bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Iodine in the Atmosphere I: Computational Benchmark and Dimer Formation of Oxy-acids and Oxides
Authors: Engsvang Morten , Wu Haide , Elm Jonas
Published: February 2024

The contribution of iodine-containing compounds to atmospheric new particle formation is still not fully understood, but iodic acid and iodous acid are thought to be significant contributors. While several quantum chemical studies have been carried out on clusters containing iodine, there is no comprehensive benchmark study quantifying the accuracy of the applied methods. Here, we present the first paper in a series that investigate the role iodine species in atmospheric cluster formation. In this work, we have studied the iodic and iodous acid monomers, the iodine tetroxide and iodine pentoxide monomers, and their dimer formation with common atmospheric precursors. We have tested the accuracy of commonly applied methods for calculating the geome- try of the monomers, thermal corrections of monomers and dimers, the contribution of spin-orbit coupling to monomers and dimers, and finally the accuracy of the electronic energy correction calculated at different levels of theory. We find that optimizing the structures either at the ωB97X-D3BJ/aug-cc-pVTZ-PP or the M06-2X/aug-cc-pVTZ-PP level achieves the best thermal contribution to the binding free energy. The electronic energy correction can then be calculated at the ZORA-DLPNO-CCSD(T0) level with the SARC-ZORA-TZVPP basis for iodine and ma-ZORA-def2-TZVPP for non-iodine atoms. This combination of methods yields results in excellent agreement with fully relativistic calculations at a comparatively low computational cost. We applied this methodology to calculate binding free energies of the iodine-containing dimer clusters, where we confirm the qualitative trends observed in previous studies. However, we identify that previous studies overestimate the stability of the clusters by several kcal/mol due to the neglect of relativistic effects. This means that their contribution to the currently studied nucleation pathways of new particle formation is likely overestimated.
Blue organic long-persistent luminescence via upconversion from charge-transfer to locally excited singlet state
Authors: Lin Zesen , Li Jinting , Shinohara Shin , Tanaka Yuya , Yoshioka Rengo , Chan Chin-Yiu , Lee Yi-Ting , Tang Xun , Mitrofanov Kirill , Wang Kai , Ouchi Hayato , Narayana Yemineni S. L. V. , Ishii Hisao , Zhang Xiao-Hong , Adachi Chihaya , Chen Xian-Kai , Kabe Ryota
Published: February 2024

Long-persistent luminescence (LPL) materials have applications from safety signage to bioimaging; however, existing organic LPL (OLPL) systems do not align with human scotopic vision, which is sensitive to blue light. We reveal a ground-breaking strategy to blueshift the emissions in binary OLPL systems by upconverting the charge-transfer (CT) to a locally excited (LE) singlet state. Through rigorous steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy and wavelength-resolved thermoluminescence measurements, we provide the direct experimental evidence for this upconversion in OLPL systems featuring small energy offsets between the lowest-energy CT and LE singlet states. These systems exhibited strong room temperature LPL, particularly when extrinsic electron traps are added. Importantly, the developed OLPL system achieved Class A (ISO 17398) LPL, matching well with human scotopic vision. The findings not only elucidate the role of small energy offsets in modulating LPL but also provide new avenues for enhancing the efficiency and applicability of OLPL materials.
THE LAGENID BENTHIC FORAMINIFERAL GENUS WIGNALLYIA ALY AND ITS MEMBERS IN THE TETHYS
Authors: Salim Anan Haidar , A. Hewaidy Abdel Galil
Published: February 2024

Three species of the Eocene Lagenid benthic foraminiferal genus Wignallyia Aly are known from the Northern and Southern Tethys. The genus Wignallyia is characterized by its elongate test, involute earlier chambers and covered by beaded tubercles, and followed by uniserial globular chambers with longitudinal costae covered the surface, ended by a terminal circular aperture with thickened lip on a short neck. These species are: Wignallyia hewaidyi, W. infracompressa and W. behmi. The first two species are common in many sites in Egypt (Beni Suef area in Nile Valley, Fayoum area, southeast Cairo), and also are recorded in Poland and Hungary. The third one W. behmi is recorded in Italy, France, Swiss, Austria, Italy, Poland, Hungary and Slovenia (Northern Tethys), as well as in Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, UAE (Southern Tethys). The taxonomic consideration, stratigraphic implication of the erected taxa, and paleogeographic distribution of the identified species on both sides of the Tethys are also presented and discussed.
OS CINCO SENTIDOS NO ENSINO DE CIÊNCIAS À LUZ DA APRENDIZAGEM SIGNIFICATIVA
Authors: Silva Aiza Bella Teixeira da , Sampaio Caroline de Goes , Martins Victor Emanuel Pessoa
Published: February 2024

