Este trabalho estuda o comportamento estrutural de blocos sobre estacas em concreto armado situados em divisas de terrenos. Foi feita revisão bibliográfica abordando os assuntos de blocos de coroamento, vigas de equilíbrio, modelo de bielas e tirantes e um breve comentário sobre o programa computacional Diana (2010). O trabalho apresenta um roteiro para análise estrutural e dimensionamento de vigas de equilíbrio sobre estacas com pilar excêntrico ao apoio. É apresentado um exemplo feito por Andrade (1989), comparado com o método proposto por Burke (1979) e com análise numérica. Além deste, foram analisados casos de projetos reais utilizando o método Burke (1979) adaptado neste trabalho. Alguns desses exemplos foram modelados em regime elástico e linear no programa computacional Diana (2010). São apresentadas comparações de resultados obtidos com o método Burke (1979) e análise numérica, comprovando a eficácia desse método. Em todos os exemplos estudados o método proposto por Burke (1979) indicou bons resultados quando comparados com os encontrados em análise computacional. A dissertação apresenta soluções para projetos de bloco sobre estacas, situados em divisas de terrenos e associados a vigas de equilíbrio. / This research investigates the structural behavior of reinforced concrete blocks piles located on the limit of land. Literature review was done about blocks piles, balance beams, strut and tie model and a short comment about the Diana computer program (2010). The dissertation presents a roadmap for structural analysis and sizing of balance beams on stakes with eccentric support pillar. An example, which was studied by Andrade (1989), is compared with the same example done using the method proposed by Burke (1979) and with numerical analysis. In addition to this, are analyzed real cases of projects using the method of Burke (1979). Some of these examples were modeled in linear and elastic characteristics using Diana program computer (2010). Here, it is presented comparisons between the method proposed by Burke (1979) and numerical analysis. It is presented comparisons between the method Burke (1979) and numerical analysis, proving the effectiveness of this method. In all examples studied the method proposed by Burke (1979) provided with good accuracy the results for computer analysis. The conclusion presents suggestions for projects of block piles located in limit of land associated with balance beams.

Este trabalho estuda o comportamento de blocos rígidos de concreto armado sobre uma, duas, três, quatro e cinco estacas, submetidos à ação de força centrada. Com o objetivo de contribuir para critérios de projeto, utilizaram-se resultados obtidos por meio de modelos analíticos e realizou-se análise numérica utilizando-se programa baseado no método dos elementos finitos. Foi desenvolvida, ainda, uma análise comparativa entre os processos de dimensionamento adotados em projeto, na qual se verificou grande variabilidade dos resultados. Para análise numérica adotou-se comportamento do material como elástico linear e os resultados de interesse foram os fluxos de tensões em suas direções principais. Nos modelos adotados variaram-se os diâmetros de estacas e dimensões de pilar, a fim de se verificar as diferenças na formação dos campos e trajetórias de tensões. Concluiu-se que o modelo de treliça utilizado em projetos é simplificado e foram feitas algumas sugestões para a utilização de um modelo de bielas e tirantes mais refinado. Foi possível a verificação da influência da variação da geometria de estacas e de pilares no projeto de blocos sobre e a revisão dos critérios para os arranjos das armaduras principais. Para os modelos de blocos sobre cinco estacas adotados concluiu-se que o comportamento não é exatamente como considerado na prática / This work describes the behavior of rigid reinforced concrete pile-caps with one, two, three, four and five piles subjected to patches of loading on the center top surfaces of the column. Programs based on finite elements method were used to obtain numerical results and results obtained by means of analytic models were used. A comparative analysis was developed among the processes adopted in design, which large variability of the results was verified. An elastic linear behavior of the material was adopted for numerical analysis and interest results were stress paths along main directions. Piles diameters and column dimensions of the models were been varied, in order to verify the differences in the formation of the regions and trajectories of stress. It is ended that used the truss model is simplified. Some suggestions were made for the use of a more refined strut-and-tie model than the one used in design and it was possible the verification of the variation geometry of piles and columns influence. It was still made a revision of the reinforcement layouts. The conclusion for adopted five-pile-caps was that the behavior is not exactly as considered in the practice

