• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.53-60
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• 2024

Prestressed concrete (PSC) bridges are vulnerable to corrosion and fracture of tendons, and in particular, structures using the internal post-tensioned with grouted system have difficulties in maintenance due to limitations of inspection. In this study, the actual behavior of PSC I girder bridge was analyzed according to tendon damage. The target PSC I girder bridge, an decommissioned highway bridge of upper and lower bridges, had the service period of 33 years and 20 years, respectively. Deflection and concrete strain were measured according to the location of damaged tendon and loading method. Regardless of the age of the bridge, its structural performance decreased when the damaged tendon was closer to the center of the girder. The change in behavior increased as the truck load approached to the girder where the tendon cut. If the load was applied to the adjacent girder where the tendon was cut, the structural performance was likely to be maintained due to the influence of the entire structural system. The change in deflection was difficult to observe visually, while the concrete strain exceeded the cracking strain. Therefore, it is recommended that future monitoring and inspection of PSC I girder bridges should focus on concrete strain or cracking.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.281-298
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• 2024

Stainless steel bolts (SSB) are increasingly utilized in bolted steel connections due to their good mechanical performance and excellent corrosion resistance. Fire accidents, which commonly occur in engineering scenarios, pose a significant threat to the safety of steel frames. The post-fire behavior of SSB has a significant influence on the structural integrity of steel frames, and neglecting the effect of temperature can lead to serious accidents in engineering. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the performance of SSB at elevated temperatures and their residual strength after a fire incident. To investigate the mechanical behavior of SSB after fire, 114 bolts with grades A4-70 and A4-80, manufactured from 316L austenitic stainless steel, were subjected to elevated temperatures ranging from 20℃ to 1200℃. Two different cooling methods commonly employed in engineering, namely cooling at ambient temperatures (air cooling) and cooling in water (water cooling), were used to cool the bolts. Tensile tests were performed to examine the influence of elevated temperatures and cooling methods on the mechanical behavior of SSB. The results indicate that the temperature does not significantly affect the Young's modulus and the ultimate strength of SSB. Up to 500℃, the yield strength increases with temperature, but this trend reverses when the temperature exceeds 500℃. In contrast, the ultimate strain shows the opposite trend. The strain hardening exponent is not significantly influenced by the temperature until it reaches 500℃. The cooling methods employed have an insignificant impact on the performance of SSB. When compared to high-strength bolts, 316L austenitic SSB demonstrate superior fire resistance. Design models for the post-fire mechanical behavior of 316L austenitic SSB, encompassing parameters such as the elasticity modulus, yield strength, ultimate strength, ultimate strain, and strain hardening exponent, are proposed, and a more precise stress-strain model is recommended to predict the mechanical behavior of 316L austenitic SSB after a fire incident.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Building Construction
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.67-75
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• 2024

In the context of Korean residential heating systems, Ondol pipelines are a prevalent choice. However, the maintenance of these pipelines becomes a complex task once they are embedded within concrete structures. As time progresses, the accumulation of sludge, corrosive oxides, and microorganisms on the inner surfaces of these pipelines diminishes their heating efficiency. In extreme scenarios, this accumulation can induce corrosion and scale formation, compromising the system's integrity. Consequently, this research introduces an ultrasonic generation system tailored for the upkeep of Ondol pipelines, with the objective of empirically assessing its practicality. This investigation delineates three variants of ultrasonic generating apparatuses: those employing surface vibration, external generation, and internal generation techniques. To emulate the presence of contaminants within the pipelines, substances in powder, slurry, and liquid forms were employed. The efficacy of the cleaning process post-ultrasonic wave application was scrutinized over time, with image analysis methodologies being utilized to evaluate the outcomes. The findings indicate that ultrasonic waves, whether generated externally or internally, exert a beneficial effect on the cleanliness of the pipelines. Given the inherent characteristics of Ondol pipelines, external generation proves impractical, thereby rendering internal generation a more viable solution for pipeline maintenance. It is anticipated that future endeavors will pave the way for innovative maintenance strategies for Ondol pipelines, particularly through the advancement of internal generation technologies for pipeline applications.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.163-171
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• 2024

