• Wind and Structures
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.55-66
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• 2022

Tall buildings are often subjected to steady and unsteady forces due to external wind flows. Measurement and mitigation of these forces becomes critical to structural design in engineering applications. Over the last few decades, many approaches such as modification of the external geometry of structures have been investigated to mitigate wind-induced load. One such proven geometric modification involved the rounding of sharp corners. In this work, we systematically analyze the impact of rounded corner radii on the reducing the flow-induced loading on a square cylinder. We perform 3-Dimensional (3D) simulations for high Reynolds number flows (Re=1 × 105) which are more likely to be encountered in practical applications. An Improved Delayed Detached Eddy Simulation (IDDES) method capable of capturing flow accurately at large Reynolds numbers is employed in this study. The IDDES formulation uses a k-ω Shear Stress Transport (SST) model for near-wall modelling that prevents mesh-induced separation of the boundary layer. The effects of these corner modifications are analyzed in terms of the resulting variations in the mean and fluctuating components of the aerodynamic forces compared to a square cylinder with no geometric changes. Plots of the angular distribution of the mean and fluctuating coefficient of pressure along the square cylinder's surface illustrate the effects of corner modifications on the different parts of the cylinder. The windward corner's separation angle was observed to decrease with an increase in radius, resulting in a narrower and longer recirculation region. Furthermore, with an increase in radius, a reduction in the fluctuating lift, mean drag, and fluctuating drag coefficients has been observed.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.393-405
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• 2022

Lightweight concrete is a superior material due to its light weight and high strength. There however remain significant lacunae in engineering knowledge with regards to shear failure of lightweight fiber reinforced concrete beams. The main aim of the present study is to investigate the optimum usage of steel fibers in lightweight fiber reinforced concrete (LWFRC). Multi-scale finite element model calibrated with experimental results is developed to study the effect of steel fibers on the mechanical properties of LWFRC beams. To decrease the amount of steel fibers, it is preferred to reinforce only the middle section of the LWFRC beams, where the flexural stresses are higher. For numerical simulation, a multi-scale finite element model was developed. The cement matrix was modeled as homogeneous and uniform material and both steel fibers and lightweight coarse aggregates were randomly distributed within the matrix. Considering more realistic assumptions, the bonding between fibers and cement matrix was considered with the Cohesive Zone Model (CZM) and its parameters were determined using the model update method. Furthermore, conformity of Load-Crack Mouth Opening Displacement (CMOD) curves obtained from numerical modeling and experimental test results of notched beams under center-point loading tests were investigated. Validating the finite element model results with experimental tests, the effects of fibers' volume fraction, and the length of the reinforced middle section, on flexural and residual strengths of LWFRC, were studied. Results indicate that using steel fibers in a specified length of the concrete beam with high flexural stresses, and considerable savings can be achieved in using steel fibers. Reducing the length of the reinforced middle section from 50 to 30 cm in specimens containing 10 kg/m3 of steel fibers, resulting in a considerable decrease of the used steel fibers by four times, whereas only a 7% reduction in bearing capacity was observed. Therefore, determining an appropriate length of the reinforced middle section is an essential parameter in reducing fibers, usage leading to more affordable construction costs.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.437-454
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• 2022

Elliptic-braced simple resisting frame as a new lateral bracing system installed in the middle bay of frame in building facades has been recently introduced. This system not only creates a problem for opening space from the architectural viewpoint but also improves the structural behavior. Despite the researches on the seismic performance of lateral bracing systems, there are few studies performed on the effect of the stiffness parameters on the elastic story drift and calculation of period in simple braced steel frames. To overcome this shortcoming, in this paper, for the first time, an analytical solution is presented for calculating elastic lateral stiffness in a simple steel frame equipped with elliptic brace subjected to lateral load. In addition, for the first time, in this study, a precise formulation has been developed to evaluate the elastic stiffness variation in a steel frame equipped with a two-dimensional single-story single-span elliptic brace using strain energy and Castigliano's theorem. Thus, all the effective factors, including axial and shear loads as well as bending moments of elliptic brace could be considered. At the end of the analysis, the lateral stiffness can be calculated by an improved and innovative relation through the energy method based on the geometrical properties of the employed sections and specification of the used material. Also, an equivalent element of an elliptic brace was presented for the ease of modeling and use in linear designs. Application of the proposed relation have been verified through a variety of examples in OpenSees software. Based on the results, the error percentage between the elastic stiffness derived from the developed equations and the numerical analyses of finite element models was very low and negligible.

