• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• 제55권1호
• /
• pp.69-76
• /
• 2022

Background: While the use of bioprosthetic valves for mitral valve replacement (MVR) is increasing, very few studies have compared bovine pericardial and porcine valves in the mitral position to help guide bioprosthetic selection. Methods: In the present study, patients who underwent MVR using bovine pericardial valves were compared with those who underwent MVR with porcine bioprostheses between January 1996 and July 2018. Those with prior MVR, infective endocarditis, congenital mitral valve disease, or ischemic mitral regurgitation were excluded. The primary outcomes were structural valve deterioration (SVD) and mitral valve reoperation from any cause, and death was regarded as a competing risk. Competing risk analysis and propensity score-matching were used for comparisons. Results: Among the 388 patients enrolled, pericardial and porcine bioprostheses were implanted in 217 (55.9%) and 171 (44.1%), respectively. Propensity score-matching yielded 122 pairs of patients that were well-balanced for all baseline covariates. No significant differences were observed between the groups in unadjusted (p=0.09) and adjusted overall survival (hazard ratio [HR], 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72-1.76; p=0.60). Competing risk analysis revealed no significant differences in the risks of mitral reoperation (HR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.50-2.27; p=0.86) and development of SVD (HR, 1.57; 95% CI, 0.56-4.36; p=0.39) between the groups. Matched population analysis confirmed similar results regarding reoperation (HR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.40-3.22; p=0.98) and SVD (HR, 1.39; 95% CI, 0.41-4.73; p=0.60). Conclusion: No significant differences in survival or valve durability were observed between bovine pericardial and porcine bioprosthetic MVR. These findings require further validation through studies with larger sample sizes.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
• /
• 제8권5호
• /
• pp.469-475
• /
• 2022

As the recent structure construction is constructed as a large-scale and deep underground excavation in close proximity to the building, the installation of retaining wall and supporters (Struts) has become complicated, and the number of supporters to avoid interference of the structural slab has increased. This construction process becomes a factor that causes an increase in construction joints of a structure, leakage and an increase in wall cracks. In addition, this reduced the durability and workability of the structure and led to an increase in the construction period. This study planned to dismantle the two struts simultaneously as a plan to reduce the construction joints, and corrected the earth pressure by assuming the reaction force value by the initial earth pressure and the measured data as the response ratio. After recalculating the corrected earth pressure through the iterative trial method, it was verified by numerical analysis that simultaneous disassembly of the two struts was possible. As a result of numerical analysis applying the final corrected earth pressure, the measured value for the design reaction force was found to be up to 197%. It was analyzed that this was due to the effect of grouting on the ground and some underestimation of the ground characteristics during design. Based on the result of calculating the corrected earth pressure in consideration of the response ratio performed in this study, it was proved analytically that the improvement of the brace dismantling process is possible. In addition, it was considered that the overall construction period could be shortened by reducing cracks due to leakage and improving workability by reducing construction joints. However, to apply the proposed method of this study, it is judged that sufficient estimations are necessary as there are differences in ground conditions, temporary facilities, and reinforcement methods for each site.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
• /
• 제43권1호
• /
• pp.9-20
• /
• 2023

For highway concrete structures, the deterioration of the structure is accelerated due to the increase in the use of deicing materials, and sectional repair work is being frequently carried out to restore performance. However, after the repair work, re-damage such as cracks, delamination, and poor bond performance is exhibited in the repaired sectional area. In this study, overseas repair material requirements were first analyzed, and present domestic requirements were improved repair material performance through field surveys of common concrete structures, laboratory experiments, and test construction on a disused concrete bridge. In addition, performancebased quality requirements were presented so that all materials that meet the required performance can be applied, and different test methods for each material were unified into concrete test methods for consistent test results analysis. The considered performance requirements were compression strength, bending strength, and bond strength for structural properties, and length change rate, crack resistance, thermal expansion coefficient, and elasticity coefficient were for dimensional behavior. For resistance to chloride penetration resistance and freeze-thaw resistance were presented as durability. The proposed requirements for concrete repair materials are expected to contribute to the improvement of the quality of concrete sectional repair work in Korea.

