This paper presents a discussion on the behaviour of non-confined and confined masonry walls with different types of horizontal reinforcement when subjected to inplane horizontal loads, using advanced numerical simulations. An isotropic continuum nonlinear finite element macromodel, based on a smeared crack total strain-stress models with scarce parameter input is used to represent previously tested masonry walls. The masonry units, the mortar and the bonding interfaces between the units and mortar have been lumped in continuum elements. The input data is based on experimental results or inverse fitting, with a clearly identification and justification. The results are presented and compared against experimental data, with an emphasis on force-displacement curves and failure modes.

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(J Clin Anesth. 2018;44:123–124) In this correspondence, the authors described a patient who presented with simultaneous pneumocephalus and cavernoma after receiving combined spinal-epidural analgesia for labor. However, unlike most cases of combined spinal-epidural analgesia for labor, which use loss of resistance to air to identify the epidural space, the authors used loss of resistance to saline. To the author’s knowledge, there are no published reports of the use of loss of resistance to saline for this purpose. Identification of the epidural space was successful upon the fourth attempt with the patient in a sitting position. Upon injection of local anesthetic, the patient immediately complained of a severe headache, that was unremitting with postural changes and continued into the postpartum period. On postpartum day 2, the patient presented with a tonic-clonic seizure. Magnetic resonance imaging showed intraventricular pneumocephalus and cavernoma in the right frontal region, and electroencephalogram showed abundant epileptic activity. Oxygen was added to the patient’s therapy with clinical improvement; complete reabsorption of air on radiologic examination was seen on the sixth day and the asymptomatic patient was discharged.

In this paper, mechanical properties of a new structural and eco-efficient hollow clay bricks are investigated. The principal goal was to recycle residual sludge from aluminium anodizing industries by incorporating it in the raw material of bricks, thus contributing for the sustainability of the construction sector. It was also an objective to enhance thermal properties of the bricks, contributing to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, and maintain their mechanical properties.A large set of mechanical tests was conducted. A comparison between traditional, structural, and the new eco-efficient bricks is established. Results show that the mechanical properties of the new bricks and masonry are not significantly affected by the aluminium sludge, thus allowing their use without strength limitations, and taking advantage from the thermal improved performance.