Relationships between Quadriceps:Hamstring Strength Ratio and Lower Extremity Injuries in Netball Players

Background: Netball is a popular sport. Due to high impact and quick movement, there is an enormous load on the lower extremities which increases the risk for injury. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the quadricep and hamstring strength and the prevalence of lower extremity injuries in netball players. Setting: Twenty-five female netball players (age: 20.8 ± 1.4 years) voluntarily participated. Methods: The Cybex Isokinetic dynamometer was used to determine concentric knee torques. Quadriceps:hamstring strength ratio was determined. Occurrence of lower extremity injuries was documented bi-weekly. Results: Medium effect sizes were noted for flexion torque:work for the left leg and for the quadriceps:hamstring ratio (≥60%) for the right leg. All the other measured variables have a small effect size. 18.75% of lower extremity injuries and ConQ:ConH of Conclusion: Injuries to the ankle and knee are especially common among netball players. Hamstring and quadriceps muscle asymmetry (>10%) were found to be a potential indicator of lower extremity injury. Contribution: This study highlights awareness on lower extremity injuries and the strength ratio between the quadriceps and hamstrings. This can aid coaches and netball players to lower the risk for injuries and thus improve individual- and team performance.

Estimation of residual shear strength ratios of liquefied soil deposits from shear wave velocity

For sites susceptible to liquefaction induced lateral spreading during a probable earthquake, geotechnical engineers often need to know the undrained residual shear strength of the liquefied soil deposit to estimate lateral spreading displacements, and the forces acting on the piles from the liquefied soils in order to perform post liquefaction stability analyses. The most commonly used methods to estimate the undrained residual shear strength （Su~） of liquefied sand deposits are based on the correlations determined from liquefaction induced flow failures with SPT and CPT data. In this study, 44 lateral spread case histories are analyzed and a new relationship based on only lateral spread case histories is recommended, which estimates the residual shear strength ratio of the liquefiable soil layer from normalized shear wave velocity. The new proposed method is also utilized to estimate the residual lateral displacement of an example bridge problem in an area susceptible to lateral spreading in order to provide insight into how the proposed relationship can be used in geotechnical engineering practice.

Influence of the column-to-beam flexural strength ratio on the failure mode of beam-column connections in RC frames

The column-to-beam flexural strength ratio(CBFSR)has been used in many seismic codes to achieve the strong column-weak beam(SCWB)failure mode in reinforced concrete(RC)frames,in which plastic hinges appear earlier in beams than in columns.However,seismic investigations show that the required limit of CBFSR in seismic codes usually cannot achieve the SCWB failure mode under strong earthquakes.This study investigates the failure modes of RC frames with different CBFSRs.Nine typical three-story RC frame models with different CBFSRs are designed in accordance with Chinese seismic codes.The seismic responses and failure modes of the frames are investigated through time-history analyses using 100 ground motion records.The results show that the required limit of the CBFSR that guarantees the SCWB failure mode depends on the beam-column connection type and the seismic intensity,and different types of beam-column connections exhibit different failure modes even though they are designed with the same CBFSR.Recommended CBFSRs are proposed for achieving the designed SCWB failure mode for different types of connections in RC frames under different seismic intensities.These results may provide some reference for further revisions of the SCWB design criterion in Chinese seismic codes.

Influence of yield-to-tensile strength ratio(Y/T) on failure assessment of defect-free and corroded X70 steel pipeline

The effect of yield-to-tensile strength ratio(Y/T) on failure pressure of X70 pipeline without and with corrosion defects was investigated.The stress-strain response of materials was characterized by a power-law hardening curve.Two formulas to estimate the strain hardening exponent n for a special Y/T were obtained by least squared regression method and the influence of Y/T on n was analyzed.As an application of n-Y/T expression,the analytical solutions of burst pressure for X70 pipeline without and with corrosion defects were also obtained.The results indicate that the burst pressure of defect-free X70 pipe without corrosion defects is a function of the Y/T,pipe geometry t0/D0 and engineering tensile strength,and increases as Y/T or t0/D0 increases; whilst the burst pressure of corroded X70 pipe decreases with the increase of defect depths,d/t.Comparisons indicate that the present analytical solutions closely match available experimental and numerical data.

