CE Dept hosts COE X'Mas Party 2009

The Civil Engineering Department faculty and staff hosted the Annual Christmas Party of the DLSU College Engineering at the La Casita Canteen, Andrew Hall last Dec. 17, 2009. The theme of the party is "House Party." So the department mimic the popular Pinoy Big Brother set-up with Dr. Danny Terante and Dr. Egay Dona acting as emcee and Dr. Bernard Lejano as Big Borther Ber. Messages were delivered by CE Dept Chair, Ronnie Gallardo and COE Dean, Indette Gaspillo.

Gracing the affair was former COE Dean, Dr. Angel Lazaro III and visiting lecturer, Dr. Stanley Santos. Games like Sumo Balloon Challenge, Text Twister and Guess the Movie were played. Surprise numbers like the "Nobody But You" dance number by Lawrence, Che, Yen, Lynn and Dr. Alex Fillone brought fun to every body. Raffle prizes and gifts were distributed. The "Loteng" prize was won by Oscar Unas of the MEM Department. Presents were also given to the best house party dressed faculty and staff members.

Terante named PICE Fellow at PICE National Convention

Dr. Danilo C. Terante, Associate Professor of the CE Department was awarded a plaque and medal of distinction by the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) last November 26, 2009 at Camp John Hay Trade and Cultural Center, Baguio City as PICE Fellow for his invaluable contribution to the advancement of civil engineering specifically in the area of hyrdaulics and water resources (HWR) and for the many years of devoted and fruitful service to the institute as director and HWR specialty chair.

Dr. Terante was also elected as director and PRO of the PICE-National 2010 Board of Officers.

In the recent PICE 35th National Convention with the theme " PICE: Leading the way to green buildings and infrastructure" held at Baguio City on November 26-29, 2009, DLSU-Manila CE faculty, alumni and students particpated actively in the various activities. Dr. Terante (chair), Dr. Jonathan Dungca and Dr. Alexis Fillone served as judges in the PICE National CE Student's Quiz.

The following technical papers were also presented:

• Laboratory testing and semi-rigid elastic analysis of steel beam-to-column connections by Angelo Lapuz, Danilo Baluyot, Christopher Camina and Dr. Andres Oreta
• Sustainable solid waste management: a system focused approach by Dr. Danilo Terante
• Urban transport planning of General Santos City, Phils by Riza Marie Paches, Mylen Gecosala and Dr. Alexis Fillone
• Water allocation assessment and optimisation of Malabanan watershed using system dynami approach by Hadji Peejat Aranda and Dr. Danilo Terante
• Investigation of the contaminant transport in the surface run-off of Angat watershed by Dr. Danilo Terante, Andro Raul de Guzman and Joenel Galupino
• Influence of Pozzolan on the Palstic shrinkage of cracking of concrete by Irene Olivia Ubay, Boonchai Stitmannaithum and Toyoharu Nawa

PICE also conferred the titles of Specialist in Geotechnical Engineering to Dr. Dungca and Specialist in Structural Engineering to Engr. Mary Ann Adajar.

The undergraduate students led by Civil Engineering Society (CES) EVP Cheska del Castillo participated in the PICE National Students Conference.

Galupino wins PICE-LNM's Photo-Video Contest

Joenel Galupino was declared the winner in the "Discover Civil Engineering @YouTube", a photo-video competition hosted by the PICE-Lungsod ng Maynila Chapter. He will receive the plaque and cash prize of P5,000.00 on Dec. 4, 2009 during the PICE-LNM Christmas Party. His entry is entitled "KHRPN" or "Kahirapan." It's message is summarized as follows: Poverty can be history if everybody helps in even a small way to alleviate it. There are many ways of eradicating or reducing poverty. Civil engineers, in particular, can contribute in building a better future of our society through the three of their major tasks: Design, Construct and Maintain.

Watch the video below which is posted also at http://discover-ce.blogspot.com and YouTube.

Fillone wins Best Paper Award at 8th EASTS Int'l Conference

Out of around 600 papers submitted and presented during the 8th Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies (EASTS) International Conference last November 16-19, 2009 in Surabaya, Indonesia, Dr. Alexis M. Fillone's paper entitled, “The Estimated Effect of the Proposed Fx Megataxi Express Service on Mode-Changing Behavior in Metro Manila”, earned the Best Paper Award for enlightening Asia-specific topics. A total of 10 best papers were given during the conference. Dr. Fillone is the first Filipino researcher in transportation to receive the award in this prestigious conference.

The 8th EASTS International Conference was attended by more than a thousand faculty, students and researchers from 26 countries. Papers by Dr. Edgar Dona (Civil Eng. Dept), entitled “Airport Location and the Intensity of Urban Concentration” and Dr. Cristela G. Dakila (Economics Dept), entitled “Assessment of Two Modes of Financing Land Transport Infrastructure Investment in the Philippines” and “Core Periphery Relations and Urban Transport Infrastructure Investment”, were also presented during the Conference. Several papers were also presented by the faculty and graduate students from University of the Philippines-Diliman and Ateneo de Manila University.

(Photo at the right shows Dr. Fillone with colleagues from Nihon University, Japan)

The 6th CES Bridge Building Seminar

The 6th Annual CES Bridge Building Competition was launched on November 21, 2009 with a Bridge Seminar held at the Tereso Lara Seminar Room. The resource speakers were Engr. Alden Paul Balili who presented Bridge Modeling Concepts and Dr. Jonathan Dungca who discussed about the history and important aspects related to bridge design. Dr. Andy Oreta, on the otherhand, presented the Technical Guidelines of the CES Popsicle Stick Bridge Building Competition. Linette Cornejo presented the General Rules. The seminar was coordinated by CES officers - Kat Llamado and Linette Cornejo.

