Study on compaction characteristics and mechanical model of dry crushing filling material under lateral confinement condition.

The compaction characteristics and bearing capacity of dry filling materials in goaf have a significant influence on stope control and surface stability. Through acoustic emission monitoring and mechanical model analysis, a series of confined compression tests were conducted on crushed waste with varying particle sizes and Talbot coefficients. The deformation, fragmentation, and acoustic emission characteristics under corresponding working conditions were determined. The results indicate that the stress-strain curves of crushed stone with different particle sizes and Talbot coefficients exhibit similar nonlinear behavior during confined compression. However, the strain response varies with changing stress levels. By analyzing the slope change rate of the stress-strain curve, the lateral uniaxial compression process of waste rock can be divided into three deformation stages: rapid compression, stable crushing, and slow compaction. The compressive deformation characteristics of gravel differ based on particle size and Talbot coefficient. Specimens with a higher Talbot coefficient demonstrate stronger compressive resistance and weaker deformation resistance during initial compaction loading. Notably, the internal pressure structure strength is influenced by factors such as maximum particle size D, grading coefficient n, and particle size distribution continuity, rather than solely by the proportion of large particles. The evolution of acoustic emission signals and energy-time curve during waste rock confined axial compression synchronizes with the compaction process. Overall, compaction plays a critical role in maintaining the stability of goaf in dry crushed waste filling.

Numerical Analysis of Laminated Veneer Lumber Beams Strengthened with Various Carbon Composites.

Among the many benefits of implementing numerical analysis on real objects, economic and environmental considerations are likely the most important ones. Nonetheless, it is also crucial to constrain the duration and space necessary for conducting experimental investigations. Although these benefits are clear, the applicability of such models must be appropriately verified. This research subjected validation of numerical models depicting the behavior of unstrengthened and strengthened laminated veneer lumber (LVL) beams. As a reinforcement, a carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheet and laminates were used. Experiments were conducted on full-scale members within the framework of the so-called four-point bending testing method. Numerical simulations were performed using the Abaqus software. Two types of material models were examined for laminated veneer lumber: linearly elastic and linearly elastic-perfectly plastic with Hill's yield criterion. A distinction was made in the material properties of carbon composites based on their location on the height of the cross-section. The outlined numerical models accurately depict the behavior of real structural elements. The precision of predicting load-bearing capacity amounts to a few percent for strengthened beams and a maximum of eleven percent for unstrengthened beams. The relative deviation between numerical and experimental values of bending stiffness was at a maximum of seven percent. Applying the elastic-plastic model enables accurate representation of the load versus deflection relation and the distribution of stress and deformation of strengthened beams. Based on the findings, directives were provided for further optimization of the positioning of composite reinforcement along the span of the beam. Reinforcement design of existing laminated veneer lumber members can be made using presented methodology.

Mechanically Robust Lubricating Hydrogels Beyond the Natural Cartilage as Compliant Artificial Joint Coating.

Natural cartilage exhibits superior lubricity as well as an ultra-long service lifetime, which is related to its surface hydration, load-bearing, and deformation recovery feature. Until now, it is of great challenge to develop reliable cartilage lubricating materials or coatings with persistent robustness. Inspired by the unique biochemical structure and mechanics of natural cartilage, the study reports a novel cartilage-hydrogel composed of top composite lubrication layer and bottom mechanical load-bearing layer, by covalently manufacturing thick polyelectrolyte brush phase through sub-surface of tough hydrogel matrix with multi-level crystallization phase. Due to multiple network dissipation mechanisms of matrix, this hydrogel can achieve a high compression modulus of 11.8 MPa, a reversible creep recovery (creep strain: ≈2%), along with excellent anti-swelling feature in physiological medium (v/v0 < 5%). Using low-viscosity PBS as lubricant, this hydrogel demonstrates persistent lubricity (average COF: ≈0.027) under a high contact pressure of 2.06 MPa with encountering 100k reciprocating sliding cycles, negligible wear and a deformation recovery of collapse pit in testing area. The extraordinary lubrication performance of this hydrogel is comparable to but beyond the natural animal cartilage, and can be used as compliant coating for implantable articular material of UHMWPE to present, offering more robust lubricity than current commercial system.

