Strength Values Research Articles

Feasibility and application of novel electrical curing method for constant-temperature hardening of concrete at cold regions

To explore the feasibility and strategies of applying electric curing technology to reinforced concrete components, this study introduces a method of electric curing for concrete constant temperature hardening (EC-CCTH). Concrete specimens were placed in an environment with a temperature of −10 °C, and an EC-CCTH system was used to maintain the internal temperature of the specimens at 20 °C. The analysis focused on the specimens' strength, temperature, microstructure, and energy consumption. Under winter conditions with ambient temperatures ranging from 1 °C to 7 °C, EC-CCTH was applied to concrete slabs, and their strength and temperature were monitored. Additionally, numerical simulations were conducted to further examine the current density and temperature distributions within the slabs. The results showed that the 28-day strength values of electrically cured specimens were comparable to those of standard-cured specimens. The hydration process and pore structure of the concrete specimens remained unaffected by the application of alternating current. Although the presence of steel bars led to an uneven distribution of current density and non-uniform heat generation within the concrete, this was mitigated by thermal conduction effects. Due to the constant temperature effect of the electric field, the concrete slab reached a strength of 13.9 MPa at 3 days, indicating the practical feasibility of EC-CCTH in engineering. Furthermore, the energy consumption for EC-CCTH of the slab was only 20.1 kW h, highlighting its effectiveness in reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Synthesis Of Biofoam Based On Glucomannan Porang And Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) With The Addition of Seaweed Dregs

Biofoam (Biodegradable foam) is an alternative packaging to Styrofoam made from natural raw materials that can be biodegraded in the soil. Biofoam is generally made from 3 constituent materials in the form of main ingredients in the form of starch or other similar materials, plasticizers such as PVA and also fillers in the form of fibers containing cellulose. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the combination of porang glucomannan, PVA and seaweed pulp on biofoam and to determine the best formulation and characteristics of the biofoam samples made.. The technique of making biofoam was done using baking technique with 9 different treatments. Each treatment was repeated 3x and observations were made on biofoam structure, mechanical properties testing (tensile strength, elongation and young modulus), water absorption test, and biodegradation test. The results showed that Polyvinyl Alcohol plays a role in the formation of a hollow biofoam structure. The thickness parameter value for each treatment was 0.628-1.939 mm. The tensile strength value of each treatment has a value ranging from 15.989-35.265 N/mm². The elongation value for each treatment ranged from 25.719-76.427%. The young modulus value for each treatment ranged from 0.343-0.896 N/mm². The water absorption value of each treatment obtained values ranging from 35.81-77.12%. And the value of testing biodegradation parameters obtained values ranging from 8.68-32.18%. So that the best treatment obtained using the multiple attribute method is the A3B1 treatment (PVA 15% and the ratio of seaweed pulp concentration to glucomannan 1: 2).

Comparing Machine Learning Regression Models for Early-Age Compressive Strength Prediction of Recycled Aggregate Concrete

A branch of artificial intelligence called machine learning is well-positioned as a prediction method that can take into consideration several influencing factors and complex inter-factor connections. Without being specifically trained to do so, these machine learning models have the ability to generalize, predict, and learn from data. Regression theory is a key topic in statistical modelling and machine learning. The main goal of this study is to compare the performance of several popular machine learning regression models for predicting the early-age compressive strength of concretes made from recycled concrete aggregates from a structure that demolished following the Sivrice-Elazig earthquake on January 24, 2020. Early-age concrete compressive strength is even more crucial due to factors like the fact that there are thousands of newly built structures in the aftermath of the earthquake, the quick manufacturing of these structures, and the completion of the project in the lowest amount of time. Determining the early-age concrete strength with high accuracy and in a useful manner is crucial for this reason. Seven different classical machine learning algorithms were employed in this study to achieve all of these goals. Early-age concrete compressive strength values were considered for 1 and 3 days. The relationship between the experimental results and the predicted outcomes of the employed algorithms was investigated, and a thorough comparison of these intelligent regression algorithms was conducted. Within the scope of sustainable development and circular economy goals, it is thought that this article will make significant contributions to the literature in terms of utilizing these waste materials and determining the early-age compressive strengths of the concretes produced with high accuracy.

