• Computers and Concrete
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.1-14
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• 2024

The design of disturbed regions in reinforced concrete structures usually applies the well known Strut and Tie Method (STM). As an alternative, the Stringer-Panel Method (SPM), an intermediate model between STM and the Finite Element Method (FEM), consists in dividing a structure into two distinct elements: the stringers (which carry axial forces) and panels (which carry shear forces). SPM has already showed good applicability in manual calculations and computer implementations, and its most known application was SPanCAD, an AutoCAD plugin for linear and nonlinear analysis by SPM. Unfortunately, SPanCAD was discontinued by the developers, and it's not compatible with the most recent versions of AutoCAD. So, this paper aims to present a computer program that was developed as an upgrade to the latter: the Stringer Panel Modelling Tool (SPMTool), which is intended to be an auxiliary design tool and it presents improvements, in comparison to SPanCAD. It is possible to execute linear and nonlinear analysis by three distinct formulations: Modified Compression Field Theory (MCFT), Disturbed Stress Field Model (DSFM) and Softened Membrane Model (SMM). The nonlinear results were compared to experimental data of reinforced concrete elements that were not designed by SPM; these elements were also analyzed in SPanCAD. On overall, SPMTool made more realistic predictions to the behavior of the analyzed structures than SPanCAD. Except for DSFM predictions for corbels (1.24), in overall average, the ultimate load predictions were conservative (0.85 to 0.98), which is a good aspect for a design tool. On the other hand, the cracking load predictions presented overestimations (1.06 to 1.47) and higher variations (25.59% to 34.25%) and the post-cracking behavior could not be accurately predicted; for this use case, a more robust finite element software is recommended.

• Journal of Korea Multimedia Society
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• v.20 no.10
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• pp.1678-1688
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• 2017

Infiltration is one of detrimental problems occurring in nursing or medical settings. Early detection of infiltration is essential to minimize the risk of injury from infiltration. To perform a preliminary study on the point of care and automated infiltration detection system, bioelectrical impedance was investigated using bioelectrical impedance analyzer. We would like to report experimental results that allow impedance parameters to effectively distinguish infiltration. Electrodes were attached to both sides of the transparent dressing on the fusion site where IV solution was being infused. Then, impedance parameters before and after infiltration were measured as a function of time and frequency. The experimental results are as follows. After infiltration was intentionally induced by puncturing the vein wall with a needle, the resistance gradually decreased with time. That is, when an alternating current having a frequency of 20 kHz was applied to the electrodes, the resistance gradually decreased with time, reflecting the accumulation of IV solution in the extracellular fluid since the current could not pass through the cell membrane. Impedance parameters and equivalent circuit model for human cell were used to examine the mechanism of current flow before and after infiltration, which could be used for early detection of infiltration.