Experimental study on the punching failure model of soft red rock subgrade by BPT-BVM methods and it's assessment of the load bearing capacity.

The recommended bearing capacity of medium weathering mudstone foundation is less than the capacity of the rock structure to withstand loads in Southwest China. A comprehensive failure characterization of medium weathering mudstone in Chengdu has been performed including bearing plate test (BPT), binocular vision measurement (BVM) test, uniaxial compressive strength test, trial trench test of shallow rock surface and 3D imaging in this paper. Failure behavior of rock has been modeled with 3D imaging algorithm that utilizes Zhang's calibration method in BVM system combination with trial trench test of shallow rock surface. The bearing capacity of medium weathering mudstone foundation were extracted from uniaxial experiments and BPT-BVM test by fitting relevant material properties to the data. The results revealed that: Bearing capacity of medium weathering mudstone of layered isotropic in Chengdu is undervalued. Specifically, the characteristic load carrying value is in the range 1500-2500 kP, that is 50% higher than in the local standard system. Failure process is different from Hoek-Brown Failure Criterion, presenting a wave peak transfer phenomenon of the increment displacement into the distance. Thus, it can be reduced to that of punching failures for thin bedded structures of Moudstone foundations. Compressive strength of soft rock proves to be main factor limiting the bearing capacity, a clear correlation between the uniaxial compressive strength reduction coefficient and the bearing capacity has been used to establish, leading to the proposal of a load bearing capacity prediction model.

The Potential of Multi-Task Learning in CFDST Design: Load-Bearing Capacity Design with Three MTL Models.

Concrete-filled double steel tubes (CFDSTs) are a load-bearing structure of composite materials. By combining concrete and steel pipes in a nested structure, the performance of the column will be greatly improved. The performance of CFDSTs is closely related to their design. However, existing codes for CFDST design often focus on how to verify the reliability of a design, but specific design parameters cannot be directly provided. As a machine learning technique that can simultaneously learn multiple related tasks, multi-task learning (MTL) has great potential in the structural design of CFDSTs. Based on 227 uniaxial compression cases of CFDSTs collected from the literature, this paper utilized three multi-task models (multi-task Lasso, VSTG, and MLS-SVR) separately to provide multiple parameters for CFDST design. To evaluate the accuracy of models, four statistical indicators were adopted (R2, RMSE, RRMSE, and ρ). The experimental results indicated that there was a non-linear relationship among the parameters of CFDSTs. Nevertheless, MLS-SVR was still able to provide an accurate set of design parameters. The coefficient matrices of two linear models, multi-task Lasso and VSTG, revealed the potential connection among CFDST parameters. The latent-task matrix V in VSTG divided the prediction tasks of inner tube diameter, thickness, strength, and concrete strength into three groups. In addition, the limitations of this study and future work are also summarized. This paper provides new ideas for the design of CFDSTs and the study of related codes.

Additively Manufactured Bionic Corrugated Lightweight Honeycomb Structures with Controlled Deformation Load-Bearing Properties.

The rapid development of additive manufacturing (AM) has facilitated the creation of bionic lightweight, energy-absorbing structures, enabling the implementation of more sophisticated internal structural designs. For protective structures, the utilization of artificially controlled deformation patterns can effectively reduce uncertainties arising from random structural damage and enhance deformation stability. This paper proposed a bionic corrugated lightweight honeycomb structure with controllable deformation. The force on the onset state of deformation of the overall structure was investigated, and the possibility of controlled deformation in the homogeneous structure was compared with that in the corrugated structure. The corrugated structures exhibited a second load-bearing capacity wave peak, with the load-bearing capacity reaching 60.7% to 117.29% of the first load-bearing peak. The damage morphology of the corrugated structure still maintained relative integrity. In terms of energy absorption capacity, the corrugated lightweight structure has a much stronger energy absorption capacity than the homogeneous structure due to the second peak of the load carrying capacity. The findings of this study suggested that the combination of geometric customization and longitudinal corrugation through additive manufacturing offers a promising approach for the development of high-performance energy-absorbing structures.

