• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.309-332
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• 2021

Natural barrier systems surrounding the geological repository for the high-level radioactive waste should guarantee the hydraulic performance for preventing or delaying the leakage of radionuclide. In the case of the behavior of a crystalline rock, the hydraulic performance tends to be decided by the existence of discontinuities, so the coupled hydro-mechanical(HM) processes on the discontinuities should be characterized. The discontinuum modelling can describe the complicated behavior of discontinuities including creation, propagation, deformation and slip, so it is appropriate to model the behavior of a crystalline rock. This paper investigated the coupled HM processes in discontinuum modelling such as UDEC, 3DEC, PFC, DDA, FRACOD and TOUGH-UDEC. Block-based discontinuum methods tend to describe the HM processes based on the fluid flow through the discontinuities, and some methods are combined with another numerical tool specialized in hydraulic analysis. Particle-based discontinuum modelling describes the overall HM processes based on the fluid flow among the particles. The discontinuum methods that are currently available have limitations: exclusive simulations for two-dimension, low hydraulic simulation efficiency, fracture-dominated fluid flow and simplified hydraulic analysis, so it could be improper to the modelling the geological repository. Based on the concepts of various discontinuum modelling compiled in this paper, the advanced numerical tools for describing the accurate coupled HM processes of the deep geological repository should be developed.

• Coupled systems mechanics
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.1-19
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• 2021

Composite nature of the masonry structures in general causes complex and non-linear behaviour, especially in intense vibration conditions. The presence of different types and forms of structural elements and different materials is a major problem for the analysis of these type of structures. For this reason, the analysis of the behaviour of masonry structures requires a combination of experimental tests and non-linear mathematical modelling. The famous UNESCO Heritage Old Bridge in Mostar was selected as an example for the analysis of the global behaviour of reinforced stone arch masonry bridges. As part of the experimental research, a model of the Old Bridge was constructed in a scale of 1:9 and tested on a shaking table platform for different levels of seismic excitation. Non-linear mathematical modelling was performed using a combined finite-discrete element method (FDEM), including the effect of connection elements. The paper presents the horizontal displacement of the top of the arch and the failure mechanism of the Old Bridge model for the experimental and the numerical phase, as well as the comparison of the results. This research provided a clearer insight into the global behaviour of stone arch masonry structures reinforced with steel clamps and steel dowels, which is significant for the structures classified as world cultural heritage.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.155-181
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• 2016

In the present paper we discuss the stability and the post-buckling behaviour of thin piezoelastic plates. The first part of the paper is concerned with the modelling of such plates. We discuss the constitutive modelling, starting with the three-dimensional constitutive relations within Voigt's linearized theory of piezoelasticity. Assuming a plane state of stress and a linear distribution of the strains with respect to the thickness of the thin plate, two-dimensional constitutive relations are obtained. The specific form of the linear thickness distribution of the strain is first derived within a fully geometrically nonlinear formulation, for which a Finite Element implementation is introduced. Then, a simplified theory based on the von Karman and Tsien kinematic assumption and the Berger approximation is introduced for simply supported plates with polygonal planform. The governing equations of this theory are solved using a Galerkin procedure and cast into a non-dimensional formulation. In the second part of the paper we discuss the stability and the post-buckling behaviour for single term and multi term solutions of the non-dimensional equations. Finally, numerical results are presented using the Finite Element implementation for the fully geometrically nonlinear theory. The results from the simplified von Karman and Tsien theory are then verified by a comparison with the numerical solutions.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.27-37
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• 2011

This paper presents the results of a study on the capability of nonlinear quasi-static finite element modelling in simulating the hysteretic behaviour of CFRP and GFRP-retrofitted RC exterior beam-column joints under cyclic loads. Four specimens including two plain and two CFRP/GFRP-strengthened beam-column joints tested by Mahini and Ronagh (2004) and other researchers are modelled using ANSYS. Concrete in compression is defined by the modified Hognestad model and anisotropic multi-linear model is employed for modelling the stress-strain relations in reinforcing bars while anisotropic plasticity is considered for the FRP composite. Both concrete and FRP are modelled using solid elements whereas space link elements are used for steel bars considering a perfect bond between materials. A step by step load increment procedure to simulate the cyclic loading regime employed in the testing. An automatically reforming stiffness matrix strategy is used in order to simulate the actual seismic performance of the RC concrete after cracking, steel yielding and concrete crushing during the push and pull loading cycles. The results show that the hysteretic simulation for all specimens is satisfactory and therefore suggest that the numerical model can be used as an inexpensive tool to design of FRP-strengthened RC beam-column joints under cyclic loads.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.145-150
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• 2010

The paper is describing work being developed in the frame of a 5-year IAEA Coordinated Research Programme (CRP) started in late 2005. Participants gained knowledge of modelling methodologies and experience in the development and use of rather sophisticated simulation tools in support of site characterization and performance assessment calculations. These goals were achieved by a coordinated effort, in which the advantages and limitations of numerical models are examined and demonstrated through a comparative analysis of simplified, illustrative test cases. This knowledge and experience should help them address these issues in their own country's nuclear waste program. Coordination efforts during the first three years of the project aimed at enabling this transfer of expertise and maximizing the learning experience of the participants as a group. This was accomplished by identifying common interests of the participants (i.e., Process Modelling and Total System Performance Assessment methodology), and by defining complementary tasks that are solved by the members. Synthesis of all available results by comparative assessments is planned in the coming months. The project will be completed end of 2010. This paper is summarizing activities up to November 2009.

