Thermal analysis of GFRP-reinforced continuous concrete decks subjected to top fire

Citation: Hawileh, R. A., & Rasheed, H. A. (2017). Thermal analysis of GFRP-reinforced continuous concrete decks subjected to top fire. International Journal of Advanced Structural Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40091-017-0168-7This paper presents a numerical study that investigates the behavior of continuous concrete decks doubly reinforced with top and bottom glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars subjected to top surface fire. A finite element (FE) model is developed and a detailed transient thermal analysis is performed on a continuous concrete bridge deck under the effect of various fire curves. A parametric study is performed to examine the top cover thickness and the critical fire exposure curve needed to fully degrade the top GFRP bars while achieving certain fire ratings for the deck considered. Accordingly, design tables are prepared for each fire curve to guide the engineer to properly size the top concrete cover and maintain the temperature in the GFRP bars below critical design values in order to control the full top GFRP degradation. It is notable to indicate that degradation of top GFRP bars do not pose a collapse hazard but rather a serviceability concern since cracks in the negative moment region widen resulting in simply supported spans

A novel blockchain architecture based on network functions virtualization (NFV) with auto smart contracts

Network Function Virtualization (NFV) is considered to be a hopeful technology for supporting blockchain with many features like flexible networks and intelligent equipment. NFV decreases the expenses incurred on the maintenance and operation of assets that are generated through expenses, in addition to capital expenditures based on the isolate the physical devices from the main tasks executed by that equipment. Blockchain currency transfers or technology is the most powerful security tool that ensures the security of data. The prominent challenges in NFV are the processes of transition, vendor compatibility, network management, rapid growth, and security. The software industry and skills of networking are experiencing fast expansion and deployment of the Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) approach, jointly in blockchain and cloud networks. In this paper, a novel method is offered to virtualize the work of the blockchain based on the NFV with auto work of the smart contract between virtual nodes based on cloud computing. By blending NFV with Blockchain, all of the above-mentioned challenges have been overcome by moving to software environments through creating virtual nodes, as well as smooth interaction among them and managing the transactions between nodes and clients, indicating ideal network management. Through the proposed work, a throughput of up to 20% is obtained by applying NFV compared to not applying NFV to the blockchain. In addition, the costs of the hardware are eliminated and eventually a secure environment is used which distances the system from virtual attacks

Combined Transverse Steel-External FRP Confinement Model for Rectangular Reinforced Concrete Columns

Citation: Al-Rahmani, A., & Rasheed, H. (2016). Combined Transverse Steel-External FRP Confinement Model for Rectangular Reinforced Concrete Columns. Fibers, 4(1), 25. doi:10.3390/fib4010008Recently, the need to increase the strength of reinforced concrete members has become a subject that civil engineers are interested in tackling. Of the many proposed solutions, fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) materials have attracted attention due to their superior properties, such as high strength-to-weight ratio, high energy absorption and excellent corrosion resistance. FRP wrapping of concrete columns is done to enhance the ultimate strength due to the confinement effect, which is normally induced by steel ties. The existence of the two confinement systems changes the nature of the problem, thus necessitating specialized nonlinear analysis to obtain the column's ultimate capacity. Existing research focused on a single confinement system. Furthermore, very limited research on rectangular sections was found in the literature. In this work, a model to estimate the combined behavior of the two systems in rectangular columns is proposed. The calculation of the effective lateral pressure is based on the Lam and Teng model and the Mander model for FRP wraps and steel ties, respectively. The model then generates stress-strain diagrams for both the concrete core and the cover. The model was developed for the analysis in extreme load events, where all possible contributions to the column's ultimate capacity should be accounted for without any margin of safety. The model was validated against experiments, and the results obtained showed good agreement with almost all of the available experimental data

Dynamic Response of Historical Masonry Minaret under Seismic Excitation

In order to study the dynamic response of historical masonry structures, a scaled down brick masonry model constructed in civil engineering department at Baghdad University to simulate a part of a real case study, which is Alkifil historic minaret. Most of the previous researches about masonry structures try to understand the behavior of the masonry under seismic loading by experimental and numerical methods. In this paper, the masonry units (bricks) simulated in scale (S= 1/6) with the exact shape of the prototype bricks. Cementitious tile adhesive was selected to be the mortar for the modeling. The height of the model designed to be 1.5 m with a 0.5 m diameter. Detailed construction steps were presented in this paper. Experts built the model with high accuracy. A shaking table and other dynamic testing facilities were used at the University of Baghdad. The model was tested using the time-compressed El Centro 1940 NS earthquake at different amplitudes. The first ground motion of (PGA= 0.05g) which considered as weak ground motion was used to check the adequacy of the conventional behavior of the masonry model and the limit of the elastic behavior of the model during weak earthquakes. Moderate ground motion (PGA=0.15g) was performed to investigate the response of the model with minor to moderate damages. The severe ground motions were not appropriate to use in such circumstances because of the possibility to overturn the model. The experimental results showed very adequacy of the model to withstand the weak and moderate earth motion with no observed cracks

Development of Machine Learning Algorithm for Acquiring Machining Data in Turning Process

