• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• 제27권7호
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• pp.806-810
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• 2004

Metformin is a biguanide antihyperglycemic agent often used for the treatment of non-insulin dependent diabetics (NIDDM). In this study, the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of metformin were investigated in Korean healthy volunteers during a fasting state for over 10 h. In order to evaluate the amount of glucose-lowering effect of metformin, the plasma concentrations of glucose were measured for a period of 10 h followed by the administration of metformin (oral 500 mg) or placebo. In addition, the concentration of metformin in blood samples was determined by HPLC assay for the drug. All volunteers were consumed with 12 g of white sugar 10 minutes after drug intake to maintain initial plasma glucose concentration. The time courses of the plasma concentration of metformin and the glucose-lowering effect were analyzed by nonlinear regression analysis. The estimated $C_{max}$, $T_{max}$, $CL_{t}$/F (apparent clearance), V/F(apparent volume of distribution), and half-life of metformin were 1.42$\{pm}$0.07 $\mu\textrm{g}$/mL, 2.59$\{pm}$0.18h, 66.12$\{pm}$4.6 L/h, 26.63 L, and 1.54 h respectively. Since a significant counterclock-wise hysteresis was found for the metformin concentration in the plasma-effect relationship, indirect response model was used to evaluate pharmacodynamic parameters for metformin. The mean concentration at half-maximum inhibition $IC_{50}$, $k_{in}$, $k_{out}$ were 2.26 $\mu\textrm{g}$/mL, 83.26 $H^{-1}$, and 0.68 $H^{-1}$, respectively. Therefore, the pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model may be useful in the description for the relationship between plasma concentration of metformin and its glucose-lowering effect.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• 제23권5호
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• pp.449-466
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• 2019

Cable-stayed bridges are attractive due to their beauty, reducing material consumption, less harm to the environment and so on, in comparison with other kinds of bridges. As a massive structure with long period and low damping (0.3 to 2%) under many dynamic loads, these bridges are susceptible to fatigue, serviceability disorder, damage or even collapse. Tuned Mass Damper (TMD) is a suitable controlling system to reduce the vibrations and prevent the threats in such bridges. In this paper, Multi Tuned Mass Damper (MTMD) system is added to the Ahvaz cable stayed Bridge in Iran, to reduce its seismic vibrations. First, the bridge is modeled in SAP2000 followed with result verification. Dead and live loads and the moving loads have been assigned to the bridge. Then the finite element model is developed in OpenSees, with the goal of running a nonlinear time-history analysis. Three far-field and three near-field earthquake records are imposed to the model after scaling to the PGA of 0.25 g, 0.4 g, 0.55 g and 0.7 g. Two MTMD systems, passive and active, with the number of TMDs from 1 to 8, are placed in specific points of the main span of bridge, adding a total mass ratio of 1 to 10% to the bridge. The parameters of the TMDs are optimized using Genetic Algorithm (GA). Also, the optimum force for active control is achieved by Fuzzy Logic Control (FLC). The results showed that the maximum displacement of the center of the bridge main span reduced 33% and 48% respectively by adding passive and active MTMD systems. The RMS of displacement reduced 37% and 47%, the velocity 36% and 42% and also the base shear in pylons, 27% and 47%, respectively by adding passive and active systems, in the best cases.

• International Journal of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering
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• 제12권1호
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• pp.241-257
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• 2020

The rapid proliferation of oil/gas drilling and wind turbine installations with jack-up rig-formed structures increases structural safety requirements, due to the greater risks of operational collisions during use of these structures. Therefore, current industrial practices and regulations have tended to increase the required accidental collision design loads (impact energies) for jack-up rigs. However, the existing simplified design approach tends to be limited to the design and prediction of local members due to the difficulty in applying the increased uniform impact energy to a brace member without regard for the member's position. It is therefore necessary to define accidental load estimation in terms of a reasonable collision scenario and its application to the structural response analysis. We found by a collision probabilistic approach that the kinetic energy ranged from a minimum of 9 MJ to a maximum 1049 MJ. Only 6% of these values are less than the 35 MJ recommendation of DNV-GL (2013). This study assumed and applied a representative design load of 196.2 MN for an impact load of 20,000 tons. Based on this design load, the detailed design of a leg structure was numerically verified via an FE analysis comprising three categories: linear analysis, buckling analysis and progressive collapse analysis. Based on the numerical results from this analysis, it was possible to predict the collapse mode and position of each member in relation to the collision load. This study provided a collision strength assessment between attendant vessels and a jack-up rig based on probabilistic collision scenarios and nonlinear structural analysis. The numerical results of this study also afforded reasonable evaluation criteria and specific evaluation procedures.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• 제47권2호
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• pp.167-184
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• 2023

