• Advances in concrete construction
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.419-430
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• 2023

In this study, the effect of two types of aggregates (fly ash aggregate and shale aggregate) on the density, strength, and durability of preplaced lightweight aggregate concrete (PLWAC) was studied. The results showed that the 7 - 28 days strength of concrete prepared with fly ash aggregates (high water absorption rate) significantly increased, which could attribute to the long-term water release of fly ash aggregates by the refined pore structure. In contrast, the strength increase of concrete prepared with shale aggregates (low water absorption rate) is not apparent. Although PLWAC prepared with fly ash aggregates has a lower density and higher strength (56.8 MPa @ 1600 kg/m³), the chloride diffusion coefficient is relatively high, which could attribute to the diffusion paths established by connected porous aggregates and the negative over-curing effect. Compared to the control group, the partial replacement of fly ash aggregates (30%) with asphalt emulsion (20% solid content) coated aggregates can reduce the chloride diffusion coefficient of concrete by 53.6% while increasing the peak load obtained in a three-point bending test by 107.3%, fracture energy by 30.3% and characteristic length by 103.5%. The improvement in concrete performance could be attributed to the reduction in the water absorption rate of aggregates and increased energy absorption by polymer during crack propagation.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.87 no.6
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• pp.585-599
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• 2023

Geopolymer concrete (GC) can be competently utilized as a practical replacement for cement to prevent a high carbon footprint and to give a direction toward sustainable concrete construction. Moreover, previous studies mostly focused on the axial response of glass fiber reinforced polymer (glass-FRP) concrete compressive elements without determining the effectiveness of repairing them after their partial damage. The goal of this study is to assess the structural effectiveness of partially damaged GC columns that have been restored using carbon fiber reinforced polymer (carbon-FRP). Bars made of glass-FRP and helix made of glass-FRP are used to reinforce these columns. For comparative study, six of the twelve circular specimens-each measuring 300 mm×1200 mm-are reinforced with steel bars, while the other four are axially strengthened using glass-FRP bars (referred to as GSG columns). The broken columns are repaired and strengthened using carbon-FRP sheets after the specimens have been subjected to concentric and eccentric compression until a 30% loss in axial strength is attained in the post-peak phase. The study investigates the effects of various variables on important response metrics like axial strength, axial deflection, load-deflection response, stiffness index, strength index, ductility index, and damage response. These variables include concentric and eccentric compression, helix pitch, steel bars, carbon-FRP wrapping, and glass-FRP bars. Both before and after the quick repair process, these metrics are evaluated. The results of the investigation show that the axial strengths of the reconstructed SSG and GSG columns are, respectively, 15.3% and 20.9% higher than those of their original counterparts. In addition, compared to their SSG counterparts, the repaired GSG samples exhibit an improvement in average ductility indices of 2.92% and a drop in average stiffness indices of 3.2%.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.81-92
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• 2022

The influence of normal stress perpendicular to the potential shear plane was always neglected in existing researches, which may lead to a serious deviation of the shear strength of concrete members in practice designs and numerical analyses. In this study, a series of experimental studies are carried out in this paper, which serves to investigate the shear behavior of concrete under compression shear loading. Based on the test results, a three-phase shear failure model for cohesive elements are developed, which is able to take into consideration the influence of normal stress on the shear strength of concrete. To identify the accuracy and applicability of the proposed model, numerical models of a double-noted concrete plate are developed and compared with experimental results. Results show that the proposed constitutive model is able to take into consideration the influence of normal stress on the shear strength of concrete materials, and is effective and accurate for describing the complex fracture of concrete, especially the failure modes under compression shear loadings.

• The Bulletin of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.38.1-38.1
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• 2021

Dust polarization depends on the physical and mechanical properties of dust, as well as the properties of local environments. To understand how dust polarization varies with grain mechanical properties and the local environment, in this paper, we model the wavelength-dependence polarization of starlight and polarized dust emission by aligned grains by simultaneously taking into account grain alignment and rotational disruption by radiative torques (RATs). We explore a wide range of the local radiation field and grain mechanical properties characterized by tensile strength. We find that the maximum polarization and the peak wavelength shift to shorter wavelengths as the radiation strength U increases due to the enhanced alignment of small grains. Grain rotational disruption by RATs tends to decrease the optical-near infrared polarization but increases the ultraviolet polarization of starlight due to the conversion of large grains into smaller ones. In particular, we find that the submillimeter (submm) polarization degree at 850㎛(P850) does not increase monotonically with the radiation strength or grain temperature (Td), but it depends on the tensile strength of grain materials. Our physical model of dust polarization can be tested with observations toward star-forming regions or molecular clouds irradiated by a nearby star, which have higher radiation intensity than the average interstellar radiation field. Finally, we compare our predictions of the P850-Td relationship with Planck data and find that the observed decrease of P850 with Td can be explained when grain disruption by RATs is accounted for, suggesting that interstellar grains unlikely to have a compact structure but perhaps a composite one. The variation of the submm polarization with U (or Td)can provide a valuable constraint on the internal structures of cosmic dust

