• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.47 no.6
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• pp.759-779
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• 2023

The paper proposes two hybrid metaheuristic optimization and artificial neural network (ANN) methods for the close prediction of the ultimate axial compressive capacity of concentrically loaded concrete filled double skin steel tube (CFDST) columns. Two metaheuristic optimization, namely genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO), approaches enable the dynamic training architecture underlying an ANN model by optimizing the number and sizes of hidden layers as well as the weights and biases of the neurons, simultaneously. The former is termed as GA-ANN, and the latter as PSO-ANN. These techniques utilize the gradient-based optimization with Bayesian regularization that enhances the optimization process. The proposed GA-ANN and PSO-ANN methods construct the predictive ANNs from 125 available experimental datasets and present the superior performance over standard ANNs. Both the hybrid GA-ANN and PSO-ANN methods are encoded within a user-friendly graphical interface that can reliably map out the accurate ultimate axial compressive capacity of CFDST columns with various geometry and material parameters.

• Architectural research
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.13-20
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• 2024

This study is a research investigation into the properties of bubbles that affect the characteristics of foamed concrete during its production. The study examined the properties of bubbles based on the manufacturing conditions. To investigate these properties, the selected experimental factors included bead size, the length/diameter ratio of the bubble-generating tube, and compressed air. The experimental design used a design of experiments, and the test results were analyzed using analysis of variance. The foaming agent used to generate bubbles was AES (Alcohol Ethoxy Sulfate), and the method employed for bubble manufacture was the pre-foaming method. In the test results, a significant factor affecting the foaming rate of bubbles was the bead size; the highest foaming rate was observed when using 2mm beads. Bead size also primarily influenced the volume change of the aqueous solution, while other factors did not affect the foaming rate and volume change. None of the factors affected the change in bubble size, but compressed air was considered the main factor affecting bubble size and its change. The foaming rate and volume change of the aqueous solution showed a high correlation with each other. Spherical bubbles in the early stage eventually transformed into angular bubbles. Moreover, over time, it was observed that the bubble size increased.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.53 no.1
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• pp.45-59
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• 2024

This paper aims to investigate the impact of interfacial debonding on modal dynamic properties such as frequencies and vibration mode shapes. Furthermore, it seeks to identify the specific locations of debonding in rectangular concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) columns during the subsequent stage of the study. In this study, debonding is defined as a reduction in the elasticity modulus of concrete by a depth of 3 mm at the connection point with the steel tube. Debonding leads to a lack of correlation between primary and secondary shapes of vibration modes and causes a reduction in the natural frequency in all modes. However, directly comparing changes in vibration responses does not allow for the identification of debonding locations. In this study, a novel irregularity detection index (IDI) is proposed based on modal signal processing via the 2D wavelet transform. The suggested index effectively reveals relative irregularity peaks in the form of elevations at the debonding locations. As the severity of damage increases at a specific debonding location, the relative irregularity peaks would increase only at that specific point; in other words, the detection or non-detection of a debonding location using IDI has minimal effects on the identification of other debonding locations.

• Journal of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute of Korea
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.409-415
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• 2015

For the design of Concrete-Filled Steel Tube(CFST) columns, the outside diameter D to the steel tube thickness t ratio(D/t ratio) is limited to prevent the local buckling of steel tubes. Each design code proposes the respective model to compute the maximum D/t ratio using the yield strength of steel $f_y$ or $f_y$ and the elastic modulus of steel E. Considering the uncertainty in $f_y$ and E, the reliability index ${beta}$ for the local buckling of a CFST section can be calculated by formulating the limit state function including the maximum D/t models. The resulted ${beta}$ depends on the maximum D/t model used for the reliability analysis. This variability in reliability analysis is due to ambiguity in choosing computational models and it is called as "modelling uncertainty." This uncertainty can be considered as "non-specificity" of an epistemic uncertainty and modelled by constructing possibility distribution functions. In this study, three different computation models for the maximum D/t ratio are used to conduct reliability analyses for the local buckling of a CFST section and the reliability index ${beta}$ will be computed respectively. The "non-specific ${beta}s$" will be modelled by possibility distribution function and a metric, degree of confirmation, is measured from the possibility distribution function. It is shown that the degree of confirmation increases when ${beta}$ decreases. Conclusively, a new set of reliability indices associated with a degree of confirmation is determined and it is allowed to decide reliability index for the local buckling of a CFST section with an acceptable confirmation level.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.787-792
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• 2022

