Archiving damage (Book review)

IN a classic essay, the sociologist Charles Tilly argued that the modern state, for most of its existence, was an institution of organised crime and worked like a protection racket. Viewing it as an institution rooted in a social contract was mostly regulative fiction, he observed. Five Years of Saffron Rule in Karnataka, which chronicles the numerous misdeeds of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Karnataka between 2008 and 2013, is a graphic confirmation of Tilly’s thesis. The no-holds-barred corruption indulged in by this government was of unparalleled scale and scope and open to see. The depths of its corrosive effects on the institutions of democratic governance are yet to be fully ascertained. Further, the BJP’s relentless effort to secure an institutional base for its Hindutva ideology continues to vitiate the cultural life in the State

Tribute U.R. Ananthamurthy’s many lives: Apart from being an acclaimed writer, U.R. Ananthamurthy was a public intellectual, teacher and activist

After U.R. Ananthamurthy died last week, many of the public expressions of condolence were by people who had met him on one or two occasions but remembered him vividly. URA, as Ananthamurthy was known, brought the fullest attention, warmth and care to all his interactions. There was a soulfulness to his presence. It was impossible not to be touched by him

Use of NSM FRP for torsional strengthening on thin walled tubular RC structures

Tese de Doutoramento em Engenharia CivilThe use of near surface mounted (NSM) FRP reinforcement has been proven to be a very promising technique for the strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) structures in both flexure and shear. The application of NSM FRP to improve the torsional performance of RC structures is limited, however, and despite the many potential advantages this technique has never been applied to thin walled tubular RC members. This research study focuses on the development of strengthening strategies for torsional deficient elements using NSM straight and L-shaped CFRP laminates. The proposed strengthening solutions offer substantial advantages over other available conventional and innovative (externally bonded techniques) strengthening methods. The research includes an extensive experimental programme followed by the development of a design model, complemented by a numerical study. A nonlinear analysis based on the finite element method is performed to assist in the preparation of the experimental work and the development of the test setup. A parametric study is carried out to assess the influence of longitudinal and transverse steel reinforcement ratios, concrete strength, strengthening configurations and longitudinal and transverse NSM FRP reinforcement ratios. The main objective of the experimental work is to derive reliable data to assess the performance of the NSM technique for the strengthening of thin walled RC elements, and for the development of design formulations. For this purpose, three series of tests with RC tubular prototypes are experimentally tested by determining the torsional moment versus torsional angle of rotation, strains in the reinforcements and in the CFRP laminates, and the crack patterns and failure modes. Digital image correlation is also used in an attempt of enriching the knowledge provided by conventional sensors. The strengthening configurations are categorized into three series (i) four face strengthening with straight CFRP laminates (ii) three face strengthening with straight CFRP laminates and (ii) four face strengthening with LCFRP laminates. All the strengthening proposals show improved performance in torsional moment carrying capacity (18% - 46%), torsional angle of rotation (20% - 76%) and decrease in crack spacing (16% - 56%). Based on the obtained results, analytical equations are developed using space truss analogy for thin walled tubular reinforced concrete members strengthened with NSM CFRP laminates. The equations are presented for ultimate torsional moment carrying capacity, effective strain of CFRP laminates and diagonal compressive strut angle. The proposed analytical equations predict the experimental results well with a 7% error.A técnica de reforço baseada na introdução de finos laminados de fibra de carbono (CFRP) em entalhes executados no betão de recobrimento do elemento a reforçar, designada pelo acrónimo NSM, tem sido aplicada no reforço à flexão e corte de estruturas de betão armado (RC) ao longo das últimas duas décadas. No entanto, a aplicação da técnica NSM no reforço à torção das estruturas de betão armado é praticamente inexistente, em especial em elementos de secção tubular de paredes finas. Assim, a presente tese foca-se no reforço desses elementos com comportamento deficiente à torção, usando a técnica de NSM com utilização de laminados de CFRP retos e em forma de L. A técnica oferece vantagens substanciais em relação às técnicas tradicionais suportadas na utilização de materiais de reforço convencionais, e mesmo em relação à técnica baseada na colagem externa de CFRP (EBR). A investigação envolve trabalho experimental e analítico, sendo complementado com simulações numéricas. A análise não linear material baseada no método dos elementos finitos é realizada para auxiliar a preparação do programa experimental e no projeto do sistema de ensaio. Um estudo paramétrico é efetuado para avaliar a influência que os seguintes parâmetros têm na eficácia da técnica NSM com laminados de CFRP: variação longitudinal e transversal da armadura de aço; variação da classe de resistência do betão; percentagem do reforço longitudinal e transversal em CFRP. O principal objetivo do trabalho experimental é determinar resultados confiáveis para avaliar as potencialidades e as debilidades da técnica NSM no reforço de elementos tubulares de paredes finas em betão armado, e contribuir para o desenvolvimento de formulações que permitam o dimensionamento destes sistemas de reforço. Para o efeito, três séries de testes com protótipos tubulares de betão armado são testadas experimentalmente, determinando-se: a relação entre o momento torsional e o ângulo de rotação por torsão; deformações nas armaduras e nos laminados CFRP; e os padrões de fendilhação e modos de rotura. A técnica baseada na correlação de imagens digitais (DIC) também é usada na tentativa de enriquecer o conhecimento fornecido por esses testes, em especial o relativo à formação e propagação de fissuras, e ao campo de extensões na superfície dos protótipos. As configurações de reforço são categorizadas em três séries: (i) reforço com laminados retilíneos de CFRP nas quatro faces dos protótipos (ii) reforço com laminados retilíneos de CFRP em três das quatro faces dos protótipos e (iii) reforço das quatro faces dos protótipos com laminados de CFRP de geometria L. Todas as propostas de reforço aumentaram o máximo momento de torção (18% - 46%), o correspondente ângulo de rotação torsional (20% - 76%), e promoveram uma diminuição no espaçamento entre fendas (16% - 56%). Com base nos resultados obtidos, equações analíticas são desenvolvidas usando o método de escoras e tirantes para elementos tubular de paredes finas de betão armado reforçados com laminados de CFRP aplicados segundo a técnica NSM. As equações apresentadas servem para determinar o momento de torção último, a extensão efetiva em laminados CFRP e o ângulo diagonal de compressão. As equações analíticas propostas preveem os resultados experimentais com um erro médio de 7%