• Journal of the Korean Recycled Construction Resources Institute
• /
• 제11권4호
• /
• pp.433-439
• /
• 2023

In this study, the bonding performance of repair materials was evaluated on concrete repair surface to develop concrete repair materials based on UHPC (Ultra High Performance Concrete) which has high mechanical and durability performance. The ten test variables were applied considering the roughness and wet condition of the concrete surface subject to repair, the addition of polymer, and the use PP and PVA fibers in repair materials. The addition of the polymer caused a significant decrease in strength, which was thought to be due to the effect of the additional super plasticizer used to adjust workability. Also, flow was reduced by up to 13.8 % with the use of plastic-based fibers. As a result of evaluating the bond strength of the repair material considering the condition of the surface subject to repair, it was thought that in the case of using UHPC-based repair material, high bonding performance could be secured without any additional surface treatment as long as the surface of the base material was sound. In addition, UHPC-based repair materials showed high bonding performance even when the attachment surface was wet. In the future, research will be conducted on shot-crete application and gradient pouring for the development of UHPC-based repair materials, and continuous improvement in the repair material mixing property will be carried out to ensure economic efficiency and performance as a concrete structural repair material.

• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• 제50권6호
• /
• pp.705-720
• /
• 2024

Analyzing the collapse behavior of thin-walled steel structures holds significant importance in ensuring their safety and longevity. Geometric imperfections present on the surface of metal materials can diminish both the durability and mechanical integrity of steel shells. These imperfections, encompassing local geometric irregularities and deformations such as holes, cavities, notches, and cracks localized in specific regions of the shell surface, play a pivotal role in the assessment. They can induce stress concentration within the structure, thereby influencing its susceptibility to buckling. The intricate relationship between the buckling behavior of these structures and such imperfections is multifaceted, contingent upon a variety of factors. The buckling analysis of thin-walled steel shell structures, similar to other steel structures, commonly involves the determination of crucial material properties, including elastic modulus, shear modulus, tensile strength, and fracture toughness. An established method involves the emulation of distributed geometric imperfections, utilizing real test specimen data as a basis. This approach allows for the accurate representation and assessment of the diversity and distribution of imperfections encountered in real-world scenarios. Utilizing defect data obtained from actual test samples enhances the model's realism and applicability. The sizes and configurations of these defects are employed as inputs in the modeling process, aiding in the prediction of structural behavior. It's worth noting that there is a dearth of experimental studies addressing the influence of geometric defects on the buckling behavior of cylindrical steel shells. In this particular study, samples featuring geometric imperfections were subjected to experimental buckling tests. These same samples were also modeled using Finite Element Analysis (FEM), with results corroborating the experimental findings. Furthermore, the initial geometrical imperfections were measured using digital image correlation (DIC) techniques. In this way, the response of the test specimens can be estimated accurately by applying the initial imperfections to FE models. After validation of the test results with FEA, a numerical parametric study was conducted to develop more generalized design recommendations for the stainless-steel shell structures with the initial geometric imperfection. While the load-carrying capacity of samples with perfect surfaces was up to 140 kN, the load-carrying capacity of samples with 4 mm defects was around 130 kN. Likewise, while the load carrying capacity of samples with 10 mm defects was around 125 kN, the load carrying capacity of samples with 14 mm defects was measured around 120 kN.

