Embedding Behavior Research Articles

Experimental Investigation of Full Hole Embedment Behavior of Bamboo Scrimber with Dowel-Type Fasteners

A comprehensive understanding of the embedment behavior is of great importance in the design of contemporary bamboo constructions with connections utilizing dowel-type fasteners. The objective of this research was to assess the embedment behavior of bamboo scrimber using full-hole embedment tests. To investigate the effect of the loading angle and bolt diameter, a series of tests were performed using bolts of varying diameters (16 mm, 18 mm, and 20 mm) and loading angles (0° to 90°, with an increment of 15°). The experimental results demonstrated that the loading angle has a considerable influence on the embedment behavior. As the loading angle was increased, the failure mode underwent a change from a brittle failure mode, which was dominated by shear mechanisms, to a ductile failure mode, which was dominated by fiber crushing. The yield and ultimate embedment strengths showed an M-shaped response to changes in the loading angle, with the lowest values being 0°, 45°, and 90°. The bolt diameter was found to have no impact on the failure mode of the specimen. However, an increase in bolt diameter resulted in a reduction in the embedment strength when the specimen was loaded at 90°.

Exploring the relationship between embedment behaviour in cross-laminated timber and its layers: An experimental study

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) has become popular as a construction material and the design of CLT connections is typically based on empirical equations with an average embedment strength of the wood-based product. The experimental study presented herein aims at enhancing the understanding of the relationship between the CLT embedment behaviour and the single layers it is composed of. Non-linear embedment stress–displacement relationships were measured in 244 full-hole and half-hole embedment tests on structural timber boards as well as on CLT produced of parts of the same boards. Three different fasteners, namely a steel dowel with a diameter of 12 mm and the threaded part of screws with a nominal diameter of 6.5 mm and 10 mm, were studied. The design of the experiments allowed to validate a simple mechanical model with parallel springs for the CLT, which showed good agreement with experiments. In addition to a validation of the non-linear spring model, this unique experimental data-set is further exploited in a comparison with empirical equations and for the derivation of a non-linear embedment ratio, between parallel and perpendicular to the grain embedment stresses, over the displacement. Knowledge of the relationship between the non-linear embedment behaviour of the single layers and the CLT element can be further exploited in the engineering design and numerical modelling of CLT connections with dowel-type fasteners.

Anchor chain profiles in sand based on centrifuge model tests

The rapid development of floating wind turbines (FWTs) has brought new challenges to their mooring systems in shallow water of 50-200 m. The sand seabed, which is widely distributed in offshore regions, is often encountered in the service of FWTs and influences the anchor and mooring line design. The anchor chain is primarily adopted as the part interacting with the seabed, and its configuration in the seabed is vital for anchor design. However, a complete understanding of the chain configuration in sand is yet to be achieved. To address this, a group of centrifuge model tests using a model chain were conducted to simulate the chain embedment behavior in carbonate sand. During the tests, the chain position and soil deformation were captured using the Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) method. A calculation model was adopted to predict the chain configuration in the sand, compare it with the centrifuge test results, and then analyze the differences between them. Finally, suggestions for model improvement were discussed.

Assessing the importance of sediment characterization on seabed embedment predictions of cylindrical objects

The prediction of object embedment into the seabed is important for the deployment and efficacy of submerged sensors and sensor networks, as well as for other applications such as unexploded ordnance risk assessment, subaquatic search and rescue efforts, or anchors and moorings. The embedment of objects into the seabed during placement depends on the strength parameters of the seabed sediment. However, a detailed characterization of seabed strength can be complex and costly since quality seabed samples and/or in situ testing are required. This study evaluates the importance of a detailed geotechnical seabed sediment characterization over seabed classification from geoacoustic surveying or accepting unknown seabed conditions for the prediction of seabed embedment of cylindrical objects. Monte Carlo simulation was applied to model the uncertainty of sediment strength parameters. The results suggest that prior knowledge of the general sediment type (e.g., fine-grained versus coarse-grained as determined from side scan sonar imaging) significantly improves the precision of the embedment predictions over unknown conditions, reducing the coefficient of variation (CV) in prediction of percent embedment (PE) by about 50 % to 65 %. Performing a detailed geotechnical testing of sediment strength represented a further improvement by 15 % to 35 % over the knowledge of sediment type. Both the mean and standard deviation of PE in fine-grained sediments are at least about 3 times the values for coarse-grained sediments indicating a wider distribution of PE with deeper embedment for cohesive fine-grained soils. The embedment behavior is a function of the method of deployment (free fall with a certain speed versus placement with no speed) in stiff cohesive sediments but is less relevant in soft sediments since PE values are always greater than 100 % (i.e., full embedment). Similarly, in cohesionless sediments, PE is always less than 50 %.

