• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.485-499
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• 2018

In this paper, a hollow steel tube (HST) shear connector is proposed for use in a slim-floor system. The HST welded to a perforated steel beam web and embedded in concrete slab. A total of 10 push-out tests were conducted under static loading to investigate the mechanical behavior of the proposed HST connector. The variables were the shapes (circular, square and rectangular) and sizes of hollow steel tubes, and the compressive strength of the concrete. The failure mode was recorded as: concrete slab compressive failure under the steel tube and concrete tensile splitting failure, where no failure occurred in the HST. Test results show that the square shape HST in filled via concrete strength 40 MPa carried the highest shear load value, showing three times more than the reference specimens. It also recorded less slip behavior, and less compressive failure mode in concrete underneath the square hollow connector in comparison with the circular and rectangular HST connectors in both concrete strengths. The rectangular HST shows a 20% higher shear resistance with a longer width in the load direction in comparison with that in the smaller dimension. The energy absorption capacity values showed 23% and 18% improvements with the square HST rather than a headed shear stud when embedded in concrete strengths of 25 MPa and 40 MPa, respectively. Moreover, an analytical method was proposed and predicts the shear resistance of the HST shear connectors with a standard deviation of 0.14 considering the shape and size of the connectors.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.18 no.6
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• pp.1569-1582
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• 2015

This study explores the lateral deflections of diagonal braces in concentrically-braced earthquake-resisting frames. The performance of this widely-used system is often compromised by the flexural buckling of slender braces in compression. In addition to reducing the compressive resistance, buckling may also cause these members to undergo sizeable lateral deflections which could damage surrounding structural components. Different approaches have been used in the past to predict the mid-length lateral deflections of cyclically loaded steel braces based on their theoretical deformed geometry or by using experimental data. Expressions have been proposed relating the mid-length lateral deflection to the axial displacement ductility of the member. Recent experiments were conducted on hollow and concrete-filled circular hollow section (CHS) braces of different lengths under cyclic loading. Very slender, concrete-filled tubular braces exhibited a highly ductile response, undergoing large axial displacements prior to failure. The presence of concrete infill did not influence the magnitude of lateral deflection in relation to the axial displacement, but did increase the number of cycles endured and the maximum axial displacement achieved. The corresponding lateral deflections exceeded the deflections observed in the majority of the previous experiments that were considered. Consequently, predictive expressions from previous research did not accurately predict the mid-height lateral deflections of these CHS members. Mid-length lateral deflections were found to be influenced by the member non-dimensional slenderness (${\bar{\lambda}}$) and hence a new expression was proposed for the lateral deflection in terms of member slenderness and axial displacement ductility.

• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.317-326
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• 2011

Today there is a growing range of applications for Concrete-Filled Steel Tube (CFT) member because of its superior performance. Ductility estimation test of concrete-filled seismic resistant steel tubular columns, subjected to axial and cyclic lateral load, was carried out in this study. Seismic resistant steel tubes are manufactured using SN400B plates by a two-seam welding at center of the column width for cold press-formed shape plates of two pieces. A total of eight specimens were manufactured and tested with the parameters of width-thickness ratio of steel tubular column, axial load ratio, and loading conditions to act axial and cyclic lateral load two dynamic actuators were used. From test results, flexural strength, deformation capacity, energy dissipation capacity, and ductility behavior of columns were analyzed.

• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.233-241
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• 2005

The paper is presented experimental study results on bond stress between profiled steel and concrete in Profiled SPC(Profiled Steel Plate Concrete) rectangular steel tubes through an experimental program in which 13 pull-out specimens were tested. Advantages and class of composite members and current problems of construction work are noted, past research of PSSC is described. An experimental study is described and evaluated. The bond capacity is interrelated with slip at the steel concrete interface. The factors influencing the mechanism of bond stress transfer were the cross section shape, length/diameter, diameter/thickness and environmental parameters (temperature, moisture). The results of experimental program indicated that the force transfer could be characterized into two regions The first region was governed by bond with no relative slip between the profiled steel and concrete. The second region occurs after the chemical debonding. Bond stress transfer in this region was governed by frictional resistance between profiled steel and concrete and cross section shapes. The important factors influencing the magnitude of frictional resistance are the profiled steel shapes, length/diameter and environmental parameters. (temperature, moisture)

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.128-135
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• 2014

