Technology
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Multiple linear regression analysis with constraints
Multiple linear regression is a statistical technique used to model the relationship between a dependent variable and two or more independent variables. It extends simple linear regression by allowing multiple factors to influence the outcome, making it useful for predicting or understanding the effect of several variables simultaneously. The model takes the form \[ y…
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Leaching and Efflorescence of concrete
In structures such as dam where the flow of water via pores of concrete is high, there could be significant loss of mono-sulfate and ettringite and decalcification of calcium silicate hydrate due to leaching out of these salts to the surface and subsequently washing away. This will lead to reduction in strength of concrete and…
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Health of reinforced concrete structure based on construction quality
Reinforced concrete (RC) structures exhibit significant variability during construction, primarily due to the in-situ casting process. This method introduces numerous factors that can affect quality. As Richard Feynman wisely noted, “The first principle is that you must not fool yourself—and you are the easiest person to fool.” This insight is particularly relevant in the construction…
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Can virtual power plants optimize energy distribution?
Unlike traditional power plants, which are typically characterized by large physical infrastructure such as coal trains, smokestacks, and turbines, virtual power plants (VPP) rely on decentralized energy resources. These resources include rooftop solar panels, electric vehicle chargers, and smart appliances, all of which are integrated into a system that operates without a central physical facility.…
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Flood forecasting with XAI
XAI stands for Explainable Artificial Intelligence. The goal of XAI is to make AI more transparent, trustworthy, and interpretable, especially in complex models like deep learning and neural networks, which are often considered “black boxes.” Use in flood forecasting The paper “Spatial flood susceptibility mapping using an explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) model” by Biswajeet Pradhan,…
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Impact of bad formwork of concrete in its service life
Formwork plays a vital role in reinforced concrete (RC) design, providing support for the concrete until it gains adequate strength. Its complexity can range from simple cubic boxes to intricate spline surfaces. While formwork design is a specialized area of concrete engineering, this article focuses on how poor formwork affects the service life of RC…
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Derivation of combined angle- Version 2
In this post, I will show how to calculate the combined 3d angle. Such situation arises while designing a rigid 3d joints such as a pipeline. The coordinate-based approach can be employed to determine the actual deflection angle between two lines in 3D space. This method not only calculates the deflection angle, but also accurately…
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The dilemma of butter and margarine
Butter and margarine, both solidified emulsions of fats in water, may seem similar at first glance, but their production processes and historical trajectories are significantly more complex. Butter is derived from milk, while margarine is produced from vegetable oil. The science underlying these two spreads, however, extends beyond simple production methods. The chemistry of butter…
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Pull out test in concrete
The bond between concrete and steel is a crucial factor in structural integrity. As concrete ages, this bond often weakens. This article outlines the procedure for conducting a pull-out test to evaluate bond strength. In tests with plain rebars, the maximum load typically coincides with the moment of initial slip. In contrast, deformed bars can…
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Bonding behaviour in ASR affected concrete
Alkali Silica Reaction (ASR) has been found to deteriorate the bond between steel and concrete. This article will discuss if this is true. What is Alkali Silica Reaction? The Alkali Silica Reaction (ASR) is a chemical reaction that occurs between alkaline substances in cement and reactive silica found in some aggregates used in concrete. When…