As sensações permitem formar ideia, entender comportamentos e compreender o mundo. Neste sentido, os cinco sentidos (audição, tato, paladar, olfato e visão) servem como porta de entrada para o conhecimento e quando estes são estimulados, o processo de aprendizagem pode ser facilitado e há abertura para utilização de novos recursos para o ensino. Desta maneira, o objetivo deste escrito é realizar uma revisão sistemática de literatura dos artigos que abordam o uso dos cinco sentidos no ensino de ciências, que gerem uma Aprendizagem Significativa e que explicite os contributos para o ensino de ciências. É uma pesquisa exploratória, de natureza básica e com análise qualitativa dos dados. Os resultados sugerem que é preciso cada vez mais desenvolver pesquisas relacionadas à importância dos cinco sentidos para o ensino de ciências. Esta pesquisa é importante por abrir novas possibilidades para facilitar o ensino de ciências, na medida que sugere novos métodos para o seu ensino.
MODELAGEM MATEMÁTICA E O ENSINO DE GEOMETRIA: MAPEAMENTO DE TRABALHOS DA XII CNMEM
Authors: Menezes Rhômulo Oliveira
Published: February 2024

Este estudo tem como objetivo principal mapear os trabalhos apresentados nos anais da XII Conferência Nacional sobre Modelagem na Educação Matemática, com foco na Modelagem Matemática e no Ensino de Geometria. Para alcançar esse objetivo, foram seguidas as diretrizes metodológicas propostas por Randolph para busca, seleção e análise dos trabalhos. No total, foram identificados 64 trabalhos na categoria comunicação científica, 31 na categoria relato de experiência e 7 na categoria pôster, todos provenientes da edição de 2023. Após a análise, este artigo reuniu 18 comunicações, 13 relatos e 1 pôster que abordaram atividades de Modelagem Matemática no ensino de Geometria. Os resultados obtidos indicam que, apesar dos esforços dedicados ao ensino de Geometria por meio da Modelagem Matemática, ainda existem áreas que necessitam de aprimoramento e demandam uma exploração mais profunda dos conceitos geométricos, a promoção da interdisciplinaridade, a utilização mais ampla da tecnologia educacional e o fornecimento de apoio pedagógico adequado.
FITeens Toolkit. Promoción de comportamientos relacionados con la salud en el contexto educativo
Authors: García González Luis , Abós Angel , Sanz-Remacha Maria
Published: February 2024

A medida que crecen, niños, niñas y adolescentes van adquiriendo hábitos diferentes. Algunos comportamientos, están estrechamente relacionados con la salud, por lo que adquirir hábitos saludables puede ayudar a llevar una vida sana y tranquila en el futuro. Otros, sin embargo, pueden terminar siendo perjudiciales para ellos y ellas. Se considera por tanto necesario que, desde los diferentes centros educativos, se apoye a estos jóvenes a adquirir buenos hábitos. El objetivo del proyecto FITeens (Promoting physical activity and healthy habits in sedentary teenagers) es desarrollar una iniciativa educativa entretenida y atractiva dirigida a niños, niñas y adolescentes y que promueva la actividad física y otros hábitos relacionados con la salud. Este primer recurso del proyecto trata de aportar ideas, recursos y acciones que sirvan de ejemplo para el profesorado de Educación Física, destinadas a fomentar hábitos saludables (actividad física, sueño, tiempo sedentario de pantalla, consumo de alcohol y tabaco e ingesta de alimentos saludables) en los y las adolescentes. Este recurso, en forma de toolkit, consta de 3 módulos diferentes: 1. Centros educativos como espacios para promover estilos de vida saludables. Este módulo recoge la importancia de los centros escolares en la adquisición de hábitos saludables por parte de los y las adolescentes. 2. La motivación como elemento clave en la promoción de la actividad física. Este módulo se centra en la importancia de la motivación para la práctica de actividad física y la adquisición de otros hábitos saludables. 3. Comportamientos relacionados con la salud en los y las jóvenes. Este módulo se centrará en los comportamientos clave relacionados con la salud mencionados anteriormente (actividad física, sueño suficiente, tiempo moderado frente a las pantallas, consumo de alcohol y tabaco e ingesta de alimentos saludables), describiendo cada uno de ellos en profundidad. En general, todos estos módulos están dedicados a los diferentes comportamientos relacionados con la salud. Sin embargo, cada uno de ellos contará con una explicación teórica, vídeos explicativos, infografías y situaciones de aprendizaje que servirán de apoyo al profesorado de Educación Física para adquirir un amplio conocimiento sobre cómo conseguir que sus alumnos y alumnas se motiven para realizar actividad física y adquieran hábitos saludables, y que sean conscientes de su importancia
Fiteens tookit promoçao de comportamentos relacionados com a saúde em contexto educacional
Authors: García González Luis , Abós Angel , Sanz-Remacha María
Published: February 2024