Health and lifestyle advice in community pharmacy for musculoskeletal conditions: a focused ethnography

Abstract Introduction Musculoskeletal health conditions are common, painful, and disabling, and often occur alongside other long-term conditions. Around a third of the UK population live with a musculoskeletal condition placing a huge burden on health and social care resources, accounting for 1 in 7 general practitioner consultations.[1] Primary care often focuses on using safe but less effective pharmacological approaches (e.g., paracetamol) despite evidence-based recommendations for self-management and lifestyle support being more effective, particularly in the context of pain management. However, access to such support is not always available or adequate. Community pharmacy is recognised for its important and well positioned setting for the delivery of public health promotion, supporting people to improve their health and live well through the Healthy Living Pharmacy Framework. Despite policy recommendations for an extended role in supporting people to self-manage long-term conditions and to adopt healthier behaviours, we currently do not know how community pharmacy manages and supports lifestyle advice in practice, particularly in relation to musculoskeletal health. Aim To gain an in-depth insight into community pharmacy daily practice in relation to the delivery of health and lifestyle advice, in order to examine community pharmacy’s current and future potential for supporting musculoskeletal health conditions. Methods An in-depth multi-site ethnographic approach was used across four community pharmacies differing in geographical and socioeconomic areas in England (April 2023 – October 2023). Data included 92 hours of observations within community pharmacies observing everyday practice and customer interactions, and 19 in-person semi-structured interviews (participants included counter assistants, dispensers, technicians and pharmacists). Results were analysed iteratively using analytic induction.[2] Results The provision of lifestyle advice was seen as awkward by staff members and problematic in consultations where advice was deemed unsolicited by customers, particularly in relation to sensitive topics such as weight or alcohol use. Pharmacists were generally more confident including lifestyle advice within appointments in the consultation room, and embedding behaviour change messages within an overall health check. Nevertheless, they lacked knowledge and training with regards to support and lifestyle advice specific for musculoskeletal health conditions. Observed over-the-counter interactions with customers were often complicated in terms of opportunities for staff to offer lifestyle advice, with encounters concerning pain relief medication at times resulting in tense and arduous consultations. Staff often found the experience of trying to offer lifestyle advice uncomfortable and challenging, leaving many feeling demotivated and lacking in confidence and as a result avoid introducing lifestyle advice into conversations. Conclusion Community pharmacy staff recognised the importance of the provision of lifestyle advice but experienced many barriers to its delivery. Increasing demands on community pharmacy with new services have implications with regards to capacity, time and skills development to effectively imbed lifestyle advice into everyday practice. Pharmacy staff may benefit from enhanced support and training to increase confidence and motivation in providing lifestyle advice, particularly relating to understanding musculoskeletal health and effective self-management strategies.

Beam-on-Foundation modelling of dowel-type single fastener connections in cross laminated timber

In this study, a numerical model that aimed to predict the strength and stiffness, of a single laterally loaded mechanical fastener in steel-to-cross laminated timber (CLT) connections using a Beam-on-Foundation (BoF) model, is presented. The BoF model was used to predict the ductile failure modes of steel-to-CLT connections and considered the layered structure of CLT. When compared to the European Yield Model (EYM), the BoF model was found to be advantageous as it not only predicted the strength but also the stiffness of the connections. A comparison of the slip modulus and strength from BoF model simulations of experimental tests carried out on steel-to-CLT connections showed good agreement with the experimental results. Using the BoF model, the influence of; (i) density, (ii) deck layer orientation, (iii) embedment behaviour, (iv) dowel diameter, (v) steel plate thickness, and (vi) embedment length, on steel-to-CLT connections was investigated in a parameter study. The results presented herein highlight the benefit of the BoF model that considers CLT layer specific embedment behaviour in determining the shear capacity and stiffness of steel-to-CLT connections.

A fiber beam-column model for damage assessment of traditional Chinese timber structures

ABSTRACT This study proposes a fiber beam-column model that takes into account the anisotropy of wood and the embedment behavior of the rocking column to assess the impact of wood damage on the lateral performance of traditional Chinese timber structures. Subsequently, numerical analyses corresponding to a full-scale quasi-static test of a traditional Chinese timber framework are conducted to verify the accuracy of this fiber beam-column model. By considering factors such as residual deformation and wood decay in the column base, the degradation behavior of traditional Chinese timber structures can be evaluated. This study provides a foundation for discussing and further researching the damage assessment of traditional Chinese timber structures.

