This issue consists of six papers. The first paper, “Effect of Soil-
Structure Interaction on Building Response in Hilly Areas”, by Prabhat Kumar,
Sharad Sharma and A D Pandey, studies the behavior of buildings in hilly terrain during seismic activities. The response calculations in this study include soil-structure interaction which is generally ignored in response calculations. The buildings on hilly areas are normally constructed asymmetrical and thus are more prone to torsional effect and may suffer additional damage. Dynamic analysis has been performed including such effects. The authors have found that vertical static displacement and horizontal dynamic displacement in X and Y directions for different values of foundation soil are greater than fixed base displacement. The different ratios for stepback-setback buildings are higher than those for stepback structures. The authors recommend that stepback-setback configuration of buildings is more suitable for hilly areas.
The second paper, “Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System-Based Modeling for HSC Columns Strengthened with GFRP Wraps Under Compression”, by J Saravanan, K Suguna and P N Raghunath, is a study on the performance of concrete. In the investigation, the authors have modeled such columns using Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy System (ANFIS) for theoretical investigation to compare the experimental results. For experimental investigation, three types of GFRP wrapping were used for HSC concrete cylinders tested under uniaxial loading under compression up to failure conditions. While testing for each load increment deflection as well as lateral deformations were closely monitored and measured. The columns tested with GFRP wrap indicated improved performance in terms of ductility and energy absorption capacity. This observation will help the column members to exhibit good performance under lateral load. ANFIS modeling was used for predicting the performance parameter and to compare the experimental results. Column is one of the important load-bearing systems in structural work and has a variety of uses. GFRP wrap has been extensively used to repair damaged columns and also to increase its load-resistance capability in many countries. Such wrapped columns under test have exhibited improved deflection ductility and energy ductility, and it is a good indication. It is suggested that such research work be further extended using various loading conditions as expected in service life of columns.
The third paper, “Non-Destructive Evaluation of Concrete Structures with Ground Penetrating Radar and Influencing Parameters”, by P Srinivasan, K Ravisankar and
S Thirugnanasambandam, deals with using non-destructive test techniques for quality assurance of structures. The emphasis is to demonstrate the effectiveness of the use of radar in testing concrete for any internal flaws. Experiments in the laboratory were done to test its efficacy on concrete slab samples. Theoretical and experimental results were compared over different grid spacing. It is highlighted that grid spacing for test is quite important for such tests.
The fourth paper, “Strength of Brick Masonry Prisms When Cement Is Replaced with Fly Ash”, by C Nagendra Prasad and B Vidya, is a study on improvement in strength of brick masonry by replacing cement with some percentage of fly ash. Brick and brick masonry prisms with increase in fly ash content in mix are used and tested in the experimental investigation. The authors have also tried to develop some empirical equations. It is reported that 5 days’ compressive strength of all brick samples in different mortars was observed to be almost uniform. The costs of construction of 1:4 cement mortar with 0% fly ash and 1:3 cement mortar with 20% fly ash are more or less same, but the compressive strength of 1:3 cement mortar with 20% fly ash is 21% more than 1:4 cement mortar. The test results have been presented by the authors, but no specific recommendations have been put forward about its use in practice.
The fifth paper, “Retrofitting of Soft-Storey Buildings Using Brick Infills and Steel Bracings”, by Sonu Samanta and Radhikesh P Nanda, discusses the contribution of brick infill in multistoreyed buildings in the soft storey portion. For earthquake analysis, masonry infills are not considered to contribute in lateral load resistance. But in reality, these infills contribute significantly. Its inclusion could contribute in construction cost savings. Different national building codes recommend its contribution and it should be included in seismic response calculations. The authors have used the examples of multistoreyed buildings with partial infill and steel bracings in determination of performance of buildings. Based on the results, it is recommended that the use of even partial infill in ground soft-storey is quite effective without affecting parking facilities.
The sixth paper, “Topology Optimization of Structures for Minimum Structural Compliance”, by A Mallika and N V Ramana Rao, is a study on the use of topology optimization technique for structural elements. This method uses finite element method of analysis, which also has inbuilt capability of using optimization procedure using topology. The aim is to maximize the static stiffness for structural elements. In structural design, all emphasis is placed on achieving cost economy by using minimum materials and keeping volume at its optimum to adequately bear the stresses induced by application of service load. The authors have used ANSYS program with application of optimization using volume element and creation of different mesh in the study. The study has used a few structural elements as examples for this investigation to draw inferences. The conclusions drawn indicate that results depend on density of mesh in the analysis, and this technique can be used for automatically generated optimal strut and tie models for structural design and detailing.
Automated Teller Machines (ATMs): The Changing Face of Banking in India
Bank Management
Information and communication technology has changed the way in which banks provide services to its customers. These days the customers are able to perform their routine banking transactions without even entering the bank premises. ATM is one such development in recent years, which provides remote banking services all over the world, including India. This paper analyzes the development of this self-service banking in India based on the secondary data.
The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is playing a very important role in the progress and advancement in almost all walks of life. The deregulated environment has provided an opportunity to restructure the means and methods of delivery of services in many areas, including the banking sector. The ICT has been a focused issue in the past two decades in Indian banking. In fact, ICTs are enabling the banks to change the way in which they are functioning. Improved customer service has become very important for the very survival and growth of banking sector in the reforms era. The technological advancements, deregulations, and intense competition due to the entry of private sector and foreign banks have altered the face of banking from one of mere intermediation to one of provider of quick, efficient and customer-friendly services. With the introduction and adoption of ICT in the banking sector, the customers are fast moving away from the traditional branch banking system to the convenient and comfort of virtual banking. The most important virtual banking services are phone banking, mobile banking, Internet banking and ATM banking. These electronic channels have enhanced the delivery of banking services accurately and efficiently to the customers. The ATMs are an important part of a bank’s alternative channel to reach the customers, to showcase products and services and to create brand awareness. This is reflected in the increase in the number of ATMs all over the world. ATM is one of the most widely used remote banking services all over the world, including India. This paper analyzes the growth of ATMs of different bank groups in India.
International Scenario
If ATMs are largely available over geographically dispersed areas, the benefit from using an ATM will increase as customers will be able to access their bank accounts from any geographic location. This would imply that the value of an ATM network increases with the number of available ATM locations, and the value of a bank network to a customer will be determined in part by the final network size of the banking system. The statistical information on the growth of branches and ATM network in select countries.
Indian Scenario
The financial services industry in India has witnessed a phenomenal growth, diversification and specialization since the initiation of financial sector reforms in 1991. Greater customer orientation is the only way to retain customer loyalty and withstand competition in the liberalized world. In a market-driven strategy of development, customer preference is of paramount importance in any economy. Gone are the days when customers used to come to the doorsteps of banks. Now the banks are required to chase the customers; only those banks which are customercentric and extremely focused on the needs of their clients can succeed in their business today.
