bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A test of the subsidy–stability hypothesis: the effects of terrestrial carbon in aquatic ecosystems
Authors: Jones Stuart E. , Lennon Jay T.
Published: December 2014

Global change is altering the movement of materials across landscapes in ways that likely have major consequences for the functioning and stability of ecosystems. For example, the export of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from terrestrial to aquatic ecosystems is increasing globally. This browning phenomenon is expected to alter the stability of recipient aquatic ecosystems, but theory provides contrasting predictions about the form and direction of this response. We created a gradient in terrestrial DOC supply by adding humic substances on weekly basis to 10 experimental ponds (106 L each) over a growing season. The manipulation of terrestrial DOC supply had strong effects on the chemical, physical, and biological properties of the pond ecosystems. Light attenuation linearly increased with terrestrial DOC supply, which created a shading effect that negatively influenced whole‐pond gross primary production and respiration. Despite this, bacterial contributions to basal energy mobilization and respiration increased with terrestrial DOC supply indicating that aquatic food webs were subsidized by terrestrial inputs. After establishing the DOC gradient, we used dynamic linear models to test the subsidy–stability hypothesis by measuring the resilience and sensitivity of each pond to a pulse nutrient perturbation. We found that recovery from the perturbation decreased nonlinearly along a gradient in terrestrial DOC supply. Reciprocal transplant experiments indicated that owing primarily to its light attenuating properties and recalcitrant nature, terrestrial DOC diminished aquatic ecosystem stability by reducing nutrient turnover rates (NTR). Together, our results demonstrate that global‐change‐mediated alterations in the movement of material and energy between habitats can have unpredictable and dramatic impacts on the reliability of ecosystem services.
A Novel Method To Model Low-Salinity-Water Injection in Carbonate Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Al-Shalabi Emad W. , Sepehrnoori Kamy , Delshad Mojdeh , Pope Gary
Published: December 2014

There are few low-salinity-water-injection (LSWI) models proposed for carbonate rocks, mainly because of incomplete understanding of complex chemical interactions of rock/oil/brine. This paper describes a new empirical method to model the LSWI effect on oil recovery from carbonate rocks, on the basis of the history matching and validation of recently published corefloods. In this model, the changes in the oil relative permeability curve and residual oil saturation as a result of the LSWI effect are considered. The water relative permeability parameters are assumed constant, which is a relatively fair assumption on the basis of history matching of coreflood data. The capillary pressure is neglected because we assumed several capillary pressure curves in our simulations in which it had a negligible effect on the history-match results. The proposed model is implemented in the UTCHEM simulator, which is a 3D multiphase flow, transport, and chemical-flooding simulator developed at The University of Texas at Austin (UTCHEM 2000), to match and predict the multiple cycles of low-salinity experiments. The screening criteria for using the proposed LSWI model are addressed in the paper. The developed model gives more insight into the oil-production potential of future waterflood projects with a modified water composition for injection.
Allocating the cost of the carbon footprint produced along a supply chain, among the stakeholders involved
Authors: Kanakoudis Vasilis , Papadopoulou Anastasia
Published: December 2014

Greenhouse gas emissions are widely considered nowadays one of the main causes for global climate change. Every product's supply chain consists of several energy usage processes. Three new approaches (end-userpays; production based; and profit based) regarding the allocation of the cost related to the carbon footprint (CF) produced, among producers and users are being presented. These approaches vary according to the ‘blame’ attached to each stakeholder involved, during the several phases of the ‘product's’ life cycle. According to the first approach, CO2 emissions occur as the need for the product/service exists. The second approach allocates the CF production-related cost in each step of the supply chain according to not only how much of this CF is produced in each step, but considering also the CF produced in the previous steps. The allocation follows the profit rate (profit/selling price) of each step of the supply chain. At the third approach, the profit rate used has to do with the profit of each step compared to the total profit of the entire supply chain. To achieve a socially fair price of a product, all stakeholders involved should pay their fair shares, to guarantee that all costs related to the product's supply chain are being fully recovered.
Transverse-Torsional Vibrations of the High-Speed Planetary Gear
Transmission
Authors: Zhaoxia He , Qingtao Liu , Lehao Chang , Jinsong Wu
Published: December 2014

The vibration characteristics of a high-speed planetary gear transmission (PGT) are studied in this paper. A
transverse-torsional coupling dynamic model is developed using lumped parameter method. In order to ensure the
accuracy of the analysis model, the mesh stiffness, support stiffness and the influence of eccentric masses on system are
also considered. By solving the eigenvalue of differential equations of motion, the natural frequencies and mode shapes
are calculated. According to the vibration modes of this gear transmission, the characteristics of translational mode and
torsional mode are described in details. The influence of mesh stiffness, support stiffness and modal modes are discussed
by adopting strain and kinetic energy.
Design and Strength Analysis of FSAE Suspension
Authors: Sun Li , Deng Zhao , Zhang Qing
Published: December 2014