In this study, a new recentering friction device (RFD) to retrofit steel moment frame structures is introduced. The device provides both self-centering and energy dissipation capabilities for the retrofitted structure. A hybrid performance-based seismic design procedure considering multiple limit states is proposed for designing the device and the retrofitted structure. The design of the RFD is achieved by modifying the conventional performance-based seismic design (PBSD) procedure using computational intelligence techniques, namely, genetic algorithm (GA) and artificial neural network (ANN). Numerous nonlinear time-history response analyses (NLTHAs) are conducted on multi-degree of freedom (MDOF) and single-degree of freedom (SDOF) systems to train and validate the ANN to achieve high prediction accuracy. The proposed procedure and the new RFD are assessed using 2D and 3D models globally and locally. Globally, the effectiveness of the proposed device is assessed by conducting NLTHAs to check the maximum inter-story drift ratio (MIDR). Seismic fragilities of the retrofitted models are investigated by constructing fragility curves of the models for different limit states. After that, seismic life cycle cost (LCC) is estimated for the models with and without the retrofit. Locally, the stress concentration at the contact point of the RFD and the existing steel frame is checked being within acceptable limits using finite element modeling (FEM). The RFD showed its effectiveness in minimizing MIDR and eliminating residual drift for low to mid-rise steel frames models tested. GA and ANN proved to be crucial integrated parts in the modified PBSD to achieve the required seismic performance at different limit states with reasonable computational cost. ANN showed a very high prediction accuracy for transformation between MDOF and SDOF systems. Also, the proposed retrofit showed its efficiency in enhancing the seismic fragility and reducing the LCC significantly compared to the un-retrofitted models.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• 제22권5호
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• pp.503-515
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• 2022

This paper presents the development of seismic fragility curves for a precast reinforced concrete bridge instrumented with a structural health monitoring (SHM) system. The bridge is located near an active seismic fault in the Dominican Republic (DR) and provides the only access to several local communities in the aftermath of a potential damaging earthquake; moreover, the sample bridge was designed with outdated building codes and uses structural detailing not adequate for structures in seismic regions. The bridge was instrumented with an SHM system to extract information about its state of structural integrity and estimate its seismic performance. The data obtained from the SHM system is integrated with structural models to develop a set of fragility curves to be used as a quantitative measure of the expected damage; the fragility curves provide an estimate of the probability that the structure will exceed different damage limit states as a function of an earthquake intensity measure. To obtain the fragility curves a digital twin of the bridge is developed combining a computational finite element model and the information extracted from the SHM system. The digital twin is used as a response prediction tool that minimizes modeling uncertainty, significantly improving the predicting capability of the model and the accuracy of the fragility curves. The digital twin was used to perform a nonlinear incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) with selected ground motions that are consistent with the seismic fault and site characteristics. The fragility curves show that for the maximum expected acceleration (with a 2% probability of exceedance in 50 years) the structure has a 62% probability of undergoing extensive damage. This is the first study presenting fragility curves for civil infrastructure in the DR and the proposed methodology can be extended to other structures to support disaster mitigation and post-disaster decision-making strategies.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• 제91권2호
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• pp.211-225
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• 2024

