• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.26 no.4A
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• pp.647-657
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• 2006

Probabilistic Risk Assessment considering statistically random variables is performed for the preliminary design of a Cable Stayed Bridge, which is Prestressed Concrete Bridge consisted of cable and plate girders, based on the method of Working Stress Design and Strength Design. Component reliabilities of cables and girders have been evaluated using the response surface of the design variables at the selected critical sections based on the maximum shear, positive and negative moment locations. Response Surface Method (RSM) is successfully applied for reliability analyses for this relatively small probability of failure of the complex structure, which is hard to obtain through Monte-Carlo Simulations. or through First Order Second Moment Method that can not easily calculate the derivative terms of implicit limit state functions. For the analysis of system reliability, parallel resistance system consisting of cables and plate girder is changed into series connection system and the result of system reliability of total structure is presented. As a system reliability, the upper and lower probabilities of failure for the structural system have been evaluated and compared with the suggested prediction method for the combination of failure modes. The suggested prediction method for the combination of failure modes reveals the unexpected combinations of element failures in significantly reduced time and efforts compared with the previous permutation method or system reliability analysis method, which calculates upper and lower bound failure probabilities.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.30 no.4A
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• pp.391-398
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• 2010

The fire performance of RC slabs with half-depth precast panel after exposure to the ISO-834 fire standard without loading has been experimentally investigated. During heating, according to the ISO 834 fire curve, concrete spalling was observed for concrete without PP(polypropylene) fibers. No spalling occurred when heating concrete containing PP fibers. The maximum temperature of RC slabs with PP fibers with half-depth precast panel was lower than that of concrete without PP fibers. The ultimate load after cooling of the RC slabs that were not loaded during the furnace tests was evaluated by means of 3 points bending tests. The ultimate load of the RC slabs without PP fibers showed a considerable reduction (around 32.5%) of the ultimate load after cooling if compared with of RC slabs with PP fibers. The ultimate load of the RC slabs with half-depth precast panel with PP fibers is higher than that of a full-depth RC slabs with PP fibers. Also, the addition of PP fibers and the use of half-depth precast panel improve fire resistance.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.373-384
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• 2022

To improve the seismic performance of suspended ceiling structures, various vibration-damping devices have been developed. However, the devices made of metals have a limit in that they cause large deformation and seriously damages the exterior of the suspended ceiling structure from the wall. As a results, their strengthening effect of the suspended ceiling structure was minimal. Thus, this study employed a spring and vibration-proof rubber effectively controlled vibrations without increasing horizontal seismic loads on the ceiling to enhance the seismic resistance of suspended ceiling structures. The objective of the study is to examine the dynamic properties of a seismic damping-isolation unit (SDI) with various details developed. The developed SDI was composed of a spring, embossed rubbers, and prestressed bolts, which were the main factors enhancing the damping effect. The shaking table tests were performed on eight SDI specimens produced with the number of layers of embossed rubber (n_s), presence or absence of a spring, prestressed force magnitude introduced in bolts (f_ps), and mass weight (W_m) as the main parameters. To identify the enhancement effect of the SDI, the dynamic properties of the control specimen with a conventional hanger bolt were compared to those of the SDI specimens. The SDI specimens were effective in reducing the maximum acceleration (A_{c max}), acceleration amplification factor (α_p), relative displacement (δ_R), and increasing the damping ratio (ξ) when compared to the control specimen. The A_{c max}, α_p, and δ_R of the SDI specimens with two rubbers, spring, and f_ps of 0.1f_by, where f_by is the yielding strength of the screw bolt were 57.8%, 58.0%, and 61.9% lower than those of the conventional hanger bolt specimens, respectively, resulting in the highest ξ (=0.127). In addition, the α_p of the SDI specimens was 50.8% lower than those specified in ASCE 7 and FEMA 356. Consequently, to accurately estimate the α_p of the SDI specimens, a simple model was proposed based on the functions of f_ps, stiffness constant of the spring (K), W_m, and n_s.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.245-255
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• 2023

