Relevant Design Guidelines Research Articles

Spirobifluorene Trimers: High Triplet Pure Hydrocarbon Hosts for Highly Efficient Blue Phosphorescent Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes

AbstractPure aromatic hydrocarbon materials (PHCs) represent a new generation of host materials for phosphorescent OLEDs (PhOLEDs), free of heteroatoms. They reduce the molecular complexity, can be easily synthesized and are an important direction towards robust devices. As heteroatoms can be involved in bonds dissociations in operating OLEDs through exciton induced degradation processes, developing novel PHCs appear particularly relevant for the future of this technology. In the present work, we report a series of extended PHCs constructed by the assembly of three spirobifluorene fragments. The resulting positional isomers present a high triplet energy level, a wide HOMO/LUMO difference and improved thermal and morphological properties compared to previously reported PHCs. These characteristics are beneficial for the next generation of host materials for PhOLEDs and provide relevant design guidelines. When used as a host in blue‐emitting PhOLEDs, which are still the weakest link of the field, a very high EQE of 24 % and low threshold voltage of 3.56 V were obtained with a low‐efficiency roll‐off. This high performance strengthens the position of PHC strategy as an efficient alternative for OLED technology and opens the way to a more simple electronic.

Spirobifluorene Trimers: High Triplet Pure Hydrocarbon Hosts for Highly Efficient Blue Phosphorescent Organic Light-Emitting Diodes.

Pure aromatic hydrocarbon materials (PHCs) represent a new generation of host materials for phosphorescent OLEDs (PhOLEDs), free of heteroatoms. They reduce the molecular complexity, can be easily synthesized and are an important direction towards robust devices. As heteroatoms can be involved in bonds dissociations in operating OLEDs through exciton induced degradation processes, developing novel PHCs appear particularly relevant for the future of this technology. In the present work, we report a series of extended PHCs constructed by the assembly of three spirobifluorene fragments. The resulting positional isomers present a high triplet energy level, a wide HOMO/LUMO difference and improved thermal and morphological properties compared to previously reported PHCs. These characteristics are beneficial for the next generation of host materials for PhOLEDs and provide relevant design guidelines. When used as a host in blue-emitting PhOLEDs, which are still the weakest link of the field, a very high EQE of 24 % and low threshold voltage of 3.56 V were obtained with a low-efficiency roll-off. This high performance strengthens the position of PHC strategy as an efficient alternative for OLED technology and opens the way to a more simple electronic.

Implementing a Complete Method of Eco-Design, Optimization, and Sustainability in Automotive Mirrors

Introduction: This article explores a novel approach to developing an environmentally friendly structure through the implementation of eco-design, optimization, and sustainability. The process consists of three key steps. Methods: Firstly, it begins with an understanding of eco-design principles aimed at enhancing the structure's durability by selecting relevant environmental aspects and design guidelines. Secondly, computer-aided design and optimization techniques are employed to identify efficient models, focusing specifically on lightweight structures. Lastly, the article discusses two different processes, namely injection molding and die casting, which can be used to minimize the environmental impact of the structure. Results: The article emphasizes the significance of eco-friendly design in promoting sustainability within the automotive industry. Conclusion: To validate these concepts, the study focuses on vehicle mirrors, which play a crucial role in improving driver visibility, safety, and situational awareness during driving, maneuvering, and parking.

