Durability Indicators Research Articles

Influence of rubber aggregates from the recycled tires on the physico-mechanical and durability properties of compressed earth blocks

To meet sustainable development goals, global policies are strongly oriented toward valorizing alternative resources such as local materials and waste from different sectors of activity. This study aims to evaluate the influence of adding rubber aggregates from used/recycled tires (GPU) on the physico-mechanical and durability properties of compressed earth bricks (CEB). The CEB were made with an earthen matrix containing 8% cement, and 0 to 2% mass of GPU. The CEB were cured under ambient conditions (30±5°C) for 28 days. The results showed a real improvement in physical and mechanical performance and durability indicators of CEB with increasing GPU content. The apparent density changed slightly from 1697 kg/m3 to 1733 kg/m3. Total water absorption decreased from 21% to 19% with a slight decrease in water-accessible porosity from 35.7% to 33.1%. The capillary absorption coefficient at 10 minutes also decreased from 14 g/cm2.min1/2 to 10 g/cm2.min1/2 The increase of 29% was noted on the compressive strength in the dry state ranging from 3.5 to 4.5 MPa and of 60% on the compressive strength in the wet state ranging from 1.1 MPa to 1.7 MPa. This resulted in the improvement of the structural efficiency coefficient by 27% ranging from 2080 to 2651 Pa.m3/kg. Abrasion resistance coefficient increased more than 50% ranging from 10.8 to 16.9 cm2/g. By comparing the results to the normative references, the CEB containing GPU can be classified as CEB usable in load-bearing walls in a dry environment and resistant to abrasion.

The influence of unconventional assembly techniques on the comfort indicators of waterproof materials

The present paper aims to highlight the correlations between the comfort indicators of waterproof cotton-based fabrics, and the specific parameters of unconventional assembly technology. The materials considered include layers of Gore-Tex film, serving as substitutes for waterproof materials, intended to manufacture outerwear products such as protective equipment (jackets and overalls), which are breathable waterproof membranes. The comfort indicator values were obtained through standardised methods, and data processing and representation in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) systems using correlation/graphing methods were carried out in Excel software, and using Jandel Table Curve 3D v2. Although experimental research can be extended to include specific functions related to durability indicators, this study focused theoretically and experimentally on how the variation in temperature of the low-pressure hot air jet can lead to changes in the vaporization coefficient, air permeability index, and thermal conductivity coefficient. The relationship between the comfort indicator values (thermal conductivity coefficient, air permeability index, and vapour permeability coefficient) of the considered materials and the treatment parameters of the installation (pressure, temperature, velocity) is expressed through statistically adequate mathematical models, highlighted by a correlation coefficient R = 0.983, with significance certified by the Fischer test. The study of comfort indicators was conducted under optimized treatment parameters, ensuring durability and presentation value functions in the treatment zone remain unchanged compared to those of the base materials.

Experimental and numerical study on the chloride ions penetration in recycled aggregate concrete

Recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) offers a practical solution for improving resource efficiency and reducing environmental impact. Durability degradation in concrete structures is primarily caused by the corrosion of internal reinforcement due to chloride ion penetration. Thus, the resistance of RAC to chloride ion penetration is a crucial durability indicator. This study investigates the effects of recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) and mineral powder on RAC's chloride penetration resistance using rapid chloride ions migration (RCM) tests. Results show that increasing the RCA replacement ratio reduces its resistance to chloride ions penetration. The addition of slag improves resistance to chloride ions of RAC by up to 30 %, while fly ash addition shows an initial increase followed by a decline in resistance to chloride ions penetration of RAC. To address the variability in the spatial distribution and thickness of old mortar within RCA, a two-dimensional random aggregate model incorporating ellipsoids and internal polygons was developed. Five distinct phases were considered in the model: natural aggregate, new motar, old mortar, old interface transition zone (ITZ) between natural aggregate and old mortar, new ITZ between old mortar and new mortar. The model simulated the random placement of aggregates by randomizing geometric shapes, considering factors such as the RCA replacement ratio and particle size. COMSOL software was used to simulate chloride ions penetration in RAC with 30 % RCA, and the simulation model's accuracy was verified through ion chromatography. This study takes into account the random distribution of old mortar on the surfaces of RCA to provide a deeper investigation into chloride transport within RAC.

