We have successfully identified a variety of methodological assessment tools for different types of study design. However, further efforts in the development of critical appraisal tools are warranted since there is currently a lack of such tools for other fields, e.g. genetic studies, and some existing tools (nested case-control studies and case reports, for example) are in need of updating to be in line with current research practice and rigor. In addition, it is very important that all critical appraisal tools remain subjective and performance bias is effectively avoided.

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Taking SBS and rubber powder as modifier, adopting the dosage of 4%, 5%, and 6% of SBS while 2%, 4%, 6% of rubber powder to prepare composite modified asphalt, studied the preparation technology of composite modified asphalt, analyzed the trend of ductility, penetration, softening point and elastic recovery. The results show a certain SBS dosage, with the increase of the rubber powder, ductility decrease while softening point and elastic recovery increase, penetration decrease first and then rise. It can provide reference for the preparation technology and performance study of composite modified asphalt.

This article introduces an innovative system for enhancing the seismic performance of a structure through facilitating large rotational (rocking) motion to occur without risking overturning. The innovation of this study is in the use of tendons consisting of Nickel‐Titanium (superelastic) alloy connected in series with steel to impose partial restraints to the structure when experiencing rocking motion. Importantly, the large rotational motion is fully recoverable. Existing installations which can be made to rock may also be retrofitted with the device for improving its seismic resistance. The original contributions of the article are the derivation, and experimental validation, of an analytical model for simulating the seismic performance of a system that has been fitted with the restraining device. In a parametric study employing the newly developed modelling techniques, major trends in the seismic response behaviour of the structure have been identified.