• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.27-44
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• 2020

This work presents a comparison of three performance-based seismic design methods (PBSD) as applied to plane steel frames having eccentric braces (EBFs) and buckling restrained braces (BRBFs). The first method uses equivalent modal damping ratios (ξ_k), referring to an equivalent multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) linear system, which retains the mass, the elastic stiffness and responds in the same way as the original non-linear MDOF system. The second method employs modal strength reduction factors (${\bar{q}}_k$) resulting from the corresponding modal damping ratios. Contrary to the behavior factors of code based design methods, both ξ_k and ${\bar{q}}_k$ account for the first few modes of significance and incorporate target deformation metrics like inter-storey drift ratio (IDR) and local ductility as well as structural characteristics like structural natural period, and soil types. Explicit empirical expressions of ξ_k and ${\bar{q}}_k$, recently presented by the present authors elsewhere, are also provided here for reasons of completeness and easy reference. The third method, developed here by the authors, is based on a hybrid force/displacement (HFD) seismic design scheme, since it combines the force-base design (FBD) method with the displacement-based design (DBD) method. According to this method, seismic design is accomplished by using a behavior factor (q_h), empirically expressed in terms of the global ductility of the frame, which takes into account both non-structural and structural deformation metrics. These expressions for q_h are obtained through extensive parametric studies involving non-linear dynamic analysis (NLDA) of 98 frames, subjected to 100 far-fault ground motions that correspond to four soil types of Eurocode 8. Furthermore, these factors can be used in conjunction with an elastic acceleration design spectrum for seismic design purposes. Finally, a comparison among the above three seismic design methods and the Eurocode 8 method is conducted with the aid of non-linear dynamic analyses via representative numerical examples, involving plane steel EBFs and BRBFs.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.67-73
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• 2022

In this study, the fiber orientation distribution (FOD) is investigated using both micro-CT (computerized tomography) and image analysis of physically cut specimens prepared from Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) fiber reinforced cemented Toyoura sand. The micro-CT images of the fiber reinforced cemented sand specimens were visualized in horizontal and vertical sections. Scans were obtained using a frame rate of two frames and an exposure time of 500 milliseconds. The number of images was set to optimize and typically resulted in approximately 3000 images. Then, the angles of the fibers for horizontal sections and in vertical section were calculated using the VGStudio MAX software. The number of fibers intersecting horizontal and vertical sections are counted using these images. A similar approach was used for physically cut specimens. The variation of results of fiber orientation between micro-CT scans and visual count were approximately 4-8%. The micro-CT scans were able to precisely investigate the fiber orientation distribution of fibers in these samples. The results show that 85-90% of the PVA fibers are oriented between ±30° of horizontal, and approximately 95% of fibers have an orientation that lies within ±45° of the horizontal plane. Finally, a comparison of experimental results with the generalized fiber orientation distribution function 𝜌(θ) is presented for isotropic and anisotropic distribution in fiber reinforced cemented Toyoura sand specimens. Experimentally, it can be seen that the average ratio of the number of fibers intersecting the finite area on a vertical plane to number of fibers intersecting the finite area on a horizontal plane (N^V_tot/N^H_tot) cut through a sample varies from 2.08 to 2.12 (an average ratio of 2.10 is obtained in this study). Based up on the analytical predictions, it can be seen that the average N^V_tot/N^H_tot ratio varies from 2.13 to 2.17 for varying n values (an average ratio of 2.15).

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.31 no.1A
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• pp.9-18
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• 2011

Generally the connection of structural members is assumed as hinge, rigid and semi-rigid connections. The exact tangent stiffness matrix of a semi-rigid frame element is newly derived using the stability functions considering shear deformations. Also, linearized elastic- and geometric-stiffness matrices of shear deformable semi-rigid frame are newly proposed. For the exact stiffness matrix, an accurate displacement field is introduced by equilibrium equation for beam-column under the bending and the axial forces. Also, stability functions considering sway deformation and force-displacement relations with elastic rotational spring on ends are defined. In order to illustrate the accuracy of this study, various numerical examples are presented and compared with other researcher's results. Lastly, shear deformation and semi-rigid effects on buckling behaviors of structure are parametrically investigated.

• Wind and Structures
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.405-421
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• 2021

