bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PORTRAYING ACADEMIC WRITING APPTITUDE AND THE PLAGIARISM ISSUES AMONG EFL STUDENTS
Authors: Lihawa Kartin , Machmud Karmila , Helingo Adimawati
Published: August 2023

This article is the research result of teaching-learning Academic Writing to English Students Department, UNG in the fourth semester of 2020. This research objective is to enrich applying theories accessed from online books and international Journals by avoiding plagiarism in students’ writing essay as theoretical bases of their research. Besides, they would be able to communicate in the target language of writing skill as a maximum standard. There are three categories of the rubric to analyze essay in this qualitative method; a) choosing ideas in introductory sentences before taking quotations, b) accuracy diction selection, and c) linkage ideas in well sentences formulation after choosing the quotation/paraphrase. The result, from 25 students’ writing, there are 15 students who got value of A category (60%), 5 students with A- category (20%), 3 students got B+ category (12%), and 2 students got C (8%).
The spectrum of cerebrospinal fluid findings in tuberculous meningitis and their relation to severity, radiological features, and outcome
Authors: Thomas Justin , Mishra Ushakant , Tavisetty Chandrasekhar , Mandloi Deepshikha
Published: August 2023

Objectives:

The aim of the study was to evaluate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings in tuberculous meningitis (TBM) and correlate it with severity, radiological features, and outcome of TBM.

Materials and Methods:

In a retrospective study, data from admitted TBM patients were analyzed, and findings of CSF examinations were recorded. The CSF was categorized as typical (protein 50–500 mg/dL, cells 50–500/mm3, and glucose 50% or lower of blood sugar); those above and below these values were categorized as increased or decreased, respectively. The CSF findings were correlated with stage of TBM, and 3-month outcome and radiological features. Paradoxical response was also noted.

Results:

There were 111 patients with TBM (definite 34, highly probable 77). On admission, 20 patients were in Stage I, 63 in Stage II, and 28 in Stage III TBM. CSF cells were in typical range in 73, low in 27 and increased in 11 patients. Protein was in typical range in 92 patients decreased in 11 patients and increased in eight patients. Sugar was normal in 41 and reduced in 70 patients. CSF cells, glucose, and protein did not correlate with the severity of meningitis. Fifteen patients had normal initial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Tuberculomas were present in 53 patients, hydrocephalus in 43 patients, basal exudates in 43 patients, and infarction in 44 patients. Mixed findings were present in 65 patients. The MRI features did not correlate with CSF. Second CSF was available after a median duration of 26 (13–276) days in 50 patients. The CSF cells were decreased in 20 and increased in 30 patients, protein increased in 30 and sugars decreased in 16 patients. Paradoxical worsening occurred in 27 patients. Fifty-one patients recovered completely, 41 partially, 15 had poor, three patients were lost to follow-up, and one died. CSF parameters did not correlate with 3-month outcome or paradoxical worsening. CSF parameters do not differ significantly between baseline and 1 month CSF, but cells and lymphocytes changed significantly between 1st month and 3rd month CSF.

Conclusion:

Typical CSF findings were present in 66% and did not correlate severity of TBM, radiological features paradoxical worsening or 3-month outcome. CSF cell count decreased within 3 months of treatment.
Quantum Particle-in-a-Sandbox: A video game that explores the time-dependent wave function for any arbitrary one-dimensional potential
Authors: Chulhai Dhabih
Published: August 2023

We present a tool, one that is both a stand-alone video game and a Python package, designed for students to explore a particle’s wave function on one-dimensional potential surfaces. The tool relies on a basis set formalism and can therefore explore any one-dimensional potential surface imaginable. This tool also lets students interact with the wave function and is the first of its kind to explore concepts such as the superposition principle and wave function collapse; its time-dependent nature shows how any wave function evolves over time allowing for exploration of other concepts such as the uncertainty principle. The video game’s ease of use makes these concepts accessible to anyone, without prior chemistry or programming background—though we expect that it would be most useful for undergraduate physical chemistry students and instructors. Preliminary use of QPiaS as an assessment in a physical chemistry undergraduate course shows encouraging feedback regarding advancements in learning outcomes.
Impact of Alloying and Metal-Oxide Interface on PtGa Propane Dehydrogenation Catalysis from Tailored Catalysts on Carbon
Authors: Brack Enzo , Plodinec Milivoj , Willinger Marc-Georg , Copéret Christophe
Published: August 2023