Objective: This study evaluated the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of fixed orthodontic treatment with three different light-cured orthodontic bonding composites by analyzing micronucleus (MN) formation in the buccal mucosa during a 6-month period. Methods: Thirty healthy volunteers were selected from consecutive patients referred for orthodontic treatment. Equilibrium 2 brackets and molar tubes (Dentaurum) were bonded with three different lightcured orthodontic bonding composites-Transbond XT (3M Unitek), Kurasper F (Kuraray Europe), or GrenGloo (Ormco Corporation)- to all teeth in both arches. Exfoliated buccal epithelial cells were scraped from the middle part of the inner cheeks with sterile cement spatulas before treatment and at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment. MNs and nuclear alterations, such as karyorrhexis (KR), karyolysis (KL), and binucleated cells (BNs), were scored under a light microscope. Repeated measure ANOVA was used to calculate statistical differences in degenerative nuclear abnormalities. Results: MN rates did not significantly differ among different time points within the same cell type (p > 0.05). In contrast, the number of BNs in buccal epithelial cells significantly increased in all composite groups (p < 0.01, Transbond XT; p < 0.001, Kurasper F and GrenGloo). KL frequency significantly increased between the beginning and end of the study in the Kurasfer F ($0.80{\pm}0.79$ to $1.90{\pm}1.10$; p < 0.05) and GrenGloo ($1.30{\pm}1.06$ to $2.40{\pm}1.08$; p < 0.05) groups. Conclusions: After 6 months of fixed orthodontic treatment with different light-cured composites, morphological signs of cytotoxicity were observed but genotoxic effects were absent.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.509-523
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• 2018

This paper presents experimental results on the residual bond-slip behavior of high strength concrete-filled square steel tube (HSCFST) after elevated temperatures. Three parameters were considered in this test: (a) temperature (i.e., $20^{\circ}C$, $200^{\circ}C$, $400^{\circ}C$, $600^{\circ}C$, $800^{\circ}C$); (b) concrete strength (i.e., C60, C70, C80); (c) anchorage length (i.e., 250 mm, 400 mm). A total of 17 HSCFST specimens were designed for push-out test after elevated temperatures. The load-slip curves at the loading end and free end were obtained, in addition, the distribution of steel tube strain and the bond stress along the anchorage length were analyzed. Test results show that the shape of load-slip curves at loading ends and free ends are similar. With the temperature constantly increasing, the bond strength of HSCFST increases first and then decreases; furthermore, the bond strength of HSCFCT proportionally increases with the anchoring length growing. Additionally, the higher the temperature is, the smaller and lower the bond damage develops. The energy dissipation capacity enhances with the concrete strength rasing, while, decreases with the temperature growing. What is more, the strain and stress of steel tubes are exponentially distributed, and decrease from the free end to loading end. According to experimental findings, constitutive formula of the bond slip of HSCFST experienced elevated temperatures is proposed, which fills well with test data.

• Advances in Energy Research
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.219-226
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• 2017

Electrochemical double layer capacitors (EDLCs) have received a tremendous interest due to their suitability for diverse applications. They have been fabricated using different carbon based electrodes including activated carbons, single walled/multi walled carbon nano tubes. But, graphite which is one of the natural resources in Sri Lanka has not been given a considerable attention towards using for EDLCs though it is a famous carbon material. On the other hand, EDLCs are well reported with various liquid electrolytes which are associated with numerous drawbacks. Gel polymer electrolytes (GPE) are well known alternative for liquid electrolytes. In this paper, it is reported about an EDLC fabricated with a nano composite polyethylene oxide based GPE and two Sri Lankan graphite based electrodes. The composition of the GPE was [{(10PEO: $NaClO_4$) molar ratio}: 75wt.% PC] : 5 wt.% $TiO_2$. GPE was prepared using the solvent casting method. Two graphite electrodes were prepared by mixing 85% graphite and 15% polyvinylidenefluoride (PVdF) in acetone and casting n fluorine doped tin oxide glass plates. GPE film was sandwiched in between the two graphite electrodes. A non faradaic charge discharge mechanism was observed from the Cyclic Voltammetry study. GPE was stable in the potential windows from (-0.8 V-0.8 V) to (-1.5 V-1.5 V). By increasing the width of the potential window, single electrode specific capacity increased. Impedance plots confirmed the capacitive behavior at low frequency region. Galvanostatic charge discharge test yielded an average discharge capacity of $0.60Fg^{-1}$.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.188-199
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• 2017

