• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• v.5 no.5
• /
• pp.407-420
• /
• 2005

This study presents the strength of braced and unbraced cold-formed steel wall frames consisting of several wall studs acting as columns, top and bottom tracks, and bracing members. The strength and the buckling mode of steel wall frames were found to be different due to the change of bracing type. In addition, the spacing of wall studs is a crucial factor to the strength of steel wall frames. The comparisons were made between the test results and the predictions computed based on AISI Code. The related specifications do not clearly provides the effective length factors for the member of cold-formed steel frame under compression. This paper proposes effective length factors for the steel wall frames based on the test results. A theoretical model is also derived to obtain the modulus of elastic support provided by the bracing at mid-height of steel wall frames in this research.

• Computers and Concrete
• /
• v.24 no.1
• /
• pp.7-17
• /
• 2019

The complex phenomenon of the bond formation in geopolymer is not well understood and therefore, difficult to model. This paper present applied statistical models for evaluating the compressive strength of geopolymer. The applied statistical models studied are divided into three different categories - linear regression [least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and elastic net], tree regression [decision and bagging tree] and kernel methods (support vector regression (SVR), kernel ridge regression (KRR), Gaussian process regression (GPR), relevance vector machine (RVM)]. The performance of the methods is compared in terms of error indices, computational effort, convergence and residuals. Based on the present study, kernel based methods (GPR and KRR) are recommended for evaluating compressive strength of Geopolymer concrete.

• Advances in nano research
• /
• v.14 no.3
• /
• pp.285-294
• /
• 2023

The dynamic and sensing performances of nanomechanical resonators with their different boundary conditions are studied based on surface elasticity-based modeling and simulation. Specifically, the effect of surface stress is included in Euler-Bernoulli beam model for different boundary conditions. It is shown that the surface effect on the intrinsic elastic property of nanowire is independent of boundary conditions, while these boundary conditions affect the frequency behavior of nanowire resonator. The detection sensitivity of nanowire resonator is remarkably found to depend on the boundary conditions such that double-clamping boundary condition results in the higher mass sensitivity of the resonator in comparison with simple-support or cantilever boundary condition. Furthermore, we show that the frequency shift of nanowire resonator due to mass adsorption is determined by its length, whereas the frequency shift is almost independent of its thickness. This study enables a design principle providing an insight into how the dynamic and sensing performances of nanomechanical resonator is determined and tuned.

• Computers and Concrete
• /
• v.33 no.6
• /
• pp.739-754
• /
• 2024

This study presents an innovative AI-driven approach to assess the ultimate axial load in Double-Skinned Profiled Steel sheet Composite Walls (DPSCWs). Utilizing a dataset of 80 entries, seven input parameters were employed, and various AI techniques, including Linear Regression, Polynomial Regression, Support Vector Regression, Decision Tree Regression, Decision Tree with AdaBoost Regression, Random Forest Regression, Gradient Boost Regression Tree, Elastic Net Regression, Ridge Regression, and LASSO Regression, were evaluated. Decision Tree Regression and Random Forest Regression emerged as the most accurate models. The top three performing models were integrated into a hybrid approach, excelling in accurately estimating DPSCWs' ultimate axial load. This adaptable hybrid model outperforms traditional methods, reducing errors in complex scenarios. The validated Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model showcases less than 1% error, enhancing reliability. Correlation analysis highlights robust predictions, emphasizing the importance of steel sheet thickness. The study contributes insights for predicting DPSCW strength in civil engineering, suggesting optimization and database expansion. The research advances precise load capacity estimation, empowering engineers to enhance construction safety and explore further machine learning applications in structural engineering.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
• /
• v.6 no.4
• /
• pp.159-163
• /
• 2017

Objective: Persons with stroke have a tendency to exhibit asymmetric weight-bearing during sit-to-stand because due to the attempt to support themselves with the non-paretic foot. However, there are few devices that can assist with sit-to-stand (STS) performance. This study was designed to investigate the use of the elastic band with rings (EBR) in improving weight-bearing effectively in persons with stroke during STS training. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Thirteen stroke survivors participated in the study. An EBR was applied onto the patient during STS activity. The foot pressure was measured before and after wearing the EBR, with a 5-minute rest period between measurements. Subjects were asked to perform each test twice with and without the EBR. Bilateral feet pressures were measured with standing posture being divided into the forward and backward aspects. The foot contact pressure during STS activity was measured with the CONFORMat System. Results: With EBR, the forward pressure of the affected foot significantly increased while the less-affected forward foot pressure significantly decreased (p=0.015 and p=0.023, respectively). The backward foot pressure did not differ significantly in the two limbs, and there was no difference with and without the EBR in terms of the total pressure of the affected foot. There was a significant difference with and without the EBR in the total pressure of the less-affected foot (p<0.05). Conclusions: STS training with the EBR has been shown to improve weight-bearing of both feet while decreasing the total pressure of the less-affected foot in stroke survivors. Therefore, we suggest that the EBR is a useful tool for STS training for persons with stroke in the clinic.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
• /
• v.11 no.3
• /
• pp.439-455
• /
• 2016

