Bridge Test Research Articles

Development, reliability and validity of the Closed Kinetic Chain Lower Extremity Stability Test (CKCLEST): a new clinical performance test

ABSTRACT This study aimed to develop and determine the test-retest, intra- and interrater reliability, and validity of the Closed Kinetic Chain Lower Extremity Stability Test (CKCLEST). Three-blinded, cross-sectional, repeated-measures clinical measurement reliability trial. Fifty young adults participated in this study. To assess the reliability of CKCLEST, intraclass correlation coefficient, standard error of measurement, minimal detectable change, and Bland–Altman plot were used. For concurrent validity of CKCLEST was applied Spearman correlation analysis with Vertical Jump Test, Isokinetic Dynamometer Test, Single-Leg Hop Test, and Prone Bridge Test. All analyses were made for both the best score and the average score. CKCLEST showed excellent reliability. ICC for test-retest reliability (0.93; 0.84), intrarater reliability (rater 1: 0.90; 0.83- rater 2: 0.93; 0.85), and interrater reliability (0.90; 0.83) was calculated for average score and best score, respectively. CKCLEST was found to be moderately correlated with each of the tests. CKCLEST is a highly reliable, valid, and new clinical assessment tool.

Testing and Monitoring of the First Timber Bridge for Road Traffic in Korea

Compared to steel and concrete, wood offers a fully renewable construction material with lesser carbon footprint and high strength-to-weight ratio. However, this material has become relatively unknown and ignored in the civil engineering community apart from cosmetic purpose. This study intends to provide insight on the design of a timber bridge for road traffic and presents the results of a series of full-scale laboratory test and monitoring performed conducted on Hanareum bridge, the first timber bridge for road traffic constructed in Korea. The arched truss bridge is made of glulam and spans over 30 m with two traffic lanes for a width of 8.4 m. The laboratory test considered tensile, compressive as well as bending tests on full-scale members, connections and the entire superstructure. Truck load testing involved both static and dynamic loading from which the dynamic properties and behavior of the bridge could be assessed. Finally, regular monitoring enabled to observe eventual seasonal variation of wood. The analysis of the results show that the structure continues to behave elastically as desired, that the maximum deflection at mid-span reaches merely 24% of the allowable deflection, and that the stress level remains far below the allowances even after 6 years of operation.

Three-dimensional Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis for Load-Carrying Capacity Prediction of a Railway Arch Bridge

Calculation of load-carrying capacity of old railway masonry arch bridges as crucial infrastructures is one of the vital issues in the railway industry. The field test of the 2PL20 bridge reveals important properties such as the initial stiffness and cracking pattern, but the ultimate capacity of the bridge under static loading was not achieved due to the field limitations. Therefore, the present study aims to predict the total nonlinear response of the 2PL20 bridge up to the failure status. All the geometrical characteristics of the 2PL20 bridge are modeled precisely and the failure state is predicted using the three-dimensional nonlinear finite element analysis. Moreover, to determine the load-carrying capacity of the 2PL20 bridge, the behavior of materials is regarded nonlinearly in which the Williams and Warnke and the Drucker-Prager failure criteria are taken into account for concrete and soil materials, respectively. To obtain precise results of ultimate capacity of the 2PL20 bridge under field test, the vertical and horizontal displacements of the crown on the northern span are chosen as the calibration criterion and, consequently, the vertical and horizontal load-deformation curves are verified based on the field test results. The obtained results indicate that the load-carrying capacity of the 2PL20 bridge equals 8880 kN under the static field test. Finally, the calculated safety factor is equal to 3.2 and increasing axial load up to 35-ton is admissible based on UIC 776-1 for a 25-ton axial load.

Method of Combining Theoretical Calculation With Numerical Simulation for Analyzing Effects of Parameters on the Maglev Vehicle-Bridge System

The dynamic interaction of vehicles/bridges is an important part of the research field of the Electromagnet Suspension (EMS) maglev train. However, multiple factors affect the dynamics of the coupling system, which increases the complexity of the vehicle-bridge coupling system, and makes it difficult to analyze. Herein, combining the advantages of theoretical derivation and numerical calculation, a fast and accurate analysis method of maglev vehicle and bridge system is proposed to analyze the influence of bridge and controller on the dynamics of the maglev system. This work is directed to the Changsha maglev express line, in which the mathematical equations for the vehicle- bridge system is presented. Then the influence of the parameter on the system is analyzed. Finally, the vibration experimental test system is set up, and the vibration test of the maglev vehicle bridge is tested by the test scheme, and the experimental results data are given. The test results of vibration acceleration are in good agreement with the calculation results of the proposed method, which verifies the accuracy of the model and the analysis method. Therefore, the research in this paper can provide theoretical guidance for Maglev engineering, and the analysis method in this paper can also be used in the study of other vehicles, such as the high-speed maglev train.

