• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.29 no.2A
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• pp.119-130
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• 2009

Seismic fragility curves of a structure represent the probability of exceeding the prescribed structural damage state for a given various levels of ground motion intensity such as peak ground acceleration (PGA), spectral acceleration ($S_a$) and spectral displacement ($S_d$). So those are very essential to evaluate the structural seismic performance and seismic risk. The purpose of this paper is to develop seismic fragility curves for PSC box girder bridges. In order to construct numerical fragility curve of bridge structure using nonlinear time history analysis, a set of ground motions corresponding to design spectrum are artificially generated. Assuming a lognormal distribution, the fragility curve is estimated by using the methodology proposed by Shinozuka et al. PGA is simple and generally used parameter in fragility curve as ground motion intensity. However, the PGA has not good relationship with the inelastic structural behavior. So, $S_a$ and $S_d$ with more direct relationship for structural damage are used in fragility analysis as more useful intensity measures instead of PGA. The numerical fragility curves based on nonlinear time history analysis are compared with those obtained from simple method suggested in HAZUS program.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.30 no.4A
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• pp.361-373
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• 2010

Bridges constructed without any expansion joint or bridge bearing are called integral abutment bridges. They integrate the substructure and the superstructure. Possible deformation of the superstructure, due to changes in temperature for example, is prevented by the bending of the piles placed at the lower part of the abutment. This study examines the behavior of integral abutment bridges through soil-pile interaction modeling method and proposes an appropriate modeling method. Also, it assesses the behavior characteristics of the superstructure and piles of integral abutment bridges through parametric study. Soil condition around the pile, abutment height, and pile length were selected as parameters to be analyzed. Structural analysis was conducted while considering the interactions of soil-pile and temperature change-earth pressure on the abutment. Comparative behavior analysis through soil-pile interaction modeling showed that elastic soil spring method is more appropriate in evaluating the behavior of integral abutment bridges. The parametric study showed the tendency that as the soil stiffness around the pile increases, the moment imposed on the superstructure increases, and the displacement of the piles decreases. In addition, it was observed that as the bridge height increases, the earth pressure on the abutment increases and that in turn affects the behavior of the superstructure and piles. Also, as the length of the pile increased, the integral bridge showed more flexible behavior.

• 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.

• Journal of the Korean Recycled Construction Resources Institute
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.381-390
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• 2023

In this study, the mechanical performance of concrete exposed to chloride ion penetration was investigated. And a compressive stress-strain model was presented. CaCl₂ solution was added when mixing concrete to simulate long-term chloride ion penetration, and the concentration of chlorine ions was set to 0, 1, 2, and 4 % based on the weight of the binder. To investigate the compressive stress-strain curve after the peak stress of concrete, the compressive strength was measured by displacement control. When the chlorine ion concentration was 1 %, peak stress increased, but when the chlorine ion concentration was 2 % or more, peak stress decreased. In the case of peak strain, no trend according to chloride ion concentration was observed at 7 days. At 28 days, peak strain decreased as the chloride ion concentration increased. A compressive stress-strain curve model based on the Popovics model was presented using changes in peak stress and peak strain at 28 days. Microstructure analyses were performed to investigate the cause of the decrease in mechanical performance as the concentration of chlorine ions increased. It was confirmed that as the concentration of chlorine ion increased, Friedel's salt increased and portlandite decreased.

• Progress in Superconductivity and Cryogenics
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.19-23
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• 2023

The Second-generation high-temperature superconducting (HTS) Rare-Earth Barium Copper Oxide (REBCO) wire is a composite laminate having a multi-layer structure (8 or more layers). HTS wires will undergo multiple loads including the bending-tension loads during winding, high current density, and high magnetic fields. In particular, the wires are subjected to bending stress and magnetic field stress because HTS wires are wound around a circular bobbin when making a high-field magnetic. Each of the different laminated wires inevitably exhibits damage and fracture behavior of wire due to stress deformation, mismatches in thermal, physical, electrical, and magnetic properties. Therefore, when manufacturing high-field magnets and other applications, it is necessary to calculate the stress-strain experienced by high-temperature superconducting wire to present stable operating conditions in the product's use environment. In this study, the finite element model (FEM) was used to simulate the strain-stress characteristics of the HTS wire under high current density and magnetic field, and bending loads. In addition, the result of obtaining the neutral axis of the wire and the simulation result was compared with the theoretical calculation value and reviewed. As a result of the simulation using COMSOL Multiphysics, when a current of 100 A was applied to the wire, the current value showed the difference of 10^-9. The stress received by the wire was 501.9 MPa, which showed a theoretically calculated value of 500 MPa and difference of 0.38% between simulation and theoretical method. In addition, the displacement resulted is 30.0012 ㎛, which is very similar to the theoretically calculated value of 30 ㎛. Later, the amount of bending stress by the circular mandrel was received for each layer and the difference with the theoretically obtained the neutral axis result was compared and reviewed. This result will be used as basic data for manufacturing high-field magnets because it can be expanded and analyzed even in the case of wire with magnetic flux pinning.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.197-203
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• 2023