시각장애인의 이동권 증진 및 안전관리에 관한 연구

This study aims to suggest improvement measures to improve the mobility rights and safety of the visually impaired. Although various policies regarding the disabled are being implemented in Korea, demands for guaranteeing the right to movement and ensuring safety for the disabled are constantly being raised. In addition, safety accidents for the visually impaired occur frequently, so it is necessary to come up with improvement measures so that the visually impaired can move more conveniently and prevent safety accidents.
 The study analyzed the suitability of installation of facilities for the disabled through a survey of laws and literature related to the standards of installation and operation of convenience facilities for the visually impaired in railway facilities. In addition, implications were derived through prior research. Furthermore, we directly investigated the installation of convenience facilities for the disabled at the connection points between conventional railways and urban railways from the perspective of the visually impaired. In addition, by reflecting on the interviews with those involved, problems and areas for improvement in the operation of convenience facilities for the disabled were identified.
 As a result of the study, it was analyzed that most facilities for the disabled were installed appropriately by relevant laws and design guidelines. However, it was found that convenience facilities for the visually impaired require some improvement. First, Braille blocks were not installed or broken at transfer points between conventional and urban railways. Second, Braille guide maps to guide visually impaired people were installed far away from the movement route. Third it was determined that there was no legal standard for installing a device that prevents visually impaired people from entering the escalator in the opposite direction, which could pose a threat to the safety of the visually impaired. Lastly, it was analyzed that it was difficult for visually impaired people to find a train to board and that they had great difficulty finding their designated seat after boarding.
 To improve these problems, it was analyzed that disconnected sections of Braille blocks should be resolved, Braille guidance maps should be placed in appropriate spaces along the movement route, installation of voice guidance devices should be increased, and these facilities should be carefully maintained. Furthermore, it is necessary to enact related laws to legally mandate the installation of warning sounds to prevent reverse escalator entry and to install new beacons or NFC (Near Field Communication) facilities so that visually impaired people can easily find their trains and designated seats when using trains.

Static Analysis of Coal Bunker

The project titled "Static Analysis of a Coal Bunker" aims to investigate and analyze the structural behavior and stability of a coal bunker under various loading conditions. The objective is to ensure the safe and efficient storage of coal while considering factors such as the bunker's dimensions, material properties, and loading scenarios. The study begins with a comprehensive literature review on the static analysis of bunkers, including relevant research papers, design guidelines, and industry practices. This review serves as a foundation for understanding the key considerations and methodologies employed in analyzing bunkers. The project utilizes finite element analysis (FEA) as the primary analytical tool to simulate the behavior of the coal bunker. A three-dimensional model of the bunker is created, incorporating accurate geometric details and material properties. The model is subjected to different loading conditions, including empty, half-loaded, and fully loaded scenarios, to evaluate the structural response..

Emerging research on vibration serviceability assessment of pedestrian structures

Despite an increasing number of reported vibration serviceability problems caused by pedestrians walking on newly built footbridges, floors, and staircases around the world, there is still a lack of adequate codes of practice. There are three key issues that a new generation of relevant design guidelines should urgently address: (1) the absence of a universal model that accounts for the entire energy spectrum of walking loading as well as inter-and intra-subject variability of individual walking forces; (2) the effect of human bodies on the dynamic properties of a structure; and (3) pedestrian "intelligent" interaction with the surrounding people and environment. This article provides a brief overview of the relevant state-of-the-art research that has great potential to change this unsatisfactory state of affairs.

Advances in Shear Strengthening of Concrete Bridge Girders

Bridge design values for axle load and truck volume have increased since the 1960s, following the introduction of modern vehicle configurations, such as those of permit, special hauling, and emergency vehicles. Many highway bridges in the U.S. are estimated to be structurally inadequate, especially with respect to the shear capacity of the superstructure to carry these loads, and there have been numerous efforts to consider strengthening options for such older shear-deficient bridges. Techniques for enhancing the shear capacity of concrete bridge girders range from traditional approaches using steel and concrete (e.g., bolted steel plates) to newer approaches that utilize novel concepts and advanced materials, such as fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites and shape-memory alloys. This paper reviews these shear strengthening techniques from a practical application standpoint, particularly with respect to their structural efficiency and constructability. The conceptual basis of each technique is described along with a summary of the advantages and shortcomings of each technique, followed by an overview of some representative field implementations and relevant design guidelines, if available. Finally, the concept of developing an assessment rubric is introduced to aid in identifying a potential shear-strengthening scheme for a particular project.

Exploring Adaptive UHI Mitigation Solutions by Spatial Heterogeneity of Land Surface Temperature and Its Relationship to Urban Morphology in Historical Downtown Blocks, Beijing

