Open Web Research Articles

Vibration response of ultra-shallow floor beam composite floors

This paper examines the vibration response of the steel–concrete composite ultra-shallow floor beam (USFB) flooring system, which incorporates asymmetric steel perforated beams to accommodate the concrete floor slab within the depth of the flanges while allowing reinforcement and/or service ducts to pass through the web openings. This is a lightweight flooring system that can accommodate long spans, thus becoming susceptible to floor vibrations due to external resonant dynamic loads. To investigate the influence of slab thickness and boundary conditions on the natural frequencies of the USFB flooring system, parametric studies are conducted using a finite-element model and five floor spans. The model was first validated against an experimental test conducted by the authors. Emphasis is placed on the fundamental frequency to predict the possibility of resonance of this complex flooring system with typical human-induced dynamic loads in building structures. To further facilitate the practical numerical modelling and vibration analysis of buildings with USFB floors in standard commercial structural software, an analytical method of deriving equivalent isotropic plate properties is developed and its accuracy is numerically verified with regard to detailed Abaqus models.

Advancements in Topical and Systemic Antibiotic Management for Burn Wounds: A Comprehensive Literature Review

Introduction: Antimicrobial treatment in burn patient include systemic and topical antibiotic care should be carefully deliberated to prevent the development of resistant organisms Methods: This literature review was compiled using information from numerous open access web databases. Data were compiled and analyzed. Results and Discussions: To prevent antibiotic resistance and prevent infection, the best prophylactic antibiotics for burn patients are topical antibiotics. However, for the treatment of patients with extensive burns or those with antibiotic resistance, especially antibiotics for gram-positive bacteria, systemic antibiotics can be used for treatment. Conclusion: The use of antibiotics in patients with burns can be adjusted to the patient's needs. surgeons may consider its use to prevent antibiotic resistance in patients.

Axial compression performance of partially encased concrete columns with web opening

The objective of this study is to comprehensively assess the behavior of partially encased concrete (PEC) columns with web openings under axial compression. The primary objectives of this study are to analyze damage patterns and investigate the influence of key parameters, such as concrete strength, opening rate, and opening shape, on the ductility index and ultimate load-carrying capacity. The study employs experimental testing to examine the response of the PEC columns, with a particular focus on the mechanisms of concrete fracture and flange flexing. Notably, the study reveals a significant impact of the opening rate on the bearing capacity, while the effect of opening shape is comparatively minor. Furthermore, computational analyses are conducted to deepen the understanding of structural behavior. The study builds upon existing research to propose a novel method for calculating the bearing capacity of PEC columns with web openings. This method introduces two discount factors to enhance predictive accuracy.

Improved Satellite-Based Emergency Mapping through Automated Triggering of Processes

For more than two decades, satellite-based emergency mapping (SEM) supports authorities and responders in the rapid assessment of disaster situations. Although automation has been advanced, particularly in the field of satellite image analysis, the standard SEM workflow of the Copernicus Emergency Mapping Service (CEMS) is mostly user-driven at crucial steps. The 2021 flood events in western Germany show, as an example, the strong influence of manual interaction on the timely provision of satellite-based crisis products to emergency managers. We examine where latencies occur in the CEMS workflow and show a concept for the automation of processes and the usage of primarily open web data for process triggering to overcome delays. Our assumption is that a combination of both components is key for a faster SEM workflow, which we discuss along further benefits and challenges. A prototypical information system demonstrates the practical applicability of the concept.

Implementation of MIMO Radar-Based Point Cloud Images for Environmental Recognition of Unmanned Vehicles and Its Application

High-performance radar systems are becoming increasingly popular for accurately detecting obstacles in front of unmanned vehicles in fog, snow, rain, night and other scenarios. The use of these systems is gradually expanding, such as indicating empty space and environment detection rather than just detecting and tracking the moving targets. In this paper, based on our high-resolution radar system, a three-dimensional point cloud image algorithm is developed and implemented. An axis translation and compensation algorithm is applied to minimize the point spreading caused by the different mounting positions and the alignment error of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and radar. After applying the algorithm, a point cloud image for a corner reflector target and a parked vehicle is created to directly compare the improved results. A recently developed radar system is mounted on the vehicle and it collects data through actual road driving. Based on this, a three-dimensional point cloud image including an axis translation and compensation algorithm is created. As a results, not only the curbstones of the road but also street trees and walls are well represented. In addition, this point cloud image is made to overlap and align with an open source web browser (QtWeb)-based navigation map image to implement the imaging algorithm and thus determine the location of the vehicle. This application algorithm can be very useful for positioning unmanned vehicles in urban area where GNSS signals cannot be received due to a large number of buildings. Furthermore, sensor fusion, in which a three-dimensional point cloud radar image appears on the camera image, is also implemented. The position alignment of the sensors is realized through intrinsic and extrinsic parameter optimization. This high-performance radar application algorithm is expected to work well for unmanned ground or aerial vehicle route planning and avoidance maneuvers in emergencies regardless of weather conditions, as it can obtain detailed information on space and obstacles not only in the front but also around them.