O modelo de bielas e tirantes apresenta como uma de suas vantagens a generalidade, ou seja, é capaz de representar, de modo aproximado, porém realista e sistemático, grande parte dos elementos de concreto estrutural da atualidade. Além disso, permite ao engenheiro fácil visualização físico-intuitiva do comportamento do concreto estrutural. Por outro lado, o modelo ainda tem um enorme potencial não aproveitado. Ainda não se tem um critério exato para determinação dos nós e das seções transversais das bielas de alguns elementos. Apesar de haver certas incertezas no caso de vigas-parede e principalmente de blocos de fundação, nas vigas esses elementos do modelo podem ser determinados sem grandes dificuldades. Possivelmente, a solução seria variar as dimensões das bielas e as posições dos nós, ambas hipotéticas, a fim de confrontar várias situações com resultados experimentais. Daí a grande importância da difusão do modelo de bielas e tirantes: um maior número de análises de modelagens e de resultados de ensaios levará a um maior domínio sobre o modelo. Este trabalho consiste na análise de vigas de concreto armado utilizando modelos de bielas e tirantes. São apresentados os conceitos que levaram à concepção do modelo, desde a Analogia Clássica da Treliça, chegando aos critérios para verificação dos elementos da treliça e às recomendações atuais de normas e pesquisadores. Com o auxílio do programa computacional CAST (2000), foram modeladas quatro vigas, sendo as três primeiras biapoiadas sem descontinuidades e a quarta com balanço e descontinuidade geométrica (abertura na alma). A primeira viga biapoiada teve algumas de suas características iniciais alteradas a fim de gerar o segundo e o terceiro modelos, procurando-se estabelecer limites de carregamentos e análises comparativas. Os resultados das modelagens permitiram comparações com os resultados das verificações realizadas segundo os critérios da NBR 6118:2003 e do MC CEB-FIP (1990) e, permitiram também, identificar os aspectos de maior dificuldade na concepção de um modelo de bielas e tirantes e os pontos críticos dos mesmos, nos quais há maior possibilidade de falha nas verificações / One of the main advantages presented by the strut-and-tie model is generality. This model is able to approximately represent, in a realistic and systematic way, the majority of today’s reinforced concrete elements. Furthermore, it allows the physics-intuitive visualization of the behavior presented by structural concrete. On the other hand, its potentials are not fully explored yet. Up to date, there is no accurate criterion for the determination of nodes and transverse sections of some strut elements. Despite presenting some uncertainties related to the determination of wall-beams (and mainly of foundation blocks), the model can determine beams without major difficulties. Probably, the key is to vary the dimensions of the struts and the positions of the nodes, both hypothetical, in order to confront various situations with experimental data. Hence, it is very important to diffuse the strut-and-tie model: the bigger the number of modeling analysis and experimental data, the better the comprehension of the model. This work aims to analyze reinforced concrete beams employing the strut-and-tie model. Here are presented the concepts that led to the development of the model, ranging from the Truss Classic Analogy to the criteria employed to verify truss elements and the recommendations from researchers and established standards (rules or norms). Four examples of beams were modeled. Three of them were double-based and the fourth presented balance and no geometric discontinuity (with an opening). Some of the characteristics of the first double-based beam were altered in order to generate the second and the third model, thus establishing loading limits and comparative analysis. The modeling allowed comparisons between the verifications performed in accordance with the NBR 6118:2003 and MC CEB-FIP criteria. It also allowed the identification of major difficulties and critical aspects related to the development of struts and ties, the ones that are most prone to failure in the verification process