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.202-210
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• 2023

Background: The elderly population is increasing rapidly worldwide. Muscle mass, usual walking speed (UWS), knee extension strength (KES), hand grip strength (HGS), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and depression is used for sarcopenia diagnosis. All four of these factors (KES, HGS, PEF, and depression) correlated with UWS and also to muscle mass. But, many studies have suggested that no correlation exists between muscle mass and UWS. Objects: This study aimed: 1) to investigate whether muscle mass reduction affected UWS, as mediated by KES, HGS, PEF and depression, and 2) to explored whether significant changes in these mediators varied by the body segment in which muscle mass evaluated in elderly female aged 65-80 years. Methods: A total of 100 female aged 65-80 years were surveyed. Muscle mass was measured by body segment (upper and lower segment), and KES, HGS, PEF, depression, and UWS were also assessed. Median analyses were progressed in IBM SPSS software (ver. 23.0, IBM Co.) using a downloaded INDIRECT macro. Results: The direct effect of the KES and PEF were significant, and the indirect effect of KES and PEF were not significant. Thus, KES and PEF served as full mediators of the effect of muscle mass on UWS. Regardless of bodily region, KES and PEF combined with muscle mass were significant mediators of UWS, with similar indirect effect sizes. Conclusion: KES and PEF are the only mediators regardless of body part. Therefore, mediating the KES and PEF may prevent sarcopenia progression in elderly female. Also, sarcopenia can be readily assessed by evaluating either the upper or lower body; it is not necessary to measure total muscle mass.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.465-474
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• 2023

The point load test (PLT) is a widely-used alternative method in the field to determine the uniaxial compressive strength due to its simple testing machine and procedure. The point load test index can estimate the uniaxial compressive strength through conversion factors based on the rock types. However, the mechanism correlating these two parameters and the influence of the mechanical properties on PLT results are still not well understood. This study proposed a theoretical model to understand the mechanism of PLT serving as an alternative to the UCS test based on laboratory observation and literature survey. This model found that the point load test is a self-confined compression test. There is a compressive ellipsoid near the loading axis, whose dilation forms a tensile ring that provides confinement on this ellipsoid. The peak load of a point load test is linearly positive correlated to the tensile strength and negatively correlated to the Poisson ratio. The model was then verified using numerical and experimental approaches. In numerical verification, the PLT discs were simulated using flat-joint BPM of PFC3D to model the force distribution, crack propagation and BPM properties' effect with calibrated micro-parameters from laboratory UCS test and point load test of Berea sandstones. It further verified the mechanism experimentally by conducting a uniaxial compressive test, Brazilian test, and point load test on four different rocks. The findings from this study can explain the mechanism and improve the understanding of point load in determining uniaxial compressive strength.

• The Journal of Korea Robotics Society
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.385-391
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• 2023

In the elderly population, sarcopenia occurs due to physical aging, leading to movement restrictions and loss of function. This results in dependence on daily activities and limitations in participation, ultimately decreasing the overall quality of life. In this study, we propose an algorithm designed to enable patients with sarcopenia to perform sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit movements seamlessly in their daily lives. The algorithm incorporates a wearable robot for muscle support and includes algorithms for standing and seated muscle strength support. To validate the algorithm's performance, EMG sensors were attached to the Rectus Femoris and Biceps Femoris muscles. The participants underwent two scenarios: one without wearing the device and one with the device providing muscle strength support, performing sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit motions for one minute in each case. The results showed a 16% increase in the EMG peak value of the Rectus Femoris muscle during standing motion (p=0.009). On the right side, there was a roughly 20% decrease (p=0.018) during standing and a 21% decrease (p=0.014) during sitting motion. In the future, we aim to gather additional data to further refine the algorithm. Our goal is to develop an optimal muscle strength support algorithm based on this data, making it applicable for real-life use by patients with sarcopenia.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.327-351
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• 2009

