Search results for: STIFFNESS DEGRADATION
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The Impact of Homogeneity of High Modulus Asphalt Concrete Layer on Low-Temperature Cracking
PublicationDuring winter season of 2012 numerous transverse cracks developed in high-modulus asphalt concrete (HMAC) base of newly constructed motorway. Pavement cracked both in transverse joint locations and in the area between them. Research which was conducted during investigation of the causes and mechanisms of cracking consisted of: field examination, laboratory testing of specimens cored out of the existing pavement, computational analyses...
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Elastic Fender-Dolphin Interaction for Economic Design of Berthing Dolphins
PublicationThe study addresses the question of the possible design benefits when considering the interaction between a modern marine modular rubber fender and a steel tubular pile substructure of a berthing dolphin. Absorption of the berthing kinetic energy of the vessel by a dualelasticity pile-fender berthing system is described in detail using the interactive treatment method (ITM). Application of the ITM is illustrated by a calculative...
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Diagnosis of Damage in a Steel Tank Model by Shaking Table Harmonic Tests
PublicationDiagnosis of damage in civil engineering structures has recently become an important issue in the safety assessment procedure. Among a number of different approaches, a method of measuring the changes in natural frequencies is one of the most effective indicators of global damage. It has been successfully applied to relatively small. structures, however, the tests on large structures are very difficult and the practical application...
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Perceptual and Motor Effects of Muscle Co-activation in a Force Production Task
PublicationWe tested several predictions of the theory of motor control with spatial referent coordinates related to effects of muscle coactivation on force production and perception. In particular, we predicted that subjects would produce unintentional force increase by finger flexors and be unaware of this force increase. Healthy subjects performed steady force production task in isometric conditions with visual feedback on the force level....
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The Use of Direct Shear Test for Optimization of Interlayer Bonding Under a Poroelastic Layer
PublicationPoroelastic Road Surfaces (PERS) are characterised by porous structure with air void content of 20% or higher and stiffness almost 10 times lower than that of a standard asphalt course. Such properties enable noise reduction by up to 12 dB in comparison to SMA 11 mixture. However, the disadvantage of a poroelastic pavement is its low durability, which partially results from delamination from the lower layer. The paper aims to investigate...
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Properties of water in the region between a tubulin dimer and a single motor head of kinesin
PublicationA kinesin is a molecular motor that can perform movement on a microtubule track in a stepping-like manner. This motion is connected with processes of association and dissociation of kinesin and tubulin. Water is an important participant in these kinds of molecular interactions. This is why we have decided to investigate the dynamical and structural properties of water in the region between the kinesin catalytic domain and the tubulin...
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Laboratory fatigue assessment of large geocomposite-reinforced double-layered asphalt concrete beams
PublicationGeosynthetic reinforcement of asphalt layers has been used for several decades. Evaluation of the influence of these materials on pavement fatigue life is still ongoing, especially for new types of geocomposites. This paper presents the evaluation of fatigue performance of large asphalt concrete beams reinforced with a new type of composite in which square or hexagonal polypropylene stiff monolithic paving grid with integral junctions...
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Determinants of the primary stability of cementless acetabular cup implants: A 3D finite element study
PublicationPrimary stability of cementless implants is crucial for the surgical success and long–term stability. However, primary stability is difficult to quantify in vivo and the biomechanical phenomena occurring during the press–fit insertion of an acetabular cup (AC) implant are still poorly understood. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of the cortical and trabecular bone Young's moduli Ec and Et, the interference...
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Non-linear static stability of bi-layer carbon nanosheets resting on an elastic matrix under various types of in-plane shearing loads in thermo-elasticity using nonlocal continuum
PublicationIn this research, the shear and thermal buckling of bi-layer rectangular orthotropic carbon nanosheets embedded on an elastic matrix using the nonlocal elasticity theory and non-linear strains of Von-Karman was studied. The bi-layer carbon sheets were modeled as a double-layered plate, and van der Waals forces between layers were considered. The governing equations and boundary conditions were obtained using the first order shear...
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Modelling the time-dependent behaviour of soft soils
PublicationTime-dependence of soft soils has already been thoroughly investigated. The knowledge on creep and relaxation phenomena is generally available in the literature. However, it is still rarely applied in practice. Regarding the organic soils, geotechnical engineers mostly base their calculations on the simple assumptions. Yet, as presented within this paper, the rate-dependent behaviour of soft soils is a very special and important...