Propane Dehydrogenation is a key technology, where Pt-based catalysts have been widely investigated, with development focusing on optimising promoters (Sn, Ga, etc.) towards improved catalytic performances. Recent studies have focused on Ga promotional effect: while Pt-site isolation by Ga has been proposed to play a key role in enhancing catalytic stability and selectivity, other effects, such as morphological changes as well as the role of supports and additives, remain poorly understood. Here, we develop a methodology to generate (bi)metallic – Pt and PtGa – nanoparticles on tailored interfaces by combining surface organometallic chemistry on carbon and specific thermolytic molecular precursors, containing or not Si. This approach enables detailed characterization via electron microscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and shows that the introduction of Ga yields amorphous PtGa nanoparticles, that display higher catalytic performances, than the corresponding highly crystalline Pt nanoparticles, as suggested earlier by computational studies. Furthermore, this study also shows that the presence of an oxide interface increases the catalyst activity, at the expense of selectivity (formation of cracking side-products, methane/ethene), hence, the use of additives such as Na/K/Ca in industrial catalysts.
Restoration and HDX-MS Epitope Mapping of a Broad-Spectrum SARS-Cov-2 Antibody
Authors: Zhang Sara , Young Mike , Pan Jason
Published: August 2023

Highly contagious diseases like SARS-Cov-2 posts a major threat for public health and global economy, both preventative and therapeutic solutions are therefore urgently needed. Through the use of epitope-guided antibody design, we successfully restored a broad-spectrum SARS-Cov therapeutic antibody for SARS-Cov-2. Compared to the precursor antibody CR3022, the new antibody NOVOAB-20 binds to SARS-Cov-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) with a more than 10-fold higher affinity. Its binding site on RBD was determined at amino acid resolution using an enhanced HDX-MS epitope mapping technology. Because this antibody targets a highly conserved epitope similar to CR3022 and the mutations on SARS-Cov-2 known so far are all not in this region, it also has the potential to block future SARS-Cov-2 mutants. As a fully humanized antibody, NOVOAB-20 is a promising candidate to be developed as potential therapeutics for SARS-Cov-2, either as monotherapy or in combination with other neutralizing antibodies targeting different epitopes (e.g. the ACE2 binding site).
Perfluorohalogenated Naphthalenes: Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Intermolecular Interaction
Authors: OHTSUKA Naoya , OTA Hino , SUGIURA Satoshi , KAKINUMA Shuya , SUGIYAMA Haruki , SUZUKI Toshiyasu , MOMIYAMA Norie
Published: August 2023

Perfluorohalogenated naphthalenes (PFXNaPs) are unique small molecules with great potential to exhibit a new type of σ-hole and π-hole bonding, owing to the incorporation of multiple fluorine atoms onto the naphthalene ring. In this study, we developed synthetic protocol of PFXNaPs, conducted crystal engineering investigation, and explored the intermolecular interaction mode of PFXNaPs through π-hole and σ-hole bonding. We successfully synthesized PFXNaPs using magnesium amide-mediated halogenation reactions of F7 and F6 naphthalenes, achieving good to excellent yields. Crystal structure analyses unveiled a stacked geometry interaction, involving the cooperation of π-hole bonding with σ-hole bonding, which was not classified into the previously reported types I to IV. Computational studies showed that the π-hole bonding in PFXNaPs is substantially enhanced compared to corresponding benzene molecules, without diminishing the σ-hole bonding. The unique stacked interaction in PFXNaPs was primarily governed by electrostatic interaction and dispersion correction energies, with the contribution of C···C contacts being 10 times greater than in benzene analogs. These results enable the further applications of PFXNaPs in the realms of perfluorohalogenated arenes and organic crystalline materials.
QM Assisted ML for 19F NMR Chemical Shift Prediction
Authors: Penner Patrick , Vulpetti Anna
Published: August 2023

Ligand-observed 19F NMR detection is an efficient method for screening libraries of fluorinated molecules in fragment-based drug design campaigns. Screening fluorinated molecules in large mixtures makes 19F NMR a high-throughput method. Typically, these mixtures are generated from pools of well-characterized fragments. By predicting 19F NMR chemical shift, mixtures could be generated for arbitrary fluorinated molecules facilitating for example focused screens. In a previous publication, we introduced a method to predict 19F NMR chemical shift using rooted fluorine fingerprints and machine learning (ML) methods. Having observed that the quality of the prediction depends on similarity to the training set, we here propose to assist the prediction with quantum mechanics (QM) based methods in cases where compounds are not well covered by a training set. Beyond similarity, the performance of ML methods could be associated with individual features in compounds. A combination of both could be used as a procedure to split input data sets into those that could be predicted by ML and those that required QM processing. We could show on a proprietary fluorinated fragment library, known as LEF (Local Environment of Fluorine), and a public Enamine data set of 19F NMR chemical shifts that ML and QM methods could synergize to outperform either method individually. Models built on Enamine data, as well as model building and QM workflow tools, can be found at https://github.com/PatrickPenner/lefshift and https://github.com/PatrickPenner/lefqm.
Flipped Direct Instruction (FDI): A New Practicum Learning Model in Vocational Education
Authors: Mubai Akrimullah , Ambiyar Ambiyar , Irfan Dedy , Rasul Mohamad Sattar
Published: August 2023

