Describing the moment rotation (M/θ) behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) hinges is essential in predicting the behavior of RC structures under severe loadings, such as under cyclic earthquake motions and blast loading. The behavior of RC hinges is defined by localized slip or partial interaction (PI) behaviors in both the tension and compression region. In the tension region, slip between the ...

Tensile membrane structures were the focus of extensive research during a four year FP6 project Contex-T. This project brought together experts from different disciplines to bring the technology for building membrane structures forward. Membrane materials, tension devices, supporting structure, comfort and safety aspects of membrane constructions were studied. This has resulted in a number of s...

As the field of ICT standardization has changed from a relatively static, monolithic environment into a very dynamic field in the last two decades, many formal standardization bodies, fora, consortia and other types of standards setting organizations (SSOs) have emerged. These SSOs have often competed against each other for the same application areas. To a large degree, these changes reflect de...

Hydrophilic pores are formed in peptide free lipid bilayers under mechanical stress. It has been proposed that the transport of ionic species across such membranes is largely determined by the existence of such meta-stable hydrophilic pores. To study the properties of these structures and understand the mechanism by which pore expansion leads to membrane rupture, a series of molecular dynamics ...

This study was designed to test the assumption that elastic tissues of the ankle are prestressed, by investigating the presence of simultaneous opposite passive elastic moments and thus, passive co-tension, at the ankle joint. A prestressed two-spring model used to generate qualitative predictions of the effects of stretching the posterior elastic structures of the ankle on the net passive mome...

Abstract Humans are able to perform skilful movements by coordinating muscles throughout the body. It has been revealed that not only neural mechanisms but also direct and dynamic interactions between body parts contribute muscular coordination. Tensegrity, accurately biotensegrity, can be considered basic mechanism for interactions. Tensegrity structures composed of tensile compressive compone...