Efficacy of sustainable cementitious materials on concrete porosity for enhancing the durability of building materials

Abstract The degradation of concrete structures is significantly influenced by water penetration since water serves as the primary vehicle for the movement of harmful compounds. The process of capillary water absorption is widely recognized as a crucial indicator of durability for unsaturated concrete, as it allows dangerous substances to enter the composite material. The water absorption capacity of concrete is intricately linked to its pore structure, as concrete is inherently porous. The main goal of this work is to create an innovative predictive tool that assesses the porosity of concrete by analyzing its components using a machine-learning (ML) framework. Seven distinct batch design variables were included in the generated database: fly ash, superplasticizer, water-to-binder ratio, curing time, ground granulated blast furnace slag, binder, and coarse-to-fine aggregate ratio. Four distant ML algorithms, including AdaBoost, linear regression (LR), decision tree (DT), and support vector machine (SVM), are utilized to infer the generalization capabilities of ML algorithms to estimate concrete porosity accurately. The RReliefF algorithm was implemented to calculate the significant features influencing porosity. This study concludes that in comparison to the alternative techniques, the AdaBoost method demonstrated superior performance with an R 2 score of 0.914, followed by SVM (0.870), DT (0.838), and LR (0.763). The results of the evaluation of RReliefF indicated that the binder possesses a remarkable influence on the porosity of concrete.

The use of fractal analysis to assess the influence of electrospark alloying on the durability indicators of hydraulic hammer parts

Abstract. Statement of the problem. In order to increase the wear resistance and fatigue strength of the material of hydraulic hammer parts, it is not always advisable to change the traditional technology of manufacturing the part and, in particular, the methods of its heat treatment. Different types of finishing are applied only specifically to the given product. In some cases, it is worth applying surface strengthening of the product. Purpose and problem statement. The purpose of the work is to evaluate the impact of electrospark alloying on the durability indicators of hydraulic hammer parts. In order to achieve the set goal, it is necessary to: develop modes of electrospark alloying; conduct an analysis of the location of damage zones and their nature on parts strengthened by electrospark alloying, identical to those observed on tested parts manufactured without additional strengthening and with the use of LTO; Apply fractal analysis to evaluate the impact of electrospark alloying on the durability indicators of hydraulic hammer parts. Research material and methods. All details were strengthened by electrospark alloying with tungsten. The power of the processing current was 1 kW. The peak, in addition to strengthening with tungsten, was additionally processed by electrospark alloying with chromium at a current of 1.5 kW. The surfaces processed by electrospark alloying were ground to obtain the roughness of the strengthened surfaces of parts R and 04–08. Experimental results and their discussion. During the micro-examination of areas strengthened by electrospark alloying, which are outside the load zone during the test, it was established that the areas strengthened by electrospark alloying on the body and sleeve have a thickness of 10–40 μm and a hardness of Н V 600–650. On the strikers, the initial thickness of the hardened layer is 20 μm with a hardness of НV 600–650. The strengthened zones in the cross-section have the appearance of arc-shaped, embedded surface layers of metal parts, phases. There are no structural changes under this zone in the main metal. Conclusions. The results of tests of parts strengthened by electrospark alloying show that the wear resistance of the parts is increased by 1.3 times compared to the original state of the parts. Fractal models were obtained, which can be interpreted as a knowledge base for monitoring the strength indicators of the striker body, which allow monitoring its residual resource during operation. It was established that the strength indicators increase when the fractal dimension of the sorbite component increases, since it has better strength indicators compared to the original ferrite-pearlite structure. Indicators of pairwise correlation coefficients of the obtained models are fixed in the interval of values 0.6779...0.9254.

A low carbon treatment to enhance recycled aggregate concrete durability by continuous loading at the curing period

This study investigates the impact of continuous loading treatment during the curing period on the durability of recycled coarse aggregate concrete with a high replacement ratio. Evaluations were conducted on key parameters including compressive strength, and several durability indicators such as chloride ion permeability, freeze-thaw resistance, and carbonation resistance. Microscale examinations, involving air void structure, microhardness, hydration products, and microstructures, were also performed. The results demonstrate that continuous loading treatment significantly enhanced compressive strength by 4.13%–26.34%, reduced the chloride ion migration coefficient by 14.89%–38.30%, and improved freeze-thaw cycles by 20%. These performance improvements are primarily attributed to the optimized pore structure and strengthened interfacial transition zone. Additionally, this method presents a promising an eco-friendly approach for producing high-durability prefabricated concrete components.

A High Visceral-to-Skeletal Muscle Area Ratio on Cross-Sectional Imaging Is Associated With Failure of Standard Ustekinumab Doses: A Multicenter Study.