Submitted by Caroline Falcao (caroline.rfalcao@ufpe.br) on 2017-05-22T17:27:10Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) Tese_BeatrizLavoranteFinal_BC.pdf: 2045652 bytes, checksum: 19f106b93f6d316fc93419a636ca837a (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-05-22T17:27:10Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) Tese_BeatrizLavoranteFinal_BC.pdf: 2045652 bytes, checksum: 19f106b93f6d316fc93419a636ca837a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-08-29 / O Complexo Industrial Portuário-SUAPE, localizado no complexo estuarino de Suape (Pernambuco, Brasil), conta com grandes empresas das mais diversas atividades produtivas. A região possui grande importância ecológica e econômica e estudos relatam a ocorrência de modificações fisiográficas, hidrológicas e ecológicas desde a implantação de SUAPE. Segundo estudos ecotoxicológicos realizados, a área apresenta contaminação moderada e variável. Contudo, ainda não foi possível indicar quais substâncias poderiam estar relacionadas com a toxicidade das amostras ambientais. Neste sentido, o teste de Avaliação e Identificação da Toxicidade – AIT surge como uma importante ferramenta, pois permite a identificação de contaminantes potencialmente causadores da toxicidade. O emprego de um ensaio ecotoxicológico rápido com um organismo-teste sensível antes e após as manipulações de AIT é necessário para este tipo de análise. Os náuplios de copépodos, dentre estes o da espécie Tisbe biminiensis, têm sido indicados para avaliação de amostras de água marinha devido a maior sensibilidade dos estágios larvais, porém o teste normalmente é realizado em microplacas o que o torna bastante laborioso. Este trabalho teve como objetivos aprimorar um protocolo para realização de bioensaios com náuplios de T. biminiensis e avaliar sua sensibilidade usando uma substância de referência, no caso o sulfato de zinco. Posteriormente, o teste foi empregado na avaliação da toxicidade de amostras de água superficial coletadas em diferentes pontos de Suape entre os anos de 2011 e 2013. Visando aumentar a sensibilidade do método, além dos parâmetros de mortalidade, desenvolvimento e inibição, também foram avaliados tamanho e estágio de desenvolvimento dos copepoditos. Para AIT foram estudadas amostras de água superficial coletadas em Abril e Setembro de 2013, sendo realizadas análises químicas de metais, amônia, hidrocarbonetos e agrotóxicos neste último mês. O tempo de duração do teste foi definido em 72 horas. Os testes de alimentação utilizando as microalgas Chaetoceros gracilis e Thalassiosira fluviatilis com e sem adição de ração para peixe demonstraram o pior desempenho de T. fluviatilis sem adição de ração como alimento. Foi verificado que o desenvolvimento nas concentrações de C. gracilis superiores a 2,5 x 105 células mL-1 foram estatisticamente maiores do que controle (água do mar sem adição de alimento) quando na temperatura de 28°C após 72 h. Entretanto a 25°C após 72 horas, apenas a partir da concentração de 5,5 x 105 células mL-1 de C. gracilis, o desenvolvimento dos náuplios para copepoditos foi superior ao controle, indicando que a temperatura de 28°C promove maior desenvolvimento. Logo, foram definidas as seguintes condições para o teste: concentração de C. gracilis de 2,5 x 105 células mL-1 , temperatura de 28°C e um tempo de 72 h. Após os sete testes de sensibilidade foram estimadas as CE50/72h, CL50/72h e a CENO em 3,25 ± 0.59; 3,46 ± 0.72 e 2,0 mg L- 1 para o ZnSO4.7H2O, indicando que os náuplios de T. biminiensis são tão sensíveis quanto outros copépodos frequentemente empregados em estudos ecotoxicológicos. Avaliando-se amostras de água superficial coletadas na região de Suape verificou-se a presença de toxicidade sub-letal para os náuplios de T. biminiensis, mais associada ao mês de Setembro, início do período seco. Dentre os parâmetros avaliados, a inibição foi o que mais indicou toxicidade, seguido pelo desenvolvimento. Apesar da obtenção das medidas dos comprimentos total e da cabeça (geral e por estágio de copepoditos) e da frequência de estágios reduzirem a praticidade do método, em um dos pontos de coleta elas aumentaram a detecção de efeitos tóxicos. O estudo de AIT indicou que os compostos orgânicos, os metais e a amônia seriam os principais agentes causadores da toxicidade das águas de Suape, sendo os resultados da caracterização da fase I do AIT considerados bastante complexos. Nas análises químicas, os Hidrocarbonetos Aromáticos de Petróleo Dissolvidos ou Dispersos estavam em níveis subletais, os