• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.72 no.4
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• pp.469-477
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• 2019

The understanding of tool-rock interaction mechanism is of high essence for improving the rock breaking efficiency and optimizing the drilling parameters in mechanical rock breaking. In this study, the tool-rock interaction models of indentation and cutting are carried out by employing the discrete element method (DEM) to examine the rock failure modes of various brittleness rocks and critical indentation and cutting depths of the ductile to brittle failure mode transition. The results show that the cluster size and inter-cluster to intra-cluster bond strength ratio are the key factors which influence the UCS magnitude and the UCS to BTS ratio. The UCS to BTS strength ratio can be increased to a more realistic value using clustered rock model so that the characteristics of real rocks can be better represented. The critical indentation and cutting depth decrease with the brittleness of rock increases and the decreasing rate reduces dramatically against the brittleness value. This effort may lead to a better understanding of rock breaking mechanisms in mechanical excavation, and may contribute to the improvement in the design of rock excavation machines and the related parameters determination.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.399-409
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• 2019

This paper presents the experimental investigations on the seismic performance of a peculiar steel-concrete vertical hybrid structural system referred to as steel truss-RC tubular column hybrid structure. It is typically applied as the supporting structural system to house air-cooled condensers in thermal power plants (TPPs). Firstly, pseudo-dynamic tests (PDTs) are performed on a scaled substructure to investigate the seismic performance of this hybrid structure under different hazard levels. The deformation performance, deterioration behavior and energy dissipation characteristics are analyzed. Then, a cyclic loading test is conducted after the final loading case of PDTs to verify the ultimate seismic resistant capacity of this hybrid structure. Finally, the failure mechanism is discussed through mechanical analysis based on the test results. The research results indicate that the steel truss-RC tubular column hybrid structure is an anti-seismic structural system with single-fortification line. RC tubular columns are the main energy dissipated components. The truss-to-column connections are the structural weak parts. In general, it has good ductile performance to satisfy the seismic design requirements in high-intensity earthquake regions.

• Journal of the Architectural Institute of Korea Structure & Construction
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• v.34 no.11
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• pp.27-35
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• 2018

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of boundary RC frame(composed of one tie-beam and two tie-columns) on seismic performance of unreinforced masonry walls to suggest alternative way for seismic design of unreinforced masonry wall structures. Two test specimens are prepared, one is a typical unreinforced masonry wall and another is alternative unreinforced masonry wall with additional boundary RC frame. The structural experiments were carried out to evaluate the difference of seismic resistance performance between two test specimens with or without the boundary RC frames. From the test results, it was found that the failure mode of unreinforced masonry wall fundamentally changed from 'brittle' to 'ductile' by the installing of boundary RC frames. And, the maximum load and energy dissipation capacity of the test specimen with boundary RC frame was increased about 1.6~1.7 and 2~3 times respectively compared with a typical unreinforced masonry wall specimen.

• Journal of the Architectural Institute of Korea Structure & Construction
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.125-132
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• 2019

Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) has high compressive and tensile strengths due to the particle packing, and its ductile behavior can be ensured by utilizing steel fibers. However, since the UHPC members exhibit different characteristics of crack behavior and tensile behavior from normal concrete, the tension stiffening and cracking characteristics of the UHPC should be accurately modeled for the design and analysis of the UHPC members. In this study, uniaxial tension tests was conducted on the UHPC members with strands, where the test variables were diameter and reinforcing ratio of strands. Detailed analyses were also conducted to identify the tensile characteristics and crack behavior of the UHPC members. By comparing the test results with current code provisions and other models proposed by existing researchers, their applicability for estimation of crack behavior of the UHPC members was examined.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.54 no.5
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• pp.1726-1746
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• 2022

This paper presents fracture mechanics analysis results for various cracks located at pressurized water reactor pressure vessel nozzle crotch corners taking into consideration constraint effect. Technical documents such as the ASME B&PV Code, Sec.XI were reviewed and then a fracture mechanics analysis procedure was proposed for structural integrity assessment of various nozzle crotch corner cracks under normal operation conditions considering the constraint effect. Linear elastic fracture mechanics analysis was performed by conducting finite element analysis with the proposed analysis procedure. Based on the evaluation results, elastic-plastic fracture mechanics analysis taking into account the constraint effect was performed only for the axial surface crack of the reactor pressure vessel outlet nozzle with cladding. The fracture mechanics analysis result shows that only the axial surface crack in the reactor pressure vessel outlet nozzle has the stress intensity factor exceeding the low bound of upper-shelf fracture toughness irrespectively of considering the constraint effect. It is confirmed that the J-integral for the axial crack of the outlet nozzle does not exceed the ductile crack initiation toughness. Hence, it can be ensured that the structural integrity of all the cracks is maintained during the normal operation.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.321-333
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• 2023

This paper proposes a comprehensive investigation on lateral stiffness of corner-supported steel modular frame using splice connection. A full-scale modular frame with two stacked steel modules under lateral load is tested. Ductile pattern in the transfer of lateral load is found in the final failure mode. Two types of lateral stiffness, including tangent stiffness and secant stiffness, are defined from the load-displacement due to the observed nonlinearity. The difference between these two types of stiffness is found around 20%. The comparisons between the experimental lateral stiffness and the predictions of classical methods are also conducted. The D-value method using hypothesis of independent case is a conservative option for predicting lateral stiffness, which is more recommended than method of contraflexural bending moment. Analyses on two classical short-rod models, including fix-rod model and pin-rod model, are further conducted. Results indicate that fix-rod model is more recommended than pin-rod model to simplify splice connection for simulation on lateral stiffness of modular frame in elastic design stage.

