Collapsing process simulations of timber structures under dynamic loading II: simplification and quantification of the calculating method
In a previous paper we presented the efficacy of the extended distinct element method (EDEM) on the collapsing process simulation of timber-frame structures. The results obtained were qualitative, and the need for quantitative simulation was pointed out. In this report, we improved our simulating programs with the aim of establishing a quantitative simulation by EDEM. For this purpose, the parameters of the frame members (beam or column) were determined by comparing the simulated results of four-point bending tests with experimental results. Other parameters of plywood and joint members were determined by simulations of two rail shear and slip tests of joint parts, respectively. Using these parameters we made simulations of the collapsing process of an actual-size plywood-sheathed wall and at the same time carried out the experiments under similar conditions. Simulated load–displacement curves of the plywood-sheathed wall were similar to those obtained in the experiments, and the sequence of failure at nailed joints of the simulation model gave good agreement with that of the experimental collapsing processes. Using these processes, we believe that we established a basic quantitative simulation method to test the collapsing process of timber-frame structures.
Collapsing process simulations of timber structures under dynamic loading III: numerical simulations of real-size wooden houses
In this study, we developed a new analysis method that enables numerical simulations of the collapse process of real-size wooden houses and evaluated the accuracy thereof by carrying out numerical simulations by shaking table tests. The distinct element method was adopted as the basic theory of our numerical analysis. This research is the first approach in which the extended distinct element method was used for Japanese timber post-and-beam construction. The size of the analysis model is a 5.5 m × 5.5 m, two-story real-size wooden house. The three analytical models were developed in terms of the strength of exterior mortar walls. The simulation results were compared with the shaking table test results. One of the collapsing processes of the numerical simulation corresponds well to the experiment results. Assessment of the possibility of collapse for real-size wooden houses was determined to be possible using our newly developed numerical analysis method.
Applications of nanocomposite hydrogels for biomedical engineering and environmental protection
Nanocomposite hydrogels are polymeric networks that possess a unique property of hydration. The presence of alcohols, carboxylic acids and amides as hydrophilic moieties in structure of nanocomposite hydrogels enhances their stiffness and water-absorbing capacity. Addition of cross-linker in the synthesis of hydrogels increases their stability under extreme conditions of temperature, pH and pressure. Natural polymer-based nanocomposite hydrogels are biodegradable, highly hydrophilic and possess good mechanical strength. Gelatin, chitin, cellulose, pectin, carrageenan, starch and alginate are natural polymers commonly used to fabricate nanocomposite hydrogels. Nanocomposite hydrogels have special characteristics such as high swelling rate, selectivity and stimuli-sensitive nature. Here we review nanocomposite hydrogels for environmental protection and biomedical engineering. Applications in biomedical engineering include drug delivery agents, wound dressing, tissue engineering and antibacterials. Applications in environmental protection include ion exchangers, adsorption, photocatalysis and soil conditioning. Many nanocomposite hydrogels show excellent adsorption selectivity for heavy metal ions: Cu2+ up to 30.35 mg/g, Pb2+ up to 35.94 mg/g, and Zn2+ and Fe3+ up to 94.34 mg/g. Xanthan gum-based nanocomposite hydrogel has removed 96% dye from industrial effluent as reported. In addition, most of the nanocomposite hydrogels showed better adsorption capacity for pollutants in the pH range from 5 to 7. The nanocomposite hydrogels could also be regenerated and successfully utilized for several times. Nanocomposite hydrogels are therefore good bio-absorbent materials for environmental detoxification.