• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.521-535
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• 2022

Efficient management of deteriorating civil infrastructure is one of the most important research topics in many developed countries. In particular, the remote displacement measurement of bridges using linear variable differential transformers, global positioning systems, laser Doppler vibrometers, and computer vision technologies has been attempted extensively. This paper proposes a remote displacement measurement system using closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs) and a computer-vision-based method for in-situ bridge bearings having relatively large displacement due to temperature change in long term. The hardware of the system is composed of a reference target for displacement measurement, a CCTV to capture target images, a gateway to transmit images via a mobile network, and a central server to store and process transmitted images. The usage of CCTV capable of night vision capture and wireless data communication enable long-term 24-hour monitoring on wide range of bridge area. The computer vision algorithm to estimate displacement from the images involves image preprocessing for enhancing the circular features of the target, circular Hough transformation for detecting circles on the target in the whole field-of-view (FOV), and homography transformation for converting the movement of the target in the images into an actual expansion displacement. The simple target design and robust circle detection algorithm help to measure displacement using target images where the targets are far apart from each other. The proposed system is installed at the Tancheon Overpass located in Seoul, and field experiments are performed to evaluate the accuracy of circle detection and displacement measurements. The circle detection accuracy is evaluated using 28,542 images captured from 71 CCTVs installed at the testbed, and only 48 images (0.168%) fail to detect the circles on the target because of subpar imaging conditions. The accuracy of displacement measurement is evaluated using images captured for 17 days from three CCTVs; the average and root-mean-square errors are 0.10 and 0.131 mm, respectively, compared with a similar displacement measurement. The long-term operation of the system, as evaluated using 8-month data, shows high accuracy and stability of the proposed system.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.39 no.11
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• pp.7-22
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• 2023

In January 2022, a new legislation was enforced to enhance the safety of underground construction. Consequently, a comprehensive assessment of underground safety is now an integral part of the planning process, including an evaluation of its impact. Ensuring the stability of temporary retaining walls during underground excavation has become paramount, prompting a heightened focus on the assessment of underground safety. This study delves into the analysis of the Multi-axis Flat Continuous Soil Cement Wall retaining wall (MFS) construction method. This method facilitates the expansion of wall thickness in the ground and provides flexibility in selecting and spacing H-piles. Through laboratory model tests, we scrutinized the load-displacement behavior of the wall, varying the H-pile installation intervals using the MFS method. Additionally, a 3-dimensional numerical analysis was conducted to explore the influence of H-pile installation intervals and sizes on the load for different thicknesses of the MFS retaining wall. The displacement analysis yielded the calculation of the height of the arching effect acting on the wall. To further our understanding, a design method was introduced, quantitatively analyzing the results of axial force and shear force acting on the wall. This involved applying the maximum arching height, calculated by the MFS method, to the existing member force review method. The axial force and shear force, contingent on the H-pile installation interval and size applied to the MFS retaining wall, demonstrated a reduction effect ranging from 24.6% to 62.9%.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.227-237
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• 2023

PURPOSE. This study aimed to assess and compare the color stability, flexural strength (FS), and surface roughness of occlusal splints fabricated from heat-cured acrylic resin, milled polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)-based resin, and 3D-printed (PMMA) based-resin. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Samples of each type of resin were obtained, and baseline measurements of color and surface roughness were recorded. The specimens were divided into three groups (n = 10) and subjected to distinct aging protocols: thermomechanical cycling (TMC), simulated brushing (SB), and control (without aging). Final assessments of color and surface roughness and three-point bending test (ODM100; Odeme) were conducted, and data were statistically analyzed (2-way ANOVA, Tukey, P <.05). RESULTS. Across all resin types, the most significant increase in surface roughness (Ra) was observed after TMC (P < .05), with the 3D-printed resin exhibiting the lowest Ra (P < .05). After brushing, milled resin displayed the highest Ra (P < .05) and greater color alteration (∆E₀₀) compared to 3D-printed resin. The most substantial ∆E₀₀ was recorded after brushing for all resins, except for heat-cured resin subjected to TMC. Regardless of aging, milled resin exhibited the highest FS (P < .05), except when compared to 3D-printed resin subjected to TMC. Heat-cured resin exposed to TMC demonstrated the lowest FS, different (P < .05) from the control. Under control conditions, milled resin exhibited the highest FS, different (P < .05) from the brushed group. 3D-printed resin subjected to TMC displayed the highest FS (P < .05). CONCLUSION. Among the tested resins, 3D-printed resin demonstrated superior longevity, characterized by minimal surface roughness and color alterations. Aging had a negligible impact on its mechanical properties.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.39 no.12
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• pp.93-102
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• 2023

