Evaluation of FRP concrete compression member under repeated load and harsh environment

Strengthening and rehabilitation have been increasingly applied in many structures to improve their capacity and serviceability. Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) materials are universally known for their ability to improve the load capacity of damaged structural elements because of their high linear-elastic behavior. However, enhancing the capacity of structural elements that are exposed to repeated load coupled with harsh environment is an area that requires further investigation. This research focused on experimental analysis of the behavior and response of confined and unconfined concrete compression members (300mm x 150mm) under repeated load while exposed to 1440 cycles of seawater splash zone in United Arab Emirates (UAE). Confining concrete compression members with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) sheets have increased the load capacity compared to the control sample at room temperature by 110% and 84%, respectively. Results showed that the average value of compressive strength for the confined concrete exposed to sea water splash zone conditions for CFRP and GFRP specimens has decreased by 33% and 23%, respectively, compared to the confined concrete in the room temperature. However, GFRP specimens showed higher performance in compressive strength under sea water splash zone than those of the CFRP specimens. Different mode of failures such as delamination, de-bonding and combination of such modes were observed and related to various exposure factors and mechanical properties.

Integration of an internet-driven supply chain for a medium-size e-commerce company

This research aimed at discovering the benefits and challenges of integration across a company's e-supply chain. The research involved a single case study of an Australian e-commerce company. In our work, we first formed a framework of benefits and challenges for e-supply chain integration, which was based on the beliefs held by management consultants. After conducting interviews with various organisational stakeholders of an e-commerce company, we found that although some of the elicited opinions matched those expressed by consultants, others provided their refinement in respect to a medium size, rapidly evolving, start-up company. We also discovered challenges, seemingly ignored by the consultants, which concerned changing market conditions and limited economies of scale perceived as seriously impeding SCM integration. Also, the ability to develop and maintain scalable and effective information systems was found to impact the capacity to integrate services across the e-supply chain. The case study's single most important contribution was to bring to our attention the importance of organisational and environmental maturity in the strategic planning of the supply chain management process.

The impact of working memory load on task execution and online plan adjustment during multitasking in a virtual environment

Three experiments investigated the impact of working memory load on online plan adjustment during a test of multitasking in young, nonexpert, adult participants. Multitasking was assessed using the Edinburgh Virtual Errands Test (EVET). Participants were asked to memorize either good or poor plans for performing multiple errands and were assessed both on task completion and on the extent to which they modified their plans during EVET performance. EVET was performed twice, with and without a secondary task loading a component of working memory. In Experiment 1, articulatory suppression was used to load the phonological loop. In Experiment 2, oral random generation was used to load executive functions. In Experiment 3, spatial working memory was loaded with an auditory spatial localization task. EVET performance for both good- and poor-planning groups was disrupted by random generation and sound localization, but not by articulatory suppression. Additionally, people given a poor plan were able to overcome this initial disadvantage by modifying their plans online. It was concluded that, in addition to executive functions, multiple errands performance draws heavily on spatial, but not verbal, working memory resources but can be successfully completed on the basis of modifying plans online, despite a secondary task load.

Impact of dynamic PHEVs load on renewable sources based distribution system

In this paper, charging effect of dynamic Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) is presented in a renewable energy based electricity distribution system. For planning and designing a distribution system, PHEVs are one of the most important factor as it is going to be a spinning reserve of energy, and also a major load for distribution network. A dynamic load model of PHEVs is introduced here based on third order battery model. To determine the system adequacy, it is necessary to do a micro level analysis to know the PHEVs load impact on grid. Scope of such analysis will cover the performance of wind and solar generation with dynamic PHEVs load, as well as the stability analysis of the power grid to demonstrate that it is important to consider the dynamics of PHEVs load in a renewable energy based distribution network.