The CES Bridge Building Competition is now open to all undergraduate CE students from any CE school. The deadline of the entry is on February 13, 2010. For more details, join the yahoo group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bridgebuilding10. To view the CES Bridge Building Competition last year, read the blogs at http://digitalstructures.blogpspot.com/. Contact: Linette Cornejo - 09064202135 or Katrina Llamado - 09062883833.

Big prizes await the winners -P10,000 for the top prize for the Strength Category and P5,000 for the Best Bridge Design. Happy Bridge Building!

Congratulations to the Graduates - Term 1 AY 2009-2010

Congratulations to the BSCE graduates for the First Term AY 2009-2010.

CTM Majors : Marco Polo AMATA, Juan Paolo CERVANTES, Jason CHUA, John Edmar DE LUNA, , Julian Antonio MEDEL, , Arsie Daye ONG, Nicole POLICARPIO, Jeff Derrick SY, Ralph Jefferson TAN Mark Wilson TORRES, TSAI, TAN, Carlo Vincent YU

HWR Majors: Caroline CODILLA, Andro Paul DE GUZMAN, Louie DE GUZMAN, Melody DOLIENTE, Joenel GALUPINO, Carbert Ralston LEE, Ma. Ronna YAP

STE Majors: Dan Emmanuel AQUINO, Richard COKEE, Pedro CREDO, Mark Andrew DELGADO, Joaquin GALANG, Edrick Dan LIM, Marc Neal MOLINA, Shurwin im PASCUAL, Phoebee QUE, Ronald Milton RODRIGUEZ, Myles Vincent TING, Aaron James URENA, Erwin UY, John David YU, Llano Jerico ZAPATA

TRE Majors: Charles HONG, Julia Ann JAO, Gerald SUDARIA, Philip Joseph YANG

Honors and Special Awards: Melody Doliente (Honorable Mention), Charles Hong (Honorable Mention), Phoebee Que (Athletics Award)

Master of Engineering: Wyndell ALMENOR with project paper: "Structural Design of a Waste Water Treatment Plant"

(Photos from FB of Andrew Delgado and Joenel Galupino)

Lasallians In Tokyo by Katrina Tengki

On September 6, 2009, instead of spending time lazing around, going out with friends or celebrating the end of the grueling finals week, 10 engineering students hauled off their luggage to the airport and went off to Japan for an exciting socio-cultural exchange program with the Tokyo Institute of Technology (TIT). There began 11 days of speaker box making, endless walking, window shopping, interactions with the Japanese and maybe also a few sleepless nights. The moment we stepped off the plane and heard the attendants greeting us with a warm “Yokoso!” or “Welcome!,” our worries about our final exams were wiped away by our excitement for what was in store for us. We looked around at the sceneries around us, hoping to capture the imagery of every new thing we discover about this country we were in. It was like discovering a place where modernity meets tradition. Some houses had old fashioned roof tiles that had “old Japan” screamed all over them. It made one imagine the time when samurais and geishas were just around the corner. At the same time, one could not help but be momentarily displaced by the eerie silence of the place which was so different from Metro Manila. The trains were amazingly prompt and efficient. The washrooms also had buttons all around for any conceivable function that the Japanese might have thought of. Also, the people were very punctual and polite; they talked in soft, friendly voices. The weather at that time was quite pleasant and sunny. In fact, one could even do without a sweater when outside. It did get a little colder at night and the one time during our stay that it rained there.

On our first day at the Tokyo Institute of Technology, we were welcomed by the Japanese professors and students with a party. They shared their Japanese biscuits, drinks and snacks with us, while we brought dried mangoes, polvoron, and other gifts from the Philippines, which made the Japanese very happy. It was more like an exchange of snacks from both countries while socializing and getting to know each other. Mostly, we were able to communicate with the Japanese students. They could speak English well enough to converse with us and teach us some of their Japanese words as well. So far the most useful Japanese term I learned was “domo arigato gozaimasu” which means “thank you very much.” I found myself using this phrase everyday.

Then, the speaker box making began. The professor explained the concepts and ideas behind the designing and building of the speaker box. We were introduced to our group mates who would work with us for the speaker box making. The rest of the day was spent designing the speaker box and making friends with the Japanese students.

For the next few days, we followed a routine of going to TIT to work on the speakers from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and then walking around the streets of Tokyo at night. Our days were spent wood cutting, sanding, drawing, soldering, drilling etc. while our nights were spent walking, shopping and sightseeing. As a result we ended up coming home late and tired each night. Getting around Tokyo is not that difficult once you are familiar with the railway systems. Tokyo’s rail service is safe, extensive, efficient and fast, not to mention cheaper than the other means of transportation available. For would-be tourists, I recommend the JR Yamanote line, which is a commuter line that runs around Tokyo, linking most of Tokyo’s major stations, tourist hubs and urban centers.

Some of the shopping areas we visited are Ginza, Shibuya, Harajuku and Akihabara. Ginza, is one of the most expensive streets in Tokyo, it is also known as Tokyo’s very own Times Square. All over the district are boutiques, restaurants, clubs and department stores. With the Sony building, the stores of designer brands like Prada, Burberry and the famous Wako clock tower, Ginza is definitely a dream come true for the shopper at heart. Next is Shibuya, which is a district filled with fashion boutiques, where young people with loud and distinct fashion senses gather and meet. Especially with the eye-catching “Gothic Lolitas” or young ladies dressed in gothic clothes with a hint of baby-doll cuteness. Also part of Shibuya is Harajuku, another shopping place with a lot of cheap things for the young people. Somewhere near Harajuku is the Meiji Shrine, which is an old Japanese structure where Japanese weddings usually take place. Lastly, we visited Akihabara Electronic Town, a haven for “technophiles” and anime/video game lovers. There are several department stores in the area that offer everything, from appliances to gadgets to cute souvenirs at relatively lower prices.