Investigating the Influence of Varied Particle Sizes on the Load-Bearing Properties of Arrester Bed Aggregates.

This study employs the discrete element method to investigate the influence of particle size on the load-bearing characteristics of aggregates, with a specific emphasis on the aggregates used in escape ramp arrester beds. This study utilises the log edge detection algorithm to introduce an innovative approach for modelling irregularly shaped pebbles, integrating their physical properties into a comprehensive discrete element model to enhance the accuracy and applicability of simulations involving such pebbles. Meticulous validation and parameter calibration (friction coefficient: 0.37, maximum RMSE: 3.43) confirm the accuracy of the simulations and facilitate an in-depth examination of the mechanical interactions between aggregate particles at macroscopic and microscopic scales. The findings reveal a significant relationship between the particle size and load-bearing capacity of aggregates. Smaller pebbles, which are more flexible under pressure, can be packed more densely, thereby improving the distribution of vertical forces and increasing the concentration of local stress. This enhancement substantially increases the overall load-bearing capacity of aggregates. These discoveries hold significant implications for engineering practices, particularly in the optimisation of safety for truck escape ramps and in identifying the ideal sizes of pebbles with irregular shapes.

Experimental Investigation of Load-Bearing Capacity in EN AW-2024-T3 Aluminum Alloy Sheets Strengthened by SPIF-Fabricated Stiffening Rib.

The aluminum strength-to-weight ratio has become a highly significant factor in industrial applications. Placing stiffening ribs along the surface can significantly improve the panel's resistance to bending and compression in aluminum alloys. This study used single-point incremental forming (SPIF) to fabricate stiffening ribs for 1 mm and 3 mm thick aluminum alloy EN AW-2024-T3 sheets. A universal compression machine was used to investigate sheet deformation. The resulting deformation was examined using non-contact digital image correlation (DIC) based on several high-resolution cameras. The results showed that deformation progressively escalated from the edges toward the center, and the highest buckling values were confined within the non-strengthened area. Specimens with a larger thickness (3 mm) showed better effectiveness against buckling and bending for each applied load: 8 kN or 10 kN. Additionally, the displacement from the sheet surface decreased by 60% for sheets 3 mm thick and by half for sheets 1 mm thick, which indicated that thicker sheets could resist deformation better.

Load-bearing capacity of 3D-printed incisor partial-coverage crowns made from zirconia and composite.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the fracture resistance of 0.5-mm-thick restorations for minimally invasive therapy. Anterior partial-coverage crowns composed of three-dimensional (3D)-printed 3-mol% yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (3Y-TZP; Lithacon 3Y210, Lithoz) and 3D-printed composite (Varseo Smile Crown plus, Bego) were compared with a control group made from milled 3Y-TZP (Cercon ht, DentsplySirona). METHODS: Three groups each with 27 restorations were produced. For milled 3Y-TZP partial-coverage crowns, drill compensation was needed so the milling bur could access the inner surface at the incisal edge. Restoration fit was verified by cross-sectioning 12 specimens in each group. The remaining 15 restorations were sandblasted (Al2O3, 0.1 MPa) and adhesively cemented (Panavia SA, Kuraray) onto CoCr teeth. Static load-to-failure tests were performed. The load was induced on the incisal edge. The forces needed to fracture the specimens were analyzed using the Welch analysis of variance and post hoc Dunnet-T3 tests. The Weibull parameters were also calculated. RESULTS: Drill compensation increased cement thickness at the loading area by 200 µm in milled 3Y-TZP restorations compared with the 3D-printed partial-coverage crowns. Fracture resistance was the highest in 3D-printed 3Y-TZP restorations (1570±661N) followed by milled 3Y-TZP (886±164N) and 3D-printed composite partial-coverage crowns (570±233 N). Milled 3Y-TZP was associated with a substantially higher Weibull modulus (m=6) than the 3D-printed materials (m=2), suggesting greater reliability. CONCLUSIONS: Fracture resistance increased with tighter fit, demonstrating the benefit of the geometric freedom associated with 3D-printing. Future research should focus on making 3D-printed 3Y-TZP more reliable to increase its safety in clinical use.