• Plant Journal
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.66-72
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• 2023

In order to respond to the demand for flexible operation of thermal power generation, development of natural sliding pressure operation that minimizes throttle loss by opening the turbine control valve 100% and maximize power generation efficiency in conjunction with ESS in order to quickly respond to fluctuations in the system frequency is required. The logic development of natural sliding pressure operation with ESS was developed to modify the existing logic at the power plant's top-level control logic such as the unit master, the boiler master and the turbine master. Cooperative control algorithms that complement the advantages and disadvantages of ESS operation (quick response, limited capacity) and power plant operation (slow response, continuous operation) not only improve efficiency when applied to actual power plants, but also respond quickly and flexibly to load demands to ensure system stability.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.30 no.1A
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• pp.15-26
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• 2010

Quasi-static tests were conducted to evaluate structural performance of precast piers prestressed by bonded prestressing steels. Combinations of prestressing bars and normal reinforcing bars, embedded steel tubes and prestressing strands were used as continuous steels crossing the joints of a precast pier. Main design parameters were steel ratio, magnitude of prestress force, and section details. Flexural strength and energy dissipation capacity of precast columns with higher steel ratio showed better performance due to continuous steels after opening of the joints. Precast piers with embedded members showed stable behavior after reaching maximum loads resulting in higher displacement ductility and energy dissipation capacity increased as the introduced prestress increased. Self-centering behavior at early stages and stress increase of confining reinforcements were observed from highly prestressed columns. Combination of prestressing steels and normal reinforcing bars should be used in design to prevent rapid strength degradation after reaching the maximum load.

• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.193-200
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• 2023

This paper investigates the effect of directional alignment of steel fibers using an electromagnetic field on the flexural fracture behavior of steel fiber reinforced concrete. A specially designed and manufactured solenoid, capable of aligning steel fibers in the longitudinal direction of the beam specimen, was employed for this purpose. Beam specimens with a design strength of 30 MPa were produced, and failure tests were conducted on specimens exposed to electromagnetic fields and those without exposure. Experimental variables included the mixing ratio and aspect ratio of steel fibers. The results of the experiments revealed a slight increase in flexural strength and crack mouth opening displacement at the maximum load for specimens exposed to the electromagnetic field. Notably, a significant enhancement in fracture energy was observed.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.431-441
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• 2024

A newly developed line-style sand pluviator has been calibrated to prepare repeatable sand specimens of specific statuses of compactness and homogeneity for laboratory tests. Sand is falling via a bottom slot of a fixed hopper, and by moving the sample container under the slot, the container is evenly filled with sand. The pluviator is designed with high flexibility: The falling height of sand, the hopper's opening width and the relative moving speed between the hopper and the sample box can be easily adjusted. By changing these control factors, sand specimens of a wide range of densities can be prepared. A series of specimen preparation was performed using the coarse Merwede River sand. Performance of the pluviator was systematically evaluated by exploring the alteration of achievable density, as well as checking the homogeneity and fabric of the prepared samples by CT scanning. It was found that the density of prepared coarse sand samples has monotonic correlations with none of the three control factors. Furthermore, CT scanning results suggested that the prepared samples exhibited excellent homogeneity in the horizontal direction but periodical alteration of density in the vertical direction. Based on these calibration test results, a preliminary hypothesis is proposed to describe the general working principles of this type of pluviators a priori, illustrating the mechanisms dominating the non-monotonic correlations between control factors and the relative density as well as the vertically prevalent heterogeneity of specimens. Accordingly, practical recommendations are made in a unified framework in order to lessen the load of similar calibration work.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.245-250
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• 2004

