Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a common health problem among female caregivers. In Korea, 70.4% of caregivers experience LBP after caregiving. The prevalence of LBP was higher in female caregivers of patients who required physical assistance with transfer than in those caring for patients who did not require physical assistance. Lifting movements, such as patient transfer and positioning, are associated with lumbopelvic stability (LPS) and knee muscle strength. However, no studies have investigated the differences in LPS and knee muscle strength between female caregivers with and without CLBP. Objects: This study was conducted to investigate the differences of the LPS, knee extension strength (KES) and knee flexion strength (KFS) between female caregivers with and without CLBP. Methods: Thirty-one female caregivers participated in this study. Participants were divided into two groups: (1) caregivers without CLBP (n = 13) and (2) caregivers with CLBP (n = 18). LPS, KES, and KFS levels were measured. An independent t-test was used to compare the LPS, KES, and KFS between caregivers with and without CLBP. The statistical significance was set at α of 0.05. Results: The LPS and KES scores were significantly lower in caregivers with CLBP than those without. In contrast, the KFS did not differ significantly between the groups. Conclusion: This study observed associations of both LPS and KES with CLBP among female caregivers.

Background: Aquatic exercise utilizing hot springs helps individuals with nonspecific knee pain by reducing joint stress and providing a safe environment for movement. It can improve muscle strength and balance, enhancing overall functional mobility. Objects: This study aims to examine the muscle strength of knee flexion, knee extension, dorsiflexion, and plantar flexion, as well as to investigate static and dynamic balance in middleaged females after performing hot spring aquatic exercise for 4 weeks. Methods: Twenty-two middle-aged females participated in the study. The participants performed hot spring aquatic exercise for 4 weeks. The hot spring aquatic exercise consisted of aquatic walking, aquatic stretching, aquatic side step, aquatic forward reach, aquatic squat, leg lift, and aquatic arm and leg rotation. Muscle strength was measured using microFET2, while static balance was assessed through the one-leg stance test, and dynamic balance was evaluated using the Y-balance test. This study utilized the paired t-test for statistical analysis, with a significance level set at 0.05. Results: The muscle strength of bilateral knee flexion showed a significant increase in the pre- and post-comparison (p < 0.05), and the muscle strength of bilateral knee extension also improved significantly (p < 0.05). In addition, a significant increase was observed in the muscle strength of bilateral dorsiflexion (p < 0.05). The one-leg stance test performed while supporting on the right leg showed a significant increase in the pre- and post-comparison (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the dynamic balance measurements performed while supporting on both the right and left legs demonstrated significant improvements in both legs when compared before and after the intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In individuals with nonspecific knee pain, a 4-week hot spring aquatic exercise program can contribute to the improvement of lower extremity strength, as well as static and dynamic balance ability.

이 연구는 산업 부산물을 활용한 무시멘트 숏크리트의 압축강도를 분석하고, 기존 숏크리트와 비교하여 최적 배합설계를 도출하였다. KS F 2403 및 KS F 2405에 따라 시험을 진행한 결과, 일반 숏크리트 및 무시멘트 숏크리트 모두 숏크리트 품질기준에서 제시하고 있 는 압축강도 기준을 만족하였다. 무시멘트 숏크리트 W/B 0.45 변수의 경우 초기강도가 가장 높게 나타났다. 28일 강도는 W/B 0.45 및 W/B 0.50 변수가 일반 숏크리트 대비 동등하거나 우수한 성능을 나타냈다.이러한 친환경 무시멘트 숏크리트 현장 적용을 위해서는 급 결제를 혼입한 배합에 대한 추가 검토가 필요할 것으로 판단되고, 또한 내구성능에 대한 추가적인 실험적 연구가 필요할 것으로 판단 된다.

