Mandala: United States and Bright Colors Essay

My name is Meleea Giordano – Briggs. Athletic, friendly , and loving are the best three words that describe me. These three words that describe me in my own way and characteristics that make me the way I am now. The first symbol that represents me is colors. I love the bright colors in my room and wearing bright colors. Bright colors just make my day full of joy ! Me wearing bright colors represents myself as being kind. When I see bright colors , I think of Fall , Summer and Spring. Just seeing these bright pretty colors on the tree’s when the tree’s are turning colors because of fall and seeing the different color flowers blooming in the spring time and seeing the rainbow’s and flowers in the summer time make me happy. The second symbol represents , Live , Laugh and Love. I describe live as living your day to fullest and making anything you want come true. Laugh represents having a good time in life , school , family and friends. Last is love , love is the most important. You have to love yourself before you can love anyone else back. You should always love your family before anything or anyone else , because family helps and supports you anything you want or want to accomplish in life. Even though your friends will be there too support you , your family will always be there for you no matter what. My last symbol represents sports. This is volleyball and track. All my life I have been doing sports. Sports are my life , I never take a break from doing sports and couldn’t live a day without doing sports. Sports set a goal for me , it sets I can get a scholarship to any college or university in the United Sates , also sets you to maintain a good grade point average and to get all A’s and B’s. When I play sports I make sure my grades are excellent because if there not , I will not be able to do sports, and it doesn’t matter if you are the best athlete on the team they are not going to let you play because of grades, because school comes first! These are the symbols the most represents me and represents me and what I do in my daily life. Without these symbols I would be nothing , because these symbols put me together .

Why digital marketing is imperative? Essay

Digital Marketing Introduction            Marketing has become of the vital aspects in business running. This is the method of communicating the worth of a service or a product to the customer by a producer or the seller with the main intention being selling the product or services. There are numerous types and forms of marketing. Digital marketing is one of them; this is marketing which makes use of electronic devices (computers). Digital marketing applies expertise’s or platforms such as websites, e-mail and social networks. Many organizations have resulted to combination of tradition and digital marketing channels. Digital marketing is the advertising of products or brands using different forms of electronic media. One of the major differences between the traditional marketing and the digital marketing is that, digital marketing uses methods or channels that allow a business to scrutinize marketing movements and comprehend what is functional and what is not (Ryan & Jones, 2012). Why digital marketing is imperative?            Digital marketing an all encompassing aspect that all customers have access to information at anytime and anyplace they want it. Past are the times when messages that people got about a product or service comes from the company and entailed only what the company wanted the customers to know (Wind &Mahajan, 2001). The world of digital world is an ever-rowing source of leisure, news, social interaction as well as consumers are now uncovered not just to what the business says about their product, but what the media, relatives, friends, etc., are saying as well. In addition, the customers are further probable to trust them than you are. People want products they can trust, companies that know them, personalized communications and relevant offers modified to their needs and preferences (Bird, 2007).            With the world rapidly shifting from analogue to the digital world, the digital marketing world is as well becoming one of the vital aspects in the business industry. People are becoming more and more consumers of the digital world through devices such as mobiles, computers, and laptops and in turn, the marketing sector is adapting fast. Digital marketing is becoming infinitely more affordable than the traditional offline marketing strategies or methods. For example, the social media can transmit a marketing message to a wide range of audience or consumers within a very short period and at an affordable cost (Fenwick & Wertime, 2013). In addition, another main benefit of conducting marketing digitally, us the fact that, one can be able to track and monitor the marketing results. This can be done through review of consumers response rates and in turn enable to measure the success of a marketing campaign in real time. Perhaps the strongest case for incorporating a di gital element in ones marketing intelligence campaign is that, there are numerous digital forms of media that are fast overtaking the traditional forms of information consumption. The bottom line is, the digital age is here, and those businesses that fail to adapt to the new marketing climate are at great risk of going extinct sooner rather than later (Ryan & Jones, 2011). Digital Marketing Methods Already In Use in the Company ABC            Despite the growing list of available digital marketing methods, ABC has already put in use some of the methods. Despite the need to deployment the new marketing channels, ABC Company had already deployed different and varying marketing channels. One of the major and key digital marketing that is already in use by the Pepsi Company is the use of Company Official Website. The company website is the chief gateway to the company’s products or services. Numerous businesses start with an eye-catching website as the primary step to advertising their business or the products and services and so does the Pepsi Company (Hemman, 2013). It does not look like the websites use technology is not departing away anytime soon. They are still the most effectual advertising channel, even though many business proprietors attribute the achievement of a sale to their website rather than the advertising actions that got public there in the first place (Rowan, 2001). This is a gene ral dilemma that can only be determined through analytics and education. A website on its own will fail to produce activity unless there is a dynamic program or advertising in place to welcome visitors to the website. A great looking website is a good start but very few websites can get results without many months of social media, search marketing, or advertising (Ryan & Jones, 2012).            The major merit associated with use of website marketing also known as online marketing is that, the company can reach to a large volume of customers globally. The internet is a powerful tool in connecting people. It’s also inexpensive when compared to other traditional methods if marketing, brings results quickly, invites consumers and clients to research for specific product of their interests (Rowley, 2008). Moreover, business growth statistics can be measured very easily. On the other hand, this method has limitations. One is the consumers are denied to feel, smell, taste or to try on the tangible goods before marketing or purchasing. For the method to be effective, customers and clients must be handy with the use of ‘Email Marketing Efficiently’ (Carter, 2011).            In addition to the company website, the company also has implemented email marketing method. This is whereby, the company captures the emails addresses of their website visitors when they subscribe to the website. In return, they use send emails to the customers with the desired messages about a product or a service. This can be done from the official company website or from the affiliate’s websites. The benefits of this method include low cost of conducting and running the marketing campaign, it’s also easy to create and also track. Moreover, it can be used to cover a large geographical area within a short period of time (Carter, 2012).            However, on the other hand the marketing method is incurred by shortcomings. One is that the method needs engagement as it calls for constant tweaking so as to keep the subscribers engaged. Spam is another demerit of the method. People’s inboxes are filled with emails and in order to cut down the amount of unwanted emails, servers have filters to lessen the number of spam emails to the customers and in return the information may fail to reach to the intended people in time (Friedlein, 2014). Digital marketing channels            In the ever growing digital marketing world, there are numerous and continues channels that can be deployed in digital marketing. The channel (s) used by any given business depends or varies from one business to the other as the business the most effective method depending on the target or objectives of the marketing campaign. Choosing the right channels to use for what purposes in the ABC, critical elements of business strategy is vital in choosing the most effective channels (Hendrix, 2014). Get it right and you can reap the rewards of reaching and retaining your customers. In the process of choosing marketing channels there are three keys to a successful digital marketing. (I). the channel should be able to manage complex customer relations with the company, products and services offered across a variety of other channels both digital and traditional. (II) The channel should respond and at the same time initiate dynamic customer relations. (III) Finally, the cha nnel should extract value from big data to make better decisions faster (Winterberg, 2013). As a marketing consultant the best digital channels that can be deployed by Pepsi Company include: Social Media Marketing            Social media marketing  refers to the practice of gaining  website traffic  or awareness through social media sites. It is a form of Internet marketing which utilizes  networking websites as a marketing tool. The main objective of this method is to produce content that users will share with their social network to help a company increase brand exposure and broaden customer reach. The social media phenomenon is gaining steam in recent times as the young and digital generations are frequently relying on for information (Farrar, 2010). One advantage of deploying social media is the fact that it’s free to use for the customers and the company so able to get the feedback from the customer instantly. Social media is the various activities which integrate technology, social interaction, and construction of pictures, words, videos and audio. This marketing channel creates connectedness between the company and the customer, maintains openness and promotes par ticipation of the customers in company activities. However, this digital marketing method requires the company to keep updating the social media accounts. This process takes time and effort. In addition, a person with knowledge about the company and its products should be deployed to manage the accounts (Ryan & Jones, 2012). Affiliate Digital Marketing            Another digital channel that would be of great help to ABC is through affiliate digital marketing. This is whereby a website owner places adverts on behalf of ABC (online merchant). The benefits from this affiliate marketing are through three ways. These are: pay per click policy. Pay per sale and pay per lead. Advantages of using this digital marketing channel are that, the merchant company only incurs a cost when the agreed action occurs. In addition, the company would get mass coverage at no additional cost and lastly, the more websites the ABC Company would be affiliated wit, the more exposure of its products and services it gets. Despite the scams and schemes in the trade, affiliate marketing is still one of the best ways to generate income on the Internet. It is especially beneficial for those wanting to earn without having to spend too much time and effort monitoring sales or client response (Bird, 2007).            For the success of the new digital campaign the information provided is vital for the customers and the company at large. The kind of information sent through the channels in marketing should relevant o the company, the product and the customer. One of the vital information exchanged through the marketing channels is the different types of products offered or produced by the company. This helps to identify a company in terms of goods or services produced. In addition, the geographical location of the business is also provided. This helps the customers to know the nearest location to find the company or their products. In other words, the channels provide information about the company and its business aspects. Moreover, the information passed or sent through the marketing methods includes promotions, payments methods and delivery of goods and services as well as all the information deemed vital to help the company increase the amount of sales or revenue gained (Bird , 2007).            In order for the digital marketing to be successful, there are numerous factors that must be met or observed by the new digital campaign, for the company. Objective attainability, this is the fact that, the new marketing campaign and the channels deployed should be applicable in achieving the company objectives and missions. Secondly, the new digital campaign should be dynamic and consumer engaging. Other key success factors include the engaging aspects of the marketing channels. The new designed marketing channels are customer engaging as it helps in determining the performance of the company through the number of positive responses from the customers. Finally, market information is sent through the channels (Bird, 2007). Conclusion            Over the recent times, there has been a dramatic increase in the intensity with which people business entities and companies use digital devices and platforms. Market analyst believes that worldwide mobile transaction volumes and value will see an average 42% yearly increase between 2011 and 2016. As customers shift online, it will become essential that businesses adopt the clear-cut rules of online and mobile targeting, personalization, engagement, conversion, and retention (Bird, 2007). Digital marketing represents about 25% of all marketing spending today. By 2020, it is believed that, it will dictate 50% of all marketing budgets. Businesses that prepare for and hone their digital marketing abilities now will begin to see instantaneous benefits and are likely to stay ahead of the curve. Interactive media will modernize business. It allows consumer companies to deliver real-time and personalized services and content with highly engaging immersive experiences (Bir d, 2007). References Ryan, D., & Jones, C. (2012).  Understanding digital marketing: Marketing strategies for engaging the digital generation. Philadelphia, PA: Kogan Page. Wind, Y., & Mahajan, V. (2001).  Digital marketing global strategies from the world’s leading experts. New York, J. Wiley. http://public.eblib.com/EBLPublic/PublicView.do?ptiID=117489. Bird, D. (2007).  Commonsense direct & digital marketing. London [u.a.], Kogan Page. Fenwick, I., & Wertime, K. (2013).  Digimarketing the essential guide to new media and digital marketing. Hoboken, N.J., Wiley. http://rbdigital.oneclickdigital.com. Ryan, D., & Jones, C. (2011).  The best digital marketing campaigns in the world: Mastering the art of customer engagement. London: Kogan Page. Hemann, C. (2013).  Digital marketing analytics: Making sense of consumer data in a digital world. by Chuck Hemann, Ken Burbary. Indianapolis, Indiana: Que. Rowan, W. (2001).  Digital marketing: Using the new technologies to get closer to your customers. London: Kogan Page. Carter, B. (2011).  Digital marketing for dummies. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons. Jà ¤rvinen, J., Tollinen, A., Karjaluoto, H., & Jayawardhena, C. (2012). Digital And Social Media Marketing Usage In B2b Industrial Section.  Marketing Management Journal,  22(2), 102-117.Rowley, J. (2008). Understanding digital content marketing.  Journal Of Marketing Management,  24(5/6), 517-540. Ryan, D., & Jones, C. (2009).  Understanding Digital Marketing : Marketing Strategies for Engaging the Digital Generation. London: Kogan Page. Carter, E., & Parameswaran, R. (2012). THE DIGITAL MARKET-SPHERE (DMS): MODELING VIRTUAL TRANSACTONS AND TRANSVECTONS.  Marketing Management Journal,  22(1), 122-158.Friedlein, A. (2014). The many ‘deaths’ of digital marketing.  Marketing Week (01419285), 5.Hendrix, P. E. (2014). How Digital Technologies Are Enabling Consumers and Transforming the Practice of Marketing.  Journal Of Marketing Theory & Practice,  22(2), 149-150. doi:10.2753/MTP1069-6679220209 Winterberg, B. (2013). Tools for Digital Age Marketing.  Journal Of Financial Planning,  26(1), 32-33. Farrar, M. (2010). Understanding Digital Marketing.  Manager: British Journal Of Administrative Management, (71), 12-14. Source document

