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This research investigates, both experimentally and analytically, the mechanical performance of masonry specimens made with special lightweight concrete voussoirs joined with cement mortar and reinforced with TRM (Textile Reinforced Mortar) made of either fibreglass mesh, TRM with basalt mesh or FRPs (Fiber Reinforced Polymers). The specimens represent a segment of an arch. A total of 18 specimens were tested, with one-third featuring each reinforcement solution. Another variable studied was the number of sides reinforced with TRM or FRP, either one or three. The specimens were tested under eccentric compression to analyze the effectiveness of the reinforcements. An analytical model was calibrated with the experimental results and used to extrapolate the experimental results in terms of strength capacity. The specimens that exhibited the best mechanical behaviours were those reinforced with TRM using basalt mesh. The FRP reinforcement experienced prematurely debonding with the voussoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the seismic retrofit of substandard reinforced concrete (RC) columns through external jacketing of potential plastic hinge zones using sprayed glass fiber-reinforced mortar and basalt textile reinforcement. An innovative spraying method was used to apply the matrix material to the concrete surface. A total number of eight full-scale columns (four reference, four retrofitted) were tested under constant high axial load to capacity ratio and reversed cyclic lateral loading. Columns were constructed using low-strength concrete and transverse reinforcement with various spacing and inadequate hook detailing to mimic the columns in substandard structures. Test results are evaluated in terms of lateral load-drift ratio relationships, displacement ductility, stiffness degradation, energy dissipation, and residual displacements. Evaluation of the test results showed that the proposed technique is effective for seismic retrofit of substandard RC columns, particularly in terms of enhancement of displacement ductility, energy dissipation capacities, and reduction of residual displacements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a novel retrofitting intervention on the Hirka-i Serif Mosque (constructed in 1851), which has a significant importance for Muslims due to its historical relic preservation unit keeping the cloak of the Prophet Muhammad, was illustrated. For this purpose, first the seismic performance of the mosque was investigated through site investigations and structural analyses. A 3D finite element model of the Mosque was established, and the structural system was analyzed under the combined effects of the vertical loads and seismic actions. Additionally, the existing damages observed on the walls and vaults were investigated thoroughly. By taking the existing damages and the analyses results into consideration, a rehabilitation and seismic retrofit scheme was proposed and applied by making use of innovative materials. Throughout the study, recommendations of the guideline for earthquake risk management of historical structures in Turkey (2017) has been considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earthquakes constitute a significant cause of degradation and damage for masonry heritages, such as churches, palaces, castles, and entirely historical centers. This work aims to investigate numerically the Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) system applied as coating- reinforcement to existing stone masonry walls. Indeed, despite the FRCM is, nowadays, one of the most widely adopted systems for the consolidation of masonry structures, the knowledge on its mechanical behavior is still incomplete. In this work, diagonal compression tests performed on reinforced stone masonry panels are simulated and interpreted by adopting a sophisticated numerical framework, based on the Lattice Discrete Particle Model (LDPM), which simulates, at the length scales of the masonry stones and coating mortar grains, the fracture and failure behavior of the quasi-brittle heterogeneous materials by modeling the interaction among irregular particles. Different assumptions on the FRCM features (bond behavior and thickness of the coating mortar, and the presence or not of the fiber grid therein the coating mortar) were investigated to better understand their effect. The computational effort of using that method was rewarded from the possibility of capturing the main aspects of the material heterogeneity on the fracture propagation and damage evolution in the reinforced masonry walls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, a new generation of inorganic matrix-based reinforcement systems is under study worldwide known generically as textile-reinforced mortar (TRM). It is considered one of the most innovative and effective techniques for masonry rehabilitation. This paper focuses on a TRM system made of basalt fibers imbedded in an ettringitic mortar. The aim of this study is to identify the effectiveness of this kind of composite in the domain of masonry structures strengthening. The basalt-TRM performance had been investigated through direct tensile tests and single lap shear tests. Two series of direct tensile tests had been carried out on specimens characterized by two different basalt textile reinforcing ratios. The experimental results allowed to evaluate the tensile behavior of the TRM and to obtain useful information on the reinforcement concept. The use of digital image correlation facilitated a detailed description of the displacement fields and the evolution of the cracks during the tests. Two series of single lap shear tests had been carried out on brick masonry