Building Construction

The collapse of the Interstate 35W bridge over the Mississippi River had done major damages in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Many assumptions and speculations about the causes of the collapse of the bridge system had appeared in the public. The public was seemingly confused about the real cause of the incidents and it is their right to be informed about the state of the investigation. The closest and very logical of the causes indicated in some of the investigations are stress or fatigue failure and lack of redundancy.Environment, Design, and Description of the I-35W bridge The I-35W bridge supports a total of eight lanes (four lanes on each direction). The average daily traffic (ADT) is given as 15,000 in each direction , with ten percent trucks. Constructed in 1967, the 581 meter long bridge has 14 spans. The main span is consist of a steel deck truss. The south approach spans are steel multi-beam. The north approach spans include both steel multieam and concrete slab span. There are two steel deck trusses. Builtup plates mostly composed the truss members.Rolled I-beams comprised the diagonal and vertical members. The truss members undergo poor welding details with the connections as mainly riveted and bolted. According to recent evaluation and inspection before the collapse of the bridge, corrosion at the floorbeam exists and rust are forming between connection plates. The two main trussses have an 11. 6-meter cantilever at the north and south ends. Twenty-seven floor trusses spaced at 11. 6 meters are also present. These floor trusses were framed into the vertical members of the main truss.The floor trusses consist of WF-shape members and have a 4. 97- meter cantilever at each end. The design specifications used in the bridge was the 1961 American Association of State Highway Officials (AASHTO) Specifications. During that time, most of the design uses unconservative fatigue design provisions. According to the fatigue evaluation report provided by the University o f Minnesota's Center for Transportation Studies in 2001, the approach spans had exhibited several fatigue problems promarily due to the distortion of the girders.The bridge truss and the floor truss system also exhibited poor fatigue details. Lack of redundancy in the main truss system was also present in the design. It is stated in the evaluation report of the University of Minnesota that cracking due to fatigue cause by a future increase in loading will first appear on the floor truss. According to them this future cracks is detectable since the floor truss are easy to inspect. In the incidence that cracks are not detected, the bridge could still hold the bridge system without the entire collapse of the system.In the report, the failure of the two main trusses of the bridge will definitely take much effect to the bridge system. Fatigue Resistance The Standard Specification and the Load and Resistance Factor Design provided by the American Association of State Highway Officials (AA SHTO) contain similar provisions for the fatigue design of welded details on steel ridges. These details are designed ased on the nominal stress which can be calculated using standard design equations and does not include the effects of welds and attachments.Since fatigue is usually present during sevice load application, the design parameters is only applied during service load conditions. Cracks due to fatigue have insignificant effect on the structures in compression but have tremendous effect on structures that experience tension. With this idea, the assessment on the cracks that propagate on such a bridge as the I-35W should only be consider to elements in tension. Structural Redundancy In all the design criteria of any structural system, loads existed in variety of paths should be significantly consider.The strength and reliability of the system can be ensure by the existence of the redundant paths or elements. Without the existence of this redundant system of elements, the fa ilure of the entire system is much possible. Past survey of the Committee on Redundancy of Flexural System on steel highway ad railroad bridges. The report summarized that a total of 96 structures were suffering some distress. It was also take into account that most of the failures were related to connections which were mainly welded.The report had also collected data which indicates that few steel bridges collapse if redundancy is present. Bridge systems with no redundancy was reported to have large number. In another research conducted by Ressler and Daniels, they found that the number of fatiguesensitive details present in the structure significantly affected the bridges with no redundant elements. Theoritical and Actual Bridge Response Many studies have shown that the simplified calculations used to predict the stresses provide a much higher value compare to the actual service stresses.Though the design calculations and load models provide appropriate results, it has great uncer tainty in the maximum life of a bridge system. However, it is still beneficial to have an accurate estimate of the typical everyday stress ranges. In a large bridge, 20 Mpa is the typical value of the service live-load stress ranges. The stress ranges are typically governed by dead loads and strength design specifications. This is the reason why the stress ranges are small. Since the strength design must account for a single case loading scenario over the life of the bridge, conservative load models are used.In addition to load conservative models, the assumptions provided in the analysis of the design can also be the cause of the large difference of the predicted stress and actual stress. A great example of the effect of the assumptions is the case of the US Highway 69 in Oklahoma. Fatigue damage was said to be present upon the welding that had been used in the widening of the bridge. The design computations of the bridge illustrated that the allowable stress ranges could be exceed ed at over 100 locations on the bridge.However, when the bridge was inspected, it appeared that the measure stress ranges was only 27 percent of the allowable stress ranges. This only shows the great effect of the assumptions used in the design of a certain structural system. Moreover, another study that indicates fatigue failure to be caused by the considerable amount of corrosion takes into account. This is the case of the Bridge 4654 in Minnesota where measured stress ranges ranged from 65 to 85 percent of the calculated analysis.These differences are to be point out to the fact that analytical methods provide assumptions that neglect ways in which the structure resists loads. For example, the study conducted y Brudette et al. , more than 50 years of bridge test data were collected and examined to determine specific load-resisiting mechanisms that are ignored in the design of the system. The study concluded that lower stress ranges in a structure can be due to unintended composit e action, contribution from non-structural elements, unintended partial fixity at abutments and direct transfer of load through the slab to the supports.In another study of the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario, they conducted a program of bridge testing that included more than 225 bridges over a period of 15 years. The study noted that much of the bridges can sustain much larger loads than their estimated capacities. Observations were also made regarding the behavior of the steel truss bridge. The observations are as follows: 1) the stringer of the floor system share a large tensile force thus reducing the strains experienced by the chord in contact with the floor system and 2) Composite action in non-composite system was shown to exist.