Development and approval of a mobile test bench for the study of the mechanical properties of biological tissues

The determination of the mechanical properties of vessel walls and atherosclerotic plaques is a recurring issue in the numerical modelling of vessel sections. Testing machines are usually located in specialised laboratories outside medical facilities, and transporting samples from the clinic is difficult. Therefore, the task of developing mobile testing devices that can be installed directly in the clinic to perform tests immediately after surgery is relevant. This paper presents the results of the development and validation of a mobile test bench for performing mechanical experiments on uniaxial compression and tension of biological tissues. The purpose of the work is to perform mechanical tests on tissues in the clinic, avoiding their transport to the laboratory and/or freezing. Arduino UNO hardware platform is used as the control element of the test bench, which controls the main elements (motor, load cell), records data on SD card and displays information about the experiment on the computer screen. Structurally, the test bench is an analogue of a two-column testing machine. All mechanisms are assembled in a portable case, the control module is in the form of a remote plastic box. Verification of the test bench was carried out using an Instron 3342 universal testing machine with a 500 N load cell. A total of 121 soft tissue tests (including arterial wall and atherosclerotic plaque) were performed on the bench. The Young's modulus and ultimate strength values obtained are summarised in a table. The mean Young's modulus for the wall of the internal carotid artery was 0.32 ± 0.24 MPa, for soft plaque 0.30 ± 0.17 MPa, and for hard plaque 0.85 ± 0.39 MPa; a tensile strength of 1.12 ± 0.67 MPa was also determined for hard plaques in carotid arteries. The result is a unique database of tissue Young's moduli obtained from freshly collected material. The methodology and its implementation on the mobile test bench show good agreement with literature data.

Effect of polypropylene fibres on the shear strength of fine-grained soil

This paper presents the results of shear strength tests of fine-grained soil reinforced by randomly oriented fibres. The tests were carried out in a direct shear apparatus on samples with a diameter of 100 mm and a height of 20 mm. The samples were formed directly in the apparatus box at a natural moisture content and two values of the degree of compaction (IS = 0:79 and 0.90). The studies were carried out for samples of natural moisture content and for soaked ones. The two types of polypropylene fibres were used: monofilament and fibrillated (of traded names Fibermesh 300-e3 and SikaCem Fiber-12, respectively). The fibre content was 0.25; 0.50 and 1.00% by the weight of the dry soil. The results showed that the presence of fibre within the soil increased its the shear strength. The improvement of the shear strength was related to the type of reinforcement, its content and the soil parameters. The maximum increase in shear strength was 47% compared to the shear strength of the unreinforced soil. The increase in shear strength values were related mainly to the increase in the angle of internal friction of the soil. It was found that as the degree of compaction of the soil increases, the higher enhance of the shear strength of reinforced soil occurs. It was also found that the improvement of shear strength of reinforced soaked samples was more significant than for un-soaked ones.

Advanced Predictive Modeling of Concrete Compressive Strength and Slump Characteristics: A Comparative Evaluation of BPNN, SVM, and RF Models Optimized via PSO

This study presents the development of predictive models for concrete performance, specifically targeting the compressive strength and slump value, utilizing the quantities of individual raw materials in the concrete mix design as input variables. Three distinct machine learning approaches—Backpropagation Neural Network (BPNN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Random Forest (RF)—were employed to establish the prediction models independently. In the model construction process, the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm was integrated with cross-validation to fine-tune the hyperparameters of each model, ensuring optimal performance. Following the completion of training and modeling, a comprehensive comparison of the predictive accuracy among the three models was conducted, with the aim of selecting the most suitable model for incorporation into an optimized objective function. The findings reveal that among the chosen machine learning techniques, BPNN exhibited superior predictive capabilities for the compressive strength of concrete. Specifically, in the validation set, BPNN achieved a high correlation coefficient (R) of 0.9531 between the predicted and actual outputs, accompanied by a low Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 4.2568 and a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 2.6627, indicating a precise and reliable prediction. Conversely, for the prediction of the concrete slump value, RF outperformed the other two models, demonstrating a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.8986, an RMSE of 9.4906, and an MAE of 5.5034 in the validation set. This underscores the effectiveness of RF in capturing the complexity and variability inherent in slump behavior. Overall, this research highlights the potential of integrating advanced machine learning algorithms with optimization techniques for enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of concrete performance predictions. The identified optimal models, BPNN for compressive strength and RF for slump, can serve as valuable tools for engineers and researchers in the field of construction materials, facilitating the design of concrete mixes tailored to specific performance requirements.