China FSAE race introduced formula racing gradually in the university campus in order to make FSAE racing
have better ride comfort, handling and stability. Design and strength analysis of FSAE suspension were also proposed.
Firstly, according to the whole layout of FSAE racing, the suspension mode was selected, both front and rear suspension
were unequal push rod type double wishbone independent suspensions. Secondly, the main parameters and the orientation
structure of the front and rear suspension were preliminarily designed. The wheels alignment parameters were selected
with all kinds of stiffness, damping coefficient, followed by cross arm length calculation. According to the design
parameters, suitable rim and shock absorber were chosen to determine the structure of the suspension’s main components
. Thirdly, the front and rear suspension models were set up by the SolidWorks 3D software. Finally, the analysis of static
stress on the main components of FSAE racing using the simulation module was performed to form the car suspension
system so that it meets the design requirements of the FSAE regulations. This paper could provide references for the real
vehicle development.
Analysis of the Principal Characteristics of the On-Board Throttle Cooling System of the IR Receiver on the Basis of a Tank with Cryogenic Fueling
Authors: I. Dovgiallo A. , O. Nekrasova S. , V. Sarmin D. , A. Uglanov D.
Published: December 2014

In this paper, a new tank with cryogenic charging (liquid nitrogen) is introduced. On the basis of this tank it is
proposed to create a throttle cooling system, which may have enhanced characteristics compared with a throttle cooling
system based on high pressure tank. This article deals with first results of tests of a tank with cryogenic charging (liquid
nitrogen), which have been made at level of pressure to 4 MPa. Also it is shown that the behavior of parameters in a tank
on time corresponds to calculation model.
The Significance of an Isolated Elevated TSH Level in a Depressed Patient: A Clinical Commentary
Authors: Joffe Russell T. , Sullivan Timothy B.
Published: December 2014

Objective:

To discuss the approach to the isolated finding of an elevated thyrotropin (TSH) level on routine biochemical screening of a depressed patient.

Method:

A focused literature review as well as discussion of published clinical guidelines and the formulation of a rational clinical approach.

Results:

Screening for thyroid dysfunction is part of the routine assessment of the depressed patient. It is not uncommon for such patients to have an isolated elevation of TSH levels with nor laboratory or clinical features of thyroid disease. There is often misunderstanding about how to deal with this isolated laboratory finding which can lead to unnecessary investigation and treatment.

Conclusions:

A rational approach to evaluation and management of an isolated elevated TSH level is suggested.
Dendroindication of drought in Rogatica region (Eastern Bosnia)
Authors: Ducic Vladan , Ivanovic Rade , Mihajlovic Jovan , Gnjato Rajko , Trbic Goran , Curcic Nina
Published: December 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of using the
dendrochronological method in drought prediction in eastern Bosnia. As an
indicator of drought, the standardized precipitation index (SPI) was used. In
the wider area of Rogatica (eastern Bosnia), 11 core samples from trees were
taken. The best connection between the width of tree rings and drought was
shown by the sample of a 67-year-old European silver fir (Abies alba) from
the mountain Boksanica. Removal of the biological trend (standardization) was
performed by the autoregressive-moving-average (ARMA) method. Calculations
showed that precipitation, i.e. drought in the summer months, is crucial for
radial increment of the sample. The obtained results of our research have
been confirmed in examples in the region and further.
‘I Am Not Angry in the Kindergarten!’ Interruptive Anger as Democratic Participation in Norwegian Kindergartens
Authors: Grindheim Liv Torunn
Published: December 2014

This article calls into question the idyllic picture of Norwegian kindergartens where harmonious and joyful interaction is the preferred and normal way to participate. If taking children's right to democratic participation and freedom of expression seriously, anger can also be seen as a legitimate way of participating. Conflicts of interest, contradictory perspectives and children's resistance to adjusting to settled conventions are understood as important aspects of democratic participation. Episodes from fieldwork indicate that children who communicate what they regard as disrespect or injustice through anger are more often considered to be aggressive children who need to modify their emotions than communicators presenting an important message. This response to anger can be seen as a limiting condition for children's democratic participation. Children in kindergarten get angry and so interrupt this understanding of how children are supposed to interact and participate. In relations among children, however, anger seems to be more accepted. Nevertheless, anger appears to present both a temporary threat to friendship and the possibility of being heard.
Cultural Capital and Home-School Connections in Early Childhood
Authors: Miller Kyle , Hilgendorf Amy , Dilworth-Bart Janean
Published: December 2014

This qualitative study was an exploration of mothers' perspectives on home-school connections to better understand the variable ways families engage with schools in early childhood. The study was conducted in the USA, and included 47 mothers with preschool-aged children who participated in semi-structured interviews concerning their children's school preparation. Using a sociological framework and thematic analysis of interviews, the authors identified four themes of home-school connections: the backpack connection, school as a resource, ongoing dialogue with teachers, and a space to advocate. Study findings suggest that practices and attitudes related to home-school connections begin prior to entering kindergarten and may be influenced by a family's forms of cultural capital and habitus. This study offers an alternative viewpoint to the traditional home-school discourse by exploring the family perspective rather than the school perspective. Implications are offered for early childhood educators and family outreach personnel to help support school connectedness in early childhood and beyond.
Performance of assays for testing antibodies against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus in sera collected from swine farms in a region with an extreme virus heterogeneity
Authors: Karniychuk U Uladzimir , Nauwynck J Hans
Published: December 2014