During some of our free time spent with the Japanese, we also rode the Tokyo sightseeing party cruise wherein we traveled from Asakusa to Odaiba Seaside Park and passed fourteen bridges on the way. We also visited Disneyland during one of their most-awaited Halloween celebrations. We arrived at Disneyland just in time to watch the parade of all the villains from each of our favorite Disney movies, although we could not understand what they were saying since most of the upbeat songs were in Japanese. The rides were absolutely awesome and entertaining.

Before our trip came to an end, the Japanese students gave us a nice farewell party wherein they shared some snacks and drinks with us at the university. A classroom was again turned into a party room. We took a lot of pictures and the Japanese gave us some souvenirs to remind us of our time in their University. Finally, we said all our goodbyes, did our last minute shopping, and put our minds to going back home to the Philippines and seeing our loved ones again. As the saying goes, “there’s no place like home,” the Philippines would always be home to us, but our memories of Japan would definitely have a special place in our hearts.

The participants of the DLSU-TokyoTech Exchange program were:
(1) Audrey Gaspillo, ME graduate, (2) Morgan Say, 4th yr, CIV, (3) Chesca del Castillo, 4th yr, CIV, (4) Katrina Tengki, 3rd yr, CIV, (5) Domonique Rustia, 3rd yr, IE, (6) Arriane Landicho, 3rd yr, MEM, (7) Aibar Bibi, 3rd yr, ECE, (8) Katrina Angeles, 2nd yr, CHE, (9) Stephanie Siy, 2nd yr, CHE, (10) Kareesa Monsod, 2nd yr, ME

CE Students' Thesis presented at S&T Congress '09

Undergraduate and graduate students thesis were presented at the DLSU Science and Technology Congress 2009 held at the Andrew Gonzales Hall last Sept 22-23, 2009. The following papers in structural engineering were presented:

• Bending Strength of RC Beams Made of HIgh-Strength Concrete by Bernardo Lejano, Edrick Dan Lim, Erwin Uy and John David Yu
  
• Effects of Fire on the Flexural Bahvaior of RC Beams by Beranrdo Lejano, Joaquin Galang and Marc Neal Molina
  
• Genetic Algorithm Simulations for Optimum Design of RC Space Frames by Alden Paul Balili and Andres W.C. Oreta

CE Dept. ASF, Engr. Mary Ann Adajar also presented her paper on "Centrifuge Modeling to Determine the Bearing Capacity of Spread Footing in Sand Under Combined Loadings."

Engr. Balili and Dr. Oreta at IABSE 2009 Bangkok

Dr. Andres W.C. Oreta, Structural Eng'g professor and Lasallian alumnus, Engr. Alden Paul Balili attended the 33rd International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE) Symposium at the Grand Centara, Bangkok, Thailand last Sept. 9-11, 2009. The paper entitled "Optimal Design of RC Frames considering Seismic Provisions using Genetic Algorithms" by Balili and Oreta was presented in the technical session on Natural Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. The paper was based on the thesis by Balili which received an award for outstanding thesis during the DLSU commencement exercises for the graduates of 3rd term SY2008-2009.

Acknowledgement: DLSU Science Foundation and the VCAR Office for the financial support provided to Dr. Oreta.

BSCE Student, Que to receive Athletics Award

Congratulations to Phoebee Que, BS Civil Engineering (Specialization in Structural Engineering) who will receive the Athletics Award during the DLSU-Manila Commencement Exercises on October 10, 2009. Ms. Que is a DLSU-Manila varsity athletics player. Her achievements are summarized below:

• 2nd Place in High Jump - UAAP Season 71 (Jan 2009)
• 2nd Place in High Jump - University Games (Oct 2008)
• 2nd Place in High Jump - National Open (May 29-31, 2008)
• 2nd Place in High Jump and in 4x100 relay - Phil. Olympic Festival (Nov 2007)
• 2nd Place in High Jump - UAAP Season 68 (Feb 2006)

A Farewell Party for Dr. Victor Pulmano

The Civil Engineering Department hosted a farewell party for Dr. Victor Pulmano, a retired professor of the University of New South Wales, Australia last Sept. 3, 2009 at the Angelo King Center CSB Hotel. He is a visiting professor of the department though the DOST Balik Scientist Program for about three months. A plaque of appreciation was presented and messages were delivered by the faculty and staff for Dr. Pulmano. A short video presentation entitled "Mission Impossible" and created by Dr. Andy Oreta was also presented.

CE students compete in PICE-LNM Golf Olympic

CE senior students - Matthew Roxas, John Fuentes and Tantan Feraer - competed in the PICE-Lungsod ng Maynila Chapter Invitational Golf Olympic last Aug. 23, 2009 at the Intramuros Golf Club. Matthew Roxas received the most number of awards : two special awards (The Longest Drive and The Most Accurate Drive) and a Champion Trophy for Class B. John Fuentes was runner-up in Class C. There were 36 participants in the tournament composed of engineers from DPWH, City Hall and various consulting firms.

AlumNews: Connecting with an Alumnus - Ven Martelino

Professors are always excited whenever they hear from their former students. Through the internet (email, FB, Multiply or blogs), the alumni can easily contact their professors if they need advice or simply if they want to send their greetings. Whenever I receive greetings or messages from the alumni, I feel happy that my former students remember me and I can also be of service to them in their professional lives.

