• Computers and Concrete
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.1-14
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• 2024

The design of disturbed regions in reinforced concrete structures usually applies the well known Strut and Tie Method (STM). As an alternative, the Stringer-Panel Method (SPM), an intermediate model between STM and the Finite Element Method (FEM), consists in dividing a structure into two distinct elements: the stringers (which carry axial forces) and panels (which carry shear forces). SPM has already showed good applicability in manual calculations and computer implementations, and its most known application was SPanCAD, an AutoCAD plugin for linear and nonlinear analysis by SPM. Unfortunately, SPanCAD was discontinued by the developers, and it's not compatible with the most recent versions of AutoCAD. So, this paper aims to present a computer program that was developed as an upgrade to the latter: the Stringer Panel Modelling Tool (SPMTool), which is intended to be an auxiliary design tool and it presents improvements, in comparison to SPanCAD. It is possible to execute linear and nonlinear analysis by three distinct formulations: Modified Compression Field Theory (MCFT), Disturbed Stress Field Model (DSFM) and Softened Membrane Model (SMM). The nonlinear results were compared to experimental data of reinforced concrete elements that were not designed by SPM; these elements were also analyzed in SPanCAD. On overall, SPMTool made more realistic predictions to the behavior of the analyzed structures than SPanCAD. Except for DSFM predictions for corbels (1.24), in overall average, the ultimate load predictions were conservative (0.85 to 0.98), which is a good aspect for a design tool. On the other hand, the cracking load predictions presented overestimations (1.06 to 1.47) and higher variations (25.59% to 34.25%) and the post-cracking behavior could not be accurately predicted; for this use case, a more robust finite element software is recommended.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.225-234
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• 1998

The behavior of the underground opening depends mainly on the magnitude of the initial stress existing before excavation and on the stress redistribution due to the excavation. In the case of elasto-plastic materials such as rock mass, as the structural behavior of surrounded opening due to excavation depends on the stress path, methods and sequence of excavation have influences on the results of numerical analysis. Therefore, in order to design underground openings with large cross-section such as underground nuclear power plants, radioactive waste disposal cavems, oil storage caverns, and so on more reasonably it is desirable to consider the effect of the excavation sequence in the analysis. In this paper, the underground structure is analyzed using the finite element method and the distinct element methods with a view to review the the effect of the excavation sequence. Based on the results of the analysis the followings are discussed : influence of excavation shape and sequence, effect of structural reinforcements, influence of multi caverns.

• Journal of KSNVE
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• v.9 no.5
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• pp.1029-1035
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• 1999

This paper relates to the flexural vibration analysis of slender spindle systems with multiple thin disks, supported by the ball bearings by means of the finite element method. Each system component is analytically modeled taking into account its flexibility and also the centrifugal effect especially for the disk. In order to show the rapid convergence rate and accuracy of the proposed approach, an experimental set-up is built to be versatile. In two distinct cases, its natural modes are numerically computed using only a small number of total element meshes as the shaft rotational speed is varied, and verified through experimental frequency response function obtained by the impact test.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.54 no.4
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• pp.755-769
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• 2015

In this study, a 2-D finite element formulation in the frame of nonlocal integral elasticity is presented. Subsequently, the bending problem of a nanobeam under different types of loadings and boundary conditions is solved based on classical beam theory and also 3-D elasticity theory using nonlocal finite elements (NL-FEM). The obtained results are compared with the analytical and numerical results of nonlocal differential elasticity. It is concluded that the classical beam theory and the nonlocal differential elasticity can separately lead to significant errors for the problem under consideration as distinct from 3-D elasticity and nonlocal integral elasticity respectively.

• Ocean Systems Engineering
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.385-402
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• 2022

This paper deals with the study of hydrodynamic pressure in reservoir adjacent to the concrete gravity dam subjected to dynamic excitation. Widely famous finite element method is used to discretize the reservoir domain for modelling purpose. Pressure is considered as nodal variable following Eulerian approach. A suitable nonreflecting boundary condition is applied at truncated face of reservoir to make the infinite reservoir to finite one for saving the computational cost. Thorough studies have been done on generation of hydrodynamic pressure in reservoir with variation of different geometrical properties. Velocity profile and hydrodynamic pressure are observed due to harmonic excitation for variation of inclination angle of dam reservoir interface. Effect of bottom slope angle and inclined length of reservoir bottom on hydrodynamic pressure coefficient of reservoir are also observed. There is significant increase in hydrodynamic pressure and distinct changes in velocity profile of reservoir are noticeable for change in inclination angle of dam reservoir interface. Change of bottom slope and inclined length of reservoir bottom are also governing factor for variation of hydrodynamic pressure in reservoir subjected to dynamic excitation.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.127-134
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• 2000

