• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.84 no.5
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• pp.651-664
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• 2022

A precise prediction of the ultimate bond strength between rebar and surrounding concrete plays a major role in structural design, as it effects the load-carrying capacity and serviceability of a member significantly. In the present study, Gaussian models are employed for modelling bond strength of ribbed steel bars embedded in concrete. Gaussian models offer a non-parametric method based on Bayesian framework which is powerful, versatile, robust and accurate. Five different Gaussian models are explored in this paper-Gaussian Process (GP), Variational Heteroscedastic Gaussian Process (VHGP), Warped Gaussian Process (WGP), Sparse Spectrum Gaussian Process (SSGP), and Twin Gaussian Process (TGP). The effectiveness of the models is also evaluated in comparison to the numerous design formulae provided by the codes. The predictions from the Gaussian models are found to be closer to the experiments than those predicted using the design equations provided in various codes. The sensitivity of the models to various parameters, input feature space and sampling is also presented. It is found that GP, VHGP and SSGP are effective in prediction of the bond strength. For large data set, GP, VHGP, WGP and TGP can be computationally expensive. In such cases, SSGP can be utilized.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.86 no.5
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• pp.663-671
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• 2023

Freeze-thaw cycles induce strength loss at the frozen soil-concrete interface and deterioration of bonding, which causes construction engineering problems. To clarify the deterioration characteristics of the interface under the freeze-thaw cycle, a frozen soil-concrete sample was used as the research object, an interface scanning electron microscope test under the freeze-thaw cycle was carried out to identify the micro index information, and an interface shear test was carried out to explore the loss law of interface shear strength under the freeze-thaw cycle. The results showed that the integrity of the interface was destroyed, and the pore number and pore size of the interface increased significantly with the number of freeze-thaw cycles. The connection form gradually deteriorates from surface-to-surface contact to point-to-surface contact and point-to-point contact, and the interfacial shear strength decreases the most at 0-3 freeze-thaw cycles, with small decreases from to 3-8 cycles. After 12 freeze-thaw cycles, the interfacial shear strength tends to be stable, and shear the failure occurs internally in the soil.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.91 no.1
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• pp.103-121
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• 2024

The smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method is a numerical technique used in dynamic analysis to simulate the fluid-like behavior of materials under extreme conditions, such as those encountered in explosions or high velocity impacts. In SPH, fluid or solid materials are discretized into particles. These particles interact with each other based on certain smoothing kernels, allowing the simulation of fluid flows and predict the response of solid materials to shock waves, like deformation, cracking or failure. One of the main advantages of SPH is its ability to simulate these phenomena without a fixed grid, making it particularly suitable for analyzing complex geometries. In this study, the structural damage to a masonry arch bridge subjected to blast loading was investigated. A high-fidelity micro-model was created and the explosives were modeled using the SPH approach. The Johnson-Holmquist II damage model and the Mohr-Coulomb material model were considered to evaluate the masonry and backfill properties. Consistent with the principles of the JH-II model, the authors developed a VUMAT code. The explosive charges (50 kg, 168 kg, 425 kg and 1000 kg) were placed in close proximity to the deck and pier of a bridge. The results showed that the 50 kg charges, which could have been placed near the pier by a terrorist, had only a limited effect on the piers. Instead, this charge caused a vertical displacement of the deck due to the confinement effect. Conversely, a 1000 kg TNT charge placed 100 cm above the deck caused significant damage to the bridge.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.89 no.5
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• pp.539-547
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• 2024

This study examines crack behavior within orthopedic cement utilized in total hip replacements through the finite element method. Its main goal is to compute stress intensity factors (SIF) near the crack tip. The analysis encompasses two load types, static and dynamic, applied to a crack starting from the interface between the cement and bone. Specifically, it investigates SIFs under mixed mode conditions during three activities: normal walking, climbing upstairs, and downstairs. The results highlight that a crack originating from a micro-interface under substantial loading can cause cement damage, leading to prosthetic loosening. Stress intensity factors in modes I, II, and III are influenced by the crack tip's orientation and location in the bone cement, with a 90° orientation yielding notably higher values across all three modes.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.91 no.4
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• pp.417-426
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• 2024

Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising avenue for enhancing musical structures. In this study, we analyze the static behavior of laser harp (i.e., electronic musical instrument) reinforced with Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles. Leveraging the piezoelectric properties of ZnO nanoparticles, the structure is subjected to an electric field for intelligent control. The electronic musical structure is situated in a foundation with vertical springs and shear modulus constants. We employ the exponential Shear Deformation Beam Theory (ESDBT) to mathematically model the structure. A micro-electro-mechanical model is employed to determine the equivalent properties of the system. By utilizing nonlinear stress-strain relations, energy methods, and Hamilton's principle, we derive the motion equations. The buckling load of the electronic musical beam is calculated using the Difference Quadrature Method (DQM). The primary objective of this study is to present a mathematical model for electronic musical beams and determining the buckling load of the structure and to investigate the influence of nanotechnology and electric fields on its buckling behavior. The buckling is the case when the structure becomes deforms and unstable. Our findings reveal that the application of negative external voltage to the electronic musical structure increases both the stiffness and the buckling load of the musical system. Furthermore, reinforcing the electronic musical structure with ZnO nanoparticles results in an increased buckling load. Notably, the maximum enhancement in the 28-day compressive and tensile strengths of samples containing zinc oxide nanoparticles compared to the control sample resulting in increases of 18.70% and 3.77%, respectively.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.1975-1988
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• 2024