The Flipped Direct Instruction (FDI) learning model was introduced as a new learning model for practicum learning. It was developed to mitigate the limitations of the Direct Instruction (DI) model in improving vocational education graduates’ competencies. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the formation of the FDI learning model. This research uses an exploratory sequential mixed methods design with Mile and Huberman methods and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). The FDI learning model is formed through conceptual, theoretical, hypothetical, and final modeling stages. Research data were obtained through document analysis and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). FGD was conducted with 7 experts as the research sample and non-test instruments were used. The result of this study is an FDI learning model formed from several theories including Joyce (2003), Cooper (2012), Ktoridou (2018), and Indrajit (2021). The FDI model consists of an orientation phase, procedure-based simulation phase, case-based simulation phase, structured practice phase, guided practice phase, and independent practice phase. Each phase obtained CFA values of 0.464, 0.492, 0.292, 0.009, 0.016, and 0.018. All values are below 2, revealing that the FDI model has a goodness-of-fit-model criteria. The FDI model is presented as a contribution to the development of science and as a new learning model option recommended for vocational education. In the future, this research will contribute to the evaluation of the FDI learning model in measure its level of practicality, effectiveness, and impact on model application.
The Ribes of Colorado and New Mexico and Their Rust Fungi
Authors:   USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Van Arsdel Eugene P. , Geils Brian W.
Published: August 2023

This document is a guide to the Ribes of Colorado and New Mexico and the rust fungi which infect them. Information is presented for 15 species of Ribes with diagnostic, vegetative features and notes on their geographic and ecological distribution. The guide is intended as a field aid in evaluating sites for blister rust hazard to white pine from associated ribes. Leaf rusts found on ribes are also described as a means for distinguishing them from white pine blister rust. The significance of each species to forest management is discussed.
Load transfer of stay cable forces to pylon, design criteria and comparison of solutions
Authors: Annan Rachid , Vonk Edo , Ramirez Guillermo , Ruas Simon
Published: August 2023

Decks of cable stayed bridges are supported by cables transferring the reaction loads to the pylons.

Toe cables are either terminated in an anchorage or the main tensile element is continuous, crossing through the pylon, guided by means of saddles.

In a continuous effort to optimise structures, designers have privileged pylon presenting a plain body, with no inner cavities needed for the installation of cable anchorages. Such plain pylon bodies prompt the use of saddle to guide a continuous tendon across, or, alternatively, push the connection of the stay cable on the outside, using structural tensile components such as steel links, to obtain the transfer of the stay cable loads to the pylons.

Toe multiaxial loading of the stay cable on the pylon connection, as well as functional needs associated to stay cable operations, compelled establishment of numerous criteria to achieve the design of such devices.

Today, engineers have gained experience in the design, manufacture and installation of pylon connections including associated stay cable system. This paper aims to compile key criteria in the design of pylon connections for plain body pylon and highlighting particularities of both families of applied solutions: structural steel links and guiding friction saddles.
Innovative geotechnical solutions to meet the demands of the1915 Çanakkale bridge
Authors: Boteanu Valentin-Dan , Steenfelt Jørgen S. , Schunk Michael , Zhao Ben
Published: August 2023

The 1915 Çanakkale suspension bridge with a world record main span of 2023 m crosses the strait of Dardanelles linking Asia and Europe. Innovative solutions were called for to meet the onerous geotechnical challenges: (i) soft Holocene lagoon deposits (sand, silt, clay, peat) with liquefaction risk in the top layers, (ii) highly seismic region of the North Anatolian fault zone, (iii) water depth in excess of 80 m, (iv) ship impact loads from the very busy Dardanelles strait, (v) movable sand ridges and risks of near-shore slope instability and (vi) very variable depth to weak bedrock of Miocene Mudstone and Sandstone. Detailed ground investigations and site walkovers allowed an optimised alignment taking advantage of rock outcrops on both sides of the strait to avoid piling in the Lagoon deposits. The anchor blocks are enormous concrete structures featuring innovative application of barrettes (Asian side) to enhance the sliding resistance in the weak rock and placement of backfill as counterweight on the rear of the European Anchor Block, which is placed into the rock outcrop. The tower foundations are hybrid solutions with steel pile inclusions for soil improvement and a gravel bed acting for load transfer to the piles and as a horizontal fuse between the caisson base and free-standing piles. The paper describes the solutions to the design and construction challenges related to towers and anchor blocks foundations imposed by the world record main span, the short construction period, the seismic setting, and the ground conditions.
Design of Shusha Railway Bridge
Authors: Akray Ayhan , Erdoğdu Murat , Kurtman Burak
Published: August 2023

Shusha Bridge is located on an 82.8 km railway in the Shusha region of Azerbaijan. The difficulties in the design of the arch bridge with a total bridge length of 424 m and a 200 m deep valley with a single-track railway on it, construction stages of the elements, dynamic analysis of the train, rail-structure interaction, time-dependent effects, seismic analysis, and solid modelling of foundations will be explained under the main headings.
A Nielsen Arch Rail Bridge Designed to Survive an Extreme Earthquake Event
Authors: Anderson John , Omori Takayuki , Azuma Masanobu , Esmalla Peter James A. , Wilson Maja
Published: August 2023

