Cork is a renewable, non-wood high valued forest product, with relevant ecological and economic impact in the Mediterranean-type ecosystems. Currently, cork is ranked according to its commercial quality. The most valuable planks are chosen for cork stoppers production. Cork planks with adequate thickness and porosity are classified as stoppable quality cork (SQC). The chemical composition of cork is known, but the regulation of metabolic pathways responsible of cork production and composition, hence of cork quality, is largely unknown. Here, we tested the hypothesis that post-genomic events may be responsible for the development of SQC and N-SQC (non-stoppable quality cork). Here, we show that combined proteomics and targeted metabolomics (namely soluble and cell wall bound phenolics) analyzed on recently formed phellem allows discriminate cork planks of different quality. Phellem cells of SQC and N-SQC displayed different reducing capacity, with consequential impact on both enzymatic pathways (e.g., glycolysis) and other cellular functions, including cell wall assembly and suberization. Glycolysis and respiration related proteins were abundant in both cork quality groups, whereas the level of several proteins associated to mitochondrial metabolism was higher in N-SQC. The soluble and cell wall-bound phenolics in recently formed phellem clearly discriminated SQC from N-SCQ. In our study, SQC was characterized by a high incorporation of aromatic components of the phenylpropanoid pathway in the cell wall, together with a lower content of hydrolysable tannins. Here, we propose that the level of hydrolysable tannins may represent a valuable diagnostic tool for screening recently formed phellem, and used as a proxy for the quality grade of cork plank produced by each tree.

The use of reinforced concrete (RC) piles in integral abutment bridges (IABs) has not been widespread due to concerns over pile flexibility and the potential for concrete cracking. This is the reason why the use of steel piles is the preferred solution in the United States. However, in various countries where IABs are still seldom used, RC piles are more readily available and economical. Hence, an understanding of the behaviour of IABs with RC piles can lead to a wider implementation of integral solutions. This paper presents the results of a parametric study conducted to evaluate how both the design variables and the accuracy of the modelling approach influence the potential use of integral solutions with RC piles in prestressed concrete bridges up to 200 m long. Finite element modelling was used and four levels of approximation (LoA) were established for the analyses, ranging from simple linear‐elastic to more complex non‐linear models. The results show that existing concerns over concrete cracking control can be overcome if adequate options in design are used together with the adequate LoAs in structural analysis. Integral solutions with RC piles for bridges up to 200 m long can generally be adopted, although in comparisons with non‐integral designs a significant additional amount of prestressing steel is to be expected. The results also include a set of charts with practical estimates to help designers in their first approach to the preliminary design of an IAB.

Thls paper descrlbes the formulatlon of the Ultlmate LlmltState of punchlng reslstance of prestressed slabs proposed In the new FIP Recomo mendatlons for the deslgn of post-tensloned slabs and foundatlon rafts. The prestress effects were consldered on the actlon slde deflnlng an effectlve applled punchlng load. For the evaluatlon of the punchlng reslstance, CEB-FIP Model Code 90 was followed. An example of the appllcatlon of thls method to an Interior column of a prestressed flat slab 15presented. Rg. 4 Contrai perimeter u,

Steel–concrete hybrid bridge decks have been used in several bridges for their added benefit in constructive operations and cost. They usually adopt reinforced concrete side-spans and all-steel or steel–concrete composite girders as main spans, typically with monolithic connections between them. Design codes address separately the design of the steel and concrete regions of the connection. However, a rational design, with an efficient transfer of stresses between the steel and the concrete parts, should be based on a global understanding of the connection region structural behaviour. Therefore, a rational model for the design of the connection region is proposed, which is based on web shear buckling models developed over recent decades for steel panels and stress field models for structural concrete elements. A hybrid bridge deck connection region is presented as the case study. Several solutions for the connection are introduced and shear resistances are evaluated based on the proposed models.