• Computers and Concrete
• /
• v.25 no.1
• /
• pp.67-73
• /
• 2020

Traditionally used analytical approach to predict the fatigue failure of reinforced concrete (RC) structure is generally conservative and has certain limitations. The nonlinear finite element method (FEM) offers less expensive solution for fatigue analysis with sufficient accuracy. However, the conventional implicit dynamic analysis is very expensive for high level computation. Whereas, an explicit dynamic analysis approach offers a computationally operative modelling to predict true responses of a structural element under periodic loading and might be perfectly matched to accomplish long life fatigue computations. Hence, this study simulates the fatigue behaviour of RC beams with finite element (FE) assemblage presenting a simplified explicit dynamic numerical solution to show computer aided fatigue behaviour of RC beam. A commercial FEM package, ABAQUS has been chosen for this complex modelling. The concrete has been modelled as a 8-node solid element providing competent compression hardening and tension stiffening. The steel reinforcements are simulated as two-node truss elements comprising elasto-plastic stress-strain behaviour. All the possible nonlinearities are duly incorporated. Time domain analysis has been adopted through an automatic Newmark-β time incremental technique. The program consists of twelve RC beams to visualize the real behaviour during fatigue process and to obtain the reliability of the study. Both the numerical and experimental results indicate a redistribution of stresses along the time and damage accumulation of beam which severely affect the serviceability and ultimate capacity of RC beam. The output of the FEM analysis demonstrates good match with the experimental consequences which affirm the efficacy of the computer aided model. The controlled fatigue damage evolution at service fatigue load limits makes the FE model an efficient tool in predicting high cycle fatigue behaviour of RC structures.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
• /
• v.54 no.3
• /
• pp.1071-1084
• /
• 2022

The present study aims to investigate the dynamic properties of a novel isolation system composed of separate rubber and wire isolators. The testing program comprised pure compressive, pure-shear, compressive-stress dependence, and shear-strain dependence tests that used full-scale test specimens according to ISO 22762-1. A total of 22 test specimens were fabricated and investigated. Among the tests, the pure compressive test was a destructive test that reached up to the failure stage, whereas the others were nondestructive tests before the failure stage. Similar to the pure-shear test, at each compressive-stress level in the compressive dependence test or at each shear-strain level in the shear-strain dependence test, the cyclic loading was conducted for three cycles. In the nondestructive tests, examination of the dynamic shear properties in the X-direction was independent of the Y-direction. The test results revealed that the increase in the shear strain increased the energy dissipation but decreased the damping ratio, whereas the increase in the compressive stress increased the damping ratio. In addition, a macro model was developed to simulate the load-displacement response of the isolation systems, and the prediction results were consistent with the experimental results.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
• /
• v.8 no.1
• /
• pp.37-44
• /
• 2004

Purpose: To evaluate the optimal number of additional half hitches for achieving an optimal knot-holding capacity (KHC) of Lockable sliding knots. Methods: Four configurations of arthroscopic knots (Duncan loop, Field knot, Giant knot, and SMC knot) were tested for their knot-holding capacity. For each knot configuration, 6 sequential knots were made including the initial sliding knot and additional 5 knots by incrementing one half hitches at a time. Each added half-hitch were in reversing half-hitches with alternate posts (RHAPs) fashion. For each sequential knot configuration, 12 knots were made by No. 2 braided sutures. On the servo-hydraulic material testing system (Instron 8511, MTS, Minneapolis, MN), cyclic loading, load to clinical failure (3-mm displacement), load to ultimate failure, and mode of failure were measured. Results: Most of the initial loop without additional half-hitch showed dynamic failure with cyclic loading. The mean displacement after the end of cyclic loading decreased with each additional half-hitches. SMC and Giant knot reached plateau to 0.1 mm or less displacement after one additional half-hitch, shereas Field and Duncan loop needed 3 additional half-hitches. The SMC and Duncan knots needed 1 additional half-hitch to reach greater than 80N at clinical failure, whefeas the other 2 knots needed2 additional half-hitches. For the load exceeding 100N for clinical failure, the SMC knot required 3 additional half-hitches and the other three knots needed 4 additional half-hitches. As the number of additional half-hitches incremented, the mode of failure switched from pure loop failure (slippage) to material failure (breakage). Duncan loop showed poor loop security in that even with 5 additional half-hitches, some failed by slippage (17%). On the other hand, after 3 additional half-hitches, the 3 other knots showed greater than 75% of failure by material breakage mode (SMC and Field 92%, Giant 75%). Conclusion: Even with its own locking mechanism, lockable sliding knot alone does not withstand the initial dynamic cyclic load. For all tested variables, SMC knot requires a minimum of 2 additional half-hitches. Duncan knot may need more than 3 additional half-hitches for optimal security. All knots showed a mear plateau in knot security with 3 or more additional half-hitches.