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome is the most economically important viral disease in the swine industry worldwide. Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) strains are classified into two distinct genotypes, the European genotype and the North American genotype. The European PRRSV genotype has been divided into three subtypes: a pan-European subtype 1 and East European subtypes 2 and 3. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of commercial and homemade serological assays to test field sera from a geographical region with an extreme PRRSV heterogeneity. Belarus became the country of choice for sample collection because heterologous PRRSV strains of all known European subtypes circulate in this country. Sera from Belarusian swine farms were tested in immunoperoxidase monolayer assays based on pan-European subtype 1, East European subtype 3 and North American strains as antigens and commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (IDEXX and INGEZIM). The obtained results suggest that none of the serological tools for PRRSV diagnosis can guarantee a flawless detection of antibodies at the individual animal level. Considering heterogeneity of recently isolated European PRRSV strains the problem can be relevant in many countries.
Reparation of chondral defects in rabbits by autologous and allogenous chondrocytes seeded on collagen/hyaluronan scaffold or suspended in fibrin glue
Authors: Horňák Slavomír , Harvanová Denisa , Ledecký Valent , Hluchý Marian , Valenčáková-Agyagosová Alexandra , Amrichová Judita , Rosocha Ján , Vaško Gabriel , Švihla Róbert , Petrovič Vladimír
Published: December 2014

The topic of the study was to verify in vivo survival of in vitro cultured autologous and allogenous chondrocytes suspended in a fibrin glue Beriplast® or seeded on Collagen type I-Hyaluronan (Col type I-HYA) scaffolds for the regeneration of articular cartilage defects in rabbits. The study was carried out on 15 domestic rabbits randomly assigned to five groups (n = 3 in each) with different treatments of artificially created chondral defects (ChD´s). These defects were made in a non-load-bearing area of medial condyle of the distal femur, and were treated as follows: 1st and 3rd group: the ChD´s were filled with autologous or allogenous chondrocytes seeded on Col type I-HYA scaffolds, respectively. The scaffolds were fixed to the ChD´s by fibrin glue Beriplast®; 2nd and 4th group: the ChD´s were filled with a suspension of autologous or allogenous chondrocytes in fibrin glue Beriplast®, respectively, and they were immediately covered by unseeded Col type I-HYA scaffolds; Control group: the ChD´s were left to heal spontaneously without any treatment. Macroscopical, histological and immunohistochemical analyses of the ChD´s were performed 12 months after the treatment. In all treated groups, the chondrocytes were capable to proliferate and produce the cartilage extracellular matrix, including proteoglycans and type II collagen, as compared to the control “untreated” group. On the other hand, the production of hyaline-like cartilage tissue confirmed that both therapeutic methods using autologous chondrocytes can be applied successfully for the treatment of chondral defects in rabbits.
A survey of deformed wing virus and acute bee paralysis virus in honey bee colonies from serbia using real-time RT-PCR
Authors: Simeunović Predrag , Stevanović Jevrosima , Vidanović Dejan , Nišavić Jakov , Radović Dejan , Stanišić Ljubodrag , Stanimirović Zoran
Published: December 2014

In this study 55 honey bee colonies from different Serbian regions were monitored for the presence of Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) and Acute Bee Paralysis Virus (ABPV) using TaqMan-based real-time RT-PCR assay. The results revealed the presence of DWV in each sampling location, and ABPV in 10 out of 11 apiaries. High frequency of DWV (76.4%) and ABPV (61.8%) positive samples in asymptomatic colonies can be the consequence of inefficient and postponed Varroa treatment concerning the role of this mite in the transmission and activation of honey bee viruses. The real-time RTPCR technique described in this paper is proved to be the most reliable method for this kind of investigation.
Characteristics of coagulase positive staphylococci isolated from milk in cases of subclinical mastitis
Authors: Rajić Savić Nataša , Katić Vera , Velebit Branko
Published: December 2014