To gain insight into the wind-induced safety concerns associated with attached tower cranes during the construction of super-tall buildings, a 606 m level frame-core tube super-tall building is selected to investigate the wind-induced vibration response and fragility of an outer-attached tower crane at all stages of construction. The wind velocity time history samples are artificially generated and used to perform dynamic response analyses of the crane to observe the effects of wind velocity and wind direction under its working and non-working resting state. The adverse effects of the relative displacement response at different connection supports are also identified. The wind-resistant fragility curves of the crane are obtained by introducing the concept of incremental dynamic analysis. The results from the investigation indicate that a large relative displacement between the supports can substantially amplify the response of the crane at high levels. Such an effect becomes more serious when the lifting arm is perpendicular to the plane of the connection supports. The flexibility of super-tall buildings should be considered in the design of outer-attached tower cranes, especially for anchorage systems. Fragility analysis can be used to specify the maximum appropriate height of the tower crane for each performance level.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.15-22
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• 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the vertical position of maxillary first molar and vertical skeletal measurements in lateral cephalograms by using new linear measurements on the vertical axis of coordinates with calibration. Methods: The vertical position of maxillary first molar (U6-SN), and the conventionally used variables (ConV) and the newly derived linear variables (NwLin) for vertical skeletal patterns were measured in the lateral cephalograms of 103 Korean adults with normal occlusions. Pearson correlation analyses and multiple linear regression analyses were performed with and without calibration using the anterior and posterior cranial base (ACB and PCB, respectively) lengths to identify variables related to U6-SN. Results: The PCB-calibrated statistics showed the best power of explanation. ConV indicating skeletal hyperdivergency was significantly correlated with U6-SN. Six NwLin regarding the position of palatal plane were positively correlated with U6-SN. Each multiple linear regression analysis generated a two-variable model: sella and nasion to palatal plane. Among the three models, the PCB-calibrated model yielded highest adjusted R2 value, 0.880. Conclusions: U6-SN could be determined by the vertical position of the maxilla, which could then be used to plan the amount of molar intrusion and estimate its clinical stability. Cephalometric calibration on the vertical axis of coordinates by using PCB for vertical linear measurements could strengthen the analysis itself.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.503-516
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• 2011

Uncertainty in concrete properties, including concrete modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture, are predicted by developing a microstructural homogenization model. The homogenization model is developed by analyzing a concrete representative volume element (RVE) using the finite element (FE) method. The concrete RVE considers concrete as a three phase composite material including: cement paste, aggregate and interfacial transition zone (ITZ). The homogenization model allows for considering two sources of variability in concrete, randomly dispersed aggregates in the concrete matrix and uncertain mechanical properties of composite phases of concrete. Using the proposed homogenization technique, the uncertainty in concrete modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture (described by numerical cumulative probability density function) are determined. Deflection uncertainty of reinforced concrete (RC) beams, propagated from uncertainties in concrete properties, is quantified using Monte Carlo (MC) simulation. Cracked plane frame analysis is used to account for tension stiffening in concrete. Concrete homogenization enables a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between concrete materials and structural modeling, which is necessary for realistic serviceability prediction.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.201-217
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• 2007

Two combinatorial optimization algorithms, tabu search and simulated annealing, are presented for the minimum-weight design of geometrically non-linear steel plane frames. The design algorithms obtain minimum weight frames by selecting suitable sections from a standard set of steel sections such as American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) wide-flange (W) shapes. Stress constraints of AISC Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) specification, maximum and interstorey drift constraints and size constraints for columns were imposed on frames. The stress constraints of AISC Allowable Stress Design (ASD) were also mounted in the two algorithms. The comparisons between AISC-LRFD and AISC-ASD specifications were also made while tabu search and simulated annealing were used separately. The algorithms were applied to the optimum design of three frame structures. The designs obtained using tabu search were compared to those where simulated annealing was considered. The comparisons showed that the tabu search algorithm yielded better designs with AISC-LRFD code specification.

• Computational Structural Engineering
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.187-197
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• 1996

An explicit direct time integration method based solution algorithm is presented to predict dynamic buckling response of Euler column. On the basis of large deflection beam theory, a plane frame finite element is formulated and implemented into the solution algorithm. The element formulation takes into account geometrical nonlinearity and overall buckling of steel structural frames. The solution algorithm employs the central difference method. Using the computer program developed by the author, dynamic instability behavior of Euler column under impact loading is investigated by considering the time variation of load, load magnitude, and load duration. The free vibration of Euler column caused by a short duration impact load is also studied. The validity and efficiency of the present formulation and solution algorithm are verified through illustrative numerical examples.

• Proceedings of the IEEK Conference
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• 2000.07b
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• pp.769-772
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• 2000

In this paper, a new lateral offset estimation method, based on image processing techniques, is proposed for driver assistant system. A new description on lane markings in the image plane is presented, and its properties are discussed and used to detect lane markings. Multi-frame lane detection and analysis are adopted to improve the proposed lateral control method. An algorithm for obstacle detection is also developed. Experimental results show that the proposed method performs lateral control effectively.

• Interaction and multiscale mechanics
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.33-51
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• 2008

This paper investigates the modelling of coupled soil-structure interaction problems by domain decomposition techniques. It is assumed that the soil-structure system is physically partitioned into soil and structure subdomains, which are independently modelled. Coupling of the separately modelled partitioned subdomains is undertaken with various algorithms based on the sequential iterative Dirichlet-Neumann sub-structuring method, which ensures compatibility and equilibrium at the interface boundaries of the subdomains. A number of mathematical and computational characteristics of the coupling algorithms, including the convergence conditions and choice of algorithmic parameters leading to enhanced convergence of the iterative method, are discussed. Based on the presented coupling algorithms a simulation environment, utilizing discipline-oriented solvers for nonlinear structural and geotechnical analysis, is developed which is used here to demonstrate the performance characteristics and benefits of various algorithms. Finally, the developed tool is used in a case study involving nonlinear soil-structure interaction analysis between a plane frame and soil subjected to ground excavation. This study highlights the relative performance of the various considered coupling algorithms in modelling real soil-structure interaction problems, in which nonlinearity arises in both the structure and the soil, and leads to important conclusions regarding their adequacy for such problems as well as the prospects for further enhancements.