Effects of binder strength and aggregate size on the compressive strength and void ratio of porous concrete

To test the influence of binder strength, porous concretes with 4 binder strengths between 30.0-135.0 MPa and 5 void ratios between 15%-35% were tested. The results indicated that for the same aggregate, the rates of strength reduction due to the increases in void ratio were the same for binders with different strengths. To study the influence of aggregate size, 3 single size aggregates with nominal sizes of 5.0, 13.0 and 20.0 mm （Nos. 7, 6 and 5 according to JIS A 5001） were used to make porous concrete. The strengths of porous concrete are found to be dependent on aggregate size. The rate of strength reduction of porous concrete with small aggregate size is found to be higher than that with larger aggregate size. At the same void ratio, the strength of porous concrete with large aggregate is larger than that with small aggregate. The general equations for porous concrete are related to compressive strength and void ratio for different binder strengths and aggregate sizes.

Mechanical characteristics of tensile strength ratio method compared to other parameters used for moisture susceptibility evaluation of asphalt mixtures

In this study,mechanical characteristics of tensile strength ratio(TSR)were evaluated by comparing it to other methods in evaluating moisture sensitivity of asphalt mixtures.Twenty types of asphalt mixtures with and without anti-stripping additives were prepared and tested in the laboratory.Uniaxial compressive strength(UCS)and indirect tensile(IDT)testing were conducted to determine the mixture’s tensile strength ratio and cohesion ratio(CR).Determining TSR alone was found to be insufficient when evaluating moisture resistance.There is a need to consider both TSR and wet IDT strength to properly evaluate moisture behavior of asphalt mixtures.Moreover,it was found that the cohesion and the IDT strength have a good relation in which the minimum condition of the slope,must be met.However,it was observed thatβvalues change depending on material type and temperature.Hence,there is a need to evaluate theseβvalues for varying material and testing temperature.In addition,it was found that the TSR and CR results are highly correlated with an average difference of 1.5%.Furthermore,other tests such as Marshall stability and dynamic immersion were also conducted.It was found that Marshall stability ratio(MSR)and Marshall stability to flow ratio(MSFR)values are less sensitive to moisture effect when measuring moisture resistance compared to TSR values.Finally,the 48 h testing result of the dynamic immersion test showed better correlation with TSR values.

THE INERT HOLDING RATIO OF COAL AND THE STRENGTH OF COKE

The variation regularity of coke strength was investigated in terms of the genetic factors and petrographic parameters of coal in collaboration with the technical properties of coal. A concept of inert holding ratio of coal was proposed. There is an optimal inert holding ratio for different ranks of coals for making coke with highest combined strength. The additive property of inert holding ratio under normal conditions was demonstrated with actual examples of coal blending.Thus it is possible to predict the combined strength of coke through reflectance, content of inert components and caking index diagram system.

Equal Volumes of Sand and Gravel Concrete Mix Ratios in Cameroon and Its Effect on Concrete Compressive Strength

In recent years, the rationalization of concrete mix ratios which batches equal volumes of sand and gravel in building projects has been gaining grounds in the Cameroon construction industry. The main objective of this study is therefore to investigate if the concrete produced with rationalized mix ratio can be adopted as conventional mix ratio in terms of minimum required compression strength of concrete for buildings. Specifically this work compared the conventional mix ratio of 350 kg of cement: 400 liters of sand: 800 liters of gravel for a cubic meter and the rationalized batch of 350 kg of cement: 600 liters of sand: 600 liters of 5/15 gravel, 15/25 gravel and a combination of 5/15 + 15/25 gravel. Average compressive tests’results for both the conventional and the rationalized mix ratios were found to meet the minimum compressive strength of 65% at 7 days, 90% at 14 days and 99% at 28 days for gravel size combination 5/15 + 15/25. Single size gravel of 5/15 and 15/25 did not meet the minimum required compressive strength of 20 N/mm2 for the rationalized mix ratio at 28 days curing based on the minimum compressive strength required, this study arrives at the conclusion that the equal volumes of sand and gravel mix ratio of 350 kg/m3 of cement: 600 liters of sand: 600 liters of gravel mix ratio can be adopted as a conventional concrete mix ratio for gravel size 5/15 + 15/25.