I received an email from one of my students and thesis advisee, now Engr. Ven Martelino who asked for advice about structural engineering (STE) firms in Cebu. I don't know any but I asked for advise from Engr. Giovanni Enecio, a former MSCE DLSU alumni. Engr. Enecio replied and suggested the STE companies in Cebu. Engr. Martelino or Ven was very resourceful to locate the company and he was immediately hired with good prospects for being assigned abroad. Recession affected the company and his future but Ven is still working - meeting the challenges of the real world. Good luck Ven. We believe you can overcome the odds and will fulfill your dream of becoming a structural engineer. Keep the faith. Animo Lasalle!

Posted below are our email messages:

12 June 2009: Greetings Sir. Oreta,
I am seeking for a good design firm here in Cebu where I can learn and practice as a stuctural engineer, would you happen to have recomendations on which companies I could go in to. Thank you. Ven Martelino

12 June 2009: Dear Ven,

Not really sure. But we can ask Engr. Enecio, my former MSCE student at DLSU who is now at Dubai. See cc of his email address. Good luck. AWCO

16 June 2009: Hello Dr. Andy:
... I am still here in Abu Dhabi not in Dubai under Abu Dhabi Precast...Regarding your inquiry, since I left Cebu it was Primary Structures who can give good training for aspiring structural designers as well as other related fields in civil engineering due to its numerous projects done or currently undertaken in Cebu. For purely consultancy works, there is Hudson Engineering Consultancy who is doing structural design and drafting in Cebu, but its projects are in Texas, USA. Regards, Engr. Giovanni Enecio, MSCE

26 June 2009: Greetings Dr. Oreta,
I am happy to inform you that I am now employed under BW Hudson Engineers. I will under go training in structural under Engr. Randy Gopoaco which formerly worked under Engr. Giovani at Abu Dhabi. In a few months I will go to Davao for another training program in civil, and at the end of the year, I will be sent to US for training in construction management since all of the company's projects are in the US. Thank you to you and to Engr. Giovani for your help and advice. Ven Martelino

20 August 2009: Hello Ven,
I havn't heard from you since when you were hired by Hudson. Send me an update with your photo. I want to write about our alumni and post it in our CE Dept. blogsite. AWCO

20 August 2009: Greetings Dr. Oreta,
Regarding my experience in Hudson, sad to say it was short. They were very much affected by the recession. There has not been any major design projects from Texas since Febuary of this year. More than half of the staff have been layed-off and we who were left were placed on an on-call basis.

I have decided to look for another job. I am currently waiting for the approval from ASEC Development & Construction Corp. for a position in their construction of high rise projects here in Cebu.

Engr. Gopaoco, who is the overall head at Hudson and formerly under Engr. Giovanni at Abu Dabi, is now working in another company. He has offered his assistance in mentoring me in my pursuit of practicing structural design.

I will send you an update as soon as I get involved with ASEC. Ven Martelino

Dungca : Awardee for Best Faculty Adviser '09

Dr. Jonathan Dungca received the Gawad Obispo Felix Paz Perez Pinakamahusay na Tagapayo ng Organisasyong Pangmag-aaral (Most Outstanding Student Organization Adviser) during the Awards Night last August 6, 2009 at the Yuchengco Theater. Dr. Dungca started as faculty adviser for the Civil Engineering Society (CES) during the SY 2008-2009. He is presently the faculty adviser of CES SY2009-2010.

The Bishop Felix Paz Perez Award is given to the outstanding student organization adviser who has exhibited outstanding advising, true concern and sound management to the organization. The award is named after the late Bishop Felix Paz Perez who had shown genuine concern for the growth and development of students involved in organizations. The awards are sponsored by the Student Personnel Services (SPS) of the De La Salle University-Manila.

Testimonial for New Lasallian Civil Engineers '09

The CE Department in cooperation with the COE Dean's Office and the DLSU Vice Chancellor for Academics held a testimonial for the new Lasallian civil engineers who passed the May 2009 Civil Engineering Board Examinations on July 31, 2009. Certificates of Recognition were given to the board exam passers and plaques of recognition were given to the top notchers :

No. 1 - Chua Man Wai
No. 2 - Alvin Varquez
No. 6 - Michael Paolo Bellosillo
DLSU's percent passing was 89.5% (34/38), while the national passing was 44%.

Dr. Bernardo Lejano, COE vice-dean and Engr. Ronaldo Gallardo, CE Department chair gave congratulatory messages to the alumni. Engr. Alvin Varquez, on the otherhand, delivered the response in behalf of the new civil engineers. Congratulations! Animo Lasalle!

Congratulations to the MSCE Graduates (SY'08-09)

Two graduate students of the Department of Civil Engineering graduated with awards during the DLSU Manila Commencement Rites held on July 18, 2009 at the PICC. Engr. Dexter Lo earned his MSCE "with highest distinction" while Engr. Alden Paul Balili also graduated MSCE with an award for "outstanding thesis.".

Engr. Lo is presently the director, XU Engineering Resource Center, Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan. Engr. Balili, who is also an undergraduate Lasallian alumnus, is a Structural Engineer of Parsons Brinckerhoff Manila, Philippines.

Celebrating with Dr. Pulmano

The CE Department celebrated with visiting Balik Scientist from Australia, Dr. Victor Pulamano (aka Daddy Vic) a sumptous lunch last July 10, 2009 at the San Miguel by the Bay. Attending the activity were full time and part time faculty members, the department staff and guest, Engr. Boots Ubay. It was a fun and enjoyable feast of seafoods (crabs, shrimps, tilapia, tahong and lapu-lapu). Mabuhay ka Daddy Vic. Animo CIV!