Restructuring Debt Essay

One appreciates the recommendation of providing information on restructuring debt to help the company combat its recent financial troubles. Even though the company is in the process of reorganizing one believes this information will help a company in reporting the restructuring of debt. One will provide information on the requirements of reporting debt on bonds, notes, and capital leases. In performing this one will also provide the journal entries one would need to record to restructure the company’s debt along with a comparison of the debt for the company’s current reporting. One will also provide valuable information on the company’s postemployment benefits. Requirements for Reporting Debt Long-term debts for a company are present obligations that consist of probable future sacrifices of economic benefit, which â€Å"are not payable within a year or within the operating cycle of the company† (Kieso, Weygandt, & Warfield, 2007, p. 672). Generally long-term debt consists of three categories, which are bonds payable, notes payable, and capital leases. In financial reporting one of the most controversial areas is the reporting of long-term debt because this debt impacts the cash flows of a company (Kieso, Weygandt, & Warfield, 2007, p. 691). The reporting requirements of the debt must be both substantive and informative to the investor. Some long-term debt such as bonds, notes, and others may need approval by the board of directors and stockholders before a company acquires the debt. Most long-term debt a company acquires has certain ovenants or restrictions within its agreement. This helps protect both the lender and borrower. A company must disclose the features along with any covenants or restrictions in the agreement of long-term debt in the financial statements or in the notes of the financial statements. This is only if the information provides an investor a more â€Å"complete understanding of the financial position of the company and the results of its operations† (Kieso, Weygandt, & Warfield, 2007, p. 672). Bonds Payable  Bonds basically represent a contract of a promise to pay at a maturity date a sum of money plus a specified rate of periodic interest on the maturity amount. Bonds can be either secured or unsecured. Secured bonds have some pledge of collateral that backs up the bond. An example of this type of bonds is a â€Å"mortgage bond secured by a claim on real estate† (Kieso, Weygandt, & Warfield, 2007, p. 673). Unsecured bonds are bonds that do not have any collateral attach to them. Most bonds carry a specific rate of interest whereas others are sold with an implied interest rate at a discount. One can convert some bonds into other securities. No matter what bond a company acquires the terms and conditions of the bond must be disclosed along with the covenants or restrictions on the bond. A company must also disclose any violation on the covenant or restrictions of the bond. In reporting bonds a company must report the bond at its face value â€Å"of its expected future cash flows, which consists of interest and principal† (Kieso, Weygandt, & Warfield, 2007, p. 675). The company amortizes any discount or premium of a bond over the life of the bond. This basically is reporting the bond at its face value less the unamortized discount or plus the unamortized premium. General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) requires a company to use the effective- interest method in determining the amortization of a discount or premium of a bond. A company reports the portion of the bond that matures within a year (current portion) as a current liability, and the remainder as a long-term liability on the balance sheet. Notes Payable Notes payable are generally an amount of money a company borrows with a romissory note. Long-term notes are similar and different from bonds in some ways. The similarity is notes payable also â€Å"have fixed maturity dates and carry either a stated or implicit interest rate† (Kieso, Weygandt, & Warfield, 2007, p. 685). The difference is notes payable are not easily tradable. A company reports notes payable in a similar fashion as it does bonds. In reporting a note payable a company records the note at its face value of its future interest and principal cash flows. The company amortizes any discount or premium of a note over its life. If a note has no-bearing interest rate the company should report the difference between the face value and the cash received as a discount on the note. This amount one amortizes over the life of the note to interest expense. Capital Leases A company may use capital leases to finance its acquisition of capital assets. In lease financing a company must met the criteria of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) on capital leases. In this a company must record both a liability, and a related asset on its balance sheet. In reporting capital lease a company reports the lease at its present value of the minimum lease payments. The company allocates these lease payments using the effective interest method to interest expense. This allocation using the effective interest method reduces the lease liability of the company. A company regardless of the type of liability it has must report the interest rate, maturity date, current interest expense, and future interest and principles payments of the liability in its financial statements or notes. A company should also disclose any restrictions or covenants on these liabilities. In disclosing this debt a company should present the debt by major category.

A) The definition of purchasing and supply management and the Essay

A) The definition of purchasing and supply management and the importance to the business world - Essay Example All the activities carried out under purchasing and supply management, call for cost-effectiveness. Individuals assigned the tasks of purchasing and supply management have to apply tactics and strategies when selecting suppliers and negotiating prices. This paper provides a discussion of purchasing and supply management. The discussion includes the importance of purchasing and supply to the business world, steps in creating project supply, service, and material budget, selecting suppliers, strategies for negotiating prices and costs of outsourcing. The paper concludes by evaluating organizations that are benchmark in purchasing and supply management. Purchasing entails acquiring goods and services necessary for the organization’s day to day operation or manufacturing of products. Supply management, also referred to as supply chain management is the process employed by organizations with the objective of having a cost-effective and efficient supply chain. In commerce, through purchasing, industries and public corporations procure raw materials, supplies and services. The important processes included in purchasing are identifying the needs, selecting the supplier, negotiating appropriate price, reviewing the terms and conditions, issuing the order or contract, and finally, follow up on the delivery. Basically, purchasing is centered on the task of ensuring that materials or products, which are of right quantity, quality and price are obtained from the selected supplier at the right time and place. Purchasing is done either for resale by retailers and wholesalers or for transformation that is industrial purchasing (Benton, 2 006). A supply chain in most cases comprises five important stages, which are plan, develop, make, deliver and lastly return. In supply chain management, the first stage, known as a plan is to determine how goods and services will satisfy customers’ requirements and needs. Develop, as the

Ethical Issues in Health Information Technology Essay

Ethical Issues in Health Information Technology - Essay Example Administrators have a responsibility to behave ethically and respect the confidentiality of the information they maintain, acquire, and use in their roles an organization agent (Berner, 2008). When administrators lose the privacy of confidential information, and the incapability to control how patient’s information is disclosed and used there are potential liabilities that he or she is susceptible to. If one violates the ethical principles, it does not imply automatically that he or she has violated the law. An individual’s actions are subjected to peer review to see whether his actions were justified. If not the individual will be subjected to the legal process where he or she can be charged with causing harm to the patient. Disclosing a patient’s confidential information without the proper procedure is wrong, and the employee may face the full force of the law. However, to minimize the risk that comes with disclosing confidential information the following procedures should be followed. First, the patient should be told the consequences or harm that may come with disclosing the information so be aware of them. Second, appropriate consent of the patient and the health care institution should be provided before disclosing confidential information. Additionally, confidential information can be disclosed without the patient’s consent when the law mandates or permits the procedure for a valid purpose (Layman, 2003). Layman, E. (2003). Health informatics: ethical issues. Health Care Manager, 22, 2–15. Retrieved from

Construct an incident response plan Research Paper

Construct an incident response plan - Research Paper Example The metrics are further discussed in relation to what is to be measured in the policy, how it is to be measured and the kind of action to be performed with the information. This is to ensure that the policy is workable and makes sense in relation to the fact that the impacts can be quantified. In the Information Technology, being a continuously developing field, there are risks that come with dynamic nature of the field. The exposure to such risks, if not secured, normally leads to loss of income in the sector. These risks involve hacking, using the website for adverts among others (Beale et al., 2003).In addition, the risks deserve some scrutiny so as to understand how to tackle them. The policy is supposed to ensure that the risks that lead to vulnerability are taken into consideration so that they can be mitigated or reduced to the minimal state possible. Analysis of such risks will ensure that the firm does not experience unnecessary loses that could be controlled through the use of appropriate policies and institutional framework. The unsecured risks that include hacking are the major challenges experienced in the IT sector and, therefore, tackling it will be of a much relief to the firm. This will also make the firm outstanding in terms of competition since its products will not be able to be duplicated or pirated thus a fair competition (Johnson, 2013). Addressing the unsecured risks will ensure that the IT firm gets its profit to the maximum thus eliminating issues like retrenchments and early retirement that are proposed by the firm due to low profits. The employees will also be able to work in an IT secured environment whereby their personal information and their unique work that come from their expertise cannot be leaked to the public without their consent. Their work also cannot be lost due to the deliberate introduction of computer viruses by the competitors (Easttom, 2013). The policy will ensure that the

Customer Service Software and how it provides tools used in enhancing Essay

Customer Service Software and how it provides tools used in enhancing customer service - Essay Example An excellent customer service ensures that the customers know the services expected from the organization, and the organization should ensure high quality information about the regular customer needs. The company management should be easily accessible, and response should be fast. Customer service provides a framework in the creation of commendable customer relationship within the organization. Customer service creates trust and loyalty between the organization and the customers transcending moment interaction. Mostly, complaining psychology ensues as measurement for crises ad opportunities (Kelshall 2009, p.223). Customer service entails all the activities that enhance high level customer satisfaction by ensuring the services and the product meet the customer expectation, and it enhances income and revenue generation. Customers and the Organization Customers can be regarded as key stakeholders to every success within an organization. The constant drive in customer satisfaction is th e duty of all people within an organization. The appreciation of the employees in organizations takes place regardless of whether the link is direct or indirect. Many organizations consider the customer role as the prime. This happens through corporate training programs and improved communication techniques. Customer satisfaction by an organization requires maintenance of the customer contacts. Marketers enhance customer satisfaction through market survey and research to offer insights on the new services and products sought by the customers (Rao & Madhavi 2004, p. 38). Customers influence the decision by the marketing team towards decision making. Customers are crucial determinants of profits and revenues and ensure job security within an organization. Therefore, viability of an organization measured based on the potential of an organization to attract customers. Provision of excellent customer service is the paramount goal of an organization (Chung 2006, p. 10). Customer satisfact ion and the client retention Customer retention ensures continued business relationship between the customer and the firm. On the other hand, customer satisfaction is the measure of the surpassing power of goods and services by an organization to customer expectation. Commendable customer satisfaction accompanies loyalty. The organization with high customer satisfaction pays little attention to the advertising from their competitors. Satisfaction influences repurchasing intention and ensures customer retention. Unsatisfied customers may continue their patronage based on fear of shifting to other alternatives. Fear is created by the unawareness of the other services elsewhere, especially when using the repurchase intention in measuring the customer satisfaction (Kelshall 2009, p.224). Relationship between organization profitability and customer satisfaction Many studies indicate the correlation between the customer satisfaction and the organization profitability. Happy employees comm unicate well with the customers. The customers continue with their patronage. The relationship develops leading to continuous loyalty. Invariably, the defection rate reduces and acquisition of new customers results. Good customer service is critical in enhancing customer perceived value. The overall assessment of the customer on the product utility improves the customer loyalty. The customer perceived values influence the cost and the tastes of the customers. The interaction efficiency with the staff influences the perceived value

Business Impact Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Business Impact Analysis - Essay Example ing the postal system is the Office of Inspector General (OIG) whose chief officer reports directly to the Postal Office’s Governors and not subject to any supervisory jurisdiction to any other Postal Service in the country (USPS OIG: David Williams, 2010). Due to the delicate nature of the tasks, responsibilities, and accountabilities accorded all personnel working for USPS OIG, a business impact analysis is most useful in assisting management in determining which functions are critical to the continued operation of the organization. According the its official website, the mission of the office is to assist in the maintenance of confidence through safeguarding the organization’s bottom line concurrent with undertaking both audits and investigations. It was specifically stated that â€Å"audits of postal programs and operations help to determine whether the programs and operations are efficient and cost-effective. Investigations help prevent and detect fraud, waste, and misconduct and have a deterrent effect on postal crimes† (USPS OIG: Mission, 2010, par.1). In this regard, the OIG is tasked with focusing on the following strategic goals which are considered relevant as giving direction to the organization: generation of revenue, improving and increasing the organization’s efficiency in performance, focusing on improvement of service, emphasis on a culture which focuses on the customers, increasing awareness on sustainability efforts, and regular monitoring and apprising on regulatory studies and obligations to report (OIG: Semi-Annual Report to Congress, 2008, 7). Business impact assessment is one of the steps incorporated in business continuity planning. Since OIG undertakes audits and investigations, the initial step to identify critical areas that would ensure the accomplishment of identified objectives entails reviewing the STEEP (social, technological, economic, ecological, and political) factors that impact its operations (Van der Heijden, et.al.,

