A ‘locking-bolt’ demountable shear connector (LBDSC) is proposed to facilitate the deconstruction and reuse of steel-concrete composite structures, in line with achieving a more sustainable construction design paradigm. The LBDSC is comprised of a grout-filled steel tube and a geometrically compatible partially threaded bolt. The latter has a geometry that ‘locks’ the bolt in compatible holes predrilled on the steel flange and eliminates initial slip and construction tolerance issues. The structural behaviour of the LBDSC is evaluated through nine pushout tests using a horizontal test setup. The effects of the tube thickness, strength of concrete slab, and strength of infilled grout on the shear resistance, initial stiffness, and ductility of the LBDSC are assessed. The experimental results show that the LBDSC can achieve higher shear resistance and similar initial stiffness as compared to traditional welded studs. In addition, all tested LBDSCs exhibited slip capacities ranging from 14 to 32 mm and can be classified as ductile shear connectors according to Eurocode 4. A detailed finite element model was also created and found to be reliable to reproduce the experimental behaviour. Parametric studies were subsequently conducted using the validated model to study further parameters and generalise the experimental results. Due to the specific test setup, non-negligible uplift forces were generated in the connector and the potential implications are discussed.
In this paper, variable gain nonlinear PD and PI fuzzy logic controllers are designed and the effect of the variable gain characteristic of these controllers is analyzed to show its contribution in enhancing the performance of the closed loop system over a conventional linear PID controller. Simulation results and time domain performance characteristics show how these fuzzy controllers outperform the conventional PID controller when used to control a nonlinear plant and a plant that has time delay.
This study introduces a highly sensitive trapezium-shaped PCF based on an SPR refractometric sensor with unique design features. The structure of a sensor was designed and analyzed using COMSOL Multiphysics v5.6 based on Finite Element Method (FEM) with a focus on investigating the influence of various geometric parameters on its performance. The two channels were coated with a metallic gold layer to provide chemical stability, and a thin layer of TiO₂ improved the gold's adhesion to the fiber. The findings indicate that the proposed sensor achieves maximum amplitude and wavelength sensitivities of 1,779 RIU⁻¹ and 30,500 nm/RIU, respectively, with corresponding resolutions of 3.2
Introduction: Diabetic foot infections are one of the most severe complications of diabetes. This study was aimed to determine the common bacterial isolates of diabetic foot infections and the in vitro antibiotic susceptibility then treatment.
Methods: A swab was taken from the foot ulcer, and the aerobic bacteria were isolated and identified by cultural, microscopic and biochemical test, then by api-20E system. After that their antibiotic susceptibility pattern was determined. Then local and systemic treatment was used to treat the diabetic foot patients.
Results: Bacterial isolates belonging to twelve species were obtained from diabetic foot patients. Gram (-) bacteria were the predominant pathogens in the diabetic foot infection
Introduction: Carrier-based gutta-percha is an effective method of root canal obturation creating a 3-dimensional filling; however, retrieval of the plastic carrier is relatively difficult, particularly with smaller sizes. The purpose of this study was to develop composite carriers consisting of polyethylene (PE), hydroxyapatite (HA), and strontium oxide (SrO) for carrier-based root canal obturation. Methods: Composite fibers of HA, PE, and SrO were fabricated in the shape of a carrier for delivering gutta-percha (GP) using a melt-extrusion process. The fibers were characterized using infrared spectroscopy and the thermal properties determined using differential scanning calorimetry. The elastic modulus and tensile strength tests were dete
... Show MoreSocial risks posed a great challenge to the development path in Iraq, which resulted in widening the development gaps, whether these gaps were between rural and embargoed areas, or between Iraqi governorates, and the gender gap. Besides, the nature of the reciprocal relationship between the social risks and the development process requires the adoption of development trends that are sensitive to the risks that take upon themselves the prompt and correct response to these risks, away from randomness and confusion that Iraq suffered from for decades. However, currently, the situation has differed a great deal. This is because the size and types of such gaps have widened and become more complicated than before; a matter which has led to hav
... Show MoreBackground: Bimaxillary protrusion is considered as one of the most important causes to seek the orthodontic treatment to get better esthetics. This study aimed to test the effect of orthodontic treatment in improvement the facial esthetics. Materials and Methods: Ten Iraqi Arab females having bimaxillary protrusion based on Class I malocclusions treated with fixed orthodontic appliance and extraction of the maxillary and mandibular 1st permanent premolars. Pre and post-treatment facial profile photographs were taken for each patients and the effect of treatment was tested in comparison with the pre-treatment photographs by using seven angular measurements. Results: After treatment, the upper and lower lip projections were decreased signifi
... Show Moreknowledge management and managers have a primary school principals from the standpoint of their assistants M . Dr. Suad Vegetables Abbas Research problem: The administration school require a leader administratively The efficiency and skills of management and knowledge to make it effective in the administration follows the scientific method and knowledge of those who through administrative methods emanating from the trends of modern management in the management of educational , as well as the presence of the leaders of effective management has the knowledge and know-how administrative work and how to deal with others and investment optimized for all of the resources available through the future capable of Orientalism to the extent that ou
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