• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.77 no.4
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• pp.481-493
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• 2021

Low rise masonry structures are relatively inexpensive and easier to construct compared to other types of structures such as steel and reinforced concrete buildings. However, masonry structures are relatively heavier and less ductile and more vulnerable to damages in earthquakes. In this research, a new innovative low-cost seismic isolator using steel rings (SISR) is employed to reduce the seismic vulnerability of masonry structures. FEA of a masonry structure, made of concrete blocks is used to evaluate the effect of the proposed SISR on the seismic response of the structure. Two systems, fixed base and isolated from the base with the proposed SISRs, are considered. Micro-element approach and ABAQUS software are used for structural modeling. The nonlinear structural parameters of the SISRs, extracted from a recent experimental study by the authors, are used in numerical modeling. The masonry structure is studied in two separate modes, fixed base and isolated base with the proposed SISRs, under Erzincan and Imperial Valley-06 earthquakes. The accelerated response at the roof level, as well as the deformation in the masonry walls, are the parameters to assess the effect of the proposed SISRs. The results show a highly improved performance of the masonry structure with the SISRs.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.267-277
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• 2017

Base-isolation is now being adopted as a retrofitting strategy to improve seismic behaviour of reinforced concrete (r.c.) framed structures subjected to far-fault earthquakes. However, the increase in deformability of a base-isolated framed building may lead to amplification in the structural response under the long-duration horizontal pulses of high-magnitude near-fault earthquakes, which can become critical once the strength level of a fire-weakened r.c. superstructure is reduced. The aim of the present work is to investigate the nonlinear seismic response of fire-damaged r.c. framed structures retrofitted by base-isolation. For this purpose, a five-storey r.c. framed building primarily designed (as fixed-base) in compliance with a former Italian seismic code for a medium-risk zone, is to be retrofitted by the insertion of elastomeric bearings to meet the requirements of the current Italian code in a high-risk seismic zone. The nonlinear seismic response of the original (fixed-base) and retrofitted (base-isolated) test structures in a no fire situation are compared with those in the event of fire in the superstructure, where parametric temperature-time curves are defined at the first level, the first two and the upper levels. A lumped plasticity model describes the inelastic behaviour of the fire-damaged r.c. frame members, while a nonlinear force-displacement law is adopted for the elastomeric bearings. The average root-mean-square deviation of the observed spectrum from the target design spectrum together with a suitable intensity measure are chosen to select and scale near- and far-fault earthquakes on the basis of the design hypotheses adopted.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.4 no.6
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• pp.587-606
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• 2013

The given paper presents a new approach in design of seismic isolation systems of base isolated buildings. The idea is to install not one big size rubber bearing under the columns and/or shear walls, or one by one with certain spacing under the load-bearing walls, but to install a group/cluster of small size bearings, in order to increase the overall effectiveness of the isolation system. The advantages of this approach are listed and illustrated by the examples. Also the results of analyses of some buildings where the approach on installation of clusters of rubber bearings was used in their isolation systems are given for two cases: i) when the analyses are carried out based on the provisions of the Armenian Seismic Code, and ii) when the time history analyses are carried out. Obtained results are compared and discussed. Paper also presents, as an example, detailed analysis and design of the 18-story unique building in one of the residential complexes in Yerevan. Earthquake response analyses of this building were carried out in two versions, i.e. when the building is base isolated and when it is fixed base. Several time histories were used in the analyses. Comparison of the obtained results indicates the high effectiveness of the proposed structural concepts of isolation systems and the need for further improvement of the Seismic Code provisions regarding the values of the reduction factors. A separate section in the paper dedicated to the design of high damping laminated rubber-steel bearings and to results of their tests.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.293-320
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• 2014