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The Experimental Determination of Bearings Dynamic Coefficients in a Wide Range of Rotational Speeds, Taking into Account the Resonance and Hydrodynamic Instability
PublicationMethods for the experimental determination of dynamic coefficients are commonly used for the analysis of various types of bearings, including hydrodynamic, aerodynamic and foil bearings. There are currently several algorithms that allow estimating bearing dynamic coefficients. Such algorithms usually use various excitation techniques applied to rotor–bearings systems. So far only a small number of scientific publications show how...
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Surface Treatment of Rubber Waste
PublicationThis chapter deals with the study of different approaches to improve the compatibility of waste rubber with polymeric matrixes of high density polyethylene (HDPE) by using surface treatments to increase adhesion. Different surface treatments such as etching with sulphuric and nitric acids, the use of a silane as a coupling agent and chlorination with trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCI) have been applied. The modification of waste rubber...
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POM/EVA Blends with Future Utility in Fused Deposition Modeling
PublicationPolyoxymethylene (POM) is one of the most popular thermoplastic polymers used in the industry. Therefore, the interest in its potential applications in rapid prototyping is understandable. Nevertheless, its low dimensional stability causes the warping of 3D prints, limiting its applications. This research aimed to evaluate the effects of POM modification with ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) (2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 wt.%) on its processing...
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Laboratory fatigue assessment of large geocomposite-reinforced double-layered asphalt concrete beams
PublicationGeosynthetic reinforcement of asphalt layers has been used for several decades. Evaluation of the influence of these materials on pavement fatigue life is still ongoing, especially for new types of geocomposites. This paper presents the evaluation of fatigue performance of large asphalt concrete beams reinforced with a new type of composite in which square or hexagonal polypropylene stiff monolithic paving grid with integral junctions...
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Limits of enhanced of macro- and meso-scale continuum models for studying size effect in concrete under tension
PublicationThe paper investigates a mechanical quasi-static size effect in concrete during splitting tension at the macro- and meso-level. In experiments, five different diameters of cylindrical concrete specimens were tested. Twodimensional plane strain finite element (FE) simulations were carried out to reproduce the experimental size effect. The size effect in experiments by Carmona et al. was also simulated. Two enhanced continuum concrete...
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Drill holes decrease cancellous bone strength: A comparative study of 33 paired osteoporotic human and 9 paired artificial bone samples
PublicationThis study was designed to compare compressive strength of cancellous bone retrieved from the femoral head in a specimen with and without guide wire hole, with comparison to synthetic bone samples. Femoral heads retrieved from 33 patients who sustained femoral neck fractures and underwent hip arthroplasty were cut into cuboids leaving two matching samples from the same femoral head. Similar samples were prepared from synthetic femurs....
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Latest Achievements in Concrete Structures Three-Dimensional Printing
PublicationWe can hear about three-dimensional printed concrete structures for several years, up to date solutions in this technology allow entire printing settlements of tiny concrete houses. Due to technical limitations, these houses are still small and not very durable, but undoubtedly, this technology is developing. Home printed in three-dimensional technology can be an alternative to modular container buildings implemented in areas affected...
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Mechanical Properties, Microstructure and Surface Quality of Polypropylene Green Composites as a Function of Sunflower Husk Waste Filler Particle Size and Content
PublicationAgricultural waste is a still untapped source of materials that can, in case of proper utilization, significantly improve the sustainability of polymers and their composites. In this work, polymer composites based on isotactic polypropylene were produced incorporating ground sunflower husk in the amount of 10 wt% and 20 wt%. The work’s main objective is to evaluate how preliminary fractioning of this agricultural waste filler affects...
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Effect of Chitosan Solution on Low-Cohesive Soil’s Shear Modulus G Determined through Resonant Column and Torsional Shearing Tests
PublicationIn this study the effect of using a biopolymer soil stabilizer on soil stiffness characteristics was investigated. Chitosan is a bio-waste material that is obtained by chemical treatment of chitin (a chemical component of fungi or crustaceans’ shells). Using chitosan solution as a soil stabilizer is based on the assumption that the biopolymer forms temporary bonds with soil particles. What is important is that these bonds are biodegradable,...