Changes in the soil layer on Dokdo are important both academically and with regard to sustainable conservation and utilization of the islands. Continuous investigation and observation are necessary, as the soil layer is essential to the growth of plants and, therefore, the islands' ecosystem. Such work was carried out for about 8 years using soil erosion measuring bars, which are durable and facilitate simple monitoring of changes in the soil layer. Each bar comprised a rod measuring 30~50 cm long and 1.5 cm in diameter, and the use of stainless steel afforded resistance to corrosion caused by sea breezes. Six measuring bars were installed in the soil layers of each of two islands, Dongdo and Seodo, and measurements were taken one to three times a year from 2014 to 2021. The field measurements indicate that soil was deposited on Dongdo but eroded on Seodo during the observation period. As the measuring bars on Dongdo were located in the central and lower parts of the island, the observed changes in the soil layer resulted mainly from sedimentation of material eroded by weathering or soil runoff from the upper part of the island. In contrast, the measurement locations on Seodo were located in the upper and central parts of the island, where soil erosion and runoff diminished the soil layer at the observation points.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.89-103
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• 2024

In the disposal environment, gases can be generated at the interface between canister and buffer due to various factors such as anaerobic corrosion, radiolysis, and microbial degradation. If the gas generation rate exceeds the diffusion rate, the gas within the buffer may compress, resulting in physical damage to the buffer due to the increased pore pressure. In particular, the rapid movement of gases, known as gas breakthroughs, through the dilatancy pathway formed during this process may lead to releasing radionuclide. Therefore, understanding these gas generation and movement mechanism is essential for the safety assessment of the disposal systems. In this study, an experimental apparatus for investigating gas migration within buffer was constructed based on a literature review. Subsequently, a gas injection experiment was conducted on a compacted bentonite block made of Bentonile WRK (Clariant Ltd.) powder. The results clearly demonstrated a sharp increase in stress and pressure typically observed at the onset of gas breakthrough within the buffer. Additionally, the range of stresses induced by the swelling phenomenon of the buffer, was 4.7 to 9.1 MPa. The apparent gas entry pressure was determined to be approximately 7.8 MPa. The equipment established in this study is expected to be utilized for various experiments aimed at building a database on the initial properties of buffer and the conditions during gas injection, contributing to understanding the gas migration phenomena.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.223-242
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• 2024

Single-shell tunnels, introduced to South Korea in the early 2000s, have not been adopted for the main tunnels of roads or railways over the past two decades despite several attempts starting with the Gwangju City Bypass. This reluctance likely arises from concerns about the long-term performance of supporting materials and the absence of relevant criteria and specifications. However, recent progress, including the incorporation of high-strength shotcrete standards and corrosion-resistant rock bolt specifications, alongside equipment and technique enhancements, necessitates a reassessment of single-shell tunnels. While the single-shell tunnel method offers advantages in environmental impact, construction cost and period compared to the conventional NATM, it is crucial to address the challenges, such as limited design and construction experience, incomplete detailed standards, and insufficient construction specifications, through further research and pilot projects. This paper reviewed the basic principles of single-shell tunnel, current application and research status, technical development trends, criteria and specifications, and remaining challenges. It aims to reignite discussions on the feasibility of applying single-shell tunnels in South Korea.

• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.49-58
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• 2008

Generally, steel corrosion occurs in concrete structures due to carbonation in down-town area and underground site and it propagates to degradation of structural performance. In general diagnosis and inspection, only carbonation depth in sound concrete is evaluated but unsound concrete such as joint and cracked area may occur easily in a concrete member due to construction process. In this study, field survey of carbonation for RC columns in down-town area is performed and carbonation depth in joint and cracked concrete including sound area is measured. Probability of durable failure with time is calculated through probability variables such as concrete cover depth and carbonation depth which are obtained from field survey. In addition, service life of the structures is predicted based on the intended probability of durable failure in domestic concrete specification. It is evaluated that in a RC column, various service life is predicted due to local condition and it is rapidly decreased with insufficient cover depth and growth of crack width. It is also evaluated that obtaining cover depth and quality of concrete is very important because the probability of durable failure is closely related with C.O.V. of cover depth.

