Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are unique smart materials that have many advantages, such as ability to resist large strains without leaving residual strains and ability to recover original form. However, the high costs of SMAs have limited their usage. This paper evaluates the behavior of concrete structures equipped with SMAs in an optimal manner as they are being used along the plastic hinge of ...

OBJECTIVE To identify objective parameters to guide correct location of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in the femur. METHODS The PCLs of 20 human cadavers were resected. The following portions were measured: distance from the most distal portion of the PCL, close to the roof, to the most anterior edge of the cartilage (AB); distance from the most proximal portion of the PCL, close to t...

In this paper, we present an approach that allows automatic (parametric) reconstruction of building shapes in 2-D/3-D using TomoSAR point clouds. These point clouds are generated by processing radar image stacks via advanced interferometric technique, called SAR tomography. The proposed approach reconstructs the building outline by exploiting both the available roof and façade information. Roof...

Incorporating User Design Preferences into Multi-Objective Roof Truss Optimization. (May 2006) Breanna Michelle Weir Bailey, B.S., Texas A&M University; M.S., University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Anne Raich Automated systems for large-span roof truss optimization provide engineers with the flexibility to consider multiple alternatives during conceptual design...

Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1PZ, U.K. Abstract The optimal shape of cover plates for circular, symmetric retractable roof structures based on a grid of multi-angulated rods connected by revolute joints is considered. It is assumed that these cover plates are co-planar, and hence they are not allowed to overlap in any configuration; they a...

This paper presents an overview of observed distresses on low slope roofing systems collected for the Building Envelope Life Cycle Asset Management (BELCAM) project. The data include over 14,000 visible distresses from 600 roofs from seven different climatic regions across Canada. The distresses encountered for built up roofs, modified bituminous roofs and a limited number of single-ply roofing...

Microburst can produce downdraft and strong divergent outflow wind, whose characteristics are distinct from the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) wind. In the present study, microburst-wind loading effects on low-rise structures a cubic-shaped building, a grain bin and two gable-roofed buildings – are evaluated and compared by performing laboratory tests on scaled models using a microburst simul...

The objective of this research was to use a three-dimensional (3D) analysis method to evaluate "system effects" in light-frame roof truss assemblies. The goal of this study was to develop an improved and practical design method for 3D roof truss assemblies used in residential construction. A truss plate manufacturer (TPM) design software was used to layout assemblies and to design individual tr...

In this study, an earphone-type interface named "earable TEMPO" was developed for hands-free operation, wherein the user can control the device by simply pushing the tongue against the roof of the mouth for about one second. This interface can be used to start and stop the music from a portable audio player. The earable TEMPO uses an earphone-type sensor equipped with a light emitting diode (LE...