Background: The thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) and Monte Carlo (MC) dosimetry are carried out to determine the occupational dose for personnel in the handling of ¹²⁵I seed sources. Materials and Methods: TLDs were placed in different layers of the Alderson-Rando phantom in the thyroid, lung and also eyes and skin surface. An ¹²⁵I seed source was prepared and its activity was measured using a dose calibrator and was placed at two distances of 20 and 50 cm from the Alderson-Rando phantom. In addition, the Monte Carlo N-Particle Extended (MCNPX 2.6.0) code and a computational phantom with a lattice-based geometry were used for organ dose calculations. Results and Discussion: The comparison of TLD and MC results in the thyroid and lung is consistent. Although the relative difference of MC dosimetry to TLD for the eyes was between 4% and 13% and for the skin between 19% and 23%, because of the existence of a higher uncertainty regarding TLD positioning in the eye and skin, these inaccuracies can also be acceptable. The isodose distribution was calculated in the cross-section of the head phantom when the ¹²⁵I seed was at two distances of 20 and 50 cm and it showed that the greatest dose reduction was observed for the eyes, skin, thyroid, and lungs, respectively. The results of MC dosimetry indicated that for near the head positions (distance of 20 cm) the absorbed dose rates for the eye lens, eye and skin were 78.1±2.3, 59.0±1.8, and 10.7±0.7 µGy/mCi/hr, respectively. Furthermore, we found that a 30 cm displacement for the ¹²⁵I seed reduced the eye and skin doses by at least 3- and 2-fold, respectively. Conclusion: Using a computational phantom to monitor the dose to the sensitive organs (eye and skin) for personnel involved in the handling of ¹²⁵I seed sources can be an accurate and inexpensive method.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.362-368
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• 2023

Purpose: Clinical reports on treatment outcomes of sternal fractures are lacking. This study details the clinical features, treatment approaches, and outcomes related to traumatic sternal fractures over a 10-year period at a single institution. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted of patients admitted to a regional trauma center between January 2012 and December 2021. Among 7,918 patients with chest injuries, 266 were diagnosed with traumatic sternal fractures. Patient data were collected, including demographics, injury mechanisms, severity, associated injuries, sternal fracture characteristics, hospital stay duration, mortality, respiratory complications, and surgical details. Surgical indications encompassed emergency cases involving intrathoracic injuries, unstable fractures, severe dislocations, flail chest, malunion, and persistent high-grade pain. Results: Of 266 patients with traumatic sternal fractures, 260 were included; 98 underwent surgical treatment for sternal fractures, while 162 were managed conservatively. Surgical indications ranged from intrathoracic organ or blood vessel injuries necessitating thoracotomy to unstable fractures with severe dislocations. Factors influencing surgical treatment included flail motion and rib fracture. The median length of intensive care unit stay was 5.4 days (interquartile range [IQR], 1.5-18.0 days) for the nonsurgery group and 8.6 days (IQR, 3.3-23.6 days) for the surgery group. The median length of hospital stay was 20.9 days (IQR, 9.3-48.3 days) for the nonsurgery group and 27.5 days (IQR, 17.0 to 58.0 days) for the surgery group. The between-group differences were not statistically significant. Surgical interventions were successful, with stable bone union and minimal complications. Flail motion in the presence of rib fracture was a crucial consideration for surgical intervention. Conclusions: Surgical treatment recommendations for sternal fractures vary based on flail chest presence, displacement degree, and rib fracture. Surgery is recommended for patients with offset-type sternal fractures with rib and segmental sternal fractures. Surgical intervention led to stable bone union and minimal complications.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.268-274
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• 2023