agrotóxicos não foram detectados e houve diminuição das concentrações de Fe após a macroalga Ulva sp. A adição de novos parâmetros no teste com náuplios T. biminiensis foi importante para confirmação dos resultados obtidos. A variedade de agentes tóxicos indicados pode ser atribuída à diversidade de atividades realizadas na área, às diferentes influências sofridas pelos pontos estudados e ao regime de chuvas, marés e correntes, indicando a necessidade de monitoramento e avaliação constantes das condições ambientais da região. / The Suape estuarine complex (Pernambuco, Brazil) is located close to the industrial port complex-SUAPE which includes major companies from various productive activities. The region has great ecological and economic importance, and studies have reported the occurrence of physiographic, hydrological and ecological changes since the implementation of SUAPE. According ecotoxicological studies, the area has moderate and variable contamination. However, has not yet been possible to indicate which substances could be related to the toxicity of environmental samples. In this sense, the test for Toxicity Identification and Evaluation - TIE emerges as an important tool because it allows the identification of possible toxic agents. The use of a fast ecotoxicological test with a sensitive test organism before and after the manipulations of TIE is required for this type of analysis. The copepod nauplii, among these the species Tisbe biminiensis, have been indicated for evaluation of samples of estuarine and sea water due to increased sensitivity of the larval stages, but the test is usually performed in microplates which makes it very laborious. This study aimed to improve a protocol for conducting bioassays with nauplii of T. biminiensis and evaluate their sensitivity to zinc sulphate, a reference substance. Subsequently, the test was used to evaluate the toxicity of surface water samples collected at different points of Suape between the years 2011 and 2013. Aiming to increase the sensitivity of the method, beyond the parameters of mortality, development and inhibition, size and stage of development of copepodites were also evaluated. For AIT were studied samples collected in April and September 2013, chemical analysis of metals, ammonia, hydrocarbons and pesticides were performed in the last month. The duration of the test was 72 h. The feeding test using microalgae Chaetoceros gracilis and Thalassiosira fluviatilis with and without addition of fish ration showed the worst performance of T. fluviatilis as food. It was observed that the development C. gracilis concentrations above 2.5 x 105 cells mL-1 were significantly higher than control (sea water without the addition of food) when the temperature of 28 °C after 72 h. However, at 25 °C after 72 h, only at concentrations of 5.5 x 105 cells mL-1 C. gracilis, the development nauplii to copepodites were higher than the control, indicating that the temperature of 28 °C promotes further development. Then, the following conditions were established for the protocol: C. gracilis at 2.5 x 105 cells mL-1 as food, incubation at 28 °C and 72h duration. After the seven sensitivity tests were estimated CE50/72h, CL50/72h and NOEC of 3.25 ± 0:59; 3.46 ± 0.72 and 2.0 mg L -1 for ZnSO4.7H2O, indicating that the nauplii of T. biminiensis are as sensitive as other copepods employed in ecotoxicological studies. Was detected sub-lethal toxicity of surface water samples for the nauplii of T. biminiensis, more associated to September, early dry season. Among the parameters evaluated, inhibition was the most indicated toxicity, followed by the development. Despite obtaining measurements of the total length and head (general and by stage of copepodites) and the frequency of stages reduce the practicality of the method, one of the points, they increased the detection of toxic effects. The TIE study indicated that mainly organic compounds, metals and ammonia would be the toxicity agents of Suape waters, this characterization is considered complex. In chemical analysis, the HAPDDs were at sublethal levels, the pesticides were not detected and concentrations of Fe decreased after Ulva sp. The addition of new parameters in the test Nauplii T. biminiensis was important to confirm the results obtained. The variety of toxic agents can be attributed to the diversity of activities in the area, the different influences suffered by points studied and rainfall, tides and currents, indicating the need for constant monitoring and evaluation of environmental conditions in the region.

Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-10T18:56:16Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 JANDERLE RABAIOLLI.pdf: 1672705 bytes, checksum: c4e3e72c0bebc73becd04f7408274187 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008-02-28 / Such dissertation focus on the Malhação soap opera analyse, which is broadcast by Globo TV net, it also will analyse and characterize the tie-in language, a constant practise in such tv programme.The research is developed in three chapters, the first one refers to the language and the ideology, with the approaching of the discourse concepts,expressed, polyphony and speech genders.The second chapter brings the concept of the social communication field, like mass communication, market communication and the tie-in. It is also mentioned the concepts and the characteristics from the market communication formats, with emphasis on tie-in. The last one analyses the tie-in language through the decupage scenes from the programme under analyse, and also on its characterization and features which demonstrate their connection with the consumption society preconcepts related to the condition lived by the brazilian contemporary society and its aesthetics condition, which it is determinated in order to the televisual format of the tie-in succeeds. / Esta dissertação busca, por meio da análise da novela Malhação, exibida pela Rede Globo de Televisão, analisar e caracterizar a linguagem do merchandising editorial, uma prática constante dentro do programa. A pesquisa é desenvolvida em três capítulos. O primeiro refere-se à ideologia e à linguagem, com abordagem dos conceitos de discurso, enunciado, polifonia e gêneros do discurso. O segundo capítulo traz os conceitos do campo da comunicação social, tais como a comunicação de massa, a comunicação mercadológica e o merchandising. São abordados, ainda, os conceitos e características dos formatos de comunicação mercadológica, com ênfase no merchandising editorial. O último capítulo analisa a linguagem do merchandising editorial por meio da decupagem de cenas do programa em análise, na busca por sua caracterização e aspectos que demonstrem sua ligação com os preceitos da sociedade de consumo, em uma relação com a condição vivida pela sociedade contemporânea brasileira e sua condição estética, determinante para que o formato televisual do merchandising editorial tenha sucesso.

Following some incidents in high-rise buildings, such as Ronan Point London 1968, in which collapse of a limited number of structural elements progressed to a failure disproportionate to the initial cause, consideration of robustness was introduced in British Standard. The main method of preventing progressive collapse for providing robustness to steel framed buildings with precast concrete floor slabs focuses on the allowable tying forces that the reinforcement in between the slabs and in hollowcores should carry. However there are uncertainties about the basis of the practical rules associated with this method. This thesis presents the results of numerical and analytical studies of tie connection behaviour between precast concrete floor slabs (PCFS). It is shown that under current design regulations the tie connection is not able to resist the accidental load limit applied on the damaged floor slabs. By establishing the capability of a finite element model to depict and predict the behaviour of concrete members in situations such as arching and catenary action against several experimental tests, an extensive set of parametric studies was conducted in order to identify the effective parameters in enhancing the resistance of the tie connection between PCFSs. These parameters include: tie bar diameter, position, length, yield stress and ultimate strain; the slab’s height, length; and the compressive strength of the grouting concrete in between the slabs that encases the tie bar. Recommendations are made based on the findings of this parametric study in order to increase the resistance of the tie connection. Based on the identified effective parameters in the parametric study a predictive analytical relationship is derived which is capable of determining the maximum vertical displacement and load that the tie connection is able to undergo. This relationship can be used to enable the connection to capture the accidental limit load on a damaged slab. The identified parameters are examined in a three dimensional finite element model to assess their effect when columns of the structure are lost in different locations such as an edge, corner or internal column. Based on the findings of this study methods for improving the connections performance are presented. Also the effect of alternative transverse tying method is evaluated and it is concluded that although this kind of tie increases the load carrying capacity of the connection, its effect on the catenary action is not significant.