Feasibility of Timber Pegged Joints for Seismic Design of Structures

This paper investigates the feasibility of employing timber pegged joints in modern seismic-resistant structures or for retrofitting existing structures. The behavior of timber pegged connections has been investigated for about twenty years, but seismic design aspects are not treated in existing standards. In the framework of the force-based design approach, this paper analyzes and defines seismic design aspects and rules for timber pegged connections that are easy-to-use in engineering practice. A large database (more than 350 test results) has been elaborated and the data processed with the purpose of (1) analyzing the effectiveness of the European Yield Model for evaluating the maximum strength of the connection, accounting for the particular embedding behavior due to the presence of timber peg; (2) assessing and defining the capacity design rules to design the dissipative regions (i.e., overstrength factor); and (3) defining the available ductility of the connection with identification of ductility class intervals. The obtained results proved that timber pegged joints have a good potential to be used in seismic-resistant structures. In fact, data processing identified a suitable value for the overstrength factor (useful to project the joint with the capacity design) similar to that used for steel-dowelled connections, and defined a likelihood range of ductility classes. Finally, it is highlighted that the European Yield Model can be a practical tool to calculate connection strength, provided that some modifications are included to consider peg behavior.

Embedment behavior of dowel-type fasteners in birch plywood: Influence of load-to-face grain angle, test set-up, fastener diameter, and acetylation

Birch plywood has superior mechanical properties compared with plywood made from most softwood species, which makes it suitable for structural application. Plywood is also more environmentally friendly, cost-efficient, and less prefabrication demanding than steel plates. For a proper design of birch plywood as joint plates in timber-timber connections, the embedment behavior of mechanical connectors into plywood needs to be properly investigated. In this study, the authors performed embedment tests of dowel connectors into birch plywood specimens under five different angles from parallel to perpendicular to the face grain with a step size of 22.5°. Dowel connectors with three different diameters were utilized to study the influence of dowel diameter on embedment strength and stiffness. Besides, test series using self-drilling screws and acetylated birch plywood specimens were conducted to study the effect of both fastener type and acetylation. Moreover, full-hole and half-hole test results were compared. The embedment strengths were calculated analytically according to different term definitions. The test results were then compared with the analytical results based on formulas reported in the literature, e.g., Eurocode 5 and other design standards.

Digital behaviour change interventions to increase vegetable intake in adults: a systematic review

BackgroundDigital interventions may help address low vegetable intake in adults, however there is limited understanding of the features that make them effective. We systematically reviewed digital interventions to increase vegetable intake to 1) describe the effectiveness of the interventions; 2) examine links between effectiveness and use of co-design, personalisation, behavioural theories, and/or a policy framework; and 3) identify other features that contribute to effectiveness.MethodsA systematic search strategy was used to identify eligible studies from MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, INFORMIT, IEEE Xplore and Clinical Trial Registries, published between January 2000 and August 2022. Digital interventions to increase vegetable intake were included, with effective interventions identified based on statistically significant improvement in vegetable intake. To identify policy-action gaps, studies were mapped across the three domains of the NOURISHING framework (i.e., behaviour change communication, food environment, and food system). Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane tools for randomized, cluster randomized and non-randomized trials.ResultsOf the 1,347 records identified, 30 studies were included. Risk of bias was high or serious in most studies (n = 25/30; 83%). Approximately one quarter of the included interventions (n = 8) were effective at improving vegetable intake. While the features of effective and ineffective interventions were similar, embedding of behaviour change theories (89% vs 61%) and inclusion of stakeholders in the design of the intervention (50% vs 38%) were more common among effective interventions. Only one (ineffective) intervention used true co-design. Although fewer effective interventions included personalisation (67% vs 81%), the degree of personalisation varied considerably between studies. All interventions mapped across the NOURISHING framework behaviour change communication domain, with one ineffective intervention also mapping across the food environment domain.ConclusionFew digital interventions identified in this review were effective for increasing vegetable intake. Embedding behaviour change theories and involving stakeholders in intervention design may increase the likelihood of success. The under-utilisation of comprehensive co-design methods presents an opportunity to ensure that personalisation approaches better meet the needs of target populations. Moreover, future digital interventions should address both behaviour change and food environment influences on vegetable intake.

