The studies on unbonded post-tensioned concrete members strengthened with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRPs) are limited and the effect of strengthening on the strain of unbonded pre-stressed steel is not well characterized. Estimating the flexural capacity of unbound post-tensioned members using the design methodology specified in the design guidelines for FRP strengthening techniques of bonded post-tensioned members does not provide a reliable evaluation. This study investigates the behavior of unbonded post-tensioned concrete members with partial strand damage (14.3% and 28.6% damage) and strengthened with CFRP laminates using a near-surface mounted technique with and without U-wrap anchorages. The experimental results showed that the use of CFRP laminates significantly affects strand strain, especially with the use of anchors. The CFRP reinforcement affected flexural strength, crack width, and midspan deflection. However, the flexural stiffness of strengthened members during the serviceability phases is critical as strand damage ratios increase. In comparison with the nondamaged girder, the NSM-CFRP laminates enhanced the flexural capacity by 11% and 7.7% corresponding to strand damage of 14.3% and 28.6% respectively. Additionally, semiempirical equations were proposed to predict the actual strain of unbonded strands whilst considering the effects of FRP laminates. The suggested equations are simple to apply and provide accurate predictions with little variance.
<p>The polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/polysulfone (PSF) blended polymer membranes were modified by decaethylene glycol monododecyl ether (C<sub>12</sub>EO<sub>10</sub>) as a non-ionic surfactant. Polymeric solutions containing 17 wt.% of both PAN and PSF with a ratio of 80/20, and C<sub>12</sub>EO<sub>10</sub> with a mass concentration of 6 wt.% and aluminium oxide (Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>) nanoparticles with varying concentrations (1, 2, and 3 wt.%) were prepared. Adding 6 wt.% of C<sub>12</sub>EO<sub>10</sub> to the casting solution formed a membrane with distinguished hydrophilicity and fouling resistance, higher porosity, appreciable pe
... Show MoreThis study included 50 blood samples that were collected from patients with age ranged between 35-65 years. Thirty samples were collected from patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), while 20 blood samples were collected from healthy individuals as a control sample. The polymorphism results of TGF-β1 gene in codon 10: +869*C/T position by using amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS-PCR) showed that the T allele was suggested to have a protective effect, while C allele was associated with an increased risk of T2DM. The TT and CT were suggested to have a protective effect, while CC genotype was associated with an increased risk of T2DM. The polymorphism results of TGF-β1 gene in codon 25: +915*G/C position in samples
... Show MoreBackground: Beta-thalassemia major is the most common monogenic known disorder in the Middle East, characterized by anomalies in the synthesis of the beta chains of hemoglobin resulting in variable phenotypes ranging from severe anemia to clinically asymptomatic Individuals. This study aimed to evaluate salivary flow rate and salivary IgA in β-thalassemia major patients. Since many oral and systemic conditions manifest themselves as changes in the flow and composition of saliva the dental practitioner is advised to remain up-to-date with this issue. Materials and methods: The study samples consist of (60) subjects, patients group composed of (30) patients with β –thalassemia major, age rang (5-23) years and (30) healthy locking
... Show MoreThe current study was designed to investigate the alterations in the ultrastructure of orgenelles and cellular activity of exocrine pancreatic acini of experimentally induced-diabetic rats and to assess the usefulness of herbal combination supplementation in improving the ultrastructure and cellular activity of exocrine pancreas. The number of albino male rats used were 24 which divided into equally 4 groups; group I: control group, group II: alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus (single intraperitoneal dose of alloxan 120 mg/kg for 3 days), group III: herbal combination treatment composed from the extracts of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum), black cumin (Nigella sativa) seeds, rhizomes
... Show MoreBACKGROUND: Transverse fractures of the patella are important fractures with a wide variety of subtypes, the common incidence in the age group of 20–50 years. Surgical interference aims to achieve a perfect alignment of the joint surface, in addition to rigid fixation of the fracture for early re-habitation and early movement to retain the extensor mechanism of the knee joint. AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the radiological and functional outcomes of the displaced transverse patella fracture in adult patients treated by ORIF using tension band wiring versus cannulated screws with wiring. METHODS: A prospective analytic comparative study was conducted in Al-Kindy Teaching Hospital/Baghdad/Iraq for 18 months from Apr
... Show MoreBackground: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the apical microleakage around retrograde cavities prepared with ultrasonic technique and filled with (Biodentineâ„¢) Materials and methods: 40 extracted single rooted human permanent maxillary teeth with mature apices were selected. The roots were prepared chemo-mechanically using k-files with crown-down technique and then obturated with lateral condensation gutta-percha technique. Teeth were divided into four main groups according to the cavity preparation method either manual or ultrasonic technique: Group A (n=10): A class I retrograde cavity at root end was prepared with traditional handpeice equipped and placement of Biodentine with manual condensation. Group B (n=10):
... Show MoreBackground: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the apical microleakage around retrograde cavities prepared with ultrasonic technique and filled with (Biodentineâ„¢) Materials and methods: 40 extracted single rooted human permanent maxillary teeth with mature apices were selected. The roots were prepared chemo-mechanically using k-files with crown-down technique and then obturated with lateral condensation gutta-percha technique. Teeth were divided into four main groups according to the cavity preparation method either manual or ultrasonic technique: Group A (n=10): A class I retrograde cavity at root end was prepared with traditional handpeice equipped and placement of Biodentine with manual condensation. Group B (n=10):
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