• Computers and Concrete
• /
• 제34권4호
• /
• pp.489-501
• /
• 2024

Geopolymers are part of a class of materials characterized by properties combining polymers, ceramics, and cement. These include exceptionally high thermal and chemical stability, excellent mechanical strength and durability in aggressive environments. This work deals with the synthesis, characterization, and sustainability evaluation of GP_GBFS-MK geopolymers by alkaline activation of a granulated blast furnace slag-metakaolin mixture. In the first step, elemental and oxide analyses by XRF and EDS showed that the main constituents of GP_GBFS-MK geopolymers are silicon, sodium, and aluminium oxides. The structural analyses by XRD and FTIR confirmed that the geopolymerization for GP_GBFS-MK geopolymers did occur, accompanied by the formation of disordered networks from the blends and a modification to the microstructure by the geopolymerization process. Similarly, the microstructural study made by SEM showed that the GP_GBFS-MK geopolymers are constituted by aluminosilicates in the form of dense clusters on which are adsorbed particles of unreacted GBFS in the form of spheroids and white residues of the alkaline activating solution. In addition, the study of the sustainability evaluation of GP_GBFS-MK geopolymers showed that the water absorption of geopolymeric materials is lower than that of OPC cement. As for the elevated temperature resistance, the analyses indicated an excellent elevated temperature resistance of GP_GBFS-MK. In the same way, the study of the resistance to chemical aggressions showed that the GP_GBFS-MK geopolymeric materials are unattackable, contrary to the OPC cement-based materials which are strongly altered.

• Journal of the Microelectronics and Packaging Society
• /
• 제24권4호
• /
• pp.23-29
• /
• 2017

The packaged optical fiber Bragg grating sensors which were networked by multiplexing the Bragg grating sensors with WDM technology were investigated in application for the structural health monitoring of the marine trestle structure transporting the ship. The optical fiber Bragg grating sensor was packaged in a cylindrical shape made of aluminum tubes. Furthermore, after the packaged optical fiber sensor was inserted in polymeric tube, the epoxy was filled inside the tube so that the sensor has resistance and durability against sea water. The packaged optical fiber sensor component was investigated under 0.2 MPa of hydraulic pressure and was found to be robust. The number and location of Bragg gratings attached at the trestle were determined where the trestle was subject to high displacement obtained by the finite element simulation. Strain of the part in the trestle being subjected to the maximum load was analyzed to be ${\sim}1000{\mu}{\varepsilon}$ and thus shift in Bragg wavelength of the sensor caused by the maximum load of the trestle was found to be ~1,200 pm. According to results of the finite element analysis, the Bragg wavelength spacings of the sensors were determined to have 3~5 nm without overlapping of grating wavelengths between sensors when the trestle was under loads and thus 50 of the grating sensors with each module consisting of 5 sensors could be networked within 150 nm optical window at 1550 nm wavelength of the Bragg wavelength interrogator. Shifts in Bragg wavelength of the 5 packaged optical fiber sensors attached at the mock trestle unit were well interrogated by the grating interrogator which used the optical fiber loop mirror, and the maximum strain rate was measured to be about $235.650{\mu}{\varepsilon}$. The modelling result of the sensor packaging and networking was in good agreements with experimental result each other.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• 제41권6호
• /
• pp.695-702
• /
• 2008

Background: The choice between a bioprosthetic and a mechanical valve is an important decision in cardiac valve surgery, and the durability of the tissue valve is a major decision factor. We retrospectively evaluated the midterm results of bioprosthetic valve replacement in the mitral position. Material and Method: The subjects were all patients who had undergone mitral bioprosthesis replacement between July 1989 and August 200.7. Among the 216 patients, there were 236 surgical cases. The mean age was $63{\pm}15$ years, and the male to female ratio was 1 : 3. We retrospectively analyzed hospital and outpatient records such that the total follow-up duration amounted to 760.2 patient-years, and the mean follow-up duration was $41.9{\pm}40.7$ months (range $0{\sim}212$ months). Result: Early death occurred in 18 patients (8.3%), and 13 of these underwent concomitant cardiac procedures. The survival rate after 5 years was $79.9{\pm}3.5%$, and the survival rate after 8 years was $65.5{\pm}5.5%$, while freedom from structural valve deterioration (SVD) was $96.2{\pm}2.2%$ at 5 years and $85.9{\pm}5.3%$ at 8 years. Freedom from reoperation was $90.6{\pm}1.7%$ at 5 years and $90.4{\pm}4.2%$ at 8 years, while freedom from reoperation for SVD was $98.1{\pm}1.2%$ at 5 years and $92.3{\pm}4.1%$ at 8 years. On multivariate analysis of preoperative risk factors, small valve size (between 25mm and 27mm) was a significant risk factor for reoperation, and low LV ejection fraction (<40%) was a significant risk factor for SVD and mortality. Conclusion: Survival and freedom from reoperation for SVD in mitral bioprosthesis replacement had acceptable midterm results, but freedom from SVD Was relatively low. In particular, since SVD increased sharply at the eighth postoperative year, frequent follow-up and echocardiograms around that time will be helpful for the early detection of SVD. It will be necessary to conduct further studies involving long-term follow-up and more patients.

• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
• /
• 제22권3호
• /
• pp.1-7
• /
• 2018

As part of a research dedicated to the field evaluation of the durability of concrete subjected to freezing-thawing, this study analyzes the relationship between the surface roughness and the relative dynamic elastic modulus through image analysis. Four mix compositions with water-to-binder ratios (W/B) of 40%, 50%, 60% and 70% and without AE agent were considered to provoke early freezing. The basic physical properties of the mixes including the relative dynamic elastic modulus and the compressive strength were first evaluated experimentally according to W/B. Then, tests were performed to measure the surface roughness followed by photographs and SEM image analysis. The measured surface roughness tended to increase with larger number of freezing-thawing cycles regardless of W/B. The relative dynamic elastic modulus appeared to increase gradually with the number of cycles for the relatively denser mixes with W/B of 40% and 50%. Besides, the surface roughness increased only at rupture for the mixes with W/B of 60% and 70%. Moreover, the analysis of the photographs of the surface of the mixes with W/B of 40% and 50% revealed that the degradation progressed gradually from the surface with the freezing-thawing cycles. However, for the mixes with W/B of 60% and 70%, apparent change of the surface remained very insignificant until rupture at which damage like cracking could be observed. Consequently, the analysis of surface photograph or the measurement of the surface roughness presented some limitation in assessing the degree of freezing-thawing-induced degradation in case of relatively porous specimens. On the other hand, the photograph and surface roughness appeared to be sufficient for assessing such degradation for the mixes with W/B of 40% and 50%. Accordingly, the image of the surface and the surface roughness are potentially applicable on site for the assessment of freezing-thawing damages in relatively dense mixes.

• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
• /
• 제21권1호
• /
• pp.109-116
• /
• 2017

This paper describes the investigation into the durability alkali-activated materials(AAM) mortar and paste samples manufactured using fly-ash(FA) and ground granulated blast furnace slag(GGBFS) exposed to a sulfate environment with different GGBFS replace ratios(30, 50 and 100%), sodium silicate modules($Ms[SiO_2/Na_2O]$ 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0). The tests involved immersions into 10% sodium sulfate solution($Na_2SO_4$), 10% magnesium sulfate solution($MgSO_4$), 10% magnesium nitrate solution($Mg(NO_3)_2$) and 5% magnesium nitrate($Mg(NO_3)_2$+5% sodium sulfate solution+$Na_2SO_4$). The evolution of compressive strength, weight, length expansion and microstructural observation such as x-ray diffraction were studied. As a results, in case of immersed in $Na_2SO_4$, $Mg(NO_3)_2$ and $Mg(NO_3)_2+Na_2SO_4$ shows increase in long-term strength. However, for samples immersed in $MgSO_4$, the general observation was that the compressive strength decreased after immersion. The most drastic reduction of compressive strength and expansion of weight and length occurred when GGBFS or Ms ratios were higher. Also, the XRD analysis of samples immersed in magnesium sulfate indicated that expansion of AAM caused by gypsum($CaSO_4{\cdot}2H_2O$) and brucite(MgOH). The results showed that, an additional condition $Mg^{2+}$ in which ${SO_4}^{2-}$ is the presence of a certain concentration, sulfate erosion has to be accelerated.