China the Onechild Policy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

China the Onechild Policy - Essay Example It emerged from the belief that development would be compromised by rapid population growth and that the sheer size of China's population together with its young age structure presented a unique challenge." (Kane and Choi, 1999). Therefore, a reflective analysis of the one child family policy in China confirms that it was developed and implemented in reply to the concerns about the social and economic consequences of the sustained fast growth of population in the country and the execution of the policy was more effective in urban areas than rural areas of China. One of the major criticisms of the policy has been that it brings about inequity against females, who are often aborted, abandoned, or unregistered and there are reports of fines, pressures to abort a pregnancy, and even forced sterilization in the case of second or subsequent pregnancies. The rigorous implementation of the policy became more difficult due to social and economic reforms. However, one of the most important con sequences of the policy has been that it eased some of the pressures of rapid population increase on communities and it has reduced the population of the nation by at least 250 million. In this paper, a profound analysis of the one child policy in China is carried out in order to point out some of the good and bad effects accompanying the policy. China: the good and bad effects of one-child policy The one-child policy, which comes under the official translation of family planning policy of the Chinese government, has been one of the very important steps taken by the government in order to control the population growth in the nation and the policy officially restricts the number of children to the urban couples. Introduced by the Chinese government in 1979 to deal with the social, economic, and environmental problems in China, this policy has affected around 35.9% of China's population today. It is essential to realize the various significant aspects of the policy in order to make a good analysis of the good and bad effects of one-child policy in China. In a reflective analysis of the essential aspects of the policy, it becomes lucid that "the aim was to curtail population growth, perhaps to 1.1 billion and certainly to 1.2 billion, by the year 2000. It was hoped that third and higher order births could be eliminated and that about 30% of couples might agree to forgo a second c hild. The ideal of a one child family implied that the majority would probably never meet it People were to be encouraged to have only one child through a package of financial and other incentives, such as preferential access to housing, schools, and health services." (Kane and Choi, 1999). Thus, the one-child policy was the result of a common realization that the sacrifice of second or third children was very essential for the sake of future generations of China which is the most populous country in the world. One of the crucial factors about China's one-child family policy has been that it has crucially influenced the lives of nearly a quarter of the world's population for more than a quarter of the century and it is essential to realize the good and bad effects of the policy. A background analysis of China's one-child family policy makes clear that the Chinese government embarked on this policy in 1979, following the economic stagnation of the

Human Error in Aviation Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Human Error in Aviation - Research Paper Example Studies show that out of the aviation accidents that occur in the US, 60% to 80% are due to human error. Loss of or poor Crew Resource Management (CRM) facilitates most of these accidents. US airlines fail to give their crew proper training and CRM, which are very vital in preventing human errors in the aviation industry. Another important factor in human errors and aviation accidents is the ‘Swiss cheese model’ in which defensive systems consists of slices or pieces, as well as holes resulting from opening, and displacement of the slices, which result in human error. Since human errors occur due to psychological and physiological factors, aviation psychology is an effective solution for human failures in aviation. In addition, there should be proper training and CRM for aviation crew focusing on human factors. Accidents are part of our everyday life. Most of these accidents are attributed to the mistakes we make. Many theories link accidents to systems failure other than human errors. However, there is increasing focus on human error as one of the major causes of accidents. Error classification method was developed to explain the various causes of human error in aviation. Error classification method analyzes the ways in, which people contribute to system reliability or the system failure. Many aircraft accidents result from human error other than systems failure. When investigating accidents, there should be a focus on human errors that might have led to an aviation accident. This is because system failures result from the engineers’ failure or errors in making the craft. This research essay seeks to justify the argument that human errors are the main factors behind aviation related accidents. According Reason, high technology systems consist of defensive layers that either are engineered or rely on people and administrative procedures (6). Engineered defensive systems include physical

Managing Change Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Managing Change - Assignment Example Furthermore, for such a company to survive through all those years in the competitive market, it has to set its strategies right. In this report, we are going to explore the approaches that Nike towards corporate responsibility. Nike is therefore developing a new approach to corporate responsibility to consider ways at which it can harness the power of its business so that it influences environmental and social changes as the business grows. As the year 2006 approached, Nike’s acting goal was to make sure that every business unit incorporates corporate responsibility to their development strategies, responsibilities and performance. In addition to that, Nike was going to evaluate success by the extent at which the various businesses have met their goals for corporate responsibility as well as the business growth. ‘CR must evolve from being seen as an unwanted cost to being recognized as an intrinsic part of a healthy business model, an investment that creates competitive advantage and helps a company achieve profitable, sustainable growth. For that to happen, we saw we needed to transition our corporate responsibility efforts beyond that of standard risk and reputation management approach usually taken, and beyond the work of an isolated function within the business model. We realized that effective strategies are ones that embrace the whole enterprise. Responsible competitive outcomes result from holistic approaches and business processes that extend from factory workers to consumer, from sources or raw material to communities, where we can influence social and environmental change, from our workplace to the world we all share. An environmentally friendly product made under poor labor is a hollow success. A product made under good conditions but that is bad for our planet is a missed opportunity. We don’t believe in trade-offs. We do believe – passionately so – in innovating to create new and better solutions’. In this report, we

What Literacy Means to Me Essay Example for Free

What Literacy Means to Me Essay What literacy means for me and the impact that it has had on my life. Literacy refers to the ability to read for knowledge, write coherently, and think critically about the written word. The primary sense of literacy still represents the lifelong, intellectual process of gaining meaning from a critical interpretation of the written or printed text. Key to all literacy is reading development, a progression of skills that begins with the ability to understand spoken words and decode written words, and culminates in the deep understanding of text. Literacy is taught through parents by making reading to your child a regular part of your daily schedule, just as my mother did when I was younger. She would read both early readers and chapter books to me. When reading, she would point to the words as she said them and read slowly. This allowed me to read along with her. Once she noticed that I understood certain words, such as the word the, my mother would let me say that word a few times when it appears in the story. This method taught me to be quite an advanced reader by the age of 5 and was heading into kindergarten. The definition of literacy is a difficult one to answer. When the word literacy comes to mind I think of it first in basic terms of just being able to read, but I know it contains more elements of being just able to read. In my mind literacy as a whole defines the relationship that people have with literature. Just like the way my mother taught me the love of reading, which has continued to grow as Ive aged and encouraged me to develop a love for chapter books and the stories depicted in them. I find myself becoming engrossed in these stories and sometimes even comparing them to my own life experiences. Literacy as a whole means the relationship with different types of literature and how well people can comprehend them. There is the basic standard of literacy which would be reading. Then the next step would be how well the reader could comprehend what is being read. Understanding the words written and know most of their meaning. After that it would be how well the reader could analyze the text. The next step from there would be if the writer could then analyze the text well enough to point out anomalies, binaries, patterns, strands, and any repetition that the literature being read may have. After the interpretation of reading and understanding the literature one should be able to write about it. When writing on the literature the reader should be able to communicate clear decisive thoughts about the text that isn’t already spelled out in the literature. With a sharp focused analytical claim. This shows that the reader understood the literature and is capable of translating it to others without retelling the literature that has already been read. For me literacy is very important and has a really strong impact in my life. When I was a kid I remember my mother always telling me â€Å"the more you know the better it is†. I never really understood what she meant nor did I pay that much attention. Society has proven time and time again, it will reward those individuals who are competent and impede those who are not, whether expressed in terms of employment opportunities or just on a social level. One needs look no further than their everyday activities in order to realize how important literacy is. Without adequate literary skills one may not be able to identify on a label the correct amount of medicine to give a child, or read and interpret a sign giving instructions on what to do in case of a fire. These two examples bring perspective to literacys importance. I discovered that I mainly use text or literacy to communicate with others for maintaining family connections or for work related information. I use text or literacy for entertainment as well, but I spend far less time using it for work than I do for entertainment. Overall, I think literacy is a very fluid concept—it is ever changing and evolving as we change and as our way of life changes. A generation or two ago, it was merely important to be able to read and write. Now, one must be able to read and write and use technology to be successful in the world. And for this necessary ability, I have my mother to thank for all her hard work teaching me these skills as a young child.