This paper presented solutions of displacement and stress for a circular opening which is reinforced with grouted rock bolt. It satisfies the Mohr-Coulomb (M-C) or generalized Hoek-Brown (H-B) failure criterion, and exhibits elastic-brittle-plastic or strain-softening behavior. The numerical stepwise produce for strain-softening rock mass reinforced with grouted rock bolt was developed with non-associative flow rules and two segments piecewise linear functions related to a principle strain-dependent plastic parameter, to model the transition from peak to residual strength. Three models of the interaction mechanism between grouted rock bolt and surrounding rock proposed by Fahimifar and Soroush (2005) were adopted. Based on the axial symmetrical plane strain assumption, the theoretical solution of the displacement and stress were proposed for a circular tunnel excavated in elastic-brittle-plastic and strain-softening rock mass compatible with M-C or generalized H-B failure criterion, which is reinforced with grouted rock bolt. It showed that Fahimifar and Soroush's (2005) solution is a special case of the proposed solution for n = 0.5. Further, the proposed method is validated through example comparison calculated by MATLAB programming. Meanwhile, some particular examples for M-C or generalized H-B failure criterion have been conducted, and parametric studies were carried out to highlight the influence of different parameters (e.g., the very good, average and very poor rock mass). The results showed that, stress field in plastic region of surrounding rock with considering the supporting effectiveness of the grouted rock bolt is more than that without considering the effectiveness of the grouted rock bolt, and the convergence and plastic radius are reduced.

• Smart Structures and Systems
• /
• v.1 no.1
• /
• pp.83-101
• /
• 2005

This paper summarizes the application of a rational methodology for the structural assessment of older reinforced concrete Tunisian bridges. This methodology is based on ambient vibration measurement of the bridge, identification of the structure's modal signature and finite element model updating. The selected case study is the Boujnah bridge of the Tunis-Msaken Highway. This bridge is made of a continuous four-span simply supported reinforced concrete slab without girders resting on elastomeric bearings at each support. Ambient vibration tests were conducted on the bridge using a data acquisition system with nine force-balance accelerometers placed at selected locations of the bridge. The Enhanced Frequency Domain Decomposition technique was applied to extract the dynamic characteristics of the bridge. The finite element model was updated in order to obtain a reasonable correlation between experimental and numerical modal properties. For the model updating part of the study, the parameters selected for the updating process include the concrete modulus of elasticity, the elastic bearing stiffness and the foundation spring stiffnesses. The primary objective of the paper is to demonstrate the use of the Enhanced Frequency Domain Decomposition technique combined with model updating to provide data that could be used to assess the structural condition of the selected bridge. The application of the proposed methodology led to a relatively faithful linear elastic model of the bridge in its present condition.

• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
• /
• v.9 no.3 s.32
• /
• pp.351-362
• /
• 1997

In designing short to medium-span bridges, continuous composite bridges are becoming popular due to their advantages. However, if the concrete slab in continuous composite bridge is not prestressed, negative moment occurs in the mid-support and creates problems such as cracks in the concrete slab. Therefore. it must be considered in design. Two methods of arrangement of shear connectors were conducted using finite element elastic plastic analysis. Partial interaction theory was introduced and an analytical solution based on this theory was derived. The differences in the degree of interaction were investigated using analytical solutions and finite element analyses of simple composite beam and continuous composite beams. The results of the analyses were used to determine the advantage and disadvantages as well as any precaution when necessary using partial composite during actual design and construction.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
• /
• v.22 no.4
• /
• pp.277-290
• /
• 2020

This paper presents an elastic-plastic solution for the circular tunnel of elastic-strain softening behavior considering the pressure-dependent Young's modulus and the nonlinear dilatancy. The proposed solution is verified by the results of the field measuring and numerical simulation from a practical project, and a published closed-form analysis solution. The influence of each factor is discussed in detail, and the ability of Young's modulus and dilatancy characterizing the mechanical response of surrounding rock is investigated. It is found that, in low levels of support pressure, adopting the constant Young's modulus model will seriously misestimate the surrounding rock deformation. Using the constant dilatancy model will underestimate the surrounding rock deformation. When adopting the constant dilatancy model, as the dilation angle increases, the range of the plastic region increases, and the surrounding rock deformation weakens. When adopting the nonlinear dilatancy, the plastic region range and the surrounding rock deformation are the largest. The surrounding rock deformation using pressure-dependent Young's modulus model is between those resulted from two constant Young's modulus models. The constant α of pressuredependent Young's modulus model is the main factor affecting the tunnel displacement. The influence of α using a constant dilatancy model is much more apparent than that using a nonlinear dilatancy model.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
• /
• v.16 no.3
• /
• pp.406-420
• /
• 2014

The goal of this study is to support the children's pants construction methods that secure clothing size and fit appropriateness through proposed improvements of denim pants construction method focusing on 4-year-old boys. Depths interview on the actual condition, measurements and calculations for positions and ease of the clothing points corresponding to the body points actually worn were conducted for 47 denim pants of nine boys. "Characteristics of the areas worn" and "physical characteristics of lower body" were analyzed, and improvements of 4-year-old children's denim pants construction method were proposed. As the results, the different figures in "characteristics of the areas worn" between the existing children's pants construction methods and children's actual wearing habits were found, and identification of distinct children's lower body from adults' supports that we should avoid tracing adults' methods without reasons. Children's pants construction method on basis of actual wearing should be devised to solve fit problems. Improvements of children's method were proposed such as ease of girth by different area worn, ease of "elastic waist girth", the difference between "elastic waist girth" and "pattern waist girth", and the difference between "pattern waist girth" and "pattern hip girth" as considerations of pants girth items, and appropriate position "clothing waist girth" "pants hip length" level, "pants crotch length" level, "clothing knee length" level, and "pants outside length" level for pattern making as considerations of clothing length items.