Fault analysis and solution in current sharing test of ITER PF converter bridge

International thermonuclear experimental reactor (ITER) poloidal field (PF) power supply is composed of 14 sets of AC/DC converter units. Converter bridges are the key components of ITER PF converter unit, which is supplied by converter transformer and output the on-load voltage (±1.05 kV) and the rated DC current (±27.5 kA). There are 12 thyristor branches in parallel on each arm of the converter bridge. Therefore, the current sharing test is essential to verify the current sharing characteristics of the converter bridge arm under steady rated current. At present, the current sharing tests of Converter Bridge for 14 sets of converter units have been completed. During the test, there have been all kinds of faults. Accordingly, the fault reason should be analyzed firstly, and then corresponding effective measures should be taken for specific reasons. This paper mainly presents the fault analysis methods and the corresponding treatment measures aiming at all kinds of faults appearing in the test. The contents described in this paper can provide guidance and reference for current sharing test of high-current converter applied in other fields.

Predictive Validity of the Single Leg Hamstring Bridge Test in Military Settings

The hamstrings are biarticular muscle group that plays an important role in the occupational performance of military personnel. The single leg hamstring bridge test (SLHBT) could be a good test to screen military personnel performance. The aims of our study were to assess the reproducibility of the SLHBT in the military population and to use receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis to examine the ability of the SLHBT to discriminate between soldiers with poor and good baseline fitness. A cross-sectional study was performed on 201 male members of the Slovenian Armed Forces (SAF). They undertook army physical fitness testing (APFT) and functional physical fitness testing (FPFT), which included the SLHBT. The SLHBT showed acceptable reproducibility in a military setting and had moderate predictive validity to discriminate between soldiers with poor and good overall physical fitness performance using a cut-off value of 20 repetitions. In conclusion, the SLHBT could be a good candidate test for the military population as the ROC analysis showed the ability of the SLHBT to discriminate between soldiers with poor and good baseline fitness. The SLHBT represents a simple and affordable test that can be used to evaluate performance and form preventive guidelines for military personnel.

Lumbopelvic Control and the Development of Upper Extremity Injury in Professional Baseball Pitchers

Background: The baseball-throwing motion requires a sequential order of motions and forces initiating in the lower limbs and transferring through the trunk and ultimately to the upper extremity. Any disruption in this sequence can increase the forces placed on subsequent segments. No research has examined if baseball pitchers with less lumbopelvic control are more likely to develop upper extremity injury than pitchers with more control. Purpose: To determine if baseball pitchers who sustain a chronic upper extremity injury have less lumbopelvic control before their injury compared with a group of pitchers who do not sustain an injury. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A total of 49 asymptomatic, professional baseball pitchers from a single Major League Baseball organization participated. Lumbopelvic control was measured using an iPod-based digital level secured to a Velcro belt around each player’s waist to measure anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) deviations (degrees) during single-leg balance with movement and static bridge maneuvers. During a competitive season, 22 of these pitchers developed upper extremity injuries, while the remaining 27 sustained no injuries. Separate 2-tailed t-tests were run to determine if there were significant differences in lumbopelvic control between groups (P < .05). Results: There were no significant between-group differences for the stride leg (nondominant) during the bridge test in either the AP (P = .79) or the ML (P = .42) directions, or either direction during the drive leg bridge test (P > .68). However, the injured group had significantly less lumbopelvic control than the noninjured group during stride leg balance in both the AP (P = .03) and the ML (P = .001) directions and for drive leg balance in both the AP (P = .01) and the ML (P = .04) directions. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that baseball pitchers with diminished lumbopelvic control, particularly during stride leg and drive leg single-leg balance with movement, had more upper extremity injuries than those with more control. Clinicians should consider evaluating lumbopelvic control in injury prevention protocols and provide appropriate exercises for restoring lumbopelvic control before returning athletes to competition after injury. Specific attention should be given to testing and exercises that mimic a single-limb balance task.

The dynamic test of simple span precast prestressed concrete bridge with elastomeric bearing support

The dynamic test of an elevated freeway bridge in Surabaya has been conducted. Eccentric mass shaker succeeded to apply an excitement to the bridge and hence the dynamic parameters such as the mode shape, the natural frequency and the damping ratio were obtained. The two main mode shapes from the test were the first vertical mode and the first longitudinal mode. The average damping ratio attained is within the range of damping ratio of prestresses concrete where the average is 2.12% whereas the range is between 2-3%. The test results are closely represented by a 3D FE model using SAP2000 without modelling the whole foundation. The deviation of the natural frequency compared to the test results is 8.50%. The elastomeric bearing effectively reduces the acceleration from upper to the bottom structure by 54.62% and 60.22% obtained from two measurements.