• Journal of the Society of Naval Architects of Korea
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• v.61 no.1
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• pp.44-50
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• 2024

In order to reasonably predict damage extents of naval ships under in-compartment explosion (INCEX) loads, two conditions should be fulfilled in terms of accurate INCEX load generation and fracture estimation. This paper seeks to predict damage extents of various naval ships by applying the CONWEP model to generate INCEX loads, combined with the Hosford-Coulomb (HC) and localized necking (LN) fracture model. This study selected a naval ship with a 2,000-ton displacement, using associated specifications collected from references. The CONWEP model that is embedded in a commercial finite element analysis software ABAQUS/Explicit was used for INCEX load generation. The combined HC-LN model was used to simulate fracture initiation and propagation. The permanent failures with some structural fractures occurred where at the locations closest to the explosion source points in case of the near field explosions, while, some significant fractures were observed in way of the interfaces between bulkheads and curtain plates under far field explosion. A large thickness difference would lead to those interface failures. It is expected that the findings of this study enhances the vulnerability design of naval ships, enabling more accurate predictions of damage extents under INCEX loads.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.385-398
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• 2024

As concrete dominates the construction industry, alternatives to traditionally used steel reinforcement are being sought. This study explored the suitability of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) as a substitute within rigid frames, focusing on its impact on section ductility and overall structural durability against seismic events. However, current design guidelines address quasi-static loads, leaving a gap for dynamic or extreme circumstances. Our approach included multiscale simulations, parametric study, and energy dissipation analyses, drawing upon a unique adaptation of modified compression field theory. In our efforts to optimize macro and microparameters to improve yield strength, manage brittleness, and govern failure modes, we also recognized the potential of CFRP's high corrosion resistance. This characteristic of CFRP could significantly reduce the frequency of required repairs, thereby contributing to enhanced durability of the structures. The research reveals that CFRP's durability and seismic resistance are attributed to plastic joints within compressed fibers. Notably, CFRP can impart ductility to structural designs, effectively balancing its inherent brittleness, particularly when integrated with quasi-brittle materials. This research challenges the notion that designing bendable components with carbon fiber reinforcement is impractical. It shows that creating ductile bending components with CFRP in concrete is feasible despite the material's brittleness. This funding overturns conventional assumptions and opens new avenues for using CFRP in structural applications where ductility and resilience are crucial.

• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.751-760
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• 2007

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the seismic performance of the frame which is assumed to be used with Welded Unreinforced Flange-Bolted web (WUF-B) connections and detailed in compliance with FEMA 350 recommended seismic design criteria. In FEMA 350, these types of connections are only valid for Ordinary Moment-Resisting Steel Frames (OMRSFs). For this purpose, based on test results, we proposed an analytical model for the Post-Northridge WUF-B connections with different panel zone strength ratios. Using the connection model, SAC Phase II three and nine-story frames were modeled and analyzed. From a nonlinear static pushover analysis, ductility, maximum strength, and the maximum interstory drift ratio were investigated for buildings with Post-Northridge details. Moreover, the maximum interstory drift ratio of each performance level (IO and CP) was also investigated through Incremental Dynamic Analysis (IDA). Analytical results were compared with those of buildings with either Pre-Northridge connection or ductile connections with no fracture. The analytical results showed that buildings with Post-Northridge WUF-B connections provide superior strength and interstory drift ratio capacity than buildings with Pre-Northridge WUF-B connections.

• Journal of the Korean Recycled Construction Resources Institute
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.290-297
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• 2017

The flexural behavior tests of UHPC segmental U-girder and composite U-girder which has 160MPa compressive strength and 15.4m length were carried out. The test variables are volume fraction of steel fibers and slab over the U-girder. Each U-girder has longitudinal re-bars in web and lower flange. PS tendons which has 2 of 15.2mm diameter in upper flange and PS tendons which has 7 of 15.2mm diameter in lower flange were arranged and prestressed at onetime in U-girder connection stage. Enough strong prestressing force which applied to U-girder due to ultra high performance concrete strength can withstand the self weight and dead load in U-girder stage. By comparison with the brittle behavior of U-girder, composite U-girder showed the stable and ductile behavior. After the construction of slab over U-girder, flexural load capacity of composite U-girder can bear the design load in final construction stage with only one time prestressing operation which already carried out in U-girder stage. This simple prestressing method due to the ultra high strength concrete have the advantage in construction step and cost. The shear key which has narrow space has the strong composite connection between ultra high strength concrete U-girder and high strength concrete slab didn't show any slip and opening right before failure load.