Evaluation of Etching Time Effect on Shear Bond Strength of Orthodontic Brackets Bonded with Self-Adhesive Composite: An in-Vitro Study

Introduction: Precise acid etching of the tooth surface is a significant factor in the strength of the bracket bond. The current study aimed to determine the effect of different application times of acid etching on the shear bond strength of metallic orthodontic brackets under controlled laboratory conditions. Methods: Sixty intact premolar teeth were selected for this in-vitro study. The samples were divided into four groups based on the different acid etching times: 20, 25, 30, and 35 seconds. The teeth surfaces were etched with 37% phosphoric acid according to the specified times, and brackets were bonded to the enamel surface using GC Ortho connect composite. Shear bond strength values of the brackets was measured using a Universal Testing Machine. The amount of Adhesive Remnant Index was also observed using a stereomicroscope. Additionally, the surface roughness of the tooth enamel after bracket bonding was examined using SEM. The results related to shear bond strength were analyzed with one-way ANOVA statistical test and using SPSS version 16 software. The non-parametric Kruskal Wallis (Wallis-Kruskal) test was also used to check the frequency of ARI index. Results: The highest shear bond strength was observed at 25 seconds, and the lowest at 30 seconds. However, there was no significant difference in the shear bond strength of brackets was observed among the four groups (p=0.186). The highest ARI score was observed at 35 seconds, and the lowest at 20 seconds. No statistically significant difference was observed in the ARI scores in different groups. SEM images revealed that the enamel surface porosity was highest at 20 seconds. Conclusion: The results indicate that the shear bond strength and ARI at different acid etching times do not significantly differ. Therefore, orthodontic bracket bonding can be performed with less acid etching time.

Evaluation of cement-treated recycled concrete aggregates for sustainable pavement base/subbase construction

Rapid urbanization and population growth have caused a substantial rise in the generation of all kinds of waste globally. The use of recycled waste not only can replace the enormous volume of virgin materials used in construction but also alleviate environmental concerns by lowering landfilling loads. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of using non-treated and cement-treated recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) in pavement base and subbase layers. A detailed study focused on the strength, durability and microstructural aspects of treated RCA. To fulfill this, experimental test program and analysis covered particle-size distribution, Los Angeles abrasion, aggregate impact value, modified Proctor compaction, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), weight loss under wet-dry cycles, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. The recycled aggregates are found to show excellent physical and mechanical characteristics in terms of abrasion and aggregate impact values. Cement treatment has shown to significantly enhance the strength and durability characteristics of RCA, rendering it suitable for pavement base/subbase layer application. RCA samples treated with a cement content of 3 % and above (by weight) are found to satisfy the minimum specified unconfined compressive strength (UCS) values of 2 MPa at 7 days of curing, according to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and Austroads guidelines for pavement base and subbase layer applications. However, a relatively higher cement contents (5 % and 7 %) is required to meet the minimum 7-days UCS criterion of 3 and 4.5 MPa for base layer applications of low- and high- volume roads, respectively, according to Indian road standards (IRC SP 72 (2015) and IRC 37(2018)). Cement-treated samples with 2 % cement or above showed minimal weight loss after 12 alternate wet-dry cycles, which was well within the maximum permissible limit (14 %) specified in various standards for stabilized materials. Additionally, microstructural investigations have clearly showed formation of hydration products corroborating the mechanism behind strength gain with time. Findings from this study provide references to promote the use of RCA in construction of pavement base and subbase layer, contributing towards the goal of net zero set by the United Nations.

Effects of fly ash, activator ratio and steel fiber on freeze–thaw cycle, sulfuric acid, thermal conductivity and impact resistance of silica fume based AAHSMs