SEBGLMA: Semantic Embedded Bipartite Graph Network for Predicting lncRNA-miRNA Associations

Identifying the association between long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) and micro-RNA (miRNA) is of great significance for the treatment of diseases by interfering with the combination of miRNA and messenger RNA (mRNA). Although many efforts and resources have been invested to identify lncRNA-miRNA associations (LMAs), clinical trials are still expensive and laborious. Nevertheless, the experiments also need to consult a large number of side effects. Therefore, novel computer-aided models are urgently needed to predict LMAs. This paper proposed a semantic embedded bipartite graph network for predicting lncRNA-miRNA associations (SEBGLMA), which provided a novel feature extraction method by integrating K-mer segmentation, word2vec, Gaussian interaction profile (GIP), and graph convolution network (GCN). Concretely, the attribute characteristics of RNA sequences are extracted by K-mer segmentation and word2vec modules. Afterward, the adjacent matrix is completed by GIP self-similarity. Then, the attribute characteristics and adjacent matrix are fed into GCN for embedding behavior features. Finally, the features are sent into the rotation forest (RoF) for detecting potential LMAs. The average accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity, Matthews correlation coefficient, and F1-Score are 87.09%, 87.66%, 87.03%, 87.84%, 74.18%, and 86.99% on the benchmark data set. For fairly validating the performance of our model, we conducted various comparisons with different classifiers. Furthermore, the case studies of hsa-miR-497-5P and NONHSAT022145.2 are also established. The results of comparisons and case studies further illustrated that our method is anticipated to become a robust and reliable tool for the identification of LMAs.

Effects of density and load orientation on embedment behaviour of coconut wood

Different from most species of monocot clade, palm trees (Arecaceae) have woody materials which could be used for construction. However, the engineering embedment properties of coconut wood are not available in modern building codes. In this study, half-hole dowel embedment experiments, according to ASTM D5764-97a, were conducted on coconut wood with three dowel diameters in directions parallel and perpendicular to the grain for the full range of densities. The results showed that the empirical equations for common structural wood in an internationally acknowledged wood design standard overestimate the embedment strength of coconut wood by 32.9% on average.

Elastoplastic Analysis of Timber Connections with Dowel-Type Fasteners at Ambient and High Temperatures

Three-dimensional elastoplastic finite element (FE) analysis models considering a damage zone and cleavage were developed, including plastic behavior of embedment tests parallel and perpendicular to the grain at ambient and high temperatures, in order to study the embedment behavior of timber. In a numerical analysis of compression tests to define material properties of timber, the post-yield behavior of the X-axis in the axial direction was larger than the test values when the post-yield slope of the test result were set to the plastic modulus. The reason was that the stress on the Y-axis and Z-axis increased after the yield point; thus, the equivalent yield stress decreased. In the numerical analysis of the embedment tests, the effect of the damage zone must be considered in the analytical models because the initial stiffness of the numerical results in compression parallel to the grain was considerably higher than that of the test results when the damage zone was not considered. In the numerical analysis of the embedment tests in compression perpendicular to the grain, the two models reproduced the stiffness and behavior after the yield point of the test results. The model that considered cleaving showed the stress distribution after cleavage.

An elastic-plastic kinking layer model for parallel-to-grain wood embedment behavior considering wood drilling damage

This paper presents the results of the experimental and numerical studies on the influence of drilling damage of wood on the wood embedment behavior. Wood drilling tests were conducted to quantify the distribution of wood residual strain by use of digital image correlation technique. Parallel to wood grain repetitive compression tests were also conducted to determine the mechanical properties of wood within the kinking zone. Wood half-hole bolt embedment tests were conducted, and a wood kinking layer model was proposed and incorporated into a FEM model for the wood embedment behavior simulation. The model predictions were compared with the embedment test results and results from FEM models with different consideration of the weakened wood around the bolt holes. It was found that drilling can develop significant parallel and perpendicular to grain and shear residual strain in the surrounding wood. The distribution and magnitude of the residual strains were correlated with the hole diameter and drilling speed, and the thickness of a kinking layer can be taken as 1/13 and 1/7 of the hole diameter under the low and high drilling speeds considered in this study, respectively. It was observed from the repetitive tests of wood that during the steady-state kinking process, wood exhibited nearly constant peak stress and reloading modulus of elasticity. The FEM model with the proposed kinking layer model achieved a better agreement with the test results than FEM models based on wood foundation theory or a nonlinear contact model regarding the embedment elastic modulus, the maximum load, and the distribution of the strain in the embedment zone.

Embeddings of anisotropic Besov spaces into Sobolev spaces

AbstractWe study the embeddings of (homogeneous and inhomogeneous) anisotropic Besov spaces associated to an expansive matrix A into Sobolev spaces, with a focus on the influence of A on the embedding behavior. For a large range of parameters, we derive sharp characterizations of embeddings.