Long Bone Fractures in Children: IN Fentanyl Treatment

Long Bone Fractures in Children: IN Fentanyl Treatment Introduction The clichà © that states children are just small adults is certainly not true in the case of long bone fractures. A childs experience of long bone fractures is dramatically different from that of an adult on account of their rapidly developing physiology (Wood et al 2003). This rapid development results in biochemical and physiological differences between a childs and an adults skeleton, the mechanisms of fracture and healing, are an important component of their treatment needs and consequently crucial part of emergency care management (Bonadio et al 2001). In addition, children, from infancy through to adolescence, have common fracture patterns related to their stage of development. The structural differences between the bones of a child and an adult enable childrens bones to endure greater forces and to heal quicker a childs remodeling potential supports full recovery with limited or no long term side effects from long bone fractures (Lane et al 1998). Injuries of all types are the second leading cause of hospitalization among children younger than 15 years (Landin 1997). Musculoskeletal trauma, although rarely fatal, accounts for 10% to 25% of all childhood injuries (McDonnell 1997, Landin 1997, Lane et al 1998). Boys have a 40% risk and girls a 25% risk of incurring a fracture before the age of 16 years (Landin 1997, Ritsema et al 2007). The most common site of fracture is the distal forearm which accounts for 50% of paediatric fractures. The rates of fracture increases with age as children grow; peaking in early adolescence. Fortunately, most fractures in children are minor greenstick and torus fractures constitute approximately 50% of all fractures in children (Landin 1997, Lane et al 1998, Gasc Depalokos1999, Richards et al 2006) and only 20% require reduction. Thus, the management of paediatric fractures is often straightforward. Without exception children will experience pain at the time of injury, attending the accident and emergency department and during recovery. The most common pain management strategies involve a multi-modal approach that includes both pharmacological and non-pharmacological components delivered via the least invasive technique (Worlock et al 2000). In practice this includes oral medication, such as oramorph, paracetamol, and NSAIDs, inhaled entonox, intranasal diamorphine (IND) or intravenous opioid where necessary and distraction with age appropriate devices, such as interactive books, bubbles, music and computer games in older children. Notably, IND is currently embraced as the key route of opioid delivery for children attending AED with fracture pain in the UK British Association for Accident and Emergency Medicine (BAAM E 2002). Parents and guardians of children frequently seek care in AED for the relief of pain from traumatic injuries and as a result the field of emergency medicine has assumed a leadership role in paediatric pain management. However, despite this the literature suggests the provision of pain relief for children attending AED remains suboptimal when compared to adults with the same injuries. Further discrepancies are reported between paediatric accident and emergency departments (PAED) and district general accident and emergency departments (DGAED) (Emergency Triage 2004). One reason suggested for these differences is the geographic distribution of specialised services, which are predominantly located in large cities where they are affiliated with universities. However, a recent audit by the British Association for Emergency Medicine (BAAEM 2005) of their guideline for the management of pain in children shows inconsistencies in provision of analgesia particularly for fracture pain throughout the country with no measurable difference between PAED and DGAED. A key feature of this guideline is the algorithm which advocates the use of IN diamorphine for acute moderate to severe pain in children over the age of one year (see appendix 1). The whole topic of analgesia in the paediatric population is complex and still imperfect especially in acute moderate to severe pain requiring urgent treatment in the emergency department (Schechter et al 2002). The road to pain free suffering is still paved with impediments such as failure of pain recognition and methods of delivery of analgesia (Murat et al 2003). Oral administration can be inadequate in an emergency situation with particular limitations in potential choice of drug and delay in gastric absorption and gastric emptying. Intramuscular (IM) and intravenous (IV) administration can be distressing to children and have been shown to influence future response to painful procedures (Gidron et al 1995, McGrath et al 2000, Fitzgerald et al 2005, Walker et al 2007). Rectal administration has limited acceptability given unpredictability of onset together with occasional problems of consent (Mitchell et al. 1995). By contrast, the efficacy and safety of the IN route has been well documented for desmopression acetate (DDAVP), insulin, antihistamines, midazolam and calcitonin (Jewkes et al 2004, Loryman et al 2006). In contrast, intranasal administration has a number of advantages. It is technically straightforward, socially acceptable and demonstrably effective. The nasal mucosa is richly vascular and administration by this route avoids the first-pass metabolism phenomenon Summary Studies in the 1990s such as Yearly Ellis (1992) have also demonstrated the efficacy of administration of intranasal medication via a nasal spray rather than drops in adults, although the efficacy of this application in the paediatric population remains to be proven. Intranasal administration is possibly the ideal route of analgesic administration in children. Currently, within the accident and emergency department (AED) of Bristol Royal Hospital for Children (BRHC) intranasal diamorphine is used as the first rescue analgesia in the paediatric population presenting with acute moderate to severe pain, most frequently in patients with long bone fractures who do not require intravenous access for resuscitation. Diamorphine is a semi synthetic derivative of morphine with a number of properties that render it a desirable analgesic agent for administration via the nasal route. It is a weak base with a pKa of 7.83 and is water soluble allowing high concentration to be administered in small volume (Rook et al 2006). Unfortunately the legal use of diamorphine is limited to two European countries i.e. United Kingdom (UK) and Sweden. Furthermore periodic problems with its availability during the past few years (with further shortfalls in availability predicted by the NHS purchasing and supply agency) have resulted in an alternative efficacious analgesia being sought for this population. Fentanyl, however, is a short rapidly acting opiate has several qualities that render it useful as an IN analgesia and a potential candidate to replace IN diamorphine in the AED for acute facture pain management in children. It has a very high lipid solubility, potency and diffusion fraction, and unlike diamorphine it is not a prodrug and does not cause histamine release (Reynolds et al 1999). Assessment of a patients pain experience is not directly accessible to others, collecting and analyzing information about the processes of pain relief and pain prevention is not straightforward and presents significant challenges to health care professionals. In children, this task is further complicated by their varied stages of physical and cognitive development. Recent research by Bruce Frank (2004) however, has shown that the ability to measure pain in the paediatric population has improved dramatically and that today there now exists a plethora of age appropriate pain assessment tools for acute pain in children ranging from pre-term infants to adolescents, the majority claiming validity (strength and robustness) and reliability (consistency). However, most clinical research into pain management strategies continue to rely on the gold standard self report and visual analogy score tools (mostly 0-10) (Chalkiadis 2001, Walker et al 2007). Although these tools are reliable they are not always adapted appropriately for a childs stage of development. Childrens understanding of pain and their ability to describe pain change with increasing age in a developmental pattern consistent with the characteristics of Piagets preoperational, concrete operational and formal operational stages in cognitive development (Smith et al 2003). The quality or int ensity of the pain can be difficult to determine in children, as most tools rely upon a patients relative judgment between the intensity of present pain versus a patients worst pain experience (Murray et al 1996). These tools can therefore be unreliable where a childs age of development means they have limited or no memory of pain experience. Stevens et al (2002) recently described a conflict of understanding that resulted in a study bias and an insignificant reported power of (p=0.6). In the study an 8 year old boy had chosen the VAS (0-10) but frequently reported his score as 10, although he understood the increasing value of the scoring system further questioning identified he perceived 10 of 10 to be a good score and 0 of 10 to be poor. The boy was at a stage of development that limited his understanding of less is more. This case highlights the importance of utilizing a pain assessment technique that reliably accounts for a childs age of development. A preliminary search of literature suggests there is currently exists limited research to support for the use of intranasal diamorphine or intranasal fentanyl for the management of acute pain in long bone fracture in children as evidenced based medicine. Despite this lack of evidence it remains a key strategy within paediatric AED for the pain management of long bone fractures and is anecdotally reported as a gold standard for paediatric pain management. Therefore; its lack of availability could profoundly compromise pain management for this population. Thus, this extended literature review will examine the efficacy of intranasal fentanyl as an alternative to intranasal diamorphine for traumatic fracture pain in children attending accident and emergency departments. However, in these days of evidence based medicine, it clearly needs to be established beyond all reasonable doubt. In view of that only research into paediatrics will be included increasing the credibility of its applicat ion to practice. SEARCH STRATEGY A range of complimentary search techniques were used to capture key research including a systematic electronic literature search of the Cochrane library, Embase, CINAHL, Proquest, Medline, PubMed since 1990 up to 2009 (this has to be to year of submission). The scope of the search was extended beyond the recognised five years of current research so as to include the empirical work into the development of IN analgesia in children. Key words used included the following: pain, acute pain management, intranasal diamorphine, intranasal fentanyl, procedural, accident and emergency, emergency department, child, pediatric, paediatric, child and fracture pain, as well as various combinations. In addition, in order to ensure the completeness of the search, an internet search was completed using the Google search engine, IASP, Pain Journal, Paediatric Nursing, BAAEM, NICE, Medline, EBM; the RCN was also utilised. Backward chaining of references found was also performed to ensure all relevant papers were identified. Although this review identified twenty seven citations it should be noted that historically there are fewer Randomised Controlled Trials (RCT) in children compared to adults possibly due to problems gaining ethical approval and consent. Additionally even experienced researchers will be unable to find all relevant papers and much research is not submitted for publication. The studies identified were divided into the three modalities of IN route, IN diamorphine and IN fentanyl with the majority presenting evidence for the IN route. All papers were critiqued using a tool published by the Learning and Development Department within the Public Health Resource Unit of the NHS (www.phru.nhs.uk/casp). The tool facilitated critiquing different forms of quantitative research and is based on work by Sackett (1986), Sackett et al (1996) and Phillips et al (2008) (see appendix 2). The results of the critique process for each paper and level of evidence applied in line with the modalities they address informed understanding of current practice and development of a research proposal. STRUCTURE OF THE LITERATURE REVIEW This literature review will focus on determining whether IN fentanyl is an effective alternative to IN diamorphine for the management of long bone fracture pain in children attending an AED. The scope of the literature review considers literature from 1990 onwards although occasionally earlier research has been referenced. Given the limited available evidence on the topic the following review structure has been selected. Chapters 1, 2 3 will present the evidence sourced on each theme intranasal route, intranasal diamorphine and intranasal fentanyl with a short summary to conclude each chapter. Chapter 4 will present an in-depth discussion and conclusion on the utility of the evidence, its application to practice and the requirement for a multi-centred comparative randomised control trial to improve the credibility of the evidence base for this field of treatment. Finally chapter 5 will present a research proposal for a comparative study of these modalities. Intranasal (IN) route of medication delivery in children. Nasal administration of drugs has been reported as having several significant advantages over current practice which are predominately oral, IM, IV and rectal (Williams Rowbotham 1998). It is emerging as a low-tech, inexpensive and non-invasive first line method for managing either pain or other medical problems (Wolf et al 2006). Nasal medication delivery takes a middle path between slow onset oral medications and invasive, highly skilled delivery of intravenous medications. The nose has a very rich vascular supply, IN facilitates direct absorption to the systemic blood supply due to increased bio-availability of the drug by missing first pass metabolism, It avoids the potentially technically difficult of sterile intravenous access, is essentially painless and is considered acceptable to children when compared to other routes of administration (Shelly Paech 2006) (see table 1). a theory which will be considered when reviewing the studies within this chapter Therefore suggesting th e IN route will result in therapeutic drug levels, effective treatment of seizures and pain without the need to give an injection or a pill, furthermore; it is quite inexpensive, an advantage in this era of increasingly expensive medical technology (Shelly Paech 2006). Additionally given the complexity of the developing child and the known consequence of poorly managed pain on the future responses to pain the IN route does, if it is as efficacious and as safe as suggested offer one of the most acceptable, definitive forms of analgesia delivery in children. The degree of accuracy of the previous statements will be established within this chapter by critically reviewing the 16 studies identified on IN medications other than intranasal diamorphine or intranasal fentanyl in the paediatric population (see table 2) as these agents are considered individually in later chapters. The rigour