Coagulase-positive staphylococci are the most common pathogen causing subclinical mastitis in cows. Their main characteristic is a high virulence which leads to chronic infection. A total of 213 isolates of coagulase-positive staphylococci were tested. The majority of isolates (58%) formed a gold pigment, then light gold (28%), white gold (8%), golden gray, creamy white and white (2%). The majority of isolated coagulase-positive staphylococci produce beta hemolysis on esculin blood agar (50%), alpha and beta hemolysis (36%), beta and delta hemolysis (8%), delta hemolysis (4%), and alpha hemolysis (2%). Biochemical and molecular identification was performed by APISTAPH and multiplex PCR method. The majority of isolates were identified as S. aureus (88%), S. chromogenes (4%), and 2% of the isolates were identified as S. lentus, S. sciuri, S. xylosus, S. intermedius by APISTAPH. Antimicrobial susceptibility to penicillin G, was found by the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method to be resistant (62.44%). For disc diffusion penicillin G sensitive isolates the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was established for MIC50 and MIC90 as 0.003 mg/ml and 2μg/ml, respectively. For disc diffusion penicillin G resistant isolates MIC50 and MIC90 was 1.0μg/ml and 16μg/ ml, respectively. The study of phenotypic resistance to methicillin, as recommended by CLSI, established resistance to oxacillin in 5.26% of the isolates, while no resistance was found to cefoxitine. None of the tested isolates have the mecA gene.
Relationships among pre-slaughter stress, rigor mortis, blood lactate, and meat and carcass quality in pigs
Authors: Dokmanović Marija , Baltić Ž. Milan , Marković Radmila , Bošković Marija , Lončina Jasna , Glamočlija Nataša , Đorđević Mirjana
Published: December 2014

The aim of this study was to examine the relationships among pre-slaughter stress, rigor mortis, blood lactate, and meat and carcass quality in 100 pigs (cross between Naima sows and hybrids P-76 PenArLan boars). Before slaughter lairage time, handling and pig behavior were assessed for each animal. At exsanguination blood concentrations of lactate and cortisol were determined, while post-mortem were assessed: initial and ultimate pH value, temperature, drip, sensory and instrumental colour and marbling. On the carcasses the degree of rigor mortis and skin damage score were estimated, as well as carcass quality parameters. More developed (p<0.01) rigor mortis was observed after long lairage compared to short lairage. Higher intensity of rigor was found in pigs with higher blood lactate level (p<0.05) and with a greater thickness of subcutaneous fat tissue (p<0.05) and lower lean meat content (p<0.01). Higher blood lactate level was observed after long lairage compared to short (p<0.05) and after rough handling compared to gentle handling (p<0.01). In the group with blood lactate from 10 to 15 mmol/l meat temperature and skin blemishes score increased, while in the group with the highest blood lactate concentration (>15 mmol/l) initial pH decreased and L* value increased. These results suggest that in groups with higher blood lactate concentrations meat quality deteriorates.
Genetic Parameters for Somatic Cell Count, Logscc and Somatic Cell Score of Breeds: Improved Valachian, Tsigai, Lacaune and their Crosses/Genetski Parametri Za Broj Somatskih Ćelija, Logscc I Skor Somatskih Ćelija Kod Rasa: Poboljšana Vlaška, Cigaja, Lakon I Njihovih Meleza
Authors: Pavol Makovický , Peter Makovický , Melinda Nagy , Kvetoslava Rimárová , Jana Diabelková
Published: December 2014

In the last few years there has been increasing emphasis on reducing milk somatic cell count to improve the milk quality in dairy ruminants. Genetic parameters for somatic cell count (SCC), LOGSCC and somatic cell score (SCS) were estimated. About 1193 measurements were included in the analysis for each character of 358 ewes of 9 genotypes. Nine breeds and genotypes were included in these experiments: purebred Improved Valachian (IV), Tsigai (T), Lacaune (LC) ewes, and IV and T crosses with a genetic portion of Lacaune and East Friesian (EF) - 25 %, 50 % and 75 %. Primary data were processed using restricted maximum likelihood (REML) methodology and the multi-trait animal model, using programs REMLF90 and VCE 4.0. Heritability coefficients for somatic cell count were low: h2=0.03, for LOGSCC h2= 0.08 and for somatic cell score h2=0.06. Somatic cell score can be considered for inclusion in a breeding program aimed at reducing somatic cell count and frequency of clinical mastitis in dairy sheep.
Sant Julia de Loria bridge, in Andorra. Structural design.
Authors: Velasco Jose M.
Published: December 2014

The Bridge of Sant Julia de Loria, in Andorra, is part of the variation of the CG1 road, main entrance from Spain. SIGMA99 company is in charge of the junction engineering project and has entrusted AMATRIA with the structural design of it. The bridge is a geometrically complex structure resulting from the connection between the portals of tunnels of Tapia, currently under construction, and Grau Vell, planned for future action. The bridge also crosses the Grand Valira River and the existing CG1 road. Three slip roads connect the bridge to the road. So the bridge, or structure, has 11 spans, 7 columns and 5 abutments, with spans between 15 and 50 m.

The bridge, without expansion joints except at the 5 abutments, behaves like a spatial structure where two-dimensional behaviour is significant. The deck surface is approximately 3.600m². It is developed over an area of approximately 165 m by 75 m.
Panama Canal expansion project – design and construction of lock complexes
Authors: Spengler Rüdiger , Imedio Jesús , Pérez Rafael , Casanova Federico
Published: December 2014

The third set of lock complexes (one complex at Atlantic site, the other one at Pacific site), were designed to permit Post-Panamax vessels to transit from ocean level to 27m higher Gatun level vice versa.

