STRUCTRAL BEHA VIORE OF REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAMS STRENGTHED FOR SHEAR USING CFRP LAMINATES SUBJECTED TO CYCLIC LOADING

The application of an external strengthening technique such as bonded fibrereinforced polymer (FRP) laminates seems to be an attractive technique to improve the structural behaviour of R.C elements under cyclic loading. FRP composite materials are widely employed because of their high strength to weight ratio, environmental resistance and ease of application over materials such as steel. In this research, an analytical model based on non-linear finite element algorithms coded in FORTRAN language was developed to enable the analysis of R.C beams externally strengthened for shear using CFRP laminates subjected to cyclic loads. 20-noded isoparametric quadrilateral elements with three degrees of freedom per each node were used to represent concrete. Material response is assumed to be orthotropic with tangent stiffness derived from stress-strain relationship for concrete under general biaxial state of stress. The reinforcement bars were represented in discrete manner. Three-dimensional space frame elements and space truss elements were used for this purpose. Material response is assumed to be elastic-perfectly plastic. 20-noded elements similar to those used to model concrete elements were used to represent CFRP side plates. Material response is assumed to be elastic-brittle. Discrete cracking approach was used to represent cracking. Primary consideration has been given to the representation of shear transfer mechanisms due to aggregate interlock in cracked concrete and dowel action in reinforcement. Expressions were derived from an analytical model in conjunction with experimental data to provide shear stress and stiffness values for special elements used to model aggregate interlock mechanism. A comparable approach was used to drive expression for dowel action mechanism. The bond-slip phenomenon between concrete and reinforcement was accounted for by using non-dimensional spnng elements. Shear stiffness values for such elements are obtained from expression based on experimental data. A new experimental methodology that enables to study the interfacial behaviour of CFRP-to-concrete joints under cyclic shear loading was developed. An experimental program consisted of testing specified number of push off specimens has been conducted. Mathematical formulation that govern the behaviour of the interface element was obtained, which are found in good agreement with the experimental results. This included the bond-slip behaviour, shear stiffness of interface and its degradation as number of cycle increased as well as the S-N curve. 3-d interface element is used to simulate this phenomenon. The element has sixteen nodes, eight nodes connect to concrete element and the other eight nodes connected to CFRP sheet. The interface was modelled by three linear springs connecting the joint nodes with the same coordinates. A computer program with combined-iterative method was used to solve the non-linear cyclic problem. A parametric analysis has been carried out to study the effect of controlling factors such as shear span-depth ratio, CFRP thickness on structural behaviour of R.C beams strengthened for shear with CFRP laminates subjected to monotonic or cyclic loading. The results from the analytical model were compared with corresponding experimental ones in order to confirm the validity of the analytical algorithm. The comparison between the analytical results and the published results gave a good agreement which indicates that experimental methodology proved to be appropriate and valid and that the analytical algorithm is quite efficient tool to study the structural behaviour of such element under cyclic loading as well as monotonic loading. Vl

Application of numerical modeling for optimization of selective hot water extraction of taxifolin from ‘milk thistle’ seeds

The term flavonoid is used for a class of plant chemicals known for their activity as highly potent antioxidants and accordingly their ability to protect the body against oxidative and free radical damage. Taxifolin has attracted our attention because it constitutes the flavonoid moiety in ‘milk thistle’ seeds. In this research, a novel optimization-extraction method of taxifolin from ‘milk thistle’ seeds has been developed. Total antioxidant content was measured to monitor the efficiency of the extraction under different experimental conditions (solid- liquid ratio, extraction time and extraction temperature /pressure). Response surface methodology based on numerical modeling was adopted for optimization of extraction procedures. High pressure liquid chromatograph (HPLC) analysis was applied to identify taxifolin and some other phenolics in the ‘milk thistle’ extract. Using this method allowed the development of an empirical polynomial model for the production of antioxidants compounds from ‘milk thistle’ seeds. Application of such models is of great importance for pharmaceutical industries.Key words: Milk thistle, extraction, numerical modeling, antioxidant, high pressure liquid chromatograph (HPLC)

STRUCTRAL BEHA VIORE OF REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAMS STRENGTHED FOR SHEAR USING CFRP LAMINATES SUBJECTED TO CYCLIC LOADING

