In this paper, the influence of optimized FSW process parameters namely tool rotational speed, feed rate, mechanical axial force and impact of tool pin geometry on the mechanical properties of AZ80A Mg alloy are experimentally investigated in a detailed manner. M35 grade High Speed Steel (HSS) tool with three different pin geometries namely straight cylindrical, threaded cylindrical and taper cylindrical was employed in this investigation. The joints obtained under these conditions are subjected to tensile tests as per ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) B557M – 10 standards and tensile fracture surfaces are examined using optical and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The investigations proved that defect free sound joints with better mechanical properties are produced by taper cylindrical tool pin geometry under optimized process parameter values. It was experimentally found that the optimized FSW process parameter values namely 1.0 mm/min feed rate, 5 kN axial force, 1000 rpm of tool rotational speed along with a taper cylindrical pin profiled tool is preferable for FSW of AZ80A Mg alloy of 5mm thickness.Moreover, this experimental work revealed us that the taper cylindrical pin profiled tool fabricated sound, defect free welded joints along with better & improved mechanical properties when compared with other two pin profiles.

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Purpose -The residential construction industry has a major share in Canada's GDP. In spite of huge spending and technical advances in the residential construction sector, the current permit approval process still adheres to traditional manual permit approval process. Consequently, this has contributed to project delays and increased monetary costs to the stakeholders associated with the process. The research presented in this paper seeks to explore key issues related to the current housing development permit approval process. Design/methodology/approach -This paper describes a proposed methodology for the automation of the residential construction development permit approval process. The proposed methodology has been incorporated into a computer system that integrates a knowledge-based expert system (KBES), database management system (DBMS), and computer-aided design (CAD). Various concepts related to the database structures, system architecture, process flow and user interfaces are introduced and described in the context of the development permit approval process. Findings -This paper presents a knowledge-based prototype for the development permit approval process that can be customized as per the needs of various cities. A case study is also presented in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method and to illustrate the implementation of the research.Research limitations/implications -The prototype is application-independent and may be implemented anywhere in the AutoCAD environment. The research paves the way for the setting of drafting standards for the residential industry. Originality/value -Prototype provides significant gains in productivity and accuracy over the current practices by minimizing the redundancies involved in the development permit approval process.

Project performance issues are major concerns in Alberta. This paper compares the projects executed in Alberta and US projects. The paper analyses the projects performance in Alberta and compares it with US projects with a view to improve project performance in Alberta. 17 participating companies in Alberta provided the previous projects data and COAA/CII database provided the US data for the analysis. A qualitative research methodology was also employed in investigating the Alberta project performance. Interviews were conducted with industry practitioners, which contained open-ended questions. The research found that in comparison, the Alberta projects showed higher average cost and schedule growth than the US projects and the US based projects were more productive in erecting structural steel than Alberta projects. This method has the potential to contribute to a reduction in cost and schedule overruns, and improves project performance. It is concluded that comparison of projects executed in Alberta and US projects can provide a guide to companies to improve performance in Alberta.

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