Governing hydraulic design criteria was to reduce lockage time making usage of water saving basins. Structural design was carried out taking into account usual, unusual and extreme load conditions.

Construction of both complexes is still going on, and, in order to fulfill construction site schedule, 10 to 15 lifts of a daily concrete volume between 3.000 and 5.000m3 are poured at each site for concreting independent reinforced monoliths.
Investigation of Shear Response of Nuclear Power Plant Wall Elements using High Strength Materials
Authors: Bae Gwang-Min , Park Jae-Hyun , Cho Jae-Yeol , Proestos Giorgio T. , Bentz Evan C. , Collins Michael P.
Published: December 2014

This paper presents the results of twelve reinforced concrete shell elements subjected to shear and biaxial stresses. Elements were constructed by one-third scale of real NPP wall elements and were monotonically loaded until failure. The results were compared with predictions from the Modified Compression Field Theory (MCFT). The concrete compressive strength, steel yield strength and reinforcement ratio of APR1400 that is current model of NPP in Korea were used for reference elements. And the high strength concrete, high yield strength steel and decreasing reinforcement ratio were used for other elements. The ultimate load was accurately predicted with a mean test to predicted ratio of 0.95 and a coefficient of variation of 6.6 %. The shear strains at peak stress were also accurately predicted with a mean test to predicted ratio of 1.01 and a coefficient of variation of

13.4 %. These results show the applicability of MCFT to shear design of NPP wall.
BridgeTOOL – Design and Construction of Rural Suspension Footbridges
Authors: Dawoodi Kayin , Borowiec Phil , Franck Lee , Bang Avery
Published: December 2014

Arup began working with US-based charity Bridges to Prosperity (B2P) in 2010, with the objective to produce a simple design tool to support the design and construction of rural suspension footbridges anywhere in the world. B2P‟s vision is that of a world “where poverty caused by rural isolation no longer exists”. Three years later, Arup have produced the “BridgeTOOL” – a design tool and learning resource that enables the rapid design of suspension footbridges, coupled with documentation to both support the construction process and B2P‟s training programs worldwide.

Part of the process in developing BridgeTOOL has been to try it out in the field. A 50 m pilot suspension bridge in Rwanda was entirely designed using BridgeTOOL. The purpose of this project was to both validate and feed lessons-learnt back into the tool‟s development, and is in itself a success story for the rural community, benefitting thousands of local inhabitants.
Public Private Partnership in Civil and Structural Engineering Education
Authors: Quapp Ulrike , Holschemacher Klaus
Published: December 2014

This paper provides information about the legal basis and development of public private partnerships (PPPs) in civil and structural engineering education. It informs about advantages, disadvantages and the experience with partners in civil and structural engineering programs at Leipzig University of Applied Sciences. German universities in their current situation need public private partnerships to ensure the high quality in civil and structural engineering education and to develop new attractive programs in the interests of the students.
EN 1090-1: Does factory production control need educated people?
Authors: Mährlein Jörg
Published: December 2014

Regulation (EU) No. 305/2011, laying down the harmonised conditions for the marketing of construction products, has been in force since 1st July 2013.

In order for the basic requirements specified in the regulation to be fulfilled, each manufacturer shall maintain a factory production control system.

An effective operation of a factory production control system can only be ensured if the personnel involved in such activities possess adequate qualifications, training and experience to handle the special processes used for the designing and manufacturing of the structures.
Development of Structural Engineering and Educational Applications Using Gamesalad
Authors: Balili Alden Paul D.
Published: December 2014

As the sales of smart mobile devices overtake that of desktop computers, it is accepted in the IT/Computer industries that eventually more applications and data would be accessed through smart mobile devices. Furthermore, due to their touch interface, using these devices are more easy and accessible for children and adults, increasing their usage even further. In this regard, it is imperative that more applications in the field of engineering and education be developed for these devices.

The main challenge in developing for different devices is the need to familiarize with different programming languages. Academics and professionals, already busy with their work, may find it difficult to develop programs for these multiple platforms. To solve this, Gamesalad (www.gamesalad.com) developed a program which would enable non-programmers to do programs with sophisticated interfaces and features for different devices.

This paper discusses the application of the Gamesalad program in the development of structural engineering and educational purpose applications. It would be shown that through its easy to use coding techniques and compatibility for all desktop and mobile platforms, useful programs for students and professionals can be made even without deep programming knowledge for all these platforms. This would help education progress further to the mobile age.

A short introduction and tutorial for Gameslad will be shown first. After this, the applications of Gamesalad to the following examples will be discussed: (1) A Simple Graph Program (2) A Truss analysis program using touch only (3) A reinforced concrete beam program considering seismic design and detailing requirements and (4) Concrete Strength Prediction using ANN Model.
Structural safety during construction
Authors: Terwel Karel , Mud Martijn , Frijters Adri
Published: December 2014

Structural safety during construction is a main concern for the building industry. Collapses of temporary structures or incomplete permanent structures are a threat for the safety of persons. Based on data from Dutch Labour Inspectorate this study concluded that approximately 20% of the fatalities during construction are related to structural failures. The total number of fatalities during construction exceeds (disputable) acceptability limits in the Netherlands. Structural failures were especially influenced by motivation of employees, available equipment and procedures.

