Nonlinear static procedure (NSP) is a common technique to predict seismic demands on various building structures by subjecting a monotonically increasing horizontal loading (pushover) to the structure. Therefore, the pushover analysis is an important part of each NSP. Accordingly, the current paper aims at investigating the efficiencyof various algorithms of lateral load patterns applied to the...

The longitudinal variation of support stiffness is believed to be a key driver for the differential settlement of the ballast. This paper presents an innovative approach to correlate these two variables. In order to overcome the lack of input data, a statistical model is applied and the spatial correlation of the input stiffness data is controlled to generate naturally occurring variations. A l...

Female spontaneously hypertensive and normotensive rats were studied at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months of age to determine which characteristics of myocardial performance herald the onset of left ventricular dysfunction. Peak ejection fraction index was derived from measurements of peak stroke volume (in vivo volume loading) and passive pressure-volume relations. The myocardial stiffness constant (km...

In this paper the basic methodology of the coupled response-degradation modelling of stochastic dynamical systems is presented along with the effective analysis of selected problems. First, the general formulation of the problems of stochastic dynamics coupled with the evolution of deterioration process is given. Then some specific degrading oscillatory systems under random excitation are analy...

The properties of advanced composites rely on the quality of the fiber-matrix bonding. Service-induced damage results in deterioration of bonding quality, seriously compromising the load-bearing capacity of the structure. While traditional methods to assess bonding are destructive, herein a nondestructive methodology based on shear wave reflection is numerically investigated. Reflection relies ...

Many strucrural engineers are surprised to learn that the In~rnotional Building Code (IBC, 2009) requires the roof structure to be engineered for standing water weight in the vicinity of the drains and scuppers regardless of roof slope. In addition, some low-slope roofs also require special attenlion for water weight and stiffness for safety against ponding failures or protection against accele...

background : previous studies have investigated different effects of muscle fatigue on body systems. however, there are no reports on the effect of fatigue protocol and its level on musculotendinous stiffness (mts) of the tricep-surae. this study was designed to compare the effects of 2 levels of submaximal fatigue contraction on mts of triceps-surae. methods: twenty female students by simple r...

This article argues that a significant shift is taking place in the sociological study of religion, and seeks to outline its main features. In order to do so it returns to Stephen Warner’s classic article of 1993 which drew a contrast between ‘old’ and ‘new’ paradigms in the sociology of religion. It develops Warner’s analysis by setting these paradigms in their European and American contexts r...

The Chilean government commissioned a quasi-experimental study with a pre-/postintervention design that had two general aims: (a) to assess infants' psychoaffective developmental levels (pre-intervention phase) and (b) to evaluate whether an intervention based on the promotion of socioemotional development modifies the infant's psychoaffective development. Sixty-two institutionalized infants an...