investment decisions.
Infrastructure Public-Private Partnerships: Decision, Management and Development
by Carlos Oliveira Cruz Rui Cunha MarquesEconomic development and social welfare depend on the existence of effective and efficient infrastructure systems, particularly in health, energy, transportation and water, many of which are developed and managed through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). However, empirical evidence suggests some pitfalls in the use of these PPP arrangements. This book addresses these issues, focusing on mostly three key questions: How to improve the robustness of the decision-making process leading to the option of PPP? How to improve contract management as the longest phase of the process? How can contracts be improved to accommodate uncertainty and avoid harmful renegotiations? The authors explore the concept of flexible contracts, the uncertainty modeling for improving the robustness of the decision-making process, and develop an overall framework for effective contract management, along with a comprehensive analysis of current renegotiation patterns. The ultimate goal is to improve the contractual performance, as well as the overall infrastructure management and social welfare.
Infrastructure Robotics: Methodologies, Robotic Systems and Applications (IEEE Press Series on Systems Science and Engineering)
by Dikai Liu Carlos Balaguer Gamini Dissanayake Mirko KovacInfrastructure Robotics Illuminating resource presenting commonly used robotic methodologies and technologies, with recent developments and clear application examples across different project types Infrastructure Robotics presents state-of-the-art research in infrastructure robotics and key methodologies that enable the development of intelligent robots for operation in civil infrastructure environments, describing sensing, perception, localization, map building, environmental and operation awareness, motion and task planning, design methodologies, robot assistance paradigms, and physical human-robot collaboration. The text also presents many case studies of robotic systems developed for real-world applications in maintaining various civil infrastructures, including steel bridges, tunnels, underground water mains, underwater structures, and sewer pipes. In addition, later chapters discuss lessons learned in deployment of intelligent robots in practical applications overall. Infrastructure Robotics provides a timely and thorough treatment of the subject pertaining to recent developments, such as computer vision and machine learning techniques that have been used in inspection and condition assessment of critical civil infrastructures, including bridges, tunnels, and more. Written by highly qualified contributors with significant experience in both academia and industry, Infrastructure Robotics covers topics such as: Design methods for application of robots in civil infrastructure inspired by biological systems including ants, inchworms, and humans Fundamental aspects of research on intelligent robotic co-workers for human-robot collaborative operations The ROBO-SPECT European project and a robotized alternative to manual tunnel structural inspection and assessment Wider context for the use of additive manufacturing techniques on construction sites Infrastructure Robotics is an essential resource for researchers, engineers, and graduate students in related fields. Professionals in civil engineering, asset management, and project management who wish to be on the cutting edge of the future of their industries will also benefit from the text.
Infrastructure Systems for Nuclear Energy
by Thomas T. Hsu Jui-Liang Lin Chiun-Lin WuDeveloping sufficient energy resources to replace coal, oil and gas is a globally critical necessity. Alternatives to fossil fuels such as wind, solar, or geothermal energies are desirable, but the usable quantities are limited and each has inherent deterrents. The only virtually unlimited energy source is nuclear energy, where safety of infrastructure systems is the paramount concern. Infrastructure Systems for Nuclear Energy addresses the analysis and design of infrastructures associated with nuclear energy. It provides an overview of the current and future nuclear power industry and the infrastructure systems from the perspectives of regulators, operators, practicing engineers and research academics. This book also provides details on investigations of containment structures, nuclear waste storage facilities and the applications of commercial/academic computer software. Specific environments that challenge the behavior of nuclear power plants infrastructure systems such as earthquake, blast, high temperature, irradiation effects, soil-structure interaction effect, etc., are also discussed. Key features:* Includes contributions from global experts representing academia and industry* Provides an overview of the nuclear power industry and nuclear infrastructure systems* Presents the state-of-the-art as well as the future direction for nuclear civil infrastructure systemsInfrastructure Systems for Nuclear Energy is a comprehensive, up-to-date reference for researchers and practitioners working in this field and for graduate studies in civil and mechanical engineering.