Anti-interleukin 12/23 agents have shown greater durability in response compared with anti-tumor necrosis factor α agents. Data on the association between body composition (BC) or body mass index (BMI) and ustekinumab's therapeutic response is limited. We aimed to evaluate the impact of BC on time to failing standard doses of ustekinumab in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). Patients with CD aged 16 years and older from 2 tertiary centers were studied retrospectively. Included patients had abdominal imaging within 6 months of ustekinumab induction and were followed until April 30, 2022. An experienced abdominal radiologist blinded to the clinical information measured the area of visceral fat area and skeletal muscle area at the mid L3 vertebral level, with values corrected for height 2 to derive respective indices (visceral fat index [VFI], skeletal muscle index [SMI]) and the VFI:SMI ratio. Ninety-nine patients met inclusion criteria. The mean age at ustekinumab induction was 46.6 (±1.6) years. The median BMI (interquartile range) was 26.5 (22.6-30.8). Twenty-four patients (24.2%) did not respond or lost response to standard doses of ustekinumab over the follow-up duration. A younger age (hazard ratio 0.96, 95% confidence interval 0.94-0.99, P = 0.01) and a VFI:SMI ratio >1.6 (hazard ratio 4.65, 95% confidence interval 1.73-12.45, P = 0.002) were both associated with a shorter time to failing ustekinumab at standard doses on multivariate analysis. BMI, notably, had no association with the primary outcome. A high VFI:SMI ratio is associated with an increased risk of failing standard doses of ustekinumab. BC measurements derived from cross-sectional imaging at the start of ustekinumab therapy is a useful indicator for therapeutic durability.

A Comprehensive Experimental Study on the Physical Performance and Durability of Bamboo Bio-Concrete

In recent decades, the building sector has been moving toward promoting renewable raw materials to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with construction materials. One of the most valuable alternatives is the use of large-volume fractions of vegetable aggregates, leading to the development of bio-based cement mixture. A review of the recent scientific literature has shown that traditional design rules cannot be applied to bio-based cement mixtures. In this context, this study summarizes the results of a comprehensive experimental campaign aimed at unveiling the influence of bamboo particles on the physical properties and durability indicators of Bamboo Bio-Concrete (BBC) designed by applying a recent methodology proposed by the authors. The mixtures were produced using bamboo particles at a volumetric fraction of 45% and 50%. Fundamental properties such as density, thermal conductivity, capillary water absorption, and drying shrinkage were measured. The results obtained herein highlight the lightweight (density lower than 786 kg/m3) and insulating properties (thermal conductivity within 0.32 to 0.52 W/mK) of the BBC. The capillary absorption ranged between 2.40 and 2.83 g/cm2, whereas the drying shrinkage ranged between 2500 and 5000 µε. These properties indicate the feasibility of using this material in various applications in the construction sector.

Probabilistic assessment of the durability of metallurgical equipment based on microstructural modeling of the stressed state of the material

A methodic is developed for the probabilistic assessment of durability indicators of metallurgical equipment according to strength criteria based on microstructural modeling of the stressed state of the material, the distinctive feature of which is the ability to take into account its anisotropy and structural defects in the form of non-metallic inclusions or the consequences of poor-quality heat treatment. This methodic can be used to make a reasonable choice of material for parts when designing of the equipment or developing of the structure of repair cycles at the renovation stage for objects entered to service. Keywords:metallurgical equipment, durability, life, material, structure, modeling, stressed state m.slobodianskii@gmail.com

Performance based concrete quality assessment with gas permeability testing on site

In terms of sustainability and durability, performance-based design is becoming increasingly important for the quality assessment of concrete structures. Up to now, prescriptive approaches for concrete composition and processing and the determination of concrete strength on cast samples have primarily been used as quality assurance. As this does not take into account the quality and pore structure of the as-built concrete cover, which has a significant influence on durability as a protective zone against penetrating media, the conventional approach to quality control is not representative for this zone. In particular, the permeability of the concrete cover, which is largely dependent on the pore structure, is responsible for the ability of aggressive substances from the environment to ingress into the concrete and, depending on its quality, determines damage processes in the reinforced concrete, such as carbonation. For this reason, investigations to gas permeability on real structures are presented here, which include the possibilities and limitations of measuring and evaluating gas permeability as a durability indicator. Long-term observation was carried out on concrete walls of a motorway construction site, from a young concrete age of 14 days to a higher age of max. 800 days, in order to determine changes in the material structure of the surface area and to analyse their influence on the gas permeability. The concrete walls were treated in advance during hydration up to an age of 7 days with different curing times and types in order to simulate good, medium and poor concrete surfaces. Clear differences in the quality of the concrete cover could already be determined by means of gas permeability. The influence of the surface structure, the effect of the environment and the long-term development of the concrete structure on the permeability are also addressed in this work.