This study is focused on the effects of Class C fly ash (FA), NaOH/Na2SiO3 (SH/SS) ratio and steel fiber (STF) on the freeze–thaw (F-T) cycle, sulfuric acid, thermal conductivity and impact resistance of silica fume (SF) based alkali activated high strength mortars (AAHSMs). In the AAHSM mixtures, FA in different proportions (10 %, 15 %, 20 % and 25 %) is used instead of SF by weight. All the mixtures are prepared with water-to-binder rate of 0.32. F-T cycle results exhibit that the flexural strength (ffs) and compressive strength (fc) values of SF based AAHSMs without and with STF are less affected than those of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) based high strength mortars (OPCHSMs) without and with STF. After 300 F-T cycles, the ffs and fc values of SF based AAHSMs without and with STF are still over 14 MPa and 95 MPa, respectively. After exposure to 20 % sulfuric acid solution for 90 and 180 days, the SF based AAHSMs without and with STF exhibit super performance (i.e., fc values between 78.95 MPa and 96.81 MPa), while the surfaces of OPCHSMs without and with STF are disintegrated. Additionally, the effects of F-T cycle and sulfuric acid solution on SF based AAHSM and OPCHSM are examined with the microstructure analyses. Thermal conductivity results show that the SF based AAHSMs without and with STF perform better than the OPCHSMs without and with STF. The thermal conductivity results of OPCHSMs without and with STF vary between 0.630 W/m.K and 0.697 W/m.K, while the thermal conductivity results of SF based AAHSMs without and with STF range from 0.507 W/m.K and 0.623 W/m.K. Thermal conductivity results are adversely influenced by increasing STF content in the SF based AAHSMs and OPCHSMs. Impact resistance results show that the SF based AAHSMs without and with STF perform better than the OPCHSMs without and with STF. Moreover, the impact resistance values increase, as the amount of STF used in the SF based AAHSMs and OPCHSMs increases.

Impact of repeated heat-pressing on the microstructure and flexural strength of lithium disilicate glass-ceramics

BackgroundThe leftover material from the heat-pressing of IPS e.max Press ceramic is often discarded, despite some laboratories exploring its potential for reuse. However, there is a lack of data on the performance of IPS e.max Press ceramic when combined with the button portions. This study investigated the impact of repeated heat-pressing on the crystal structure and flexural strength of lithium disilicate glass-ceramic (LDGC).MethodsSpecimens (N = 30, n = 10 per group) were categorized based on the number of heat-pressing cycles: G0 (control group, no heat-pressing), G1 (one cycle of heat-pressing), and G2 (two cycles of heat-pressing). The crystal structure of LDGC bars was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Flexural strength was tested, and microstructures were analyzed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the ImageJ processing program. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multiple pairwise comparisons of means were performed with Tukey’s post-hoc test.ResultsG2 exhibited significantly lower flexural strength and crystallinity, as well as larger crystal size, compared to G1 and G0 (p < 0.05). Flexural strength values decreased significantly with an increased number of heat-pressing cycles.ConclusionsThe mechanical properties of LDGC significantly degraded after repeated heat pressing. Therefore, it is not clinically advisable to repeatedly press the lithium disilicate ingot together with the leftover material.

Comparison of Flexural Strength and Wear of Injectable, Flowable and Paste Composite Resins.

(1) Objectives: This study investigated and compared the wear and flexural strength of two highly filled (injectable), one flowable and one paste composite. (2) Methods: Two highly filled flowable composites (G-aenial Universal Injectable and Beautifil Plus F00), a paste composite (Empress Direct) and a conventional flowable (Tetric EvoFlow) were tested. A two-body wear test was carried out using 10 disc-shaped samples from each group, which were subjected to 200,000 wear machine cycles to simulate wear, followed by Scanning Electron Microscope analysis. Flexural strength was tested using a three-point bend test using 15 beam samples for each of the four groups. Values were statistically compared using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for flexural strength and a Kruskal-Wallis test for wear. (3) Results: The median volume loss for G-aenial Universal Injectable and Beautifil Plus F00 was statistically lower than that of both Empress Direct and Tetric EvoFlow. For flexural strength the two highly filled flowable composites both exhibited statistically higher mean flexural strength values compared to Empress Direct (p < 0.004) and Tetric Evoflow (p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in the values of wear and flexural strength between the two highly filled flowable composites. (4) Conclusions/significance: Highly filled flowable composite resins with nano filler particles outperformed a conventional flowable and a paste composite resin in terms of wear resistance and flexural strength, and may be suitable to use in occlusal, load-bearing areas.

Shear bond strength of a composite resin restoration in primary teeth following cavity preparation using laser- an in-vitro study.