• The Journal of Bigdata
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.73-82
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• 2023

With 78% of current fisheries workers being elderly, there's a pressing need to address labor shortages. Consequently, active research on smart aquaculture technologies, centered on object detection and tracking algorithms, is underway. These technologies allow for fish size analysis and behavior pattern forecasting, facilitating the development of real-time monitoring and automated systems. Our study utilized video data from cameras outside aquaculture facilities and implemented fish detection and tracking algorithms. We aimed to tackle high maintenance costs due to underwater conditions and camera corrosion from ammonia and pH levels. We evaluated the performance of a real-time system using YOLOv7 for fish detection and the SORT algorithm for movement tracking. YOLOv7 results demonstrated a trade-off between Recall and Precision, minimizing false detections from lighting, water currents, and shadows. Effective tracking was ascertained through re-identification. This research holds promise for enhancing smart aquaculture's operational efficiency and improving fishery facility management.

• Archives of Metallurgy and Materials
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• v.65 no.4
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• pp.1317-1322
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• 2020

The present study investigated various thermodynamic parameters, microstructures and electrochemical behaviors of TiMoVCrZr and Ti-rich TiMoVCrZr high-entropy alloys (HEAs) prepared by vacuum arc remelting. The microstructures of the alloys were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and potentiodynamic polarization tests. The determined thermodynamic values of the Ω-parameter and the atomic size difference (δ) for the HEAs were determined to be in the range of Ω ≥ 1.1, and δ ≤ 6.6% with valance electron configuration (VEC) ≤ 5.0, suggesting the HEAs were effective at forming solid solutions. XRD patterns of the equiatomic Ti₂₀Mo₂₀V₂₀Cr₂₀Zr₂₀ HEA revealed four phases consisting of the body centered cubic1 (BCC₁), BCC₂, hexagonal close-packed (HCP), and intermetallic compound Cr₂Zr phases. Three phases were observed in the XRD patterns of Ti-rich Ti₄₀Mo₁₅V₁₅Cr₁₅Zr₁₅ (BCC, HCP, and Cr₂Zr) and a single BCC phase was observed in Ti-rich Ti₆₀Mo₁₀V₁₀Cr₁₀Zr₁₀ HEAs. The backscattered-electron (BSE) images on the equiatomic Ti₂₀Mo₂₀V₂₀Cr₂₀Zr₂₀ HEA revealed BCC and HCP phases with Cr₂Zr precipitates, suggesting precipitation from the HCP solid solution during the cooling. The micro-segregation of Ti-rich Ti₆₀Mo₁₀V₁₀C₁₀Zr₁₀ HEAs appeared to decrease remarkably. The alloying elements in the HEAs were locally present and no phase changes occurred even after additional HIP treatment. The lowest current density obtained in the polarization potential test of Ti-rich Ti₄₀Mo₁₅V₁₅Cr₁₅Zr₁₅ HEA was 7.12×10^-4 mA/cm² was obtained. The studied TiMoVCrZr HEAs showed improved corrosion characteristics as compared to currently available joint replacement material such as ASTM F75 alloy.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.551-561
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• 2024

Underground utility tunnels are spaces densely packed with various infrastructure facilities, such as power, telecommunications, and water supply and drainage systems, making internal environment management crucial. An investigation into accident cases and on-site demands in these tunnels revealed that while fires and floods are the most common types of incidents, the demand for real-time condensation prevention and response is frequent according to on-site managers. Condensation occurs due to the difference in humidity and temperature between the inside and outside of the tunnel. Frequent or prolonged condensation can lead to metal pipe corrosion, electrical failures, and reduced equipment lifespan. Therefore, this study developed a control algorithm and monitoring system to prevent condensation in underground utility tunnels. The proposed control algorithm estimates the likelihood of condensation in real-time based on the measured temperature and humidity and suggests appropriate responses for each stage to the managers. Finally, a practical condensation prevention monitoring system was built based on the developed algorithm, verifying the feasibility and applicability of this technology in the field.