CE Specialization Talks 2009

The Civil Engineeering Society (CES) in cooperation with the CE Department hosted the CE Specialization Talks last July 10, 2009 from 2:00 - 4:30 PM at the V210. The activity was aimed to orient the CIV juniors about the specializations in civil engineering being offered by the department. The faculty members discussed the following topics:

• Dr. Bernard Lejano - CE Department Policies on Specialization


• Engr. Jason Ongpeng - Construction Technology and Management


• Dr. Danilo Terante - Hydraulics and Water Resources


• Dr. Alexis Fillone - Transportation Engineering


• Dr. Andy Oreta - Structural Engineering

The other CE faculty members who attended the forum include CE Dept. chair Engr. Ronaldo Gallardo, Dr. Victor Pulmano, Dr. Renan Tanhueco, Engr. Yen Ubay and Dr. Jonathan Dungca.

DLSU-M Annual Faculty Recognition '09

CE faculty members were among the awardees in the DLSU-Manila Annual Faculty Recognition held last July 3, 2009 at the William Shaw Theater. Leading the awardees were Ronaldo S. Gallardo and Dr. Danilo Terante, both 25 years Service awardees. Dr. Andres Oreta and Dr. Renan Tanhueco were 15 years Service awardees while part-time faculty Dr. Judy Sese recieved the 10 years Service award. Medal awards were also given to Dr. Jonathan Dungca for Associate Professor and Ms. Mary Ann Adajar for Academic Service Faculty II.

DLSU-M Papers at PICE Midyear Convention 2009

Graduate and undergraduate research papers will be presented at the technical sessions of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) Midyear Convention on June 25-27, 2009 at the Bacolod Pavilion Resort Hotel, Bacolod City. DLSU-Manila faculty members, Dr. Alexis Fillone, Dr. Jonathan Dungca, Dr. Bernardo Lejano and Dr. Danilo Terante will present technical papers in the parallel specialized technical sessions. Engr. Alden Paul Balili (BSCE and MSCE Lasallian alumnus) will also present his research co-authored with Dr. Andres Oreta. Summarized below are the titles and authors of the papers to be presented:

Transportation Engineering
Presentor: Dr. Alexis M. Fillone: On-Street Parking Inventory in the Malate-Ermita Area of the City of Manila
Authors: Dr. Alexis M. Fillone, Ms. Maria Cecilia R. Paringit, Mr. Gerald M. Sudaria, Mr. Gerald P. Oyon-oyon and Mr. Philip Joseph U. Yang

Structural Engineering
Presentor: Engr. Alden Paul Balili : Optimal Design of RC Frames Considering Seismic Provisions Using Genetic Algorithms Authors: Alden Paul Balili and Dr. Andres Winston Oreta

Presentor: Dr. Jonathan R. Dungca: Properties of Lightweight Wall Panels Made Up of Rice Hull, Fiber Glass and Mortalite
Authors: Dr. Jonathan R. Dungca, Mark Andrew Delgado and Shurwin Kim Pascual

Presentor: Dr. Bernardo A. Lejano: Flexural Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Beams Made of High-Strength Concrete
Authors: Dr. Bernardo A. Lejano, Edrick Dan Lim, Erwin Uy and John David Yu

Water Resources and Hydraulic Engineering
Presentor : Dr. Danilo Terante: System Dynamic Analysis for Sustainable Urban Drainage System Authors: Dr. Danilo C. Terante, Ma. Caroline Codilla, Louie de Guzman and Ma. Ronna Yap

DOST Balik Scientist Dr. Pulmano at DLSU-Manila

Dr. Victor Pulmano will be a visiting professor at the Department of Civil Engineering, DLSU-Manila during the first term SY 2009-2010 under the Balik Scientist Program (BSP) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Dr. Pulmano's period of visit is 90 days (3 months beginning May 25, 2009). Dr. Pulmano, a resident of Australia and retired professor at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, is an acknowledged expert in the field of Structural Engineering particularly in structural and finite element analysis.

Dr. Pulmano is expected to give lectures on graduate/undergraduate courses on Matrix Theory of Structures and Engineering Mechanics. He will be involved in the preparation of research proposals and seminar type lecture presentation on the specialized topics such as Finite Element Modeling and Analysis.

Photo: Dr. Vic Pulmano, Engr. Ronnie Gallardo, Dr. Jonathan Dungca and Dr. Bernard Lejano during the CE Frosh Convocation last May 30, 2009.

Welcome FROSH 2009!

On May 30, 2009, the Civil Engineering Society (CES) and the CE Deaprtment will hold the annual departmental frosh convocation. During this event, the CE Department faculty will be introduced to the freshman batch. The convocation will be held at the Yuchengco 4th floor from 1-4 PM. The tentative program is summarized below:

• I. Video Presentation
• II. Opening Remarks from Vice Dean - Dr. Bernardo A. Lejano
• III. Message from the Chair - Engr. Ronaldo S. Gallardo
• IV. Introduction of the CE Faculty
• V. Alumni Talks
• VI. Open Forum
• VII. CES
  a. Introduction of the Executive Board
  b. Message from the President
• VIII. Snacks
• IX. Laboratory Tour - Facilitated by Dr. Jonathan Dungca

AlumNews: Lasallian Alumni Inducted Directors of PICE-Tarlac Chapter

On April 16, 2009 two Civil Engineer Alumni Engr. Hadji Peejay Aranda (CIV-HWR 97) and Engr Michael David (CIV-CTM 92) took their oath of office as Directors in the PICE-Tarlac Chapter. Engr. Michael David also served as the Chapter President in 2006-2007. Another Lasallian alumnus, Dr. Jumar Valdez (EdD 2006) is the present IPP. Engr. Aranda is in-charge for the Chapter CPE matters and Engr David on the other hand is in charge of the community affairs. Both are very excited to contribute their time and talents for the good of the organization. Engr. Aranda said that the present set of officers will be serving in a very auspicious time. "It was sad in a way, because it was the late PICE president Aquino who chose this date for induction and yet a week later he was shot.."

