Elastic Connections May Aid Bridge Design

Elastic Connections May Aid Bridge Design Elastic Connections May Aid Bridge Design Shape shifting materials sound like the stuff of science fiction, but theyve been known for decades and are used in a wide range of applications, from bio and mechanical engineering to dentistry. Seismic engineering researchers now have latched on to the material and promise to expand its use even mora by designing elastic bridge connections that would deform during an earthquake but then spring back to its original shape. If successful, the design would prevent serious structural damage or collapse and allow a bridge to remain open after a quake, a time when roads and bridges are critical for emergency response.Nickel titanium is the primary Shape Memory Alloy civil engineering professor M. Saiid Saiidi is working with at the University of Nevada, Reno, because of its superelasticity, he says. Other SMAs are generally only temperature sensitive, requiring a heat source to return to its original shape . Nickel titaniumis a bit different and has 10 to 30 times the elasticity of steel or other standard metals. In many ways it performs like steel, but it differs in its ability to undergo a large deformation and come back to its original shape, Saiidi adds.Building robust bridges and other significant infrastructure in highly seismic areas such as California and the western U.S. could significantly lessen damages after a large quake. The 1994 Northridge earthquake in southern California caused an estimated $20 billion in damage to roads and buildings.Completed plastic hinge zone with SMA bars. Image WSDOTShake TestsWith funding from the National Science Foundation using the foundations George E. Brown, Jr. Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation, Saiidi and colleagues tested the material at Nevada-Renos shake table. They used bridge models of 120 feet to 130 feet long, with three types of columns standard reinforced steel and concrete, nickel titanium and concrete, and nickel t itanium and engineered cementitious composites, with cement, fiber, water, and chemicals. The columns were first tested using OpenSEES, and earthquake simulation program developed at the University of California, Berkeley, and then built and tested on the shake table. The columns with nickel titanium outperformed the standard design under forces equaling or exceeding those of a magnitude 6 quake on the Richter scale, Saiidi says.In bridges, typically the column is most susceptible to seismic shaking, specifically at the end zone at the top and at the bottom, by the footing, he says. Because nickel titanium is much more costly than standard steel reinforcing bar, the researchers specified its use only in those zones, a little more than one-tenth the length of the overall column. Nickel titanium bars were assembled into cages just as a standard rebar cage, and connected to the columns main cage in the plastic hinge zones, he says.Saiidis test caught the attention of the Federal Highwa y Administration and Washington States Department of Transportation, which funded similar research. The agencies are using the design for a highway ramp that is expected to begin construction in 2015, he says.Shake table testing of a quarter-scale bridge. Image UNR.edu HistoryNickel titaniumthe generic personenname for the family of alloys is nitinohas been around since the early 1960s from work at the Naval Ordnance Laboratory. It has many applications in a number of disciplines. Among other applications, the U.S. military has used nitinol couplers in F-14 aircraft to join hydraulic lines. In medicine, the material is used as a guide for catheters in blood vessels and anchors to attach tendons to bone in orthopaedic surgery. It also is used in robotic actuators and micromanipulators to simulate muscular movement.The first time I learned about it was from a mechanical engineer building an actuator, says Saiidi. Later, the question I asked myself was, What if we used it inside a con crete column in a bridge in a high seismic zone?That was about twelve years ago, and Saiidis research has progressed, also using other copper-based shape memory alloys. He says copper holds promise but civil seismic work is hampered by its scarcity. Only one manufacturerin Japancurrently fabricates the material.Cost-BenefitNitinol also costs more than standard steel and suffers from limited sourcing. Saiidi says a bridge built with columns incorporating nickel titanium will cost about 3% more than a structure with standard materials. The savings will come in reduced maintenance costsnickel titanium is highly resistant to corrosionand its ability to withstand seismic forces, he says.Several manufacturers make SMA wires, he says, noting nitinol is commonly used for orthodontic braces and eyeglass frames that bounce back to their original shape if bent. Only a few make bars. In Washington, the bridge design using the material calls for sizes up to 30 millimeters, he says.But if you loo k at lifecycle costs, it will become economical after an earthquake. You wont have to shut the bridge down, he says. After an earthquake is when you need bridges the most. For Further DiscussionThe first time I heard about nitinol was from a mechanical engineer. Later, the question I asked myself was, What if we used it in a concrete column in a bridge in a high seismic zone?Prof. M. Saiid Saiidi, University of Nevada-Reno