Dual-Scale Spiral Material for Balancing High Load Bearing and Sound Absorption.

Porous materials with sound absorption and load-bearing capabilities are in demand in engineering fields like aviation and rail transportation. However, achieving both properties simultaneously is challenging due to the trade-off between interconnected pores for sound absorption and mechanical strength. Inspired by quilling art, a novel design using spiral material formed by rolling planar materials into helical structures is proposed. Experimental results show high structural strength through self-locking mechanisms, while double porosities from interlayer spiral slits and aligned submillimeter pores provide excellent sound absorption. These spiral sheets surpass foam aluminum in specific strength (up to 5.1 MPa) and approach aerogels in sound absorption (average coefficient of 0.93 within 0-6400 Hz). With its adaptability to various planar materials, this spiral design allows for hybrid combinations of different materials for multi-functionality, paving the way for designing advanced, lightweight porous materials for broad applications.

Roadway rock burst prediction based on catastrophe theory.

In order to quantitatively calculate the critical depth and critical load of mines affected by rock burst, and to achieve effective prevention and control of rock burst in coal mines, this paper proposes a mechanical model for predicting the occurrence of rock burst in coal mine roadways based on catastrophe theory. Additionally, a theoretical calculation formula for initiating rock burst is derived. The first step was to establish a mechanical analysis model, which directly correlated with the in-situ stress, physical and mechanical characteristics of the coal-rock mass, and engineering structural parameters. Following this, a mechanical instability criterion was derived for the key load-bearing circle within the surrounding rock of the roadway. In the final step, the critical depth and load for rock burst initiation were verified for 25 distinct coal mines in China that were prone to rock burst hazards. The research results demonstrate that the discrepancy between the theoretically calculated critical depth and the actual measured statistical values was less than 35%. In addition, the difference between the theoretically determined critical depth and the value calculated by Pan Yishan was less than 32%. Notably, the ratio of the theoretically calculated critical load to the uniaxial compressive strength of the coal-rock mass ranged from 0.38 to 1.93. This aligns with empirical data on rock burst occurrences, as set out in the engineering classification standards for rock masses. These research outcomes substantiated the practical utility of the proposed theory, thereby laying a robust theoretical groundwork for the quantitative control of rock burst.

Mechanical Analysis of the Quasi-Static and Dynamic Composite Action in PV Modules with Viscoelastic Encapsulant.

The mechanical analysis of photovoltaics and building integrated photovoltaics is a key step for their optimal design and certification, and requires careful consideration, alongside solar power, durability and functionality issues. The solar cells are encapsulated in thin interlayers that are usually composed of a viscoelastic Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate compound, and protected by thin glass and/or plastic layers. This paper investigates the out-of-plane bending response of a full-scale commercial PV module and focuses attention on the shear bonding efficiency of the thin encapsulant for quasi-static and dynamic mechanical considerations. The parametric analytical analysis, carried out in this study for a laminated glass plate, highlights the possible consequences of the viscoelastic shear coupling on the cross-section load-bearing demand in the covers. As a direct effect of severe operational conditions (i.e., ageing, non-uniform/cyclic thermal gradients, humidity, extreme mechanical/thermal loads, etc.) the shear rigidity and adhesion of these films can suffer from repeated/progressive modification and even degradation, and thus induce major stress and deflection effects in the out-of-plane mechanical response of the PV module components. The minimum shear bond efficiency required to prevent mechanical issues is calculated for various configurations of technical interest. Accordingly, it is shown how the quasi-static and dynamic mechanical performance of the system modifies as a function of a more rigid or weak shear coupling.

Mechanical Performance of Extensive Restorations Made with Short Fiber-Reinforced Composites without Coverage: A Systematic Review of In Vitro Studies.