The application of an external strengthening technique such as bonded fibrereinforced polymer (FRP) laminates seems to be an attractive technique to improve the structural behaviour of R.C elements under cyclic loading. FRP composite materials are widely employed because of their high strength to weight ratio, environmental resistance and ease of application over materials such as steel. In this research, an analytical model based on non-linear finite element algorithms coded in FORTRAN language was developed to enable the analysis of R.C beams externally strengthened for shear using CFRP laminates subjected to cyclic loads. 20-noded isoparametric quadrilateral elements with three degrees of freedom per each node were used to represent concrete. Material response is assumed to be orthotropic with tangent stiffness derived from stress-strain relationship for concrete under general biaxial state of stress. The reinforcement bars were represented in discrete manner. Three-dimensional space frame elements and space truss elements were used for this purpose. Material response is assumed to be elastic-perfectly plastic. 20-noded elements similar to those used to model concrete elements were used to represent CFRP side plates. Material response is assumed to be elastic-brittle. Discrete cracking approach was used to represent cracking. Primary consideration has been given to the representation of shear transfer mechanisms due to aggregate interlock in cracked concrete and dowel action in reinforcement. Expressions were derived from an analytical model in conjunction with experimental data to provide shear stress and stiffness values for special elements used to model aggregate interlock mechanism. A comparable approach was used to drive expression for dowel action mechanism. The bond-slip phenomenon between concrete and reinforcement was accounted for by using non-dimensional spnng elements. Shear stiffness values for such elements are obtained from expression based on experimental data. A new experimental methodology that enables to study the interfacial behaviour of CFRP-to-concrete joints under cyclic shear loading was developed. An experimental program consisted of testing specified number of push off specimens has been conducted. Mathematical formulation that govern the behaviour of the interface element was obtained, which are found in good agreement with the experimental results. This included the bond-slip behaviour, shear stiffness of interface and its degradation as number of cycle increased as well as the S-N curve. 3-d interface element is used to simulate this phenomenon. The element has sixteen nodes, eight nodes connect to concrete element and the other eight nodes connected to CFRP sheet. The interface was modelled by three linear springs connecting the joint nodes with the same coordinates. A computer program with combined-iterative method was used to solve the non-linear cyclic problem. A parametric analysis has been carried out to study the effect of controlling factors such as shear span-depth ratio, CFRP thickness on structural behaviour of R.C beams strengthened for shear with CFRP laminates subjected to monotonic or cyclic loading. The results from the analytical model were compared with corresponding experimental ones in order to confirm the validity of the analytical algorithm. The comparison between the analytical results and the published results gave a good agreement which indicates that experimental methodology proved to be appropriate and valid and that the analytical algorithm is quite efficient tool to study the structural behaviour of such element under cyclic loading as well as monotonic loading. Vl

Fused Imidazopyrazoles: Synthetic Strategies and Medicinal Applications

The current review summarizes the known synthetic routes of fused imidazopyrazoles. This review is classified into two main categories based on the type of annulations, for example, annulation of the imidazole ring onto a pyrazole scaffold or annulation of the pyrazole ring onto an imidazole scaffold. Some medicinal applications of imidazopyrazoles are mentioned

Damage detection and quantification in composite beam structure using strain energy and vibration data

10.1088/1742-6596/842/1/012027Journal of Physics: Conference Series84211202

Damage localization and quantification of composite stratified beam structures using residual force method

10.1088/1742-6596/842/1/012028Journal of Physics: Conference Series84211202

Role of Melatonin and/or Vitamin B Complex against Hormonal Changes in Epinephrine-Stressed Rats

Abstract The current study aimed to investigate the effect of intramuscular injection of melatonin (MT)(1mg / kg) and/or vitamin Bcomplex (Tri-B) (20 mg/kg) on the hormonal changes induced by Epinephrine (Epi) (0.02 mg/kg) in male albino rats. Intramuscular administration of Epi induced significant elevations in adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticosterone (CORT),2 2 T triiodothyronine 2 2 T (TR 3 R) and thyroxine (TR 4 R) levels after the two experimental durations. On the other hand, luetinizing hormone (2 2 T LH)2 2 T , testosterone , prolactin (PRL) and growth hormone (GH) levels were decreased under the same conditions. Melatonin treatment seems to constitute a selection therapy, by improving ATCH, CORT, TR 3 R ,TR 4 R and GH levels but has no effect on the low levels of LH , testosterone and PRL. Also, the data suggested that Tri-B injection partially improved the different endocrinological changes of Epi

Global consortium for the classification of fungi and fungus-like taxa

The Global Consortium for the Classification of Fungi and fungus-like taxa is an international initiative of more than 550 mycologists to develop an electronic structure for the classification of these organisms. The members of the Consortium originate from 55 countries/regions worldwide, from a wide range of disciplines, and include senior, mid-career and early-career mycologists and plant pathologists. The Consortium will publish a biannual update of the Outline of Fungi and fungus-like taxa, to act as an international scheme for other scientists. Notes on all newly published taxa at or above the level of species will be prepared and published online on the Outline of Fungi website (https://www.outlineoffungi.org/), and these will be finally published in the biannual edition of the Outline of Fungi and fungus-like taxa. Comments on recent important taxonomic opinions on controversial topics will be included in the biannual outline. For example, ‘to promote a more stable taxonomy in Fusarium given the divergences over its generic delimitation’, or ‘are there too many genera in the Boletales?’ and even more importantly, ‘what should be done with the tremendously diverse ‘dark fungal taxa?’ There are undeniable differences in mycologists’ perceptions and opinions regarding species classification as well as the establishment of new species. Given the pluralistic nature of fungal taxonomy and its implications for species concepts and the nature of species, this consortium aims to provide a platform to better refine and stabilise fungal classification, taking into consideration views from different parties. In the future, a confidential voting system will be set up to gauge the opinions of all mycologists in the Consortium on important topics. The results of such surveys will be presented to the International Commission on the Taxonomy of Fungi (ICTF) and the Nomenclature Committee for Fungi (NCF) with opinions and percentages of votes for and against. Criticisms based on scientific evidence with regards to nomenclature, classifications, and taxonomic concepts will be welcomed, and any recommendations on specific taxonomic issues will also be encouraged; however, we will encourage professionally and ethically responsible criticisms of others’ work. This biannual ongoing project will provide an outlet for advances in various topics of fungal classification, nomenclature, and taxonomic concepts and lead to a community-agreed classification scheme for the fungi and fungus-like taxa. Interested parties should contact the lead author if they would like to be involved in future outlines