• Title/Summary/Keyword: Small bridge

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A multi-resolution analysis based finite element model updating method for damage identification

  • Zhang, Xin;Gao, Danying;Liu, Yang;Du, Xiuli
    • Smart Structures and Systems
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    • v.16 no.1
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    • pp.47-65
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    • 2015
  • A novel finite element (FE) model updating method based on multi-resolution analysis (MRA) is proposed. The true stiffness of the FE model is considered as the superposition of two pieces of stiffness information of different resolutions: the pre-defined stiffness information and updating stiffness information. While the resolution of former is solely decided by the meshing density of the FE model, the resolution of latter is decided by the limited information obtained from the experiment. The latter resolution is considerably lower than the former. Second generation wavelet is adopted to describe the updating stiffness information in the framework of MRA. This updating stiffness in MRA is realized at low level of resolution, therefore, needs less number of updating parameters. The efficiency of the optimization process is thus enhanced. The proposed method is suitable for the identification of multiple irregular cracks and performs well in capturing the global features of the structural damage. After the global features are identified, a refinement process proposed in the paper can be carried out to improve the performance of the MRA of the updating information. The effectiveness of the method is verified by numerical simulations of a box girder and the experiment of a three-span continues pre-stressed concrete bridge. It is shown that the proposed method corresponds well to the global features of the structural damage and is stable against the perturbation of modal parameters and small variations of the damage.

The Influence of Organizational Culture on Employees' Satisfaction and Commitment in SMEs: A Case Study in Vietnam

  • PHAM THI, Thuy Dung;NGO, Anh Tin;DUONG, Nam Tien;PHAM, Van Kien
    • The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business
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    • v.8 no.5
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    • pp.1031-1038
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    • 2021
  • The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of organizational culture on job satisfaction and organizational commitment among employees in small and medium-sized enterprises in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The study hypothesized that organizational culture has a significant influence on employees' satisfaction and that satisfaction also significantly impactsorganizational commitment among employees. The data are collected from a sample of 240 office employees. Structural Equation Modeling is used to determine the influence of organizational culture dimensions,including open working environment, salary, and rewards, empowerment, management style, corporate values, on employees' satisfaction and organizational commitment. The findings showed that the five dimensions of organizational culture positively impact employees' satisfaction and that job satisfaction significantly influences organizational commitment. Thus, job satisfaction serves as the bridge between organizational culture and commitment. The current study contributes to providing a practical insight into the relationships between organizational culture, employees' job satisfaction, and organizational commitment. Based on that, managers can develop suitable personnel policies for their organizations to simultaneously enhance employees' performance and satisfaction, which makes them stay with the company.

Influence of prestressing on the behavior of uncracked concrete beams with a parabolic bonded tendon

  • Bonopera, Marco;Chang, Kuo-Chun;Lin, Tzu-Kang;Tullini, Nerio
    • Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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    • v.77 no.1
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    • pp.1-17
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    • 2021
  • The influence of prestress force on the fundamental frequency and static deflection shape of uncracked Prestressed Concrete (PC) beams with a parabolic bonded tendon was examined in this paper. Due to the conflicts among existing theories, the analytical solutions for properly considering the dynamic and static behavior of these members is not straightforward. A series of experiments were conducted for a total period of approximately 2.5 months on a PC beam made with high strength concrete, subsequently and closely to the 28 days of age of concrete. Specifically, the simply supported PC member was short term subjected to free transverse vibration and three-point bending tests during its early-age. Subsequently, the experimental data were compared with a model that describes the dynamic behavior of PC girders as a combination of two substructures interconnected, i.e., a compressed Euler-Bernoulli beam and a tensioned parabolic cable. It was established that the fundamental frequency of uncracked PC beams with a parabolic bonded tendon is sensitive to the variation of the initial elastic modulus of concrete in the early-age curing. Furthermore, the small variation in experimental frequency with time makes doubtful its use in inverse problem identifications. Conversely, the relationship between prestress force and static deflection shape is well described by the magnification factor formula of the "compression-softening" theory by assuming the variation of the chord elastic modulus of concrete with time.