Improvement is needed, which can start with an increase of safety awareness.
The partial collapse of the ‘Palazzo Edilizia' in Salerno
Authors: Palmisano Fabrizio , Vitone Amedeo
Published: December 2014

On the night of June 15 2007, a side of one of the most important buildings of Salerno (the so called ‘Palazzo Edilizia’) collapsed 80 years after its construction. Such a ruinous failure did not cause any casualties only thanks to the circumstance that the collapsed side was that of the living rooms.

The aim of the analysis performed by the authors was mainly the search of the causes of such a ruinous collapse. The paper not only deals with the description of the methodology adopted for the analysis, but also discusses the results in order to trace general criteria that could be useful for the reliability assessment of the existing masonry buildings.
Quick assessment tool for assurance of structural safety in the building process
Authors: Terwel Karel C. , Jansen Sylvia J. T.
Published: December 2014

 From forensic investigation it is known that many structural failures can be attributed to human errors and organizational factors. To provide project leaders with information on the current state of factors in the building process influencing structural safety, we developed a quick assessment tool. Logistic regression was used, based on data of influencing factors from a national questionnaire, to derive a function that predicts the probability of a successful outcome, regarding structural safety. The results show that a function with only the factors collaboration, risk analysis and control could predict a successful project correctly in 85% of cases, with collaboration as most determining factor. Although this method has limitations, it gives a quick indication of the degree in which problems regarding structural safety are to be expected. We believe that this tool has the potential to develop into a risk management tool.
Investigation of fractures of RC twin-blocs of a fixed railway track after 40-years of service
Authors: Brühwiler Eugen
Published: December 2014

A fixed railway track consisting of twin-blocs in reinforced concrete has been built in a 5km long double track railway tunnel near Zurich, Switzerland, in service since 1975. After satisfactory service behaviour over more than 35 years, cracks have been detected on several blocks. These

signs of a damaging process increased in the following months and urgent measures had to be taken. Investigations showed that the main damage mechanism was due to fatigue. In particular,

significant fatigue damage was produced by single overloaded axle loads and by the high number of high axle loads. In addition, inadequate detailing of the rebars in the concrete blocks was the main reason for the relatively low fatigue strength of the RC blocks. The damaged railway track was replaced by improved twin-blocs, in particular detailing of rebars in the concrete bloc was improved, and fatigue tests were conducted for validation.
A Innovative Longitudinal Prestressed Continuous Ultra-high Performance Concrete Box-girder Bridge
Authors: Pan Rensheng , Shao Xudong , Zhan Hao
Published: December 2014

A new box-girder bridge structure is proposed based on the superior mechanical properties of the ultra high performance concrete (UHPC). The proposed structure is the combination of UHPC and thin-wall box girder with densely distributed diaphragm plates, which can simplify the conventional three-direction prestressed structure into unidirectional (longitudinal) prestressed structure.

Compared to the traditional concrete continuous box-girder bridge, the superstructure weight of the new bridge structure can be lightened by 50~60%. A trial design and some experimental studies were conducted to study the proposed bridge structure. Results of UHPC beam creep deformation test demonstrated that the creep deformation of the UHPC beam was about 1/5 that of ordinary concrete beam. Results of the UHPC box-girder model test indicated that the post-cracking shear performance of the box-girder could be improved by setting diaphragms.
Innovative Network Tied Arch Solution to Spanning the Mississippi River
Authors: Furrer Martin , Hasbrouck Greg
Published: December 2014

The new Mississippi River Bridge at Hastings, Minnesota is a $US 120M design-build project with a 166 m main span network tied arch to create a community icon for this scenic recreation area.

The solution calls for a unique pair of free standing steel box arch ribs with no upper wind bracing that utilizes post-tensioned concrete tie girders. It is a record span in North America for this type of structure. The arch is integrally connected to its piers to eliminate large bearings and is founded on nearly 60m long 107cm diameter driven pipe piles at one pier and closely spaced 1.5m diameter drilled shafts at the other pier to account for the differing geology.

Fig. 1: View of the completed free standing tied arch structure

In addition to the unique structure type, the project is mandated to meet a rigorous structure redundancy and a 100 year service life. A unique steel floor system with both longitudinal and transverse main girders was developed to meet the redundancy requirements with strict limits in both service and strength conditions. The 100 year service life results in the use of stainless deck reinforcement, special coatings for the cable hangers and other innovative materials and details.

The steel system for the arch was erected on land, transferred onto barges using Self Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs), floated down river, transferred onto a rail system beneath the piers using SPMTs, and lifted 20m into place using strand jacks.
2020 Skyscrapers: Challenge or Mistake?
Authors: Perez Gutierrez Maria Concepcion
Published: December 2014

Teams of Architects and Engineers are already working in the 2020 skyscrapers. 150 years after the Great Fire of Chicago the average height of the 20 tallest is expected to rise up to 600 meters.