It is important to maintain cladding integrity in spent nuclear fuel management. This study proposes a numerical analysis method to evaluate the fracture resistance of irradiated zirconium alloy cladding under pinch load known to cause Mode-III failure. The mechanical behavior and fracture of the cladding under pinch loading can be evaluated by a Ring Compression Test (RCT). To simulate the fracture of hydride precipitates, zirconium matrix, and Zr/hydride interfaces under the stress field generated by RCT, a micro-structure crack propagation simulation method based on Continuum Damage Mechanics (CDM) has been proposed. Our RCT simulation model was constructed from microscopic images of irradiated cladding. In this study, we developed an automated process to generate a pixel-based finite element model by separating the hydride precipitates, zirconium matrix, and interfaces using an image segmentation method. The appropriate element size was selected to ensure the efficiency and accuracy of a crack propagation simulation. The load-displacement curves and strain energies from RCT were compared and analyzed with the simulation results of different element sizes. The finalized RCT simulation model can be used to establish the failure criterion of fuel rods under pinch loading. The advantages and limitations of the proposed method are fully discussed here.

• Journal of the Earthquake Engineering Society of Korea
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• v.7 no.6
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• pp.101-108
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• 2003

Small-scale models have been frequently used for experimental evaluation of seismic performance because of limited testing facilities and economic reasons. However, there are not enough studies on similitude law for analogizing prototype structures accurately with small-scale models, although conventional similitude law based on geometry is not well consistent in the inelastic seismic behavior. When fabricating prototype and small-scale model of reinforced concrete structures by using the same material. added mass is demanded from a volumetric change and scale factor could be limited due to size of aggregate. Therefore, it is desirable that different material is used for small-scale models. Thus, a modified similitude law could be derived depending on geometric scale factor and equivalent modulus ratio. In this study, compressive strength tests are conducted to analyze equivalent modulus ratio of micro-concrete to normal-concrete. Equivalent modulus ratios are divided into multi phases, which are based on ultimate strain level. Therefore, an algorithm adaptable to the pseudodynamic test. considering equivalent multi-phase similitude law based on seismic damage levels, is developed. In addition, prior to the experiment. it is verified numerically if the algorithm is applicable to the pseudodynamic test.

• Journal of the Korea Concrete Institute
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.357-364
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• 2002

The resistance curves (R-curves) for 381 m crack extension of CLWL-DCB specimens had been determined. The average velocities of the crack extension measured with strain gages were 0.70 and 55 ㎜/sec. The measured rotation angle of the notch faces showed the existence of the singularity at least before 171 and 93 mm crack extensions for the 0.70 and 55 ㎜/sec crack velocities, respectively. The maximum slopes of the R-curves occurred between 25 and 89 ㎜ crack extensions for 0.70 ㎜/sec crack velocity and between 51 and 127 ㎜ crack extensions for 55 ㎜/sec crack velocity During the maximum slopes of the R-curves, the micro-crack localization can be expected, and faster crack velocity may form longer micro-cracking and micro-crack localizing zones. The fracture resistance of 0.70 ㎜/sec crack velocity reached a roughly constant maximum value of 143 N/m at 152 ㎜ crack extension, while that of 55 ㎜/sec crack velocity increased continuously to 245 N/m at 254 ㎜ crack extension and then decreased to the value of 0.70 ㎜/sec crack velocity. The R-curve of 55 ㎜/sec crack velocity was similar to that of the small size three-point bend test, and it showed that small size specimen or fast crack velocity could cause more brittle behavior.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.11 no.9
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• pp.3176-3183
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• 2010

A multi-scale fatigue life prediction methodology of composite pressure vessels subjected to multi-axial loading has been proposed in this paper. The multi-scale approach starts from the constituents, fiber, matrix and interface, leading to predict behavior of ply, laminates and eventually the composite structures. The multi-scale fatigue life prediction methodology is composed of two steps: macro stress analysis and micro mechanics of failure based on fatigue analysis. In the macro stress analysis, multi-axial fatigue loading acting at laminate is determined from finite element analysis of composite pressure vessel, and ply stresses are computed using a classical laminate theory. The micro stresses are calculated in each constituent from ply stresses using a micromechanical model. Three methods are employed in predicting fatigue life of each constituent, i.e. a maximum stress method for fiber, an equivalent stress method for multi-axially loaded matrix, and a critical plane method for the interface. A modified Goodman diagram is used to take into account the generic mean stresses. Damages from each loading cycle are accumulated using Miner's rule. Monte Carlo simulation has been performed to predict the overall fatigue life of a composite pressure vessel considering statistical distribution of material properties of each constituent, fiber volume fraction and manufacturing winding angle.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.82-91
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• 2010

Grouting technology is one of the ground improvement methods used in water controlling and reinforcement of rock mass in underground structure construction. It is necessarily required to find out the characteristics of grout flow through discontinuities in a rock mass for an adequate grout design and performance assessment. Laminar flow is not always applicable in simulating a grout flow in a rock mass, since the rock joints usually have apertures at a micro-scale and the flow through these joints is affected by the joint roughness and the velocity profile of the flow changes partially near the roughness. Thus, the influence of joint roughness and aperture on the grout flow in rough rock joint was numerically investigated in this study. The commercial computational fluid dynamics code, FLUENT, was applied for this purpose. The computed results by embedded Herschel-Bulkley model and VOF (volume of fluid) model, which are applicable to simulate grout flow in a narrow rock joint that is filled with air and water, were well compared with that of analytical results and previously published laboratory test for the verification. The injection pressure required to keep constant injection rate of grout was calculated in a variety of Joint Roughness Coefficient (JRC) and aperture conditions, and the effect of joint roughness and aperture on grout flow were quantified.