Objectives: This in vitro study evaluated the effect of dentin biomodifiers on the immediate and long-term bond strengths of a simplified etch and rinse adhesive to dentin. Materials and Methods: Flat coronal dentin surfaces were prepared in 120 extracted human molars. Teeth were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 24) according to 5 different surface pre-treatments: No pre-treatment (control); 1M carbodiimide (EDC); 0.1% epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG); 2% minocycline (MI); 10% sodium ascorbate (SA). After surface pre-treatment, adhesive (Adper Single Bond 2 [SB], 3M ESPE) was applied. Composite was applied into transparent plastic tubes (2.5 mm in diameter), which was placed over the bonded dentin surface. From each group, 10 samples were subjected to shear bond strength (SBS) evaluation at 24 hours (immediate) and remaining 10 samples were tested after 6 months (delayed). Additionally, 4 samples per group were subjected to scanning electron microscopic analysis for observation of resin-dentin interface. The data were statistically analysed with Shaperio-Wilk W test, 2-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and post hoc Tukey's test. Results: At 24 hours, SBS of all surface pre-treatment groups were comparable with the control group, with significant differences found between EDC and SA groups only (p = 0.009). After 6 months storage, EDC, EGCG, and MI pre-treatments preserved the resindentin bond strength with no significant fall. Conclusions: Dentin pre-treatment with all the dentin biomodifiers except SA resulted in significant preservation of resin-dentin bond over 6 months storage period, without negatively affecting the immediate bond strength of the etch and rinse adhesive tested.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.223-228
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• 2018

AREVA NP (Courbevoie, Paris, France) is actively developing several enhanced accident-tolerant fuels cladding concepts ranging from near-term evolutionary (Cr-coated zirconium alloy cladding) to long-term revolutionary (SiC/SiC composite cladding) solutions, relying on its worldwide teams and partnerships, with programs and irradiations planned both in Europe and the United States. The most advanced and mature solution is a dense, adherent chromium coating on zirconium alloy cladding, which was initially developed along with the CEA and EDF in the French joint nuclear R&D program. The evaluation of the out-of-pile behavior of the Cr-coated cladding showed excellent results, suggesting enhanced reliability, enhanced operational flexibility, and improved economics in normal operating conditions. For example, because chromium is harder than zirconium, the Cr coating provides the cladding with a significantly improved wear resistance. Furthermore, Cr-coated samples exhibit extremely low corrosion kinetics in autoclave and prevents accelerated corrosion in harsh environments such as in water with 70 ppm Li leading to improved operational flexibility. Finally, AREVA NP has fabricated a physical vapor deposition prototype machine to coat full-length cladding tubes. This machine will be used for the manufacturing of full-length lead test rods in commercial reactors by 2019.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.18 no.6
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• pp.677-689
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• 2020

A building structural system of moment resisting frame (MRF) with concrete filled steel tubular (CFST) columns and wide flange H beams, is one of the most conveniently constructed structural systems. However, there were few studies on evaluating seismic performance of full-scale CFST columns under high axial compression. In addition, some existing famous design codes propose various limits of width-to-thickness ratio (B/t) for steel tubes of the ductile CFST composite members. This study was intended to investigate the seismic behavior of CFST columns under high axial load compression. Four full-scale square CFST column specimens with a B/t of 42 were carried out that were subjected to horizontal cyclic-reversal loads combined with constantly light, medium and high axial loads and with a linearly varied axial load, respectively. Test results revealed that shear strength and deformation capacity of the columns significantly decreased when the axial compression exceeded 0.35 times the nominal compression strength of a CFST column, P₀. It was obvious that the higher the axial compression, the lower both the shear strength and deformation capacities were, and the earlier and faster the shear strength degradation occurred. It was found as well that higher axial compressions resulted in larger initial lateral stiffness and faster degradation of post-yield lateral stiffness. Meanwhile, the lower axial compressions led to better energy dissipation capacities with larger cumulative energy. Moreover, the study implied that under axial compressions greater than 0.35P₀, the CFST column specimens with B/t limits recommended by AISC 360 (2016), ACI 318 (2014), AIJ (2008) and EC4 (2004) codes do not provide ultimate interstory drift ratio of more than 3% radian, and only the limit in ACI 318 (2014) code satisfies this requirement when axial compression does not exceed 0.35P₀.