Laboratory tests are performed in this paper to investigate the brittle failure characteristics of over-stressed rocks taken in deep depth. Also, numerical simulation performed using that the so-called CWFS(Cohesion Weakening Frictional Strengthening) model is known to predict brittle failure phenomenon reasonably well. The most typical rock types of Korean peninsula - granite and gneiss - were used for testing. Results of uniaxial compression tests showed that the crack initiation stress was about 41 % to 42% of the uniaxial compressive strength regardless of rock types, where as, the crack damage stress of granite was about 75%, and that of gneiss was about 97%. Through the damage-controlled test, strength parameters of each rock were obtained as a function of damage degree. After the peak, the crack damage stress and the maximum stress were decreased, The cohesion was decreased and the friction angle was increased with increase of rock damage. Before reaching the peak, the elastic modulus was slightly increased, while decreased after the peak. Poisson's ratio was increased as the damage of rock proceeds. Comparison of uniaxial compression tests and damage-controlled tests shows the crack initiation stress estimated from the damage-controlled test fluctuated within the range of crack initiation stress obtained from the uniaxial compression test; the crack damage stress was less than that estimated from the uniaxial compression test. In order to predict the critical depth that brittle failure occurs, numerical simulations using the CWFS model were performed for an example site. Material parameters obtained from the laboratory tests mentioned above were used for CWFS simulation. Comparison between the critical depth predicted from the numerical simulation using the CWFS model and that predicted by using the damage index proposed by Martin et al.(l999), showed that critical depth cannot be reasonably predicted by the currently used damage index except for circular tunnels. A modified damage index was proposed by the author which takes the shape of tunnels other than circular into account.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.59-66
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• 2017

Modern seismic codes rely on performance-based seismic design methodology which requires that the structures withstand inelastic deformation. Many studies have focused on the inelastic deformation ratio evaluation (ratio between the inelastic and elastic maximum lateral displacement demands) for various inelastic spectra. This paper investigates the inelastic response spectra through the ductility demand ${\mu}$, the yield strength reduction factor $R_y$, and the inelastic deformation ratio. They depend on the vibration period T, the post-to-preyield stiffness ratio ${\alpha}$, the peak ground acceleration (PGA), and the normalized yield strength coefficient ${\eta}$ (ratio of yield strength coefficient divided by the PGA). A new inelastic deformation ratio $C_{\eta}$ is defined; it is related to the capacity curve (pushover curve) through the coefficient (${\eta}$) and the ratio (${\alpha}$) that are used as control parameters. A set of 140 real ground motions is selected. The structures are bilinear inelastic single degree of freedom systems (SDOF). The sensitivity of the resulting inelastic deformation ratio mean values is discussed for different levels of normalized yield strength coefficient. The influence of vibration period T, post-to-preyield stiffness ratio ${\alpha}$, normalized yield strength coefficient ${\eta}$, earthquake magnitude, ruptures distance (i.e., to fault rupture) and site conditions is also investigated. A regression analysis leads to simplified expressions of this inelastic deformation ratio. These simplified equations estimate the inelastic deformation ratio for structures, which is a key parameter for design or evaluation. The results show that, for a given level of normalized yield strength coefficient, these inelastic displacement ratios become non sensitive to none of the rupture distance, the earthquake magnitude or the site class. Furthermore, they show that the post-to-preyield stiffness has a negligible effect on the inelastic deformation ratio if the normalized yield strength coefficient is greater than unity.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.333-352
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• 2017

A comparison study is made between the dynamic properties of an argillaceous siltstone and its grouting-reinforced body. The purpose is to investigate how grout injection can help repair broken soft rocks. A slightly weathered argillaceous siltstone is selected, and part of the siltstone is mechanically crushed and cemented with Portland cement to simulate the grouting-reinforced body. Core specimens with the size of $50mm{\times}38mm$ are prepared from the original rock and the grouting-reinforced body. Impact tests on these samples are then carried out using a Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) apparatus. Failure patterns are analyzed and geotechnical parameters of the specimens are estimated. Based on the experimental results, for the grouting-reinforced body, its shock resistance is poorer than that of the original rock, and most cracks happen in the cementation boundaries between the cement mortar and the original rock particles. It was observed that the grouting-reinforced body ends up with more fragmented residues, most of them have larger fractal dimensions, and its dynamic strength is generally lower. The mass ratio of broken rocks to cement has a significant effect on its dynamic properties and there is an optimal ratio that the maximum dynamic peak strength can be achieved. The dynamic strain-softening behavior of the grouting-reinforced body is more significant compared with that of the original rock. Both the time dependent damage model and the modified overstress damage model are equally applicable to the original rock, but the former performs much better compared with the latter for the grouting-reinforced body. In addition, it was also shown that water content and impact velocity both have significant effect on dynamic properties of the original rock and its grouting-reinforced body. Higher water content leads to more small broken rock pieces, larger fractal dimensions, lower dynamic peak strength and smaller elastic modulus. However, the water content plays a minor role in fractal dimensions when the impact velocity is beyond a certain value. Higher impact loading rate leads to higher degree of fragmentation and larger fractal dimensions both in argillaceous siltstone and its grouting-reinforced body. These results provide a sound basis for the quantitative evaluation on how cement grouting can contribute to the repair of broken soft rocks.