强度比对类复合岩样冲击破碎特征的影响

为了保证复合地层中施工效率及工程安全,揭示动荷载作用下复合岩层的力学特征,通过分离式霍普金森压杆对三种不同强度比的类复合岩样进行动态巴西劈裂试验,基于破碎分形理论,探究强度比、应变率、入射角对类复合岩样的破碎程度及能耗特性的影响。试验结果表明:层理面倾角对类复合岩样破碎形态有较大影响,当应变率为146.36 s^(-1)时,沿层理面加载试样易发生劈裂拉伸破坏,且强度比越低试样破坏所需吸收的能量越少;当入射角为0°时,类复合岩样分形维数随着强度比的增大而增大,但当入射角为90°时强度比为1.5的复合岩样分形维数最大;类复合岩样吸收的能量主要用于裂纹扩展,单位体积内试样吸收的能量越大,试样越破碎,即类复合岩样分形维数与能耗密度呈正相关。

低强度再生混凝土微观形态与力学性能的相关性研究

建筑垃圾来源复杂,为提高再生混凝土的资源利用,并满足基本工程应用要求,在仅考虑再生骨料密度、吸水和含水率、压碎指标的条件下,采用再生粗骨料混凝土配合比设计法配置低强度再生混凝土,结合切片法和SEM扫描电镜对再生混凝土的孔隙结构变化与微观形貌进行观察,分析水胶比、减水剂、粉煤灰对低强度再生混凝土内部结构的影响,发现当水胶比降低时,再生混凝土内部结构的密实度提升,絮状C-S-H之间更为密实,多害孔的比例降低,抗压和劈裂强度提高;当减水剂掺量提升时,钙钒石(AFt)的含量增加,内部结构更为致密;粉煤灰对再生混凝土的抗压和劈裂强度呈负面影响,降低C-S-H与再生骨料之间的粘结性,内部孔隙率变大,坍落度升高,可降低经济成本。

圆形截面钢管混凝土受弯构件塑性发展系数的双因素计算模型研究

为了综合考虑截面几何和材料特性对圆形截面钢管混凝土(CFST)受弯构件抗弯强度的影响,选择截面厚径比和材料强度比作为自变量,研究建立了圆CFST受弯构件截面塑性发展系数的二元函数计算表达,并建立了截面抗弯强度计算模型。首先在确定厚径比和强度比取值范围的基础上,设计1 656个圆CFST受弯构件的数值模型,利用纤维模型法计算确定每个构件的截面抗弯强度和塑性发展系数。然后选择截面钢管壁厚与外径之比、钢管强度与核心混凝土强度之比作为自变量,通过回归分析建立圆CFST构件的截面塑性发展系数的二元函数表达式,据此提出了圆CFST构件截面抗弯强度的计算模型。最后通过与试验数据、现行设计规范和研究文献中不同计算模型进行对比分析,验证了建立的圆形截面钢管混凝土受弯构件的截面塑性发展系数和抗弯强度计算模型具有更高的精度和适用性。

高强页岩轻骨料混凝土制备及微观结构研究

基于最紧密堆积理论和最小需水量法进行高强页岩轻骨料混凝土配合比设计与制备,研究了水胶比对抗压及劈裂抗拉强度影响,并借助SEM/EDS进行微观测试分析。结果表明:当粗细骨料体积分数比为5.5:4.5时,粗细骨料达到最紧密堆积状态;当硅灰、粉煤灰和水泥质量比为0.8:3.2:6时,需水量最少,粉体材料密实度最佳;依据优化配比所配混凝土的抗压强度和劈裂抗拉强度均随龄期增加而增加;随着水胶比增加,抗压强度和劈裂抗拉强度呈先增后减的趋势,且当水胶比为0.24时达到最大,分别为70.9、5.83MPa;硅灰和粉煤灰特有的形态效应和火山灰效应有效改善了浆体与骨料间界面的密实程度,微观结果显示浆体与骨料界面区域结构致密,陶粒区域为富Si、Al相,浆体一侧为富Ca相。