The debate is open: Do “Supertalls” help building research? Are they INNOVATIVE or do they just repeat checked solutions? Do we have reasons to build high? Is it a challenge or a mistake? To answer these questions this paper analyzes relevant topics which have to do with economic implications, the symbolism of height, structural developments, vertical transportation systems, safety, location, building systems, facades, recycling, and energy generation.

Identifying key factors to consider in the XXIst century highrises design may help us avoid new Babel’s towers. Becoming a landmark as INNOVATIVE DESIGNED requires more than just “being tall”.
Adelaide's Riverbank Footbridge – Ribbon of Light
Authors: Turner Harry , Tsoukalas Niko , Koehne Paul
Published: December 2014

This elegant structure, opened in early 2014, is a key element of the revitalisation of Adelaide's Riverbank Precinct. The area is one of Adelaide's iconic public spaces, offering panoramic views across the River Torrens, Parklands and Adelaide Oval. Crucially, the footbridge provides a river crossing and rail station access for crowds attending major sporting events at the recently upgraded Adelaide Oval. The bridge selection was based on a major design competition for this $40M project. The winning entry satisfied the Client’s brief for a “design that will meet the highest levels of functionality and aesthetic resolution for the constituents and the city at large.” The Urban Design was considered by the panel judges to be bold, elegant, striking and aesthetically pleasing.
Pancake-type collapse—preventing downward progression
Authors: Lalkovski Nikolay , Starossek Uwe
Published: December 2014

This paper investigates to what extent a downward progression of a collapse triggered by the loss of all columns in one or several neighboring intermediate stories in a high-rise building is preventable. Various examples of historical pancake-type collapses showing different degrees of destruction are discussed, with the focus on partial collapses which remained confined to the topmost stories only. An explanation for this particular phenomenon is proposed, which shows how such a collapse is most probably triggered and why, in many cases, a downward progression cannot occur. Based on this, a design strategy for high-rise buildings using a tube system is proposed, which limits the extent of vertical collapse, should it be triggered, to the floors above the zone of initial failure only.
Theoretical and Experimental research on Steel-Concrete Composite Truss
Authors: Bujnak Jan , Bouchaïr Abdelhamid
Published: December 2014

 The local effects of concentrated longitudinal shear forces should be appropriately examined in composite truss beams with the welded headed studs, located at the steel-concrete interface. Based on finite element modelling, new approaches are investigated theoretically. The experiment results from push-out testing and bending test of full-scale composite truss beams given in the paper showed rather good agreement between the test and the theory. Several effects on shear connection behaviour are also studied.
Analytic Methods of Modal in Real Spaces for Random Wind-induced Response of Long-Span Bridges
Authors: Su Haiting
Published: December 2014

Recently more and more passive dynamic dampers are used in long-span bridges. These kinds of structures belong to non-classical damping structure. By traditional decoupling method, the structural displacement and velocity response cannot analyzed as linear combination of displacement and velocity response of a series of standard oscillators. For the long-span bridge’s motion equation, by using mode decomposition method decompose to a 2-DOF non-classic motion equation, and using real-space decoupling method , the structural displacement and velocity response are analyzed as a linear combination both displacement and velocity response of a series standard oscillators with clear engineering significances. Considering the correlation of series standard oscillator, variance of the structural displacement random response is analyzed and resolved into linear combination of displacement and velocity random response.
Project design and construction of the Teror Viaduct in Gran Canaria (Spain)
Authors: Llombart José Antonio , Revoltós Jordi , Fernández Juliana
Published: December 2014

The new Teror access road crosses the ravine of the same name via a viaduct with 62+145+54 m spans. The deck is formed by a continuous prestressed concrete box girder supported by extradosed staying. Due to the height at which it runs over the ravine, the deck was built by the balanced cantilever method. The piers are V shaped and are rigidly joined to the deck above which they extend like pylons.
IZMIT Bay Suspension Bridge, Erection of Steel Tower
Authors: Yamane Mitsuhiro , Kudo Mitsuhiro , Asai Naonori , Mutaguchi Takusen , Kan'O Masashi , Seki Shinjiro
Published: December 2014

The construction of the Izmit Bay Suspension Bridge has started in January 2013 to be completed early 2016. The tower is steel construction reaching over 246.5m above sea level and being constructed with floating cranes for the lower part and self-climbing crane for the upper part to be completed by end of 2014, followed by the cable erection in 2015. The papers describe the construction of the tower of the Izmit Bay Suspension Bridge.
Izmit Bay Suspension Bridge-Aerodynamic Stability of Catwalk
Authors: Uejima Hidesaku , Inoue Manabu , Yamauchi Kunihiro , Kishi Ryoichi , Ono Mototsugu , Yamasaki Yasutsugu
Published: December 2014