Crianças e adolescentes adquirem diferentes hábitos durante o seu desenvolvimento. Alguns destes hábitos estão proximamente relacionados com a saúde, assim, adquirir hábitos saudáveis poderá ajudar a direcioná-los numa vida saudável e tranquila no futuro, enquanto maus hábitos poderão ser prejudiciais. Por esta razão, é necessário que, a partir das diferentes instituições educativas, ajudemos estes jovens na aquisição destes hábitos. O objetivo do projeto FITeens (Promoção da atividade física e hábitos saudáveis em adolescentes sedentários) é desenvolver uma intervenção educativa divertida e cativante dirigida aos adolescentes para promover a atividade física e os hábitos saudáveis. Este primeiro resultado do projecto consiste num exaustivo conjunto de ideias, recursos, práticas e alguns exemplos para os professores de Educação Física que abrangem os diferentes comportamentos-chave que aumentam o risco de doenças crónicas (atividade física, sono suficiente, tempo de ecrã moderado, consumo de álcool e tabaco, e ingestão de alimentos saudáveis) que podem ser incorporados na sua prática de ensino. Esta ferramenta é composta por 3 módulos diferentes: 1. As escolas secundárias como ambientes eficazes para promover estilos de vida saudáveis. Este módulo aborda a importância das escolas na aquisição de hábitos saudáveis pelos adolescentes. 2.A motivação como chave para a promoção da atividade física. Este módulo foca-se na importância da motivação na aquisição de hábitos saudáveis. 3.Comportamentos relacionados com a saúde em jovens. Este módulo irá focar-se nos comportamentos chave relacionados com a saúde acima mencionados (atividade física, sono suficiente, tempo moderado de ecrã, consumo de álcool e tabaco e alimentação saudável), descrevendo pormenorizadamente cada um deles. Todos estes módulos são dedicados aos diferentes comportamentos relacionados com a saúde acima referidos. Cada um deles terá uma explicação teórica, vídeos explicativos, infografias e situações de aprendizagem que serão uma base de suporte para os professores de Educação Física na aquisição de um conhecimento abrangente sobre como motivar os seus alunos para a prática de atividade física e para a aquisição de hábitos saudáveis, sensibilizando-os para a sua importância.
Penerapan Langgam Arsitektur Indo-Eropa Pada Fasad Wendy’s Braga di Bandung
Authors: Alfariza Teuku Fathan , Anita Juarni , Murtadho Jabir , Prabowo Eric , Erlangga Fiddy
Published: February 2024

Bandung direncanakan sebagai pusat pemerintahan Hindia Belanda. Oleh karenanya hingga saat ini masih  terdapat banyak peninggalan Kolonial Belanda, salah satunya terdapat di sepanjang Jalan Braga. Braga merupakan salah satu jalan di kawasan pusat kota yang memiliki nilai historis dan telah ditetapkan sebagai kawasan Cagar Budaya. Salah satu bangunan yang memiliki nilai sejarah adalah Wendy’s Braga. Bangunan ini dibangun tahun 1918 sebagai showroom mobil perusahaan Fuchs en Rens, sekarang berubah fungsi menjadi Restoran Wendy’s. Bangunan ini memiliki langgam Indo-Eropa karena menggabungkan langgam arsitektur kolonial modern dengan arsitektur tropis. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengidentifikasi langgam Indo-Eropa pada fasad bangunan Wendy’s. Identifikasi bermanfaat untuk memperkuat eksistensi arsitektural sebagai bagian dari warisan budaya yang dilindungi. Metode studi yang dilakukan dengan pendekatan kualitatif melalui deskripsi sejarah bangunan Wendy’s dan implementasi unsur cagar budaya. Pengumpulan data primer dilakukan melalui observasi lapangan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ornamen Indo-Eropa yang diterapkan berupa desain fasad bangunan simetris, garis-garis horizontal di atas kusen jendela dan pintu, serta atap miring sebagai adaptasi terhadap iklim tropis.
Attitudes and Perceptions of English as a Foreign Language Students on Blended Learning and Learner Autonomy in a Private University of China
Authors: Cao Yongmei , Jeyaraj Joanna Joseph , Razali Abu Bakar
Published: February 2024

Blended learning (BL) is becoming increasingly popular and a trend in higher education in the twenty-first century. The purpose of this study was to explore the attitudes and perceptions of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners toward the current implementation of BL and their learner autonomy (LA) development in a private university in China. It employed a qualitative case study, and the data was collected from five undergraduate students majoring in English through interviews, observations and reflective journals. Through thematic analysis of the data, the study concluded that EFL students at this university generally held negative attitudes toward the BL model and perceived the development of LA in this model as ineffective. Four themes related to the negative attitudes and perceptions emerged. First, a shortage of time was a common issue among students, and they felt mentally and physically overwhelmed by the blended tasks. Second, there was a lack of complementarity and integration between online and face-to-face instruction in the BL model. Third, students noted a lack of support and timely feedback from teachers in the online part of the BL model. Finally, more supervision was needed in terms of student characteristics. The findings have implications for future BL curriculum design and delivery, pedagogical adjustments and support for autonomous learning. More empirical studies focusing on the pedagogical design and the cultivation of EFL learners’ intrinsic motivation for autonomous English learning in the BL environment are essential to address the current situation.
Cannabis And College Students: Self-Perceived Mental Health Prior to, During, and After the Pandemic
Authors: Himebaugh Sean , Romero Deanna , Clobes Thomas
Published: February 2024