이 연구는 라텍스 콘크리트(LMC)의 대체재로 해조류에서 추출한 알긴산을 활용한 콘크리트를 개발하고, 이에 따른 압축 강도 및 미 세구조 변화를 분석하였다. LMC는 공극 구조 개선으로 내구성과 강도가 향상되지만, 높은 원자재 비용이 단점이다. 이를 보완하기 위 해 라텍스 대신 알긴산을 혼합한 콘크리트를 제작하고, 주사전자현미경(SEM) 분석 및 압축 강도 실험을 수행하였다. 재령 4시간 및 1일 후의 압축 강도와 10000배율 SEM 분석을 진행하였다. 알긴산 0.05% 혼입 시 가장 높은 강도를 보였으며, 0.2% 혼 입 시 강도가 감소하였다. SEM 분석에서는 LMC가 균일한 표면과 미세한 입자 분포를 보인 반면, 알긴산 혼합 콘크리트는 섬유 및 막대 구조가 형성되었으며, 알긴산 함량이 증가할수록 기공이 증가하여 강도발현이 저하되었다. 재령이 증가하면서 C-S-H 구조가 조 밀해지고 결합력이 향상되어 강도가 증가하는 양상이 관찰되었다. 보다 정확한 결과를 얻기 위해서는 에너지 분산형 X선 분광법 (Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy, EDS)등 추가적인 실험이 필요할 것으로 사료된다.

Background: Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is very common disease. Strength exercise, balance exercise, and proprioceptive exercise were used to improvement of function for CAI. Isokinetic strength and balance are related to functional movement of lower extremity. Objectives: The purpose was to analyze the effect of muscle strengthening exercise, balance exercise, and proprioceptive exercise on isokinetic strength and balance in young adults with CAI. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: The subjects were 30 young adults with CAI. The subjects randomly divided into three groups: strengthening exercise, balance exercise, and proprioceptive exercise. They performed each exercise for 20 minutes, three times a week for four weeks. They measured isokinetic strength of dorsiflexor and plantar flexor of 60°/sec and 120°/sec, static and dynamic balance before and after exercise. Results: The isokinetic strengths of dorsiflexor and plantar flexor of 60°/sec and 120°/sec were significantly higher in the strengthening exercise group than in the balance exercise group. The static and dynamic balance was significantly higher in the balance exercise group than in other two groups. Conclusion: Strengthening exercise, balance exercise, proprioceptive exercise can improve the muscle strength for CAI. Strengthening exercise and balance exercise can more improve balance than proprioceptive exercise for CAI.

Background: Rotator cuff tears often cause shoulder pain and functional limitations that may require conservative treatment or surgical intervention. Identifying preoperative differences in muscle strength and function can aid in treatment decisions. Objects: This study aimed to compare the preoperative shoulder muscle strength and functional outcomes between patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and those receiving conservative treatment. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of 315 patients with rotator cuff tears, including 145 who underwent surgery and 170 who received conservative treatment. Shoulder isokinetic muscle strength (external rotator, internal rotators, abductor, and adductors) and functional scores (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES] and Constant-Murley shoulder scores) were measured. The conservative treatment group was assessed during a hospital visit, whereas the surgery group was tested on the morning of the surgery. An independent t-test was used to evaluate the preoperative shoulder strength and functional scores. Results: The conservative treatment group showed lower deficits in external (11.3 ± 23.9) and internal (11.7 ± 15.5) rotators compared to the surgery group (26.3 ± 33.8 and 17.1 ± 26.1, respectively; p = 0.001). Abductor and adductor deficits (18.2 ± 25.3 and 9.8 ± 16.8) were also lower in the conservative treatment group (30.7 ± 31.6 and 21.9 ± 28.4, respectively; p = 0.036 and p = 0.001). The external per internal rotator ratio (50.9 ± 16.8; p = 0.003) and ASES scores were higher (74.5 ± 14.8; p = 0.047) was higher in the conservative treatment group. Conclusion: The conservative treatment group had lower shoulder strength deficits, better muscle balance, and higher ASES scores than the surgery group, indicating superior functional outcomes. These findings suggest that assessing preoperative muscle strength and function might provide valuable insights into treatment planning for patients with rotator cuff tears.

The choice of lashing material is considered to be one of the important decision-making matters in securing the stability of cargo and ships in a situation where in-ship cargo must be tied by cargo and unit and fixed to the ship. This study focused on examining the breaking strength of woven lashing in use at the lashing work site and confirming safety through a comparison of related technical standards. As a result of the experiment, the minimum system fracture strength required according to the manufacturer's specifications was 8,500 daN/(18,700 lbf), and the experimental results averaged 9,012 daN(20,259 lbf), indicating that it met the criteria. In addition, the average actual elongation at maximum fixed loads (MSL: 4,620 daN(10,164 lbf)) was 5.9%, which met the criteria specified in CTU Code Appendix 7(MSC.1/Circ.1497). Applying woven lashing to coil lashing work in ships, lashing material costs were reduced by an average of 25% for the same workload during coil lashing work, the lashing time was shortened, resulting in an average reduction of 10% in ship mooring time.