The present paper summarizes the results of an experimental program on the influence of using waste lathe scraps in the concrete mixture on the shear behavior of RC beams with different amounts of shear reinforcement. Three different volumetric ratios (1, 2 and %3) for the scraps and three different stirrup spacings (160, 200 and 270 mm) were adopted in the tests. The shear span-to-depth ratios of the beams were 2.67 and the stirrup spacing exceeded the maximum spacing limit in the building codes to unfold the contribution of lathe scraps to the shear resistances of shear-deficient beams, subject to shear-dominated failure (shear-tension). The experiments depicted that the lathe scraps have a pronounced contribution to the shear strength and load-deflection behavior of RC beams with widely-spaced stirrups. Namely, with the addition of 1%, 2% and 3% waste lathe scraps, the load-bearing capacity escalated by 9.1%, 21.8% and 32.8%, respectively, compared to the reference beam. On the other hand, the contribution of the lathe scraps to the load capacity decreases with decreasing stirrup spacing, since the closely-spaced stirrups bear the shear stresses and render the contribution of the scraps to shear resistance insignificant. The load capacity, deformation ductility index (DDI) and modulus of toughness (MOT) values of the beams were shown to increase with the volumetric fraction of scraps if the stirrups are spaced at about two times the beam depth. For the specimens with a stirrup spacing of about the beam depth, the scraps were found to have no considerable contribution to the load capacity and the deformation capacity beyond the ultimate load. In other words, for lathe scrap contents of 1-3%, the DDI values increased by 5-23% and the MOT values by 63.5-165% with respect to the reference beam with a stirrup spacing of 270 mm. The influence of the lathe scraps to the DDI and MOT values were rather limited and even sometimes negative for the stirrup spacing values of 160 and 200 mm.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.195-208
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• 2023

The nodular diaphragm wall (NDW) is a novel type of foundation with favorable engineering characteristics, which has already been utilized in high-rise buildings and high-speed railways. Compared to traditional diaphragm walls, the NDW offers significantly improved vertical bearing capacity due to the presence of nodular parts while reducing construction time and excavation work. Despite its potential, research on the vertical bearing characteristics of NDW requires further study, and the investigation and visualization of its displacement pattern and failure mode are scant. Meanwhile, the measurement of the force component acting on the nodular parts remains challenging. In this paper, the vertical bearing characteristics of NDW are studied in detail through the indoor model test, and the displacement and failure mode of the foundation is analyzed using particle image velocimetry (PIV) technology. The principles and methods for monitoring the force acting on the nodular parts are described in detail. The research results show that the nodular part plays an essential role in the bearing capacity of the NDW, and its maximum load-bearing ratio can reach 30.92%. The existence of the bottom nodular part contributes more to the bearing capacity of the foundation compared to the middle nodular part, and the use of both middle and bottom nodular parts increases the bearing capacity of the foundation by about 9~12% compared to a single nodular part of the NDW. The increase in the number of nodular parts cannot produce a simple superposition effect on the resistance born by the nodular parts since the nodular parts have an insignificant influence on the exertion and distribution of the skin friction of NDW. The existence of the nodular part changes the displacement field of the soil around NDW and increases the displacement influence range of the foundation to a certain extent. For NDWs with three different nodal arrangements, the failure modes of the foundations appear to be local shear failures. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the performance and behavior of NDWs, which will aid in their effective utilization and further research in the field.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.15-29
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• 2023

Objectives The purpose of this study is to systematically review the effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation treatment on muscle wasting in cancer patients. Methods Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were searched from seven online databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System, Korean studies Information Service System, Research Information Sharing Service. The selected RCTs were evaluated for methodological quality through the Cochrane RoB. Results A total of 126 articles were identified, and 4 randomized controlled trials were selected for systematic review. In one study, it was found that there were statistically significant improvements in the Health-Related Quality of Life (FACTH&N total score, p<0.001). Additionally, significant effects were observed in measurements that represented the size of the quadriceps muscle (cross-sectional area of Vastus lateralis and Rectus femoris, p=0.004), maximum muscle strength, the twitch response of resistance muscles, and voluntary activation (p<0.001). However, no significant differences were observed between the intervention and control groups in terms of quadriceps muscle strength in two other studies (p>0.05). Lastly, while one study showed no significant differences in muscle fiber characteristics between the two groups, it did report significant improvements in measurements related to mitochondria within muscle tissue and muscle strength in the intervention group (p<0.05). Conclusions Neuromuscular electrical stimulation can be a method used to improve muscle strength in muscle wasting of cancer patients, but it is difficult to see its effects as significant compared to other treatments.

