Abstract: Hot-mix epoxy asphalt (HEA), a polymer material for steel bridge deck pavements, has garnered attention due to its superior performance. The optimal content of different hot-mix epoxy resins varies due to their distinct compositions. This study investigated the viscosity-temperature characteristics, microscopic topography, mechanical properties, and mixture performances of epoxy asphalt binders and mixtures with varying self-prepared epoxy resin contents. Techniques such as laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM), tensile tests, mixture performance tests, viscosity tests, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) tests were employed. Results revealed that HEA with an epoxy resin concentration of at least 40% meets the specifications (JTG/T 3364-02-2019). Increasing the epoxy resin content enhances viscosity, tensile strength, Marshal stability, dynamic stability, and flexural tensile strains but reduces elongation at break. LSCM and SEM images showed that during curing, spherical epoxy particles agglomerate to form a three-dimensional cross-linking network structure and thermosetting cured epoxy asphalt when the epoxy resin content is at least 40%.

Abstract: Given the acceleration of urbanisation processes, urban lands have nearly become saturated, and the gap between population and land is increasing. The development of underground spaces has become important for solving the three major crises of urban population, resources, and environment and is a critical step in the sustainable development of cities. Therefore, the effects of the excavation method and drag-and-replace on underground storey supplementation of 3 × 3 frame structures having different foundations were investigated in this study through model tests and numerical simulations. The results show that removal of the top slab in the concentric square slab tray replacement produces the most unfavourable working conditions when the foundation is independent. In cruciform slab draglines, uneven settlement of the non-equal-span frame structures is greater than that of equal-span frame structures, and the final settlement is positively correlated with the span size. The central shaft and surround-island-type soil excavation methods are more effective when applied to free-standing foundations. Deformation of the strip foundation in the pile-wall type of buttress is mainly concentrated in the contact area with the buttress pile and middle area of the frame. The ring-shaped reserved core soil body earth excavation method is more effective for layered excavation in the buttressing of strip foundation piles. Based on these findings, corresponding measures are proposed for use as project references.

Abstract: This study investigates the dynamic characteristic of the Meixi River Bridge, the longest high-speed railway bridge with ballastless track and deck-type reinforced concrete arch, under a running train at different speeds. The testing train speeds varied from 200 km/h to 385 km/h. The bridge was instrumented with different types of sensors to measure accelerations, strains, and dynamic deflections. The measured data were used to identify mode shapes of the bridge. Based on the measurement results, this study assessed the effects of train speed on the vertical and transverse accelerations, strain impact factors, dynamic deflections, derailment coefficient, and wheel unloading rate, which are critical parameters affecting train safety and riding stability. Based on the in-situ measurement data, a train-track-bridge coupled vibration model was established using the finite element method and multi-body dynamics method to investigated the dynamic behavior of the train under different temperatures. The results revealed that extreme high temperatures have significant impacts on driving safety. This study provides in-situ dynamic test data and a new assessment method for promoting the driving safety and operation efficiency of high-speed railway arch bridges.

Abstract: The multi-directional and spatial variations of ground motions have been recognized as common factors contributing to the unfavorable response of long-span bridges for decades. However, they are not typically considered in the seismic design due to their complex influence. This study investigates the influences of tri-directional excitation and the wave-passage effect with different apparent wave velocities on the seismic response of a long-span reinforced concrete deck-type arch bridge using shaking table tests. A scaled model of the arch bridge at 1:30 ratio was designed and tested on a dual shaking table system. The test includes both single- and tri-directional excitations, as well as single-directional excitations with three longitudinal traveling waves. The results show that the longitudinal component of ground motions influences the vertical vibration of the arch bridge significantly. Compared to single directional excitations, the tri-directional excitations have a great influence on the vertical acceleration and longitudinal strain responses at quarter spans, but the impact on the displacement response is minimal. Compared to uniform excitations, the wave-passage effect influences the vertical acceleration response at the arch crown and the longitudinal strain response at quarter spans significantly, but does not impact the displacement response greatly. A maximum ratio of 1.5 and 10 is observed for the vertical acceleration response when considering the tri-directional excitation and wave-passage effect, respectively. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the vertical acceleration amplification at quarter spans and arch crown to ensure their seismic adequacy when designing similar arch bridges.