of the studies will be addressed within this chapter and reflect the level of evidence applied according to Sackett (1986) criteria (see appendix 3). Most studies reviewed were randomised clinical trials and in some cases compared against a placebo Conversely, this does not concur with the trials discussed earlier (Lahat et al 1998, Al-rakaf et al 2001, Fisgin et al 2002, Mahmoudian and Zadeh 2004 and Holsti et al 2007) where significant dosing was applied or in Wilson et al (2004) who retrospectively studied 30 children age 2-16 years receiving 0.3mg/kg at 5mg/1ml INM and 13 patients receiving rectal 0.2mg/kg diazepam for seizures. The authors report equal efficacy for both routes. Success of these agents was considered on cessation of seizures, no reported complication and not needing to attend A+E. A total of 27/30 families who had used INM found it effective and easy to use. Although 20/24 (83%) who had previously used rectal diazepam still preferred it mostly due to the coughing and the volume of liquid administered via the IN route. Given it is generally considered that the optimum IN dose as stated above is 0.1- 0.2 ml per nostril, all but the studies discussed so far were using drug concentration and dosing regimes whic h resulted in large volumes of liquid being dripped in to the nasal cavity. This is particularly poignant in Wilson et al (2003) who compared buccal to IN midazolam in 53 children aged 3-12 years experiencing seizures lasting > 5 minutes attending AED. A key feature of this study is the mean age of the children (age 9 years), mean weight (24kg) the study drug concentration as with previous studies was of 5mg /ml. IN dosing was at a dose of 0.3mg/kg. Given these figure the average dose would have been 7.2mg = a volume of 1.4ml being administered. Since the comparative route of administration for this study was buccal there is a possibility that part of the IN dose was buccally absorbed therefore creating a flaw in this study methodology, raising questions over why this comparative route was chosen and suggesting the only real conclusion to be taken from this particular study is buccal midazolam is effective and safe in children. Furthermore although this is described as a blind RCT and the authors claim the time to cessation of seizure was quicker for the INM group 2.43 (SD 1.67) to 3.52 (SD 2.14) for buccal route there is little detail on the blinding process or data collection procedure suggesting the rigour of the study maybe flawed therefore the efficacy and safety claimed for the IN route should not be embraced without further study. On the other hand Fisgin et al (2002) and Hardord et al (2004) compared the INM with rectal diazepam. In Fisgin et al (2002) in an unblinded RCT equivalence study the authors compared INM with rectal Diazepam to ascertain the safety and efficacy of INM for the development of a clinical protocol in the management of prolonged seizure in children attending the AED. Forty five infants and children age 1 month -13years experiencing prolonged seizures > 10 minutes were either given INM 0.2mg/kg or rectal diazepam 0.3mg/kg. The authors report proven efficacy (p Intranasal Diamorphine (IND) The delivery of opioids via the IN route is perhaps one of the most valuable indications for IN medication delivery. Acute pain is a frequent experience for children whether attending an AED, hospital and hospice setting (Hamer et al 1997). Furthermore it is not unusual for them to experience frequent episodes of breakthrough pain which requires additional support from fast acting analgesic agents. Owing to the developmental and physiological difference in the paediatric population there is a need for a variety of effective treatment option from which to select and individualise the patients therapy to meet their needs. IN opioid is simply one such option available which may be useful in children. It has been suggested that the delivery of medications via the IN route results in rapid absorption with medication levels within the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) being comparable with (IV) administration (Chien and Chang 1997). Diamorphine hydrochloride is a semi-synthetic derivative of morphine. It is extremely hydrophilic, which makes it ideal to use when preparing in high concentrations in solution, thus allowing high doses to be administered in smaller volumes via the intranasal route (Kendall Latter 2003). However, this route of administration can be a painful process as reported by adults (Henry et al 1998). Despite this the intranasal route is considered more acceptable to children and their parents and is thought to lessen the opioid side effect profile seen in IV administration (Stoker et al 2008). This concept has been well recognised throughout the UK and many centres already use intranasal diamorphine for acute pain in children, following the guidelines by the British Association for Accident and Emergency Medicine Clinical Effectiveness Committee (2002) (BAAEM). Although the administration of intranasal diamorphine is now a first line choice for moderate to severe acute pain for children atten ding AED, as is the case within our institution, there is very limited research to substantiate this practice although as noted above it has been readily accepted by the BAAEM for acute pain management in children and very successfully used within our institution A recent shortage of diamorphine evoked the search for an equally effective and acceptable alternative. Early research in animals and adults reported pharmacokinetics of nebulised inhalation and intranasal administration of diamorphine as detected morphine in plasma at six minutes (Masters et al 1988, Kendall 2001). Despite the age of this research and the fact that the later study was in adults, it is still quoted as creditable evidence to support this practice in paediatrics. However the legitimacy of this should be questioned, due to children not being just small adults but have physiological differences intrinsic to their age and stage of development which may affect the bodys absorption and level of toxicity in different ways to adults. The extensive literature search highlighted four randomized controlled trials (RCT) that demonstrate IND to be clinically superior to intramuscular morphine and inferior to IV morphine particularly in the management of acute pain in children, a case study of an 8 year old boy and clinical audit of IND for pain relief in children attending AED (see table 3). The key methodology in the RCTs by Wilson et al (1997), Kendall et al (2001), Brennan et al (2004) and Brennan et al (2005) suggest these are superiority studies where the authors hypothesised improved pain management with the IND when compared to a variety of routes. The rigour of the studies will be discussed later in the chapter. Although while the critiquing process takes place it is fundamentally accepted that RCT are considered level 1 or 2 evidence as opposed to case study or audits at Level 3b and therefore generally sourced to Latest published clinical evidence to support the use IND in the paediatric population is presented in an audit by Gahir Ranson (2006) of 54 children whose care was managed by the use of an integrated care pathway for acute pain management while attending the local AED. This integrated care pathway focused strongly on the use of IND. Data collection was on a one page performa and included consent, date, patient demographic, pain score and side effect profile. Data collection was retrospective and data analysis illustrated limited recording of side effect profile but improved pain scores. However only 60% of patients have this information documented so data collection was difficult. Despite this lack of hard evidence no clinical incident, including the side effect profiles, were reported. Thus suggesting the practice of IND for acute fracture pain management in children could be safe, effective and more acceptable to children than the more painful alternative of IM or IV administration. However there is limited strength in an audit, other than a review of practice (Bowling Ebrahim 2005) and in this case a key feature for review should be the documentation process in the department as there were facets in the care pathway administration documentation missing. Therefore this audit suggests that IND is safe and effective pain management for children, but this conclusion can not be categorically drawn from the limited data available. The potential outcome of this audit could be education on documentation, to do a more rigours prospective audit of practice. Unfortunately at this point it only offers an insight to their clinical practice which is favourable for this agent and route. Albeit as noted before IND has improved childrens pain management and over all experience of acute care in our PAED additionally as with the results of the audit we have experienced no side effects or complications, further highlighting the importance of seeking an alternative to IND which offers equally efficacy. Intranasal Fentanyl (INF) Monitoring of the usual observations and pain scoring in the child was recorded prior to the administration of fentanyl (20 micrograms for 3-7 year olds and 40 micrograms for 8-16 yrs) and continued at 5 minute intervals for the 30 minute period. Additional doses of fentanyl (20  µg) were available if required at 5 minute intervals. Pain assessment was achieved with two validated pain assessment tools, the visual analogue scale (VAS) in older children and the Wong-Baker Faces (WBF) for younger children. Both are reliable and known to support consistency in pain assessment. Though there was no mention of training for those assessing this primary end point using these tools in the paper therefore this should be considered in the overview of the standard of evidence produced by this study. Additionally although forty five patients were randomized following consent unfortunately no details on the randomization process was disclosed in the paper either. This may not be significant, but when reviewing the credibility of the authors claims these obvious omissions could be responsible for a flaw in this study and remains to be established. On the other hand, the methodology that has been disclosed in the paper appears sound as it addresses key areas of sample calculation (power of the study) as a superiority study with the sub groups size adequate to detect a significant difference (Greenhalgh 2004); demographics, blinding of the drugs, assessors and appropriate statistical analysis of the data therefore supporting the validity of the results claimed and the application of the results to the age of patient targeted that this literature review is aiming to find an analgesic alternative to IND for. The results concluded by Borland et al (2002), are a reduction in pain score at 10 minutes to 44.6 mm (95% confidence interval) 36.2-53.1 mm from 62.3 mm 53.2-69.4 mm (95% confidence interval) at assessment using the VAS and 2.2 (95% confidence interval 1.3-3.1) at 10 minutes from 4.0 (95% confidence interval 3.3-4.7) at assessment in 16 children using WBS. Visual analogue pain scores demonstrated clinically significant reductions in pain scores by 5 minutes that persisted throughout the entire study (up to 30 minutes) for both INF and IV morphine. The second primary end point of this study (side effect profile) showed no significant change in physiological parameter of the childrens pulse or respiratory rate, blood pressure or oxygen saturations, interestingly the side affect profile chosen for monitoring such as pulse and blood pressure are not considered to be one of the primary side affects of morphine, however nausea and vomiting which are was not assessed. Ultimately, there wer e no negative side-effects and the sizeable reduction in pain scores (compared to baseline assessments) was accomplished in children using INF by 10 minutes and maintained throughout the 30 minute period with the mean INF dose at 1.5 µg/kg and ranging from 0.5-3.4  µg/kg. Interestingly 35.5% of children in the INF group only required one dose. Given the clinical equivalency of these two agents and routes the authors conclusion that INF offers the benefits of a simple painless technique for treating acute pain is substantiated. These benefits suggest that the IN route could be a valuable technique not only in an AED but also for breakthrough pain by offering a fast onset of pain control in moderate to severe painful conditions. It could also provide pain relief and allow topical anaesthetics to take effect on the skin prior to IV establishment. Therefore this may be a suitable alternative to IND. A similar and more recent double blinded RCT trial by Saunders et al (2007) claimed efficacy of a larger dosing regimen with a mean dose of 2 µg/kg INF (50 µg/ml) for pain reductions in paediatric orthopaedic trauma compared with IVM at 0.1mg/kg in 60 3-12 year old children. This study reports positive outcome for INF following both patients and carers reporting very effective pain management and satisfaction using this treatment method. However there is little information in the paper of methodology and results are given in percentages rather than a P value or NTT which should be expected in a rigorous creditable RCT of two agents (Bowling Ebrahim 2005) reducing the level of evidence applied to the paper to L3. Even supposing the results are an accurate reflection of the efficacy and safety of INF, particularly the fact that no significant difference in pain score or side effect profile and INF is a way forward, the lack of detail the randomisation process and analysis of data in the study methodology merely implies that these results maybe flawed. Interestingly given the concentration of fentanyl 50 µg/ ml a dosing volume for a 25kg child would have required one ml = 0.5ml per-nostril therefore suggesting some of the administration may have been oral rather than IN and present the issues of bad taste which is put forward as a possible study limitation by the authors. Then again there are no complications or reports on taste presented in the results and the authors conclusion on the efficacy of INF for acute pain management in children may be founded. However, without sourcing more details from the authors it cannot be considered evidence to inform this dissertations aims but merely an ex ample of poor research or appropriate omission by publishers. Further suggesting there remains a requirement for more research on the topic within double blind, equivalence, RCT focused on INF efficacy and dosing with sound methodology that is transparent in publication to answer the dissertation question. Conversely an older and more rigorous study which also looked at dose related analgesic effect between routes of administration is by Manjushree et al (2002). The authors demonstrated the clinical efficacy of INF in a cohort of 32 children (aged 4-8 yrs) in a postoperative situation and with a double blind level 1 RCT. The study design gives the impression of sound methodology as blinding, assessment and analysis of data was appropriate and available for scrutiny in the paper, particularly the analysis of both nonparametric and nominal data. The only weakness is possibly the sample size of 32 patients. Although the authors performed a power calculation which identified 40 patients to show a significant affect, they only recruited 32 patients, furthermore, this appears to be an equivalency study where the authors hypothesised INF would be equal to and not inferior to IVF therefore would have needed a larger sample to de