Fackverksmodellering (eng. strut-tie modeling) är en accepterad och rationell beräkningsmetod för betongkonstruktioner där vanlig balkteori inte kan appliceras. Det gäller områden för s.k. diskontinuitetsregioner (D-regioner). Den komplexa spännings- och kraftfördelningen som uppstår i D-regioner substitueras till fackverkskomponenter i form av trycksträvor, dragstag och noder. Lastfallen omvandlas, under förenklade villkor, med andra ord till ett lösbart fackverksfall. Metodiken för tillgångasättet har länge ansetts som iterativ och långdragen process, där ett fackverk antas samt optimeras tills ett godtyckligt och rimligt fackverk har uppnåtts. Erfarenhet har betydelse för hur fackverksutformningen kommer att se ut. Oerfarna ingenjörer kan till en början ha svårt att se hur spännings- och kraftfördelningen i en betongkonstruktion sprider ut sig. Med hjälp av FEM kan fackverksmodelleringens process effektiviseras. Spänningsoch kraftfördelningen kan tas fram i belastande betongkonstruktioner i form av finita elementmodeller. Därmed kan konstruktörerna visuellt utforma fackverket efter fördelningen. I studien har ett verkligt fall tillhandahållits från företaget WSP. Konstruktionsdelen som ska dimensioneras är en väggskiva från ett flerbostadshus i Stockholm. Med FEM-design har väggskivan rekonstruerats till en finita elementmodell med en framtagen spännings- och kraftfördelning. Fördelningen har använts som ett underlag för vidare dimensionering för hand efter Svenska Standard, Eurokod 2. Resultaten visar att det är möjligt att utforma ett fackverk med FEM-design som underlag. Även framtagna stångkrafter och upplagskrafter har jämförts mellan handberäkning och FEM, som visar att skillnader mellan beräkningsmetoderna är mellan ungefär 5,1-7,7 %, dock bara för studiens fall. Rapporten visar att en påskyndning i processen kan göras om man använder FEM. Metoden möjliggör en förenkling i processen som kan nyttjas av oerfarna konstruktörer. Detta kan bidra till en bättre slutprodukt och gynna utvecklingen för byggbranschen i slutändan. / Strut-tie modeling is an accepted and rational calculation method for regions in concrete structures where Berouille-theorem can’t be applied. These regions are so called discontinuity regions (D.regions). The stress and force distribution is substituted for strut, ties and nodes much like the members of a truss. Complex load-bearing cases can be transformed, under simplified conditions, to solvable cases. The strut-tie modeling can be seen as an iterative process. At the start of the process the form of the truss is assumed and optimized through trial and error. Experience in the field is therefore of big significance, where unexperienced designers can have a hard time to visualize the stress and force distribution through the concrete structure. The purpose of the study is to use the strut-tie method on a concrete structure. The study will investigate if the strut-tie method can be simplified and if the assumed truss is reasonable. The stress and force distribution is going to be visualized through a finite element model, and hence try to eliminate the iterative modelling phase. In the study, a real load-bearing case will be examined. The concrete structure is a deep beam in an apartment block in Stockholm, Sweden. The designs of the apartment have been provided from the multinational company WSP. The deep beam have been reconstructed to a finite element model through the program FEMdesign 17 3D Structure. The visualized results from the stress and force distribution have been used as a base for further calculations, with the strut-tie method, in accordance to Eurocode 2. The result from the study shows that it’s possible to create a truss from FEM-designs visualized stress- and force distribution. In the study a comparison have also been made between truss member forces calculated by strut-tie and the forces calculated by FEM-design. It shows a difference between 5,1-7,7%. The study shows through the program FEM-design 17 that strut-tie method can be improved, and help unexperienced designers during the truss modeling phase.

