Engineering
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Safety of deteriorated structures
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The collapse of various civil engineering structures-such as bridges, dams, and buildings-has become a common occurrence in recent years, often attributed to aging and material degradation (refer to relevant news reports). Many of these structures were constructed decades ago, with assumed service lives typically ranging from 50 to 80 years. For instance, the design life…
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Use of genetic algorithm for optimum proportioning of concrete
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Genetic Algorithms (GAs) have emerged as a robust optimization technique within civil engineering, particularly in the design of concrete mix proportions. Their inherent ability to address complex, multi-objective, and nonlinear optimization problems makes them well-suited for this application. Conventional mix design methodologies often rely on iterative, trial-and-error approaches that are both time-consuming and may fail…
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Implementing AI in civil engineering
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Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming civil engineering by offering innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability across a variety of applications. From optimizing structural designs to predicting maintenance needs and improving construction management, AI technologies are reshaping traditional practices. By analysing vast datasets, AI enables engineers to make informed decisions, leading to smarter…
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Fatigue stress and RC deterioration
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Fatigue stress represents a critical factor in the progressive deterioration of reinforced concrete (RC) structures, particularly under conditions involving repeated loading and corrosive environments. The synergistic interaction between fatigue and corrosion, commonly referred to as corrosion-fatigue, significantly intensifies the degradation of structural materials, thereby diminishing overall structural integrity and long-term durability. Fatigue stress originates from…
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Techniques to make transparent wood
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Transparent wood represents a major breakthrough in materials science, blending the inherent qualities of wood with improved optical transparency. This is accomplished by removing lignin-the component responsible for light scattering-through specialized processing techniques. Glycerol infiltration One effective technique for producing transparent wood involves the infiltration of glycerol into wood specimens. In a notable study, poplar…
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Robotics for aging populations
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Robotics for aging populations is an emerging field that addresses the growing need for innovative solutions to support the elderly. As the global population ages, with projections indicating a significant increase in the number of individuals aged 65 and older, robotics offers promising avenues to enhance the quality of life for older adults. These technologies…
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Oblique wing aircraft
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The oblique wing aircraft, also known as pivot wing or slewed wing aircraft, represents a radical departure from conventional aircraft design, offering the potential for significant improvements in aerodynamic efficiency, fuel economy, and performance across a wide range of speeds. Unlike traditional fixed-wing or swept-wing designs, the oblique wing features a single wing that pivots…
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History of touchscreen technology
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Touchscreen technology has revolutionized the way humans interact with machines, transitioning from traditional input devices like keyboards and mice to more intuitive and tactile interfaces. From its origins in the mid-20th century to its ubiquitous presence in smartphones, tablets, and kiosks, touchscreen technology represents a significant leap in human-computer interaction (HCI). This essay delves into…
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Principles and application of smart materials
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Smart materials embody a convergence of material science and technology, leading to innovations that were previously unimaginable. For instance, shape-memory alloys (SMAs) and piezoelectric materials are quintessential examples of responsive materials that can convert one form of energy into another, providing unique functionalities. SMAs, such as Nickel-Titanium (Nitinol), exhibit the extraordinary capability to revert to…
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Refresh rates of display screens
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The refresh rate of a display, measured in hertz (Hz), refers to the number of times the screen refreshes its image per second. For instance, a display with a 60 Hz refresh rate updates the screen 60 times every second. While this may seem like a minor technical detail, the refresh rate plays a crucial…