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Lateral forces determine dimensional accuracy of the narrow‑kerf sawing of wood
PublicationThe shrinking global forest area limits the supply of industrially usable raw resources. This, in combination with the ever‑increasing consumption of timber due to population growth can lead to the lack of a positive balance between the annual volumetric growth and consumption of wood. An important innovation toward increasing environmental and economic sustainability of timber production is to reduce the volume of wood residues...
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Assessment of Thermal Stresses in Asphalt Mixtures at Low Temperatures Using the Tensile Creep Test and the Bending Beam Creep Test
PublicationThermal stresses are leading factors that influence low-temperature cracking behavior of asphalt pavements. During winter, when the temperature drops to significantly low values, tensile thermal stresses develop as a result of pavement contraction. Creep test methods can be suitable for the assessment of low-temperature properties of asphalt mixtures. To evaluate the influence of creep test methods on the obtained low-temperature...
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Experimental study on the effectiveness of polymer dampers in reduction of structural vibrations
PublicationVibrations of civil engineering structures, generated by dynamic loads, may be very dangerous to the structures themselves as well as may have significant influence on human perception and comfort. A number of different methods have been proposed in order to minimize such situations. This concern newly designed structures as well as those which dynamic properties have to be modified due to problems with excessive vibrations. One...
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Column base fixity in steel moment frames: Observations from instrumented buildings
PublicationThe rotational fixity of column base connections in Steel Moment Resisting Frames (SMRFs) strongly influences their seismic response. However, approaches for estimating base fixity have been validated only against laboratory test data. These approaches are examined based on strong motion recordings from four instrumented SMRF buildings in California to informbest practices for seismic response simulation. These buildings represent...
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Study on Methods to Control Interstory Deflections
PublicationOne of the possibilities to prevent building pounding between two adjacent structures is to consider appropriate in-between separation distance. Another approach might be focused on controlling the relative displacements during seismic excitations. Although the majority of building codes around the world recommend the use of some equations of various distances between structures to avoid pounding; a lot of reports after earthquakes...
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Seismic performance evaluation of steel buckling-restrained braced frames including SMA materials
PublicationThe permanent deformation of the building after seismic excitations can be determined by the Maximum Residual Interstory Drift Ratio (MR-IDR), which may be used for measuring the damage states. Low-post yield stiffness of the steel buckling-restrained braced frame (BRBF) makes this system vulnerable to large MR-IDR after a severe earthquake event. To overcome this issue, this paper investigates the seismic limit state performances...
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Optimum shapes and dimensions of rubber bumpers in order to reduce structural pounding during seismic excitations
PublicationLarge displacement of structures observed during seismic excitations may lead to collisions between two adjacent, insufficiently-separated buildings and may result in major damages of both of them. In many building codes, appropriate equations or approximately recommended distances between structures in order to avoid pounding hazard have been introduced. Unfortunately, further, more detailed considerations show that safety situation...
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Advanced fatigue and rutting characterisation of Polish asphalt mixtures based on the VECD model and viscoplastic shift model
PublicationThe advanced asphalt mixture performance-related specifications (AM-PRS) recently developed in USA can allow an optimisation of the design process of asphalt pavements thanks to the possibility to fully take into account the intrinsic material properties. In this study, four typical Polish mixtures, i.e. a Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) for wearing course, two mixtures for binder course with neat bitumen or Polymer modified Bitumen...
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Experimental study on effectiveness of polymer dampers in reduction of structural vibrations
PublicationVibrations of civil engineering structures, generated by dynamic loads, may be very dangerous to the structures themselves as well as may have significant influence on human perception and comfort. A number of different methods have been proposed in order to minimize such situations. This concern newly designed structures as well as those which dynamic properties have to be modified due to problems with excessive vibrations. One...
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A LUMPED-CIRCUIT MODEL OF CIRCULAR PISTON TRANSDUCER FOR MODELING ITS PERFORMANCE IN DUAL FREQUENCY OPERATING MODES
PublicationThe paper presents novel network equivalent circuit of piezoceramic circular disc transducer that takes into account thickness and ra dial mode of vibrations. The starting point of the analysis is 4-port description of circular disc element representing the solution of wave equation set in radial and thickness directions. Th e approximate solution for harmonic case is represented in the form of 4x4 matrix, which is syn thesized...