To evaluate and compare the shear bond strength of composite resin restorations in primary teeth, following cavity preparation with both traditional dental burs and laser irradiation. One hundred primary molars extracted from the children visiting our department were collected and randomly divided into five groups (A-E) with 20 teeth in each group. In groups A, B, C, D, and E the teeth samples were etched with phosphoric acid, Er; YAG laser followed by acid etching, Er, Cr: YSGG laser followed by acid etching, Er; YAG laser etching only and Er, Cr: YSGG laser etching only, respectively. Following, all the samples were restored with composite resin and subjected to 500 cycles of thermocycling. The shear bond strength of the resin composite was analyzed. The type of fractures was also noted. Data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. The mean value of shear bond strength of Group A, B, C, D, and E was 17.562 ± 0.810, 15.928 ± 0.415, 14.964 ± 0.566, 11.833 ± 0.533 and 11.187 ± 0.517, respectively. Adhesive failure was most commonly seen in all the groups. The phosphoric acid etching remains a highly effective technique for pre-treating dentin in composite resin restorations. The shear strength of composite resin to the dentin of laser-prepared cavity in primary teeth can be improved by the addition of acid etching.

Computing the Edge Irregularity Strength of Some Classes of Grid Graphs

Let G be a simple graph. A function ϕ:V(G)→{1,2,…,k} a vertex k-labeling which assigns labels to the vertices of G. For any edge xy in G, we define the weight of this edge as wϕ(xy)=ϕ(x)+ϕ(y). If all the edge weights are distinct, then ϕ is termed as an edge irregular k -labeling of G. The smallest possible value of k for which the graph G possesses an edge irregular k-labeling is denoted as the edge irregularity strength of G and is represented as es(G). In this paper, we investigate the edge irregular k-labeling of some classes of grid graphs, namely rhombic graph Rmn, triangular graph Lmn and octagonal graph Omn. As by-product, we obtain their precise value of edge irregularity strength.

Production and Characterization of Porous Anorthite Ceramics Using Sugar Process Solid Waste, Chamotte and Coal Powder Additives

Press filter cake is a solid waste produced during sugar production process and includes carbonates and organic components. In this study, coal powder in different percentages (from 10 wt.% to 50 wt.%) was mixed with 35 wt.% press filter cake and 65 wt.% chamotte composition to produce porous anorthite ceramic products with different apparent porosity percentages. The anorthite phase was observed as the dominant crystalline phase in all fired samples. The firing shrinkage values sharply increased after adding higher than 40 wt.% coal powder to composition. In addition, apparent porosity values were changed from 49% to 70%. Compressive strength values reduced from 18 MPa to 1.73 MPa while percentages of ground coal were increasing. Microstructural analysis also showed that the porosity values of the sintered samples showed important changes depending on the amount of coal additive. The thermal conductivity values showed a reduction from 0.113 W/mK to 0.064 W/mK while increasing the percentage of ground coal. Micro-computed tomography (Micro CT) analysis was performed for 40wt. % coal powder added composition and the total porosity value was found as 60.2%.

Evaluation and analysis of strength values assessed pre and post pitch session in an MLS team during the season and after the off season

Evaluation and analysis of strength values assessed pre and post pitch session in an MLS team during the season and after the off season

The contributions of direct and indirect selection to the evolution of mating preferences.

Many influential mathematical models of sexual selection have stressed that mating preferences evolve due to correlations that build between mating preferences and preferred display traits - that is, through indirect selection. Nevertheless, there is a perception that indirect selection should generally be overwhelmed by direct selection, for example in the form of search costs. Recent work by Fry has used quantitative genetic models to argue that in many cases, including when there are direct benefits (a fecundity advantage to mating with the preferred male), direct and indirect selection may be of similar magnitude. Here I use population genetic models, in which the strength of the genetic correlation is an emergent property of evolution at mating preference and display trait loci, to assess the relative contributions of direct and indirect selection to the evolution of mating preferences. For the cases of direct benefits and of indirect benefits with fixed and frequency-dependent search costs, I outline parameter values of fecundity benefits, preference strengths, and search costs for which indirect selection on female preferences can potentially predominate. I also analyze male mate choice under polygyny, showing that direct selection will always outweigh indirect selection except when there are direct benefits.

