Reviewing techniques for non-invasive postural evaluation of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) based on information extraction from images based on computer methods. The Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE, ScieLo and PubMed databases were used, for the period 2011-2015. 131 articles were found based on keyword of which 15 articles met the established eligibility criteria. Of these, 4 were based on photogrammetry, and 11 based on laser, structured light, ultrasound, and Moiré projection. In these studies, the methodological quality varied from low to high. The findings indicated diversity in methodologies; 14/15 articles reviewed were limited to the evaluation of the topography of the posterior back. A study, using two-dimensional photogrammetry, presented a whole body postural evaluation. As the asymmetry in AIS can be extended to the whole body, more attention should be given to develop full body assessment techniques to provide important additional data to aid in treatment decisions.

This paper presents a numerical methodology to analyze frame structures supported on footing foundations subjected to slow strains caused by consolidation settlements. A building project on a subsurface layer of soft soil has been analyzed. The Boundary Element Method with the Mindlin fundamental solution has been applied to compute the displacement resulting from the interference between pressure bulbs on the foundation. The rheological Kelvin–Voigt model has also been used for soil–structure interactions. Terzaghi’s Theory of Consolidation was used to fit the displacement–time curves. Finally, the rheological model was coupled through an iterative procedure, employing structural non-linear geometric effects. The results are consistent with settlement predicted effects and revealed that the slow distribution of efforts can cause relevant increases in some regions in the structure of the building.

Bridge Management aims to provide an appropriate support to decision-making for maintenance, rehabilitation and repair strategies under constraint of limited budgets. In this regard, the Federal Brazilian Department of Transportation (DNIT) has developed the SGO - a Brazilian Bridge Management System (B-BMS) - and promoted the most comprehensive road bridge inventory under its direct administration. To improve the management of these bridge assets, the DNIT is working to develop a statistical model to predict the future condition of bridge: the most efficient and effective tool in a BMS to planning when the maintenance actions will be required. The current paper reports on findings of inventory, predominantly composed of reinforced concrete bridges, focusing on potential deterioration agents reported and checking their influence on deterioration conditions. Based on national database, the paper proposes a methodology to forecast Brazilian bridges deterioration rates. An example of application is demonstrated and satisfactory prediction accuracy obtained, even for few inspection cycles and under restricted database information.