Spherical-type zirconia granules are successfully fabricated by a spray-drying process using a water solvent slurry, and the change in the green density of the granule powder compacts is examined according to the organic polymers used. Two organic binders, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), which are dissolved in a water solvent and have different degrees of polymerization, are applied to the slurry with a plasticizer (polyethylene glycol). The granules employing a binder with a higher degree of polymerization (PVA) are not broken under a uniaxial press; consequently, they exhibit a poor green density of 2.4 g/cm3. In contrast, the granule powder compacts employing a binder with a lower degree of polymerization (HEMA) show a higher density of 2.6 g/cm3 with an increase in plasticizer content. The packing behavior of the granule powders for each organic polymer system is studied by examining the microstructure of the fracture surface at different applied pressures.

PURPOSES : This study aims to evaluate the road safety of the super-elevation transition section of a left turn curve and suggest the minimum longitudinal grade of a super-elevation transition section to be used before and after a left curved section. METHODS: We evaluated the road condition by means of the safety-criterion-evaluation method involving side friction factors, and then solve the problem by introducing the minimum longitudinal grade criterion based on conditions described in the hydraulics literature. RESULTS : It was calculated that when a road satisfies hydroplaning conditions, the difference between side friction assumed and side friction demanded is less than - 0.04. In this case, the safety criterion for the condition is unsatisfied. Conversely, when a road is in a normal state under either wet or dry conditions, it was calculated that the difference between side friction assumed and side friction demanded is more than 0.01. Thus, the safety criterion for this condition is found to be satisfied. After adjusting the minimum longitudinal grade applied to a super-elevation transition section, the hydroplaning condition can be eliminated and the safety criterion can be met for all sections. CONCLUSIONS : It is suggested that a minimum longitudinal grade should be provided on super-elevation transition sections in order to prevent hydroplaning.

The objective of this study is to investigate the influence of PVA Fiber on flexural yielding coupling beam. Test variable of this study is material type of coupling beam. Test results showed that coupling beam with PVA material experienced multiple micro craks.