Reported by : Hadji Peejay Aranda
Instructor - Civil and Sanitary Engineering, Technological Institute of the Philippines QC

Lasallians Topped May 2009 CE Board Exams

The DLSU-Manila faculty, alumni, students and administration wish to congratulate the alumni who topped and passed the May 2009 Civil Engineering Board Exams. Congratulations to:

• No. 1 - Chua Man Wai (96.5%)
• No. 2 - Alvin Varquez (95.8%)
• No. 6 - Michael Paolo Bellosillo (94.75%)

A total of 1,199 (44%) out of 2,744 examinees passed the 2009 Civil Engineering Licensure Examinations according to the Professional Regulation Commission. Here is the list of the new Lasallian civil engineers based on the PRC website:

DLSU – Manila May 2009 CE Board Exam Passers and New Civil Engineers!
Animo La Salle!

1. Almalbis, Mark Anthony Hontiveros 2. Arias, Ariel Jesus Dumaguete 3. Baluyut, Katrina Sta Maria 4. Bellosillo, Michael Paolo Soto 5. Borja, Maurel Chito Santos 6. Calderon, Quintin Kristoffer Lontok 7. Chan, Kenley Lawrence Ong 8. Chua, Man Wai Lue 9. Fermin, Francezca Atienza 10. Follosco, Marc Angelo Samonte 11. Go, Eugene Jerome Tan 12. Hao, Nathan Wilbert
13. Hiteroza, Peter Joseph Ocampo 14. Jo, Mikhail Ivan Kristoff Lim 15. Lacson, Marcial Jr Tanhueco 16. Leaño, Van Vincent Bay 17. Leus, Sheila Maxine Ann Castillo 18. Lim, Jan Rainier 19. Manalansan, Enrico Francisco Iii Yaptinchay 20. Manalo, Justin Vittorio Talens 21. Manuel, Jeffrey Calaquian 22. Martelino, Ven Nino Gemil 23. Mendoza, Rizza Marie Campeña 24. Ocampo, Christine Uy 25. Perez, Angelica Denise Caparas 26. Punzalan, Katrina Deonio 27. Ramos, Art Jester Cosico 28. Reyes, Joseph Dante Briones 29. Suarez, Maria Celina Natividad 30. Tan-Afuan, Andrew Clark Ching 31. Trinidad, Matthew San Diego 32.Varquez, Allen Christian Galang 33. Varquez, Alvin Christopher Galang
34. Vitug, John Erik
If your name was not included in this list, please inform us.

DLSU Faculty & Students at 14AIC

DLSU CE faculty and students presented papers in the technical sessions of the 14th Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines International Convention (14AIC) on May 21-22, 2009 at the Great Eastern Hotel, Quezon City. The two researches based on the undergraduate thesis that were presented:

(a) Rapid Visual Assessment of Steel Tower Billboards by Bernardo Lejano, Vera de Leon and Francezca Fermin
(b) The Effect of Fire on the Bending Strength of RC Beams by Bernardo Lejano, Joaquin M. Galang and Marc Neal Molina

Meanwhile, the MS thesis on Optimal Design of RC Frames Considering Seismic Provisions Using Genetic Algorithms by Alden Paul Balili and Andres Winston C. Oreta was also presented. Dr. Oreta presented his URCO research on Understanding Earthquakes and Disasters”: Photo-Video Presentations for Public Awareness and Education.

A Prayer for Greg

Eternal God and Father, we praise you that you have made people to share life together and to reflect your glory in the world.

We thank you now for Dr. Greg Patron for all that we saw of your goodness and love in his life and for all that he means to each one of us.

As we too journey towards death may we do so in the company of Jesus, who came to share our life that we might share the life of eternity.

To him be glory with you and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen.

Dr. Greg Patron passed away today April 26, 2009. He is a visiting associate professor of the DLSU ME Department every 3rd term and teaches Methods of Research to the 3rd year civil engineering students. To our friend and colleague, we will miss you.

The 2nd AnimoSibil Basketball Tournament 2009

The DLSU Alumni Association COE-Civil Engineering Subchapter - AnimoSibil launched the AnimoSibil - Jose Aliling Basketball Tournament 2009 last April 24, 2009 at the DLSU PE Building. The tournament aims to foster camaraderie among students, faculty and civil engineers and staff from construction and consultancy firms where Lasallain CE alumni are employed. This is the 2nd edition of the alumni basketball tournament which started in 2008. Portion of the proceeds of the tournament will go to charity. Here are photos taken by Joenel Galupino during the event. The alumni and students are invited to support the teams during the tournament which will be held at the DLSU PE Gym during the summer vacation.

Cheers to Prof. Hiroo Niiyama!

The CE Department faculty and staff hosted a send-off lunch party for Prof. Hiroo Niiyama of Tokyo Institute of Technology last March 30, 2009 at La Casita, Andrew Gonzales Building. Prof. Niiyama is the professor in-charge of the TokyoTech Office-Manila. Present during the party were Mrs. Niiyama and Prof. Jiro Takemura who will be one of the TokyoTech faculty in-charge of the Manila office. The party was led by Engr. Ronnie Gallardo - CE Dept. chair and manager of the TokyoTech Office-Manila.