Introduction: College students demonstrated changes in levels of mental wellbeing as they and the world experienced new levels of stress and anxiety due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As access to healthcare became limited, students turned to alternative methods of coping, which included cannabis use. Objective: To determine if an association between cannabis use and self-perceived mental wellbeing during the pandemic among college students exists. Method: A paired samples t-Test was used to compare self-reported mental wellbeing at different times during the pandemic, a one-way ANOVA to compare self-reported mental health between respondents' cannabis use status, and a Tukey-Kramer post-hoc analysis was used to determine between group significance. All data collected were from participants at a single time point (retrospective self-report during April 2022). Results: Of 103 self-reported college students, the most significant differences in mental wellbeing were reported prior to and during the pandemic. Consistent significant differences were observed between each of the college student groups derived from those students who entirely avoided cannabis use or cessation of use (highest rating), p = .018, as compared to those who initiated cannabis use prior to and during the pandemic (lowest rating) p = .045. Post pandemic mental wellbeing demonstrated a higher level of mental wellbeing among those who had some exposure to cannabis compared to those who avoided cannabis entirely. Conclusions: It cannot be concluded that mental wellbeing was lower due to cannabis use. However, it is possible those with lower self-perceived mental wellbeing turned to cannabis use.
Engineering Solutions for Sustainable Development
Authors: Chakraborty S. S.
Published: February 2024

Sustainable engineering (SE) focuses on systems that use energy and resources sustainably, addressing economic and climate change challenges (Global extreme weather this year in July is "virtually impossible" or "new extreme" in Antarctica without climate change). A radical shift in infrastructure planning is necessary to achieve net-zero emissions. Factors such as New Developments (NDs), nature-based solutions (NbS), life-cycle analysis (LCA), whole-life carbon (WLC), sustainable materials (SM), and green construction materials enable sustainable infrastructure. The identification of skills for upcoming infrastructure engineers, intelligent and sustainable built environments, IoT, and Integrated Workplace Management Systems (IWMS) are challenges. A circular economy approach to managing LC may be a more efficient and reliable means of achieving zero emissions.
The Practice of Forensic Structural Engineering in IABSE Member Countries: preliminary review of survey 2022
Authors: Palmisano Fabrizio , Rus Laurent , Terwel Karel
Published: February 2024

The IABSE Task Group 5.1 on Forensic Structural Engineering aims to examine and to mitigate structural failures by sharing knowledge of technical, human, and organizational causes of failures, in addition to methods and techniques in forensic investigation processes. The expertise of Forensic Engineering is yet to be worldwide recognised as a specific domain of civil engineering practice and this article amends previously published technical reports in 2012, 2014 and 2015 by former IABSE Working Group 8 following a new survey carried out in 2020-2022.

This new survey has been developed with the lessons learnt from the previous survey in 2013-2014.

This article is a preliminary report on some topics of the survey and will allow to familiarize with the state-of-art in forensic structural engineering practice across 22 countries.
Independent Design Checking of Brahmaputra Bridge, Guwahati - Sharing Experience & Lessons Learnt
Authors: Bhowmick Alok , Raja Gurpreet Singh
Published: February 2024

The new bridge over river Brahmaputra connecting Guwahati and North Guwahati is currently in the advanced stages of construction. Designed to be an iconic bridge with state-of-the-art aesthetic features, it is being built at a cost of INR 26 billion (USD 316 million). This mega project includes not only the river bridge over the mighty river Brahmaputra but also long elevated viaducts and approaches on both sides. The project is being executed in EPC mode. The paper brings to the fore the culture of proof checking generally performed in infrastructure projects in the country and describes the unique feature of IDC performed in this specific project. The author draws on his own experience as well as published information to illustrate the importance of establishing a culture of independent checking everywhere to add confidence and mitigate the risk of failures.
Addressing Climate Resiliency in Long Span Bridges Through Early Stage Aerodynamic and Climate Consulting
Authors: Larose Guy L. , Erskine Theresa , Rajendran Rahul , Kumaresan Suresh
Published: February 2024

New long span bridges must be designed for climate resiliency based on historical records and long- term predictions. Existing bridges must be rehabilitated for climate resiliency to ensure safe operation and increased longevity. A multi-hazard assessment combined with bridge monitoring, wind tunnel studies and numerical analysis can provide an accurate picture of the current state of the bridge as a whole and specific components of the bridge including cables, deck, and hangers. Bridge microclimate past, present and future can be modelled, and climate scenarios can be applied to a digital model of the bridge to predict the response of the structure to the windstorms of tomorrow and to develop a framework of climate change adaption.

The authors will illustrate how aerodynamic and climate engineering consulting can inform decisions about the design and rehabilitation of long span bridges using case studies. Aerodynamic and climate consulting early in the design process contributes to both design, material, and carbon cost savings. Aerodynamic consulting and climate (weather) forecasting in construction stage planning ensures safe, efficient, and cost-effective construction of a bridge or a bridge rehabilitation plan.