walls, reinforced with the same TRM's systems tested in tension. The experimental results show a good adhesion between the matrix and the masonry substrate as well as between the matrix and the basalt textile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with estimation of direct energy consumption and related emissions of GHG exclusively, including CO2, by the High Speed Rail (HSR), Trans Rapid Maglev (TRM), and Hyperloop (HL) passenger transport systems. This includes developing the corresponding analytical models based on the mechanical energy and applying them according to the specified what-if operating scenarios. The analogous models are developed and applied to the Air Passenger Transport (APT) system for comparison purposes. The results of the application of the proposed models under given conditions have indicated that the average and total energy consumption and related emission of CO2 of the three systems have been generally sensitive, i.e. elastic to variations of the nonstop journey distance and the vehicle/train seating capacity. Their average values have decreased more than proportionally and total values in proportion with increasing of the nonstop journey distance. Both have decreased with increasing of the vehicle/train seating capacity per departure. In the case of supplying equivalent equally utilized transport capacities, the HSR and the TRM have had lower energy consumption and related emission of CO2 than the HL system. As well, the HSR, the TRM, and the HL have had lower energy consumption and related CO2 emission than the selected APT aircraft up to some 'breaking' journey distance under given what-if operating scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing suitable tools to assess the actual structural performance and designing and executing interventions to improve that performance is a key issue in the field of conservation and enhancement of architectural heritage. This article presents the results of five full-scale destructive tests performed on the Castello di San Pietro in Verona (North-East Italy), a building set on a hill above the city and going back to the 19th century under the Habsburg Empire. It evaluates the behavior of the barrel vaults of 5.6 m span, 1.1 m rise, and 27 cm thickness in the original building. Although experimental work is common in the relevant literature, the testing program described here was not performed on reconstructed vaults but on original elements, which can reveal their real behavior more clearly. Four strengthening solutions were also evaluated, in which organic and inorganic fibers were applied to both types of matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To maintain a competitive advantage, organisations constantly adjust their operations and strategies to incorporate changes in their business environment. Technology roadmapping (TRM) has emerged as a method that can link technology development with the changing business requirements. Since the method of TRM is fairly new, publications that can explain and assist the implementation of a roadmapping process are still limited. As the concept of TRM continues to gain awareness among scholars and practitioners, the need for further development of TRM related knowledge becomes a vital part of their activities. The purpose of this paper is not only to reveal the body of knowledge and existing networks of TRM professionals but also to suggest potential collaborations among researchers and practitioners who have similar interests in the field. This study applies the bibliometric technique to analyse TRM related journal and conference articles published during 1987 and 2010. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To strive for sustainability under today's intense business competition, organisations apply technology roadmapping (TRM) as a strategic planning tool to align their technology strategies with business strategies. Many organisations desire to integrate TRM into an ongoing strategic planning process. The consequences of TRM implementation can lead to some changes in the business process, organisational structure, or even working culture. Applying a change management approach will help organisations to understand the basic elements that an individual needs so that some challenges can be addressed in advance before adopting the TRM process. This paper proposes a practical guideline to implement technology roadmapping along with a case example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The comment by T.J. McDougall, P.R. Gent and S. Drijfhout (cited as MGD) contains two parts: the first and most relevant one [because of its physical implications to ocean global circulation models (OGCM)] and a second one of a more technical nature. We shall reply in that order. The main physical argument in the comment is that the diapycnal flux Σ that appears in the mean tracer equation can be dispensed with entirely (and thus there is no need to model it) provided one abandons the Eulerian averages in favor of the density averaging suggested by the Temporal Residual Mean (TRM) formalism. Specifically, the authors write that “the appropriate average tracer is the thickness-weighted rather than the Eulerian-mean assumed in DC6”. We reply to this criticism by showing that TRM does not get rid of Σ since we show that Σ reappears in the mean tracer equation via another term. Therefore TRM offers no advantages with respect to the Eulerian averaging since both contain the diapycnal flux Σ. As for the technical parts, we discuss each of them and show that MGD's criticism to our approximations in the treatment of the tracer equation is erroneous and that our approximation is fully justified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]