Finite source inversion is performed with a Green's function matrix and geodetic coseismic displacement. Conventionally, the Green's function matrix is constructed using the Okada model (Okada, 1985). However, for more realistic earthquake simulations, recent research has widely adopted the physics-based model, which can consider various material properties such as elasticity, viscoelasticity, and elastoplasticity. We used the physics-based software PyLith, which is suitable for earthquake modeling. However, the PyLith does not provide a mesh generator, which makes it difficult to perform finite source inversions that require numerous subfaults and observation points within the model. Therefore, in this study, we developed CPInterface (COMSOL-PyLith Interface) to improve the convenience of finite source inversion by combining the processes of creating a numerical model including sub-faults and observation points, simulating earthquake modeling, and constructing a Green's function matrix. CPInterface combines the grid generator of COMSOL with PyLith to generate the Green's function matrix automatically. CPInterface controls model and fault information with simple parameters. In addition, elastic subsurface anomalies and GPS observations can be placed flexibly in the model. CPInterface is expected to enhance the accessibility of physics-based finite source inversions by automatically generating the Green's function matrix.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.43-57
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• 2023

The impacts of waste tire rubber (WTR) on the bending conduct of reinforced concrete beams (RCBs) are investigated in visualization of experimental tests and 3D finite element model (FEM) using both ANSYS and SAP2000. Several WTR rates are used in total 4 various full scale RCBs to observe the impact of WTR rate on the rupture and bending conduct of RCBs. For this purpose, the volumetric ratios (Vf) of WTR were chosen to change to 0%, 2.5%, 5% and 7.5% in the whole concrete. In relation to experimental test consequences, bending and rupture behaviors of the RCBs are observed. The best performance among the beams was observed in the beams with 2.5% WTR. Furthermore, as stated by test consequences, it is noticed that while WTR rate in the RCBs is improved, max. bending in the RCBs rises. For test consequences, it is clearly recognized as WTR rate in the RCB mixture is improved from 0% to 2.5%, deformation value in the RCB remarkably rises from 3.89 cm to 7.69 cm. This consequence is markedly recognized that WTR rates have a favorable result on deformation values in the RCBs. Furthermore, experimental tests are compared to 3D FEM consequences via using ANSYS software. In the ANSYS, special element types are formed and nonlinear multilinear misses plasticity material model and bilinear misses plasticity material model are chosen for concrete and compression and tension elements. As a consequence, it is noticed that each WTR rates in the RCBs mixture have dissimilar bending and rupture impacts on the RCBs. Then, to observe the impacts of WTR rate on the constructions under near-fault ground motions, a reinforced-concrete building was modelled via using SAP2000 software using 3-D model of the construction to complete nonlinear static analysis. Beam, column, steel haunch elements are modeled as nonlinear frame elements. Consequently, the seismic impacts of WTR rate on the lateral motions of each floor are obviously investigated particularly. Considering reduction in weight of structure and capacity of the members with using waste tire rubber, 2.5% of WTR resulted in the best performance while the construction is subjected to near fault earthquakes. Moreover, it is noticeably recognized that WTR rate has opposing influences on the seismic displacement behavior of the RC constructions.

• Explosives and Blasting
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.1-8
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• 2023

On August 4, 2020, 2750 tons of ammonium nitrate stored in a storage warehouse at the Port of Beirut exploded. This explosion is said to be the largest ammonium nitrate explosion ever. By applying the TNT equivalency method, TNT equivalent amount corresponding to the explosion energy of 2750 tons of ammonium nitrate was calculated, and it is found to be 856 tons. Overpressure and impulse were calculated in a range up to 3600 m from the blast using the Kingery-Bulmash explosion parameter calculator tool. As the distance from the explosion center increases, the overpressure and impulse decrease exponentially, but the overpressure decreases more significantly, showing that overpressure is more affected by distance than the impact. As a result of applying the damage criteria to evaluate the effects of overpressure and impulse on the structure, the critical distances at which partial collapse, major damage, and minor damage to the structure occur are found to be approximately 500, 800, and 2200 m from the center of the explosion, respectively. The probit function was applied to evaluate the probability of damage to structures and human body. The points where the probability of collapse, major damage, minor damage, and breakage of window-panes to structures are greater than 50% are found to be approximately 500, 810, 2200, and 3200 m, respectively. For people within 200 m from the center of the explosion, the probability of death due to lung damage is more than 99%, and the 50% probability of eardrum rupture is approximately 300 m. The points with a 100% probability of death due to skull rupture and whole body impact due to whole body displacement are evaluated to be 300 and 100 m, respectively.