A case study of the design of a new signature long span bridge, case studies of bridge cables and hangers and a case study of a bridge rehabilitation will be detailed to outline the benefits of early stage aerodynamic and climate consulting.
Influence of Design Practices and Climate Change Effects on the Seismic Fragility and Life-Cycle Cost of Highway Bridges
Authors: Mortagi Mohamed , Ghosh Jayadipta
Published: February 2024

Over the past several decades seismic design practices of highway bridges have undergone a considerable change from typical non-seismic design to adoption of modern ductile detailing principles. Despite such advances in structural design, bridge structures around the globe continue to be exposed to deteriorating agents from the surrounding atmosphere. The ill effects of these environmental stressors are likely to be further compounded from potential climate change scenarios as the bridge continues to age along the service life. For bridges across different design era that are exposed to unfavorable environmental conditions, climate change settings, and simultaneously situated in moderate to high seismic zones, a renewed systematic assessment of seismic fragility and life-cycle cost is required. These estimates will facilitate informed decision making and efficient channeling of monetary resources for structural upgrade and repair. In this context, the present study proposes a novel framework to compare the lifetime seismic losses of highway bridges considering earthquakes hazard, seismic design era, aging effects, and global warming due to climate change. The proposed framework is demonstrated on a non-seismically designed case-study multi- span continuous {MSC) concrete girder bridges located within Central and Southeastern United States. This bridge comprises of multiple bridge components that are also prone to the adverse effects of environmental degradation. Results reveal substantial deviation in lifetime seismic losses and fragility when expected future climate changes are neglected.
Understanding social engineering and disaster resilience of the rural roads sector for sustainable development
Authors: Gupta Shailly , Gupta Mukesh Chander
Published: February 2024

With the rising number and increasing severity of natural disasters globally, there is a growing need to engineer solutions to facilitate climate change adaptation and systemic disaster resilience. This is especially for the rural roads sector: when road embankments, culverts and bridges are affected by changing rainfall intensity and patterns, marginalised and poor vulnerable communities in rural areas lose access to basic infrastructure services such as roads connectivity thereby suffering the most from inundations and induced damages to their lives, livestock and livelihoods. Through the analysis of various innovative case studies, the authors highlight poverty alleviation centric approaches, materials and technology for building disaster resilient infrastructure in the rural roads sector.
Methods for ensuring the sustainability of steel heritage bridges
Authors: Ryjáček Pavel , Stančík Vojtěch , Vůjtěch Jakub , Litoš Jiří , Pospíšil Martin , Kudláček Jan , Sýkora Miroslav
Published: February 2024

This paper describes the results of the NAKI II project of the “Methods for Achieving Sustainability of Industrial Heritage Steel Bridges” which has been carried out over the last 5 years. It deals with the diagnostics results presents the overview of the load tests done and assessment results, including the coating application. The strengthening methods are presented, with the focus on the SMA materials. It is shown, that we have still many hidden reserves in the load capacity of heritage bridges, and if proper methods are chosen, the durability can be much longer, then predicted 100 years.
Femtosecond pulse laser cleaning for the preservation of the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Authors: Rapp Ludovic , Madden Steve , Rode Andrei , Brand Julia , Wain Alison
Published: February 2024

Cleaning with laser light has become a popular technique for the removal of unwanted surface layers. It provides numerous benefits compared to conventional cleaning methods, such as avoiding the use of abrasives and chemicals and eliminating problems of corrosive residues and loss of surface detail. Conventional pulse lasers are the most widely used, and already commercially available, with portable units deployable on-site. However, those lasers rely on thermal mechanisms of ablation, which generate heat and shock waves that can result in undesirable side-effects such as melting, formation of cracks, exfoliation of flakes from the surface, and annealing/softening of thinner sections of the bulk material. Here we explore an alternative heat-free femtosecond laser cleaning technique based on powerful ultrashort pulse lasers. We discuss the capability of the technique, illustrating the significant advantages of femtosecond pulse lasers in removal of old paint and rust without alteration of underlying structure, and discuss the development of a portable femtosecond laser cleaning unit for the maintenance and preservation of large-scale assets around the world using Sydney Harbour Bridge as a real-world field test.
Conservation of caves cut in volcanic breccia, Jogeshwari, Mumbai
Authors: Pawar Vikram , Keluskar Kimaya , Rajlakshmi Malini
Published: February 2024

Jogeshwari caves (5th century CE) marks the transition from Buddhist rock-cut to Hindu rock-cut architecture. It is a predecessor to Elephant and Ellora. Most of the finer features of carvings have not been able to survive thanks to the softer and erodible volcanic breccia. Further complicating the conservation effort is the reinforced concrete retrofits done in the earlier part of the 20th century and the drains emanating from the informal settlements, which had proliferated around the caves.