Effect of Structural Pounding During Seismic Events

Effect of Structural Pounding During Seismic Events Abstract This project entitled aims at the investigation of the effect of structural pounding to the dynamic response of structures subject to strong ground motions. In many cases structural pounding during earthquake may result in considerable and incalculable damages. It usually need to be accounted for in the case of adjacent structures, bridges, base isolated buildings, industrial and port facilities, and in ground pipelines. The phenomenon of that impact force pounding has been noted by researchers and engineers over the past several decades. As we see through dull historical strokes and performance, in different investigations of past and recent earthquakes damage have illustrated several cases of pounding damage such as those that have occurred in the Imperial Valley (May 18, 1940), the Sequenay earthquake in Canada (1988), Kasai Maison (1991), the Cairo earthquake (1992), the Northridge earthquake (1994), California (1994), Kobe, Japan (1995) Turkey (1999), Taiwan (1999) and Bhuj, Ce ntral Western India (2001). Some of the most memorable seismic events were in the 1972 Managua earthquake, when the five-storey Grant Hotel suffered a complete collapse, also in the 1964 Alaska earthquake, the 14-storey Anchorage Westwood hotel pounded against its low rise ballroom and the most recently extent of pounding in Mexico City in 1985 confirmed this as a major problem. Those all evidences have continued to illustrate the annihilation of earthquakes, with devastation of engineered in both buildings and bridges structures. Amongst the feasible structural destructions, seismic produced pounding has been frequently distinguished in numerous earthquakes, as a result this phenomenon plays a key role to the structures. As engineers, we have a responsibility to prevent it or take the necessary steps to mitigate it for the future constructions by considering the properties that affect and led pounding to occur. In order to examine the effect of the various parameters associated wit h pounding forces on the dynamic response of a seismically excited structure, a number of simulations and parametric studies have been performed, using SAP2000. By more precise investigations that have been done from professional earthquake investigators and engineers pounding produces acceleration and shear at various story levels. Also, significantly depends on the gap size between superstructure segments, which we will examine later on in the project. The main aim of the project is to conduct a detailed investigation on pounding-involved response structure during a seismic event as well as observed the structural behaviour as the result of ground motion excitation by examine the properties that affect pounding and determine the solutions and the mitigations that we have to take into account before we construct a structure in order to avoid future disasters. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Seismic Pounding effect (Overview) Looking throughout the time, investigations and observations of the effects of historical earthquakes have demonstrated that many structures are susceptible to significant damage which may lead to collapse. Numerous devastating earthquakes have hit various seismically active regions. Some investigations that have been followed after those seismic events are distinguished fact providing that, an earthquake within the range of six is capable of creating and generating incalculable and irreversible damages, of both buildings and bridges. Those seismic losses have further consequences, most likely to present economical problem to the community hit. The main target of most seismic excitations are, the primary frequencies of rigid buildings between the ranges of low to medium height, resulting by this in significant accumulations of soil acceleration. Also, addition to this is the causing the presence of the inevitable enduring seismic loads in engineered structures, creating inflexible re sponses. In recent years it becomes more urgent need to minimize seismic damage not only to avoid structures failures but especially in crucial building facilities such as hospitals, telecommunications etc. as well as the protection of the critical equipment that is accommodated by those buildings. (a)barrier rail damage (Northridge earthquake 1994) (b)Connector collapse (Northridge earthquake 1994) In seismically active areas the phenomenon of pounding may need to be accounted for, in the case of closely spaced structures to avoid extensive damages and human losses. The phenomenon of that impact force-pounding has been noted by earthquake investigators over the past several decades when the presence of pounding occurred into an extent. Looking throughout the time, some historical performance of pounding has been denoted, different investigations of past and recent earthquakes damage have illustrated several cases of pounding damage such as those that have occurred in the Imperial Valley (May 18, 1940), California (1994) the Northridge earthquake, Kobe, Japan (1995) and etc. in both engineered structures, buildings and bridges. One of the most remarkable example of pounding-involved destruction resulted from interactions between the Olive View Hospital main building and one of its independently standing stairway towers during the San Fernando earthquake of 1971. The extent of po unding was recently observed in Mexico City in 1985, which then it follows the most recent one in Central Western India (2001). Considerable pounding was observed at sites over 90 km from the epicentre thus indicating the possible catastrophic damage that may occur during future earthquakes having closer epicentres. Is remarkable to denote that pounding of adjacent buildings could have defective damage such as adjacent structures with different dynamic characteristics which vibrate out of phase and there is inadequate separation gap or energy diffusion system to board the relative moderate motions of adjacent buildings. (a)Collapse of a department store building (Northridge earthquake 1994) (b)Collapse of the first story of a wooden residential building (Northridge earthquake 1994) Several researchers considered the topic of pounding between adjacent buildings (Anagnostopoulos 1988; Maison Kasai, 1990; Papadramakis et al, 1996) with proving or deriving mathematical expression in order to evaluate and calculate the pounding force, by using experimental procedures. But few people have actually addressed the topic of pounding between adjacent buildings (Tsai, 1997; Malhotra, 1997; Matsagar Jangid, 2003; Komodromos et al 2007) for which the behaviour and the requirements differ from the conventional structures. Likewise, those projects are limited especially to the study and investigation of pounding between adjacent buildings and based isolated buildings without investigating the case of conflict with neighbouring buildings and the resulting of great deformations of the superstructure. In the past engineers couldnt prevent the pounding due to some factors such as the past seismic codes did not give explicit guidance, because of this and due to particular economical factors and considerations, that are concerning the maximum land usage requirements, especially in the high density populated areas of cities pounding was unavoidable. Due to that, we are able to identify and investigate many buildings in global system which are already been built in contact or overmuch close to another that could easily cause them to suffer from pounding damage in future earthquake strikes. A large rupture is controvertible from both aspects. The overcrowded construction system in many cities complements a dominant apprehension for seismic pounding damage. For these major reasons, it has been comprehensively acquired that pounding is a disastrous phenomenon that should be anticipated or mitigated. Acceleration range will guidance in many cases to quake activities which are appreciably h igher than designed by the design codes that have been used up to now. The most affordable and easy active way for mitigating pounding effects and diminishing pounding damage, is to consider enough separation gap size between close adjacent structures, this causing difficulties to be accomplished, owing to the detailing engineered work that supposed to be done and the high cost of land in this present time. A flipside to the seismic separation gap precaution in the construction design is to reduce the effect or pounding force through devaluating lateral motion, some researchers involved in extent with lateral ground motions due to pounding such as (Kasaiet al. 1996, Abdullah et a.2001, Jankowski et al 2000, Ruangrassamee Kawashima 2003, Kawashima Shoji 2000). This procedure can be accomplished by joining adjacent structures at critical locations of the supports so that their motion could be in-phase with one another or by lessening the pounding buildings damping capacity by means of passive structural control of energy dissipation system. 1.2 Pounding force and impact element Various impact elements are usually used to illustrate the pounding between adjoining construction buildings or bridge structures. Pounding between two conflicting structures, is often simulates by using contact force-based impact models such as the linear spring, Kelvin-Voigt element and Hertz contact model element, and additionally the restitution momentum-based stereo mechanical method. (a) (b) (c) Figure 1.2.1 shows the pounding problem in: (a) bridge structures [1] S. Mithikimar and R. DesRoches 2006; (b) adjacent buildings with link elements [2] V. Annasaheb Matsagar and R. Shyam Jangid 2005; (c) adjacent building with gap size structures [1] S. Mithikimar and R. DesRoches 2006; Also another view of pounding effect beyond that in buildings is on the bridges. Many damages during strong earthquakes have occurred in bridge due to pounding between the girders when the gap is not sufficient. From many experimental studies that have been made showed that pounding damage of a bridge can have severe after-effects as it has been observed in many major earthquakes, such as the 1994 Northridge earthquake etc. As we can see from our daily routine bridges belong to one of the important lifeline systems, their proper function play major role in both our life and in the culture, especially after a devastating earthquake in order to survive and/or recovery. According to some studies [3] Chouw and Hao (2003) and [4] Hai SUI et al. (2004) showed that gap size in the bridges plays the major key role for a bridge to survive under a pounding impact force. The examined the gap size and the outcomes showed that a smaller gap size can expect larger pounding force; therefore the possibility of damage of bridge decks is higher. So on in general designs a small gap should be avoided, if is possible. Moreover according to their experiment the results showed that friction device can decrease pounding impact force that works in different earthquakes. a) Multiple-pier bridge model [4] H. SU, et al 2004; b) Two Single degree of freedom model [4] H. SU, et al 2004; An adequate gap size can contribute to the reduction of pounding effect, but nevertheless in real life the gap size for the designs is unavoidable and due to the limited space that we have to build the design the gap size end up to has smaller values. And thus we resort to other solutions in order to reduce the pounding effect, such as the friction device and bumpers (steel spring with viscous damper). Moreover friction device is much more practical and effective than bumpers. Bumpers can avoid the immediate damage but they cannot reduce the pounding force between the bridge girders, in the other hand friction device can be applied to any earthquake and also is less sensitive to various ground movements. Linear spring element The linear spring element is the easiest and simplest contact element that used to model impact. When the gap between the adjoining structures adjournments, the spring take effect and is presentational of the force established in the meanwhile of impact force. According to Maison Kasai [5] (1992) have used this model widely, to study further analyse pounding between adjacent buildings. Nonetheless, the linear spring cannot resolve the energy dissipation during impact. The linear spring element illustrated in Figure 1.2.3(a). The Kelvin-Voigt Element The Kelvin-Voigt element can be described by a linear spring in parallel with a damper, as depicted in Figure 1.2.3(b), this model has been used in some studies [6] Anagnostopoulos, 1988; [7] Anagnostopoulos and Spiliopoulos, 1992; [8] Jankowski 2005; The linear spring illustrates the force during impact and the damper accounts for the energy dissipation during impact and is mostly used. The damping coefficient (ck) can be related to the coefficient of restitution (e), by equating the energy dissipations during impact, following the form of equations below: Where, and Kk is the stiffness of the contact spring, and m1, m2 are the masses of the colliding bodies. Hertz contact law Additionally, a non linear spring based on Hertz contact law can be used to model impact, as depicted in Figure 1.2.3(c). Nonetheless, the Hertz contact law is a characteristic representing of the static contact between elastic bodies and fails to contain energy loss during impact. The impact force can be expressed in the form of the equation below: Where R is the impact stiffness parameter that depends on the material properties of the colliding structures and the contact surface geometry, g is the at-rest separation and n is the Hertz coefficient. The use of the Hertz contact law has an intuitive appeal in modelling pounding, since one would expect the contact area between the colliding structures to increase as the contact force increases, leading to a non-linear stiffness described by the Hertz coefficient n which typically is taken ad 1.5. Several analysts have adopted this approach, including [9] Davis 1992; [10] Pantelides and Ma 1998; [11] Chau and Wei 2001; and [3] Chau et al. 2003; More, for pounding simulation we can also meet the Hertzdamp model, which is a contact model based on the Hertz contact law and using a non linear hysteresis damper. According to experimental theories, for low peak ground acceleration levels, Hertz model produces sufficing results and the Hertzdamp model can be used in advance for moderate and high peak ground acceleration levels (PGA). The contact element approach has its limitations, with the exact value of spring stiffness to be used, being unclear. Uncertainty in the impact stiffness arises from the unknown geometry of the impact surfaces, uncertain material properties under loading and variable impact velocities. The contact spring stiffness is typically taken as the in plane axial stiffness of the colliding structure (Maison and Kasai, 1990). Another reasonable estimate is twenty times the stiffness of the stiffer structure [6] Anagnostopoulos, 1988; However, using a very stiff spring can lead to numerical convergence difficulties and unrealistically high impact forces. The solution difficulties arise from the large changes in stiffness upon impact or contact loss, thus resulting in large unbalanced forces affecting the stability of the assembled equations of motion. (a) Linear spring element (b) Kelvin Voigt Element (c) Hertz non-linear spring element Figure 1.2.3: Various impact models and their contact force relations [12] Thomas G.Mezger 2006; 1.3 Method of Seismic Analysis 1.3.1 Non-linear Dynamic Analysis Non-linear Dynamic analysis involves step-by step in time integration of the non-linear governing equations of motion, a powerful analysis that can evaluate any given seismic event motion. An earthquake accelerogram is correlated and the consistent response-history of a structural model during seismic events is evaluated. Computer softwares have been designed for these kinds of purposes. Sap can utilized a non-linear dynamic analysis for both linear elastic and non-linear inelastic material response, using step by step integration methods. Is a suitable computer program that is able to evaluate and analyze the response of a two-dimensional and a three-dimensional non-linear structure taking as an input the accelerogram component of an Earthquake? This program will be used to analyse our structural model and to produce a real time of time-history displacement. In a nonlinear dynamic procedure the building model followed static procedures incorporating directly the inelastic material r esponse using in general finite elements. Because this program is using step-by step integration method of analysis the response of the structure, is one of the most sophisticated analysis procedure for predicting forces and displacements under seismic input. However, the calculated response can be very sensitive to the characteristics of the individual ground motion used as seismic input; therefore several time-history analyses are required using different ground motion records. The main value of nonlinear dynamic procedures has the objective to simulate the behaviour of a building structure in detail. 1.4 Main Objectives of this project The main focus of this project is the development of an analytical model that pounding force will present based on the classical impact theory by using parametric study to identify the most important parameters that affecting pounding. Those factors that give arise to that impact force, therefore investigate of the different practical types of structures that pounding can be occurred. The main objective and scope of this study are, to explore the global response of buildings structures when the pounding effects take place under seismic events, therefore to review the main outcomes of the literature and how the impact theory come across to the practical cases. Create a structural modelling and perform a non linear time history analysis on it. Examine the realistic model of pounding that we will create if it satisfies the properties in order for the structure to work. Determine the relative importance of the dynamic characteristics of pounding. Dynamic analysis will be carried out on the model structure to observe the displacement of the structure due to earthquake excitation. When we examine the main structure we are mainly concerned with displacement, velocity and acceleration, the general dynamic behaviour of the structure under the action of dynamic loads such as earthquake lateral loads. For the purpose of the project appropriate computer software will be used for its purposes (e.g. SAP2000). Creation and versatile of the model, accomplishment of the analysis, and checking and breakthrough of the design must be all done through this interface. Graphical displays of the results, including the real-time of time-history displacements will be easily produced by the use of that software. At the end of that modelling analysis by gathering all the necessary and useful outcomes and explored in deep the main parameters derived by this, the conclusion and results of what we have to adopt as engineering before retrofitting a structure. The appropriate structural parameters are the separation gap size between adjacent structures (storey mass, structural stiffness and yield strength etc.), the dynamic behaviour of a damped multi-degree of freedom bridge system separated by an expansion joint, considering the limited width of clearance around a seismically isolated buildings, that pounding can cause high over stresses when the colliding buildings have different height, periods or masses and the isolators in bridge structures are effective in mitigating the induced seismic forces, cable restrainers etc. Engineers should adopt those realistic facts before they construct new structures in order to succeed future sustainability of the structures and avoiding by this the impact phenomenon of pounding. Accomplish to mitigate the phenomenon of pounding in order to prevent future collisions and/or engineering disasters when seismic events occur. REVIEW OF LITERATURE 2.1 Practical Cases Pounding-impact force generated by earthquakes between different analytical structure models may provoke extensive damage and in general most of the times the result of that force is not pleasant, it may lead the structure to a total collision as it can be seen from different practical cases. Pounding problem is phenomenon that has been observed during earthquakes and in accordance to ground motions, and has been extensively investigated by various researchers that have used a variety of impact analytical models. Because of the importance of what pounding will have as a result of different engineering structures, attracted the attention of several scientists and analyzers? This absorption is a consequence fact of a plenty growing amount of evidence, which can be found in reports and journals, which have been created after dominant exceeding earthquakes. Demonstrating, the power of that certain impact force which may cause considerable damage. The conclusions and results of successive series of various numerical, integrated analytical and experimental studies have been conducted using individual structural models and administering different models of practical cases confirm that pounding, due to constraining additional impact forces, may result in damage as well as significantly increase the structural response. Moreover, there are many practical case histories of engineered buildings with different dynamic properties and characteristics, which have been constructed under the old earthquake resistant design codes. Analogous conditions concern also bridge constructions. When a structure is under earthquake vibrations will move according to ground motions. These vibrations can be entirely exaggerated, creating at the same time stresses and deformations throughout the structure. Evaluation of methods can be carry out in engineering practise to estimate the parameters that give a rise to pounding. The accuracy and the ability of computational appliance have increased a lot this century by helping us evaluate the seismic structural response of structure, a variety of softwares computing programs have been designed for those purposes, and can accomplished to calculate the dynamic seismic response of a structure which help engineers mitigate pounding effects in structure by avoiding future disaster s . Linear and nonlinear models are realistic pounding models that have been used for studying the performance of a structural system under the mode of structural pounding effect under seismic events. Significance to notice in seismically active areas the serious hazard that pounding can cause and in what practical cases does it occurs by review of some critical and enlightened journals and reports, according to history performance of an exceeding major earthquakes. Also a time history analysis is a dynamic tool for the investigation of a structural seismic enforcement. Because of all the above reasons, investigations have been carried out on pounding mitigation in order to improve the seismic response. 