Soft bending actuators have gained significant interest in robotic applications due to their compliance and lightweight nature. Their compliance allows for safer and more natural interactions with humans or other objects, reducing the risk of injury or damage. However, the nonlinear behaviour of soft actuators presents challenges in accurately predicting their bending motion and force exertion. In this research, a new comprehensive study has been conducted by employing a developed 3D finite element model (FEM) to investigate the effect of geometrical and material parameters on the bending behaviour of a soft pneumatic actuator reinforced with Kevlar fibres. A series of experiments are designed to validate the FE model, and the FE model investigates the improvement of actuator performance. The material used for fabricating the actuator is RTV-2 silicone rubber. In this study, the Cauchy stress was expanded for hyperelastic models and the best model to express the stress-strain behaviour based on ASTM D412 Type C tensile test for this material has been obtained. The results show that the greatest bending angle was achieved for the semi-elliptical actuator made of RTV2 material with a pitch of 1.5 mm and second layer thickness of 1 mm. In comparison, the maximum response force was obtained for the semi-elliptical actuator made of RTV2 material with a pitch of 6 mm and a second layer thickness of 2 mm. Additionally, this research opens up new possibilities for development of safer and more efficient robotic systems that can interact seamlessly with humans and their environment.

• 한국지반공학회지:지반
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• 제12권4호
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• pp.157-178
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• 1996

기존의 보강토벽체에 주로 이용되어온 steel strict등 고강도 인장보강재는 주변 뒤채움흙에 비해 상대적으로 변형이 작기 때문에, 설계검토시 과강재 자체에서 유발되는 변형의 크기에 대해서는 크게 유의할 필요가 없었다. 그러나 비교적 저강도인 섬유보강재의 경우, 한계상태에서 예상되는 섬유보강재 자체의 변형량은 주변 뒤채움흙의 소성변형 유발에 필요시 되는 변형량을 종종 초과하게 되며, 이와같은 크기의 과도한 변형량은 보강토벽체 구조체 자체의 안정성 확보 측면에서 허용할 수 없는 경우가 대부분이다. 결국 보증토벽체 구조체의 전면부 발생변위에 대한 일반적인 허용조건을 충족하기 위해서는, 극한강도 보다 훨씬 작은 크기의 강도가 섬유보강재의 경우 발휘하는 것으로 보아야 할 것이며, 따라서 최종적인 구조체 안정검토를 위해서는 보강재 자체의 예상변형량에 대한 평가가 섬유보강재의 경우 특히 중요시 된다. 보강재의 인장응력 -변형률 관계는 강보강재의 경우 선형탄성거동으로 가정할 수 있으나, 섬 유보강재의 경우에는 일반적으로 비 선형거동을 나타낸다. 본 연구에서는 쌍곡선 함수를 이용하여 섬유보강재의 비선형 거동특성을 모델링하였으며,또한 뒤채움흙 다짐으로 인한 유발응력등을 고려하기 위해 Ehrlich SE Mitchell, Duncan등이 제안한 방법을 수정하여 섬유 보강토벽체의 안정 해석법을 제시하였다. 본 안정 해석법 에서는 침투수압의 영향 및 뒤채움흙의 구속효과에 따른 섬유보강재의 부분적인 상대강성 변화 등을 고려하였으며, 이를 토대로 깊이별 각 섬유보 강재의 최대인장력 및 변형량 등의 예측이 가능하다. 본 연구에서는 제시하리라 하는 안정해석법의 적용성을 위해, paraweb polyester fibre multicord, non-woven polyester 지오텍스타일 및 knitted polyester 지오그리드 등 3가지 종류 보강재의 인장응력-변형률 관계 실험결과를 회귀분석하여 쌍곡선 함수형태로 이와같은 섬유보 강재의 비선형거동을 모델링하였다. 또한 이를 토대로 한 븐 연구 해석법의 적합성 검토를 위해, Ho & Rowe가 제시한 유한요소해석결과 및 LCPC, FHWA등에서 시행한 시험결과와 깊이별 각 섬유보강재의 최대인장력,변형량 및 지점별 변형률 등에 대해서도 비교하였다. 아울러 섬유 보강재의 상대강성, 뒤채움흙의 깊이별 구속효과의 정도, 다짐정도 및 침투수압 등이 각 섬유보강재의 변형량 및 전체적인 변형형태 등에 미치는 영향을 종합적으로 분석하였다.

