An investigation on effect of rebar on structural behaviour for wall-slab system
The government is taking the leading role to persuade the construction industry to engage a more systematic approach and methodology in construction by adapting the Industrialized Building Systems [IBS]. Wall-slab structural system is an IBS system which is suitable for use in residential building. Moment transfer of joint is an important aspect for proper structurally functioning of wall-slab system. Hence, the main aim of this study is to investigate the effect of reinforcement details in the wall on bending capacity for support stiffness in wall-slab system for residential project in Malaysia. A total of six wall specimens were tested. Three of this specimens consisted single layer of rebar while another three specimen consisted of double layer of rebar. The size of the wall-slab's specimens is 1000 mm in length [L], 1080 mm in width [W], 1000 mm in height [H] and 80 mm in thickness [T]. The average concrete strength Grade 30 N/mm2 and the average yield strength of R5 bar was 817 MPa. The bending capacity at failure for single layered of rebar in wall for specimen 1, 2 and 3 were found to be 3.59 kNm, 3.81 kNm and 3.15 kNm, respectively. The bending capacity at failure for double layered of rebar in wall for specimen 1, 2 and 3 were 5.50 kNm, 6.31 kNm and 7.00 kNm, respectively. The difference in stiffness of double layered reinforced concrete wall based on load-deflection curve 116.2 % to 289.9 % higher than single layered reinforced concrete wall. While based on the experimental results, specimens with double layered rebar in wall is found with higher bending capacity by 56.3 % to 98.9 % compared to single layered of rebar in wall. Experimental data on bending capacity provides important input in the process of structure analysis. Others than that, the outcome obtained from the study can serve as an useful guideline in the design of an efficient joint in wall-slab structural system.
Modelling and Assessment of Shear Wall–Flat Slab Joint Region in Tall Structures
This paper explains the investigation carried out to study the seismic behaviour of shear wall–flat slab connections with various reinforcement detailing at the joint region. The modelling and assessment of scaled down exterior wall–slab connection sub-assemblages subjected to static reverse cyclic loading is presented. Three-dimensional nonlinear finite element models with different reinforcement detailing at the joint region were developed using ABAQUS/CAE software. The concrete damage plasticity model was used to model the inelastic behaviour of the concrete material under cyclic loading. Moreover, three specimens with overall dimensions of 1.375 m (height) × 0.625 m (width) were tested under the same seismic-type loading. The validation of the numerical results against the experimental results has shown that the adopted models could predict the joint capacity. This research also confirms the viability of using the proposed type of joint detailing system in construction.
Rational Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of γ-CD-Containing Cross-Linked Polyvinyl Alcohol Hydrogel as a Prednisone Delivery Platform
This study describes the in-silico rational design, synthesis and evaluation of cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels containing γ-cyclodextrin (γ-CDHSAs) as platforms for the sustained release of prednisone (PDN). Through in-silico studies using semi-empirical quantum mechanical calculations, the effectiveness of 20 dicarboxylic acids to generate a specific cross-linked hydrogel capable of supporting different amounts of γ-cyclodextrin (γ-CD) was evaluated. According to the interaction energies calculated with the in-silico studies, the hydrogel made from PVA cross-linked with succinic acids (SA) was shown to be the best candidate for containing γ-CD. Later, molecular dynamics simulation studies were performed in order to evaluate the intermolecular interactions between PDN and three cross-linked hydrogel formulations with different proportions of γ-CD (2.44%, 4.76% and 9.1%). These three cross-linked hydrogels were synthesized and characterized. The loading and the subsequent release of PDN from the hydrogels were investigated. The in-silico and experimental results showed that the interaction between PDN and γ-CDHSA was mainly produced with the γ-CDs linked to the hydrogels. Thus, the unique structures and properties of γ-CDHSA demonstrated an interesting multiphasic profile that could be utilized as a promising drug carrier for controlled, sustained and localized release of PDN.