The catwalk system for the Izmit Bay Suspension Bridge designed without storm system has been assessed for its aero-elastic stability carefully. The behavior of the catwalk under the design wind speed has been evaluated by means of a nonlinear numerical analysis using a space frame numerical model with the aerodynamic properties obtained in a wind tunnel tests using a section model of the catwalk of a scale of 1/4. The wind tunnel tests using a full aero-elastic model of the catwalk system for a shorter main span suspension bridge but with the same catwalk section as for the Izmit Bay Suspension Bridge have been conducted. The tests aimed to investigate the wind-induced response under the yaw wind and to prove the nonlinear numerical analysis employed for investigation of the behavior of the catwalk system of the Izmit Bay Suspension Bridge. It has been confirmed that the static and dynamic responses of the catwalk of the Izmit Bay Suspension Bridge are well within the permissible capacity under the design wind speed.
Puente Nigale Main Bridges: Long Span Precast Segmental Cable Stayed Bridges for Railway and Roadway
Authors: Vejrum Tina , Andersen Erik Yding , Hansen Torben S. , Hagen Christian , Amaral Vasco , Talic Edita
Published: December 2014

The existing bridge across the Lake Maracaibo, the General Rafael Urdaneta Bridge, dates from the 1960s and is now operating at full capacity. Construction of the second fixed link across the Lake Maracaibo, the Puente Nigale, started in 2012. The new link will carry two railway tracks and four lanes of highway. The total length is around 11 km from coast to coast and consists of 10 km approach bridges and two parallel 910 m cable stayed bridges with 430 m main span across the navigation channel in precast segmental construction. This will be world record span for a concrete cable stayed bridge carrying railway traffic. This paper gives an overall presentation of the project and describes the cable stayed main bridges with special focus on the unique features, including precast segmental superstructure, central cable plane and train/bridge dynamics.
Viaduct over Guadalhorce River and A-92 Highway
Authors: Ramos Óscar Ramón , Ortega Guillermo , Sousa Ricardo , Gaite Cristina , Martínez José M. , Pantaleón Marcos J.
Published: December 2014

The Guadalhorce Viaduct, built as part of the high-speed line Antequera-Peña de los Enamorados (south Spain), has a length of 2525,50 m and consists of 49 spans of 51,25 m length each. It is one of the longest bridges of its type in the country and is situated in a medium risk seismic zone. The superstructure consists of a continuous single-cell post-tensioned box-girder of 3,40 m depth. The main span, which crosses the A-92 Highway, is 90 m long and is reinforced by two steel tied arches. This span, along with its backward and forward spans, was resolved with a steel–concrete composite box-girder with a constant depth of 3,40 m. A point of fixity is materialized in a delta- shaped post-tensioned concrete pier located in an intermediate area of the bridge in order to meet the friction, braking, and seismic longitudinal forces induced by the large length of the viaduct. Hence, expansion joints are placed at both abutments. Span-by-span erection is being followed by means of two self-launching formwork gantries working simultaneously, starting from each abutment, and moving toward the delta-shaped pier. Temporary fixed points were required during the erection process and set at the piers placed just before the gantry. The viaduct is currently under construction.
The New Wiesbaden-Schierstein Bridge – 50 Years of Steel Construction
Authors: Pelke Eberhard , Dieter Alwin
Published: December 2014

The bridge spans the river Rhine and connects the state capitals of Mainz and Wiesbaden, Germany. The existing bridge was at its turning point from a static to a production-oriented engineering structure. The paper gives an insight into the deficits and damage of the existing bridge and explains the consequential requirement for a new design.
Te Matau ā Pohe – the design of the Lower Hatea River Crossing, New Zealand
Authors: Knight Martin
Published: December 2014

Part of a wider highway scheme, the $30.4m NZ Te Matau ā Pohe bridge is a 265m-long crossing of the Lower Hatea River in Whangarei, New Zealand. It is the first movable highway bridge to be built in New Zealand in more than 50 years and is a striking design, comprising innovative engineering and architectural forms. The structural form of the rolling bascule was developed into a contemporary interpretation of the fish hook form – Hei Matau – that is central to Maori culture and, in doing so, the engineering function is perfectly integrated with its architectural form.

The structure comprises nine 25m spans and two 20m end spans, and the centre span is designed to be raised to allow vessels taller than 7.5m to pass the bridge. The structural system comprises a series of cast insitu concrete V-piers whose geometry varies as the alignment rises and falls. Placed on top of these are longitudinal fabricated steel beams with transverse beams forming a composite deck with pre-cast concrete units.

The lifting span comprises two steel „J-beams‟ supporting a steel orthotropic highway deck and two cantilever footways with an aluminium decking system. These „J-beams‟ roll along the line of the

longitudinal supports as the bridge is raised with hydraulic actuators mounted below deck. The distinctive counterweights reduce the energy required to raise the bridge.

The lifting span and hydraulics were designed in 3D CAD. The use of complex parametric solvers allowed for simultaneous manipulation of multiple variables not possible using conventional methods and resulted in cost and programme savings.

Fig. 1: The bridge at dusk