2.1.1 Linear and non-linear pounding of structural systems Pantellides and Ma [13] examined by experimental procedures, the dynamic response of a damped single degree-of-freedom structural model during a seismic event. They analysed the structural behaviour of SDF with both elastic and inelastic structural impact response by using realistic parameters for the pounding model in numerical calculations of the earthquake response. The method of analysis that they used can be used to examine pounding in both buildings and bridges. In order to accomplished to evaluate the effects that concerning pounding force during earthquake in structures, they made a comparison between linear and non-linear models. In the non-linear pounding model they produced results that showed the one-sided pounding model produces more dangerous effects than the two-sided. In their analysis they derived a mathematical equation that concerns the impact force effects in order to represent pounding model for both elastic and inelastic structures. A realistic pounding element was used for this studying and numerical simulations have demonstrated that pounding impact behaviour is not responsive to the values of the stiffness parameter. Furthermore, their experimental results for both elastic and inelastic structures in order to balance damping levels have showed that the higher deformation occurred in the elastic model. According to some observations that have been made the values of pounding force is relatively small in the inelastic structures in comparison to the elastic structures. The value codes of moderate the damping levels are controlled as compared to the actual seismic separation gap size found through the analysis of SDF structural model. The value of seismic gap is decreased considerably as the damping capacity of the pounding structural model is increased. Jankowski [14], addressed to an extent of a non-linear modelling due of earthquake that generated pounding of structural buildings, by deriving the essential fundamental mathematical expressions, involving the function and the applications of the non-linear analysis. By analysing various earthquake records, he derived appropriate mathematical expressions showing the limitation and the feasibility of a non-linear model, in anticipating values for a seismic pounding gap size as well as values for mass, elastic stiffness and damping coefficients between buildings. In his analysis of two inadequately separated buildings with different dynamic characteristics, modelled by elastoplastic multi-degree-of-freedom lumped mass models are used to simulate the functioning structural behaviour and non-linear viscoelastic impact specificity elements are applied to a model collision. The results of the study demonstrate that pounding has an indicative impact on the behaviour of structural buildings, and furthermore the results that he derived confirm the performance of the non-linear, viscoelastic model which endures to simulate the pounding phenomenon more accurately. 2.1.2 Seismic Pounding Effects between adjacent buildings In these last decades, the pounding phenomenon between closely spaced building structures can be a serious hazard especially in seismically active areas with strong ground motion. Because of that critical fact a beneficial awareness of pounding response on engineer structures and numerical formulas for calculating building separation gap size based on linear or analogous linear methods have been introduced. Abdel Raheem [14] established and achieved a tool for the inelastic analysis of seismic pounding effect between buildings. He carried out a parametric study on buildings pounding response as well as proper seismic hazard mitigation practice for adjacent buildings. Three categories of recorded earthquake excitation were used for input. He studied the effect of impact using linear and nonlinear contact force model for different separation distances and compared with nominal model without pounding consideration. Therefore the results of these studies lean on the stimulation characteristics and the relationship between the buildings fundamental period. Furthermore because pounding produces acceleration and shear in various story levels that are greater than those from the no pounding case. Westermo [16] suggested, in order improving the earthquake response of structures without adequate in-between space of the structures, to linking buildings by beams, which can carry the forces between the structures and thus annihilating collisions. Anagnostopoulos [6] analysed the effect of pounding for buildings under strong ground motions by a simplified single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) model. Miller and Fatemi [17] explored in to an extent the phenomenon of pounding-impact force, of adjacent buildings subjected to harmonic motions by the vibroimpact concept. Maison and Kasai [18] modelled the buildings as multiple-degree-of-freedom systems and analysed the response of structural pounding with different types of idealizations. Papadrakakis et al. [19] studied the pounding response of two or more close separated buildings based on the Lagrange multiplier approach by which the geometric compatibility conditions due to proximity are constrained. A three-dimensional model developed for the simulation of the pounding behaviour of adjacent buildings is presented by Papadrakakis et al. [20]. In the evaluation of building separation, Jeng et al. [18] estimated the minimum separation distance required to avoid pounding of adjacent buildings by the spectral difference (SPD) method. Kasai et al. [4] extended Jengs results and proposed a simplified rule to predict the inelastic vibration phase of buildings based on the numerical results of dynamic time-history analyses. Anagnostopoulos and Spiliopoulos [7] examined the behaviour of common pounding between adjacent buildings in city blocks to several strong earthquakes. In the study, the buildings were idealized as lumped-mass, shear beam type, multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) systems with bilinear force deformation characteristics and with bases supported on translational and rocking spring dashpots. Collisions between adjacent masses can occur at any level and are simulated by means of viscoelastic impact elements. They used five real earthquake motions to study the effects of the following factors: building configuration and relative size, seismic separation distance and impact element properties. It was found that pounding can cause high over stresses, mainly when the colliding buildings have significantly different heights, periods or masses. They suggest a possibility for introducing a set of conditions into the codes, combined with some special measures, as an alternative to the seismic separati on requirement. Figure 2.1.2-2 on the left there is a finite element mathematical model and on the right shows the elevation view of a 2 different height building with the separation gap size [14] Abdel Raheem 2006; 2.1.3 SEISMIC POUNDING EFFECT AND RESTRAINERS ON SEISMIC RESPONCE OF MULTIPLE-FRAME BRIDGES DesRoches and Muthukumar [22] used analytical illustrations to check out, the factors and the parameters affecting the worldwide reaction and behaviour of a multiple-frame bridge as a result of pounding of adjacent frames. They have conducted parameter studies of one-sided and two-sided pounding, to dispose the effects of frame stiffness ratio, ground motion characteristics, frame yielding, and restrainers on the pounding behaviour of bridge frames. They showed that the addition of restrainers has a minor effect on the one-sided pounding response of highly out-of-phase frames. It is determined that the most important parameters are the frame period ratio and the characteristic period of the ground motion. The current study explores the effect that pounding impact-force and restrainers have on the worldwide appeal of bridge frames in a multi-frame bridge. They used investigations of two-sided pounding using MDOF models, which showed a favourable post impact response for the flexible f rame and a detrimental effect for the stiff frame demand, for all period ratios. The results from both one-sided and two-sided impact reveal that the response of bridge frames due to pounding, irrespective of the ground motion period ratio, thus validating the recommendations suggested by Caltrans. Current recommendations by Caltrans for limitations in frame period ratios to reduce the effects of pounding are evaluated through an example case. The effect of restrainers on the pounding response of bridge frames is evaluated. The results show that restrainers have very little effect on the demands on bridge frames compared with pounding. 2.1.4 GIRDER POUNDING ON BRIDGES Hao and Chouw [23] introduced a new design principle for anticipating Effect of Structural Pounding During Seismic Events Effect of Structural Pounding During Seismic Events Abstract This project entitled aims at the investigation of the effect of structural pounding to the dynamic response of structures subject to strong ground motions. In many cases structural pounding during earthquake may result in considerable and incalculable damages. It usually need to be accounted for in the case of adjacent structures, bridges, base isolated buildings, industrial and port facilities, and in ground pipelines. The phenomenon of that impact force pounding has been noted by researchers and engineers over the past several decades. As we see through dull historical strokes and performance, in different investigations of past and recent earthquakes damage have illustrated several cases of pounding damage such as those that have occurred in the Imperial Valley (May 18, 1940), the Sequenay earthquake in Canada (1988), Kasai Maison (1991), the Cairo earthquake (1992), the Northridge earthquake (1994), California (1994), Kobe, Japan (1995) Turkey (1999), Taiwan (1999) and Bhuj, Ce ntral Western India (2001). Some of the most memorable seismic events were in the 1972 Managua earthquake, when the five-storey Grant Hotel suffered a complete collapse, also in the 1964 Alaska earthquake, the 14-storey Anchorage Westwood hotel pounded against its low rise ballroom and the most recently extent of pounding in Mexico City in 1985 confirmed this as a major problem. Those all evidences have continued to illustrate the annihilation of earthquakes, with devastation of engineered in both buildings and bridges structures. Amongst the feasible structural destructions, seismic produced pounding has been frequently distinguished in numerous earthquakes, as a result this phenomenon plays a key role to the structures. As engineers, we have a responsibility to prevent it or take the necessary steps to mitigate it for the future constructions by considering the properties that affect and led pounding to occur. In order to examine the effect of the various parameters associated wit h pounding forces on the dynamic response of a seismically excited structure, a number of simulations and parametric studies have been performed, using SAP2000. By more precise investigations that have been done from professional earthquake investigators and engineers pounding produces acceleration and shear at various story levels. Also, significantly depends on the gap size between superstructure segments, which we will examine later on in the project. The main aim of the project is to conduct a detailed investigation on pounding-involved response structure during a seismic event as well as observed the structural behaviour as the result of ground motion excitation by examine the properties that affect pounding and determine the solutions and the mitigations that we have to take into account before we construct a structure in order to avoid future disasters. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Seismic Pounding effect (Overview) Looking throughout the time, investigations and observations of the effects of historical earthquakes have demonstrated that many structures are susceptible to significant damage which may lead to collapse. Numerous devastating earthquakes have hit various seismically active regions. Some investigations that have been followed after those seismic events are distinguished fact providing that, an earthquake within the range of six is capable of creating and generating incalculable and irreversible damages, of both buildings and bridges. Those seismic losses have further consequences, most likely to present economical problem to the community hit. The main target of most seismic excitations are, the primary frequencies of rigid buildings between the ranges of low to medium height, resulting by this in significant accumulations of soil acceleration. Also, addition to this is the causing the presence of the inevitable enduring seismic loads in engineered structures, creating inflexible re sponses. In recent years it becomes more urgent need to minimize seismic damage not only to avoid structures failures but especially in crucial building facilities such as hospitals, telecommunications etc. as well as the protection of the critical equipment that is accommodated by those buildings. (a)barrier rail damage (Northridge earthquake 1994) (b)Connector collapse (Northridge earthquake 1994) In seismically active areas the phenomenon of pounding may need to be accounted for, in the case of closely spaced structures to avoid extensive damages and human losses. The phenomenon of that impact force-pounding has been noted by earthquake investigators over the past several decades when the presence of pounding occurred into an extent. Looking throughout the time, some historical performance of pounding has been denoted, different investigations of past and recent earthquakes damage have illustrated several cases of pounding damage such as those that have occurred in the Imperial Valley (May 18, 1940), California (1994) the Northridge earthquake, Kobe, Japan (1995) and etc. in both engineered structures, buildings and bridges. One of the most remarkable example of pounding-involved destruction resulted from interactions between the Olive View Hospital main building and one of its independently standing stairway towers during the San Fernando earthquake of 1971. The extent of po unding was recently observed in Mexico City in 1985, which then it follows the most recent one in Central Western India (2001). Considerable pounding was observed at sites over 90 km from the epicentre thus indicating the possible catastrophic damage that may occur during future earthquakes having closer epicentres. Is remarkable to denote that pounding of adjacent buildings could have defective damage such as adjacent structures with different dynamic characteristics which vibrate out of phase and there is inadequate separation gap or energy diffusion system to board the relative moderate motions of adjacent buildings. (a)Collapse of a department store building (Northridge earthquake 1994) (b)Collapse of the first story of a wooden residential building (Northridge earthquake 1994) Several researchers considered the topic of pounding between adjacent buildings (Anagnostopoulos 1988; Maison Kasai, 1990; Papadramakis et al, 1996) with proving or deriving mathematical expression in order to evaluate and calculate the pounding force, by using experimental procedures. But few people have actually addressed the topic of pounding between adjacent buildings (Tsai, 1997; Malhotra, 1997; Matsagar Jangid, 2003; Komodromos et al 2007) for which the behaviour and the requirements differ from the conventional structures. Likewise, those projects are limited especially to the study and investigation of pounding between adjacent buildings and based isolated buildings without investigating the case of conflict with neighbouring buildings and the resulting of great deformations of the superstructure. In the past engineers couldnt prevent the pounding due to some factors such as the past seismic codes did not give explicit guidance, because of this and due to particular economical factors and considerations, that are concerning the maximum land usage requirements, especially in the high density populated areas of cities pounding was unavoidable. Due to that, we are able to identify and investigate many buildings in global system which are already been built in contact or overmuch close to another that could easily cause them to suffer from pounding damage in future earthquake strikes. A large rupture is controvertible from both aspects. The overcrowded construction system in many cities complements a dominant apprehension for seismic pounding damage. For these major reasons, it has been comprehensively acquired that pounding is a disastrous phenomenon that should be anticipated or mitigated. Acceleration range will guidance in many cases to quake activities which are appreciably h igher than designed by the design codes that have been used up to now. The most affordable and easy active way for mitigating pounding effects and diminishing pounding damage, is to consider enough separation gap size between close adjacent structures, this causing difficulties to be accomplished, owing to the detailing engineered work that supposed to be done and the high cost of land in this present time. A flipside to the seismic separation gap precaution in the construction design is to reduce the effect or pounding force through devaluating lateral motion, some researchers involved in extent with lateral ground motions due to pounding such as (Kasaiet al. 1996, Abdullah et a.2001, Jankowski et al 2000, Ruangrassamee Kawashima 2003, Kawashima Shoji 2000). This procedure can be accomplished by joining adjacent structures at critical locations of the supports so that their motion could be in-phase with one another or by lessening the pounding buildings damping capacity by means of passive structural control of energy dissipation system. 