The Lasallian Excellence Awards 2009 - 2 out of 4!

CE Department professor, Dr. Andy Oreta and associate professor, Dr. Jonathan Dungca were among the four winners (2 from COE, 1 from CBE and 1 from CCS) in the Lasallian Excellence Awards 2009 for Outstanding Teachers. The winners were announced during the awarding ceremonies last March 28, 2009. The awards include a trophy, medal and gift certificates from Starbucks and Sun Cruises, Inc. Dr. Oreta teaches Mechanics, Computer Methods and Structural Engineering related subjects. He has been teaching at DLSU for 15 years. Dr. Dungca, on the otherhand, teaches Mathematics, Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering related subjects.

Incidentally, associate professor, Dr. Bernardo Lejano and assistant professor and department chair, Ronaldo Gallardo were also finalists in the Students' Search for Outstanding Teachers (SSOT 2009). The criteria for the selection of finalists includes students and peer evaluation on teaching, track record in research, participation in university and college activities and community service involvement. The SSOT is a project of the Council of Student Organizations.

AnimoSibil bowls at PICE-LNM Tournament

AnimoSibil was represented by DLSU-Manila CE alumni - Alvin Varquez, Allen Varquez, Joseph Reyes, Van Leano, Chito Borja and Art Ramos in the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers - Lungsod ng Maynila (PICE-LNM) Chapter's Summer Bowling Tournament last March 28, 2009 at the Playdium Bowling Center at Quezon City. DLSU CE faculty and PICE-LNM Director, Dr. Andy Oreta also joined the team during the elimination round. The AnimoSibil team was overwhelmed by the strong teams from DPWH, construction and consultancy companies. Over-all, it was an enjoyable activity - there were a few strikes and spares but a lots of fun.

PRESDES Class Visits Freyssinet Plant

Last February 27, 2009 the class in PRESDES section EI1 under Dr. Bernard Lejano had a field trip in Freyssinet Plant located in Barangay Pungo, Calumpit, Bulacan to give the students an experience in seeing the actual materials, the preparations, the prestressing works, and the finished products. Freyssinet fabricates most of the bridge girders here in Luzon. The plant produces both pre-tensioned and post-tensioned members. Despite the scourging heat of the sun, the class of 15 students learned a lot from the experience. Here are some comments of the students regarding the field trip:

“Due to the fieldtrip, the concepts discussed in the lessons are now well understood.”

“In spite of the hot weather, we still enjoyed the trip and we were able to see firsthand the things we learned in class.”

“As we toured around, we were informed on the step by step process of how they create their prestressing members.”

“This trip greatly helped us to have a better visualization of lessons in PRESDES.”

“It was very difficult to study things when you are only allowed to imagine them. Seeing things makes it simpler what is taught in class.”

“The field trip was an experience that helped me realize the importance of actually seeing the construction of structural elements like prestress concrete.”

“We got the chance to look at the customization of steel especially for the use of prestress concrete.”

“I learned field practices in fabricating prestressed beams, piles, etc. I was exposed to the gigantic machines, jacks that they used for fabrications. I never knew such machines existed until our fieldtrip.”

“I never thought it would be that so informative.”

Write-up by B.A. Lejano

Photos by Pedro Credo aka Pedro Petrelli (http://supatsai.multiply.com/photos)

Faculty Present Papers in ASEAN CE Conference

DLSU-Manila Civil Engineering professors presented techncial papers at the 1st ASEAN Civil Engineering Conference (ACEC) in Pattaya, Thailand last March 12-13, 2009. The paper presentors were:

1. Dr. Jonathan R. Dungca - Liquefaction potential assessment using SPT data
2. Dr. Alexis M. Fillone - On-street parking inventory in the City of Manila
3. Dr. Bernardo A. Lejano - Modeling the stress-strain relationship of high strength concrete made of local aggregates

The 1st ACEC was organized by the Departments of Civil Engineering of Chulalongkorn University and Burapha University and was supported by the ASEAN Foundation and JICA through AUN/SEED-Net.

Pattaya is a coastal city located south of Bangkok and is one of the popular tourist destinations in Thailand.

The 3rd JSPS-DOST International Symposium

The ten year JSPS Core University Program on Environmental Engineering culminated with the 3rd JSPS-DOST International Symposium held on March 9-10, 2009 at the SEAMEO-INNOTECH, UP Diliman, Quezon City. The Symposium on "Harmonizing Infrastucture Development with the Environment" launched the final output of the project which is a book entitled "Sustainable Civil Engineering."

DLSU-Manila faculty members participated in this exchange program as visiting reseachers at Tokyo Tech and other universities in Japan, paper presentors in the various symposia and seminars and contributors in the book. In this symposium, Ronaldo Gallardo, Dr. Andy Oreta and Dr. Jonathan Dungca served as facilitators in the technical sessions and workshops. Papers were presented by Mary Ann Adajar on "Geotechnical Hazards & Disaster Mitigation Technologies", Dr. Dungca on "Geotehcnical Centrifuge Test on the Lateral Response of Double-Pile Group Subjected to Lateral Spreading Liquefied Ground" and Dr. Oreta on the "Impact of Natural Disasters on Infrastructure and the Environment." The other participants were Dr. Alexis Fillone, Dr. Bernardo Lejano and Dr. Danilo Terante. Gallardo, Oreta, Adajar and Dr. Romeo Etsanero (retired faculty) contributed articles in the book.