• 한국전산구조공학회논문집
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• 제26권1호
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• pp.59-67
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• 2013

비정형 초고층 구조물은 골조 직교성이 해제되고, 형상이 복잡해 기존 설계방식보다 많은 문제점이 발생된다. 비정형성으로 인한 문제점은 설계안을 지속적으로 변경시켜 프로젝트의 효율성을 저하시킨다. 또한 해외프로젝트의 경우 해당업체 간 혹은 해당국가 간 의견차로 국내보다 더욱 많은 변경상황이 발생되고 있다. 따라서 지속적인 변경상황에 전산플랫폼을 사용할 경우 효율적으로 설계변경업무에 대처할 수 있다. 파라메트릭 기반의 전산플랫폼인 StrAuto를 이용할 경우 최적의 구조설계대안을 신속히 선정할 수 있다. 특히 StrAuto는 비선형 내진성능평가를 위한 해석 툴 간의 신속한 모델링 연동도 효율적으로 가능하다. 그래서 본 연구에서는 지진하중 변경에 따른 전산플랫폼을 이용한 내진성능평가 프로세스를 현재 구조설계가 진행 중인 몽골지역 최고층 빌딩 프로젝트에 적용하고 검증하려 한다.

• 한국구조물진단유지관리공학회 논문집
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• 제24권6호
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• pp.34-41
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• 2020

최근 국내에서는 지진의 발생 빈도와 규모가 증가하고 있다. 이러한 상황속에서 대표적인 도로 구조물인 교량의 지진피해는 많은 인명피해로 직결될 수 있다. 따라서, 사전에 구조물의 지진취약도를 분석하여 피해를 대비하는 것이 필요하다. 특히 국내의 교량은 공용년수 30년 이상의 노후 교량이 증가하고 있어, 교량의 노후화와 보수보강을 고려한 지진해석과 취약도 분석 연구가 필요하다. 본 연구에서는 PSC 교량에 대해 노후화와 FRP 보강효과를 고려하여 비선형 정적 및 동적해석을 수행하였다. 노후화 및 FRP 보강은 지진응답에 지배적인 영향을 주는 교각에 적용하였다. 최대 변위는 노후도에 의해 증가되었지만, FRP 보강에 의한 교량의 변위를 감소시킬 수 있었다. 지진해석과 함께 교각의 성능점과 동적거동을 복합적으로 평가할 수 있는 지진취약도 해석을 수행하여 노후화 및 FRP 보강에 대한 효과를 분석하였다. FRP 보강 교량의 지진취약도는 노후 교량에 비해 모든 손상단계에서 감소하였으며, PGA와 손상손상수준이 높아질수록 감소정도가 뚜렷하였다.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• 제90권6호
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• pp.611-633
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• 2024

This study intends to investigate the response of multi-cell (MC) beams to flexural loads in which the primary reinforcement is composed of both metallic and non-metallic materials. "Multi-cell" describes beam sections with multiple longitudinal voids separated by thin webs. Seven reinforced concrete MC beams measuring 300×200×1800 mm were tested under flexural loadings until failure. Two series of beams are formed, depending on the type of main reinforcement that is being used. A control RC beam with no openings and six MC beams are found in these two series. Series one and two are reinforced with metallic and non-metallic main reinforcement, respectively, in order to maintain a constant reinforcement ratio. The first crack, ultimate load, deflection, ductility index, energy absorption, strain characteristics, crack pattern, and failure mode were among the structural parameters of the beams under investigation that were documented. The primary variables that vary are the kind of reinforcing materials that are utilized, as well as the kind and quantity of mesh layers. The outcomes of this study that looked at the experimental and numerical performance of ferrocement reinforced concrete MC beams are presented in this article. Nonlinear finite element analysis (NLFEA) was performed with ANSYS-16.0 software to demonstrate the behavior of composite MC beams with holes. A parametric study is also carried out to investigate the factors, such as opening size, that can most strongly affect the mechanical behavior of the suggested model. The experimental and numerical results obtained demonstrate that the FE simulations generated an acceptable degree of experimental value estimation. It's also important to demonstrate that, when compared to the control beam, the MC beam reinforced with geogrid mesh (MCGB) decreases its strength capacity by a maximum of 73.33%. In contrast, the minimum strength reduction value of 16.71% is observed in the MC beams reinforced with carbon reinforcing bars (MCCR). The findings of the experiments on MC beams with openings demonstrate that the presence of openings has a significant impact on the behavior of the beams, as there is a decrease in both the ultimate load and maximum deflection.