• Journal of the Earthquake Engineering Society of Korea
• /
• v.8 no.5 s.39
• /
• pp.45-54
• /
• 2004

Since existing hysteretic models for R/C members focused on presenting the degrading stiffness using empirical equations based on experiments, they cannot accurately predict the energy dissipation capacity during cyclic loading. Recently, design equations which can evaluate the energy dissipation capacity of R/C members were developed. Based on those equations, in the present study, an energy-based hysteretic model for flexure-dominated R/C members was developed. The proposed model was devised to dissipate the same energy as the actual one dissipated during a complete load cycle. The proposed model represents the hysteretic behaviors of R/C members accompanied by stiffness degradation and pinching using primary and cyclic curves and six unloading/reloading rules. The proposed model was verified by comparisons with various experimental results. The energy-based hysteretic model can be used to develop computer programs for static and dynamic analysis/design because it is simple and easily applicable to numerical analysis.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
• /
• v.41 no.5
• /
• pp.675-689
• /
• 2012

Most connections of steel structures exhibit flexible behaviour under cyclic loading. The flexible connections can be assumed as nonlinear rotational springs attached to the ends of each beam. The nonlinear behaviour of the connections can be considered by suitable moment-rotation relationship. Time-history analysis by direct integration method can be used as a powerful technique to determine the nonlinear dynamic response of the structure. In conventional numerical integration, the response is evaluated for a series of short time increments. The limitations on the size of time intervals can be removed by using Chen and Robinson improved time history analysis method, in which the integrated displacements are used as the new variables in integrated equation of motion. The proposed method permits longer time intervals and reduces the computational works. In this paper the nonlinearity behaviour of the structure is summarized on the connections, and the step by step improved time-history analysis is used to calculate the dynamic response of the structure. Several numerical calculations which indicate the applicability and advantages of the proposed methodology are presented. These calculations illustrate the importance of the effect of the nonlinear behaviour of the flexible connections in the calculation of the dynamic response of steel frames.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
• /
• v.64 no.1
• /
• pp.109-120
• /
• 2017

The behavior of moment resistant steel structures depends on both the beam-column connections and columns foundations connections. Obviously, if the connections can meet the adequate ductility and resistance against lateral loads, the seismic capacity of these structures will be linked practically to the performance of these connections. The shape memory alloys (SMAs) have been most recently used as a means of energy dissipation in buildings. The main approach adopted by researchers in the use of such alloys is firstly bracing, and secondly connecting the beams to columns. Additionally, the behavior of these alloys is modeled in software applications rarely involving equivalent torsional springs and column-foundation connections. This paper attempts to introduce the shape memory alloys and their applications in steel structural connections, proposing a new steel column-foundation connection, not merely a theoretical model but practically a realistic and applicable model in structures. Moreover, it entails the same functionality as macro modeling software based on real behavior, which can use different materials to establish a connection between the columns and foundations. In this paper, the suggested steel column-foundation connection was introduced. Moreover, exploring the seismic dynamic behavior under cyclic loading protocols and the famous earthquake records with different materials such as steel and interconnection equipment by superelastic shape memory alloys have been investigated. Then, the results were compared to demonstrate that such connections are ideal against the seismic behavior and energy dissipation.

• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• v.2 no.2
• /
• pp.147-160
• /
• 2002

This paper summarises results of the research performed at the Department of Steel Structures and Structural Mechanics from the "Politehnica" University of Timisoara, Romania, in order to evaluate the performance of beam-to-column extended end plate connections for steel and composite joints. It comprises laboratory tests on steel and composite joints, and numerical modelling of joints, based on tests. Tested joints are double-sided, with structural elements realised of welded steel sections. The columns are of cruciform cross-section, while the beams are of I section. Both monotonic and cyclic loading, symmetrically and antisymmetrically, has been applied. On the basis of tested joints, a refined computer model has been calibrated using a special connection element of the computer code DRAIN 2DX. In this way, a static/dynamic structural analysis of framed structures with real characteristics of the beam to column joints is possible.

• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• v.6 no.4
• /
• pp.303-317
• /
• 2006

The connection with combined cross diaphragm is developed for the connection of square CFT column and steel beam and proposed to be used for the frame with asymmetric span length. The structural characteristics of this connection lie in the penetration of the beam flange in the direction of major axis through the column for the smooth flow of stress. The purpose of this study is to analyze the dynamic behavior and stress flow of suggested connection and to evaluate the resistance to shock of connection. Four T-type CFT column-to-beam specimens; two with combined cross diaphragm and the others with interior and through diaphragms, the existing connection types, were made for cyclic load test guided by the load program of ANSI/AISC SSPEC 2002. The results show that the proposed connection is more efficient than existing ones in terms of strength, stress flow and energy absorption and satisfies the seismic performance required in the region of weak/moderate earthquakes.

• Advances in concrete construction
• /
• v.9 no.3
• /
• pp.313-326
• /
• 2020

Glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars have been introduced as an effective alternative for the conventional steel reinforcement in concrete structures to mitigate the costly consequences of steel corrosion. However, despite the superior performance of these composite materials in terms of corrosion, the effect of replacing steel reinforcement with GFRP on the seismic performance of concrete structures is not fully covered yet. To address some of the key parameters in the seismic behavior of GFRP-reinforced concrete (RC) structures, two full-scale beam-column joints reinforced with GFRP bars and stirrups were constructed and tested under two phases of loading, each simulating a severe ground motion. The objective was to investigate the effect of damage due to earthquakes on the service and ultimate behavior of GFRP-RC moment-resisting frames. The main parameters under investigation were geometrical configuration (interior or exterior beam-column joint) and joint shear stress. The performance of the specimens was measured in terms of lateral load-drift response, energy dissipation, mode of failure and stress distribution. Moreover, the effect of concrete damage due to earthquake loading on the performance of beam-column joints under service loading was investigated and a modified damage index was proposed to quantify the magnitude of damage in GFRP-RC beam-column joints under dynamic loading. Test results indicated that the geometrical configuration significantly affects the level of concrete damage and energy dissipation. Moreover, the level of residual damage in GFRP-RC beam-column joints after undergoing lateral displacements was related to reinforcement ratio of the main beams.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
• /
• v.9 no.1
• /
• pp.22-30
• /
• 2017

PURPOSE. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of reinforcing materials on the fracture resistances of glass fiber mesh- and Cr-Co metal mesh-reinforced maxillary complete dentures under fatigue loading. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Glass fiber mesh- and Cr-Co mesh-reinforced maxillary complete dentures were fabricated using silicone molds and acrylic resin. A control group was prepared with no reinforcement (n = 15 per group). After fatigue loading was applied using a chewing simulator, fracture resistance was measured by a universal testing machine. The fracture patterns were analyzed and the fractured surfaces were observed by scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS. After cyclic loading, none of the dentures showed cracks or fractures. During fracture resistance testing, all unreinforced dentures experienced complete fracture. The mesh-reinforced dentures primarily showed posterior framework fracture. Deformation of the all-metal framework caused the metal mesh-reinforced denture to exhibit the highest fracture resistance, followed by the glass fiber mesh-reinforced denture (P<.05) and the control group (P<.05). The glass fiber mesh-reinforced denture primarily maintained its original shape with unbroken fibers. River line pattern of the control group, dimples and interdendritic fractures of the metal mesh group, and radial fracture lines of the glass fiber group were observed on the fractured surfaces. CONCLUSION. The glass fiber mesh-reinforced denture exhibits a fracture resistance higher than that of the unreinforced denture, but lower than that of the metal mesh-reinforced denture because of the deformation of the metal mesh. The glass fiber mesh-reinforced denture maintains its shape even after fracture, indicating the possibility of easier repair.