Experimental investigation on torsional strengthening of box RC structures using NSM FRP

The near surface mounted (NSM) technique is a strengthening method that provides additional reinforcement by means of strips or bars embedded into grooves made in the concrete cover of reinforced concrete (RC) elements. The effectiveness of using NSM fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) bars or strips to enhance the shear and flexural capacity of RC elements has been demonstrated over the past decade. However, the idea of using NSM FRP reinforcement to address issues related to deficient torsional performance is yet to be explored. Torsional strengthening of RC elements (e.g. bridge girders, transfer beams) may be necessary due to degradation of materials, changes in the design codes, deficiencies in the initial design, changes in building usage etc. This paper investigates the torsional strengthening of thin walled tubular RC beams using NSM CFRP laminates. The experimental program involved testing of six box sectioned RC beams, including two reference beams (with and without shear reinforcement) and four beams strengthened with different arrangements of NSM CFRP reinforcement, providing varying longitudinal and transverse reinforcement ratios. All the strengthening proposals resulted in significant increase in torsional moment capacity, ductility, stiffness in the elasto-plastic range and were very efficient in arresting crack propagation, proving the effectiveness of NSM strengthening technique for torsional strengthening. The proposed experimental program is described in detail and the main results are presented and discussed.CASA -Center for Arabic Study Abroad, University of Texas, Austin(undefined

Experimental study of torsional strengthening on thin walled tubular reinforced concrete structures using NSM-CFRP laminates

Although the use of near surface mounted (NSM) reinforcement for shear and flexural strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) structures has been examined extensively in the past twenty years, its performance as torsional strengthening solution has never been assessed. This paper presents an experimental program on the use of NSM carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates to enhance the torsional behaviour of RC thin walled tubular elements. Six specimens were tested as part of this work, including two reference specimens and the remaining four strengthened with different configurations of longitudinal and transverse CFRP laminates. The research shows that the addition of NSM CFRP laminates is very effective in increasing the torsional moment carrying capacity, stiffness and torsional deformability, and arresting the crack propagation, with imperceptible alteration of the geometry of the strengthened element.European Network for Durable Reinforcement and Rehabilitation Solutions, for the grant received to perform the research. Also, to the industries CASAIS and CiviTest in helping to execute the experimental work. The support provided by FCT through the PTDC/ECM-EST/1882/201

A numerical finite element study on connections of SFRC offshore wind towers with prestressed CFRP reinforcement and steel connectors

The growing need for sustainable production of electricity highlights the importance and the necessity of having higher number and more effective offshore wind towers. The rapid growth of offshore wind towers is estimated to produce 4% of electricity demands in Europe by the end of 2020. The research described in this paper is part of a project dedicated for the development of innovative structural system using advanced materials for lightweight and durable offshore towers. Specifically, it discusses the nonlinear finite element modelling of the connection between representative prefabricated rings of offshore wind tower made by steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC), and prestressed by a hybrid system of carbon fibre reinforced polymers (CFRP) bars and steel strands. This connection is assured by post-tension high steel strength cables and concrete-concrete shear friction width an idealized geometric configuration of the faces in contact. The model takes into account the loads from the rotor, wind and water currents, by considering the critical loading conditions for the safety verifications of serviceability and ultimate limit states. The material nonlinear analyses are carried out with FEMIX V4.0 software, considering a 3D constitutive model capable of simulating the relevant nonlinear features of the SFRC, and interface finite elements for modelling the shear friction of the concrete-concrete surfaces in contact. The parametric analyses involve the influence on the relevant results of the SFRC fracture parameters, pre-stress level of the reinforcements, shape of interlock mechanism, friction angle and interface cohesion.FEDER funds through the Operational 392 Programme for Competitiveness and Internationalization - COMPETE and by national funds 393 through FCT (Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology) within the scope of the 394 project InOlicTower, POCI-01-0145-FEDER-016905 (PTDC/ECM-EST/2635/2014