In this study, in order to evaluate adequacy of considering local site effect, excluding soil-structure interaction (SSI) effects in inelastic dynamic analysis and design of mid-rise moment resisting building frames, three structural models including 5, 10, and 15 storey buildings are simulated in conjunction with two soil types with the shear wave velocities less than 600 m/s, representing soil classes $D_e$ and $E_e$ according to the classification of AS1170.4-2007 (Earthquake actions in Australia) having 30 m bedrock depth. Structural sections of the selected frames were designed according to AS3600:2009 (Australian Standard for Concrete Structures) after undertaking inelastic dynamic analysis under the influence of four different earthquake ground motions. Then the above mentioned frames were analysed under three different boundary conditions: (i) fixed base under direct influence of earthquake records; (ii) fixed base considering local site effect modifying the earthquake record only; and (iii) flexible-base (considering full soil-structure interaction). The results of the analyses in terms of base shears and structural drifts for the above mentioned boundary conditions are compared and discussed. It is concluded that the conventional inelastic design procedure by only including the local site effect excluding SSI cannot adequately guarantee the structural safety for mid-rise moment resisting buildings higher than 5 storeys resting on soft soil deposits.

• The Journal of Korean Institute of Communications and Information Sciences
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• v.30 no.1A
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• pp.10-27
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• 2005

In this paper, we propose a high level design architecture of WCDMA(UMTS) base station modem and synchronization algorithms applied to the proposed architecture. Also analysis of each synchronization algorithm and performance evaluation of fixed point designed modem are shown. Since the target system is base station modem, each synchronization algorithm is designed for its stable operation. To minimize implementation complexity, optimum fixed point design for best operation of synchronization algorithms is performed. We performed symbol level link simulation with fixed point designed modem simulator for data rate of 12.2kbps, 64kbps, 144kbps, and 384kbps. We compared performance results to the minimum requirements specified in 3GPP TS 25.104(Release 5). Extensive computer simulation shows that the proposed modem architecture has stable operation and outperform the minimum requirement by 2 dB. The proposed modem architecture has been applied in the implementation of WCDMA reverse link receiver modem chip successfully.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.39 no.5
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• pp.683-701
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• 2011

In this study, inelastic displacement ratios and ductility demands are investigated for SDOF systems with period range of 0.1-3.0 s. with elastoplastic behavior considering soil structure interaction. Earthquake motions recorded on different site conditions such as rock, stiff soil, soft soil and very soft soil are used in analyses. Soil structure interacting systems are modeled with effective period, effective damping and effective ductility values differing from fixed-base case. For inelastic time history analyses, Newmark method for step by step time integration was adapted in an in-house computer program. Results are compared with those calculated for fixed-base case. A new equation is proposed for inelastic displacement ratio of interacting system ($\tilde{C}_R$) as a function of structural period of interacting system ($\tilde{T}$), strength reduction factor (R) and period lengthening ratio ($\tilde{T}/T$). The proposed equation for $\tilde{C}_R$ which takes the soil-structure interaction into account should be useful in estimating the inelastic deformation of existing structures with known lateral strength.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.759-772
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• 2010

Seismic isolation is a well-known method to mitigate the earthquake effects on structures by increasing their fundamental natural periods at the expense of larger displacements in the structural system. In this paper, the seismic response of isolated and fixed base vertical, cylindrical, liquid storage tanks is investigated using a Finite Element Model (FEM), taking into account fluid-structure interaction effects. Three vertical, cylindrical tanks with different ratios of height to radius (H/R = 2.6, 1.0 and 0.3) are numerically analyzed and the results of response-history analysis, including base shear, overturning moment and free surface displacement are reported for isolated and non-isolated tanks. Isolated tanks equipped by lead rubber bearings isolators and the bearing are modeled by using a non-linear spring in FEM model. It is observed that the seismic isolation of liquid storage tanks is quite effective and the response of isolated tanks is significantly influenced by the system parameters such as their fundamental frequencies and the aspect ratio of the tanks. However, the base isolation does not significantly affect the surface wave height and even it can causes adverse effects on the free surface sloshing motion.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.639-656
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• 2015

