• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.31-45
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• 2019

In this study the spatial variability of soils is substantiated physically and numerically by using random field theory. Heterogeneous samples are fabricated by combining nine homogeneous soil clusters that are assumed to be elements of an adopted random field. Homogeneous soils are prepared by mixing different percentages of kaolin and bentonite at water contents equivalent to their respective liquid limits. Comprehensive characteristic laboratory tests were carried out before embarking on direct shear experiments to deduce the basic correlations and properties of nine homogeneous soil clusters that serve to reconstitute the heterogeneous samples. The tests consist of Atterberg limits, and Oedometric and unconfined compression tests. The undrained shear strength of nine soil clusters were measured by the unconfined compression test data, and then correlations were made between the water content and the strength and stiffness of soil samples with different consistency limits. The direct shear strength of heterogeneous samples of different stochastic properties was then evaluated by physical and numerical modelling using FISH code programming in finite difference software of $FLAC^{3D}$. The results of the experimental and stochastic numerical analyses were then compared. The deviation of numerical simulations from direct shear load-displacement profiles taken from different sources were discussed, potential sources of error was introduced and elaborated. This study was primarily to explain the mathematical and physical procedures of sample preparation in stochastic soil mechanics. It can be extended to different problems and applications in geotechnical engineering discipline to take in to account the variability of strength and deformation parameters.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.133-148
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• 2021

The paper presents a simplified force-based seismic design procedure for the preliminary design of steel haunch retrofitting for the seismic upgrade of deficient RC frames. The procedure involved constructing a site-specific seismic design spectrum for the site, which is transformed into seismic base shear coefficient demand, using an applicable response modification factor, that defines base shear force for seismic analysis of the structure. Recent experimental campaign; involving shake table testing of ten (10), and quasi-static cyclic testing of two (02), 1:3 reduced scale RC frame models, carried out for the seismic performance assessment of both deficient and retrofitted structures has provided the basis to calculate retrofit-specific response modification factor Rretrofitted. The haunch retrofitting technique enhanced the structural stiffness, strength, and ductility, hence, increased the structural response modification factor, which is mainly dependent on the applied retrofit scheme. An additional retrofit effectiveness factor (ΩR) is proposed for the deficient structure's response modification factor Rdeficient, representing the retrofit effectiveness (ΩR=Rretrofitted /Rdeficient), to calculate components' moment and shear demands for the retrofitted structure. The experimental campaign revealed that regardless of the deficient structures' characteristics, the ΩR factor remains fairly the unchanged, which is encouraging to generalize the design procedure. Haunch configuration is finalized that avoid brittle hinging of beam-column joints and ensure ductile beam yielding. Example case study for the seismic retrofit designs of RC frames are presented, which were validated through equivalent lateral load analysis using elastic model and response history analysis of finite-element based inelastic model, showing reasonable performance of the proposed design procedure. The proposed design has the advantage to provide a seismic zone-specific design solution, and also, to suggest if any additional measure is required to enhance the strength/deformability of beams and columns.

• Journal of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute of Korea
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.393-401
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• 2021

In this paper, we proposed a numerical model based on moment-curvature, to evaluate the resistance of reinforced concrete (RC) members subjected to blast loading. To consider the direct shear failure mode, we introduced a dimensionless spring element based on the empirical direct shear stress-slip relation. Based on the dynamic increase factor equations for materials, new dynamic increase factor equations were constructed in terms of the curvature rate for the section which could be directly applied to the moment-curvature relation. Additionally, equivalent bending stiffness was introduced in the plastic hinge region to consider the effect of bond-slip. To verify the validity of the proposed model, a comparative study was conducted against the experimental results, and the superiority of this numerical model was confirmed through comparison with the analytical results of the single-degree of freedom model. Pressure-impulse (P-I) diagrams were produced to evaluate the resistance of members against bending failure and direct shear failure, and additional parametric studies were conducted.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.81 no.6
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• pp.715-728
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• 2022