Generation Z How employers can prepare for this ambitious group

Generation Z How employers can prepare for this ambitious groupGeneration Z How employers can prepare for this ambitious groupCompanies around the globe will soon undergo a demographic shift with the first wave of Generation Z entering the workforce alongside Millennials, Gen Xers and the remaining Baby Boomers. Similar to their predecessors, Gen Zers will require their employers and colleagues to understand their distinct needs, skills, and habits.The post-Millennial generation, born between 1995-2010, is vastly different from previous generations. Unlike Millennials who are often associated with negative professional characteristics such as entitlement and apathy Gen Zers have developed a reputation as hard-working, dedicated and passionate workers.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreAs a business expert and someone who has worked with this cohort, I would like to share several insights behind the entrepreneurial mind and drive of Gen Z. Based on my experience, its crucial for todays employers and other business leaders to learn everything they can about this success-oriented generation of workers to remain competitive in the coming years.Inside the mind of Generation ZOne of the biggest population segments since the Baby Boomer generation, Gen Zers were raised during the Great Recession and the Student Loan Crisis understandably they are quite conservative with their money. On a similar note, they are hyper-focused on landing stable jobs and establishing lucrative career paths and frequently opt to grow their savings over time than spend money they dont have in the bank.Also, their paths to success look very different compared to other generations. For example, Gen Z is much more conservative with money than Millennials as they were raised during a recession and often have relatives that are struggling to pay back student loans. To avoid dealing with the ir own student debt, many Gen Zers are opting out of the traditional high education route and plunging straight into the workforce, or pursuing more affordable online degrees at their pace.Regarding their financial future, Gen Z approaches money-related concerns cautiously, taking a cue from the often-extravagant spending behaviors of older generations. Gen Z is also more skeptical about traditional investments that are stock market-related. They tend to select alternatives, such as the gig economy, cryptocurrency or solopreneuring like Uber, Airbnb, and other popular gigs.Finally, Gen Zs self-reliance is more about autonomy. Its in their nature to fend for themselves because they think its a safer bet than depending on others. They typically do things for themselves because they are proactive and want to ensure stability for their future. Gen Zers prefer to invest and handle matters themselves with self-directed accounts, create their own jobs in the gig economy, and, mentor or te ach others online about what they do (and often make money doing it).Preparing for Gen ZToday, many business leaders are reevaluating fundamental elements of their workplace in an attempt to attract Gen Z employees. They should also focus on understanding how to retain them to remain competitive.Employers should realize that Gen Z is defined by its competitive nature they prefer to work independently and be judged on their merits versus those of their colleagues. In fact, many Gen Zers request to have their own office space, rather than work in an open, collaborative workspace. They also have developed a reputation for managing projects so that their personal skills and abilities can shine through.Its important for business owners to understand that Gen Zers desire ongoing, constructive feedback and personal face-time with management. They want reassurance that their boss is willing to invest time and effort into their career development. And theyre not simply seeking a pat on the back - they want to face their strengths and shortcomings head-on, and develop ways to evolve and progress. They also look to management as mentors, aiming to establish strong relationships over time.The bottom line Todays employers must adapt quickly. They can start by enabling Gen Zers behaviors of self-reliance and entrepreneurship, and supporting their ambition by developing strategies that will allow them to evolve and thrive.I also recommend reframing traditional approaches its no longer good enough to show them the path to success, but its more about creating an environment for Gen Z to forge their own way.Ultimately, Generation Z is set to take the weltumspannend business world by storm. If you are an entrepreneur, business owner or industry leader, the time is now to prepare for the competition ahead or risk getting left behind.Brazilian immigrant Marcos Jacober is an investor, author, international speaker, and teacher. He is the CEO of Life Hacks Wealth and the founder of Airbtheboss. Jacober moved to the US in 1998 with only a dream and $100 in his pocket. Against the odds, he achieved the American dream using the gig economy to fuel his success. Father of two beautiful children, Jacober has helped thousands of individuals from different countries start their careers here in the US. His new book Eat This Mr. President was released in 2018.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

Video Chat Recap Spring Clean Your Job Search

Video Chat Recap Spring Clean Your Job SearchVideo Chat Recap Spring Clean Your Job SearchA follow-up on some of the fruchtwein popular questions asked during our spreecast on cleaning up your job search.Thanks to everyone who tuned in to the spreecast on spring cleaning your job search. Click on the following link to view this spreecast and check out the hashtag AmandaLIVE on Twitter for additional tips.Before I dig into some of the topics we discussed, Id like to share a few stats on a job seekers online presence. According to a Jobvite social recruiting survey86% of recruiters admit to reviewing candidates social network profiles, whether or not the candidate provided that information70% turned down a candidate based on something they saw on their social media profiles85% said a positive social media presence has influenced the hiring decisionQ1 What is online presence?As a job seeker, you need to develop a absatzwirtschaft campaign that will advertise your skills to employers in a variety of formats. These include how you are represented on paper, in person, and online. Take a look at the following articles to learn how to monitor your online brand, eliminate or push down bad results, and build a strong online presence that aligns with your resume.Overhaul Your Online BrandGet Back to Social Media BasicsQ2 Im relocating for work so my wife can attend medical school and trying to make a career switch since I recently got my MBA. How can I stand out to employers when Im applying from so far away?If you have an MBA or important certification in your field, add this acronym after your name on resume and profiles so recruiters cant miss it. If youre relocating, let recruiters know theres a good reason for the move. In other words, make it clear you didnt make this decision on a whim and that youre not an expensive flight risk. Utilize your professional and alumni networks in your desired location to build your connections in the new area. Also, be prepared for a phone or Skype interviewIs Relocation Right for You?Go the Distance with Your Job SearchQ3 I owned my own business for the past few years but I want to go back to the corporate world any suggestions?Stay away from calling yourself the owner or CEO of your latest venture, since you want to avoid any assumptions or stereotypes recruiters make about entrepreneurs (basically that you wont play nice with others, etc. in the corporate setting because youre used to running the show). Take a look at these articles for other pointers.Self-Employed to Employee Making the SwitchResume Example Consultant Targets In-House WorkQ4 What should I do if my most recent job doesnt isnt as relevant to my current job goals as some of my earlier work?Think of your resume and your online presence as an ad. You only have so much real estate to work with, and you want the most relevant information to go above the fold. Spend less real estate on the jobs that dont support your job goals so that your more re levant roles will make it to the first page of your resume (or the top half of your profile).