In recent years, composite resin materials have been the most frequently used materials for direct restorations of posterior teeth. These materials have some clinically relevant limitations due to their lack of fracture toughness, especially when used in larger cavities with high volume factors or when utilized as direct or indirect overlays or crown restorations. Recently, short-fiber-reinforced composite materials have been used in bi-structure restorations as a dentine substituting material due to their superior mechanical properties; however, there is no scientific consensus as to whether they can be used as full restorations. The aim of our review was to examine the available literature and gather scientific evidence on this matter. Two independent authors performed a thorough literature search using PubMed and ScienceDirect up until December 2023. This study followed the PRISMA guidelines, and the risk of bias was assessed using the QUIN tool. The authors selected in vitro studies that used short-fiber-reinforced composite materials as complete restorations, with a conventional composite material as a comparison group. Out of 2079 potentially relevant articles, 16 met our inclusion criteria. All of the included studies reported that the usage of short-fiber-reinforced composites improved the restoration's load-bearing capacity. Fifteen of the included publications examined the fracture pattern, and thirteen of them reported a more favorable fracture outcome for the short-fiber-reinforced group. Only one article reported a more favorable fracture pattern for the control group; however, the difference between groups was not significant. Within the limitations of this review, the evidence suggests that short-fiber-reinforced composites can be used effectively as complete restorations to reinforce structurally compromised teeth.

Highly Concentrated Electrolyte Superlubricants Enhanced by Interfacial Water Competition Around Chemically Active MgO Additives.

The low concentration of water-based lubricants and the high chemical inertness of the additives involved are often regarded as basic norms in the design of liquid lubricants. Herein, a novel liquid superlubricant of an aqueous solution containing a relatively high concentration of salt, lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI), is reported for the first time, and the superlubricity stability and load-bearing capacity of the optimized system (MgO0.10/LiTFSI10) are effectively strengthened by the addition of only trace (0.10 wt %) water-chemically active MgO additives. It demonstrates higher applicable loads, lower COF (∼0.004), and stability relative to the base solution. Only a trace amount of MgO additive is needed for the superlubricity, which makes up for the cost and environmental deficiencies of LiTFSI10. The weak interaction region between free water and the outer-layer water of Li+ hydration shells becomes a possible ultralow shear resistance sliding interface; the Mg(OH)2 layer, generated by the reaction of MgO with water, further creates additional weakly interacting interfaces, leading to the formation of an asymmetric contact between the clusters/particles within the hydrodynamic film by moderating the competition between interfacial water and free water, thus achieving high load-bearing macroscopic superlubricity. This study deepens the contribution of electrolyte concentration to ionic hydration and superlubricity due to the low shear slip layer formed by interfacial water competition with water-activated solid additives, providing new insights into the next generation of high load-bearing water-based liquid superlubricity systems.

Conventional-, bulk-fill- or flowable-resin composites as prosthetic core build-up: Influence on the load-bearing capacity under fatigue of bonded leucite-reinforced glass-ceramic.

This study aimed to evaluate the fatigue performance of simplified ceramic restorations (leucite-reinforced glass ceramic) adhesively cemented onto substrates of different resin composites. Three options from the same commercial line were selected (Tetric N-Line, Ivoclar), classified as Conventional (CRC), Bulk-fill (BRC) and Flowable (FRC), which were used to make discs using a cylindrical metallic device (n = 19; Ø = 10 mm, thickness = 2.0 mm). A total of 57 discs (Ø = 10 mm, thickness = 1.0 mm) were made from CAD/CAM prefabricated blocks of a leucite reinforced glass-ceramic (Empress CAD, Ivoclar) to simulate a monolithic restoration, then were randomly distributed to be bonded on 19 discs of each three different resin composite substrates (CRC; BRC; or FRC) with a dual resin cement (Multilink N; Ivoclar). The samples were subjected to a compression test with a hemispherical stainless-steel piston (Ø = 40 mm) at a monotonic regimen (n = 4; 1 mm/min loading rate and 500 kgf loading cell until fracture). The cyclic fatigue test was performed underwater at a frequency of 20 Hz (n = 15). The first step was applied using 200N for 5000 cycles, followed by increments of 50N at each step of 10,000 until failure. The outcome considered for both tests was the occurrence of radial crack. Specific statistical tests (α = 0.05) were performed for monotonic (One-way ANOVA; Tukey's test) and fatigue data (Kaplan-Meier test; Log-rank test). Fractography of fractured samples were also performed. The FRC group had the lowest failure load in both test regimes (p < 0.05; monotonic: 726.64N; fatigue: 716.67N). There were no differences between the CRC and BRC groups (p > 0.05; monotonic: 989.30 and 990.11N; fatigue: 810.00 and 833.33N, respectively). The same result was obtained considering cycles for fatigue failure (FRC < CRC=BRC). Leucite glass-ceramic bonded to substrates made of flowable resin composite behaves worse mechanically than bonding to conventional or bulk-fill resin composite substrates.