Numerical analyses of the connections between representative SFRC prestressed rings of off-shore wind towers

Off-shore wind towers are the wind farms used to harvest wind energy to generate electricity on water bodies. With the growing need of sustainable production for electricity, off shore wind towers are finding a rapid growth in application. In fact, 4% of European electricity demands will be generated by offshore wind towers by 2020 in European waters. The current project concentrates on development of an innovative structural system using advanced materials for lightweight and durable offshore towers. The present paper discusses the nonlinear finite element modelling of the connections between representative prefabricated rings of off-shore wind towers made by steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) and prestressed by a hybrid system formed by carbon fibre reinforced polymers (CFRP) bars and steel strands. The connection between these two rings are assured by post-tension high steel strength cables and concrete-concrete shear friction of treated surfaces. The model takes into account different types of loads and moments originating from rotor, wind and water currents considering the critical loading conditions. The material nonlinear analyses were carried out inFEMIX V4.0 software, considering a 3D constitutive model capable of simulating the relevant nonlinear features of the SFRC, and interface finite elements for modelling the shear friction of the concrete-concrete surfaces in contact. The SFRC rings are modelled by solid elements, and the longitudinal CFRP bars and steel strands by 3D embedded cables. Parametric studies are carried out in order to assess the influence of different fracture parameters of the SFRC and post-tension level in the cables (steel and CFRP) on the performance of the connection between the two rings.The authors acknowledge the support provided by FEDER funds through the Operational Programme for Competitiveness and Internationalization - COMPETE and by national funds through FCT (Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology) within the scope of the project InOlicTower, POCI-01-0145-FEDER-016905 (PTDC/ECM-EST/2635/2014)

Quinazolinones linked amino acids derivatives as a new class of promising antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents

Two series of amino acids conjugated quinazolinones (1a-h and 2a-h) were synthesized by acid-amine coupling and the structures of all the compounds were confirmed through spectroscopic techniques such as IR, NMR and HRMS. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Biological evaluation study revealed that, the compounds 1f, 2f, 2g and 1g showed good antioxidant activity with 50% of the inhibition concentration (IC50) values 35, 20, 30 and 40 µg/mL, respectively, much better than the standard BHT (IC50 = 45 µg/mL). The compounds 1g, 2e and 2g found to have promising anti-inflammatory activity and almost all the synthesized compounds exhibited good antimicrobial activities (antibacterial and antifungal) against all the selected pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Conjugates containing Trp, Tyr and Pro have shown better activity than the rest of the analogues in the series. The structure-activity relationship was established for these compounds

Structural assessment of Companhia Aurífícia, a 19th century industrial building located in northern Portugal

Companhia Aurifícia is located in Porto, Portugal, and was founded in 1864. It was a pioneer factory in the industrial production, casting, rolling and stamping of metallic objects and laboured for about 150 years, in areas as jewellery, manufacture of parts in silver and gold or the production and casting of various metals. In 1866, it began labouring in Rua dos Bragas, its present location, and in 2003 ceased all activities. Companhia Aurifícia is an industrial complex including several buildings, all located in the same block. It is a precious example of the industrial architecture in Porto, where the still existent retaining walls, structures, machinery and decorative elements, make it one of the last examples of nineteenth century industrial life of the city. The present work aims to evaluate the safety condition of one of the buildings included in this industrial complex, in order to propose the necessary strengthening interventions

Bara

Ajji, can I have some water? … Just a few drops will do, Ajji. With the searing sky above and the blistering earth below, like cactus the people of this parched terrain are determined to stay alive. Emaciated children scurry along, dejected farmers pawn their ploughs, weary women sleep on empty stomachs…. Would those perishing now have died anyway? Or is hunger calling them away prematurely? Filled with social concern, Satisha, the district commissioner, wants to help the afflicted. But he is caught between the politicians who are unwilling to declare the district drought-hit and the murky local realities where a religious outfit strives to protect cows, the desperate youth hold a deity responsible for the failed rains, and petty activists seek to secure their own interests. Can the idealist Satisha win the game where corrupt politicians are rolling the dice and stand by his conviction to help the afflicted? Written during the Indian Emergency, Bara depicts the tortuous realities of Indian democracy, and captures the political and moral dilemmas of the educated middle class