Heat stress brought on by the intensification of urban heat island (UHI) has caused many negative effects on human beings, which were found to be more severe in highly urbanized old towns. With the inconsistent findings on how urban spatial morphological characteristics influence land surface temperature (LST) and gaps between design practices being found, we chose Beijing Old Town (BOT) as the study area and took the basic planning implementation module “block” as a study to reveal the spatial heterogeneity of LST and its relationship to multiple urban morphological characteristics with higher spatial resolution calculated via WorldView3. Our results have shown that (1) UHI effect was significant and spatially heterogeneous in BOT, and significant hot areas with high LST value and small LST differences were found, as cold areas were the exact opposite. (2) The proportion of vegetated area, water, impervious surface, and urban spatial structure indicators i.e., building coverage ratio, mean height, highest building index, height fluctuation degree, space crowd degree and sky view factor were identified as significantly affecting the LST of blocks in BOT. (3) The effects of GBI components and configuration on LST varied within different block types; generally, blocks with GBI with larger patches that were more complex in shape, more aggregated, and less fragmented were associated with lower LST. Finally, in the context of integrating our study results with relevant planning and design guidelines, a strategy sample of adaptive GBI planning and vegetation design for blocks with different morphological features was provided for urban planners and managers to make a decision on UHI mitigation in the renewal process of BOT.

Task Allocation Among Connected Devices: Requirements, Approaches, and Challenges

Task allocation (TA) is essential when deploying application tasks to systems of connected devices with dissimilar and time-varying characteristics. The challenge of an efficient TA is to assign the tasks to the best devices, according to the context and task requirements. The main purpose of this paper is to study the different connotations of the concept of TA efficiency, and the key factors that most impact on it, so that relevant design guidelines can be defined. The paper first analyzes the domains of connected devices where TA has an important role, which brings to this classification: Internet of Things (IoT), Sensor and Actuator Networks (SAN), Multi-Robot Systems (MRS), Mobile Crowdsensing (MCS), and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). The paper then demonstrates that the impact of the key factors on the domains actually affects the design choices of the state-of-the-art TA solutions. It results that resource management has most significantly driven the design of TA algorithms in all domains, especially IoT and SAN. The fulfillment of coverage requirements is important for the definition of TA solutions in MCS and UAV. Quality of Information requirements are mostly included in MCS TA strategies, similar to the design of appropriate incentives. The paper also discusses the issues that need to be addressed by future research activities, i.e.: allowing interoperability of platforms in the implementation of TA functionalities; introducing appropriate trust evaluation algorithms; extending the list of tasks performed by objects; designing TA strategies where network service providers have a role in TA functionalities’ provisioning.

Seismic Behavior of a Class of Mixed Reinforced Concrete-Steel Buildings Subjected to Near-Fault Motions

This paper investigates the seismic behavior of a class of mixed reinforced concrete-steel buildings. In particular, mixed buildings constructed by r/c (reinforced concrete) at their lower story(ies) and structural steel at their upper story(ies) are studied from the viewpoint of their wide application in engineering praxis. The need to investigate the seismic behavior for this type of mixed buildings arises from the fact that the existent literature is small and that modern seismic codes do not offer specific seismic design recommendations for them. To study the seismic behavior of mixed r/c-steel buildings, a 3-D numerical model is employed and five realistic r/c-steel mixed buildings are simulated. Two cases of the support condition, i.e., fixed or pinned, of the lowest steel story to the upper r/c one are examined. The r/c and steel parts of the mixed buildings are initially designed as separate structures by making use of the relevant seismic design guidelines of Eurocode 8, and then the seismic response of these buildings is computed through non-linear time-history analyses. The special category of near-fault seismic motions is selected in these time-history analyses to force the mixed r/c-steel buildings under study to exhibit a strong non-linear response. Seismic response indices in terms of inter-story drift ratio, residual inter-story drift ratio and peak floor absolute accelerations are computed. The maximum values of these indices are discussed by comparing the two aforementioned kinds of support conditions and checking the satisfaction of specific seismic performance limits. Conclusions regarding the expected seismic behavior of mixed r/c-steel buildings under near-fault seismic motions are drawn. Finally, the need to introduce specific design recommendations for mixed r/c-steel buildings in modern seismic codes is stressed.

Empirical analysis of building energy consumption and urban form in a large city: A case of Seoul, South Korea

In the climate change era, urban geometry serves to ensure sustainability for urban planners since it notably affects building energy consumption. However, previous studies have mainly conducted experimental investigations under hypothetical conditions. Without empirical evidence, it is difficult to implement these findings under real conditions. This paper examined empirical data to determine the urban geometry effect on building energy consumption in a large, complicated urban area. Urban geometric parameters, including the surface-to-volume ratio, obstruction angle, and building orientation, were measured across Seoul, and their correlations with building energy use were analyzed.The results show that the surface-to-volume ratio and obstruction angle are important, despite the empirical data complexity. Additional data analysis indicates that the heating energy type and building use consideration yields more reliable correlation coefficient trends. The potential impacts of natural ventilation and the urban heat island (UHI) effect on building energy consumption were examined. The UHI effect, rather than shadows on buildings, predominantly impacts the building electricity use in August and September. The correlation variation caused by the building permit date was investigated. The results in this paper could help urban planners and designers develop blueprints to control urban geometry and establish relevant design guidelines.

