3-D Modelling of the Confederation Bridge Using Data of Full Scale Tests

Long-span bridges are special structures that require advanced analysis techniques to examine their performance. This paper presents a procedure developed to model the Confederation Bridge using 3-D beam elements. The model was validated using the data collected before the opening of the bridge to the public. The bridge was instrumented to conduct fullscale static and dynamic tests. The static tests were to measure the deflection of the bridge pier while the dynamic tests to measure the free vibrations of the pier due to a sudden release of the static load. Confederation Bridge is one of the longest reinforced concrete bridges in the world. It connects the province of Prince Edward Island and the province of New Brunswick in Canada. Due to its strategic location and vital role as a transportation link between these two provinces, it was designed using higher safety factors than those for typical highway bridges. After validating the present numerical model, a procedure was developed to evaluate the performance of similar bridges subjected to traffic and seismic loads. It is of interest to note that the foundation stiffness and the modulus of elasticity of the concrete have significant effects on the structural responses of the Confederation Bridge.

Toxicity testing of four silver nanoparticle-coated dental castings in 3-D LO2 cell cultures

To address the controversial issue of the toxicity of dental alloys and silver nanoparticles in medical ap- plications, an in vivo-like LO2 3-D model was constructed within polyvinylidene fluoride hollow fiber materials to mimic the microenvironment of liver tissue. The use of microscopy methods and the measurement of liver-specific functions optimized the model for best cell performances and also proved the superiority of the 3-D LO2 model when compared with the traditional monolayer model. Toxicity tests were conducted using the newly constructed model, finding that four dental castings coated with silver nanoparticles were toxic to human hepatocytes after cell viability assays. In general, the toxicity of both the castings and the coated silver nanoparticles aggravated as time increased, yet the nanoparticles attenuated the general toxicity by preventing metal ion release, especially at high concentrations.