Despite recent modifications to building structural standards emphasizing the seismic stability of building foundations, the current design focus remains solely on vertical support, resulting in insufficient consideration of horizontal loads during earthquakes. In this study, we evaluated the dynamic behavior of inclined tripod micropiles (ITMP), which provide additional seismic resistance against horizontal and vertical loads during earthquakes. A comparison of the dynamic characteristics, such as acceleration, displacement, bending moment, and axial force, of ITMP with a 15° installation angle and normal vertical micropiles with a 0° installation angle was performed using dynamic centrifuge model tests. Results show that under moderate seismic loads, the proposed ITMP exhibited lower acceleration responses than the vertical micropiles. However, when subjected to a long-period strong seismic excitation, such as sine (2 Hz), ITMP showed greater responses than the vertical micropiles in terms of acceleration and settlement. These results indicate that the use of ITMP reduces the amplif ication of short-period (high-f requency) contents compared with the use of vertical micropiles. Therefore, ITMP can be used to enhance seismic performance of structures.

• Atmosphere
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.203-216
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• 2024

The National Institute of Meteorological Sciences in Korea has developed the Weather Modification Hybrid Rocket (WMHR), an advanced system that offers enhanced stability and cost-effectiveness over conventional solid-fuel rockets. Designed for precise operation, the WMHR enables accurate control over the ejection altitude of pyrotechnics by modulating the quantity of oxidizer, facilitating specific cloud seeding at various atmospheric layers. Furthermore, the rate of descent for pyrotechnic devices can be adjusted by modifying parachute sizes, allowing for controlled dispersion time and concentration of seeding agents. The rocket's configuration also supports adjustments in the pyrotechnic device's capacity, permitting tailored seeding agent deployment. This innovation reflects significant technical progression and collaborations with local manufacturers, in addition to efforts to secure testing sites and address hybrid rocket production challenges. Notable outcomes of this project include the creation of a national framework for weather modification technology utilizing hybrid rockets, enhanced cloud seeding methods, and the potential for broader meteorological application of hybrid rockets beyond precipitation augmentation. An illustrative case study confirmed the WMHR's operational effectiveness, although the impact on cloud seeding was limited by unfavorable weather conditions. This experience has provided valuable insights and affirmed the system's potential for varied uses, such as weather modification and deploying high-altitude meteorological sensors. Nevertheless, the expansion of civilian weather rocket experiments in Korea faces challenges due to inadequate infrastructure and regulatory limitations, underscoring the urgent need for advancements in these areas.

• Journal of Advanced Navigation Technology
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.254-261
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• 2024

Accurate guidance during landing and take-off is important, and instrument landing system (ILS) has been used for stability and verification. Regular inspections are conducted for stable operation, and there is research to perform inspection using drones in addition to ground vehicles and measurement aircraft. Using SDR and single board computer, which can receive wide frequency range, we designed a small system that receives and processes localizer signals through GNU Radio. To check signal processing characteristics through GNU Radio, we simulated with MATLAB Simulink and confirmed the theoretical values. Difference in depth of modulation (DDM) and approach angle can be calculated when the aircraft enters the runway. And GNU Radio implemented real-time signal processing wirelessly using transmission control protocol (TCP). This gives the results within the error of 0.5% when the aircraft entered the runway center line and 0.27% for the angle of 1° degree. Compared to the inspecting and maintaining ILS signals using aircraft or ground vehicles, it is possible to implement a receiving system using small SDR that can be mounted for drone.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.407-417
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• 2024

