The influence of loading type on tensile and tearing fracture resistance of ballast rock was assessed using edge-notched diametrically compressed disc (ENDC) and edge-notched disc bend (ENDB) test geometries. The geometry of these two specimens was similar; however, their loading type (i.e., three-point bend and diametral compressive) was different affecting the geometry factors. The obtained pure tensile fracture toughness (KIc) using the ENDB test was higher than the ENDC test. In contrast to tensile fracture toughness, the pure tearing fracture toughness (KIIIc) in the ENDC test was higher than the ENDB fracture test. The obtained experimental data were explained in terms of crack propagation path, since two distinct trajectories were observed for both configurations under tearing deformation.

Connections represent major challenges in the design of composite structures, mainly because they entail discontinuities in the geometry of the structure and material properties, and introduce high local stress concentrations. Despite some constructability complications, integrated connection could be a reliable solution. In this paper, the structural behaviour of an integrated connection for implementation between adjacent composite sandwich panels in rapid assembly buildings is studied. The integrated connection system consists of 3-D high density polyethylene (HDPE) skin faces, and cores of high-density polyurethane (PUR) foam integrated into the sandwich panels at the moment of their production. The study included experimental investigations regarding the mechanical and structural response of the connection under actual applied loads, and its torsional rigidity, rotational stiffness and behaviour under lateral loading is investigated. Using Finite Element modelling, the stress distribution and the mechanisms of failure are studied. The results show a good agreement between the numerical and experimental results.

In this paper, an innovative and efficient sandwich panel is proposed for the structural walls for quickly assembled post-disaster housing, as well as load bearing panels for pre-fabricated modular construction and semi-permanent buildings. This study focuses on the flexural and shear behavior of the innovative sandwich panels, which is composed of two 3-D high density polyethylene (HDPE) skins, and high-density Polyurethane (PU) foam core. An experimental study was carried out to validate the effectiveness of this panel for increasing the ultimate bending strength. A series of experimental tests were performed on medium-scale specimens to characterize their core shear behavior. Then, some supplementary tests were run to determine the panels’ flexural and shear stiffness. The numerical and experimental investigations show that the 3-D-HDPE sheets, manufactured with a studded surface; considerably enhance the pull-out and delamination strength. Good agreement has been observed between the numerical and experimental tests.

Head injuries are among the dangerous injuries which are common in all sport types. In the present study, the dynamic response of a punch to the head of a Wushu fighter was simulated by modeling the human head in ABAQUS software. Moreover, the maximum displacement and the stress distribution in the helmet and head parts were analyzed by finite elements method. The obtained results showed a significant interval in the response of different tissues to the delivered blow. The maximum shear stress, normal stress and displacement in the helmet were 5.616 MPa, 5.755 MPa and 1.236 mm, respectively, while these magnitudes were respectively 3.199 MPa, 6.268 MPa and 0.0001867 mm in skull, 4.596 MPa, 3.691 MPa and 0.1180 mm in the head skin and 0.01098 MPa, 0.8779 MPa and 0.04993 mm in brain. The present model with its unique features can be a valuable and powerful instrument to gain a better insight into the injury mechanism for better diagnosing of injuries and to design protective helmets with higher efficiency and safety for various sport forms as well.