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The squeezed multiple-branch pile is a variable section pile that was built by adding a bearing branch cavity to a constant section pile using expansion and extrusion equipment. It is widely used in engineering practice for its high bearing capacity, small settlement deformation, high economic benefits, strong adaptability, and simple pile forming process. In this paper, a new type of squeezed multiple-branch pile is proposed and its forming tool is invented. The forming tool of the pile has applied for an invention patent and is authorized by the China National Intellectual Property Administration. Multiple groups of comparison models of the new squeezed multiple-branch piles are established by using FLAC3D numerical simulation software to investigate the influence of the number and spacing of branches on the bearing mechanism in response to uplift load. The results indicated that the number and spacing of branches have a significant effect on the uplift bearing capacity, load–displacement curves, side friction resistance, and stress distribution law in the new pile and soil around the pile. The suitable number and spacing of branches maximize the uplift bearing capacity and minimize the settlement of a single pile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precast technology is increasingly favoured by bridge engineers, and the seismic performance of precast bridge piers urgently needs to be addressed. Precast piers have a complex load-bearing mechanism, and their design method has not been clearly determined. Fibre plastic hinge theory can satisfactorily analyse the seismic performance of precast piers. In this study, the seismic performance of precast piers is analysed through numerical simulation of pier columns based on the pseudostatic testing of a set of existing precast piers and combined with fibre plastic hinge theory. The results show the following: With reasonable constructional measures, precast piers connected by grouted sleeves indeed have seismic performance similar to that of cast-in-place components. Finite-element programs can be employed to simulate the mechanical properties of steel rebars before yielding well but not those after yielding or under fatigue. When fibre plastic hinges are used for finite-element analysis, if the fibre cross-section is reasonably divided, the length of the plastic hinge has little influence on the results; otherwise, too densely distributed plastic hinges may lead to nonconvergence of the results in a later working condition. The plastic hinge method recommended in this paper, especially the sectional fibre-cross-section division method, can obtain the plastic hinge performance state, it can help save the test cost and make up for the shortage of test data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the paper, we have considered a nonlinear compartmental mathematical model that assesses the effect of treatment on the dynamics of HIV/AIDS and pneumonia coinfection in a human population at different infection stages. Our model revealed that the disease-free equilibrium points of the HIV/AIDS and pneumonia submodels are both locally and globally asymptotically stable whenever the associated basic reproduction numbers ( R H and R P ) are less than unity. Both the submodel endemic equilibrium points are locally and globally asymptotically stable whenever the associated basic reproduction numbers ( R P and R H ) are greater than unity. The full HIV/AIDS-pneumonia coinfection model has both locally and globally asymptotically stable disease-free equilibrium points whenever the basic reproduction number of the coinfection model R H P is less than unity. Using standard values of parameters collected from different kinds of literature, we found that the numerical values of the basic reproduction numbers of the HIV/AIDS-only submodel and pneumonia-only submodel are 17 and 7, respectively, and the basic reproduction number of the HIV/AIDS-pneumonia coinfection model is max 7 , 17 = 17. Applying sensitive analysis, we identified the most influential parameters to change the behavior of the solution of the considered coinfection dynamical system are the HIV/AIDS and pneumonia transmission rates β 1 and β 2 , respectively. The coinfection model was numerically simulated to investigate the stability of the coinfection endemic equilibrium point, the impacts of transmission rates, and treatment strategies for HIV/AIDS-only, pneumonia-only, and HIV/AIDS-pneumonia coinfected individuals. Finally, we observed that numerical simulations indicate that treatment against infection at every stage lowers the rate of infection or disease prevalence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The numerical tools can be used to facilitate the design of the railway pantograph-catenary system. The validation of the current numerical results is mostly performed at a speed slower than 350 km/h. This paper aims at the validation and analysis of the numerical results at a super-high-speed. The catenary model is constructed based on a nonlinear finite element approach employing the absolute nodal coordinate formulation. A multibody dynamics model is adopted to represent the pantograph. The measurement data are collected by an inspection vehicle equipped with an instrumented pantograph operating at 378 km/h in Chengdu-Chongqing high-speed line. Comparing the numerical simulation and the field test shows that the present pantograph-catenary model can provide reliable numerical results at 378 km/h. The numerical analysis of pantograph-catenary interaction at super-high-speed shows that the trailing pantograph performance does not comply with the assessment standard at 378 km/h. The adjustment of double-pantograph interval and messenger wire tension can effectively improve the trailing pantograph performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]