New Home, New You: A retrospective mixed-methods evaluation of a health-related behavioural intervention programme supporting social housing tenants.

Social housing tenants are at greater risk of engaging in unhealthy behaviours than the general population. Housing association employees are in an ideal position to contribute positively to their tenants' health. 'New Home, New You' (NHNY) is a joint venture between a social housing association, a city council and a community healthcare provider in the South West of England. It was designed with the aim of improving the health and well-being of social housing tenants. The aim of this retrospective evaluation was to establish whether social housing tenants were benefiting from this health-related behavioural intervention in terms of their mental well-being and health-related behaviours. This was a mixed-methods evaluation. The outcome evaluation was a secondary analysis of quantitative data collected during the NHNY project. The process of delivering and receiving the intervention was evaluated using qualitative, semi-structured interviews with housing officers and tenants who had participated in the programme. The development of the intervention was evaluated through a focus group and additional semistructured interviews with key stakeholders. Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Qualitative interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Six key stakeholders and a total of seven housing officers from several teams and seven tenants were interviewed. Of the 1016 tenants who were invited to participate in NHNY, 226 enroled in the programme. For participating tenants, the scope for health-related behaviour change was greatest in relation to eating and smoking. Small positive statistically significant changes in mental health were found between the 6- and12-month mean score and between the baseline and the 12-month score. The findings indicate that NHNY may have been beneficial for some participating tenants. Housing officers can have a significant role in promoting health messages and embedding behaviour change among their tenants. Although the programme was implemented as a service improvement rather than a controlled trial and focused on a particular intervention and geographical area, other housing associations may find this evaluation useful for considering whether to adopt some of the principles applied in NHNY in other settings. A social housing tenant representative provided input on the methodology and methods used to evaluate NHNY, as well as the information sheet.

Research on platform-based transformation of traditional engineering consulting enterprises based on the dynamic embedding of value chain - Taking Glodon as an example

Nowadays, the information revolution with digital technology as the core is taking place in the engineering consulting industry. Traditional engineering consulting enterprises should follow the trend and change with the trend, give full play to their long-accumulated knowledge and skills, and realize platform-based and digital transformation. Combining the existing literature research, this paper proposes the platform-based transformation of Chinese traditional engineering consulting enterprises based on dynamic embedding of value chain, and verify it with the platform transformation practice of Glodon Company. Taking environmental perception ability as the basis, relationship and structure debugging as the guarantee, and innovative learning as the driving force, engineering consulting enterprises adopt contingency and active embedding behavior to integrate resources along the value chain, and build a digital intelligence platform at the same time to support the strategic reconstruction of enterprises, form a platform ecology with themselves as the core and multiple subjects participating, complete the value chain leap, and adopt a digital governance system of cooperative governance of multiple subjects in order to maintain the healthy development of the platform ecology.

Embedment behaviour of fully threaded bolts in glued laminated timber

Embedment behaviour of fully threaded bolts in glued laminated timber

Dynamic embedding behavior of thin-wall expansion tube loaded by explosive shock wave

Expansion tubes have been considered to be promising impact-resistant structures due to their lightweight and high specific energy absorption capacity. The mechanical behaviors of expansion tubes subjected to a quasi-static loading or a dynamic loading have been widely studied; however, no previous study was reported regarding a blast loading. In this paper, the dynamic embedding responses of expansion tubes considering the effects of shock wave properties, structural parameters, and scaled distance were first investigated through orchestrated explosion experiments. The explosion results show that the embedding displacement is affected by the overpressure and impulse simultaneously. A finite element method was then proposed and verified by comparing the numerical solutions with the experimental results, based on which the effects of loading condition, scaled distance, and semi-angle of expansion tube were revealed. Finally, metallic foam impact tests were conducted to reveal the effect of the shell on the embedding displacement. The numerical solutions indicate that the expansion force increases by 22.9% when the quasi-static loading is replaced with a blast loading. The expansion tube can efficiently reduce the maximum shock stress acting on the baseboard and prolong the buffering process in the time domain. Due to the effect of the blast wave with a quasi-triangular stress-time curve, there exists a negative correlation between the effective impulse and the stress threshold of the expansion tube. In addition, the shell shows an insignificant effect on the embedding displacement of expansion tube. The results in this paper provide useful guidance for the application of expansion tubes in practice for improving the blast-resistant of a structure.

Effects of Density and Load Orientation on Embedment Behaviour of Coconut Wood

Effects of Density and Load Orientation on Embedment Behaviour of Coconut Wood