Improved contact load-bearing capacity of ultra-fine grained titanium : Multilayering and grading

The contact load-bearing response and surface damage resistance of multilayered hierarchical structured (MHSed) titanium were determined and compared to monolithic nanostructured titanium. The MHS structure was formed by combining cryorolling with a subsequent Surface Mechanical Attrition Treatment (SMAT) producing a surface structure consisted of an outer amorphous layer containing nanocrystals, an inner nanostructured layer and finally an ultra-fine grained core. The combination of a hard outer layer, a gradual transition layer and a compliant core results in reduced indentation depth, but a deeper and more diffuse sub-surface plastic deformation zone, compared to the monolithic nanostructured Ti. The redistribution of surface loading between the successive layers in the MHS Ti resulted in the suppression of cracking, whereas the monolithic nanograined (NG) Ti exhibited sub-surface cracks at the boundary of the plastic strain field. Finite element models with discrete layers and mechanically graded layersrepresenting the MHS system confirmed the absence of cracking and revealed a 38% decrease in shear stress in the sub-surface plastic strain field, compared to the monolithic NG Ti. Further, the mechanical gradation achieves a more gradual stress distribution which mitigates the interface failure and increases the interfacial toughness, thus providing strong resistance to loading damage. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd.

Predicting physiological capacity of human load carriage - a review

This review article aims to evaluate a proposed maximum acceptable work duration model for load carriage tasks. It is contended that this concept has particular relevance to physically demanding occupations such as military and firefighting. Personnel in these occupations are often required to perform very physically demanding tasks, over varying time periods, often involving load carriage. Previous research has investigated concepts related to physiological workload limits in occupational settings (e.g. industrial). Evidence suggests however, that existing (unloaded) workload guidelines are not appropriate for load carriage tasks. The utility of this model warrants further work to enable prediction of load carriage durations across a range of functional workloads for physically demanding occupations. If the maximum duration for which personnel can physiologically sustain a load carriage task could be accurately predicted, commanders and supervisors could better plan for and manage tasks to ensure operational imperatives were met whilst minimising health risks for their workers.

Is tendon pathology a continuum? A pathology model to explain the clinical presentation of load-induced tendinopathy

Overuse tendinopathy is problematic to manage clinically. People of different ages with tendons under diverse loads present with varying degrees of pain, irritability, and capacity to function. Recovery is similarly variable; some tendons recover with simple interventions, some remain resistant to all treatments.

The pathology of tendinopathy has been described as degenerative or failed healing. Neither of these descriptions fully explains the heterogeneity of presentation. This review proposes, and provides evidence for, a continuum of pathology. This model of pathology allows rational placement of treatments along the continuum.

A new model of tendinopathy and thoughtful treatment implementation may improve outcomes for those with tendinopathy. This model is presented for evaluation by clinicians and researchers.

Effects of mechanical deformation on electric performance of rechargeable batteries embedded in load carrying composite structures

Integrating rechargeable battery cells with fibre reinforced polymer matrix composites is a promising technology to enable composite structures to concurrently carry load and store electric energy, thus significantly reducing weight at the system level. To develop a design criterion for structural battery composites, rechargeable lithium polymer battery cells were embedded into carbon fibre/epoxy matrix composite laminates, which were then subjected to tensile, flexural and compressive loading. The electric charging/discharging properties were measured at varying levels of applied loads. The results showed that degradation in battery performance, such as voltagea and energy storage capacity, correlated well with the applied strain under three different loading conditions. Under compressive loading, battery cells, due to their multilayer construction, were unable to prevent buckling of composite face sheets due to the low lateral stiffness, leading to lower compressive strength that sandwich panels with foam core.

Effects of load modeling in power distribution system with distributed wind generation

This paper presents the impact of different types of load models in distribution network with distributed wind generation. The analysis is carried out for a test distribution system representative of the Kumamoto area in Japan. Firstly, this paper provides static analysis showing the impact of static load on distribution system. Then, it investigates the effects of static as well as composite load based on the load composition of IEEE task force report [1] through an accurate time-domain analysis. The analysis shows that modeling of loads has a significant impact on the voltage dynamics of the distribution system with distributed generation.