Domestic Contract on International Laws and Customs Essay

Addressing International Legal and Ethical Issues Simulation Summary In January 2007, CadMex developed a technique for the quick manufacture of some medical agent. Gentura also developed a technique called ProPrez, which is an anti-diabetic agent. Gentura is located in Candore, which is a dictatorship. CadMex decided to go into business with Gentura that would give them global marketing right to ProPez. The contract needs to have measures in place to protect CadMex interest concerning property rights and potential dispute. There are issues that are involved in resolving legal actions against a foreign business. One issue that is involved is the legal system. When dealing with a case, they may want to finish the case quickly rather than handling it with quality. Doing so may lead to evidence not being analyzed. Another issue may be the different laws between the two countries. Not having any written documents may also be another issue if contracts are done over the phone. Some practical considerations of taking legal action against a foreign business based in another country are whether they have patent law and trademark laws. Factors that could work against CadMex decision to grant sublicensing agreements would be the lack of patent rights and the fact that they did not go through the proper court process in Candore. When local customs and laws conflict with customs and laws of an organization, operating abroad the local law and customs should prevail because that is where the contract was based. The host country should have manufactures rights. For example if the United States and China goes into a contract in regards to Chinese traditional attire and there is a dispute, the Chinese should win because it is a part of their tradition and the United States assumed the risk. The issues in the simulation compares to the issues discussed in week one in terms of law, ethics, and different ways to dispute, as well as litigations. Companies should resolve domestic and international issues differently by honoring domestic and international laws and customs. Before entering into contracts both parties must agree to all the terms and ensure that the country’s legal system support those terms. Domestic contracts should be written and be on an individual basis. International contracts need to be translated if necessary and should include patent laws where possible. References Contemporary Business Law 1. (2011). Retrieved from https://ecampus.phoenix.edu//aapd/vendors/tata/UBAMSims/business_law1/intl_legal_etical/business_law1_intl_legal_ethical_frame.html Melvin, S. P. (2011). The legal environment of business: A managerial approach: Theory to practice. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.