Soil Mech Field Experiment at DHVCAT

Last February 20, 2009, the third year civil engineering students together with the students of Don Honorio Ventura College of Arts and Trades (DHVCAT) conducted an experiment in Soil Mechanics, which is the determination of a Unit Weight of Soil in Place by the Sand-Cone Method (ASTM D1556). This activity is a tie-up project in connection with the Adopt-an-Eng-School Program of the CE Department and CES.

The activity started with a lecture and demonstration by Dr. Jonathan Dungca, DLSU Soil Mechanics professor and CES student, Chesca Del Castillo. The DLSU and DHVCAT students were then divided into four groups to perform the experiment. The equipment and materials such as the sand-cone apparatus, shovel, plate, bottle, Ottawa sand were provided by the DLSU CE Department. This activity is both a field trip and an alternative class for the DLSU students. Through this activity, both DLSU and DHVCAT students learned how to determine soil properties in situ. Report by Malyn Arigo.

The 5th CES Bridge Building Competition

The 5th DLSU Bridge Building Competition was held on Feb 7, 2009. Seventeen bridges made from popsicle stick bridges were submitted from various engineering schools - Don Honorio Ventura College of Arts and Trades (DHVCAT), Technological Institute of the Philippines (Manila and QC), FEATI University, Far Eastern University (FEU) , Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM), University of the East (UE-Manila) and De La Salle University (DLSU-Manila). The bridge must span a distance of 560 mm and must have a width not more than 140 mm, height not more than 200 mm, depth not more than 100 mm, weight not more than 1.50 kg. There were two categories in the competition: Bridge Design and Bridge Strength. In the Bridge Design category, the criteria used were creativity, innovativeness, application of bridge design principles, practicality, implementability and neatness. The winner for this categroy is one of the entries from DHVCAT. In the Bridge Strength category, the bridges were tested using the UTM and the load P and deflection D at failure and the bridge weight W were used to get the Strength Rating (see blog on bridge testing). The winners in this category were 1st: PLM, 2nd: TIP-Manila and 3rd: DLSU-Manila. View Photos at Photobucket (photos by AWCO) and CES website (photos by Joenel G).

RICOSEN Fieldtrip

On January 15, 2009, the HWR 4th year students went on a field trip for the subject, RICOSEN (River and Coastal Engineering) under Dr. Danilo Terante. They went to the Flood Control and Sabo Engineering Center in Pasig City. This is the center where they control the flow of water through Pasig River. This is also the place where various experiments regarding water flow in the Lahar area in Pampanga and other river systems are being conducted.

Most if not all of the apparatus in the center are also available back in La Salle, but the difference is that they are way much bigger than the one’s in school; the students were awed to actually fit inside these apparatus. One student even joked about having a shower party in the gigantic Rainfall Simulator Apparatus. Report by Carbert Lee.

CE Graduate Students ONLINE Advising

There used to be advising of graduate students in the College of Engineering at De La Salle University-Manila. But this practice was removed after the introduction of the online enrollment. Several problems arose - enrolling in the wrong subjects, student needs (like petitions to offer new courses or tutorials) not addressed, no adviser in the thesis or practicum, lack of contact with the department and others. How do we address this problem?

May I propose an online advising through this blogsite. May I call on our MSCE and M.Eng. students to visit this site http://animociv.blogspot.com/ and post your comments either in the Message Box or at the Comments under this blog. As a start, please list down the subjects you are interested to take next school year 2009-2010. We will try to offer them if we have the faculty.

If you want a personal and private advising, send an email to animociv@gmail.com.

Gallardo & Oreta at JSPS Meeting - Bangkok

Engr. Ronaldo S. Gallardo, CE Dept. Chair and Dr. Andres Oreta attended the final steering committee meeting of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Core University Program on Environmental Engineering on January 11, 2009 at the Rama Gardens Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand. The meeting focused on the final outputs of the project which is a book on Sustainable Civil Engineering and Infrastructure Development and the JSPS-DOST Symposium to be held in Manila on March 9-10, 2009.

Engr. Gallardo and Dr. Oreta also met Dr. Naveed Anwar of ACECOMS to discuss the future activities of ACECOMS in the Philippines. Photo: Engr. Gallardo, Dr. Oreta, Dr. Anwar, Dr. Anil (Tokyo Tech) and Engr. Cris Castillo (former DLSU asst. prof. and now a PhD student at Tokyo Tech) during a dinner at Siam-Paragon's Manna restaurant - 11 Jan 2009.

CIV Thesis presented at RSID6 - Bangkok

The undergraduate thesis by Angelo Lapuz, Danilo Baluyut and Christopher Camina on "Analysis and Investigation of the Moment Rigidity of Steel Beam-to-Column Connections" with adviser, Dr. Andres Oreta was presented in the technical parallel session in Structural Engineering at the 6th Regional Symposium on Infrastructure Development (RSID6) held at the Rama Gardens Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand last Jan. 12-14, 2009. The paper was presented by Engr. Angelo Lapuz on Jan. 12, 2009. The RSID6 was cancelled last Dec. 2008 because of the political crisis in Thailand and was rescheduled in Jan. 2009.

Stanford Univ Prof Borja at DLSU-Manila

Prof. Dr. Ronaldo I. Borja of Stanford University, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering delivered a lecture to DLSU senior civil engineering students on January 8, 2009. His lecture is about his research project for the intervention and restoration measures for the Tower of Pisa, and in the finite element modeling of the dynamic soil-foundation-structure interaction response of the South Memnon Colossus in Luxor, Egypt. Dr. Borja graduated BSCE, Summa Cum Laude at the University of the Philippines, Diliman (UPD), QC. Dr. Borja was a former professor at UPD and Dr. Andres Oreta and Dr. Bernard Lejano were his students in the graduate school of engineering at UPD.