The training load of aerial skiing

This study quantified the training load experienced by elite aerial skiers. Nine elite female aerial skiers were monitored during 16 training sessions over a 13 day period. Time-motion, landing impact and heart rate (HR) data were measured from 688 jumps using integrated GPS, accelerometer and HR transmitters while rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was taken using Borg's scale. Each jump was delineated into five components from the GPS time-motion data to determine the work to rest ratios. Participants completed 16 ± 3 jumps per session with a work to rest ratio of 1.9:1 Heart rates averaged 65 ± 3.1% HRmax and peaked at 85 ± 4.4% HRmax while and an RPE score of 12 ± 1 was evoked. Landing impacts were significantly higher (p ≤ 0.001) when participants jumped off ramps with a larger take-off angle or when they completed jumps with a mid-air rotation. The training load experienced by elite aerial skiers may be causative of the high incidence of injuries reported. Significantly differing levels of impact load during the study suggest training load for these athletes can be easily modified and periodised allowing optimised performance and minimised injury.

Multi-temporal land use mapping using remotely sensed techniques and the integration of a pollutant load model in a GIS

Estimation of nutrient load production based on multi-temporal remotely sensed land-use data for the Glenelg-Hopkins region in southwest Victoria, Australia, is discussed. Changes in land use were mapped using archived Landsat data and computerized classification techniques. Land-use
change is unparalleled in recent history, with 13% of the region transformed in the last decade. Total nitrogen and phosphorus loading were estimated using an export coefficient model. The analysis demonstrated a disturbing increase in nitrogen and phosphorus loadings from 1995 to 2002. Whilst such increases were suspected from past anecdotal and ad-hoc evidence, our modelling quantitatively estimated such increases and thus demonstrated the enormous potential of using remote sensing and GIS for monitoring land-use change and hence improve land-use management.

A load balancing algorithm for web based server grids

Load balance is a critical issue in distributed systems, such as server grids. In this paper, we propose a Balanced Load Queue (BLQ) model, which combines the queuing theory and hydro-dynamic theory, to model load balance in server grids. Base on the BLQ model, we claim that if the system is in the state of global fairness, then the performance of the whole system is the best. We propose a load balanced algorithm based on the model: the algorithm tries its best to keep the system in the global fairness status using job deviation. We present three strategies: best node, best neighbour, and random selection, for job deviation. A number of experiments are conducted for the comparison of the three strategies, and the results show that the best neighbour strategy is the best among the proposed strategies. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm with best neighbour strategy is better than the traditional round robin algorithm in term of processing delay, and the proposed algorithm needs very limited system information and is robust.

An MPI implementation supported by process migration and load balancing

This report describes an implementation of MPI-1 on the GENESIS cluster operating system and compares this implementation to a UNIX based MPI implementation. The changes that were made to the implementation are compared between the two, and the advantages of porting to GENESIS are detailed. This report demonstrates how GENESIS load balancing supported by process migration improves the execution performance of an MPI application. The significance of this report is in demonstrating how these services can enhance parallel programming tools to improve performance and how future parallel programming tool design could take advantage of these services.

Load balance algorithms for anycast

Increasingly, replicated anycast servers are being used to deliver network applications and service ever increasing user requests. Therefore, the strategies used to guarantee network bandwidth prerequisites and perform load balancing across the nodes of an anycast group are critical to the performance of online applications. In this paper, we model user requests, network congestion and latency, and server load using a combination of hydro-dynamics and queuing theory to develop an efficient job distribution strategy. Current, anycast research does not explicitly consider the system load of nodes within an anycast groups when distributing requests. Therefore, the performance of a heavily loaded anycast system can quickly become congested and uneven as jobs are routed to closely linked nodes which are already saturated with requests. In comparison, the nodes of further away systems remain relatively unused because of other issues such as network bandwidth and latency during these times. Our system redirects requests from busy systems to the idle, remotely linked nodes, to process requests faster in spite of slower network access. Using an empirical study, we show this technique can improve request performance, and throughput with minimal network probing overhead.