The following paper provides insight into the design of a structural steel 118 m span Nielsen arch rail bridge. The critical aspect of the design was the need for the structure to survive extreme earthquake events. A performance based seismic design framework was developed where the bridge remained serviceable at one level and sustained acceptable damage at the extreme level. Although the response of the concrete substructure elements governed the design, the associated modal response of the arch generated significant load effects. The short timeframes for the project delivery meant that the development of site-specific seismic ground motion time histories was not practical. In their absence this paper outlines how an elastic response spectrum analysis was used to calculate the associated load effects in the arch
Detection of trainloads of suspension bridges with bridge responses: a comparative study using displacement and stress
Authors: Sun Zhen , Caetano Elsa , Saadi Omar , Oliveira Catarina Miranda
Published: August 2023

Trainloads play an essential role in the fatigue life of railway bridges as they cause important repetitive stress cycles at critical locations. Therefore, estimating such loads is relevant for preventive maintenance plans. This paper investigates an approach to detect trainloads using responses of the bridge, such as displacement and stress. Firstly, the temperature-response correlation is investigated to assess the influence of possible effects on the detection. Secondly, two response characteristics are proposed to detect trainloads: amplitude and duration. Statistical analysis of the two characteristics is then conducted to get the statistical distributions for both displacement and stress responses. Thirdly, a multi-step detection procedure is applied to detect the trainloads. A road-rail suspension bridge is introduced as the case study, which monitoring system includes sensors for temperature, displacement, stress, and a train weigh-in-motion (WIM) system. The study of trainload detection in this paper can provide guidance for the predictive maintenance of bridges to avoid premature damage.
RotD100 target spectral compatible bi-directional ground motions: effects on orientation dependence and structural response
Authors: Zhou Jian , Igarashi Akira
Published: August 2023

The intensity of horizontal bi-directional ground motions varies with orientation azimuth. In this study, two suites of RotD100 response spectrum compatible bi-directional ground motions were developed: (1) directly match by simultaneously modifying two horizontal components; (2) pursuing the match of RotD100 while maintaining the orientation dependence of the seed records in their elastic spectral response. The strong motion characteristics of the two RotD100 compatible and a suite of amplitude-scaled records were investigated. Idealized single column reinforced concrete bridge piers with different geometric and reinforcement configurations were modelled in OpenSees. Nonlinear time history analysis was conducted with the three suites of bi-directional ground motions applied to the piers through 360° at an angle increment of 9°. An iteration process was implemented to determine a scaling factor (SF) to achieve a failure probability of 50% in all directions. The differences in the expected SF and structural response under three suites of bi-directional ground motions were discussed. It is shown that the RotD100 spectrum compatible records having the real orientation dependence as the seed records retain better the strong motion characteristics compared to the suite of amplitude-scaled records. Regarding the effect on the structural seismic response, results suggest that direct matching of RotD100 is more seismic demanding than the other two suites. RotD100 response spectrum compatible bi-directional ground motions having the real orientation dependence generate a closer result to the amplitude-scaled suits. This suggests that design based on the direct matching of RotD100 ignoring the orientation dependence is more conservative concerning real seismic demand.
Artificial Intelligence for the amelioration of seismic resilience of bridges
Authors: Derras Boumédiène , Makhoul Nisrine
Published: August 2023

Bridges are vital infrastructure connecting cities and other critical infrastructures. Thus, the assessment of seismic resilience is decisive in keeping the functionality of bridge infrastructure and helping their quick recovery during strong earthquakes. This article focuses on enhancing bridge resilience by the best drift ratio estimation while considering seismic ground motion mainly attributed to the wave passage, loss of coherence, and different local soil conditions. To do this, we adopt an artificial intelligence approach. However, there are several machine-learning algorithms (MLA); and the choice came back difficult. Here, we follow the roadmap given by (Boumédiène Derras & Makhoul, 2022), which offers the best MLA suited to analyze a bridge's seismic resilience. Firstly, a dataset is created. This dataset contains the metadata (explanatory factors), such as earthquake magnitude (M), Ground-Motion Intensity Measures (IM), soil class, and parameters of structures, such as displacement ductility capacity as well as drift ratio (target). The finest model needs to characterize well the drift ratio. The value of the drift ratio, predicted in this work, gives us the bridge's performance level (PL). This PL allows the classifying of infrastructure resilience.
New challenges in the IABSE TG3.1 benchmark on super long span bridge aerodynamics
Authors: Diana Giorgio , Stoyanoff Stoyan , Allsop Andrew , Amerio Luca , Andersen Michael S. , Argentini Tommaso , Calamelli Filippo , Cid Montoya Miguel , De Ville Vincent , Hernández Santiago , Jurado José Ángel , Kavrakov Igor , Larose Guy , Larsen Allan , Morgenthal Guido , Rocchi Daniele , Rossi Roberto , Svendsen Martin , Wu Teng
Published: August 2023

