FRP reinforcement in RC structures

fib Bulletin 40 deals mainly with the use of FRP bars as internal reinforcement for concrete structures. The background of the main physical and mechanical properties of FRP reinforcing bars is presented, with special emphasis on durability aspects. For each of the typical ultimate and serviceability limit states, the basic mechanical model is given, followed by different design models according to existing codes or design guidelines

Simultaneous observation of the metabolism of cisplatin and NAMI-A in human plasma in vitro by SEC-ICP-AES

Single drug-based cancer therapies are frequently associated with the development of drug resistance. To overcome this problem, combination therapy with two or more anticancer drugs is a promising strategy, but clinical studies are logistically challenging and costly. Intermediary in vitro studies, however, can provide critical insight to decide whether one should proceed to in vivo studies. To this end, cisplatin and the Ru-based anticancer drug NAMI-A were added to human plasma and the size distribution of Pt-containing and Ru-containing entities was determined over a 2 h period. The results revealed a dramatically different rate of plasma protein binding for each drug and/or their hydrolysis products. Both drugs bound to the same apparent plasma proteins, but crucially they did not adversely affect each other’s metabolism. Therefore, combination therapy of patients with these metallodrugs should be further assessed in clinical studies in order to systematically develop an effective combination therapy protocol to prevent the resurgence of cancer.Melani Sooriyaarachchi, Jason L. Wedding, Hugh H. Harris, Jürgen Gaile

Fibre-optic sensor and deep learning-based structural health monitoring systems for civil structures: A review

Structural health monitoring (SHM) systems in civil engineering structures have been a growing focus of research and practice. Over the last few decades, optical fibre sensor (OFS) technology has advanced rapidly, and various types of OFS technologies have found practical uses in civil engineering. Due to recent advances in optical sensors and data-driven solutions, the SHM systems are gaining prominence. Because of its superior ability to detect damage and flaws in civil engineering structures, deep learning (DL) gradually gained substantial attention among researchers in recent years. The main goal of this paper is to review the most recent publications in SHM related to bridges, buildings, and pipelines using emerging OFS and DL-based applications, and to provide readers with an overall knowledge and understanding of various SHM applications. Finally, current research trends and future research needs have been identified

Surface-Mounted Distributed Fiber Optic Sensor Measurements, and Concrete Damaged Plasticity Modeling for Damage Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Beams

Structural health monitoring (SHM) has become an integral part of essential and costly to replace infrastructures such as bridges and buildings which degrade during their lifetime. Understanding the structural behaviour of these infrastructures is critical for assuring their structural integrity and safe operating conditions. In this study, the structural performance of a reinforced concrete beam was examined under flexural loading. Distributed optical fibre sensor (DOFS) was attached to the beam's bottom surface, and Optical Backscattered Reflectometry (OBR) technology was used to measure the surface strain. A three-point bending test was performed, and the sensor responses were acquired. Unusual high strain peaks were observed at the bottom surface of the beam due to the formation of hairline cracks. Subsequently, the Concrete Damaged Plasticity (CDP) based Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was performed to simulate the plastic behaviour of concrete beam using ABAQUS 2019 commercial software. The FEA results have strong agreement with the strain pattern observed from the DOFS. Therefore, DOFS and CDP technique based FEA can be successfully used to investigate the plastic damage pattern inside the concrete beam and distributed sensing demonstrates a greater capacity for long-term monitoring of the structural health of concrete structures