본 연구는 SCGPA(Spent Coffee Grounds Pellet Ash)를 활용하여 다양한 혼합비율로 시멘트 복합체를 제작함으로써 SCGPA 의 신규 건설 재료로서의 적용 가능성을 확인하는 것을 목적으로 한다. 강도 시험 결과, 28일 압축강도 36.31 MPa 및 휨강도 12 MPa 를 나타낸 혼합비가 최적 혼합비로 도출되었으며, SCGPA의 시멘트 치환율이 증가함에 따라 복합체의 전반적인 강도 특성이 감소하는 경향성을 발견하였다. SEM 및 XRD 분석 결과, SCGPA는 최대 10%의 적절한 치환율을 적용할 경우 큰 강도의 저하를 일으키지 않고 시멘트 대체재로 기능할 수 있음이 확인되었다. 본 연구 결과를 바탕으로, 고품질의 굵은 골재를 함께 사용하여 콘크리트를 생산할 경 우, 30 MPa 이상의 압축강도를 가진 구조용 콘크리트도 제조할 수 있을 것으로 기대된다.

이 연구는 상변화 물질(PCM)을 함침시킨 경량 골재(LWA)를 활용한 고강도 콘크리트의 개발에 중점을 두고 있다. 상변화 온도가 5.5°C인 Tetradecane을 PCM으로 사용하였으며, LWA(Expended shale, ES)가 PCM 운반체 역할을 수행하였다. ES의 공극 은 진공 함침 기법을 통해 PCM으로 충전하였고, PCM-ES 복합체의 누출을 방지하기 위해 이중 코팅 처리가 추가로 이루어졌다. PCM-ES에 대한 시차주사열량계 시험 결과, 발열 및 흡열 엔탈피가 각각 96 J/g와 97 J/g로 나타났다. 콘크리트 혼합물은 밀도 최적 화를 위해 마이크로 실리카(MS), 실리카 분말(S), 실리카 모래를 사용하여 설계되었으며, PCM-ES는 실리카 모래의 25% 및 50%를 체 적 기준으로 대체하였다. 기계적 강도 테스트 결과, PCM-ES 콘크리트는 25% 및 50% 대체 시 각각 56.39 MPa와 45.94 MPa의 압 축 강도를 기록하였다. 열 성능 테스트는 다양한 주변 온도 조건에서 PCM-ES 콘크리트의 거동을 확인하기 위해 수행되었다. PCM-ES 콘크리트는 15°C에서 −5°C까지의 세 가지 열 사이클 시험을 진행하였으며, 이 과정에서 내부 온도가 지속적으로 모니터링 되었다. 결과적으로 주변 온도가 −5°C로 떨어지더라도 콘크리트 내부 온도는 0°C 이상을 유지하는 것으로 나타났다.

The purpose of this study was to develop a more accurate model for predicting the in-situ compressive strength of concrete pavements using Internet-of-Things (IoT)-based sensors and deep-learning techniques. This study aimed to overcome the limitations of traditional methods by accounting for various environmental conditions. Comprehensive environmental and hydration data were collected using IoT sensors to capture variables such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and curing time. Data preprocessing included the removal of outliers and selection of relevant variables. Various modeling techniques, including regression analysis, classification and regression tree (CART), and artificial neural network (ANN), were applied to predict the heat of hydration and early compressive strength of concrete. The models were evaluated using metrics such as mean absolute error (MAE) to determine their effectiveness. The ANN model demonstrated superior performance, achieving a high prediction accuracy for early-age concrete strength, with an MAE of 0.297 and a predictive accuracy of 99.8%. For heat-of-hydration temperature prediction, the ANN model also outperformed the regression and CART models, exhibiting a lower MAE of 1.395. The analysis highlighted the significant impacts of temperature and curing time on the hydration process and strength development. This study confirmed that AI-based models, particularly ANNs, are highly effective in predicting early-age concrete strength and hydration temperature under varying environmental conditions. The ability of an ANN model to handle non-linear relationships and complex interactions among variables makes it a promising tool for real-time quality control in construction. Future research should explore the integration of additional factors and long-term strength predictions to further enhance the model accuracy.

