Properties of concrete during and after fire exposure are of significant importance for serviceability and rehabilitation of buildings. This article presents an experimental investigation on the effects of elevated temperature on physical and mechanical properties of concrete made using two types of locally available coarse aggregates (crushed and wadi aggregates) and water-to-cement (w/c) ratios of 0.50 and 0.70. Temperature range from 200 °C to 1000 °C was used with intervals of 200 °C. Test results indicate that the weight of concrete reduced with increase in temperature. This reduction was quite sharp beyond 800 °C. Minor spalling was observed in concrete with Wadi aggregates at temperatures beyond 800 °C. The results also reveal that relative strength of concrete decreased as exposure temperature increased. The effect of high temperatures on the strength of concrete was more pronounced in concrete with Wadi aggregates. w/c ratio had insignificant effect on weight loss after exposure to elevated temperatures, but it increased the rate of strength degradation irrespective of aggregate type used.

Comparison of results with Eurocode (EC-2) and American Concrete Institute (ACI) standards indicate that the concrete with both aggregate types can satisfy the limits of siliceous aggregates set by ACI, but concrete made with Wadi aggregates with w/c ratio of 0.50 failed to satisfy limits of EC-2. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Continue reading full article205 65r15 Tires Air Pressure Create a Comparison ChartBest Replacement Tires For Bmw 135i See how Oman compares to another country using any of the measures in the Index.Tumi Warehouse Sale 4.5% 5-year compound annual growth Oman’s small, open economy is driven mainly by energy.

Tax rates are competitively low, and foreign investment is generally welcome. Recognizing the need for a more broad-based and vibrant private sector, Oman has undertaken regulatory reforms and modernization of its economy. 2016 Economic Freedom Score: 67.1 (up 0.4 point)Economic Freedom Status: Moderately FreeGlobal Ranking: 52ndRegional Ranking: 6th in the Middle East/North Africa RegionNotable Successes: Fiscal Freedom and Trade FreedomConcerns: Rule of Law and Regulatory EfficiencyOverall Score Change Since 2012: –0.8Oman’s transition to a more flexible economy has been uneven. Excessive state involvement in the private sector constrains economic dynamism. Overreliance on the state-owned oil sector leaves the economy vulnerable to external shocks. The rule of law has been relatively well maintained, but the judiciary remains vulnerable to political interference. In early 2011, in response to widespread regional turmoil, Sultan Qabus bin Said changed cabinet ministers and promised political and economic reforms.

A Consultative Council elected in October 2011 expanded regulatory and legislative powers. As part of the government’s efforts to decentralize authority and allow greater citizen participation in local governance, Oman conducted its first municipal council elections in December 2012. Oman is a relatively small oil exporter. The government is trying to expand exports of liquefied natural gas; and encourage foreign investment in petrochemicals, electric power, and telecommunications. It is also trying to replace foreign workers with local staff to reduce chronically high unemployment. Oman joined the World Trade Organization in 2000 and signed a free trade agreement with the United States in 2006. Rule of LawView Methodology Property Rights 55.0 Create a Graph using this measurement Freedom From Corruption 45.0 Create a Graph using this measurement Several high-profile corruption cases involving government officials and executives from Oman’s oil industry have been prosecuted in recent years.

Many influential figures in government still apparently have private business interests that could create potential conflicts of interest. The judiciary is not independent and remains subordinate to the sultan and the Ministry of Justice. Property rights are well protected. Government Spending 36.8 Create a Graph using this measurement Fiscal Freedom 98.5 Create a Graph using this measurement There is no individual income tax, and the top corporate tax rate is 12 percent. There is no consumption tax or value-added tax. The overall tax burden equals less than 3 percent of GDP. Government spending amounts to 45.9 percent of total domestic output in this oil-based economy. A fast-growing population puts pressure on public spending, but public debt remains below 10 percent of GDP. Business Freedom 70.1 Create a Graph using this measurement Labor Freedom 72.5 Create a Graph using this measurement Monetary Freedom 77.9 Create a Graph using this measurement Oman’s regulatory environment is evolving.

Starting a business takes an average of eight days, but the required minimum capital equals over twice the average annual income. Labor laws enforce “Omanization,” a policy that requires private-sector firms to meet quotas for hiring native Omani workers. The IMF has warned that absent cuts in state subsidies on petroleum products and electricity, fiscal deficits would climb above 15 percent of GDP. Trade Freedom 85.0 Create a Graph using this measurement Investment Freedom 70.0 Create a Graph using this measurement Financial Freedom 60.0 Create a Graph using this measurement Oman’s average tariff rate is 2.5 percent. The government screens foreign investment, and ownership levels in many sectors of the economy are capped. State-owned enterprises operate in the energy and telecommunications sectors. The banking sector continues to evolve, with commercial banks performing well. Most credit is offered at market rates, but the government uses subsidized loans to promote investment.