1.2 Pounding force and impact element Various impact elements are usually used to illustrate the pounding between adjoining construction buildings or bridge structures. Pounding between two conflicting structures, is often simulates by using contact force-based impact models such as the linear spring, Kelvin-Voigt element and Hertz contact model element, and additionally the restitution momentum-based stereo mechanical method. (a) (b) (c) Figure 1.2.1 shows the pounding problem in: (a) bridge structures [1] S. Mithikimar and R. DesRoches 2006; (b) adjacent buildings with link elements [2] V. Annasaheb Matsagar and R. Shyam Jangid 2005; (c) adjacent building with gap size structures [1] S. Mithikimar and R. DesRoches 2006; Also another view of pounding effect beyond that in buildings is on the bridges. Many damages during strong earthquakes have occurred in bridge due to pounding between the girders when the gap is not sufficient. From many experimental studies that have been made showed that pounding damage of a bridge can have severe after-effects as it has been observed in many major earthquakes, such as the 1994 Northridge earthquake etc. As we can see from our daily routine bridges belong to one of the important lifeline systems, their proper function play major role in both our life and in the culture, especially after a devastating earthquake in order to survive and/or recovery. According to some studies [3] Chouw and Hao (2003) and [4] Hai SUI et al. (2004) showed that gap size in the bridges plays the major key role for a bridge to survive under a pounding impact force. The examined the gap size and the outcomes showed that a smaller gap size can expect larger pounding force; therefore the possibility of damage of bridge decks is higher. So on in general designs a small gap should be avoided, if is possible. Moreover according to their experiment the results showed that friction device can decrease pounding impact force that works in different earthquakes. a) Multiple-pier bridge model [4] H. SU, et al 2004; b) Two Single degree of freedom model [4] H. SU, et al 2004; An adequate gap size can contribute to the reduction of pounding effect, but nevertheless in real life the gap size for the designs is unavoidable and due to the limited space that we have to build the design the gap size end up to has smaller values. And thus we resort to other solutions in order to reduce the pounding effect, such as the friction device and bumpers (steel spring with viscous damper). Moreover friction device is much more practical and effective than bumpers. Bumpers can avoid the immediate damage but they cannot reduce the pounding force between the bridge girders, in the other hand friction device can be applied to any earthquake and also is less sensitive to various ground movements. Linear spring element The linear spring element is the easiest and simplest contact element that used to model impact. When the gap between the adjoining structures adjournments, the spring take effect and is presentational of the force established in the meanwhile of impact force. According to Maison Kasai [5] (1992) have used this model widely, to study further analyse pounding between adjacent buildings. Nonetheless, the linear spring cannot resolve the energy dissipation during impact. The linear spring element illustrated in Figure 1.2.3(a). The Kelvin-Voigt Element The Kelvin-Voigt element can be described by a linear spring in parallel with a damper, as depicted in Figure 1.2.3(b), this model has been used in some studies [6] Anagnostopoulos, 1988; [7] Anagnostopoulos and Spiliopoulos, 1992; [8] Jankowski 2005; The linear spring illustrates the force during impact and the damper accounts for the energy dissipation during impact and is mostly used. The damping coefficient (ck) can be related to the coefficient of restitution (e), by equating the energy dissipations during impact, following the form of equations below: Where, and Kk is the stiffness of the contact spring, and m1, m2 are the masses of the colliding bodies. Hertz contact law Additionally, a non linear spring based on Hertz contact law can be used to model impact, as depicted in Figure 1.2.3(c). Nonetheless, the Hertz contact law is a characteristic representing of the static contact between elastic bodies and fails to contain energy loss during impact. The impact force can be expressed in the form of the equation below: Where R is the impact stiffness parameter that depends on the material properties of the colliding structures and the contact surface geometry, g is the at-rest separation and n is the Hertz coefficient. The use of the Hertz contact law has an intuitive appeal in modelling pounding, since one would expect the contact area between the colliding structures to increase as the contact force increases, leading to a non-linear stiffness described by the Hertz coefficient n which typically is taken ad 1.5. Several analysts have adopted this approach, including [9] Davis 1992; [10] Pantelides and Ma 1998; [11] Chau and Wei 2001; and [3] Chau et al. 2003; More, for pounding simulation we can also meet the Hertzdamp model, which is a contact model based on the Hertz contact law and using a non linear hysteresis damper. According to experimental theories, for low peak ground acceleration levels, Hertz model produces sufficing results and the Hertzdamp model can be used in advance for moderate and high peak ground acceleration levels (PGA). The contact element approach has its limitations, with the exact value of spring stiffness to be used, being unclear. Uncertainty in the impact stiffness arises from the unknown geometry of the impact surfaces, uncertain material properties under loading and variable impact velocities. The contact spring stiffness is typically taken as the in plane axial stiffness of the colliding structure (Maison and Kasai, 1990). Another reasonable estimate is twenty times the stiffness of the stiffer structure [6] Anagnostopoulos, 1988; However, using a very stiff spring can lead to numerical convergence difficulties and unrealistically high impact forces. The solution difficulties arise from the large changes in stiffness upon impact or contact loss, thus resulting in large unbalanced forces affecting the stability of the assembled equations of motion. (a) Linear spring element (b) Kelvin Voigt Element (c) Hertz non-linear spring element Figure 1.2.3: Various impact models and their contact force relations [12] Thomas G.Mezger 2006; 1.3 Method of Seismic Analysis 1.3.1 Non-linear Dynamic Analysis Non-linear Dynamic analysis involves step-by step in time integration of the non-linear governing equations of motion, a powerful analysis that can evaluate any given seismic event motion. An earthquake accelerogram is correlated and the consistent response-history of a structural model during seismic events is evaluated. Computer softwares have been designed for these kinds of purposes. Sap can utilized a non-linear dynamic analysis for both linear elastic and non-linear inelastic material response, using step by step integration methods. Is a suitable computer program that is able to evaluate and analyze the response of a two-dimensional and a three-dimensional non-linear structure taking as an input the accelerogram component of an Earthquake? This program will be used to analyse our structural model and to produce a real time of time-history displacement. In a nonlinear dynamic procedure the building model followed static procedures incorporating directly the inelastic material r esponse using in general finite elements. Because this program is using step-by step integration method of analysis the response of the structure, is one of the most sophisticated analysis procedure for predicting forces and displacements under seismic input. However, the calculated response can be very sensitive to the characteristics of the individual ground motion used as seismic input; therefore several time-history analyses are required using different ground motion records. The main value of nonlinear dynamic procedures has the objective to simulate the behaviour of a building structure in detail. 1.4 Main Objectives of this project The main focus of this project is the development of an analytical model that pounding force will present based on the classical impact theory by using parametric study to identify the most important parameters that affecting pounding. Those factors that give arise to that impact force, therefore investigate of the different practical types of structures that pounding can be occurred. The main objective and scope of this study are, to explore the global response of buildings structures when the pounding effects take place under seismic events, therefore to review the main outcomes of the literature and how the impact theory come across to the practical cases. Create a structural modelling and perform a non linear time history analysis on it. Examine the realistic model of pounding that we will create if it satisfies the properties in order for the structure to work. Determine the relative importance of the dynamic characteristics of pounding. Dynamic analysis will be carried out on the model structure to observe the displacement of the structure due to earthquake excitation. When we examine the main structure we are mainly concerned with displacement, velocity and acceleration, the general dynamic behaviour of the structure under the action of dynamic loads such as earthquake lateral loads. For the purpose of the project appropriate computer software will be used for its purposes (e.g. SAP2000). Creation and versatile of the model, accomplishment of the analysis, and checking and breakthrough of the design must be all done through this interface. Graphical displays of the results, including the real-time of time-history displacements will be easily produced by the use of that software. At the end of that modelling analysis by gathering all the necessary and useful outcomes and explored in deep the main parameters derived by this, the conclusion and results of what we have to adopt as engineering before retrofitting a structure. The appropriate structural parameters are the separation gap size between adjacent structures (storey mass, structural stiffness and yield strength etc.), the dynamic behaviour of a damped multi-degree of freedom bridge system separated by an expansion joint, considering the limited width of clearance around a seismically isolated buildings, that pounding can cause high over stresses when the colliding buildings have different height, periods or masses and the isolators in bridge structures are effective in mitigating the induced seismic forces, cable restrainers etc. Engineers should adopt those realistic facts before they construct new structures in order to succeed future sustainability of the structures and avoiding by this the impact phenomenon of pounding. Accomplish to mitigate the phenomenon of pounding in order to prevent future collisions and/or engineering disasters when seismic events occur. REVIEW OF LITERATURE 2.1 Practical Cases Pounding-impact force generated by earthquakes between different analytical structure models may provoke extensive damage and in general most of the times the result of that force is not pleasant, it may lead the structure to a total collision as it can be seen from different practical cases. Pounding problem is phenomenon that has been observed during earthquakes and in accordance to ground motions, and has been extensively investigated by various researchers that have used a variety of impact analytical models. Because of the importance of what pounding will have as a result of different engineering structures, attracted the attention of several scientists and analyzers? This absorption is a consequence fact of a plenty growing amount of evidence, which can be found in reports and journals, which have been created after dominant exceeding earthquakes. Demonstrating, the power of that certain impact force which may cause considerable damage. The conclusions and results of successive series of various numerical, integrated analytical and experimental studies have been conducted using individual structural models and administering different models of practical cases confirm that pounding, due to constraining additional impact forces, may result in damage as well as significantly increase the structural response. Moreover, there are many practical case histories of engineered buildings with different dynamic properties and characteristics, which have been constructed under the old earthquake resistant design codes. Analogous conditions concern also bridge constructions. When a structure is under earthquake vibrations will move according to ground motions. These vibrations can be entirely exaggerated, creating at the same time stresses and deformations throughout the structure. Evaluation of methods can be carry out in engineering practise to estimate the parameters that give a rise to pounding. The accuracy and the ability of computational appliance have increased a lot this century by helping us evaluate the seismic structural response of structure, a variety of softwares computing programs have been designed for those purposes, and can accomplished to calculate the dynamic seismic response of a structure which help engineers mitigate pounding effects in structure by avoiding future disaster s . Linear and nonlinear models are realistic pounding models that have been used for studying the performance of a structural system under the mode of structural pounding effect under seismic events. Significance to notice in seismically active areas the serious hazard that pounding can cause and in what practical cases does it occurs by review of some critical and enlightened journals and reports, according to history performance of an exceeding major earthquakes. Also a time history analysis is a dynamic tool for the investigation of a structural seismic enforcement. Because of all the above reasons, investigations have been carried out on pounding mitigation in order to improve the seismic response. 2.1.1 Linear and non-linear pounding of structural systems Pantellides and Ma [13] examined by experimental procedures, the dynamic response of a damped single degree-of-freedom structural model during a seismic event. They analysed the structural behaviour of SDF with both elastic and inelastic structural impact response by using realistic parameters for the pounding model in numerical calculations of the earthquake response. The method of analysis that they used can be used to examine pounding in both buildings and bridges. In order to accomplished to evaluate the effects that concerning pounding force during earthquake in structures, they made a comparison between linear and non-linear models. In the non-linear pounding model they produced results that showed the one-sided pounding model produces more dangerous effects than the two-sided. In their analysis they derived a mathematical equation that concerns the impact force effects in order to represent pounding model for both elastic and inelastic structures. A realistic pounding element was used for this studying and numerical simulations have demonstrated that pounding impact behaviour is not responsive to the values of the stiffness parameter. Furthermore, their experimental results for both elastic and inelastic structures in order to balance damping levels have showed that the higher deformation occurred in the elastic model. According to some observations that have been made the values of pounding force is relatively small in the inelastic structures in comparison to the elastic structures. The value codes of moderate the damping levels are controlled as compared to the actual seismic separation gap size found through the analysis of SDF structural model. The value of seismic gap is decreased considerably as the damping capacity of the pounding structural model is increased. Jankowski [14], addressed to an extent of a non-linear modelling due of earthquake that generated pounding of structural buildings, by deriving the essential fundamental mathematical expressions, involving the function and the applications of the non-linear analysis. By analysing various earthquake records, he derived appropriate mathematical expressions showing the limitation and the feasibility of a non-linear model, in anticipating values for a seismic pounding gap size as well as values for mass, elastic stiffness and damping coefficients between buildings. In his analysis of two inadequately separated buildings with different dynamic characteristics, modelled by elastoplastic multi-degree-of-freedom lumped mass models are used to simulate the functioning structural behaviour and non-linear viscoelastic impact specificity elements are applied to a model collision. The results of the study demonstrate that pounding has an indicative impact on the behaviour of structural buildings, and furthermore the results that he derived confirm the performance of the non-linear, viscoelastic model which endures to simulate the pounding phenomenon more accurately. 2.1.2 Seismic Pounding Effects between adjacent buildings In these last decades, the pounding phenomenon between closely spaced building structures can be a serious hazard especially in seismically active areas with strong ground motion. Because of that critical fact a beneficial awareness of pounding response on engineer structures and numerical formulas for calculating building separation gap size based on linear or analogous linear methods have been introduced. Abdel Raheem [14] established and achieved a tool for the inelastic analysis of seismic pounding effect between buildings. He carried out a parametric study on buildings pounding response as well as proper seismic hazard mitigation practice for adjacent buildings. Three categories of recorded earthquake excitation were used for input. He studied the effect of impact using linear and nonlinear contact force model for different separation distances and compared with nominal model without pounding consideration. Therefore the results of these studies lean on the stimulation characteristics and the relationship between the buildings fundamental period. Furthermore because pounding produces acceleration and shear in various story levels that are greater than those from the no pounding case. Westermo [16] suggested, in order improving the earthquake response of structures without adequate in-between space of the structures, to linking buildings by beams, which can carry the forces between the structures and thus annihilating collisions. Anagnostopoulos [6] analysed the effect of pounding for buildings under strong ground motions by a simplified single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) model. Miller and Fatemi [17] explored in to an extent the phenomenon of pounding-impact force, of adjacent buildings subjected to harmonic motions by the vibroimpact concept. Maison and Kasai [18] modelled the buildings as multiple-degree-of-freedom systems and analysed the response of structural pounding with different types of idealizations. Papadrakakis et al. [19] studied the pounding response of two or more close separated buildings based on the Lagrange multiplier approach by which the geometric compatibility conditions due to proximity are constrained. A three-dimensional model developed for the simulation of the pounding behaviour of adjacent buildings is presented by Papadrakakis et al. [20]. In the evaluation of building separation, Jeng et al. [18] estimated the minimum separation distance required to avoid pounding of adjacent buildings by the spectral difference (SPD) method. Kasai et al. [4] extended Jengs results and proposed a simplified rule to predict the inelastic vibration phase of buildings based on the numerical results of dynamic time-history analyses. Anagnostopoulos and Spiliopoulos [7] examined the behaviour of common pounding between adjacent buildings in city blocks to several strong earthquakes. In the study, the buildings were idealized as lumped-mass, shear beam type, multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) systems with bilinear force deformation characteristics and with bases supported on translational and rocking spring dashpots. Collisions between adjacent masses can occur at any level and are simulated by means of viscoelastic impact elements. They used five real earthquake motions to study the effects of the following factors: building configuration and relative size, seismic separation distance and impact element properties. It was found that pounding can cause high over stresses, mainly when the colliding buildings have significantly different heights, periods or masses. They suggest a possibility for introducing a set of conditions into the codes, combined with some special measures, as an alternative to the seismic separati on requirement. Figure 2.1.2-2 on the left there is a finite element mathematical model and on the right shows the elevation view of a 2 different height building with the separation gap size [14] Abdel Raheem 2006; 2.1.3 SEISMIC POUNDING EFFECT AND RESTRAINERS ON SEISMIC RESPONCE OF MULTIPLE-FRAME BRIDGES DesRoches and Muthukumar [22] used analytical illustrations to check out, the factors and the parameters affecting the worldwide reaction and behaviour of a multiple-frame bridge as a result of pounding of adjacent frames. They have conducted parameter studies of one-sided and two-sided pounding, to dispose the effects of frame stiffness ratio, ground motion characteristics, frame yielding, and restrainers on the pounding behaviour of bridge frames. They showed that the addition of restrainers has a minor effect on the one-sided pounding response of highly out-of-phase frames. It is determined that the most important parameters are the frame period ratio and the characteristic period of the ground motion. The current study explores the effect that pounding impact-force and restrainers have on the worldwide appeal of bridge frames in a multi-frame bridge. They used investigations of two-sided pounding using MDOF models, which showed a favourable post impact response for the flexible f rame and a detrimental effect for the stiff frame demand, for all period ratios. The results from both one-sided and two-sided impact reveal that the response of bridge frames due to pounding, irrespective of the ground motion period ratio, thus validating the recommendations suggested by Caltrans. Current recommendations by Caltrans for limitations in frame period ratios to reduce the effects of pounding are evaluated through an example case. The effect of restrainers on the pounding response of bridge frames is evaluated. The results show that restrainers have very little effect on the demands on bridge frames compared with pounding. 2.1.4 GIRDER POUNDING ON BRIDGES Hao and Chouw [23] introduced a new design principle for anticipating