SHANSEP试验方法改进与验证

为满足工程实际需要,对SHANSEP试验方法加以改进,将淤泥固结至远大于其前期固结压力后,再逐级卸载以模拟超固结黏土,在不同的超固结比下进行了三轴固结不排水试验。试验表明:等向固结的三轴试验,也能较好地拟合出超固结土不排水强度与正常固结土强度、超固结比之间的关系式;提出了工程地区超固结土不排水强度公式,可推算不同超固结比下的土体强度;通过本次试验中对加荷方式的改进与拓宽,取代了原有k0固结或单剪仪的要求,提高了试验效率、节约成本,且该方法可推广使用到更多土类上,对研究超固结土的性质有一定工程实用意义。

煤矸石机制砂C20混凝土力学性能研究

为探究煤矸石机制砂对低强度等级C20混凝土力学性能的影响,调控煤矸石机制砂掺量和水灰比浇筑混凝土试块,开展抗压和抗折强度试验。结果表明:相同水灰比下,随煤矸石机制砂掺量增加,混凝土的抗压强度先增强后降低;相同取代率下,混凝土的抗压和抗折强度随水灰比增大而降低。相较于煤矸石机制砂取代率,水灰比对混凝土抗折强度的影响更大。取代率不超过30%时,对混凝土的抗压和抗折强度均有利,水灰比为0.55、取代率为25%时,混凝土抗压和抗折强度提高最多。

Comprehensive Analysis of the Effects of Superplasticizer Variation on the Workability and Strength of Ready-Mix Concrete

This experimental study aims to examine the influence of many crucial parameters on the workability and compressive strength of Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC). The study utilized two distinct varieties of superplasticizers obtained from the local market. The fine aggregates utilized in this study were sourced from Sylhet sand, whereas the coarse aggregates were comprised of boulder crushed stone chips. The experimental procedures adhered to the requirements outlined by ASTM. A comprehensive investigation was conducted on a range of concrete compositions that used diverse chemical admixtures. The slump test was performed at regular intervals of 15 minutes until the slump value reached or fell below 3 cm after the mixing of the concrete. In the scenario involving two-stage admixture dosage, the second stage of admixture was introduced once the slump reached or dropped below 3 cm, following which the casting process was initiated. The process of curing concrete specimens consists of two distinct stages: the main stage and the final stage. Cylindrical specimens, with a diameter of 4 inches and a height of 8 inches, were manufactured for the purpose of evaluating their compressive strength at both 7 and 28 days. During the experimental trials, the water-cement (w/c) ratio was kept consistent, while different dosages of admixture were applied. The findings of the study indicate that the utilization of a two-stage dose of admixture resulted in enhanced and extended workability, along with higher strength of the concrete in comparison to specimens that did not incorporate any admixture. This research study enhances the comprehension of optimizing qualities of ready-mix concrete (RMC) by varying the superplasticizer, providing useful insights for the building sector.