A comparison of abdominal muscles fatigue in women after vaginal birth, women after caesarean section, and a control group. A pilot study

IntroductionTo investigate fatiguability of abdominal muscles in women after natural childbirth and caesarean section compared with a control group in the prone bridge (plank) test.MethodsThe study involved 11 women after natural childbirth, 8 women after caesarean section, and 8 women who had not been pregnant and had not given birth. After completing a personal questionnaire and qualification in a functional examination, the participants performed the prone bridge (plank) test. A 4-lead surface electromyograph was used for the study of rectus abdominis muscles and internal oblique/transversus abdominis muscles.ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences between the right and left side of the body (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.05). There were no differences in muscle fatigue parameters between the groups in the prone bridge test (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.05).ConclusionsElectromyographic parameters of abdominal muscles fatigue are similar in women after natural childbirth, women after caesarean section, and those who have not given birth. Caesarean section in asymptomatic women does not affect the deterioration of abdominal muscle strength in plank exercise.

Forced vibration test of pedestrian steel bridge using eccentric mass shaker

The dynamic test has been performed on Jembatan Teksas, Universitas Indonesia. The purpose of the test was to obtain the dynamic parameters, which are the natural frequencies, the mode shapes, and the damping ratio. The test was conducted by applied forced excitation using an eccentric mass shaker. The dynamic responses were recorded using accelerometers and vibrometer during forced vibration state and a free vibration state. A comparison study was conducted through the 3D finite element analysis using SAP2000. The test could obtain five mode shapes of the bridge and the damping ratio. Close results were found between FE analysis and the test result. The average damping ratio obtained was 1.72% which was within the range of welding steel structures according to reference. Compared to the test conducted in 2011 and 2013, the bridge is in good condition which is indicated by its natural frequency where the current test decrease less than 2%.

Numerical simulation and experimental study of aeolian sand load under aeolian sand environment

Concrete structures in a sandstorm environment suffer from sandstorm erosion for a long time, which reduces the durability of concrete buildings, and then threatens the safety of buildings. Therefore, it is of great practical significance to study the aeolian sand load under the aeolian sand environment. In this paper, by numerical simulation of the sand load on the surface of bridge and simulation test of the sand load on the surface of the concrete in the sand environment, the variation law of the sand load under different sand parameters is studied. Through comparative analysis, it is concluded that the variation law of aeolian sand load in numerical simulation and test tends to be consistent with the variation of aeolian sand velocity and sand content ratio.

What Type of Knowledge does the TOEIC Bridge Test Measure

What Type of Knowledge does the TOEIC Bridge Test Measure

Core stability in adolescent swimmers with swimmer’s shoulder syndrome

IntroductionSwimmer’s shoulder syndrome (SSS) is the most common overuse injury affecting swimmers and surfers. Core stability is crucial to prevent SSS. The study investigated the effect of isokinetic core strength of trunk flexors and extensors and core endurance on shoulder stability in adolescent swimmers with SSS.MethodsThe study involved 30 swimmers, assigned to 2 equal groups. The experimental group (A) suffered from SSS; the control group (B) included healthy swimmers with no history of shoulder pain or instability. The mean values of age, body mass, and height were 12.86 ± 1.59 years, 41.73 ± 3.99 kg, and 142.0 ± 3.96 cm, respectively, in group A and 13.2 ± 1.56 years, 42.66 ± 3.9 kg, and 142.26 ± 4.39 cm, respectively, in group B. Isokinetic peak torque (PT) for trunk flexors and extensors was measured with a Biodex isokinetic dynamometer. Four functional tests assessed core endurance: side bridge endurance test, static back endurance test, ball bridge test, and unilateral bridge test.ResultsThere was a statistically significant between-group difference in mean PT of trunk extension at both angular velocities: 60°/s, 180°/s. No significant differences were detected in mean PT of trunk flexion. All functional core stability tests revealed a greater endurance time in group B.ConclusionsWeak core inhibits shoulder muscles, which is a major risk factor for shoulder instability and SSS. It is crucial to incorporate core stability training into the rehabilitation plan to provide proximal stability for obtaining safe and proper distal mobility across the shoulder joint.

