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This paper proposes an algorithm for the estimation of extreme intensity of traffic load on long-span bridges. Most Weigh-in-Motion technologies do not operate in congested conditions which are the governing cases for these bridges. In the absence of Weigh-in-Motion data on the bridge itself, a correlation between vehicle weights and their lengths is established here using a (free- flowing) Weigh-in-Motion database. Photographic images of congested traffic are modelled here for three bridges using weights estimated from lengths and one year of Weigh-in-Motion data. The actual weights are taken from the Weigh-in- Motion data, and the results are compared to test the method. The gaps between vehicles are firstly set to a constant value and later to Beta-distributed values according to vehicle type. The intensity of traffic load for all pictures is calculated and compared to the loads obtained from the recorded weights. A return period of 75-year is chosen to evaluate the extreme values of intensity. The probability that intensity of load is being exceeded is obtained using normal probability paper for both recorded and simulated weights. This study demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed concept of using lengths to estimate the extreme traffic load events with acceptable accuracy.

This study describes the development and testing of a railway bridge weigh-in-motion (RB-WIM) system. The traditional bridge WIM (B-WIM) system developed for road bridges was extended here to calculate the weights of railway carriages. The system was tested using the measured response from a test bridge in Poland, and the accuracy of the system was assessed using statically-weighed trains. To accommodate variable velocity of the trains, the standard B-WIM algorithm, which assumes a constant velocity during the passage of a vehicle, was adjusted and the algorithm revised accordingly. The results showed that the vast majority of the calculated carriage weights fell within ±5% of their true, statically-weighed values. The sensitivity of the method to the calibration methods was then assessed using regression models, trained by different combinations of calibration trains.

Open laser endarterectomy produces a smooth arterial surface with welded distal end points. This report evaluates 308-nm excimer laser radiation for the laser endarterectomy operation. Arteriosclerotic New Zealand white rabbits (N = 15) were studied. A thoraco-abdominal exploration was performed, the aorta was isolated, heparin was administered, and multiple endarterectomies were performed in each rabbit. A line of laser craters was created at the proximal and distal ends of an atheroma. Laser radiation was used to connect the craters to form the proximal and distal end points. The atheromas were dissected from the aorta with laser light and the end points were fused. The aortas were removed for light and electron microscopy and the animals were sacrificed. Excimer radiation was delivered by a 600-microns fiber at 50 mJ/pulse, 120-ns pulses and either 15- or 20-Hz frequency. At 15 Hz excimer laser endarterectomies showed no perforations along the surface or at the end points. The surfaces were smooth but the end points were not welded in place. At 20 Hz, perforations were seen along 7/11 surfaces and at 5/11 end points. Excimer laser endarterectomy is best performed at 15 Hz. The end points, however, cannot be welded with excimer laser radiation.

This study evaluates the pulsed tunable dye laser with wavelength 504 nm, frequency 10 Hz, and pulse width 1.2 microseconds for cholelitholysis. Power of 10-40 kW was directed through a 250-microns quartz fiber optic to ablate 55 gallstones (removed from 14 patients). The fiber was positioned in direct contact with the stones under saline. Power delivery was begun at 10 kW and increased in 10-kW increments until litholysis began. The range of power and energy necessary to fragment the gallstones was evaluated on four common bile ducts (fresh autopsy specimens). Following fragmentation, all stones were analyzed. There were 35 cholesterol stones (3 calcified) and 20 bilirubin stones (4 calcified). Size ranged from 0.012 to 7.56 cm3 (mean 0.96 +/- 1.41 cm3). Energy necessary for fragmentation ranged from 0.4 to 11.2 J (exposure time 1.0-28 s). Power necessary for fragmentation was 20 kW for 2/55 stones and 40 kW for 53/55 stones. At 40 kW (40 mJ/pulse), common bile duct perforation occurred within 1.1 +/- 0.1 s (0.44 +/- 0.04 J). The pulsed tunable dye laser can fragment gallstones of all compositions. The threshold for fragmentation is 40 kW, but common bile duct perforation occurs at this power. We conclude that laser radiation sufficient to fragment gallstones can injure the common bile duct.

Clinical study of carotid artery laser endarterectomy began April 15, 1988. This report describes the first 10 cases that were performed in nine patients (five men and four women, mean age 70 years). Indications were asymptomatic stenosis (5), transient ischemic attacks (4), and stroke in evolution (1). There were two emergency cases and eight elective cases (including one reoperative case). Surgical exposure, systemic heparinization, vascular control, and a longitudinal arteriotomy were used. The cleavage plane between atheromas and media was developed with argon ion laser radiation (488 and 514.5 nm) directed through a 300 microns quartz fiber at power 1.0 W. Laser radiation was used to cut the atheromas out of the arteries and weld the end points. Residual atheromatous debris were vaporized with individual laser exposures. Arteriotomies were closed with sutures, and blood flow was restored. The endarterectomies were 3.9 +/- 1.1 cm long and required 330 +/- 97 joules. Mean clamp time was 22.5 +/- 7.9 minutes. Shunts were used in two cases. There were no arterial perforations or injuries as a result of laser light. Complications were hematoma (1), respiratory arrest (1), and transient neurologic deficit (1). Carotid endarterectomy is technically feasible with argon ion laser radiation. In the present series, postoperative observations, averaging 12 months and ranging from 5 to 19 months, have shown satisfactory results. No angiographic follow-up examinations were carried out.

Free beam laser endarterectomy (LE) and contact laser endarterectomy (CLE) were compared in 15 arteriosclerotic New Zealand white rabbits. The rabbits underwent balloon catheter trauma to the thoracoabdominal aorta and were fed a 2% cholesterol diet for 18 weeks. Thoracoabdominal exploration was performed under general anesthesia and multiple endarterectomies were performed in each rabbit. Atheromas were dissected from arteries with laser radiation and end points were welded in place with laser radiation. LEs (N = 8) were performed with argon ion radiation delivered through a 400 microns fiberoptic. Power was kept constant at 1 W and the average fluence was 97.5 +/- 6.6 J/cm2. CLEs were performed with conical sapphire probes powered by either argon ion radiation (N = 12) or Nd-YAG radiation (N = 10). Power used was 1 W to 4 W for each laser. Average argon ion fluence was 117.8 +/- 3.1 J/cm2 and average Nd-YAG fluence was 611.1 +/- 34.4 J/cm2. Following the operations, aortas were removed, fixed, serially sectioned, and stained. Microscopic study revealed welded end points with LE but not with CLE. There were no perforations with LE. There were 11/12 perforations with argon ion CLE and 8/10 perforations with Nd-YAG CLE. Free beam laser endarterectomy is superior to contact laser endarterectomy for experimental atheromas.