High-performance electrically transduced hazardous gas sensors based on low-dimensional nanomaterials.

Low-dimensional nanomaterials have been proven as promising high-performance gas sensing components due to their fascinating structural, physical, chemical, and electronic characteristics. In particular, materials with low dimensionalities (i.e., 0D, 1D, and 2D) possess an extremely large surface area-to-volume ratio to expose abundant active sites for interactions with molecular analytes. Gas sensors based on these materials exhibit a sensitive response to subtle external perturbations on sensing channel materials via electrical transduction, demonstrating a fast response/recovery, specific selectivity, and remarkable stability. Herein, we comprehensively elaborate gas sensing performances in the field of sensitive detection of hazardous gases with diverse low-dimensional sensing materials and their hybrid combinations. We will first introduce the common configurations of gas sensing devices and underlying transduction principles. Then, the main performance parameters of gas sensing devices and subsequently the main underlying sensing mechanisms governing their detection operation process are outlined and described. Importantly, we also elaborate the compositional and structural characteristics of various low-dimensional sensing materials, exemplified by the corresponding sensing systems. Finally, our perspectives on the challenges and opportunities confronting the development and future applications of low-dimensional materials for high-performance gas sensing are also presented. The aim is to provide further insights into the material design of different nanostructures and to establish relevant design guidelines to facilitate the device performance enhancement of nanomaterial based gas sensors.

A Mobile Social Network-Based Smoking Cessation Intervention for Chinese Male Smokers: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundApproximately 2 million Chinese people die annually from tobacco-related diseases, mostly men; yet, fewer than 8% of Chinese smokers ever receive any smoking cessation advice or support. A social network–based gamified smoking cessation intervention (SCAMPI: Smoking Cessation App for Chinese Male: Pilot Intervention) is designed to help Chinese male smokers to quit smoking.ObjectiveThis paper aims to present the protocol of a study examining the preliminary effectiveness of SCAMPI by comparing the prolonged abstinence rate of a group of users with a comparator group during a 6-week follow-up period.MethodsA two-arm pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess the preliminary effectiveness and acceptability of the SCAMPI program as a smoking cessation intervention. After initial web-based screening, the first 80 eligible individuals who had gone through the required registration process were registered as participants of the trial. Participants were randomly allocated to the intervention group (n=40) and the control group (n=40). Participants in the intervention group used the full version of the SCAMPI program, which is a Chinese smoking cessation program developed based on the Behavior Change Wheel framework and relevant smoking cessation and design guidelines with involvement of target users. The program delivers a range of smoking cessation approaches, including helping users to make quitting plans, calculator to record quitting benefits, calendar to record progress, gamification to facilitate quitting, providing information about smoking harms, motivational messages to help users overcome urges, providing standardized tests to users for assessing their levels of nicotine dependence and lung health, and providing a platform to encourage social support between users. Participants in the control group used the restricted version of the SCAMPI program (placebo app).ResultsRecruitment for this project commenced in January 2019 and proceeded until March 2019. Follow-up data collection was commenced and completed by June 2019. The primary outcome measure of the study was the 30-day bio-verified smoking abstinence at the 6-week follow-up (self-reported data verified by the Nicotine Cotinine Saliva Test). The secondary outcome measures of the study included participants’ cigarette consumption reduction (compared baseline daily cigarette consumption with end-of-trial daily cigarette consumption), participants’ 7-day smoking abstinence at 4-week and 6-week follow-up (self-reported), participants’ 30-day smoking abstinence at 6-week follow-up (self-reported data only), and participants’ acceptability and satisfaction levels of using the SCAMPI program (measured by the Mobile App Rating Scale questionnaire).ConclusionsIf the SCAMPI program is shown to be preliminary effective, the study will be rolled out to be a future trial with a larger sample size and longer follow-up (6 months) to identify if it is an effective social network–based tool to support Chinese male smokers to quit smoking.Trial RegistrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618001089224; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=375381International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)RR1-10.2196/18071

Evaluation effects of two types of freeway deceleration markings in China.