Secondary durability implications: Steam cured, carbonated concrete containing limestone filler, and GGBFS

The motivation of this work is three-fold: jurisdictions are moving from general use (GU) cement to general use limestone (GUL) cement or Portland cement (PC) to Portland limestone cement (PLC); ‘carbonation curing regimes’ are being widely considered/studied/implemented; and modular construction using precast elements may achieve ‘lower carbon’ concrete infrastructure. This study aims to examine the interplay between various mix constituents (i.e. GU, GUL, limestone filler (LF), and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS)), curing regimes (atmospheric (0.04% CO2), accelerated (3% CO2) carbonation, and steam curing), and coupled environmental effects on durability of ready mix and precast concrete. In this study, the term “secondary durability implications” of carbonation processes refers to the effect of carbonation on the concrete's indicators of durability (i.e. water absorption (sorptivity), and rapid chloride permeability) and its durability (i.e. against freeze/thaw cycles and deicer scaling). The results reveal that: 1) a combination of GUL cement +10% GGBFS achieves a lower carbonation depth and a higher compressive strength than the other mix designs in the same curing regime without steam curing; 2) steam curing within 24 h of casting leads to a lower long term strength and a greater carbonation depth for a same mix design that is moist cured; and 3) secondary durability implications of (accelerated and atmospheric) carbonation cured (after 28-day moist curing) concrete for the (GUL cement + 10%GGBFS) prisms exhibit stronger resistance against 300 freeze-thaw cycles and de-icer salt scaling resistance compared to the 301-day moist cured mixes.

Effect of sulphonated naphthalene formaldehyde superplasticizer on the mechanical and durability properties of concrete produced using locally sourced fine aggregate from Ghana

The use of superplasticizers is very uncommon in many developing countries. However, its inclusion in concrete enhances concrete's mechanical and durability properties. There is a yawning gap in the literature on the performance of Sulphonated Naphthalene Formaldehyde (SNF) superplasticizers in concrete, especially in the sub-Saharan construction industry where the quality of aggregates used in production is questionable. This study produced two batches of concrete produced with locally sourced pit sand, with characteristic strength of 30 MPa. One batch was without the SNF superplasticizer to serve as a control, whereas the other batch was made with the incorporation of the superplasticizer. The fresh properties of slump and air content and the hardened properties of compressive and flexural strength, elastic, and dynamic moduli were investigated. Further, durability indicators comprising sorption, water absorption, sorptivity, chloride penetration, electrical surface resistivity, and acid attack were investigated. The results of the study demonstrated that the incorporation of SNF superplasticizers in concrete resulted in improved workability and a reduction in ion mobility within the concrete. This was attributed to a decrease in the presence of interconnected pores, leading to notable enhancements in mechanical properties such as increased strength, as well as improvements in both elastic and dynamic moduli. Moreover, concrete containing SNF superplasticizer protects the concrete much better from acid attack than those without SNF superplasticizer. The study recommends the use of SNF superplasticizers in concrete for improved workability, reduced ion movement via fewer interconnected pores, and enhanced mechanical properties, potentially boosting overall durability.

Feasibility of Non-Remanufactured Waste Bottle Glass as Supplementary Cementitious Material

Theoretically, glass can be recycled entirely, but there are several requirements for remanufacturing. For the first time, this work studied industrial bottle waste glass (WG), which cannot be used to remanufacture new glass as a cement replacement for concrete applications. Wet and dry milling treatments were performed to reduce the particle size of WG and remove fibre and plastic contaminants. The different waste glasses treated were characterised by chemical, physical, and morphological analysis. Afterwards, mortar-level studies followed, using raw WG and wet-milled WG (AGWG) as a 10% Portland cement replacement. Mechanical and several durability indicators were assessed. WG and AGWG incorporation improved mortar performance against water capillary absorption, chloride ingress, and alkali–silica reaction. The unfavourable effect, namely, mechanical strength loss on glass-modified mortars, was mainly due to fibre contaminants observed by SEM on WG and AGWG samples. Even though wet milling reduced the amount and length of the fibre contaminants, it still did not guarantee adequate mechanical strength for the mortar. Thus, additional or alternative treatments, such as thermal treatments, must be explored.