In the last years, extreme climate events as thunderstorm and downburst are becoming increasingly frequent and widespread. These phenomena could significantly impact on the dynamic response of super long-span bridges since they are typically characterized by a sudden variations of the mean wind speed combined with large vertical angles of attack. This contingency is considered an interesting opportunity for the IABSE Task group 3.1, involved for the last 5 years in the benchmark of the software for the computation of the bridge response to the turbulent wind, to extend the applicability of the consolidated numerical procedures to a case of study characterized by a non-synoptic wind. To reach this purpose, taking as a target the full-scale data measured on the Gjemnessund Bridge during two different incoming wind conditions, a comparison with numerical results is proposed. Specifically, the working group has defined two steps of increasing complexity. The first, given the same input data to the participants, consists of a preliminary numerical benchmark while, the second, concerns the comparison between the outcomes and the dynamic response of the real bridge. In this paper, the results of the wind tunnel tests, performed to measure all the aerodynamic coefficients required for numerically simulating the bridge response, are reported. Finally, the first step is presented and some preliminary outcomes are shown.
The 1915 Çanakkale Bridge: Geometry and vibration controls for steel tower under construction
Authors: Park Sejun , Paik Hansol , Choi Sukjung , Hwang Gukjin , Kwak Jihyun
Published: August 2023

The steel towers of the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge is a very slender steel structure with a height of 318 m located in the middle of the Dardanelles Strait in Turkey. The tower of a suspension bridge is in general structurally the most vulnerable in a free-standing state before the main cable installation. Thus, an accurate geometry control during construction is essential to construct within the maximum design tolerance for the main cable installation upon completion of such an independent tower. In order to minimize construction errors, it is important to obtain and analyse data such as the location of the tower top (from GNSS receivers), wind direction and speed (from anemometers), and temperature (from thermometers) for a certain period of time. In addition, AMD (Active Mass Damper) system was adopted for effective vibration control during construction and even in operation. This paper focuses on i) the geometry control of the steel tower during construction and ii) the planning and operation of the AMD system installed for wind-induced vibration control, for the world's slenderest steel structure. Through the above process, we have successfully completed the construction of the final tower block B32, upper crossbeam, and tower saddles. The final construction error of the steel tower was up to about 60 mm in the horizontal directions, far below the design tolerance of 150 mm.
Selected methods of reducing the deck transverse vibrations in long-span steel footbridges – case studies
Authors: Pańtak Marek
Published: August 2023

Horizontal vibrations of the deck in lightweight long-span footbridges, especially those made of steel, with a low damping level may significantly reduce the comfort of use of the whole structure. The natural frequencies of such footbridges are very often in the range of 0.5 ÷ 1.0 Hz. This can lead to the excitation of resonant vibrations of these structures by walking people generating horizontal transverse forces characterised by a large amplitude of harmonic components corresponding to two frequencies 0.5fs and 3/2fs (where fs – frequency of steps during walking. The article presents examples of structural solutions used in long-span suspension footbridges built in Poland in order to reduce the horizontal transverse vibrations of the footbridge decks. The results of dynamic field tests and numerical calculations of two footbridges were presented and analysed. The obtained results indicate a positive effect of reducing the horizontal vibrations of the deck in both footbridges and changes in the frequencies and the mode shapes of the analysed footbridges caused by applied solutions.
Main Cable Inspection and Strength Evaluation of Helicoidal Strand Main Cables Using a Modified NCHRP Evaluation Approach
Authors: Pérez Armiño Jorge , Chowdhury Ahsan
Published: August 2023

The A. Murray MacKay Bridge (MacKay Bridge) opened to traffic in 1970 and carries four lanes of traffic over the Halifax Harbour between Dartmouth and downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. The Bridge's main cable has been opened for detailed visual inspections several times beginning in 2002. The Owner, Halifax Harbour Bridges, retained COWI North America to perform a strength evaluation in accordance with the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Report 534– Guidelines for Inspection and Strength Evaluation of Suspension Bridge Parallel Wire Cables. As the MacKay Bridge main cable is composed of 61 parallel strands with helicoidal wires, the NCHRP 534 approach (intended for parallel wires) was modified to perform the strength evaluation for cables with helicoidal wires. Based on the analysis performed, it was determined that the main cable of the MacKay Bridge has adequate capacity at this time. Additional measures to protect the cable, mainly through dehumidification, could be considered to prevent further deterioration of the main cable and extend the service life of the cable and therefore the bridge.
40 Years History about Structure, Design and Construction of the First Steel Orthotropic Bridge in Sofia
Authors: Kazakov Konstantin , Partov Doncho , Dinev Dobromir , Georgiev Lazar
Published: August 2023

The most spectacular and large bridge in Bulgaria and one of the largest in South-East Europe bridge in Sofia was put into operation at the beginning of October 1983. The bridge perform a multi-span, prestressed reinforced concrete construction with a total length of 2114 m, a total width of 21.5 m and an average height above the ground of about 10 m. This important, effective and aesthetic bridge serves as a connection between the busiest input-output highway and the airport of Sofia. It ensures a convenient access to some highways, railways, streets and the airport. As a result of this requirement, the erection of the prestressed reinforced concrete bridge is not allowed to cross the railway between Sofia and Varna. So, a 90 m long middle steel part was designed to cover two spans of 45 m each in the multi-span bridge structure. In transverse direction the orthotropic bridge, consists of two individual parallel triple-box decks parts, which carry the traffic in two opposite directions. Each deck has a 7.5 m wide roadway with two lanes. The bridge is analysed as a frame structure using the finite element method. The design parameters of the bridge are verified by static and dynamic tests. The steel structure is designed as a two-span continuous beam with a box cross-section and an orthotropic deck. The paper deals with the most important aspects which consider the design approach and the construction process of this large, steel orthotropic bridge in Bulgaria.
Deformation compatibility during erection of steel bridges: case of a 2-span railway truss bridge
Authors: Van Bogaert Philippe
Published: August 2023

