Using XFEM to model the effect of different axial compression on the hysteretic behaviour of the flexure‐dominant RC columns

The axial compression ratio has a significant effect on the strength and ductility of reinforced concrete (RC) columns subjected to seismic loads. However, limited numerical models have been found to be able to consider the effect of axial compression ratio in mesoscopic scale. To achieve a sound understanding of the hysteretic mechanism of RC columns with different axial compression ratios, a novel modelling method was developed by employing the following techniques: (a) the extended finite element method for modelling crack initiating and propagating in concrete; (b) the contact algorithm for modelling the crack closure; and (c) the Cartesian type “connector” for modelling the interaction between concrete and steel bars. The effectiveness of the proposed model was validated in macroscopic scale by the results of a previous experimental study. Further analysis indicates that the axial compression ratio controls the axial deformations of RC columns, thus leads to different performances of concrete and steel under seismic loads. Based on the individual flexural contributions of the concrete and the steel bars, the effect of the axial compression ratio and the pinching effect is explained in a finer scale. The analytical results shed some light on the seismic mechanism of RC columns with different axial compression ratios.     

A framework of critical resource chain for project schedule analysis

Analysing a schedule is beneficial to help stakeholders understand the scheduled project. Project schedules, which create time plans based on the critical path method (CPM) or on resource‐constrained project scheduling problem (RCPSP) optimization, are targets herein. The Theory of Constraints (TOC) treats a schedule as a system. Schedule elements are suspected constraints and a goal depends on the schedule creation policy. Resource information is further surveyed herein to identify true constraints. A framework is proposed to integrate identified constraints on a schedule, and the critical resource chain concept is introduced. Three scenarios illustrate the proposed framework under different scheduling considerations. Results explain schedule constraints, and several schedule analysis issues are discussed.     

A modeling approach to describe ZVI-based anaerobic system

Zero-valent iron (ZVI) is increasingly being added into anaerobic reactors to enhance the biological conversion of various less biodegradable pollutants (LBPs). Our study aimed to establish a new structure model based on the Anaerobic Digestion Model No. 1 (ADM1) to simulate such a ZVI-based anaerobic reactor. Three new processes, i.e., electron release from ZVI corrosion, H₂ formation from ZVI corrosion_, and transformation of LBPs, were integrated into ADM1. The established model was calibrated and tested using the experimental data from one published study, and validated using the data from another work. A good relationship between the predicted and measured results indicates that the proposed model was appropriate to describe the performance of the ZVI-based anaerobic system. Our model could provide more precise strategies for the design, development, and application of anaerobic systems especially for treating various LBPs-containing wastewaters.     

我国素质教育模式下的中小学校园空间设计浅析

相对于过去的应试教育,素质教育是依据人的发展和社会发展的实际需要而产生的。总体而言,目前我国中小学校园规划、建筑设计理念、设计标准是与传统教育的以“教师为中心”、“编班授课”特征相匹配的,不能完全满足素质教育的要求。要创造适合素质教育的校园环境,就必须探讨素质教育对中小学校园外部及内部空间设计过程中的促进与影响。     

钢管混凝土柱局部承压下的有限元分析

在理论分析的基础上,采用有限元软件ANSYS对钢管混凝土柱局部承压的力学性能和工作机理进行分析.观察并研究了钢管混凝土短柱在轴心压力作用下纵向力与纵向应变关系、破坏机理等,发现钢管混凝土的外钢管对混凝土有明显的约束作用,可提高整体的局部承压强度.     

Lead and cadmium in teeth,bone and kidneys of rats with a standard Pb‐Cd supply

Male Wistar rats received a combination of 25 ppm PbCl₂ and 5 ppm CdCl₂ in drinking water at different developmental stages. Pb and Cd levels of incisors, molars, epiphyses, diaphyses and kidney cortex were recorded by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results confirmed that Pb has an affinity for hard tissue and especially to teeth, but it also accumulated in soft tissues under the above conditions. In addition, the results indicated none or only a moderate placental or mammary barrier for Pb, and suggested a high absorption of lead from the intestine of sucklings. The results also confirmed that kidney cortex is a primary target for Cd, and indicated that Cd has crossed the placental and mammary barriers to some degree. The positive significant correlation between Cd levels in molars and kidney cortex suggested that rodent molars indicate a degree of Cd absorption, whereas incisors do not. It is supposed that rodent molars are comparable to human deciduous teeth. It is thus confirmed that human deciduous teeth indicate previous lead exposure. It is further inferred that they also can be used as indicators of previous Cd‐exposures.