Under Sulfate Dry–Wet Cycling: Exploring the Symmetry of the Mechanical Performance Trend and Grey Prediction of Lightweight Aggregate Concrete with Silica Powder Content

In order to improve the mechanical properties and durability of lightweight aggregate concrete in extreme environments, this study utilized Inner Mongolia pumice as the coarse aggregate to formulate pumice lightweight aggregate concrete (P-LWAC) with a silica powder content of 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%. Under sulfate dry–wet cycling conditions, this study mainly conducted a mass loss rate test, compressive strength test, NMR test, and SEM test to investigate the improvement effect of silica powder content on the corrosion resistance performance of P-LWAC. In addition, using grey prediction theory, the relationship between pore characteristic parameters and compressive strength was elucidated, and a grey prediction model GM (1,3) was established to predict the compressive strength of P-LWAC after cycling. Research indicates that under sulfate corrosion conditions, as the cycle times and silica powder content increased, the corrosion resistance of P-LWAC showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. At 60 cycles, P-LWAC with a content of 6% exhibited the lowest mass loss rate and the highest relative dynamic elastic modulus, compressive strength, and corrosion resistance coefficient. From the perspective of data distribution, various durability indicators showed a clear mirror symmetry towards both sides with a silica powder content of 6% as the symmetrical center. The addition of silica fume reduced the porosity and permeability of P-LWAC, enhanced the saturation degree of bound fluid, and facilitated internal structural development from harmful pores towards less harmful and harmless pores, a feature most prominent at the 6% silica fume mixing ratio. In addition, a bound fluid saturation and pore size of 0.02~0.05 μm/% exerted the most significant influence on the compressive strength of P-LWAC subjected to 90 dry–wet cycles. Based on these two factors, grey prediction model GM (1,3) was established. This model can accurately evaluate the durability of P-LWAC, improving the efficiency of curing decision-making and construction of concrete materials.

Prediction of the Remaining Service Life of Reinforced Concrete Structures

The main indicators of durability, which characterize the time of operation of the structure before the onset of an emergency condition, are the total service life and the remaining service life, the determination of which allows a more reasonable approach to the issue of planning current or major repairs in the building. The most common engineering techniques that allow predicting the remaining service life for reinforced concrete structures are considered: according to standard terms and analogous objects, according to external signs, based on changes in reserve coefficients and strength criteria. Their modifications are given for a number of techniques. Based on the results of the analysis of the methods, their main advantages and disadvantages were established. As a proposal to improve the existing approaches, a methodology is proposed in which the interval between visual examinations is taken for the remaining period of operation.

Data acquired on some old reinforced concrete structures to validate the threshold levels of the French performance‐based method for the durability of concrete structures

AbstractThe objective of this paper is to present the methodology used to validate the threshold levels of durability indicators from data acquired from existing reinforced concrete structures that may present corrosion problems resulting from carbonation or chloride ingress. This study was conducted in the framework of the French National Project PERFDUB in close collaboration with the MODEVIE ANR project. Durability tests form the basis of a performance‐based approach for the durability of concrete structures, and in order to set the threshold level for each of these durability indicators, it is important to take into account the experience feedback that can be obtained from the actual behavior of existing structures. This paper presents the investigations carried out on eight reinforced concrete structures, all of them having an age well in excess of 50 years, and the main data gathered on some relevant durability and lifetime indicators. Based on all these data, predictive models of carbonation and chloride penetration are applied in order to validate the threshold levels to be adopted for the durability indicators, and several other conclusions are drawn.

Analysis of reliability of a prefabricated conductive rail joint in context of heavy traffic

In this paper, the calculation of reliability indicators has been carried out in the article for two configurations of a prefabricated conductive rail joint: with fish plates, a welded and bypass connector, and a spring rail bond. The sections of the track where the probability of failure of the prefabricated conductive rail joint is increasing are identified. The destabilizing factors influencing the onset of failure of a prefabricated conductive rail joint earlier than the calculated values of the durability indicators are considered. A model for evaluating the reliability of the second configuration of a prefabricated conductive rail joint based on the Markov analytical model has been developed, and such reliability indicators have been calculated as the probability of its being in working condition, as well as the probability of failure of the prefabricated conductive rail joint due to the inoperability of the fish plates and the spring rail bond. The features of the configuration of a prefabricated conductive rail joint with a spring rail bond are taken into account, which consist in the fact that in order to eliminate the failure due to the inoperability of the spring rail bond, it is necessary to remove the fish plates.