• Membrane Journal
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.70-78
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• 2024

A photo-crosslinked anion exchange membrane (AEM) based on quaternary-aminated polyacrylates was developed for reverse electrodialysis (RED). Although reverse electrodialysis is a clean and renewable energy generation system, the low power output and high membrane cost are serious obstacles to its commercialization. Cross-linked AEMs without any polymer supporters were fabricated through photo-crosslinking between polymer-typed acrylates with anion conducting groups, in particular, polymer-typed acrylates were synthesized based on engineering plastic with outstanding mechanical and chemical property. The fabricated membranes showed outstanding physical, chemical, and electrochemical properties. The area resistance of the fabricated membranes (CQAPPOA-20, CQAPPOA-35, and CQAPPOA-50) were ~50% lower than that of AMV (2.6 Ω cm²). Moreover, the transport number of CQAPPOA-35 wase comparable to that of AMV, despite the thin thickness (40 ㎛) of the fabricated membranes. The RED stack with the CQAPPOA-35 membrane provided an excellent maximum power density of 2.327 W m^-2 at a flow rate of 100 mL min^-1, which is 15% higher than that (2.026 W m^-2) of the RED stack with the AMV membrane. Considering easy fabrication process by UV photo-crosslinking and outstanding RED stack properties, the CQAPPOA-35 membrane is a promising candidate for REDs.

• Journal of the Society of Disaster Information
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.270-283
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• 2024

Purpose: Considering the rising frequency of earthquakes in Korea, it is crucial to revise the rainfall thresholds for landslide triggering following earthquake events. This study was conducted to provide scientific justification and preliminary data for adjusting rainfall thresholds for landslide early warnings after earthquakes through soil physical experiments. Method: The study analyzed the change in soil shear strength by direct shear tests on disturbed and undisturbed samples collected from cut slopes. Also, The study analyzed the soil strength parameters of remolded soil samples subjected to drying and wetting conditions, focusing on the relationship between the degree of saturation after submergence and the strength parameters. Result: Compaction water content variation in direct shear tests showed that higher water content and saturation in disturbed samples led to a significant decrease in cohesion (over 50%) and a reduction in shear resistance angle (1~2°). Additionally, during the ring shear tests, the shear strength was observed to gradually decrease once water was supplied to the shear plane. The maximum shear strength decreased by approximately 65-75%, while the residual shear strength decreased by approximately 53-60%. Conclusion: Seismic activity amplifies landslide risk during subsequent rainfall, necessitating proactive mitigation strategies in earthquake-prone areas. This research is anticipated to provide scientific justification and preliminary data for reducing the rainfall threshold for landslide initiation in earthquake-susceptible regions.

• Journal of the Korean Geosynthetics Society
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.9-16
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• 2024

In order to evaluate the relationship between the ground confining pressure and the shear characteristics of the pile-soil interface, this study described the comparative results of the existing experimental results and the FEA results using the strength reduction factor. The strength reduction factor was applied to simulate the shear behavior of the pile-soil interface in finite element analysis(FEA). The analysis results showed that the maximum pullout resistance decreased due to the influence of low confining pressure, as the fines content increased. This trend was similar to the previous experimental research, and this FEA model simulated with the interface strength reduction factor was evaluated as reasonable. The analysis results of the variation in the interface strength reduction factor clearly showed that the interface strength reduction factor clearly increased at a high fines content when the confining pressure was 50kPa. However, it was found that the increase rate was low when the confining pressure was 100kPa and 150kPa. Therefore, confining pressure and fines content need to be considered in FEA to evaluate the shear behavior of the pile-soil interface.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.457-466
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• 2023

Background: During hot environment work tasks with whole-body enclosed anti-bioaerosol suit, the combined effect of heavy sweating and exhaled hot humid air may cause the N95 medical respirator to saturate with water/sweat (i.e., water-blocking). Methods: 32 young male subjects with different body mass indexes (BMI) in whole-body protection (N95 medical respirator + one-piece protective suit + head covering + protective face screen + gloves + shoe covers) were asked to simulate waste collecting from each isolated room in a seven-story building at 27-28℃, and the weight, inhalation resistance (R_f), and aerosol penetration of the respirator before worn and after water-blocking were analyzed. Results: All subjects reported water-blocking asphyxia of the N95 respirators within 36-67 min of the task. When water-blocking occurred, the R_f and 10-200 nm total aerosol penetration (P_t) of the respirators reached up to 1270-1810 Pa and 17.3-23.3%, respectively, which were 10 and 8 times of that before wearing. The most penetration particle size of the respirators increased from 49-65 nm before worn to 115-154 nm under water-blocking condition, and the corresponding maximum size-dependent aerosol penetration increased from 2.5-3.5% to 20-27%. With the increase of BMI, the water-blocking occurrence time firstly increased then reduced, while the R_f, P_t, and absorbed water all increased significantly. Conclusions: This study reveals respirator water-blocking and its serious negative impacts on respiratory protection. When performing moderate-to-high-load tasks with whole-body protection in a hot environment, it is recommended that respirator be replaced with a new one at least every hour to avoid water-blocking asphyxia.