Introduction: The most common symptom of ankyloglossia is breastfeeding problems. Lately, more attention has been given to problems beyond infancy, like with speech and mobility. There is limited research done in that area though, and there is no research made comparing indication groups with each other.Aim: To investigate if there is a difference in the self-experienced benefit of the tongue-tie release, in relation to the indication for cutting the tongue-tie.Methods: A retrospective survey of all patients who underwent a tongue-tie release in Örebro county under a period of two years. The patient, or their caregiver if the patient was under 18 years old, were contacted for a telephone survey. 73 patients completed the survey.Results: The results demonstrated no significant difference in self-experienced benefit between the indication-groups. 88% of all patients included in the study experienced benefit, 98% of these patients had a primary (n=57) or secondary (n=6) symptom that got better. The remaining 2% (n=1) experienced benefit despite any symptom relief because of the possible future benefit. The 12% that did not experience benefit did not experience any symptom relief from the surgery.Conclusions: The self-experienced benefit after the tongue-tie release was high in general, without differences between the indication-groups. It turned out to be important to ask for other symptoms than just the primary to see the whole picture. More research with a larger study population is encouraged.

När covid-19 bröt ut under våren år 2020, tvingades en stor del av svenska företag att snabbt ställa om till distansarbete. Även om det finns omfattande forskning som berör organisatorisk kreativitet och innovation vid distansarbete, saknas det emellertid forskning som undersöker hur detta påverkas av en hastig övergång från kontorsarbete till distansarbete. Därför är syftet med denna studie att undersöka om ett sådant skifte påverkar idégenerering bland anställda, och därav även innovation och kreativitet inom företag. Detta görs genom att utföra en kvalitativ intervjustudie, där sju informanter från ett företag medverkar. Det teoretiska ramverk som ligger till grund för studien omfattar olika aspekter av idégenerering, där social networks, tie strength och idégenereringsprocess är centrala begrepp, som tillsammans skapar studiens analysmodell. Slutsatserna som dras är att idégenereringen på ett generellt plan kan ha påverkats negativt till följd av distansarbetet, men att idégenereringen inom team inte verkar drabbas i samma utsträckning.

Reinforced concrete frame corners (that is, knee joints) subjected to closing moments plays an important role of transmitting stress between the two adjoining members. Being categorized as geometric discontinuity regions (D-regions), knee joints cannot be correctly analyzed and designed using traditional sectional analysis procedures. Instead, the strut-and-tie method is particularly suitable for such joints. Although strut-and-tie models provide the means to represent the distribution of stresses within a closing knee joint, questions arise when a curved-bar node is used to model the bar bend of the longitudinal reinforcement at the outer corner. The code-specified design expressions for curved-bar nodes have not been experimentally verified; therefore, the accuracy and conservativeness of the expressions remain unknown. This research project is aimed to provide insights to the proper application of the strut-and-tie method, through the concept of curved-bar nodes, to knee joints under closing moments.<br><br>An experimental program consisting of 24 specimens was conducted to investigate the effect of curved-bar nodes on knee joints under closing moments. An evaluation of the code-specified design expressions was included. The results demonstrate that the minimum code-specified bend radius is appropriate. The current requirements related to bond along the bar bend and clear side cover are shown to be conservative. Based on the test results, a procedure for constructing proper strut-and-tie models for closing knee joints is proposed and verified using an evaluation database consisting of 116 knee joint tests from the literature. Compared to other strength predictive methods and the code-specified strut-and-tie method, the proposed strut-and-tie method mitigates unconservativeness and delivers improved accuracy.<br>In addition to the experimental program and the proposed procedure, non-linear finite element analysis (FEA) using the software ATENA-3D was employed to conduct a parametric analysis as a supplement to the experimental data. Seventy-two numerical models were analyzed to further evaluate the code-specified expressions and the proposed strut-and-tie method. The FEA results are in a good agreement with the experimental observations and corroborate the conclusions from the experimental program regarding current code requirements. Moreover, the parametric analysis further supports the application of the proposed strut-and-tie methodology to knee joints under closing moments.