Development of self-consolidating concretes based on recycled aggregates: Effect of parent concrete strength

Self-consolidating concrete is a recent type of highly fluid concrete. The high paste concentration ensures excellent rheological behavior. Concrete includes can be selected with durability aims in mind, considering the severe conditions to which the concrete will be exposed. However, the irregularity of recycled aggregates (initial properties unknown from the old concrete) leads to a need for more knowledge of durability indicators. This research is an experimental evaluation of the characteristics of SCC made with recycled aggregates and sand whose initial parent concrete strength was specified. Three ranges of parent concrete strength were chosen (20 to 30 MPa, 35 to 45 MPa, and above 50 MPa). The main objective is to study the effect of introducing recycled concrete aggregates on the mechanical behavior and durability of SCC (total immersion in water and capillary absorption). The test specimens were analyzed after 28 days of curing. The findings demonstrate increased durability and mechanical behavior were achieved using recycled aggregates with high strength in the parent concrete. However, the mechanical strength and durability of SCCs are reduced when recycled concrete aggregates with low parent concrete strength (20 to 30 MPa) are used in the mix.

Incidence of Surgical Reintervention for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Following Prostatic Urethral Lift, Transurethral Resection of the Prostate, and Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate: A TriNetX Analysis

BackgroundProstatic urethral lift, or UroLift, has gained popularity as a treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Surgical reintervention rates are a reliable indicator for treatment durability. ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to utilize TriNetX, a third-party database, to investigate the incidence of surgical reintervention following UroLift, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), and photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) procedures for BPH from 2015 to 2018. Design, setting, and participantsMale patients aged 18–100 yr diagnosed with BPH were identified in the TriNetX Diamond Network database between January 2015 and December 2018. Cohorts of individuals undergoing their first UroLift procedure were built using Current Procedural Terminology and International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision codes. TURP and PVP cohorts were built as comparison groups. The cohorts were then queried for subsequent BPH-related procedures. Outcome measurements and statistical analysisReprocedure rates were assessed and descriptive statistics were used. Results and limitationsThe mean age at first-time UroLift was 70.1 ± 9.4 yr (n = 14 343). Cumulative reprocedure rates collected after first-time UroLift included 1 yr after UroLift (5.1%, n = 14 343) and 4 yr after UroLift (16.1%, n = 710), with an average annual increase of +3.6% per year following 1 yr after the procedure. Comparatively, TURP (n = 22 071) and PVP (n = 14 110) had 4-yr reprocedure rates of 7.5% and 7.8%, respectively, during the same timeframe. Limitations include a lack of clinical data and loss of follow-up data outside the Diamond Network. ConclusionsThe reprocedure rate of UroLift at 4 yr is double the rate of TURP and PVP. In appropriately selected patients, UroLift might be a suitable option for those who desire symptomatic relief from BPH with minimal erectile and ejaculatory side effects. However, the risk of secondary surgical intervention should be considered when considering BPH treatments. Patient summaryWe compared the reintervention rates of prostatic urethral lift (PUL), transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), and photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) using the TriNetX database, and have found that the highest reintervention rates were for PUL of 16% at 4 yr of follow-up, compared with about 8% for those who had TURP and PVP. Interestingly, the most common reintervention was the same operation at 1 yr. This has important implications when counseling patients about the durability of these various outlet procedures for BPH.

Development of a durability indicator to forecast the efficiency of preventive measures against external sulphate attack

Currently, the C3A content of binders is considered the most important factor contributing to external sulphate attack (ESA) deterioration. However, portlandite is also deemed to play a major role in ESA development. Yet, there are very few researches on this topic. This paper evaluates physical (i.e., induced expansion and mass variation, ultrasonic pulse velocity, dynamic modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture and compressive strength) and chemical (i.e. X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetry) properties of seven mortar mixtures presenting distinct binders (i.e. cement types, inert fillers and supplementary cementing materials) and exposed to different sulphate solutions (i.e. sodium and magnesium). Correlations are conducted between data obtained in the laboratory, and a theoretical approach to describe cementitious mixtures’ susceptibility against ESA is then proposed. Results show that the proposed durability indicator (i.e., predicted portlandite amount and potential of ettringite formation) are well correlated with ESA-induced expansion and damage. Moreover, the influence of portlandite on ESA seems to depend on the type of sulphate attack (i.e., Na2SO4 or MgSO4). Finally, highly reactive SCMs and consequent higher portlandite consumptions seem to increase the overall deterioration due to MgSO4 exposure.