This paper presents an evaluation of the effectiveness of two types of deceleration markings on freeways in China: fishbone-shaped (FS) markings and edge-rate (ER) markings. An actual 4-lane, 6-km long freeway in Province Hebei was created in a driving simulator and used for the experiments. Three scenarios of deceleration markings were adopted: one without markings, one with FS markings, and the third with ER markings. For each scenario, three traffic flow levels were adopted (low, medium, and heavy). The appropriate dimensions of deceleration markings were first established using relevant design guidelines and then used to develop the simulation scenarios using Multigen Creator software. Sixty drivers carried out the simulation experiments with eye tracker equipment. The adequacy of deceleration markings was analyzed with respect to speed, perceived distance, pupil diameter, and geometric parameters. The results showed that both types of deceleration markings made a certain effect on vehicle speed, drivers’visual behavior, and mental characteristics. However, the effect of the FS markings was more pronounced than that of the ER marking. Specifically, the FS markings showed a speed reduction of 12.3 km/h to 15.2 km/h and a perceived distance of 70 m to 90 m, compared with 6.7 km/h to 9.9 km/h and 40 m to 60 m, respectively, for the ER markings. Application comments of the results are provided in the conclusion.

Vibration characteristics and higher mode coupling in intermediate isolation systems (IIS): a parametric analysis

Intermediate isolation system (IIS) is currently spreading and gaining significant popularity, mainly in Japan. However, its potentials are not so well-known in European countries, and in USA only one application to building retrofit is registered. The dynamic behaviour of intermediate isolation systems, more complex than the two-degree-of-freedom behaviour of base isolation systems, gives rise to a twofold control mode, which combines isolation and mass damping strategies. However, the research contributions provided in the scientific literature usually concentrate on one single control mode, either isolation or mass damping, and the relevant design methods and criteria. This paper addresses the IIS design problem from a wider perspective and presents an explorative study on the vibration characteristics and dynamic behaviour of IIS, in order to identify the range of different behavioural modes and to propose relevant design guidelines. For these aims, a parametric analysis is carried out, varying the main design parameters, namely: isolation period and ratio, location of isolation layer and mass ratio, distributions of stiffness and mass in the upper and lower structures. A classical modal approach is initially assumed for assessing the contributions of each vibration mode on the global dynamic behaviour of IIS, with a particular focus on the effect of coupling of higher modes. However, since IIS is a non-proportionally damped system, a state space formulation is subsequently adopted for establishing the cases for which the simplified classical approach, only considering two damping values for the isolation and structural parts, can be adopted in a preliminary design stage. Finally, frequency response analysis is carried out for identifying the ranges of predominant isolation and mass damping behaviour and the effect of mode coupling both in terms of local and global response of the isolated models. Design implications are finally derived from the analysis results.

Historical review of prescriptive design rules for robustness after the collapse of Ronan Point

After the collapse of Ronan Point tower building in 1968 there was an unprecedented discussion about the issue of progressive collapse in structural design. In particular, recommendations were published that precast panel structures should include tying elements to hold a structure together after an element loss. The initial investigation into the causes of the collapse and the majority of the subsequent discussion was focused on ensuring precast structures had the same monolithic behaviour as conventional forms. However, the prescriptive recommendations were then applied to all structural forms without amendment to account for the different mechanical behaviour. This paper presents the findings from a novel bibliographic study of historical documents published soon after Ronan Point collapse which influenced the development of relevant design guidelines. The technical information was analysed chronologically to determine the intended purpose of such requirements and the assumptions they were based on. It then traces the development of progressive collapse design requirements to the current Eurocodes to consider if they are being applied as intended. This critical review is timely since robustness considerations in Eurocodes and other international codes are currently being reviewed and general misconceptions regarding existing prescriptive rules have been identified among practitioners in the UK and internationally.