One-step deep learning-based method for pixel-level detection of fine cracks in steel girder images

  • Li, Zhihang;Huang, Mengqi;Ji, Pengxuan;Zhu, Huamei;Zhang, Qianbing
    • Smart Structures and Systems
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    • v.29 no.1
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    • pp.153-166
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    • 2022
  • Identifying fine cracks in steel bridge facilities is a challenging task of structural health monitoring (SHM). This study proposed an end-to-end crack image segmentation framework based on a one-step Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) for pixel-level object recognition with high accuracy. To particularly address the challenges arising from small object detection in complex background, efforts were made in loss function selection aiming at sample imbalance and module modification in order to improve the generalization ability on complicated images. Specifically, loss functions were compared among alternatives including the Binary Cross Entropy (BCE), Focal, Tversky and Dice loss, with the last three specialized for biased sample distribution. Structural modifications with dilated convolution, Spatial Pyramid Pooling (SPP) and Feature Pyramid Network (FPN) were also performed to form a new backbone termed CrackDet. Models of various loss functions and feature extraction modules were trained on crack images and tested on full-scale images collected on steel box girders. The CNN model incorporated the classic U-Net as its backbone, and Dice loss as its loss function achieved the highest mean Intersection-over-Union (mIoU) of 0.7571 on full-scale pictures. In contrast, the best performance on cropped crack images was achieved by integrating CrackDet with Dice loss at a mIoU of 0.7670.

High Efficiency Bridgeless Power Factor Correction Converter With Improved Common Mode Noise Characteristics (우수한 공통 모드 노이즈 특성을 가진 브릿지 다이오드가 없는 고효율 PFC 컨버터)

  • Jang, Hyo-Seo;Lee, Ju-Young;Kim, Moon-Young;Kang, Jeong-Il;Han, Sang-Kyoo
    • The Transactions of the Korean Institute of Power Electronics
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    • v.27 no.2
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    • pp.85-91
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    • 2022
  • This study proposes a high efficiency bridgeless Power Factor Correction (PFC) converter with improved common mode noise characteristics. Conventional PFC has limitations due to low efficiency and enlarged heat sink from considerable conduction loss of bridge diode. By applying a Common Mode (CM) coupled inductor, the proposed bridgeless PFC converter generates less conduction loss as only a small magnetizing current of the CM coupled inductor flows through the input diode, thereby reducing or removing heat sink. The input diode is alternately conducted every half cycle of 60 Hz AC input voltage while a negative node of AC input voltage is always connected to the ground, thus improving common mode noise characteristics. With the aim to improve switching loss and reverse recovery of output diode, the proposed circuit employs Critical Conduction Mode (CrM) operation and it features a simple Zero Current Detection (ZCD) circuit for the CrM. In addition, the input current sensing is possible with the shunt resistor instead of the expensive current sensor. Experimental results through 480 W prototype are presented to verify the validity of the proposed circuit.

Design of Miarigogae-park (미아리고개공원 설계)

  • Kim, Do-Kyong
    • Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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    • v.27 no.4
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    • pp.101-107
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    • 1999
  • In 1994, Songbuk-gu Office of Seoul held a design competition for Miarigogae-Park, Miarigogae has a special sense of place. It was a place where bararians had crossed the boundary to this country during the Manchu war of 1636. It was a public cemetery where only Koreans had been buried under the rule of Japanese imperialism. It was a place where national patriots had been kidnapped to the North during the Korean War. It's sorrows have been sung in the name of song-'Danjangeui-Miarigogae'(one of the most popular song in Korea). It's sense of place has been kept in every Korean people's mind in the form on 'non-physical image'. Even though, the site itself was a small space - only 1000㎡, the meaning of park-making was very significant. It meant that it would create a physical 'setting' to express the sense of place which has been existed only in our mind as a form of 'non-physical image'. In the winning scheme proposed by the author, the sense of place of Miarigogae was expressed in the form of 'castle walls' which could be easily come into everyone's mind as an image of war. The scope of work also included a crossing bridge and symbolic features. It was meaningful that a landscape architect won the competition including on those items which were not usually handled in pure landscape architectural offices. The purpose of this paper was to articulate the concept of the winning entry in detail and to describe how the concept actualized in reality.

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Enhancement of the energy efficiency of hydrogen SOFC system by integrated cold energy utilization and waste heat recovery method

  • Nguyen Quoc Huy;Duong Phan Anh;Ryu Bo Rim;Lee Jin Uk;Kang Ho Keun
    • Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Navigation and Port Research Conference
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    • 2022.11a
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    • pp.160-161
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    • 2022
  • Hydrogen is bridge fuel with high energy content and environmentally friendly to satisfy the stringent IMO regulation relating to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. There is growing interest in hydrogen in numerous nations and regions illustrated by an extensive range of research and development in technology. Regarding maritime applications, researchers have recognized the utilization of hydrogen as a fuel for fuel cells, a device that converts the chemical energy of the fuel to electrical energy. Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), with high working temperature, is easy to combine with the waste heat recovery cycles/devices to increase output power and thermodynamic performances as well. Furthermore, the cold energy from liquid hydrogen supplied to SOFC can also be used to generate more power. In this study, we proposed a SOFC integrated system with the idea of combining the waste heat recovery from the SOFC exhaust stream and cold energy utilization from LH2. The designation is aimed to target small-scale vessel which uses electric propulsion for short distances voyage.