Abstract: The exposure period and environmental factors can significantly influence the surface degradation of wood. Extended exposure periods are needed for accurately assessing a material's long-term performance, making it essential to study how prolonged exposure affects wood properties. This research focused on examining the impact of heat treatment on the physical properties (dimensional stability, water uptake, and contact angle), mechanical properties (flexural and compression), and surface analysis (FTIR, SEM, roughness, and color) of iroko wood used as a terrace deck over a 10-year period in Bursa, Türkiye. Findings revealed that the surface roughness and water uptake of aged iroko increased considerably after exposure. Although heat treatment improved surface quality (roughness, wettability) and color stability initially, heat-treated (HT) iroko partially lost those improvements after the 10-year exposure period. The compression strength and modulus of elasticity of aged HT iroko slightly decreased compared to unaged HT samples, where the rupture modulus decreased remarkably. FTIR analysis and SEM images indicated notable changes in surface composition in heat-treated wood after exposure.

Abstract: Due to their high efficiency, appropriate structural behavior, and aesthetic merits, the use of cable-stayed bridges continues to grow. One of the challenges faced by designers is the demand for increased span lengths of these bridges. With this increase in length, the effects of wind forces on the deck become more pronounced. Neglecting this issue, in addition to increasing the forces on the bridge elements and non-optimal design, can also pose safety hazards. In this regard, extensive research has been conducted on optimizing the elements of cable-stayed bridges against aerodynamic forces, among which the deck is one of the most influential elements on this behavior. The cable element is the subject of the majority of cable-stayed bridge optimization researches. However, the effect of deck optimization on cable optimization has not yet been investigated. In this study, first the deck topology of the Nissibi Bridge, located in Turkey, is aerodynamically optimized by two different approaches. The CFD model, validated using wind tunnel test data, simulates the transient aerodynamic forces on the deck. Next, the effect of deck topology optimization on the axial force of the cables is examined, and the total cable quantity of the bridge is reduced. Based on the results of this study, it is observed that minor adjustments in the deck geometry can increase the upward wind force on the deck up to 77 %. Also, benefitting from this upward force, which reduced the axial stress in the cables, the volume of the cable utilized in the bridge could be decreased by 4.1 %, which in this case is equivalent to 20.1 tons of high-strength steel. Using the method presented in this study, the wind force on the deck can be controlled and reduced, and thus, the design of the deck and cable elements can be optimized, ultimately reducing the cost of bridge construction.

Abstract: Abstract This study applies a suite of novel methodologies for simulating extreme waves and their associated wave loads. This improves significantly the efficiency of generating appropriate data required for reliability analyses, that are typically required as part of the design and/or reassessment of marine structures. This is demonstrated on the derivation of both the statistical properties of extreme wave crests and the applied wave-in-deck (WID) loading. The proposed methodologies are developed on the basis of extensive physical model testing conducted at the Hydrodynamics Laboratory at Imperial College London. The experiments relate to random wave design conditions that are typically employed in intermediate and deep water depths. Addressing this issue within the framework of stochastic (random) waves typically involves prohibitively long (experimental or numerical) simulation times. The proposed methodology addresses this challenge by enabling the theoretical pre-selection of extreme wave crests that generate extreme WID loads. This approach reduces physical modelling time from days to hours. In adopting this approach, an extensive database of waves and loads is generated. A data-driven approach is then adopted to define the wave variables that best predict the applied WID loads. Using these variables, alongside related physical insights, new data-driven models are derived to predict WID loading. These models are shown to be accurate in defining WID loading arising in random seas. The accuracy of the proposed methodology is established for both the present datasets and independent experiments. As a whole, the proposed framework is shown to efficiently and accurately provide extreme crest heights and wave-in-deck loads. These predictions are accompanied by robust estimation of the associated uncertainties which are crucial for reliability analyses.