Conservation of such sites require multiple expertise including civil, structural, geological and environmental. The paper outlines the research and documentation process, presents the documentation, which has used representational and analytical tools like BIM; identifies the concerns/ issues and suggests the possible conservation approaches. Strategies and methods developed for conservation of these caves would also lead to a more reliable approach in the conservation of similar sites. The subject calls for further research and awareness within the engineering and architectural pedagogy and profession.
Halsafjorden Suspension bridge on floating foundation. Design and CO2 emission.
Authors: Aas-Jakobsen Ketil , Jamal Assad , Tistel Joar
Published: February 2024

Halsafjorden is an about 2100m wide and 490m deep fjord part of the Ferry free E-39 project in Norway. A two-span suspension bridge supported by a Tension Leg Platform is proposed for the crossing. Reducing the span compared to an ordinary long span suspension bridge opens for use of a conventional single box aerodynamic bridge deck, instead of a twin box deck needed for long span suspension bridges. Thus, the overall weight of the superstructure is reduced, while the complexity and material use increase for the substructure due to the floater system. The proposed design covers all relevant loads, including ship impact. Metocean loads were derived from a long-term analysis based on the extensive wind and wave measurement campaign started in 2017 and still ongoing. Wind tunnel test of the deck were performed to obtain aerodynamic input for the analysis. Local FEM analysis was used to verify complex areas of design. The design was done in close collaboration with the architect to secure a visually attractive structure. Offshore foundation design was challenging, but a reliable design was possible due to performing offshore ground investigations. Based on proposed design and construction method and EPD material data, CO2 emission was calculated and compared to reference projects.
Proposed Seismic Design Methodology for Steel Pier-Pile Integrated Structure Considering Dynamic Soil-Pile Interaction and Ductility Performance of Elongated Members
Authors: Thusoo Shreya , Omori Takayuki , Umebayashi Fukutaro
Published: February 2024

This paper discusses the seismic design policy and the design results for a novel pier-pile integrated rigid frame bridge, herein, denoted as the Pier-Pile Integrated Structure. The novelty of the structure lies in its foundation as the footing is eliminated leading to reduced substructure size, in turn, leading to reduced cost, construction time, and the need for topographic modification. The traditional design methodology for foundations with the assumption of fixed support or a rigid member at the footing does not hold for these structures. Hence, a novel seismic design methodology is proposed that considers the ambiguity in the failure mechanism and the ductility performance of ERW SKK 490 steel. Additionally, the seismic response and performance objective are set according to related past studies to form a comprehensive seismic design methodology for practical design. The proposed methodology is then applied for design of a road bridge and a comparison to the conventional design philosophy is presented.
Humanism through artificial intelligence?
Authors: Wenzel Baris , Moeller Eberhard
Published: February 2024

Today's key challenges for future construction are well known and little disputed. On the one hand, we should put the brakes on climate change; on the other hand, we must prepare ourselves for its probably serious consequences. Doing this without fossil resources currently still poses considerable problems for the construction industry. At the same time, digitization and artificial intelligence are creating major opportunities. Already 50 years ago, Jos Weber stated that computers should become self-learning, artificial-intelligence-developing teaching sources for architects. While the most significant discovery of the past year in the field of chemistry was made by a software program and is discussed to be proposed for the Nobel price, in civil engineering these technologies have been used in a rather rudimentary way so far. In this article, current approaches, tools and areas of application for optimization in structural design are presented, discussed and classified.
Mapping structural engineering strategies for sustainable development
Authors: Terwel Karel , Crielaard Roy
Published: February 2024

Considering current trends in the Netherlands with regards to sustainability, there is a strong desire at Delft University of Technology to incorporate sustainable structural design strategies in the civil and structural engineering curriculum. Based on literature study and own experiences in practice, a coherent approach was developed, that can help students and practitioners to increase sustainability in their projects. The approach consists of a roadmap with 4 key strategies: increase lifespan of existing structures by reusing them, increase lifespan of existing structural elements by reusing them, design future proof and with a long-life span, and optimise the design for environmental impact. The strategies are explained and illustrated with examples.
Conservation discourses in technical education, India
Authors: Roy Bidhan Chandra , Pawar Vikram
Published: February 2024

Heritage, both natural and cultural deserves to be treated with care and is vulnerable to neglect and apathy. Over past decades, in its quest for a ‘new India’, urban and infrastructure growth has been a-sympathetic to its built & natural heritage due to lack of awareness, knowledge and trained human resource.

Indian heritage has a huge potential of contributing to the liveability index and UN’s sustainable development goals. Awareness building, public mobilisation towards cultural and ecological heritage and adequately trained and skilled human resource across the country for conservation is the requirement today.

Technical education institutions sensitising of youth towards acknowledging and nurturing heritage through creation of environment for conservation learning and imparting necessary knowledge and skills need further impetus. State, Private Organisations and Corporates can provide this impetus to promote excellence in conservation discourses of technical education and to encourage and facilitate a conservation approach to urban and infrastructure development.
Preservation of heritage masonry structures: Assessing compatibility of consolidative treatments on Fired Clay Bricks
Authors: Singh Tejyas D. , Manohar Swathy
Published: February 2024