Study of Panel Zone Behavior in Interior Beam–Column Joints with Reduced Beam Section (RBS)

Based on the post-earthquake investigation of the Beiling and Hanshen earthquakes, many welded rigid beam–column joints were found to exhibit brittle failure. The failure modes of the joint region and the overall steel frame structure under the action of the earthquake need to be studied. The seismic performance of different types of weakened beam-end interior joints was investigated. The finite element method was verified by high-strength steel beam–column joint tests conducted by our research team. Finite element modeling of weakened steel beam flanges and weakened steel beam web joints was carried out based on the validated finite element modeling method. The joints were studied and analyzed using seismic parameters such as joint stress clouds, equivalent story shear–inter-story displacement ratio curves, panel zone bending moment–shear ratio curves, ductility, stiffness, and energy dissipation. The results of this study showed that honeycomb open hole-type joints exhibit a better deformation and energy dissipation capacity compared to open circular web hole-type joints. However, their load carrying capacity is reduced, which is mainly due to the larger area of the web openings. Additionally, double reduced beam section (DRBS) joints exhibit superior seismic performance and plastic hinge outward movement characteristics compared to single reduced beam section (RBS) joints. It was also found that the deformation and energy dissipation of DRBS joints and steel beam honeycomb hole-type joints are mainly borne by the beams, with the panel zone’s participation in energy dissipation accounting for a smaller proportion of the energy.

UNDAMPED FORCED VIBRATION ANALYSIS OF CASTELLATED STEEL BEAM WITH CIRCULAR, SQUARE AND PENTAGONAL WEB OPENINGS

This study conducts a comprehensive investigation into the influence of web opening shapes on the forced vibration response of castellated steel beams, particularly emphasizing the temporal aspects of the dynamics. These beams are widely employed in practice due to their enhanced structural efficiency and reduced weight, but the incorporation of web openings may potentially impair their shear and bending strength capacities. Three types of web opening shapes are considered. Finite element methodology is employed using ANSYS. The investigation encompasses the forced vibration behavior of castellated steel beams subjected to varying loads. Additionally, the impact of various parameters, including the beam’s geometry, and boundary conditions, on the dynamic behavior of castellated beams are analyzed. The obtained results demonstrate that the web opening shape has significant influence on the vibration amplitudes and oscillation periods of castellated steel beams.

Theoretical evaluation of tapered composite plate girders subjected to shear loads

The behavior of prismatic composite steel plate girders subjected to shear loads was thoroughly investigated, and different theories were evaluated. However, the behavior of tapered composite plate girders with and without openings has not yet been investigated. Therefore, this paper presents a new method for predicting the ultimate capacity of tapered composite plate girders subjected to shear loads. The shear capacities of tapered composite plate girders with and without web openings were developed based on the classical theory of tension-field action for prismatic composite plate girders. It is assumed that the shear capacity of such girders can be predicted from the steel plate girder and reinforced concrete slab anchored using shear studs. The effect of the composite action on the top flange owing to the shear studs was considered in the derivation of the equations to calculate the shear capacity of the steel plate girders. In addition, the shape and size of the opening were also considered. The proposed method was verified by comparing the results of the shear capacity with experimental results from previous studies. It can be concluded that the proposed method can predict the shear capacities of tapered composite plate girders with solid and open webs with acceptable accuracy.