3D-Printed Personalized Lattice Implant as an Innovative Strategy to Reconstruct Geographic Defects in Load-Bearing Bones.

OBJECTIVE: Geographic defect reconstruction in load-bearing bones presents formidable challenges for orthopaedic surgeon. The use of 3D-printed personalized implants presents a compelling opportunity to address this issue. This study aims to design, manufacture, and evaluate 3D-printed personalized implants with irregular lattice porous structures for geographic defect reconstruction in load-bearing bones, focusing on feasibility, osseointegration, and patient outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective study involved seven patients who received 3D-printed personalized lattice implants for the reconstruction of geographic defects in load-bearing bones. Personalized implants were customized for each patient. Randomized dodecahedron unit cells were incorporated within the implants to create the porous structure. The pore size and porosity were analyzed. Patient outcomes were assessed through a combination of clinical and radiological evaluations. Tomosynthesis-Shimadzu metal artifact reduction technology (T-SMART) was utilized to evaluate osseointegration. Functional outcomes were assessed according to the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) 93 score. RESULTS: Multiple pore sizes were observed in porous structures of the implant, with a wide distribution range (approximately 300-900 um). The porosity analysis results showed that the average porosity of irregular porous structures was around 75.03%. The average follow-up time was 38.4 months, ranging from 25 to 50 months. Postoperative X-rays showed that the implants matched the geographic bone defect well. Osseointegration assessments according to T-SMART images indicated a high degree of bone-to-implant contact, along with favorable bone density around the implants. Patient outcomes assessments revealed significant improvements in functional outcomes, with the average MSTS score of 27.3 (range, 26-29). There was no implant-related complication, such as aseptic loosening or structure failure. CONCLUSION: 3D-printed personalized lattice implants offer an innovative and promising strategy for geographic defect reconstruction in load-bearing bones. This approach has the potential to match the unique contours and geometry of the geographic bone defect and facilitate osteointegration.

Tough Hydrogels for Load-Bearing Applications.

Tough hydrogels have emerged as a promising class of materials to target load-bearing applications, where the material has to resist multiple cycles of extreme mechanical impact. A variety of chemical interactions and network architectures are used to enhance the mechanical properties and fracture mechanics of hydrogels making them stiffer and tougher. In recent years, the mechanical properties of tough, high-performance hydrogels have been benchmarked, however, this is often incomplete as important variables like water content are largely ignored. In this review, the aim is to clarify the reported mechanical properties of state-of-the-art tough hydrogels by providing a comprehensive library of fracture and mechanical property data. First, common methods for mechanical characterization of such high-performance hydrogels are introduced. Then, various modes of energy dissipation to obtain tough hydrogels are discussed and used to categorize the individual datasets helping to asses the material's (fracture) mechanical properties. Finally, current applications are considered, tough high-performance hydrogels are compared with existing materials, and promising future opportunities are discussed.

Stepwisely Assembled Multicomponent Fiber with High Water Content and Superior Mechanical Properties for Artificial Ligament.

The ligament, which connects bones at the joints, has both high water content and excellent mechanical properties in living organisms. However, it is still challenging to fabricate fibrous materials that possess high water content and ligament-like mechanical characteristics simultaneously. Herein, the design and preparation of a ligament-mimicking multicomponent fiber is reported through stepwise assembly of polysaccharide, calcium, and dopamine. In simulated body fluid, the resulting fiber has a water content of 40 wt%, while demonstrating strength of ≈120 MPa, a Young's modulus of ≈3 GPa, and a toughness of ≈25 MJ m-3. Additionally, the multicomponent fiber exhibits excellent creep and fatigue resistance, as well as biocompatibility to support cell growth in vitro. These findings suggest that the fiber has potential for engineering high-performance artificial ligament.