Abstract: I.ABSTRACT: A fashion known as "bubble deck slab" reduces structural dead weight significantly by basically removing all concrete from the center of a floor slab that is not serving any structural purpose. In the middle of the slab, ineffective concrete is replaced with high density polyethylene hollow spheres, which reduce dead weight and boost floor effectiveness. By creating the cavities, the slab becomes 30 to 50 percent lighter than conventional reinforced slabs and reducing the loads on the foundation, walls and columns and of course, the entire structure. Reduced energy use for manufacture, transportation, and prosecution as well as lower emigrations of exhaust gases from these processes, particularly CO2, are the benefits. The end of this paper is to talk over about various types of constructing bubble deck slab technology like filigree elements, reinforcement modules and finished planks. Materials use for bubble deck slabs, produce and transporting out process and eventually argue about real- life operations of bubble deck technology for numerous advantageous aspects of bubble deck slab technology. Keywords- Bubble Deck Slab, High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Hollow Sphere, CO2 Emigrations, Filigree Element, Reinforcement Modules, Finished Planks

Abstract: ABSTRACT This article explores representations of socioeconomic class in reality television. It is particularly interested in Bravo’s “docu-soap” franchise, Below Deck, as an artifact that illustrates working-class animosity toward the ultra-rich that has become increasingly widespread in recent years. Using a critical textual analysis, I argue that the series resembles a “labor text” that not only highlights working conditions in the service industry but also ridicules the wealthy charter guests as outrageous and entitled, drawing attention to the depravities of the socioeconomic elite. While Below Deck seems to participate in a lampooning of the ultra-rich that resonates with populist sentiment during the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, the series reinforces a capitalist work ethic used to discipline “disruptive workers” critical of ideologies of servitude aboard the boat.

Abstract: Individual audio recordings of Kaska words and phrases about ancestral territory and the places in it. This subset of the original Place Names and Land Deck focuses on the traditional names for rivers and regions. Created as part of Kaska Cards, a language flashcard app developed by the Liard First Nation Language Department with the financial support from the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Abstract: This is a slide deck on interoperability from Day 2 of the Training School organised under the HemaFAIR/HELIOS projects collaboration.

Abstract: Aiming at the transportation problems of large cargo and carrier aircraft on the deck of large ships, a multi vehicle formation cooperative transportation strategy based on improved pilot following algorithm is proposed. The stability and accuracy of the traditional navigation following algorithm for multi vehicle operation can not fully meet the needs of large ship deck operation. The multi vehicle steering kinematics model is established, the traditional navigation following algorithm is improved, the virtual pose and linear feedback control are added to eliminate the formation error, the stability is verified and the emergency control strategy is designed. The lateral error of the improved formation is reduced from 0.01 m to 0.004 m under the circumferential condition. The lateral error of formation is reduced from ± 0.01 m to ± 0.002 m under sinusoidal condition. The results show that the improved lateral tracking accuracy of formation motion is improved, which is more conducive to formation transportation.

Abstract: First steps of design process associated with a composite Gilson Mast attached to steel deck are reported.

Abstract: Methanol is a promising alternative fuel for maritime decarbonization, but current safety regulations are designed for large ships and pose challenges for yacht integration. A key issue is the venting of methanol vapours, which creates hazardous deck areas incompatible with yacht design. This study proposes an innovative solution: underwater venting during bunkering. Using CFD simulations in Star-CCM+ with Eulerian Multiphase modelling, we analyze vapor dispersion, dissolution (based on Henry’s law), and safety implications. Results show that underwater venting effectively mitigates risks, ensuring regulatory compliance while enabling safer yacht designs.