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Metodyka badań rozwojowych nowego typu silników i pomp satelitowych
PublicationResearch and development of new type satellite motors and satellite pumps SM with small geometrical displacement, from 5 to 73 cm3/rev, has been conducted in cooperation with Stosowanie Maszyn company from Katowice (manufacturer of motors and pump SM). The improvement of construction of those machines, especially construction of axial compensation and construction of fluid distribution channels have been the main problem of research...
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Economical wood sawing with circular saw blades of a new design (Ekonomicno piljenje drva kruznom pilom novog dezajna)
PublicationMaterial-saving and energy-saving belong to the basic requirements imposed on contemporary manufacturing processes. The realization of these processes gives measurable profi ts, not only economical butalso ecological. In the case of wood sawing with circular saw blades, material- and energy-savings are dependent on total overall set of teeth (theoretical kerf) and teeth position accuracy in relation to the workpiece. Hence, it...
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Preparation, morphology and properties of natural rubber composites filled with untreated short jute fibres
PublicationGreen composites were obtained by incorporation of short jute fibres in natural rubber matrix using a laboratory two-roll mill. The influence of untreated fibre content (1, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 phr) on the mechanical properties, dynamic mechanical properties, swelling properties was examined. The behaviour of prepared green composites under cyclic compression was also investigated. Fibre dispersion in rubber matrix was studied by...
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Medially positioned plate in first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis
PublicationObjective The purpose of this study was to biomechanically compare the stability of first metatarsophalangeal (MTP1) joint arthrodesis with dorsally and medially positioned plates. Methods A physical model of the MTP1 joint consists of printed synthetic bones, a titanium locking plate and screws. In the experiments, samples with dorsally and medially positioned plates were subjected to loading of ground load character in a universal...
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Safety assessment of a concrete viaduct damaged by vehicle impact and an evaluation of the repair
PublicationDamage to lower parts of viaducts caused by impact from under-passing high vehicles is relatively frequent. One such incident, in which a viaduct was damaged by the impact from a truck with an improperly assembled hydraulic crane, is considered in this work. The analysis is based on a detailed object damage evaluation, 3D laser scanning, and numerical simulations. The aim of the study is to accurately model the vehicle impact into...
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An ANN-Based Approach for Prediction of Sufficient Seismic Gap between Adjacent Buildings Prone to Earthquake-Induced Pounding
PublicationEarthquake-induced structural pounding may cause major damages to structures, and therefore it should be prevented. This study is focused on using an artificial neural network (ANN) method to determine the sufficient seismic gap in order to avoid collisions between two adjacent buildings during seismic excitations. Six lumped mass models of structures with a different number of stories (from one to six) have been considered in...
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Enhancing rheological muscle models with stochastic processes
PublicationPurpose: Biological musculoskeletal systems operate under variable conditions. Muscle stiffness, activation signals, and loads change during each movement. The presence of noise and different harmonic components in force production significantly influences the behaviour of the muscular system. Therefore, it is essential to consider these factors in numerical simulations. Methods: This study aims to develop a rheological mathematical...
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Processing and structure–property relationships of natural rubber/wheat bran biocomposites
PublicationIn this work, wheat bran was used as cellulosic filler in biocomposites based on natural rubber. The impact of wheat bran content [ranging from 10 to 50 parts per hundred rubber (phr)] on processing, structure, dynamic mechanical properties, thermal properties, physico-mechanical properties and morphology of resulting biocomposites was investigated. For better characterization of interfacial interactions between natural rubber...
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Eco-friendly Route for Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomers with Bio-based Hard Segments Composed of Bio-glycol and Mixtures of Aromatic–Aliphatic and Aliphatic–Aliphatic Diisocyanate
PublicationApplication of bio-based diisocyanates with low volatility instead petrochemical diisocyanates has positive impact on environment by reduction of hazardous effects on living organisms and lead to bio-based polyurethanes (bio-PUs) with good usage properties. This work was focused on the synthesis and chosen properties examination of partially bio-based thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (bio-PUs) obtained using diisocyanate mixtures,...
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On time-dependent nonlinear dynamic response of micro-elastic solids
PublicationA new approach to the mechanical response of micro-mechanic problems is presented using the modified couple stress theory. This model captured micro-turns due to micro-particles' rotations which could be essential for microstructural materials and/or at small scales. In a micro media based on the small rotations, sub-particles can also turn except the whole domain rotation. However, this framework is competent for a static medium....