A new type of buckling-restrained braces (BRBs) with a longitudinally profiled steel plate working as the core (LPBRB) is proposed and experimentally investigated. Different from conventional BRBs with a constant thickness core, both stiffness and strength of the longitudinally profiled steel core along its longitudinal direction can change through itself variable thickness, thus the construction of LPBRB saves material and reduces the processing cost. Four full-scale component tests were conducted under quasi-static cyclic loading to evaluate the seismic performance of LPBRB. Three stiffening methods were used to improve the fatigue performance of LPBRBs, which were bolt-assembled T-shaped stiffening ribs, partly-welded stiffening ribs and stiffening segment without rib. The experimental results showed LPBRB specimens displayed stable hysteretic behavior and satisfactory seismic property. There was no instability or rupture until the axial ductility ratio achieved 11.0. Failure modes included the out-of-plane buckling of the stiffening part outside the restraining member and core plate fatigue fracture around the longitudinally profiled segment. The effect of the stiffening methods on the fatigue performance is discussed. The critical buckling load of longitudinally profiled segment is derived using Euler theory. The local bulging behavior of the outer steel tube is analyzed with an equivalent beam model. The design recommendations for LPBRB are presented finally.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.11-23
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• 2022

The response of pile foundations under lateral loads are usually analyzed using beam-on-nonlinear-Winkler-foundation (BNWF) model framework employing various forms of empirically derived p-y curves and p-multipliers. In practice, the p-y curve presented by the American Petroleum Institute (API) is most often utilized for piles in granular soils, although its shortcomings are recognized. The objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of the BNWF model and to quantify the error in the estimated pile response compared to a rigorous numerical model. BNWF analyses are performed using three sets of p-y curves to evaluate reliability of the procedure. The BNWF model outputs are compared with results of 3D nonlinear finite element (FE) analysis, which are validated via field load test measurements. The BNWF model using API p-y curve produces higher load-displacement curve and peak bending moment compared with the results of the FE model, because empirical p-y curve overestimates the stiffness and underestimates ultimate resistance up to a depth equivalent to four times the pile diameter. The BNWF model overestimates the peak bending moment by approximately 20-30% using both the API and Reese curves. The p-multipliers are revealed to be sensitive on the p-y curve used as input. These results highlight a need to develop updated p-y curves and p-multipliers for improved prediction of the pile response under lateral loading.

• Tribology and Lubricants
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.205-212
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• 2022

This paper presents experimental measurements of the structural characteristics of a two-pad beam-type gas foil journal bearing and its rotordynamic performance for a high-speed motor-driven turbocompressor. The test bearing had two top foils and two beam foils, each with an arc length of ~180°. Each beam foil was etched to obtain 40 beams with six geometries of different lengths and widths. The insertion of beam foils into the bearing housing produces equivalent beam heights. The structural tests of the bearing with a non-rotating journal revealed a smaller bearing clearance and larger structural stiffness for the load-on-pad configuration than for the load-between-pads configuration. Rotordynamic performance measurements during driving tests up to 100 krpm demonstrated synchronous vibrations and subsynchronous vibrations with large amplitudes. The test was repeated after inserting the shim between the top foil and beam foil to reduce the bearing radial clearance. The reduced bearing clearance resulted in a reduction in the peak amplitude of the synchronous vibrations and an increase in the speed at which the peak amplitude occurred. In addition, the onset speed and amplitude of the subsynchronous vibrations were dramatically increased and diminished, respectively. The rotor coast-down tests at 100 krpm show that the reduction in the bearing clearance extends the time to rotor stop, thus implying an improvement in hydrodynamic pressure generation and a reduction in bearing frictional torque.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.153-162
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• 2007