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Computing the Bucking Rate of Japanese Larch Logs for Timber Harvesting

  • Daesung Lee;Yonghee Lee;Ilsub Lee;Jungkee Choi
    • Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
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    • v.40 no.1
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    • pp.35-42
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    • 2024
  • The Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi [Lamb.] Carriere) is a major timber species in Korea. However, studies on bucking rates and merchantable logs of this species are insufficient in South Korea. To bridge these gaps, in this study, the bucking rate of Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi [Lamb.] Carriere) was computed and the number of long logs and merchantable log volumes were analyzed. Sample trees were bucked according to the log grade for trading, and collected from a forest field in Gangwon Province. The bucking rate of all Japanese larch logs was >89%. The highly profitable 2-4 logs of 3.6 m length from trees with ≤30 cm diameter at breast height (DBH) and 5-6 logs with ≥34 cm DBH were produced. The bucking rate of long logs was >84%; thus, Japanese larch was found to be suitable for the supply of high-grade timber. Additionally, to follow reasonable wood supply plans, merchantable volume tables were offered based on 3.6 m-long number of logs and small-end diameter classes. Understanding the proportion of merchantable log volumes, bucking rates, and the number of long and short logs has large-scale applications in practical forestry.

AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF THE IRRADIATION EFFECTS ON THE MICROVASCULATURE OF THE RAT SUBMANDIBULAR GLAND (방사선 조사가 백서 악하선 미세혈관계에 미치는 영향에 관한 실험적 연구)

  • Choi Karp Shik;Choi Soon Chul;Park Tae won
    • Journal of Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
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    • v.22 no.1
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    • pp.43-53
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    • 1992
  • The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of irradiation on the microvascular structure of the submandibular gland in rats. For this study, 110 male rats were singly irradiated with the dose of 10Gy or 20Gy to their neck region by 6MV X-irradiation and sacrificed on the 1st, 3rd, 7th, 14th and 28th day after irradiation. The author observed distribution and structural changes of the microvasculature in rat submandibular glands using a scanning electron microscope by forming vascular resin casting. The author observed ultrastructural changes of the endothelial cells using a transmission electron microscope, and also histologic changes using a light microscope at Hematoxylin and Eosin staining and PAS staining process. The results of the irradiation effects on the microvasculature in rat submandibular gland were as follows: By light microscopic examination, the dilation of small vessels were observed until the 7th day after irradiation. After then, the vascular constriction and decrease in number of small vessels were noticed. Changes were greater on 20Gy irradiated group than on lOGy irradiated group. The reaction to PAS staining at acinar cells was decreased just after irradiation, but gradually recovered with days. There was no specific difference between two irradiated groups. By scanning electron microscopic examination, general findings on the two irradiated groups were similar. The dilation of conduits and meandering were observed on the 3rd day after irradiation. Decrease of capillary density and blunt ended small vessels were appeared on the 7th day after irradiation. After that, findings of the tortuous and twisted vascular running and coarseness of capillary lumen were increased. Changes were greater on 20Gy irradiated group than on l0Gy irradiated group. By transmission electron microscopic examination, increase of the formation of cytoplasmic process was observed on the 3rd day after irradiation. After that, swelling of endothelial cell and bridge formation of cytoplasmic processes were also observed, but destruction of endothelial cell and loss of basement membrane were observed only on 20Gy irradiated group on the 28th day after irradiation.

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Old Inner City Regeneration of Local Small-and-Medium Cities for the Invigoration of Commercial and Business Function : case of Dangjin-gun (상업 및 업무기능 활성화를 통한 지방중소도시 구도심 재생방안 : 당진군을 중심으로)

  • Choi, Ki-Tack;Lee, Joo-Hyung
    • The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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    • v.11 no.11
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    • pp.173-184
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    • 2011
  • This study suggests the invigoration strategies of commercial and business functions for regeneration of old inner city as city center by examining Dangjin County which is a typical example of the local small-and-medium city where old inner city had declined as the city grew. I conducted a conjoint analysis in terms of important introduction functions and city regeneration directions for the invigoration. The results upon this are as follows. First, low-density of commercial and business places and the utilization of historical and cultural resources instead of the high-density mixed-use development should be considered. Second, It is important to promote regional specialized business and facilities rather than to attract new industry(high-tech industry) for activating local economy. Third, specific and practical countermeasures for resettlement of low-incomes and for maintenance of existing business zone should be established. Fourth, in terms of the maintenance and management, regulation on illegal commercial transactions, improvement of public spaces, and securement of user safety should be considered. Fifth, in terms of consolidation of functions, easier accessibility using public transportations, advertising and promotion of the city, and holding a number of events should be contemplated. Sixth, supporting for business activities and for establishing guides for design of old inner city should be needed. Seventh, public institutions should play a role as a bridge between local residences and experts for balanced regional development.