Reliability analysis methods are used to evaluate the safety of reinforced concrete structures by evaluating the limit state function 𝑔(𝑋𝑖). For implicit limit state function and nonlinear analysis , an advanced reliability analysis methods are needed. Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) can be used in this case however, as the number of input variables increases, the time required for MCS also increases, making it a time consuming method especially for complex problems with implicit performance functions. In such cases, MCS-based FORM (First Order Reliability Method) and Artificial Neural Network-based FORM (ANN FORM) have been proposed as alternatives. However, it is important to note that both MCS-FORM and ANN-FORM can also be time-consuming methods in their own right. MCS-FORM involves running multiple MCS, and the time required increases with problem complexity and desired precision. ANN-FORM, on the other hand, can be faster for repetitive reliability assessments, but the training phase can be computationally expensive, and accuracy depends on training data quality and quantity. To address this computational challenge and enhance the efficiency of reliability analysis, a novel method is proposed in this paper. This method leverages the capabilities of ABAQUS, in combination with MATLAB. The key objective of this proposed approach is to automate and streamline the repetitive tasks involved in reliability analysis, thereby significantly reducing the computational time required for such analyses. The method is based on the development of a custom ABAQUS Python script file, which interfaces with MATLAB. The script serves as a bridge between the finite element analysis capabilities of ABAQUS and the data processing and analysis capabilities of MATLAB. An illustrative example was considered to demonstrate the application of the proposed method. In this example, a deteriorated simply supported concrete beam with an implicit performance function was analysed. The objective was to assess the reliability of the beam under the given conditions. To perform this reliability analysis, the two methods were employed: MCS-FORM and ANN-FORM. Both of these methods were implemented in conjunction with the newly developed approach that integrates ABAQUS and MATLAB. The results of this analysis were quite promising. Both MCS-FORM and ANN-FORM successfully estimated the reliability of the concrete beam, and they exhibited a high level of agreement in their assessments. This presented method demonstrates its suitability for the application of reliability analysis in scenarios such as the one presented. Its efficiency in automating repetitive tasks not only simplifies the analysis process but also facilitates the generation of multiple simulations. By doing so, it significantly minimizes the time and computational resources required for reliability assessments.
Internal curing is a method that has been advised to decrease the primary age cracking, mainly of concrete mixes using low (water to cementitious materials - w/cm) ratios corresponding to the self-compacting concrete-(SCC). This research aims to study the effect of the internal curing using saturated lightweight aggregate- (LWA) on the steel reinforcing corrosion in SCC. In this research, crushed bricks or thermostone were partially replaced by (20%) by the weight of sand and volumetrically measured. The results showed that the steel reinforcement of internally cured concrete showed a slight increase in corrosion up to 300 days of exposure to the saline solution (containing 3.5% NaCl). The ability of using the crushed bricks or thermostone
... Show MoreThe incorporation of safety characteristics into the traditional pavement structural design or in the functional evaluation of pavement condition has not been established yet. The design has focused on the structural capacity of the roadway so that the pavement can withstand specific level of repetitive loading over the design life. On the other hand, the surface texture condition was neither included in the AASHTO design procedure nor in the present serviceability index measurements.
The pavement surface course should provide adequate levels of friction and ride quality and maintain low levels of noise and roughness. Many transportation departments perform routine skid resistant testing, the type of equipment us
... Show MorePrevious studies on the synthesis and characterization of metal chelates with uracil by elemental analysis, conductivity, IR, UV-Vis, NMR spectroscopy, and thermal analysis were covered in this review article. Reviewing these studies, we found that uracil can be coordinated through the electron pair on the N1, N3, O2, or O4 atoms. If the uracil was a mono-dentate ligand, it will be coordinated by one of the following atoms: N1, N3 or O2. But if the uracil was bi-dentate ligand, it will be coordinated by atoms N1 and O2, N3 and O2 or N3 and O4. However, when uracil forms complexes in the form of polymers, coordination occurs through the following atoms: N1 and N3 or N1 and O4.
Ethnographic research is perhaps the most common applicable type of qualitative research method in psychology and medicine. In ethnography studies, the researcher immerses himself in the environment of participants to understand the cultures, challenges, motivations, and topics that arise between them by investigating the environment directly. This type of research method can last for a few days to a few years because it involves in-depth monitoring and data collection based on these foundations. For this reason, the findings of the current study stimuli the researchers in psychology and medicine to conduct studies by applying ethnographic research method to investigate the common cultural patterns language, thinking, beliefs, and behavior
... Show MoreLinear and mass attenuation coefficient of reactive powder concrete (RPC) sample ( of compressive strength equal to 70 Mpa) using beta particles and gamma ray with different energies have been calculated as a function of the absorber thickness and energy. The attenuation coefficient were obtained using NaI(Tl) energy selective scintillation counter with 90Sr/90Y beta source having an energy rang from (0.546-2.274) MeV and gamma ray energies (0.569, 0.662, 1.063, 1.17 and 1.33) MeV . The attenuation coefficient usually depends upon the energy of radiations and nature of the material. The result represented in graphical forms. Exponential decay was observed. It is found that the capability of reactive powder concrete to absorber beta particle
... Show MoreThe present study deals with the experimental investigation of buried concrete pipes. Concrete pipes are buried in loose and dense conditions of gravelly sand soil and subjected to different surface loadings to study the effects of the backfill compaction on the pipe. The experimental investigation was accomplished using full-scale precast unreinforced concrete pipes with 300 mm internal diameter tested in a laboratory soil box test facility set up for this study. Two loading platforms are used namely, uniform loading platform and patch loading platform. The wheel load was simulated through patch loading platform which have dimensions of 254 mm *508 mm, which is used by AASHTO to model the wheel load of a HS20 truck. The pipe-soil system
... Show MoreThere is a variety of artificial foot designs variable for use with prosthetic legs . Most of the design can be divided into two classes, articulated and non-articulated feet. one common non-articulated foot is the SACH . The solid ankle cushion heel foot referred to as the SACH foot has a rigid keel .
One key or the key factor in designing a new prosthesis is in the analysis of a patients response .
This view is the most important because if the foot does not provide functional , practical or cosmetically acceptable characteristics the patient will not feel comfortable with the prosthesis , therefore design and manufacturing a new foot is essential, this foot made from polyethylene, its different shape and characte
... Show MoreFirst: People’s need for advocacy:
Calling for a legal necessity for all people, regardless of their races, colours, tongues, and culture, to explain the truth, spread fear, bring benefits, ward off evil, regulate a person’s relationship with his Lord, and his relationship with creatures, so that he knows his money and what he owes.
All of creation is in dire need of the call to God’s religion with insight due to their inability to reach out to goodness, righteousness, guidance, and success on their own. Man is limited in thinking in this universe, limited in his resolve, unable to know what will improve his affairs in the two worlds. His need for religion is one of the necessities of his life, and one of the comple
... Show MoreThe preparation of the phenanthridine derivative compound was achieved by adopting an efficient one-pot synthetic approach. The condensation of an ethanolic mixture of benzaldehyde, cyclohexanone and ammonium acetate in a 2:1:1 mole ratio resulted in the formation of the title compound. Analytical and spectroscopic techniques were used to confirm the nature of the new compound. A mechanism for the formation of the phenanthridine moiety that is based on three steps has been suggested