INVESTIGATION OF PHYSICAL, MECHANICAL AND THERMAL PROPERTIES OF MINERAL ADMIXED AUTOCLAVED FOAM CONCRETE

In this study, the aim was to develop a non-combustible, economical, and entirely domestically sourced and technology-based autoclaved foam concrete thermal insulation material. In autoclaved foam concrete (AFC) with a density of 300 kg/m3, which meets thermal insulation material standards, the density, capillary water absorption coefficient, compressive and flexural strengths, ultrasonic pulse velocity, dynamic modulus of elasticity, thermal conductivity, and the mineralogical properties of hydration products based on XRD of some silica-based mineral additives (fly ash, amorphous silica, and metakaolin) substituted at different ratios (5%, 10%, and 15%) for cement were investigated. Autoclaving improved the physico-mechanical properties of mineral-added foam concrete. Among the mineral additives, the highest strength values were obtained in the foam concrete with 5% metakaolin, while the lowest thermal conductivity and capillary water absorption values were obtained in the foam concrete with 5% fly ash. The study concluded that autoclaving is highly effective in producing a sustainable thermal insulation material in foam concrete.

Physical and mechanical properties of fiberboard produced with shredded waste office paper

This study investigated the effects of shredded waste office paper as a raw material on the physical and mechanical properties of fiberboard. Two amounts of urea formaldehyde (UF) resin (10 and 15%) and five shredded waste office paper/wood fiber mixing ratios (0/100, 25/75, 50/50, 75/25, and 100/0) were selected. The findings showed that all characteristics of boards were improved with an increase in resin content at various wastepaper participation ratios. The 15% UF-bonded board with 100% wood fiber had the highest modulus of rupture (MOR) value, but there was no statistically significant difference between it and the board with 50% wastepaper. The modulus of elasticity (MOE) values of the 15% UF-bonded boards increased as the wastepaper participation ratio increased, and the highest was obtained from the board with 75% wastepaper. The highest internal bond (IB) strength value was also recorded from the 15% UF-bonded board with 50% wastepaper. This was due to the presence of sufficient bonding potential and smoother surfaces in the shredded wastepaper, which allowed for a synergistic interaction between the wastepaper and wood fiber.

Shear failure characteristics and stress-strain relationship of Moso bamboo parallel to the fibers

Bamboo is susceptible to longitudinal splitting, which is mainly driven by its shear properties parallel to the fibers. In this work, bowtie tests including 124 Moso bamboo internode and node specimens were conducted to investigate the shear behaviors of Moso bamboo in shear parallel to the fibers. Based on the test results, the difference in shear strength between internode and node specimens using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) was quantitatively evaluated. The distribution of shear strength was fitted using Normal, Log-normal, and Weibull distributions, and the corresponding standard value was calculated using the non-parametric method. The design value was obtained based on reliability analysis. Additionally, prediction formulas for shear strength were fitted using univariate and multiple regression analyses based on outer diameter, wall thickness, and density. Various shear stress-strain constitutive models were established and validated. The research results indicated that there is no statistically significant difference in shear strength between internode and node specimens with the value of 17.17 MPa and 17.48 MPa, respectively. The distribution of shear strength followed the Normal and Log-normal distributions, but not the Weibull distribution. The standard value and design value of shear strength were 14.91 and 9.47 MPa, respectively. The shear strength was found to be negatively correlated with the outer diameter and wall thickness, but positively correlated with the density. The recommended strength prediction formulas and stress-strain constitutive models match well with the test results. This study can serve as a reference for the improvement of bamboo standard and design basis of Moso bamboo.

Measurement of Grip Strength in Postmenopausal Women of Different Socioeconomic Conditions

Background: Grip strength is a crucial indicator of physical ability, particularly in postmenopausal women who experience muscle and bone mass reduction due to declining estrogen levels. This study aims to evaluate grip strength among postmenopausal women from different socioeconomic backgrounds.Objective: To assess the grip strength in postmenopausal women of varying socioeconomic conditions.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 106 postmenopausal women aged 50-70 years. Participants were selected through convenience sampling and assessed using a handheld dynamometer. Two grip strength readings for both dominant and non-dominant hands were recorded, with a one-minute interval between trials. Mean grip strength values were calculated. Data were analyzed using ANOVA in SPSS version 26. Ethical approval was obtained.Results: A significant difference in grip strength was observed with increasing age. For the non-dominant hand, mean grip strength decreased from 15.58 kg (SD = 3.95) in the 50-54 age group to 11.03 kg (SD = 3.25) in the 65-70 age group (p = 0.003). However, no significant differences were found in grip strength across socioeconomic conditions (p &gt; 0.314).Conclusion: Age significantly affects grip strength in postmenopausal women, but socioeconomic status does not show a significant impact.