• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.347-362
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• 2001

The paper deals with preventing the collapse of by the means of supporting the bridges by rubber bearings and pedeck structures of skew and curved bridges during earthquakes, rmitting pounding between the decks and the abutments. Seismic response during pounding is characterized by various phenomena, such as the caging of bridge decks between abutments during an earthquake or decks popping out. These behaviors depend on only a small difference in seismic intensity. Regarding the global characteristics of a seismic response, smaller clearance between a deck and its abutments results in smaller impact damage of the abutments as well as lesser deformation of the rubber bearings. Similarly, smaller clearance between a deck and the side blocks results in smaller damage. The stiffnesses of the bearings and the stiffness ratio between them control the deck displacement. In short to medium length bridges, zero clearance between a deck and the abutments or the deck and the side blocks is the most effective way in preventing the deck from falling and limits the damage to the abutments or the side blocks.

• Journal of Advanced Marine Engineering and Technology
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.197-205
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• 2007

Lifeboats of vessels are necessary for protection of seafarer's safety. However, many accidents have been happened during free-fall type lifeboat drills on board a ship. The aim of this study describes IMO's efforts and some solutions against constructional problem of lifeboats regulated by the provisions of the SOLAS Convention for prevention of accidents with lifeboats and provides information for revising national laws in accordance with the revision of the International Conventions such as SOLAS and STCW.