Often insufficient attention is given to the compatibility of the deformations of steel bridges during their assembly on the construction site, especially if continuity, due to bending moments, is to be ensured at the level of intermediate supports. This does require to compensate during assembly the difference in the angular rotations at the location of the support points. The effect is especially noticeable with longer spans or with flexible superstructures. In the case of the construction of a double railway bridge over the Albert Canal (Belgium), the above was an important issue. The bridges are in the shape of a classic Warren truss girder. An unusual process was followed for the assembling on site. In the first phase, the entire lower chord, including the bridge deck, was built and supported in all nodes of the truss. The sloping diagonal bars are connected to this and the upper member of the truss is then mounted on top. In such construction the diagonal bars tend to twist and bending moments are created in the lower truss nodes. Gaps may appear in the upper nodes, due to the unequal displacements of the members to be connected. Calculations must show whether stress-free corrections can be made for the fabrication of the various bars, thus avoiding stresses due to the erection process. This example clearly shows that the compatibility of the components of steel bridges during their assembly must be determined in detail and that efficient measures are needed to compensate for defects.
Forensic Quantification of Fire on Suspension Bridges
Authors: Brügger Adrian , Robinson Jumari
Published: August 2023

Suspension bridges generate critical transportation and trade links in areas requiring the spanning of large obstacles. Such structures are, by nature of their scale, highly utilized and rarely redundant from a transportation network perspective. As such, the reliable maintenance of long-span bridges is of eminent importance. Various hazards have been well-quantified, namely earthquakes, high wind events, and, more recently, corrosion to critical structural members. However, to date, the hazard of fire on suspension bridges, stemming both from the environment (e.g. wild fires) or vehicles (e.g. car and truck fires), remains poorly understood. Building codes consequently fail to address this hazard, on both the load and resistance sides of the equation. We present here a thorough survey of suspension bridge fire incidents in the United States of America, focusing specifically on parameters such as location, duration, intensity, height of the fire and damage caused thereby. The data integrates often sparse event logs of bridge owners with forensic analyses of the various events using photogrammetry and videogrammetry of professional and social media footage. The incidents are then categorized with respect to the danger posed to the structure. A set of case studies are presented to detail the investigation method. The goal of the final database is to effectively quantify the hazard of fire on suspension bridges such that appropriate actions may be taken by owners and authorities to protect their infrastructure.
The Padma Multipurpose Bridge, Bangladesh's Longest Bridge, Presents Unique Engineering Challenges and an Impressive Outcome
Authors: Lixon Md , Sharna Sanjida Alam
Published: August 2023

The Padma Multipurpose Bridge, commonly known as the Padma Bridge, is a two-level steel truss bridge with a four-lane highway on the upper level and a single-track railway on the lower level that has been under construction since 2014 and opened to traffic in June 2022. The upper and lower levels act compositely for live loading with a reinforced concrete deck slab. The bridge presented technical challenges to the client, consultants, and contractors, including river training work and deep foundations in an alluvial flood plain, where the rock formation lies several kilometers below the river bed. Major vessel traffic and ship impact were also challenges. The Padma is one of the world's mightiest rivers, being a distributary of the Ganges and the J amuna rivers and winding its way through Bangladesh to the Bay of Bengal. Engineers faced many challenges while designing the Padma Multipurpose Bridge, one of the biggest challenges being how to design a structure that could withstand the extreme conditions of the river. The structure consists of main bridge piers, which require "base grouting" and "skin grouting" to verify that they can withstand the required design loads. The largest hydraulic hammers in the world were used to install the steel tubular piles for the main bridge piers. When it is operational, the bridge is expected to boost Bangladesh's GDP by 1.2 percent. The Padma Bridge, which cost $3.87 billion to construct, is one of Bangladesh's largest construction projects ever and was funded by the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) . In the case of Bangladesh, the GoB funded the country's largest construction projects ever.
Catwalk Design and Erection of the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge
Authors: Choi Hyunsok , Yamasaki Yasutsugu , Jeong Bonggyo
Published: August 2023