To investigate the effect of early-morning heating periods on growth and yield of cucumber and heating load in a greenhouse cultivation, three additional heating periods (0, 1 and 2 hours) were compared to rise temperature from $12^{\circ}C\;to\;16^{\circ}C$ in the early-morning. Leaf temperature just before opening the thermal screen was $3.3^{\circ}C\;and\;4.1^{\circ}C$ higher in the 1 and 2 hour heating compared to that in the control (0 hour heating), respectively. Photosynthetic rate, conductance to $H_2O$ and transpiration rate of cucumber leaves were the highest in the 2 hour heating, and the lowest in the control. However. the difference between the 1 hour and 2 hour heating was not significant. Inorganic element content in cucumber leaves was not significant among the treatments of duration. Initial growth after planting of cucumber was greater in the 1 and 2 hour heating than that in the control. Yield increased by $11\%\;and\;15\%$ in the 1 hour and 2 hour heating compared to that in the control. respectively. Fuel consumption for heating increased by $12\%\;and\;22\%$ in the 1 hour and 2 hour heating compared to that in the control, respectively. Considering in the yield and fuel consumption for heating. 1 or 2 hours of early morning heating could be effective in temperature management for cucumber in a greenhouse cultivation.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.19 no.7
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• pp.265-274
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• 2018

The increasing use of curved beams in buildings, vehicles, ships, and aircraft has prompted studies directed toward the development of an accurate method for analyzing the dynamic behavior of such structures. The stability behavior of elastic curved beams has been the subject of a large number of investigations. Solutions of the relevant differential equations have been obtained traditionally using standard finite difference or finite element methods. These techniques require a great deal of computer time as the number of discrete nodes becomes relatively large under the conditions of complex geometry and loading. One of the efficient procedures for the solution of partial differential equations is the method of differential quadrature. The differential quadrature method (DQM) has been applied to a large number of cases to overcome the difficulties of the complex algorithms of programming for the computer, as well as the excessive use of storage due to the conditions of complex geometry and loading. The in-plane buckling of curved beams considering the extensibility of the arch axis was analyzed under uniformly distributed radial loads using the DQM. The critical loads were calculated for the member with various parameter ratios, boundary conditions, and opening angles. The results were compared with the precise results by other methods for cases, in which they were available. The DQM, using only a limited number of grid points, provided results that agreed very well (less than 0.3%) with the exact ones. New results according to diverse variations were obtained, showing the important roles in the buckling behavior of curved beams, and can be used in comparisons with other numerical solutions or with experimental test data.

• International Journal of Highway Engineering
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.51-59
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• 2011

Tensile stress occurs and random crack develops in concrete pavement slab when it contracts by variation of temperature and humidity. The tensile stress decreases and the random crack is minimized by sawcutting the slab and inducing the crack with regular spacing. The random crack, joint damage, decrease of load transfer efficiency are caused by too wide joint spacing while too narrow joint spacing leads to increase of construction cost and decrease of comfort. A mechanistic-empirical joint spacing design method for the concrete pavement was developed in this study. Structurally and environmentally weakest sections were found among the sections showing good performance, and design strengths were determined by finite element analysis on the sections. The joint width for which the load transfer efficiency is suddenly lowered was determined as allowable joint with referring to existing research results. The maximum joint spacing for which the maximum tensile stress calculated by the finite element analysis did not exceed the design strength were found. And the maximum joint width expected by the maximum joint spacing were compared to the allowable joint width. The new method developed in this study was applied to two zones of Hamyang-Woolsan Expressway being designed. The same joint spacing as a test section constructed by 8.0m of joint spacing wider than usual was calculated by the design method. Very low cracking measured at 6 years after opening of the test section verified the design method developed in this study.