For the reinforced earth wall constructed on a soft ground in parallel with replacing soft soils, the behavior of the wall according to variations of thickness and stiffness of soft layer, replacement depth, and wall height is investigated using a finite element method, in which incremental construction steps including consolidation of soft soil layer are considered. The behavior of wall is characterized by investigating displacements and settlements developing at the wall, and shear strains developing in a soil deposit. The stability of wall is, then, evaluated by comparing these values with the safety criteria determined on the basis of the literature. Based on the investigation, it is shown that the behavior of wall is influenced naturally from soft soil thickness(t), replacement depth(d) and wall height(h), but more significantly from d and h. In addition, it is also shown that the normalized replacement depth, d/h, required for the safety of wall is not influenced significantly by the variations of t and h. Consequently, it can be concluded that the proper replacement depth can be suggested in an equivalent value in terms of d/h, even for the cases where the wall height is varying with stations, but the variation is not significant.

• Composites Research
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.50-54
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• 2007

The Ionic Polymer Metal Composite (IPMC), an electro-active polymer, has many advantages including bending actuation, low weight, low power consumption, and flexibility. These advantages coincide with the requirements of a bio-related application. Thus, IPMC is promising materials for bio-mimetic actuator and sensor applications. Before applying IPMC to actual application, basic mechanical properties of IPMC should be studied in order to utilize IPMC for practical uses. Therefore, IPMCs are fabricated to investigate the mechanical characteristics. Nafion is used as a base ionic polymer. Mason samples cast with various thicknesses are used to test the thickness effects of IPMC. Subsequently, IPMC is fabricated using the chemical reduction method. The deformation, blocking force and frequency response of the IPMC actuator are important properties. In this present study, the performances of the IPMC actuators, including the deformation, blocking force and natural frequency, are then obtained according to only the input voltage and IPMC dimensions. Finally, the empirical performance model and the equivalent stiffness model of the IPMC actuator are established using experiments results.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.397-408
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• 2023

Pipe pile walls are commonly used as retaining structures for excavation projects, particularly in densely populated coastal cities such as Hong Kong. Pipe pile walls are preferred in reclaimed land due to their cost-effectiveness and convenience for installation. However, the pre-bored piling techniques used to install pipe piles can cause significant ground disturbance, posing risks to nearby sensitive structures. This study reports a well-documented case history in a reclamation site, and it was found that pipe piling could induce ground settlement of up to 100 mm. Statutory design submissions in Hong Kong typically specify a ground settlement alarm level of 10 mm, which is significantly lower than the actual settlement observed in this study. In addition, lateral soil movement of approximately 70 mm was detected in the marine deposit. The lateral soil displacement in the marine deposit was found to be up to 3.4 and 3.1 times that of sand fill and CDG, respectively, mainly due to the relatively low stiffness of the marine deposit. Based on the monitoring data and site-investigation data, a 3D numerical analysis was established to back-analyze soil movements due to the installation of the pipe pile wall. The comparison between measured and computed results indicates that the equivalent ground loss ratio is 20%, 40%, and 20% for the fill, marine deposit and CDG, respectively. The maximum ground settlement increases with an increase in the ground loss ratio of the marine deposit, whereas the associated influence radius remains stationary at 1.2 times the pipe pile wall depth (H). The maximum ground settlement increases rapidly when the thickness of marine deposit is less than 0.32H, particularly for the ground loss ratio of larger than 40%. This study provides new insights into the pipe piling construction in reclamation sites.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.26 no.3A
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• pp.497-512
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• 2006

In this paper, a simple but effective analysis procedure to estimate seismic capacities of multi-span continuous bridge structures is proposed on the basis of modal pushover analysis considering all the dynamic modes of structure. Unlike previous studies, the proposed method eliminates the coupling effects induced from the direct application of modal decomposition by introducing an identical stiffness ratio and an approximate elastic deformed shape. Moreover, in addition to these two introductions, the use of an appropriate distributed load {P} makes it possible to predict the dynamic responses for all kinds of bridge structures through a simpler analysis procedure. Finally, in order to establish the validity and applicability of the proposed method, correlation studies between rigorous nonlinear time history analysis and the proposed method are conducted for multi-span continuous bridges.