Effect of Horizontal Distance of Web Opening on the Ultimate Load Carrying Capacity of Castellated Steel Beams by an Analytical Approach

Objectives: The primary objective of this current research is to determine the ideal horizontal spacing for hexagonal web openings and their maximum load-bearing capacity through Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Methods: The ISMB150 was implemented as a cross-sectional profile to fabricate distinct models of castellated beams with heights of 225 mm. The height of the web openings remained constant at 150 mm for the castellated beam model. The entire analysis is being done on ANSYS 19.2. Findings: The analysis has revealed that, for castellated beams with shallower depths, an optimal horizontal spacing of 44.9 mm for the web openings yields an ultimate load-bearing capacity of 144.26 KN. The results of castellated beams are measured in terms of ultimate load-carrying capacity, span-to-deflection ratio, load density, failure location, span-to-beam depth ratio, and the ratio of horizontal distance of opening-to-opening depth. Novelty: This research contributes analytical findings for the ideal horizontal distance of hexagonal web opening through maximum load-bearing capacity. Castellated beams have gained immense popularity within the structural engineering community today due to their visually appealing design featuring a variety of web-opening shapes. The primary objective of this current research is to determine the ideal horizontal spacing for hexagonal web openings and their maximum load-bearing capacity through Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The ISMB150 was implemented as a cross-sectional profile to fabricate distinct models of castellated beams with heights of 225 mm. The height of the web openings remained constant at 150 mm for the castellated beam model. The analysis has revealed that, for castellated beams with shallower depths, an optimal horizontal spacing of 44.9 mm for the web openings yields an ultimate load-bearing capacity of 144.26 KN. The results of castellated beams are measured in terms of ultimate load-carrying capacity, span-to-deflection ratio, load density, failure location, span-to-beam depth ratio, and the ratio of horizontal distance of opening-to-opening depth. This research contributes valuable insights into optimizing the design of castellated beams for enhanced structural performance. Further exploration and validation could provide additional refinements and applications in structural engineering. Keywords: Horizontal distance of web opening, Number of openings, Ultimate load carrying capacity, Failure modes, ANSYS, Castellated beams

Elastic lateral-torsional buckling of cellular beams

Cellular beams are I-shaped steel sections with advantages provided by their circular web openings. This type of beam can have greater spans, be more slender and higher than the solid beams, being more prone to failure by lateral-torsional buckling. Given there is still no specific standard for cellular beams and owing to the importance of safety verification, this paper numerically investigated the lateral-torsional buckling of these beams. Considering the torsional constant as the most important parameter in the design of web-opening beams, this study proposes a new torsional constant and approaches four different calculation methods of weighted average torsional constants. The elastic critical moment of cellular beams was numerically modelled using ANSYS software and compared with analytical results according to European standards, varying the torsional constants. The weighted average torsional constant based on an equivalent area and using the proposed torsional constant was the most efficient, showing the best analytical results when compared with the numerical ones considering the load condition of constant bending moment. Furthermore, from all the geometric parameters evaluated, the height of the cellular beam was what most influenced the elastic critical moment of the cellular beams.

Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures Assessment of Private Higher Educational Institutions Using Web Application Security

The advancements in technology has led to advancements in threats and vulnerabilities as well. Academic websites are not spared from this. This study aims to evaluate the common vulnerabilities and exposures of private higher educational institution’s website using Open Web Application Security Project. Seven private higher education institutions were evaluated using Open Web Application Security Project Zed Attack Proxy and Open Web Application Security Project top 10. The top vulnerabilities the higher educational institutions were exposed to were broken access control, insecure design and software and data integrity failures. There were two higher educational institutions with high level of risks. Also, a total of thirty-two risks or vulnerabilities were identified in the study. The identification of vulnerabilities or exposures in websites will help the private schools to become aware of possible cyberattacks to their institution’s website. This will help the institution to identify and prevent further loss or damage.

Evaluation of Common Security Vulnerabilities of State Universities and Colleges Websites Based on OWASP

The security of state universities' and colleges' websites in the Philippines is vital because they play a critical role in delivering education and information to a wide variety of users. However, these institutions are also exposed to several security flaws due to their growing reliance on digital platforms. The objective of this study is to analyze security vulnerabilities in state universities and colleges websites, utilizing the OWASP Zed Attack Proxy (ZAP), an open-source tool. By adhering to the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) Top 10, we can identify potential hazards and suggest appropriate measures to mitigate risks. The steps of the test include gathering data about the test target, using OWASP ZAP to do automatic scanning, exploitation of the scan results, reporting, and offering recommendations. Seventeen (17) SUCs were examined, and the results show that 23.53% are vulnerable to injection, 40.06% had insecure design, 70.59% had outdated components, 88.24% have security misconfiguration, and 94.12% are vulnerable to Broken Access Control. Malicious actors use these vulnerabilities to obtain unauthorized access to software, networks, and systems. By raising the privileges and granting the user ID additional access inside the ecosystem, it can harm the availability, confidentiality, or integrity of data. SUCs should embrace the OWASP Top 10 and begin the process of ensuring that the risks associated with their websites are minimized.