Initial damage and failure load of zirconia-ceramic and metal-ceramic posterior cantilever fixed partial dentures.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare failure load and initial damage in monolithic, partially veneered, and completely veneered (translucent) zirconia cantilevered fixed partial dentures (CFPDs), as well as completely veneered metal-ceramic CFPDs under different support and loading configurations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight test groups with anatomically congruent CFPDs (n = 8/group) were fabricated, differing in CFPD material/support structure/loading direction (load applied via steel ball (Ø 6 mm) 3 mm from the distal end of the pontic for axial loading with a 2-point contact on the inner cusp ridges of the buccal and oral cusps and 1.3 mm below the oral cusp tip for 30° oblique loading): (1) monolithic zirconia/CoCr abutment teeth/axial, (2) monolithic zirconia/CoCr abutment teeth/oblique, (3) partially veneered zirconia/CoCr abutment teeth/axial, (4) partially veneered zirconia/CoCr abutment teeth/oblique, (5) completely veneered zirconia/CoCr abutment teeth/axial, (6) completely veneered CoCr/CoCr abutment teeth/axial (control group), (7) partially veneered zirconia/implants/axial, and (8) partially veneered zirconia/natural teeth/axial. Restorations were artificially aged before failure testing. Statistical analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests. RESULTS: Mean failure loads ranged from 392 N (group 8) to 1181 N (group 1). Axially loaded monolithic zirconia CFPDs (group 1) and controls (group 6) showed significantly higher failure loads. Oblique loading significantly reduced failure loads for monolithic zirconia CFPDs (group 2). Initial damage was observed in all groups except monolithic zirconia groups, and fractography revealed design flaws (sharp edges at the occlusal boundary of the veneering window) in partially veneered zirconia CFPDs. CONCLUSIONS: Monolithic zirconia CFPDs might be a viable alternative to completely veneered CoCr CFPDs in terms of fracture load. However, oblique loading of monolithic zirconia CFPDs should be avoided in clinical scenarios. Design improvements are required for partially veneered zirconia CFPDs to enhance their load-bearing capacity. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Monolithic zirconia may represent a viable all-ceramic alternative to the established metal-ceramic option for CFPD fabrication. However, in daily clinical practice, careful occlusal adjustment and regular monitoring should ensure that oblique loading of the cantilever is avoided.

Load bearing capacity of 3-unit screw-retained implant-supported fixed dental prostheses with a mesial and distal cantilever on a single implant: A comparative in vitro study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the mechanical durability of monolithic zirconia implant-supported fixed dental prostheses (iFDP) design on one implant, with a distal and a mesial extension cantilever bonded to a titanium base compared to established designs on two implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Roxolid Tissue level (TL), and tissue level x (TLX) implants were used to manufacture screw-retained 3-unit iFDPs (n = 60, n = 10 per group), with following configurations (X: Cantilever; I: Implant, T: Test group, C: Control group): T1: X-I-X (TL); T2: X-I-X (TLX); T3: I-I-X (TL); T4: I-I-X (TLX); C1: I-X-I (TL); C2: I-X-I (TLX). The iFDPs were thermomechanically aged and subsequently loaded until fracture using a universal testing machine. The failure load at first crack (Finitial) and at catastrophic fracture (Fmax) were measured and statistical evaluation was performed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc tests. RESULTS: The mean values ranged between 190 ± 73 and 510 ± 459 N for Finitial groups, and between 468 ± 76 and 1579 ± 249 N for Fmax, respectively. Regarding Finitial, neither the implant type, nor the iFDP configuration significantly influenced measured failure loads (all p > 0.05). The choice of implant type did not show any significant effect (p > 0.05), while reconstruction design significantly affected Fmax data (I-I-Xa < X-I-Xb < I-X-Ic) (p < 0.05). The mesial and distal extension groups (X-I-X) showed fractures only at the cantilever extension site, while the distal extension group (I-I-X) showed one abutment and one connector fracture at the implant/reconstruction interface. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that iFDPs with I-X-I design can be recommended regardless of tested implant type followed by the mesial and distal extension design on one implant abutment (X-I-X).