The 1915 Çanakkale Bridge has the longest main span of 2,023m in the world, and the total span length between anchorages reaches 4,163m. The bridge is located at the North-eastern end of the Çanakkale Strait in Türkiye which is one of navigation channels with the most heavy traffic and windy condition. The planning, design and erection of catwalk system as an aerial workspace for main cable erection raised various technical challenges against extreme loadings such as strong winds and earthquake. The specific behaviour of catwalk under lateral loads was taken in account to FE analysis model development and wind tunnel test supported to investigate the aerodynamic stability of catwalk system. Catwalk has the width of 4.5m, which supported by 12 spiral strand ropes with a diameter of 50mm and MBL of 2,100kN. Catwalk was divided at each tower top and storm system was not included. During construction of catwalk, suspender system ensured the minimum clearance of 70m from the sea level for marine traffic. After the completion of catwalk floor erection, to balance the horizontal forces on tower top during PPWS erection, the tower top had to be offset from their final position. The steel tower’s flexibility was quite sufficient to the required pull back amount of approx. 1.7m in European tower and 2.6m in Asian tower
Design and Implementation of Installation Works on the New Neuenkamp Highway Bridge over the Rhine in Duisburg
Authors: Herrmann Paul , Dorrer Günther , Grubmüller Sascha , Eitelberger Johannes
Published: August 2023

The existing six-lane highway bridge, which crosses the Rhine River between Duisburg-Neuenkamp and Homberg, was originally opened to traffic in 1970. Due to increased traffic loads and severe fatigue damage it now needs to be replaced. The new design consists of two similar cable-stayed steel superstructures, each carrying four lanes. It has an overall length of 802 m, an overall width of almost 70 m, pylons of 90 m in height, and a central span of 380 m. The installation of the superstructure comprises incremental launching of the approaches, crane assembly of the pylons, and the cantilevered assembly method of the central span. Additionally, the requirement to maintain vehicular traffic on the A40 highway during the construction phase demands transversal launching of the southern bridge structure by 14.4 m after completion. This paper covers the design and implementation of the installation works of the steel structures on site.
More efficient life cycle maintenance for long spans bridges
Authors: Leconte Renaud , Raulet Christophe
Published: August 2023

Long-span bridges require specific construction techniques and a constantly renewed design, either due to the evolution of materials, techniques and knowledge, or due to a variable geometry and/or typology that calls for design adaptations.

These exceptional structures generally fall outside the existing regulations and classic frameworks for monitoring and maintenance, whatever the country. In that sense, they require, from the moment they are commissioned, a particular expertise and approach for their continuous monitoring, calling in particular for the production of risk analysis matrices, sensitivity analyses (wind, earthquake, assembly fatigue, etc.), exhaustive maintenance manuals adapted to each structure, regular campaigns of targeted non-destructive tests, while having recourse to particular means of access associated with different types of inspection carried out by qualified and experienced inspectors.

In order to ensure that these structures behave well over time, they are generally monitored, which requires individualized use of the data acquired by the SHMS, whose program can be adapted a posteriori after a period of learning about the actual functioning of the structure.

To complete this monitoring, it is necessary to implement a specific follow-up of the durability of materials and more specifically of reinforced concrete, to carry out updated digital twins associated with adapted management software.

All this specific approach is necessary to have a clear and exhaustive vision of the condition of these structures and the follow-up of their good ageing over time, which sometimes differs significantly from what is foreseen at the time of the design; the objective being in particular to ensure the safety of the operation and the users and to engage the maintenance works at the right time and at the least cost, for a durability which must exceed 120 years for these exceptional and unique structures.

Through emblematic examples, we propose to present these specific approaches implemented on large structures, whether pathological or not, and the proposed management strategies.
Study on Structure and Stiffness Indexes Long span Road-Rail Suspension Bridge
Authors: Lei Jun-Qing , Meng Nan , Wang Wu-Qin
Published: August 2023

It is rapidly developing the construction of long-span suspension bridges in China. It is an important issue for the structural design of suspension bridges. It is a problem that needs further study for high-speed and heavy-haul railway suspension bridges. There is the characteristics of heavy train live loads, high speed and high demand for running security and passenger comfort, the technical standards and so on. The paper is analysis the stiffness evaluation indexes of railway suspension bridges adopted by the codes of various countries in the world, and compares them with the regulations in China’s general bridge codes. The key technologies of the thousand-meter-scale road-rail suspension bridges for high speed for passenger trains, 120 km/h for freight trains) and heavy load are studied. Based on the research on the road-rail suspension bridge with main span of 1 196 m, the influences of different supporting systems, arrangement of auxiliary piers, ratio of height to span, ratio of width to span and ratio of vertical to span on the vertical and lateral stiffness of the bridge are analysis, and the stiffness evaluation indexes and suggested values for thousand-meter-scale road-rail suspension bridges are proposed. The proposed long-span suspension bridge scheme is technically feasible, economically reasonable, and has good horizontal and vertical stiffness, smoothness and running comfort.
Special Construction features of the Cable-Stayed Bridge between the islands of Cebu and Mactan (Republic of the Philippines)
Authors: Ruíz Julio , Martínez Pedro , Muñoz Daniel , Gomez Jose Luis , Díaz de Argote Jose Ignacio , Gimondo Gianpaolo , Gestoso Olga , Mouly Florent , Jané Antonio , Ribé Antonio , Granda Laura , Munoz-Rojas Javier , Domínguez Jose Manuel , Delgado Jorge , Pérez Alberto
Published: August 2023

The Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway is a road concession project with a crowning achievement: the 653.00-m long cable-stayed bridge between the islands of Cebu and Mactan. This bridge is the longest cable-stayed span in the Philippines, and its construction posed several unique challenges, such as high seismic activity, geological variability, and frequent typhoons. Furthermore, the busy navigation channel below the bridge had to be kept open throughout the building process. This paper provides an overview of the construction process, highlighting these distinctive difficulties.
Data-driven operation and maintenance of the Normandy and Tancarville long-span bridges
Authors: Mountjoy Andrew , Percy Robert , Farreras Alcover Isaac , Boyez Adrien , Datry Jean-Bernard , de Folleville Tancrède , Combescure Etienne , du Cray Aymeric Perret
Published: August 2023

With main spans of 608m and 856m respectively, Pont de Tancarville and Pont de Normandie are the longest suspension and cable-stayed bridges in France. Both bridges are managed by CCI Seine Estuaire, with a concession granted until 2031. Pont de Tancarville was opened to traffic in 1959 at which time it was the longest suspended bridge in Europe. The composite deck comprises a Robinson slab with stiffening truss girders. The main suspension cables and hangers were replaced in 1999 after the failure of 1 out of 120 strands was discovered. Pont de Normandie was built in the late 1990s, to enhance the connection between the Le Havre, the second largest French harbour, and the western coastal area. Opened in 1995, it was once the world longest cable stayed bridge and drove a technological leap in bridge construction.

COWI and Setec tpi are currently assisting CCI with investigative and diagnostic activities on the two bridges, focusing on suspension systems, articulation, and the concrete structures. This work makes use of extensive, but targeted, structural health monitoring combined with an understanding of the structural systems to investigate the performance of key structural elements. The present paper describes the main activities being undertaken to enable CCI to plan corrective and preventive measures to extend the design lives of the structures and to ensure a safe passage for the users of both bridges.
The carbon footprint of long span bridges
Authors: Collings David
Published: August 2023

The construction industry accounts for approximately 40% of worldwide carbon emissions with steel and cement productions each accounting for approximately 8%. Bridges are relatively carbon intensive within this emissions group. The carbon emission of bridges during their construction has been studied, this paper reviews the data published to date and highlights that relevant to long span bridges. For the purpose of this paper long span bridges are defined as those with spans of 200m or greater. The paper then considers this data together with some additional data by the author to show carbon emission trends for major long span bridges. The data is analysed to consider average values, variations and trends (particularly with span and bridge type). Many recent long span bridges have significant deep-water foundations, the paper considers the amount of carbon in foundations and superstructure for a number of bridges. Based on the findings the paper outlines the aspects of future major bridges that could be considered to reduce the carbon emissions of future long span bridges.
Seismic Retrofit using the Largest Viscous Damper in Japan
Authors: Shimose Kodai , Kaneda Takao , Nishitani Masahiro , Ishii Kazutomo
Published: August 2023

The Tatara Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge with a center span 890m. The seismic verification analyses of the existing conditions were carried out with the aim of further improving the seismic performance of this bridge. The results of the analyses for the bridge revealed the considerable sway-mode vibration in longitudinal direction was dominant during large-scale earthquakes, and so seismic devices such as eight viscous dampers and stoppers were found to be necessary to mitigate the vibration. It was decided to install the largest viscous dampers in Japan with a damping resistance force of 2,000kN and a stroke of ±950mm at two towers. Before the installation, the performance tests assuming actual bridge conditions during earthquakes were conducted on one representative damper using a vibration table (length 20m × width 15m, maximum displacement ±1,000mm) owned by the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience. Since the tests showed that one representative damper had the required performance, it was determined that the performance test was not necessary for the remaining seven dampers by considering a method of the performance verification. This paper describes the performance test of the representative damper and the performance verification method of the remaining seven dampers.
Quantification of subsurface defects in reinforced concrete of bridges by unsupervised segmentation of IR images
Authors: Pedram Masoud , Taylor Su , Hamill Gerard , Robinson Desmond
Published: August 2023

This paper presents segmentation analysis of Infrared (IR images of reinforced concrete (RC blocks for characterisation and quantification of corrosion defects using unsupervised clustering. The IR images used in this study were collected during cool down process of RC slabs to laboratory environment temperature through convection heat exchange. The RC slabs were cast from a normal strength mix, typical for bridge construction in the UK and Ireland. The slabs had two steel rebars with protruding ends that were used for accelerated corrosion setups. Unsupervised clustering was conducted on IR images by applying k-means clustering method on normalised temperature readings in a region of interest. In this paper, the performance of clustering method to distinguish between environmental or surface effects and true bridge anomalies is studied, and the corrosion-affected concrete is quantified. Variation of thermal contrast and quantity of defective concrete during the experiments as well as discussion of the results in context provides a basis for improved implementation of IRT for RC structures and contributes to wider objectives of structural health monitoring (SHM).