Heritage structures are prone to deterioration due to aging and dynamic environmental conditions. Protection by "consolidative treatments" is one of the ways of by which we can extend its life. However, compatibility of a consolidant with the substrate is complicated and depends on the material properties and exposure conditions. Selecting the wrong consolidant can accelerate the deterioration instead of restoration of properties. This study aims to assess the performance and compatibility of acrylic-polymer and silane based consolidants on samples of fired clay bricks of various qualities used in heritage masonry structures. To evaluate the performance of the consolidants, the initial physical, mechanical and microstructural properties of the substrate samples were established through various test methods. These initial properties are then compared to the properties of treated and untreated samples that were subjected to accelerated salt weathering, thus analyzing the weathering resistance.
Sustainable Design and Construction of Bridge – Case Study of Design of Arch Bridge in Nepal using Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis
Authors: Maharjan Shreenij , Balla Biswa K. , Shrestha Sudeep
Published: February 2024

The importance of sustainability in transport infrastructure continues to gain momentum. Policymakers and planners play a vital role in integrating sustainability into transport infrastructure, so sustainability assessment should begin with decision-making. This paper highlights the use of the Multi-criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) technique: Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to compare bridge design options in terms of sustainability. AHP can be a user-friendly assessment tool in developing countries where incorporating sustainability is not prioritized yet. The project "Design and Build of Bridges along Narayanghat-Mugling Highway" in Nepal is selected as the case study. Using AHP, a monolithic concrete arch bridge was compared with a two simply supported spans of prestressed concrete bridge. Criteria such as economic, environment, construction ease and maintenance were incorporated in the AHP. The results of AHP show that the Arch bridge is a more sustainable design option.
The Second Generation of Eurocode 4
Authors: Hicks Stephen J.
Published: February 2024

Work on the second generation of Eurocode 4 is nearing completion. Following the systematic review in 2014, the development of this standard has been undertaken by several project teams under the direction of the European Committee for Standardization subcommittee CEN/TC 250/SC 4, which is currently chaired by the present author. After a brief overview of the work programme that led to the second generation of Eurocode 4, this paper presents a selection of the changes that will be included.
Poverty Alleviation: Habitats and Infrastructures for the Under Privileged
Authors: Roy Bidhan Chandra , Ekambaram Raghuram
Published: February 2024

The provision of empowering habitats is one of the first concerns in the current development plans that include the fight against poverty. Structural engineers contribute by co-opting optimal design, spurring the local economy by using easily available and robust local materials and using relevant materials and construction technologies in the provision of habitats for the poor while at the same time being concerned about the environment, energy efficiency, and sustainability of the measures. They look at the long-term effects in terms of capability enhancement of the workforce, the direct benefits to the local economy, and the relevance of the built environment to the existing socio- cultural milieu. Good, affordable, and fast network connectivity also benefits the upgradation of human living conditions and comfort.
Sustainability of Heritage Structures: Conservation Issues & Challenges
Authors: Pal N. C.
Published: February 2024

Conservation of heritage structures for their sustainability requires an interdisciplinary approach. The challenges in understanding the structural behaviour and the ability to make correct decisions for structural intervention become complex and tedious due to non availability of exact documents and drawings, data regarding actual use of materials and methodologies , constructional techniques, processes of decay and damage, present safety level & possible risk of consequential distress. Present article briefly explains some of these challenges in conservation of heritage structures while emphasizing their sustainability aspects. Two case study examples are presented describing the historical, structural and architectural investigations, condition assessment, safety evaluation and structural intervention to highlight these issues.
Net Zero implementation on transportation projects
Authors: Sachin  , Thakur Ashwinikumar
Published: February 2024

Net zero has been a hot topic in discussion in the current timeline. Since the effect of global warming impacting the coastal zones, lot of attention have been garnered by Net Zero. The carbon emission has increased significantly from 8 billion tons CO2 per year to almost 40 billion tons CO2 per year.

Global atmospheric carbon concentration has gone up rapidly from 290 PPM to 370 PPM in 2000 and finally up to 413 PPM in 2020. The rate of CO2 concentration has increased from 0.61 PPM per year to 2.15 PPM per year now.

The current global warming is alarming at the rate of 0.18 °C per year which has caused significant reduction of polar ice and increase in sea levels.

Atkins - Member of SNC Lavalin group have developed an extensive system to reduce carbon footprint and to approach Net Zero in transportation and infrastructure projects based on PAS 2080 framework. It starts with building nothing to build efficient. A lot of our work focuses on capacity enhancement of existing structures where we have been able to reduce material and labour use to make it future proof and take us towards the Net Zero goal.

This paper will discuss few case studies on transportation projects where carbon reduction has been achieved.
Underground Metro Projects-Structural Engineering Challenges
Authors: Tandon Mahesh , Gupta Navneet
Published: February 2024

The most dramatic development in the field of urban infrastructure in recent times has undoubtedly been the introduction of the metro as a transportation system in many cities across India. Apart from providing the predominant mode of travel, the metro has been instrumental in reducing pollution and making a significant contribution to the improvement of quality of life for the citizens.

In the urban environment underground construction is always preferable instead of the alternative of employing elevated viaducts that would eventually remain a permanent part of the city’s skyline, resulting the severe restrictions on planning for developments in the future.