The current three-stage cold farming process to produce a flange is investigated for the purpose of improvement of manufacturing process. The main goal of this study is to obtain an appropriate process sequence, which can produce the required part with less manufacturing cost. The current process sequence is simulated using finite element method and design criteria are examined. Based on the results of simulation of the current three-stage process. a design strategy for improving the process sequence is analyzed using the thick-walled pipes. Because it has a reduced process-sequence without buckling of the workpiece or overloading of tools, the new process has distinct advantages over the conventional process. Numerical results show that the newly proposed process with selected presses is the most economical way to produce the required part.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society for Agricultural Machinery Conference
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• 2000.11b
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• pp.117-123
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• 2000

Using the modified DEM (Discrete Element Method), which we proposed in order to improve the accuracy of the simulation, soil behavior and reaction by lugs of rotating wheel and a soil cutting process by a high speed blade were calculated and compared with experimental data. The DEM is one of computational mechanics, where the object body is supposed as an assembly of small particles called elements and not a continuum as in the case of FEM. We can easily treat some discrete phenomena such as cracking, separating and sliding by the DEM. We had to modify the original mechanical model, which induced too free movement of elements, adding a tension spring, which would display the role of soil adhesion. The results of DEM simulations were successful from both the soil behavior and reaction points of view.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.28 no.12
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• pp.77-86
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• 2012

We have carried out a series of numerical experiments to study the effect of average particle size on the mechanical properties of granite-derived weathered soils. A distinct-element method was adopted to study the changes in macro-scale mechanical properties with particle size and maximum-to-minimum particle size ratio. The numerical soil specimen with cohesion values of 0.25 MPa and internal friction angle of 29 degrees was prepared for reference. While keeping the porosity values constant, we varied particle size and size distribution to study how cohesion and internal friction angle changes. The experimental results show that the values of cohesion apparently decrease with increasing particle size. Changes in the values of internal friction angles are small, but there is a trend of increase in internal friction angle as the average particle size increases. This study demonstrates a possibility that the results of numerical experiments of this type may be used for rapid estimation of mechanical properties of granite-derived weathered soils. For example, when mechanical properties obtained through in situ tests and particle size data obtained through lab analysis are available for a site, it is expected that the mechanical properties of weathered granite soils with varying degrees of weathering (thus, varying particle size) may be estimated rapidly only with particle size data for that site.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.573-586
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• 2023

Joints or weak planes can induce anisotropy in the strength and deformability of fractured rock masses. Comprehending this anisotropic behavior is crucial to engineering geology. This study used plaster as a friction material to mold specimens with a single joint. The strength and deformability of the specimens were measured in true triaxial compression tests. The measured results were compared with three-dimensional numerical analysis based on the distinct element method, conducted under identical conditions, to assess the reliability of the modeled values. The numerical results highlight that the principal stress conditions in the field, in conjunction with joint orientations, are crucial factors to the study of the strength and deformability of fractured rock masses. The strength of a transversely isotropic rock mass derived numerically considering changes in the dip angle of the joint notably increases as the intermediate principal stress increases. This increment varies depending on the dip of the joint. Moreover, the interplay between the dip direction of the joint and the two horizontal principal stress directions dictates the strength of the transversely isotropic rock mass. For a rock mass with two joint sets, the set with the steeper dip angle governs the overall strength. If a rock bridge effect occurs owing to the limited continuity of one of the joint sets, the orientation of the set with longer continuity dominates the strength of the entire rock mass. Although conventional three-dimensional failure criteria for fractured rock masses have limited applicability in the field, supplementing them with numerical analysis proves highly beneficial.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.212-223
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• 1992

The distinct element method(DEM) si well suited to the kinematic analysis of blocky rock masses. Two distinctive problems, a rock avalache and tunnel in jointed rock masses, are chosen to apply the DEM which is based on perfectly rigid behaviour of blocks. Investigated for both problems are the effects of the input parameters such as contact stiffnesses, friction coefficient and damping property. Using various types of models of the avalanche and tunne, an extensive parametric study is done to gain experiences in the method, and then to alleviate difficulties in determining parameter values suitable for a given problem. The coefficient of frictio has significant effects on all aspects of avalanche motion(travel distance, velocity and travel time), while the stiffnesses affect the rebounding and jumping motions after collision. The motion predicted by the models having single and mutiple blocks agrees well to the observations reported on the actual avalache. For the tunnel problem, the behaviour of the key block in an example tunnel is compared by testing values of the input parameters. The stability of the tunnel is dependent primarily on the friction coefficient, while the stiffness and damping properties influence the block velocity. The kinematic stability of a tunnel for underground unclear waste repository is analyzed using the joint geometry data(orientation, spacing and persistence) occurred in a tailrace tunnel. Allowing a small deviation to the mean orientation results in different modes of failure of the rock blocks around the tunnel. Of all parameters tested, the most important to the stability of the tunnel in blocky rock masses are the geometry of the blocks generated by mapping the joint and tunnel surfaces in 3-dimensions and also the friction coefficient of the joints particularly for the stability of the side walls.