A novel demountable shear connector for precast steel-concrete composite bridges is presented. The connector uses high-strength steel bolts, which are fastened to the top flange of the steel beam with the aid of a special locking nut configuration that prevents bolts from slipping within their holes. Moreover, the connector promotes accelerated construction and overcomes the typical construction tolerance issues of precast structures. Most importantly, the connector allows bridge disassembly. Therefore, it can address different bridge deterioration scenarios with minimum disturbance to traffic flow including the following: (1) precast deck panels can be rapidly uplifted and replaced; (2) connectors can be rapidly removed and replaced; and (

By using the deacetylation method, chitin is converted into bioproduct chitosan. Deacetylation can be accomplished using chemical or biological mechanisms. Due to its biocompatibility, nontoxicity, biodegradability, natural origin, and resemblance to human macromolecules, it is useful in medicine. Chitosan may have antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Additionally, it could be used in biotechnology, agriculture, gene therapy, food technology, medication delivery, cancer therapy, and other fields. The objective of the current review was to list the most significant applications of Chitosan in the biomedical field.

This paper deals with finite element modeling of the ultimate load behavior of double skin composite (DSC) slabs. In a DSC slab, shear connectors in the form of nut bolt technique studs are used to transfer shear between the outer skin made of steel plates and the concrete core. The current study is based on finite element analysis using ANSYS Version 11 APDL release computer program. Experimental programmes were carried out by the others, two simply supported DSC beams were tested until failure under a concentrated load applied at the center. These test specimens were analyzed by the finite element method and the analyses have shown that these slabs displayed a high degree of flexural characteristics, ultimate strength,