A Comparative Investigation on Normal and High Strength Concrete Beams under Torsion

In this study, an experimental investigation was done to study the behaviour of Normal Strength Concrete (NSC) and High Strength Concrete (HSC) Plain beams under torsion with the concrete mix of M40 and M100. No mineral admixtures are used to obtain the required strength of concrete. Eight NSC beams and eight HSC beams whose width was varying with 75 mm, 100 mm, and 150 mm; depth varying as 75 mm, 100 mm, 150 mm and 200 mm; and span of the beams varying 600 mm, 800 mm and 1200 mm were casted and cured to stud the effect of torsion. The principle aim of this study was to understand the torsional behaviour of the NSC and HSC beams for rotation, cracking, size effect and torsional strength. A standard torsional loading method was used for conducting the testing of beams. The results obtained were compared with different theories and code equations. It was observed that the torsional strength of the beam increases with the increase in strength of concrete. HSC beams have higher torsional strength than the NSC beams which has the same amount of reinforcement.

Computational Analysis of the Forces Distribution in a Metal Frame Structure Taking into Account Plastic Deformations of the Material

Постановка задачи. С целью снижения материалоемкости строительных конструкций нормативные документы рекомендуют учитывать пластические свойства стали в прочностных расчетах. Это требует развития соответствующих методов расчета с применением современного программного обеспечения. Результаты. Усовершенствована методика расчета плоского стального рамного каркаса на статическую нагрузку на основе принципа предельного равновесия с применением программно-вычислительного комплекса «ЛИРА». Исследован поэтапный характер разрушения конструкции при воздействии сверхнормативных нагрузок. Выводы. Показано, что применение пошагового метода нагружения позволяет моделировать поведение конструкции в ходе увеличения нагрузки. Проведенные исследования позволяют давать верхнюю оценку максимально возможной нагрузки, возникающей в исключительных условиях эксплуатации. Statement of the problem. In order to reduce the material consumption of building structures, in regulatory documents it is recommend that the plastic properties of steel in strength calculations are taken into account. This requires the development of appropriate calculation methods by means of modern software. Results. The method of calculating a flat steel frame structure for static load based on the principle of limiting equilibrium using the design-computational complex LIRA has been improved. The gradual nature of structural failure under the influence of excessive loads is studied. Conclusions. It is shown that the application of the step-by-step loading method makes it possible to model the behavior of the structure during an increase in load. The studies allow us to provide an upper estimation of the maximum possible load that occurs under exceptional operating conditions.

Bacteriomimetic Liposomes Improve Antibiotic Activity of a Novel Energy-Coupling Factor Transporter Inhibitor

Liposomes have been studied for decades as nanoparticulate drug delivery systems for cytostatics, and more recently, for antibiotics. Such nanoantibiotics show improved antibacterial efficacy compared to the free drug and can be effective despite bacterial recalcitrance. In this work, we present a loading method of bacteriomimetic liposomes for a novel, hydrophobic compound (HIPS5031) inhibiting energy-coupling factor transporters (ECF transporters), an underexplored antimicrobial target. The liposomes were composed of DOPG (18:1 (Δ9-cis) phosphatidylglycerol) and CL (cardiolipin), resembling the cell membrane of Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae, and enriched with cholesterol (Chol). The size and polydispersity of the DOPG/CL/± Chol liposomes remained stable over 8 weeks when stored at 4 °C. Loading of the ECF transporter inhibitor was achieved by thin film hydration and led to a high encapsulation efficiency of 33.19% ± 9.5% into the DOPG/CL/Chol liposomes compared to the phosphatidylcholine liposomes (DMPC/DPPC). Bacterial growth inhibition assays on the model organism Bacillus subtilis revealed liposomal HIPS5031 as superior to the free drug, showing a 3.5-fold reduction in CFU/mL at a concentration of 9.64 µM. Liposomal HIPS5031 was also shown to reduce B. subtilis biofilm. Our findings present an explorative basis for bacteriomimetic liposomes as a strategy against drug-resistant pathogens by surpassing the drug-formulation barriers of innovative, yet unfavorably hydrophobic, antibiotics.