This paper discusses the challenges experienced during the design and construction of underground structures for the Metro constructions in some of the heavily built-up areas in cities where the authors’ company has worked. Some typical situations encountered and the engineering solutions that were evolved will be discussed in this Paper.
Construction of 4-Lane Signature Bridge between Okha and Beyt Dwarka in Gujarat State
Authors: Singla Deepak , Ahuja Rajiv
Published: February 2024

A cable stayed bridge with a length of 900m comprising central span of 500m and side spans of 200m each including approach spans is being constructed between Okha Port and Beyt Dwarka in the state of Gujarat and nearing completion. The overall length of the bridge is 2320m including approaches. The pylon height is 130m and each pylon leg is supported on pile foundation. The deck width is 27.2m which includes divided carriageways of 9.5m width each and 2.5m wide covered footpath on each side. Constructing this bridge over a sea creek posed several challenges. This paper describes the salient features of the bridge, construction methodology adopted and the challenges faced.
Comparative Study of the Statistical Methods of Fragility Curve Generation
Authors: Manandhar Shakil , Maharjan Sushmita
Published: February 2024

Fragility function is defined as the graphical representation using the curves to express the occurrence of undesirable event as a function of some measure. Fragility Curves has been developed based on results of incremental dynamic analysis. The common form of seismic fragility function is Log-normal Cumulative Distribution function {CDF). The main objective of the study is to develop the best method to find the value of mean and the standard deviation which gives a minimum deviation to that of real Cumulative Probability Density {CPD). For this we have taken data from [1] VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT OF MRT 205:1994 BUILDING and formulated a program of “Minimum Difference Method” using python. This study shows the reliability of “Minimum Difference Method” in comparisons to the others existing methods.
An Evaluation of Human Bouncing Force Excitation
Authors: Setareh Mehdi , Pham Huy
Published: February 2024

Modern architectural designs have resulted in floors with large open areas and long-span structural systems which can be susceptible to excessive vibrations due to human movements. This problem particularly becomes more important when the occupants engage in rhythmic activities such as bouncing. Bounce is defined as rhythmic up and down movements of people in which the person’s feet do not leave the floor. This paper presents an experimental study to evaluate the exerted bounce force by measuring the applied ground reaction forces (GRF) by a group of individuals on a force platform. Two bounce force levels for design purposes at 75% and 95% probability of exceedance are considered based on the required level of conservatism. Using the developed forcing function equations, closed forms are obtained for the dynamic load factors and are compared with the linear regression of the dynamic load factors, considering a Gaussian Distribution, which showed they are more conservative for most harmonics.
Integration of BrIM in Bridge Management - Enhanced Predictive Functionality
Authors: Joshi Sachidanand , Thorat Atharvi , Dehadray Harshali , Tundalwar Mayuri
Published: February 2024

Bridge lnformation Model [BrlM] is being evolved as a possible solution to become the one-stop solution for bridge design to management. Research is ongoing to present a concept of integrating BrlM as the front end or back end and incorporating functionalities of the Bridge Management System [BMS]. Such integration is envisaged to maximize the utilization of the core capabilities of both BrlM and BMS. lntegration of BrlM and BMS will yield analytics essential for the prediction of deterioration models, risk analysis and prioritization and optimization of fund allocation. The use of 3D geometric models, Digital photography using photogrammetry software and Structural Health Monitoring to evaluate the performance of the bridge, have all resulted in enhanced capabilities, reliable prediction of deterioration models, and risk analysis based on a scientific approach. lntegration of BrlM with BMS has resulted in enhanced sustainability and predictive functions.
Restructuring Construction Thinking for Urban Material Reuse
Authors: Haghani Reza , Laefer Debra F.
Published: February 2024

Construction and demolition waste (CDW) is a significant contributor to global waste. CDW accounts for nearly 1/3 of the total waste worldwide. Much of this is concrete, brick, and wood and is disposed in landfills or incinerated, resulting in environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Upcycling CDW is increasingly important for a sustainable waste management approach. Digitalization can play a significant role in promoting reuse of construction waste by enabling effective and efficient tracking, sorting, and processing of materials, through Building Information Modeling (BIM). BIM can help identify reusable components and provide real-time data on the quantity and quality of materials available for reuse. This paper proposes the architecture of a digital platform to facilitate the CDW upcycling by connecting construction companies, material suppliers, and waste management firms.
Role of Artificial Intelligence in Sustainable Bridge Design
Authors: Saju S.  , Nisha G. K.
Published: February 2024

Sustainable bridge design criteria seek not only to economise the cost, but also to diminish adverse ecological and socio-cultural impacts and works to balance all the three. This multi-criterion decision-making process is often subject to inconsistent opinions of stakeholders. To address the highly complex issue of the sustainable bridge design, Artificial lntelligence {Al} will be the best tool for decision-making process to determine the finest sustainable design by getting the probability of a particular design being chosen. Al can assist this decision-making by offering profound visions on the sustainability aspects in design problems based on available field data, thereby enhancing the quality of the design process, and concurrently served as directives for novice engineers. ln this paper, a novel rating system for sustainability assessment of bridge design has been proposed and an Al based model to predict the sustainability rating of bridges has been developed.