A Basketball Big Data Platform for Box Score and Play-by-Play Data.

This is the second part of a research diptych devoted to improving basketball data management in Spain. The Spanish ACB (Association of Basketball Clubs, acronym in Spanish) is the top European national competition. It attracts most of the best foreign players outside the NBA (National Basketball Association, in North America) and also accelerates the development of Spanish players who ultimately contribute to the success of the Spanish national team. However, this sporting excellence is not reciprocated by an advanced treatment of the data generated by teams and players, the so-called statistics. On the contrary, their use is still very rudimentary. An earlier article published in this journal in 2020 introduced the first open web application for interactive visualization of the box score data from three European competitions, including the ACB. Box score data refer to the data provided once the game is finished. Following the same inspiration, this new research aims to present the work carried out with more advanced data, namely, play-by-play data, which are provided as the game runs. This type of data allow us to gain greater insight into basketball performance, providing information that cannot be revealed with box score data. A new dashboard is developed to analyze play-by-play data from a number of different and novel perspectives. Furthermore, a comprehensive data platform encompassing the visualization of the ACB box score and play-by-play data is presented.

Numerical Investigation on Strengthening of Steel Beams for Corrosion Damage or Web Openings Using Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Sheets

Fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) have been widely used to strengthen steel structures, which could suffer from corrosion or the introduction of web openings, for utilities such as ductwork, plumbing, electrical conduits, and HVAC systems. The present numerical study involves the application of unidirectional carbon FRP (CFRP) sheets to steel I-beams, damaged due to corrosion or web openings, to regain their lost load-carrying capacity. Finite element analysis (FEA) was utilized to develop and validate three beam models against existing experimentally tested specimens. Subsequently, a parametric study was conducted investigating the effect of various corrosion levels and the number of circular web openings on the yield and ultimate load capacities of the beams. The optimum number of CFRP layers needed to strengthen corroded beams was determined and six CFRP strengthening scenarios were adopted to determine the best configurations to retrofit steel beams with openings (SBWOs). The results revealed that corrosion, introduced by thinning the bottom flange, reduced both yield and ultimate load capacities, with a nearly perfect linear reduction in ultimate load for each 2.5% thickness loss. The optimum number of CFRP layers depended on the level of corrosion damage. Furthermore, while maintaining a constant total opening area, beams with a greater number of smaller circular web openings demonstrated higher yield and ultimate load capacities than those with fewer larger openings. Out of the six adopted CFRP strengthening scenarios, three configurations that involved applying CFRP sheets to both flanges and the web effectively restored the strength of SBWOs, when adequate CFRP layers were used.

The Influence of Shear Connector Numbers on The Flexural Characteristics of Composite Geopolymer Reinforced Concrete Beams With Small Transverse Web Openings

Geopolymer concrete is a sustainable alternative to conventional Portland cement-based concrete, utilizes industrial by-products like fly ash and slag. Renowned for its reduced carbon footprint and exceptional durability, geopolymer concrete is gaining global recognition in eco-friendly construction practices. Steel composite reinforced geopolymer concrete beams combine the strength of steel with the sustainability of geopolymer concrete, offering a sturdy structural solution. This collaborative approach results in a composite material with excellent crack resistance and durability, harnessing the advantageous properties of both steel and geopolymer concrete. These beams present a promising option in construction by striking a balance between structural performance and environmental considerations through the incorporation of geopolymer technology. The focus of the current study is to investigate the impact of steel connectors on the flexural behavior of composite reinforced geopolymer concrete beams that have transverse web opening through experimental methods. The experimental program involves casting four geopolymer beams, with one being a traditional geopolymer-reinforced concrete beam (Control). The remaining three specimens are composite reinforced geopolymer concrete beams, each featuring a bottom 5 mm steel plate with six, twelve, and eighteen connectors near each support. The beams share common dimensions, with a total length of 1600mm, a height of 250mm, and a width of 180mm. The results showed that increasing the number of connectors near supports increased the resulted flexural behavior of beams. Such connectors increased the first crack load from 6.67% to 42.22% while the service load increased from 16.22% to 36.20%. the load carrying capacity was also increased from 12.00% to 24.80%. Finally, the mode of failure was moved from traditional tension failure to concrete crushing.