American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy Platform Presentation Abstracts SPL1–SPL82

American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy Platform Presentation Abstracts SPL1–SPL82

SAĞLIKLI OLGULARDA GÖVDE KAS ENDURANSI, SOLUNUM FONKSİYONLARI VE SOLUNUM KAS KUVVETİ İLİŞKİSİ

Purpose: Trunk muscles are acrive in the forceful expiration, and trunk this study aimed to examine the relationship between pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, and trunk muscle endurance. Methods: The study was conducted with 60 volunteer and healthy individuals whose ages varied between 20 and 36 years. Pulmonary function and maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressure (MIP and MEP) were measured using a desktop spirometer. Trunk muscle endurance of the subjects was evaluated using the prone bridge, side bridge, flexor endurance, and Sorensen tests. Results: A positive significant relationship was observed between the percentage of forced vital capacity (%FVC) and prone bridge (r=0.395, p=0.002), flexor endurance (r=0.256, p=0.049), and Sorensen (r=0.255, p=0.049) tests. Likewise, a positivesignificant correlation was found between the percentage of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (%FEV1) and prone bridge (r=0.408, p=0.001), flexor endurance (r=0.358, p=0.005), and side bridge (r=0.277, p=0.032) tests. The results revealed a positive relationship between MIP and prone bridge (r=0.376, p=0.003) and side bridge tests (r=0.470, p&amp;lt;0.001). Likewise, there was a positive correlation between MEP and prone bridge test (r=0.401, p=0.004) and side bridge test (r=0.365 p=0.002). Conclusion: Pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength are associated with the endurance of the trunk muscles, which ensure core stability. Trunk muscle endurance exercises may have a positive influence on respiratory function.

Dynamic Loading Effect Testing of a Modular Truss Bridge: Procedures and Resultant Data Set

Abstract Experimental bridge testing often produces large data sets that may have applicability to many analysis goals within bridge engineering. To ensure the persistence of these records for futu...

MEMS-based dual temperature control measurement method for thermoelectric properties of individual nanowires

Abstract

Association of Core Muscle Endurance Times With Balance, Fatigue, Physical Activity Level, and Kyphosis Angle in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis.

Core muscle endurance (CME), which is the ability of sustaining the activity of trunk muscles, has been shown to be lower in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The aim was to investigate the possible relationship between CME times and balance, fatigue, physical activity (PA) level, and thoracic kyphosis angle. Fifty-one patients with AS with a mean age of 41.0 years (interquartile range, 25/75 years; 29.0/51.0 years) were included in the study. Core muscle endurance times were assessed by using trunk extension, trunk flexion, and side bridge tests. Overall stability index, anteroposterior stability index, mediolateral stability index, and limits of stability were evaluated with the Biodex Balance System. Fatigue and PA levels were surveyed using Fatigue Severity Scale and International Physical Activity Questionnaire, respectively. Thoracic kyphosis angle was measured by using a digital inclinometer. Additionally, CME times were compared for "high-fatigue" versus "low-fatigue" and as "low PA" versus "moderate/high PA" groups. Spearman correlation coefficients and Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis. Significant correlations were detected between overall stability index, anteroposterior stability index, Fatigue Severity Scale, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and all CME tests (p < 0.05) and between mediolateral stability index and side bridge test (p < 0.05). Limits of stability correlated only with side bridge test (p < 0.05). Core muscle endurance significantly differed between high-fatigue and low-fatigue groups (p < 0.05), except trunk flexor test (p > 0.05). No significant differences were observed between low PA and moderate/high PA groups (p > 0.05), except side bridge test (p < 0.05). Core muscle endurance times seem to be related to PA level, fatigue, and balance but not with thoracic kyphosis angle. Assessing CME in patients with AS might help in planning individualized exercise programs.

Performance assessment of bridges using short-period structural health monitoring system: Sungsu bridge case study

This study aims at reporting a systematic procedure for evaluating the static and dynamic structural performance of steel bridges based on a short-period structural health monitoring measurement. Sungsu bridge located in Korea is considered as a case study presenting the most recent tests carried out to examine the bridge condition. Short-period measurements of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) system were used during the bridge testing phase. A novel symmetry index is introduced using statistical analyses of deflection and strain measurements. Frequency Domain Decomposition (FDD) is implemented to the strain measurements to estimate the bridge mode shapes and damping ratios. Furthermore, Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) is also implemented to examine the reliability of bridge performance while ambient design trucks are in static or moving at different speeds. Strain, displacement and acceleration were measured at selected locations on the bridge. The results show that the symmetry index can be an efficient and useful measure in assessing the steel bridge performance. The results from the used method reveal that the performance of the Sungsu bridge is safe under operational conditions.

Live-Load Testing of Flat Precast Slab Bridge to Determine Joint Efficiency and Distribution Factors for Moment

AbstractA live-load test was conducted on an in-service bridge containing flat precast concrete slabs. The purpose of the test was to evaluate transverse load distribution and efficiency of the lon...