Strength criterion for crystalline rocks considering grain size effect and tensile-compressive strength ratio

The macroscopic mechanical properties of rocks are significantly influenced by their microstructure.As a material bonded by mineral grains,the grain morphology of crystalline rock is the primary factor influencing the strength.However,most strength criteria neglect the strength variations caused by different grain characteristics in rocks.Furthermore,the traditional linear criteria tend to overestimate tensile strength and exhibit apex singularity.To address these shortcomings,a piecewise strength criterion that considers the grain size effect has been proposed.A part of an ellipse was employed to construct the envelope of the tensive-shear region on the meridian plane,to accurately reproduce the low tensile-compressive strength ratio.Based on the analysis of experimental data,both linear and exponential modification functions that account for grain size effects were integrated into the proposed criterion.The corresponding finite element algorithm has been implemented.The accuracy and applicability of the proposed criterion were validated by comparing with the experimental data.

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.

Prediction of the undrained shear strength of remolded soil with non-linear regression,fuzzy logic,and artificial neural network

This study aims to predict the undrained shear strength of remolded soil samples using non-linear regression analyses,fuzzy logic,and artificial neural network modeling.A total of 1306 undrained shear strength results from 230 different remolded soil test settings reported in 21 publications were collected,utilizing six different measurement devices.Although water content,plastic limit,and liquid limit were used as input parameters for fuzzy logic and artificial neural network modeling,liquidity index or water content ratio was considered as an input parameter for non-linear regression analyses.In non-linear regression analyses,12 different regression equations were derived for the prediction of undrained shear strength of remolded soil.Feed-Forward backpropagation and the TANSIG transfer function were used for artificial neural network modeling,while the Mamdani inference system was preferred with trapezoidal and triangular membership functions for fuzzy logic modeling.The experimental results of 914 tests were used for training of the artificial neural network models,196 for validation and 196 for testing.It was observed that the accuracy of the artificial neural network and fuzzy logic modeling was higher than that of the non-linear regression analyses.Furthermore,a simple and reliable regression equation was proposed for assessments of undrained shear strength values with higher coefficients of determination.

Determination Multipole Mixing Ratios and Transition Strengths of Gamma Rays from Level Studies of 93Mo （p, nγ） Reaction

The multipole mixing ratios have been calculated by a2-ratio method, from levels of 93Mo（p, nγ） reaction. The branching ratios of such γ-transitions are used to calculate the total gamma widths. Besides, the transition strengths and probabilities have been calculated for γ-transitions from excited states whose life times have been reported previously. The results are found to be in general in good agreement with the previous results populated from the previous work.

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.

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.

Acute effects of static stretching on peak and end-range hamstring-to-quadriceps functional ratios

AIM: To evaluate if static stretching influences peak and end-range functional hamstring-to-quadriceps(H/Q) strength ratios in elite women athletes. METHODS: Eleven healthy female athletes in an elite competitive level participated to the study. All the participants fulfilled the static stretching or non-stretching(control) intervention protocol in a randomized design on different days. Two static unassisted stretching exercises, one in standing and one in sitting position, were used to stretch both the hamstring and quadriceps muscles during these protocols. The total time for the static stretching was 6 ± 1 min. The isokinetic peak torque measurements for the hamstring and quadriceps muscles in eccentric and concentric modes and the calculations for the functional H/Q strength ratios at angular velocities of 60°/s and 180°/s were made before(pre) and after(post) the control or stretching intervention. The strength measurements and functional strength ratio calculations were based during the entire- and end-range of knee extension.RESULTS: The pre-test scores for quadriceps and hamstring peak torque and end range values were not significantly different between the groups(P > 0.05). Subsequently, although the control group did notexhibit significant changes in quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength(P > 0.05), static stretching decreased eccentric and concentric quadriceps muscle strength at both the 60°/s and 180°/s test speeds(P < 0.01). Similarly, static stretching also decreased eccentric and concentric hamstring muscle strength at both the 60°/s and 180°/s test speeds(P < 0.01). On the other hand, when the functional H/Q strength ratios were taken into consideration, the pre-intervention values were not significant different between the groups both during the entire and end range of knee extension(P > 0.05). Furthermore, the functional H/Q strength ratios exhibited no significant alterations during the entire and end ranges of knee extension both in the static stretching or the control intervention(P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: According to our results, static stretching routine does not influence functional H/Q ratio. Athletes can confidently perform static stretching during their warm-up routines.

Effect of natural and synthetic fibers reinforcement on California bearing ratio and tensile strength of clay

Use of environmentally friendly approaches with the purpose of strengthening soil layers along with finding correlations between the mechanical characteristics of fiber-reinforced soils such as indirect tensile strength(ITS)and California bearing ratio(CBR)and as well as the evaluation of shear strength parameters obtained from the triaxial test would be very effective at geotechnical construction sites.This research was aimed at investigating the influence of natural fibers as sustainable ones including basalt(BS)and bagasse(BG)as well as synthetic polyester(PET)fibers on the strength behavior of clayey soil.To this end,the effects of various fiber contents(0.5%,1%and 2%)and lengths(2.5 mm,5 mm and 7.5 mm)were experimentally evaluated.By conducting ITS and CBR tests,it was found that increasing fiber content and length had a significant influence on CBR and ITS values.Moreover,2%of 7.5 mm-long fibers led to the largest values of CBR and ITS.The CBR values of soil reinforced with PET,BS,and BG fibers were determined as 19.17%,15.43%and 13.16%,respectively.The ITS values of specimens reinforced with PET,BS,and BG fibers were reported as 48.57 kPa,60.7 kPa and 47.48 kPa,respectively.The results of the triaxial compression test revealed that with the addition of BS fibers,the internal friction angle increased by about 100%,and with the addition of PET fibers,the cohesion increased by about 70%.Moreover,scanning electron microscope(SEM)analysis was employed to confirm the findings.The relationship between CBR and ITS values,obtained via statistical analysis and used for the optimum design of road pavement layers,demonstrated that these parameters had high correlation coefficients.The outcomes of multiple linear regression and sensitivity analysis also confirmed that the fiber content had a greater effect on CBR and ITS values than fiber length.