The objective of this study is to predict and reduce potential damage caused by chlorine gas leaks, a hazardous material, when vehicles transporting it overturn due to accidents or other incidents. The goal is to forecast the anticipated damages caused by chlorine toxicity levels (ppm) and to design effective response strategies for mitigating them. To predict potential damages, we conducted quantitative assessments using the ALOHA program to calculate the toxic effects (ppm) and damage distances resulting from chlorine leaks, taking into account potential negligence of drivers during transportation. The extent of damage from toxic gas leaks is influenced by various factors, including the amount of the leaked hazardous material and the meteorological conditions at the time of the leak. Therefore, a comprehensive analysis of damage distances was conducted by examining various scenarios that involved variations in the amount of leakage and weather conditions. Under intermediate conditions (leakage quantity: 5 tons, wind speed: 3 m/s, atmospheric stability: D), the estimated distance for exceeding the AEGL-2 level of 2 ppm was calculated to be 9 km. This concentration poses a high risk of respiratory disturbance and potential human casualties, comparable to the toxicity of hydrogen chloride. In particular, leaks in urban areas can lead to significant loss of life. In the event of a leakage incident, we proposed a plan to minimize damage by implementing appropriate response strategies based on the location and amount of the leak when an accident occurs.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.16-32
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• 2024

Background: Exercise equipments and assistive devices for the disabled are being developed, but improvements for usability are still needed. The purpose of this study was to improve and utilize the developed exercise equipment and assistance devices by conducting usability test for people with spinal cord injury. Design: Cross-sectional Study. Methods: Scenarios and usability indicators were derived by conducting a preliminary usability test, 5 non-disabled men and women aged 19 or older. In the scenario, a total of 9 tasks were sequentially performed, including 2 tasks of entry and exit, 5 tasks of assistance devices and weight stack adjustment, and 2 tasks of pre exercise and exercise. The usability indicators were task success (success or fail), execution time (sec), safety, and convenience. For safety, 7 questions (Likert scale, 1~5 point) related to safety, stability and hazard were derived, and for convenience, the system usability scale (SUS score) was used (range: 0~100, 50 percentile rank is 68 point). Results: As a result of the usability test of people with spinal cord injury, there was a large variation among subjects in the task of adjusting the position of the pulley and support in the execution time (11.64~25.44 seconds), and one person failed to adjust the pulley. The safety level showed a lower score (score = 3 points) than other items in the item of entrapment or skin pressure, and in the case of SUS, the average score was 64.5 points, which was close to the acceptable level. Conclusion: Through the usability test, it was confirmed that exercise equipment for the disabled needs improvement in operability, pinching, and pressure, and that it is necessary to develop an assistive device that provides unrestrained posture information (biofeedback) to maintain correct posture during exercise.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.104-126
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• 2024

Buffer and backfill play an essential role in isolating high-level radioactive waste and retard the migration of leaked radionuclides in deep geological disposal system. A bentonite mixture, which exhibits a swelling property, is considered for buffer and backfill materials, and excessive groundwater inflow from surrounding rock mass may affect stability and efficiency of their role as an engineered barrier. Therefore, stringent quality control as well as in-situ installation management and inflow water constrol for buffer and backfill are required to ensure the safety of deep disposal facilities. In this study, we analyzed the design requirements of buffer and backfill by examining various laboratory tests and a field study of the Steel Tunnel Test at the Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory in Sweden. We introduced how to control the quality of buffer and backfill construction in-field, and also presented how to handle excessive groundwater inflow into disposal caverns, validating the groundwater retention capacity of bentonite pellets and the effectiveness of geotexile use.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.113-117
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• 2024

This study was conducted to find a way to improve quality by observing changes in quality and microbial communities according to whether corn silage was treated with additives and the storage period, and to utilize them as basic research results. The experimental design was performed by 2×4 factor desigh, and the untreated (CON), and the additive inoculated (ADD) silage were stored and fermented for 30 (TH), 60 (ST), 90 (NT), and 120 (OHT) days, with each condition repeated 3 times. There was no change in the nutrient content of corn silage according to additive treatment and storage period (p>0.05). However, the change in DM and the increase in the relative proportions of lactic acid content and Lactobacillales according to the storage period (p<0.05) indicate that continuous fermentation progressed until OHT days of fermentation. Enterobacterales (33.0%), Flavobacteriales (14.4%), Sphingobacteriales (12.7%), Burkholderiales (9.28%) and Pseudomonadales (6.18%) dominated before fermentation of corn silage, but after fermentation, the diversity of microorganisms decreased sharply due to the dominance of Lactobacillales (69.4%) and Bacillales (11.5%), Eubacteriales (7.59%). Therefore, silage maintained good fermentation quality with or without microbial additives throughout all fermentation periods, but considering the persistence of fermentation even in long-term storage and the aerobic stability, it would be advantageous to use microbial additives.