Multi-Factor Modeling Method of the Load Sharing Ratio under Moving Train Loads

In railway engineering, the load sharing ratio (LSR) is the ratio of the rail seat load (RSL) to the axle load, which is affected by many factors. The LSR can be used in the design and analysis of railway track structures as well as in the research of predicting the dynamic influence of railway tunnels and the environment. The “static loading method” commonly used to study the LSR does not conform to reality; using it, it is difficult to obtain a complete LSR curve, limiting its application. Besides, there is currently a lack of LSR prediction methods considering the impact of multiple factors. Therefore, this paper proposes a “moving loading method” for investigating the LSR under moving train excitation, verified to be rational by comparing with the experimental results. At the same time, a procedure for establishing the LSR multi-factor prediction model is put forward, namely, we (1) determine the LSR function form and the fitting algorithm; (2) perform parameter sensitivity analysis to determine the main influencing parameters of the LSR function; and (3) design a quadratic regression orthogonal test to obtain the prediction formula of the LSR function coefficients. Once establishing the prediction model for a type of train-track system, the LSR of similar systems can be calculated by adjusting the main parameters of the model. Shijiazhuang Metro Line 1 using the A-type vehicle and the monolithic trackbed is taken as a case study to develop a corresponding LSR multi-factor prediction model by the moving loading method and the procedure mentioned above. The results indicate that the proposed method performs well and can be adopted to enhance the accuracy of track design or tunnel and environmental vibration prediction.

Analysis of Failure Mechanism in Joints with Positive Eccentricity in CFS Truss

The paper presents studies concerning the load-bearing capacity of truss joints with a positive eccentricity resulting from the arrangement of geometric members and the failure mechanisms observed in the joints. Based on the previously conducted experimental study, a numerical model of the tested fragment of the CFS truss with eccentricity in the joint was created and validated. All structural details of the tested truss and the loading method consistent with the experiment were taken into account. The results obtained from a uniaxial tensile tests on a steel samples and results estimated during destructive tests carried out on a full-scale of research model were taken into account in validation of the numerical model. Next, appropriate numerical analyses were carried out and parameters such as the eccentricity size in the joint and the wall thickness of sections (t = 1.0, 1.5 and 4.0 mm) were modified. In the range of the studied wall slenderness from λ > 70 (1.0 mm and 1.5 mm thick), it was confirmed that the resistance of truss joints made from CFS open cross-sections with a positive eccentricity, is greater than the resistance that results from known methods of steel structure dimensioning.

ALTERNATIVE IMPROVEMENT OF SUBGRADE AND REINFORCEMENT OF EMBANKMENT ON PELABUHAN KUALA TANJUNG TOLL ROAD, INDERAPURA - KUALA TANJUNG SECTION IN NORTH SUMATRA (STA 0+000 S/D STA 3+500)

Planning the Kuala Tanjung Ruas Port of Inderapura - Kuala Tanjung Toll Road is one of the efforts to support economic growth in North Sumatra. The toll road will be built on a pile with a height of 2 ms / 9 m at STA 0 + 000 to STA 3 + 500. Due to limited land, the toll road section must be built on the poor subgrade. Based on the N-SPT test results, it is known that the subsoil consists of a clay layer with a thickness reaching 36 meters and a layer of sand at the top and bottom with a low N-SPT value. If the soft subgrade is burdened with a high heap, it is estimated that the subgrade will experience landslides, so it is necessary to plan the improvement of the subgrade and reinforcement of the pile.The soil improvement method chosen is the pre-loading method with a combination of the prefabricated vertical drain (PVD). Pre-loading method aims to spend the compression that occurs on the subgrade so that there is no compression during the service life of the road. The combination with PVD is intended to speed up the compression time in thick clay layers. The stability of the embankment will be calculated using a computer-assisted program, and geotextile reinforcement planning will be carried out if the value of the safety factor does not meet the requirements.Based on the analysis of compression computation will be divided into five zones. The amount of compression obtained under various piles of 2 ms / d 9 m was 2.25 m, 1.49 m, 1.75 m, 2.57 m, 3.65 m, 4.3 m, 4.69 m, and 5.06 m with an initial heap height of 5.02 m, 5.26 m, 6.51 m, 8.34 m, 10.41 m, 12.07 m, 13.46 m, and 14.83 m. Compression time required for subgrade is relatively long with a period of more than five years so that the planned acceleration with PVD. To accelerate the compression time to 5-6 weeks, a triangular PVD installation pattern is used with a spacing between PVD of 1.5 m and a depth of PVD installation as thick as a soft soil layer. From the results of the pile stability control, it is predicted that the pile will experience slides so that the reinforcement is installed with geotextile.Rp1.598,213,522,582.08.

Technical analysis of shovel working time towards inter-burden production achievement in open-pit coal mine

Shovel production can be affected by several factors, such as shovel working time and working conditions. The shovel production for the inter-burden removal target did not achieve at mining operations in Melak, East Kalimantan. This study’s main objective is to find the causes of the inadequate production and the efforts to improve. In this case study, the high delay due to the waiting for truck maneuvering caused the lack of shovel production. Some corrections were needed on the width of the loading point, and the loading method required to be replaced with double-side loading. Changes in the width of the loading point and loading method have an impact on increasing shovel productivity. In addition, a digger working time simulation is performed based on secondary data. Calculation of total production achievement is based on the simulation of time categories with working, standby, and repair time variables.