The purpose of this study was to derive an optimal mix design for bridge deck pavements that can compensate for the limitations of latexmodified concrete (LMC). To address the limitations of LMC, this paper proposes the incorporation of silica fume into LMC. Concrete mixtures with varying ratios of latex and silica fume were prepared, and tests for compressive strength, flexural strength, and chloride-ion penetration resistance were conducted to compare and analyze the fundamental performance of each mix. Latex contributed to the improvement of the initial pore structure and significantly affected the chloride-ion penetration resistance in the early stages of curing. However, its influence gradually diminished over time. In contrast, silica fume induced additional C-S-H formation and further improved the pore structure through pozzolanic reactions as time progressed, thus exerting a greater impact in the later stages of curing. The L7-SF8 variable demonstrated the best performance in terms of compressive strength and chloride-ion penetration resistance. Given the characteristics of bridge-deck pavements, this variable is considered the most suitable for ensuring long-term durability. Therefore, this paper proposes a mixture of 7% latex and 8% silica fume as the optimal mix design.

In this study, the strength properties of recycled plastic materials using polypropylene, polyethylene, and high-density polyethylene were evaluated by measuring their compressive and flexural strengths, which are typically measured in cement-concrete pavements, to assess the feasibility of using recycled plastic materials as construction materials for modular pavements that can easily integrate advanced sensors, such as those for future autonomous driving. Two types of recycled plastic (composite resin and high-density polyethylene (HDPE)) and two types of inorganic materials (fly ash and limestone filler) were selected to evaluate the strengths of recycled plastic materials. Specimens for the compressive and flexural strength tests were prepared with four different recycled plastic contents (100%, 80%, 60%, and 40%). The compressive and flexural strengths of the recycled plastic specimens were measured according to the KSL ISO 679 and KSL 5105 methods, and the strength properties were analyzed based on the type and content of the recycled plastic and type of inorganic material used. Distortion and shrinkage problems were observed during specimen preparation using the 100% recycled plastic material. This indicated that inorganic materials must be incorporated to improve the flexural strength and facilitate specimen preparation. The compressive strength of plastic materials was comparable to the 28-day compressive strength of conventional cement-concrete pavements. The compressive strength of the composite resin was approximately twice that of HDPE. The flexural strengths of both the composite and HDPE were in the range of 15–25 MPa, suggesting their suitability as materials for the construction of modular pavement structures. Based on the limited strength test results, we can conclude that the strength properties of recycled plastic materials are similar to those of conventional cement-concrete paving materials. From the strength perspective, we confirmed that recycled plastic materials can be utilized as construction materials for modular pavements. However, further research should be conducted on factors such as molding methods for modular pavement structures based on different types of recycled plastic materials.

In this research, the concrete breakout strength in tension of cast-in-place anchors (CIP) is experimentally investigated to be used as fundamental data for the seismic fragility analysis of equipment in nuclear power plants. Experimental variables are chosen, such as the embedment depth of the anchor, single/group anchor configurations, diameter of the head plate, and crack width. Monotonic and cyclic loading are applied to all types of specimens. As measured from the experiments, concrete breakout strength in tension is 1.5 to 2 times higher than the expected strengths from concrete capacity design (CCD) method-based model equations. In alignment with the model’s predictions, concrete breakout strength increases with deeper embedment depth, and the strength of group anchors also increases based on the expansion of the projected concrete failure area. This study also explores the effects of head plate diameter and crack width, which are not considered in the model equation. Experimental results show that the diameter of the head plate is not directly correlated to the concrete breakout strength, whereas the crack width is. The presence of cracks, with widths of 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm, leads to reductions of approximately 7% and 17%, respectively, compared to single anchors in non-cracked concrete.

The mechanical performance of SiC/SiC composites is significantly influenced by the architecture of fiber reinforcement. Among the various fabrication methods, the nano-powder infiltration transition/eutectic (NITE) process is a promising technique that is capable of achieving a dense and stoichiometric SiC matrix. The reinforcement architecture, such as cross-ply (CP) or woven prepreg (WP), is determined during the preform stage of the NITE process, which is crucial in determining the mechanical properties of SiC/SiC composites. In this study, the tensile test and double notch shear (DNS) test were conducted using NITE-SiC/SiC composites to investigate the effect of the fiber reinforcing architecture on the fracture mechanism of SiC/SiC composites. The tensile strength and maximum shear strength of both CP and WP specimens were nearly identical. However, other mechanical properties, particularly those of CP specimens, exhibited significant variability. A comparison of fracture surfaces and load-displacement curve analyses from the DNS tests revealed that the cross points of the longitudinal or transverse fibers act as obstacles to both deformation and crack propagation. These obstacles were found to be more densely distributed in WP specimens than in CP specimens. The variability observed in the mechanical properties of CP specimens is likely due to size effects caused by the sparser distribution of these obstacles compared to the WP specimens.