不同冲击气压下煤样动态剪切强度的长径比效应

采用Φ50mm分离式霍普金森压杆(SHPB)试验系统,开展了不同冲击气压下直径75mm,长径比分别为0.20,0.27,0.33,0.40和0.47的5组煤样的动态剪切试验,划分了煤动态剪应力时程曲线的阶段,探讨了冲击气压对煤样动态剪切强度的影响,分析了煤样动态剪切强度和加载率的长径比效应,并建立了长径比效应理论模型。研究结果表明:①煤样动态剪应力时程曲线可分为应力初始上升、应力线性增长、应力缓慢上升和应力下降4个阶段;②煤样动态剪切强度与冲击气压呈正线性相关,但不同长径比下增加幅度存在差异,具体表现为:相同冲击气压增量下,煤样长径比越小,动态剪切强度的增加幅度越大;③煤样动态剪切强度和加载率均与长径比有关,在0.25,0.35 MPa较低冲击气压与0.45,0.55 MPa较高冲击气压下分别呈现出正、负长径比效应,并通过方差分析确定了长径比对其影响最小的冲击气压为0.376MPa;④建立了不同冲击气压下煤样动态剪切强度长径比效应理论模型,通过加载率效应推导出加载率长径比效应理论模型,并验证了模型的合理性和准确性。

基于无废企业工业废料充填体强度与材料配比优化研究

为了构建无废企业,某煤电一体化企业采用连采连充式充填来循环再利用其生产的工业废弃物。结合充填工艺特点,以矸石和炉渣为骨料,粉煤灰、石膏、水泥和电厂废水配成的浆液为胶结材料,用DPS数据处理系统建立回归模型,通过方差分析与响应曲面分析法分析双因素交互作用下对充填体强度影响。研究结果表明,石膏水泥比与矸石浆液比交互作用影响最大,其次是粉煤灰水泥比与矸石浆液比的交互作用,石膏水泥比与粉煤灰水泥比交互作用影响最小。根据优化结果得到最终配比为石膏水泥比0.1,粉煤灰水泥比0.35,矸石浆液比2.9,以此参数得到充填体试验最终强度为5.21 MPa,其相对误差小于5%。研究结果可为无废企业的废弃物的循环再利用提供借鉴。

基于声发射技术的高强全珊瑚钢筋混凝土板破坏特性研究

为了探究全珊瑚钢筋混凝土板破坏特性,设计了3种不同配筋率(0.85%、1.13%和1.41%)的高强全珊瑚钢筋混凝土板构件.结合声发射技术,开展了全珊瑚混凝土板构件四点弯曲加载试验,揭示了配筋率对高强全珊瑚钢筋混凝土板力学性能的影响.基于声发射参数速率过程理论,建立了损伤定量评估模型,并进一步提出了可用于工程实践的损伤评估准则.结果表明:随配筋率增大,高强全珊瑚混凝土板构件起裂荷载、起裂时间与峰值荷载均增大,但中心挠度降低了11.29%;单位时间声发射参数变化均存在2个峰值区,可作为板构件的起裂评判和破坏预兆;根据声发射参数累计值变化可将高强全珊瑚混凝土板构件破坏过程划分为轻度(<0.35)、中度(0.35~0.66)、高度(0.66~0.84)和重度(>0.84)损伤4个程度.所建立模型适用于不同配筋率的全珊瑚混凝土板构件损伤评估.

高掺量磷石膏道路基层材料配比设计及性能研究

按传统矿质混合料设计掺磷石膏道路基层材料难以大规模消纳磷石膏,为实现磷石膏在道路基层材料中大规模利用,通过骨料替代法进行高掺量磷石膏道路基层材料配比设计,确定适宜的碎石比(5~10 mm粒级与10~25 mm粒级质量比39∶61)后以不同掺量替代磷石膏基胶凝材料体系,再击实然后得出最佳含水率及最大干密度。通过对设计好的配比进行性能试验筛选,得出适宜配比为P85S60,养护28 d的试件抗压强度最大达5.39 MPa,体积变化率较低,且养护7 d后试件的体积增长稳定,体积变化率最终维持在0.5%左右,有利于现场道路施工应用。所有配比浸出氟、磷均满足《污水综合排放标准》(GB 8978—1996)一级限值,相较于常规水泥稳定碎石材料,该道路基层材料浸出液的酸碱性不会额外增加不利影响。通过XRD和SEM分析可知,胶凝材料水化产生的钙矾石和水化硅酸钙包裹在未反应的二水石膏周围,另外针棒状钙矾石和水化硅酸钙填充微小孔隙,使得试件整体结构密实、强度增加、体积稳定性增强。