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Effect of Coating Material Properties on Tilting-pad Thrust Bearing Performance
PublicationPolymer lined tilting-pad bearings demonstrate many advantages over traditional bearing systems. Bearings with a polymer layer in comparison with a babbitted layer show, for example: lower value of friction coefficient (important during start/stops), higher fatigue strength of the coating, better distribution of the load on individual pads due to lower elasticity of the polymers, wider range of operational temperatures or the ability...
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Composite as a Material of the Future in the Era of Green Deal Implementation Strategies
PublicationComposite materials have become synonymous with modernity, desired in nearly every aspect of our daily lives, from simple everyday objects to sanitary facilities, pipelines, the construction of modern sewer networks, their renovation, water supply, and storage reservoirs, to complex structures—automotive, planes, and space science. Composites have seen a considerable rise in attention owing to their characteristics, durability,...
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Nutrient transport and acquisition by diatom chains in a moving fluid
PublicationThe role of fluid motion in delivery of nutrients to phytoplankton cells is a fundamental question in biological and chemical oceanography. In the study of mass transfer to phytoplankton, diatoms are of particular interest. They are non-motile, are often the most abundant components in aggregates and often form chains, so they are the ones expected to benefit most from enhancement of nutrient flux due to dissipating turbulence....
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Destruction of shell structures under the dynamic load on the human skull trauma basis
PublicationThe main aim of this work is to investigate patterns of potential orbital bone fractures due to mechanical injuries. The solution of the main problem is followed by analysis of several testing examples having straight correlation with civil engineering structures, in which materials of wide range of stiffness are applied. To solve the main problem, the three-dimensional finite element method (FEM) model of the orbital region has...
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Wastes from Agricultural Silage Film Recycling Line as a Potential Polymer Materials
PublicationThe recycling of plastics is currently one of the most significant industrial challenges. Due to the enormous amounts of plastic wastes generated by various industry branches, it is essential to look for potential methods for their utilization. In the presented work, we investigated the recycling potential of wastes originated from the agricultural films recycling line. Their structure and properties were analyzed, and they were...
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Thermomechanical and Fire Properties of Polyethylene-Composite-Filled Ammonium Polyphosphate and Inorganic Fillers: An Evaluation of Their Modification Efficiency
PublicationThe development of new polymer compositions characterized by a reduced environmental impact while lowering the price for applications in large-scale production requires the search for solutions based on the reduction in the polymer content in composites’ structure, as well as the use of fillers from sustainable sources. The study aimed to comprehensively evaluate introducing low-cost inorganic fillers, such as copper slag (CS),...
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Modelling of Asphalt Mixes under Long Time Creep at Low Temperatures
PublicationProper description of asphalt mixtures behavior under long time load is one of the most important factors in analyses of strain and stress relations at low temperatures both from traffic and environmental loads. For example different models of thermal stress accumulation require different approaches of description of asphalt concrete. But in all cases it is required to describe its behavior under long time loading, which in some...
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Crack Resistance of Asphalt Concrete Subjected to Environmental Factors
PublicationThe paper presents an analysis of the influence of environmental factors on the cracking susceptibility of asphalt concrete resulting in a change in the durability of asphalt pavement. In order to assess the phenomenon, laboratory tests were carried out taking into account the destructive effects of moisture, freeze-thaw cycle and long-term ageing. The influence of both factors occurring simultaneously was also verified. Due to...
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Combined environmental testing device for picosatellites
PublicationAs access to space conditions becomes more available, both technically and economically, scientists’ interest in launching finer and more sophisticated experiments grows. To be qualified for launch, such experiments need to be carefully tested prior to the event. The tests should represent actual launch conditions as closely and in a detailed manner. Typical tests for payload include: vibration tests, thermal and vacuum tests,...
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Improving Thermal Insulation Properties for Prefabricated Wall Components Made of Lightweight Aggregate Concrete with Open Structure
PublicationPorous concrete is commonly used in civil engineering due to its good thermal insulation properties in comparison with normal concrete and high compression strength in comparison with other building materials. An extremely porous concrete, called ‘lightweight aggregate concrete with open structure’ (LAC), is used in some German plants to produce prefabricated wall components. They are used mainly in hall buildings, e.g. supermarkets....