탄소섬유보강근을 철근 대체재로 사용하기 위해서 단기 역학적 특성뿐 아니라 장기간 역학적특성에 대한 연구가 필히 수행 되어야 하고 현재도 진행 중이다. 이에 따라 본 연구에서는 CFRP bar의 지속하중에 대한 저항성을 평가하기 위해 ASTM 기준에 따라 약 1,000시간 동안 탄소섬유보강근 인장강도의 40%를 재하하는 크리프 시험을 진행 후 잔류 인장강도 확인을 위한 추가 인장시험을 진행하였다. 크리프 시험 결과, 탄소섬유보강근의 변형률은 지속하중 하에서 1,000시간 경과 후 하중재하 초기 변형률보다 약 4.9% 상 승하였고 크리프 파괴는 발생하지 않았다. 잔류 인장강도는 일반 인장강도의 95% 수준으로 측정되었고 잔류 탄성계수는 일반 탄성계 수의 85 % 수준이었다. 따라서 본 연구에서 진행한 인장강도의 40 %가 1,000시간 동안 재하되었을 때 탄소섬유보강근은 안전한 것으 로 확인되었다.

서울시와 같은 도심지의 경우 상수도관, 하수관, 가스관, 통신․전기선과 같은 인프라 시설물을 도로포장 하부에 매설하고 있다. 그 러나 도로 지하에 각종 시설물을 매설하거나 유지보수 등으로 인해 노면을 굴착할 경우, 포장체 구성에 불연속면을 생성하여 이에 대 한 복구가 적절하지 않았을 경우 지반침하, 포장 노면 균열, 평탄성 불량 등의 발생으로 도로 이용자의 승차감 저하 및 노면배수 불량 으로 인한 차량 주행의 안전성 저하, 보도의 경우 통행인의 불편 초래 및 안전사고를 유발할 수 있다. 그러나 현재 서울시의 도로굴착복구 공사는 도로 이용자의 편의를 위해 당일 굴착·당일 복구를 원칙으로 하고 있으며, 이를 위해 주 간 공사 및 장시간 교통통제를 지양하고 있어, 하루 중 야간 8시간 정도로 공사 시간이 부족하고 수많은 공사가 산발적으로 시행됨에 따라 관리 감독이 어려워 시공 품질관리가 미흡하며, 특히 지하 매설물 공사 이후 포장층 하부의 되메우기 공정은 다짐 작업이 제대 로 이루어지지 않는다. 일반적으로 서울시 도로굴착복구 공사는 공사 당일 임시포장을 시행하고, 일정 기간 경과 후 차로 단위로 항구 포장 복구를 시행하고 있으며, 이로 인한 도로 평탄성 불량으로 소음․진동 발생 및 포장 조기 파손의 원인으로 작용하고 있다. 특히 되메우기 공정의 경우, 현행 시방서에 따르면 신속한 되메움 복구 및 관로 주변의 조밀한 충진을 목적으로 관로 주변을 양질의 모래로 시공하는 것을 원칙으로 하고 있으나, 기존 되메움 재료인 모래는 결속력이 약해 인접 구간 공사 시 세굴로 인한 사고 발생 위험 요소를 내재하고 있으며, 누수에 의한 세굴 발생시 편토압 등으로 인해 주변 지반의 침하 등 2차 파손을 발생시킬 수 있다.

국내에서는 공용 중인 교량의 덧씌우기식 교면 포장 공사에서 빠른 개통을 위해 초속경 시멘트와 라텍스를 이용한 초속경 LMC 콘 크리트가 주로 적용된다. 고속도로에서는 교통 개방을 위한 콘크리트의 기준 강도를 압축강도 21MPa로 정하고 있다. 본 연구에서는 시공된 콘크리트의 강도 추정을 위한 적절한 비파괴 시험 방법을 선정하기 위해 약간의 손상을 포함하는 Break-off 시험을 적용하였 다. 실내 실험을 통해 수립된 시험 절차에 따라 47개 현장에서 시험을 수행하여 압축강도와 상관관계를 분석하였고, 현장적용성을 확 인하였다.