Flexural capacity of bi-directional GFRP strengthened RC beams with end anchorages

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present the results of experimental and theoretical studies on the flexural capacity of reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened using externally bonded bi-directional glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites and different end anchorage systems. Design/methodology/approach A series of nine RC beams with a length of 1,600 mm and a cross-section of 200 mm depth and 100 mm width were prepared and externally strengthened in flexure with bi-directional GFRP composites. These strengthened beams were anchored with three different end anchorage systems namely closed GFRP wraps, GFRP U-wraps and mechanical anchors. All these beams were tested with four-point bending system up to failure. The experimental results are compared with the theoretical results obtained using the relevant design guidelines. Findings The experimental results demonstrate a significant increase in the flexural performance of the GFRP strengthened beams with regard to the ultimate load carrying capacity and stiffness. The results also show that GFRP strengthened beams without end anchorages experienced intermediate concrete debonding failure at the GFRP plate end, whereas all the GFRP strengthened beams with different end anchorage systems failed in rupture of GFRP with concrete crushing. The theoretical results revealed no significant difference among the relevant design guidelines with regard to the predicted ultimate moment capacities of the bi-directional GFRP strengthened RC beams. However, the results show that ACI Committee 440 Report (2008) design recommendation provides reasonably acceptable predictions for the ultimate moment capacities of the tested beams strengthened externally with bi-directional GFRP reinforcement followed by FIB Bulletin 14 (2001) and eventually by JSCE (1997). Originality/value The research work presented in this manuscript is authentic and could contribute to the understanding of the overall behaviour of RC beams strengthened with FRP and different end anchorage systems under flexural loading.

Designing for “Raressential” Functions: Usage Patterns and UI Guidelines for Infrequent but Essential Tasks

ABSTRACTAs the number of functions offered by IT devices and services has grown with technological advances, designers have increasingly incorporated factors such as usage frequency and importance into the design of the user interface (UI). In this process, rarely used functions were pushed to the remote corners of the interface; some of these include infrequent but essential functions (“raressential” functions) that can significantly affect the user experience of a service. Despite their impact on user satisfaction, there have been few studies addressing the issues arising from the use of raressential functions. This study investigates usage patterns of representative raressential functions in order to propose design guidelines for UIs with such functions. Twenty-five participants were asked to sketch and perform the process for locating raressential functions in three different platforms. The protocol analysis and data visualization identified that (1) the corners of the mobile screen are strong visual attractors, (2) the overlap between semantic scopes of icons or names complicates the searching process in the PC environment, and (3) the lack of understanding of application software hierarchy seriously hinders orderly navigation in the TV platform. Participants also exhibited repetitive search patterns unique to each platform that delayed the completion of the task. Additional behavioral characteristics and relevant design guidelines are proposed for enhancing user experience of raressential functions.

고층고밀도 도시블록 형태의 규제 요소 분석 : 2010년대 국내 사례를 중심으로

Purpose: Korea, one of the countries with most built high-rise buildings, and many densified urban mega-blocks continue to refine its planning regulations and approval process with room for improvement. Meanwhile, recent year’s acceleration of high-rise building construction across the globe has brought attention from many academic researchers and policy-makers around the world for developing design guidelines and policies that will ensure responsible high-rise, high-density developments. Purpose of this paper is to evaluate Korea’s current status in the context of global trends. This research will provide the basis for developing design guidelines for future high-rise, high-density block developments possibly, beyond the legal boundaries. Method: This paper examines, reviews relevant regulations and design guidelines of four international cities that affect urban integration of high-rise, high-density blocks and A few common design parameters that directly influence physical morphology of such typology are identified for further evaluation of the recent projects in Korea. Result: The research identifies limitations of Korea’s current policies through analysis of actual projects based on the selected morphological parameters and provides recommendations for improvements.

An insight into design of prefabricated and prestressed concrete monoblock railway ties for service loads

Ballasted railway track ties support the wheel forces of a train that are transferred by the rails, maintain the track gauge and provide track stability. Prestressed concrete ties provide the required track bearing to the applied wheel loads and constitute a major part of the track self-weight. Design of prestressed concrete ties involves an evaluation of their structural interaction with the ballast and an understanding of prestressed concrete design for service loads and ultimate loads. This paper aims to provide an insight for the design of a prestressed concrete ballasted railway tie under service loads and highlight the genuine qualities of tie design in terms geotechnical engineering, materials engineering and structural engineering. Through the analysis of a finite element model, this paper presents estimations for bending moment values under service conditions for a prestressed concrete high-speed railway tie under varying track support conditions. The paper then compares the estimated values with those suggested by the relevant design guidelines for railway ties.