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.

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.

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.

Research on the Performance of Titanium Gypsum Concrete Based on Calcium-Silicon-Sulfur Ratio

Based on the high sulfur content in titanium gypsum,the concept of the calcium-silicon-sulfur(Ca/Si/S)ratio was proposed.The Ca/Si/S ratio of concrete was adjusted by changing the titanium gypsum,fly ash,and cement con-tent.The effects of different Ca/Si/S ratios on the mechanical properties,hydration products,and concrete micro-structure were investigated by nuclear magnetic resonance,uniaxial compression,and scanning electron microscopy.The result shows:(1)The compressive strength of concrete mixed with titanium gypsum increases first and then decreases with the Ca/Si/S ratio decrease.When the Ca/Si/S ratio is 1:0.85:0.10,the strength reaches the peak and is lower than the blank group.(2)The microstructure indicates the addition of titanium gypsum can effectively stimulate the activity of fly ash.Still,too much or too little titanium gypsum will hamper concrete strength development.(3)Titanium gypsum concrete’s nuclear magnetic resonance T2 spectrum has two characteristic peaks.With the Ca/Si/S ratio decreasing,the micropores in the concrete expand towards the macropores.The compressive strength is negatively correlated with the proportion of macropores and is positively correlated with the proportion of no-capillary pores.

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.

髌股关节痛业余跑者的下肢肌力特征分析

目的:研究髌股关节痛(patellofemoral pain,PFP)业余跑者的下肢肌力特征。方法:招募PFP业余跑者30例(男性20例,女性10例)作为膝痛组,并匹配30例无损伤的业余跑者作为非膝痛组,采集所有受试者的髋关节外展力量、股四头肌力量、腘绳肌力量,并计算腘绳肌/股四头肌比值、双侧肢体力量对称指数等。采用独立样本t检验对不同组别的各项指标进行统计学检测。结果:男性PFP业余跑者的髋关节外展力量及对称指数、股四头肌力量及对称指数显著小于非膝痛组,腘绳肌/股四头肌比值显著大于非膝痛组;女性PFP业余跑者的髋关节外展力量及对称指数显著小于非膝痛组。结论:PFP业余跑者与非膝痛跑者表现出不同的下肢肌力特征,其男性与女性PFP业余跑者下肢力量特点表现并不一致,PFP康复训练中应考虑功能性及性别差异。

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。

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。

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。

不同粗骨料取代率下粉煤灰再生混凝土的力学性能研究

为探讨不同再生粗骨料取代率下粉煤灰对再生混凝土力学性能的影响,以及再生混凝土抗折强度与再生粗骨料取代率、水胶比之间的关系,以RC30设计强度等级为基础设计了16组配合比,制作了96块再生混凝土试块,主要进行了再生混凝土的抗压强度试验和抗折强度试验。得出如下结论:随粉煤灰掺量的增加,不同再生粗骨料取代率,抗压强度变化规律有所不同;再生粗骨料取代率为0、30%和40%时,抗压强度随粉煤灰掺量的增加整体呈下降趋势;而当再生粗骨料取代率为50%时,随粉煤灰掺量的增加,抗压强度先减小后增大。粉煤灰掺量大于20%时,天然骨料混凝土的抗压强度急剧下降,而再生骨料混凝土的抗压强度降低幅度均较小,大掺量粉煤灰在再生混凝土中或将有更大的应用空间。通过观察抗折强度试件破坏断面,分析再生混凝土变形破坏特征。粉煤灰的掺入提高了天然骨料混凝土的抗折强度,且掺量为20%强度最高。再生粗骨料取代率为30%时,随粉煤灰掺量变化抗折强度整体呈下降趋势,但下降幅度很小;再生粗骨料取代率为40%和50%时,呈先减后增再减的趋势。天然骨料混凝土的折压比随粉煤灰掺量的增加而提高;再生混凝土折压比随粉煤灰掺量的变化趋势与抗折强度一致,但变化幅度略小。粉煤灰对再生混凝土抗折强度的影响大于抗压强度;再生粗骨料取代率为30%,粉煤灰掺量为10%为较优掺量。提出再生混凝土抗折强度预测式。

原生混凝土强度对再生骨料透水混凝土强度的影响

将废弃混凝土试块按强度等级分类制成再生骨料,在不同水灰比条件下制备再生骨料透水混凝土。通过对所制试件进行抗压强度和弯拉强度测试、宏观和微观组织表征以及显微硬度测试,分析了原生混凝土强度和水灰比对再生骨料透水混凝土强度的影响。结果表明,再生骨料透水混凝土强度与原生混凝土强度存在明确正相关性。原生混凝土强度每提高10 MPa,再生骨料透水混凝土抗压强度可提高10%~20%,弯拉强度可提高10%~30%。不同强度等级原生混凝土制备的再生骨料透水混凝土最优水灰比呈现规律性变化。随着原生混凝土强度的提高,再生骨料表面的孔隙变小、微裂缝变少,附着的水泥浆趋于致密,所制再生骨料透水混凝土界面强度增大。