In winter, the excessive use of deicing salt deteriorates concrete pavement durability. To reduce the amount of deicing salt used, phase-change materials (PCMs) potentially offer an alternative way to melt snow through their latent heat storage characteristics. In this research, thermal energy storage concrete was developed by using PCM-impregnated expanded clay as 50 % replacement to normal aggregate by volume. In addition, to improve the thermal efficiency of PCM lightweight aggregate (PCM-LWA)-incorporated concrete, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were incorporated in proportions of 0.10 %, 0.15 %, and 0.20 % by binder weight. Compressive strength testing and programmed thermal cycling were performed to evaluate the mechanical and thermal responses of the PCM-LWA concrete. Results showed a significant strength reduction of 54 % due to the PCM-LWA; however, the thermal performance of the PCM-LWA concrete was greatly improved with the addition of MWCNTs. Thermal test results showed that 0.10 % MWCNT-incorporated concrete had high thermal fatigue resistance as well as uniform heat flow, whereas specimens with 0.15 % and 0.20 % MWCNT content had a reduced thermal response due to supercooling when the ambient temperature was varied between -5℃ and 10℃.

• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.725-734
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• 2012

A new modular pier system using concrete filled circular steel tubes was suggested to realize modular bridge substructures for accelerated bridge construction. Structural details and connection details were proposed by connection multiple concrete filled tubes (CFT) for standardized products of fabrication, delivery and erection. Static tests were performed for the modular pier with suggested details under lateral load conditions for weak and strong axes. Due to the eccentricity by the bracing system, the modular pier showed 5.23 times higher flexural stiffness and 6 times greater flexural strength from the test. It is proper for the rational design to evaluate stress and deformation by frame modeling of the modular CFT pier. Structural capacity of the pier can be obtained by adjusting the spacing of the CFT columns. Design recommendations were derived from the test.

• Proceedings of the Korea Concrete Institute Conference
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• 2008.11a
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• pp.61-64
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• 2008

A combination of CFT column and RC flat plate without formworks is very effectively rapid constructions. This paper verified the lateral resisting capacity of CFT column-RC flat plate exterior connection in comparison with general RC column-flat plate connection and detected moment capacity and ductility capacity of connection according to moment-displacement ratio. We made and tested specimens which have different variables respectively and as a result derive a following conclusion. In CFT-E2 specimen a critical section was extended and maximum moment increased 20% respectively in comparison to general RC column specimen. In BME and CFT-E1 specimens generally shear governed behaviors and CFT-E2 specimen complemented with seismic band, flexure behavior region of slab was extended and also ductility ratio and energy absorptance increased.

• Journal of the Korea Concrete Institute
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.55-63
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• 2015

Prefabrication technologies are making bridge construction safer and less disruptive to the environment and traveling public, making bridge designs more constructible and, improving the quality and durability by shifting site work to a more controllable environment. Modular bridge substructures with concrete-filled steel tube (CFT) piers and composite pier caps were suggested to realize accelerated bridge construction. The precast segmental pier cap consists of a composite pier table and precast prestressed segments on the table. The pier table has embedded steel section to mitigate stress concentration at the connection by small tubes. Each bridge pier has four or six CFT columns which connect to the pier cap. Shear strength of the pier cap was obtained by extending vertical reinforcing bars from the table to the precast segment. Transverse prestressing was introduced to control tensile stresses by service loadings. Structural performance of the proposed modular system was evaluated by static tests. Design requirements of the composite pier cap were satisfied by continuous reinforcing bars and prestressing tendons. Standardized modular substructures can be effectively utilized for the fast replacement or construction of bridges.

• Journal of the Korea Concrete Institute
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.335-343
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• 2008

In order to improve the workability in erecting Precast Concrete (PC) members and enhance the seismic resistance capacity of the joints in PC moment frames, a new PC column and its construction process are introduced in this paper. This column is manufactured by centrifugal force in keeping the hollow tube inside; the hollow is little bit wide and the grout can be poured from top to bottom after erection at site so that more compact grouting is possible in horizontal joint. The repeated cyclic loading test for four full scaled specimens was conducted to evaluate the seismic resistance capacity of the joint designed by the proposed system. For the continuity of main reinforcements in column, two connecting methods are used in designing specimens; one is to use mechanical connector and other is lab splice. From the cyclic lateral loading test, it was found that the seismic capacity of the developed PC column joint is comparable to that of monolithic joint.

• Fire Science and Engineering
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.9-16
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• 2017

In this study, fire resistance tests were conducted to evaluate the fire resistance performance of unprotected and non-welded CFT columns in relation to the shape and size of cross-sections. Unprotected slot-type CFT columns which were ${\square}300$ and ${\square}500$ in dimensions resisted fire for 125 minutes and more than 180 minutes, respectively. Strain analysis showed that slot-type CFT columns were more ductile than welded CFT columns. The temperatures of central parts measured when welded CFT columns and slot-type CFT columns had lost fire resistance performance were higher in the former than the latter. Therefore, slot connection does not a great influence on the temperatures inside the concrete.