• Advances in aircraft and spacecraft science
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• v.9 no.5
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• pp.377-400
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• 2022

The aim of this work is a numerical comparison (FEM) between lattice pyramidal-core panel and honeycomb core panel for different core thicknesses. By evaluating the mid-span deflection, the shear rigidity and the shear modulus for both core types and different core thicknesses, it is possible to define which core type has got the best mechanical behaviour for each thickness and the evolution of that behaviour as far as the thickness increases. Since a specific base geometry has been used for the lattice pyramidal core, the comparison gives us the opportunity to investigate the unit cell strut angle giving the higher mechanical properties. The presented work considers a detailed FEM modelling of a standard 3-point bending test (ASTM C393/C393M Standard Practice). Detailed FEM modelling addresses to detailed discretization of cores by means of beam elements for lattice core and shell elements for honeycomb core. Facings, instead, have been modelled by using shell elements for both sandwich panels. On lattice core structure, elements of core and facings are directly connected, to better simulate the additive manufacturing process. Otherwise, an MPC-based constraint between facings and core has been used for honeycomb core structure. Both sandwich panels are entirely built of Aluminium alloy. Prior to compare the two models, the FEM sandwich panel model with lattice pyramidal core needs to be validated with 3-point bending test experimental results, in order to ensure a good reliability of the FEM approach and of the comparison. Furthermore, the analytical validation has been performed according to Allen's theory. The FEM analysis is linear static with an increasing midspan load ranging from 50N up to 500N.

• International Journal of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.367-375
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• 2018

The present paper considers the contact between energy-saving device of ice-class vessel and ice block. The main objective of this study is to clarify the tendency of the ice impact force and the structural response as well as interaction effects of them. The contact analysis is performed by using LS-DYNA finite element code. The main collision scenario is based on Finnish-Swedish ice class rules and a stern duct model is used as an energy-saving device. For the contact force, two modelling approaches are adopted. One is dynamic indentation model of ice block based on the pressure-area curve. The other is numerical material modelling by LS-DYNA. The authors investigated the sensitivity of the structural response against the ice contact pressure, the interaction effect between structure and ice block, and the influence of eccentric collision. The results of these simulations are presented and discussed with respect to structural safety.

• Proceedings of the Korean Geotechical Society Conference
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• 2003.03a
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• pp.257-264
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• 2003

Tunnelling in water bearing soils influences the ground water regime. It has been indicated in the literature that the existence of ground water above a tunnel influences tunnel stability and the settlement profile. Only limited research, however, has been done on ground water movements around tunnels and their influence on tunnel performance. Time dependent soil behaviour can be caused by the changes of pore water pressure and/or the viscous properties of soil(creep) under the stress change resulting from the advance of the tunnel face. De Moor(1989) demonstrated that the time dependent deformations due to tunnelling are mainly the results of pore pressure dissipation and should be interpreted in terms of effective stress changes. Drainage into tunnels is governed by the permeability of the soil, the length of the drainage path and the hydraulic boundary conditions. The potential effect of lime dependent settlement in a shallow tunnel is likely to occur rapidly due to the short drainage path and possibly high coefficient of consolidation. Existing 2D modelling methods are not applicable to these tunnelling problems, as it is difficult to define empirical parameters. In this paper the time-based 2D modelling method is adopted to account for the three dimensional effect and time dependent behaviour during tunnel construction. The effect of coupling between the unloading procedure and consolidation during excavation is profoundly investigated with the method. It is pointed out that realistic modelling can be achieved by defining a proper permeability at the excavation boundary and prescribing appropriate time for excavation Some guidelines for the numerical modelling of drained and undrained excavation has been suggested using characteristic time factor. It is highlighted that certain range of the factor shows combined effect between the unloading procedure due to excavation and consolidation during construction.

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

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.91-104
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• 2008

In tunnels, safety factor concept has been suggested to estimate their stability quantitatively. It is merely limited in the framework of mechanical analysis. However safety factor concept has not been applied in hydro-mechanical coupled analyses due to their modelling complexity. Recently studies on this topic are being actively made. In this study, induced drainage modelling methods for hydro-mechanical coupled analyses are compared and analyzed to estimate safety factor of a subsea tunnel exactly. To this end, methods both controlling hydraulic characteristic of shotcrete and using a drainage well are considered. Sensitivity analysis were carried out on rock class, thickness of shotcrete, and hydraulic properties of rock mass. As the results of this study, it turned out that the induced drainage modelling using a drainage well would give more reliable results than that of controlling hydraulic characteristic of shotcrete in estimating tunnel stability in hydro-mechanical coupled analyses.