The concept of perception and how it affects behavior use examples Essay

The concept of perception and how it affects behavior use examples - Essay Example This principle goes with each one of the senses. Complex stimuli have the same fraction of a second recognition. Another important analogy from the study would be a symphony orchestra. When they come on stage, it is a cacophonous moment where there are 50 musicians playing random sounds. It is only when they all start playing together does it respond to the auditory sense. "This chaos-complex behavior makes perception possible" (Freeman 79) There are two types of concepts of behavior which follow from perception: the cognitive approach and the evolutionary approach. In the evolutionary approach, we have a need to understand what is going on in the environment. Our adaptive perception is a result of the behavior responding to the environment. It is when we comprehend and understand that we behave accordingly. The cognitive approach is the "way to look at this is by taking an evolutionary perspective. In the course of our development as a species, perceptual abilities and functions dev eloped because we started to behave, not because we started to understand." (Dijksterhuis 866 ) If we go to a soccer match and the crowd starts to throw bottle onto the field, there is a high chance that our evolutionary perception will lead to doing the same thing. When we take the environmental stimulus; filter it in the proper sense organ; process the information, the physiological arousal depending on the part of the brain will manifest the behavior. One explanation is that, upon seeing, soccer hooligans, one may..without being aware of it†¦start to act like them. (Dijksterhui 865) Eichmann at the Nuremburg trials said what he did was not wrong, he was only doing as everyone else. (Nuremburg 1954) The cognitive approach would be in such calm surrounding where our physiology arousal in not the same. Our gustatory senses would not have the same physiology arousal if it were a question of life or death or if it were a question of just being hungry. Our perception of food and o ur behavior of food would not be the same. The 5 responses directly relate to the cognitive evolutionary approach to behavior, referred to as the five f's: freeze, flee, fight, food, or fornication depend on the type of senses and thus will manifest in different types of behavior (Cibelli 2011) The chaos-complex behavior also applies as it is a quick response of a fraction of a second which determines the behavior. If I see a gang who is ready to attack me in down town Los Angeles, and I am a black belt, I will first use my visual senses to observe each person's movement. Then I will use my auditory senses to hear if there are any other people in the area. It is a question of the chao-complex behavior as everything will happen in a quick second before deciding If I am staying to fight, flee, or to freeze because I am too scared to do anything.. The cognitive approach assumes that there are learnt (social) perceptions as there is a weakness in the sensorial stimulus. Therefore this a pproach is information based. Social perception is learned but can stem from a sensorial stimulus. A woman who has been raped, has the stimulus which has caused the behavior of fear. She might transfer this fear into the social perception that all men of the race of that

Vulnerable population Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Vulnerable population - Essay Example They entail IDEA, ADA, Rehabilitation Act, Housing facility Act and Telecommunication Act and their amendments, the open and closed ended entitlement programs for disabled insurance and benefits, and the federal and state grant programs. This document provides a discussion on these people in the US society and also covers the 2020 objectives of ensuring healthy people in the disabled population, and the various roles of nurses in supporting this vulnerable group. Keywords: Disability, Nurses, Statistics, Policies, Americans with Disability Act (ADA), Barriers to Healthcare, Public Health, Age Introduction There is a big number of disabled people in the world population than anyone could ever imagine. While some can speak up for themselves and appear in the public, others are left under homecare and centres. Disabilities vary; they could be permanent or temporary and could affect varying body parts and functions. According to the US federal government, disability is defined â€Å"as a mental or physical impairment, which substantially limits one or more major life activities,† hence, ranging from physiological to psychological disorders and more non listed conditions (Wisconsin Department of Health services, 2013). Federal and States Policies on Disability The government has since the last century made efforts to remove the barriers in the society that prevent the disabled from enjoying their rights as the rest of the people. In these modern times, the employers, learning institutions and most organizations have to respect the public policies and provide opportunities for this group. Over the last century, laws were enacted and have been amended over time to enable the improved living conditions of the disabled in the society. The Fair Housing Act of 1968 and its amendment in 1988 makes it possible for all people to access housing without discrimination, ensures disabled people are free to rent or buy a house, and requires proprietors of housing facilitie s to design housing units for the disabled with their policies exclusions in mind (U.S. Department of justice, 2009). The revised Telecommunication Act of 1996 works to ensure that the disabled group has access to usable equipment and service. This could imply special equipments with features to facilitate their operation. The disabled students are also facilitated with appropriate education in an environment that fits their individual needs. The Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) guarantees individuals with disabilities a free appropriate public education, and requires that the public school system follow a recommended procedure in development of individualized education program (IEP) for each child (U.S. Department of justice, 2009). The other two civil rights statutes are ADA and the Rehabilitation Act that are of great concern in the modern society. The Americans with Disability Act of 1990 (ADA) â€Å"prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, public ser vices, public accommodations, and Telecommunications† and the Rehabilitation Act â€Å"prohibits discrimination by recipients of Federal Aid† (â€Å"Federal Disability Policy Framework† n.d., p. 5). Others are grant and entitlement programs that provide insurance or other benefits in the respective states. 2020 Objective The 2020