Manufacturing cost for machining components is affected by the available machining parameters which include the selection of appropriate cutting material, cutting tools, and machining data of cutting speed, feed, and depth of cut. Computerized machining data systems have been classified into two general types, the mathematical model and the database model. The database model is based on the collection and storage of a large quantity of data from laboratory experiments and workshop experience, which can then simply retrieve recommended cutting speeds and feed. The most widely used source of such data is the Machining Data Handbook (MDH) published by Metcut Research Association, (1980). Although the handbook approach is often a logical and effective solution to the requirement of machining data, but it has limitations. The applications of computational intelligence in manufacturing, in particular, play a leading role in the technological development of intelligent manufacturing systems. In this study an intelligent learning system was developed to automate the collection of the machining data used by the skilled machinist. The Machine Learning Method is utilized for this task, which gives the computer the ability to learn. Artificial Neural Network (ANN) was selected from Machine Learning Algorithms to be the learning algorithm. ANN is a computer-based simulation of the living nervous system which works quite differently from conventional programming. The design network is trained by presenting several target machining data that the network must learn according to a learning rule (algorithm). In designing the network, a combination of back propagation or generalized delta learning rule with sigmoid transfer function has been used. The machining data available in MDH was used to train the designed network. One cutting material (medium carbide steel) with its complete set of cutting tools (High Speed Steel, Brazed Uncoated Carbide, Indexable Uncoated Carbide, and Coated Carbide) discretized into 243 data sets was used in one training session for the designed network. Building knowledge within the network was measured by calculating the total percentage of error between target machining data and the outputs from the network during the training process. The process of building the machining data knowledge (training) was successfully achieved. A Comparison between the learned target machining data and data from MDH shows a low percentage of error. An Intelligent Learning System for the turning process was developed. Visual C++ object-oriented programming language was used to build the Intelligent Learning System for Turning. Live data can be fed into the system from indirect way (Keyboard, Internet) or directly from machine to computer. The developed system may open the door for automating the collection of machining data for all manufacturing processe

Determination of Radioactivity Concentrations on Sediment the Euphrates River on Babylon Governorate

تم في هذه الدراسة تقيم مستوى النشاط الاشعاعي الطبيعي والصناعي  في نماذج رواسب نهر الفرات في محافظة بابل بأستعمال  تقنية مطيافية اشعة كاما مع كاشف ايوديد الصوديوم NaI(Tl). حيث جمع 50 نموذجاً من الرواسب من نهر الفرات. اظهرت النتائج أن معدل النشاط الاشعاعي النوعي بوحدة Bq/kg)) لكل من اليورانيوم ((    والثوريوم  والبوتاسيوم  والسيزيوم  لنماذج الرواسب كان 21.815 و5.326 و 273.377  و0.879 على التوالي، وتم حساب مؤشرات الخطورة الاشعاعية ، حيث أن معدل فعالية الراديوم المكافئ Raeq كان 56.084، اما معدل  دليل  الخطورة لأشعة كاما  كان 0.420، اما معدل نسبة الجرعة الممتصة في الهواء AD كان 27.347، وقد بينت نتائج الدراسة الحالية ان معدلات الفعالية النوعية ومعدلات مؤشرات الخطورة الاشعاعية في نموذج الرواسب في نهر الفرت محافظة بابل كانت جميعها اقل من الحد المقبول به عالميا.In the current study determination of the natural and artificial activity level on samples sediment the Euphrates River on Babylon  governorate using  -ray spectrometry technique with NaI(Tl) detector. Where 50 samples of sediment Euphrates river. The  results revealed that the average values in( Bq/kg) for Uranium , Thorium  Potassium  And , and samples sediment were ( 21.815, 5.326, 273.377, 0.879) respectively. The hazard indexes were also calculated, where the radium average equivalent activity Raeq was 56.084 , And Hazard index for -ray ( ) was 0.420 , The average absorbed does in Air (AD) was 27.347, The results of the present study have shown that the rates of Specific activity and radiological hazard effects Rate for Gamma ray in samples sediment the Euphrates River on Babylon governorate were all lower  than the value of the global limit

Knowledge Management in Islamic Higher Education (a Case Study on Implementation of Knowledge Management Tools in UIN Sgd Bandung)

The demand on the implementation of knowledge management is even greater at higher education institutions as an institution that intersect with many academic activities and the development of a scientific assessment as occurs in UIN Sunan Gunung Jati Bandung. This study tried to explore and analyze how UIN SGD Bandung run management practices and various activities in it, especially within the framework of the management of intellectual assets owned as an important step of applying the knowledge management. More specifically, this study used a qualitative approach with descriptive-holistic methods and case study analysis, have tried to analyze the use of knowledge management tools in UIN SGD Bandung. This study in its analysis found that there are many deficiencies essentially and conceptually in the implementation of knowledge management conducted by the management UIN SGD Bandung. Some knowledge management tools, such as technology infrastructure, collaboration tools, taxonomy, also has not been applied properly. However, the cycle of activities related to the conversion process of knowledge, such as socialization, externalization, combination, and internalization, has been done in UIN SGD Bandung