Seismic isolation devices are commonly used to mitigate damages caused by seismic responses of structures. More damages are created due to progressive collapse in structures. Therefore, evaluating the impact of the isolation systems to enhance progressive collapse-resisting capacity is very important. In this study, the effect of lead rubber bearing isolation system to increase the resistance of structures against progressive collapse was evaluated. Concrete moment resisting frames were used in both the fixed and base-isolated model structures. Then, progressive collapse-resisting capacity of frames was investigated using the push down nonlinear static analysis under gravity loads that specified in GSA guideline. Nonlinear dynamic analysis was performed to consider dynamic effects column removal under earthquake. The results of the push down analysis are highly dependent on location of removal column and floor number of buildings. Also, seismic isolation system does not play an effective role in increasing the progressive collapse-resisting capacities of structures under gravity loads. Base isolation helps to localize failures and prevented from spreading it to intact span under seismic loads.

• Proceedings of the Earthquake Engineering Society of Korea Conference
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• 1999.10a
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• pp.212-219
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• 1999

In this paper we investigated an applicability of earthquake regulations for seismic-isolated building structures which has been used currently and propose an efficient method for vertical distribution of seismic loads. The distribution of force is revised in UBC-94 as vertical distribution of force of UBC(Uniform Building Code)-91 is not sufficient safety but its distribution is inefficient expensive because of similar expression to fixed-based structures. In order to overcome this difficulties improved vertical distribution to fixed-based structures. In order to overcome this difficulties improved vertical distribution of seismic load is proposed using two degrees-of-freedom isolated structures and mode shape of fixed-based structures. Efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method are verified through analysis of an example structures with moment resisting frame and shear walls so this study approximate to dynamic analysis results in each case.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.63-94
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• 1990

The purpose of this study was to analyze the displacement and the magnitude and the mode of distribution of the stresses in the lower overdenture, the mucous membrane, the abutment tooth and the mandibular supporting bone when various denture base materials, such as acrylic resin and 0.5mm metal base, and various denture base designs were subjected to different loading schemes. For this study, the two-dimensional finite element method was used. Mandibular arch models, with only canine remaining, were fabricated. In the first denture base design, a space, approximately 1mm thick, was prepared between the denture and the dome abutment. In the second denture base design, contact between the denture and the dome abutment was eliminated except the contact of the occlusal third of the abutment. In order to represent the same physiological condition as the fixed areas of the mandible under loading schemes, the eight nodes which lie at the mandibular angle region, the coronoid process and the mandibular condyle were assumed to be fixed. Each model was loaded with a magnitude of 10 kgs on the first molar region(P1) and 7 kgs on the central incisal region (P2) in a vertical direction. Then the force of 10 kgs was applied distributively from the first premolar to the second molar of each model in a vertical direction(P3). The results were as follows. : 1. When the testing vertical loads were given to the selected points of the overdenture, the overdenture showed the rotatory phenomenon, as well as sinking and the displacements of alveolar ridge, abutment and lower border of mandible under the metal base overdenture were less than those under the acrylic resin overdenture. 2. The maximum principal stresses(the maximum tensile stresses) being considered, high tensile stresses occured at the buccal shelf area, the posterior region of the ridge crest and the anterior border region of the mandibular ramus. 3. The minimum principal stresses(the maximum compressive stresses) being considered, high compressive stresses occured at the inferior and posterior border region of the mandible, the mandibular angle and the posterior border region of the mandibular ramus. 4. The vertical load on the central incisal region(P2) produced higher equivalent stress in the mandible than that on any other region(P1, P3) because of the long lever arm distance from the fixed points to the loading point. 5. Higher equivalent stresses were distributed throughout the metal base overdenture than the resin base overdenture under the same loading condition. 6. The case of occlusal third contact of the abutment to the denture produced higher equivalent stresses in the abutment, the mandibular area around the abutment and the overdenture than the case of a 1mm space between the denture and the abutment. 7. Without regard to overdenture base materials and designs, the amounts and distribution patterns of equivalent stresses under the same loading condition were similar in the mucous membrane.