Video games Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Video games - Essay Example Video games such as dress up games allow individuals to test various clothing mixes on visual characteristics and this helps users in identifying what mix of clothes look good. Video games such as dating games allow users to identify behaviors that may attract another individual or may turn them off. This enables individuals in identifying behaviors that are socially acceptable. There are various differences in the games that target children and those that target adults. According to Balter children belonging to classes between 4th and 8th grade prefer playing video games that are more violent in nature and these games mostly include characters that are mythical in nature or contain plots based on human based violence (Balter, 2000). On the other hand adults play video games that are more strategy based and linked with their work. These games may include stock market video games as well as games that help adults in creating strategies for attracting

Strong Response Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Strong Response - Essay Example e is pointing out a recent victim, The New York University of Art, which lost its rights for uploading any images of their artwork, the reason being the violation of rules and regulations of Facebook. The works included nude images, which is against Facebook policy. The Universitys authority classed this, an unfair action against art; nevertheless, they raised their voice through a blog, complaining about Facebooks rules and regulations. This article was published in The New York Times. The issue being addressed is the problem faced by an institution of art as their work is being deleted and accounts blocked by Facebook as it contains nudity. However, later, the site officials claimed that it was a mistake on their part and they had no intention, whatsoever, of hurting anyones feelings. Moreover, they encouraged people who had lost their work to post it again. Drawing nude live models is considered the most effective way to develop the basic draftsmanship skill of an artist. Hence, it is considered to be the most important part of an artist’s work. Using Facebook as a medium, artists share their work with art lovers all around the globe. Nevertheless, Facebook blocking their work became a deterrent for these artists. Artists have been concerned with the fact that the Facebook officials must have seen that the nude pictures were actual works of art, yet, they decided to block it. The author of this passage seems to blame Facebook for these actions but, in my opinion, if Facebook has some certain terms and conditions then they are free to apply it on all forms of work. Facebook does not allow photos which attack a person or group or images which depict drug use or contain violence or nudity. If Facebook requires its users to follow certain rules and regulations, then we are all required to follow them as responsible individuals. If they say that a photo should not ‘contain’ nudity, then nudity in any form should be banned. Some people are of the view that

Choose two case studies and answer the question, is investigative Essay

Choose two case studies and answer the question, is investigative journalism essential to democracy Why - Essay Example In particular, investigative journalism has led to the fall of various unethical leaderships and ousting of corrupt governments in various parts of the world. Chief among the key events that investigative journalism has unearthed include the Watergate scandal and Joseph McCarthy’s propaganda plot. In addition, corrupt governments in Latin America have been exposed through the efforts of investigative journalists. This led to ousting of President Fernando Collor de Mello of Brazil in 1992, President Abdala Bucaram of Ecuador in 1997, President Alberto Fujimori of Peru in 2000, and President Carlos Andres Perez of Venezuela in 1993. These are a few cases where investigative journalism has facilitated the widening of the democratic space while ensuring that the public interest is taken care of. In this essay, an analysis of the case of Joseph McCarthy’s propaganda and that of President Alberto Fujimori of Peru will be put into perspective. Investigative journalism has over the years has promoted the attainment of a democratic society. On one end, it has helped the society embrace governments and institutions. On the other hand, the journalists have investigated incidences where there are excesses of the democratic privilege. In such scenarios, democracy has been used abused and individuals used it for their selfish interests. The media has the responsibility of exposing any matter for the sake of the even though the issue implicates individuals in authority. Through such interventions, investigative journalists ensure that people get the opportunity to express their views based on valid information that has been obtained from credible sources. Media also provides a platform in which performance is monitored for government and institutions. In many cases, scandals revealed through investigative reports trigger judicial investigations while at the same time providing evidence of wrongdoing. In