Experimental and Analytical Investigation of Open Web Steel Beam Under Non-uniform Bending

Experimental and Analytical Investigation of Open Web Steel Beam Under Non-uniform Bending

Uncovering the Risk of Academic Information System Vulnerability through PTES and OWASP Method

The security of academic information systems needs consideration to anticipate various threats, resulting in data leakage, misuse of information, modification, and data destruction. There are 36 public and private universities that utilize the academic information system provided by the software developed by Company XYZ. Limited resources in universities contribute to the weak handling of vulnerabilities in academic information systems. The research aims to determine the vulnerability level of academic information systems developed by Company XYZ through penetration testing. The research employs a deductive approach to explore academic system vulnerabilities based on incidents related to system security issues at a university. The research utilizes a combination of two testing methods: Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES) and Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), chosen for their reliability, ease of use, and support by penetration testing tools. Penetration testing follows the PTES, involving seven steps: pre-engagement interaction, information collection, threat modeling, vulnerability analysis, exploitation, postexploitation, and reporting. The threat focus in the research aligns with the top 10 of 2021 OWASP, ranking the ten most critical security risks. Results reveal eight critical security issues based on measurements using the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) method. There are two high-level vulnerabilities, five medium-level vulnerabilities, and one low-level vulnerability. Moreover, the three principal vulnerabilities are Structured Query Language (SQL) Injection, broken access control, and weak encryption. Universities can enhance data integrity by independently remediating vulnerabilities discovered in the research. Furthermore, universities are encouraged to raise awareness within the academic community regarding the security of academic data.

Experimental study on large deflections of beam–column joints with reinforced flange plates

Web openings facilitate the passage of pipes and enable plastic hinge transfer. However, because these openings reduce the ultimate load at certain values, reinforced flange plates are introduced into the beam–column connections with web openings. In this study, five experimental specimens were constructed and tested, including one base specimen with only web openings, one base specimen with only flange plates, and three specimens with both flange plates and web openings. The failure modes, load–displacement responses, deflection shapes, and deformation capacity were mainly considered. Subsequently, after experimental verification, the thickness and length of the flange plates, as well as the position and diameter of the web openings were studied by numerical simulation. The results indicate that the catenary contribution coefficients and internal energies of the specimens with reinforced flange plates were higher than those of the base specimens. We also concluded that the optimal thickness of the flange plate is equal to that of the beam flange, and the optimal diameter is the maximum web opening that meets the specification requirements. In addition, the mechanical properties gradually increased with an increase the distance a from the web opening to the beam end for a ≤ 190 mm and then decreased for a > 190 mm.

Numerical Study on the Impact Response of Steel Beams with Large Web Openings: Investigating Key Parameters

Numerical Study on the Impact Response of Steel Beams with Large Web Openings: Investigating Key Parameters

Experimental study on the effectiveness of strengthening of reinforced concrete beams with opening in shear span using CFRP sheets

In reinforced concrete beams, the opening is frequently required for the passage of utility ducts and/or pipes. The presence of such web openings leads to a reduction of the strength and stiffness of the beam. To ensurethe safety of the reinforced concrete beam, a strengthening system around the opening is necessary. This paperaims to contribute to a better understanding of the shear behavior of reinforced concrete beams with openingsin the shear span, strengthened with Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets. The study is based on anexperimental program carried out on six beams. All beam specimens were 850 mm long with a cross-sectionof 150 × 250 mm and a shear span to beam depth ratio (a/d) of 1.48. One beam without any openings served asthe control specimen, while the remaining five beams featured circular or rectangular openings within the shearspan and with/without shear strengthening using CFRP sheets around the openings. The test results obtainedfrom this experimental program provide insights into the shear behavior of beams with openings, both with andwithout strengthening using CFRP sheets. Additionally, the potential advantages and effectiveness of employingCFRP strengthening techniques for opening strengthening are investigated and discussed.