• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.385-401
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• 2022

Uncertainty quantification is the most important challenge in seismic fragility assessment of structures. The precision increment of the quantification method leads to reliable results but at the same time increases the computational costs and the latter will be so undesirable in cases such as reliability-based design optimization which includes numerous probabilistic seismic analyses. Accordingly, the authors' effort has been put on the development and validation of an approach that has reduced computational cost in seismic fragility assessment. In this regard, it is necessary to apply the appropriate methods for consideration of two categories of uncertainties consisting of uncertainties related to the ground motions and structural characteristics, separately. Also, cable-stayed bridges have been specifically selected because as a result of their complexity and the according time-consuming seismic analyses, reducing the computations corresponding to their fragility analyses is worthy of studying. To achieve this, the fragility assessment of three case studies is performed based on existing and proposed approaches, and a comparative study on the efficiency in the estimation of seismic responses. For this purpose, statistical validation is conducted on the seismic demand and fragility resulting from the mentioned approaches, and through a comprehensive interpretation, sufficient arguments for the acceptable errors of the proposed approach are presented. Finally, this study concludes that the combination of the Capacity Spectrum Method (CSM) and Uniform Design Sampling (UDS) in advanced proposed forms can provide adequate accuracy in seismic fragility estimation at a significantly reduced computational cost.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.88 no.3
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• pp.239-249
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• 2023

The Radial Point Interpolation Method (RPIM) has been proposed to overcome the difficulties associated with the use of the Radial Basis Functions (RBFs). The RPIM has the following properties: Simple implementation in terms of boundary conditions as in the Finite Element Method (FEM). A less expensive CPU time compared to other collocation meshless methods such as the Moving Least Square (MLS) collocation method. In this work, we propose an adaptive high-order numerical algorithm based on RPIM to simulate the thermoviscoplastic behavior of a material mixing observed in the Friction Stir Welding (FSW) process. The proposed adaptive meshfree RPIM algorithm adapts well to the geometric and physical data by choosing a good shape parameter with a good precision. Our numerical approach combines the RPIM and the Asymptotic Numerical Method (ANM). A numerical procedure is also proposed in this work to automatically determine an improved shape parameter for the RBFs. The efficiency of the proposed algorithm is analyzed in comparison with an iterative algorithm.

• Advances in nano research
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.365-374
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• 2024

This study delves into the significant impact of integrating nanomaterials, specifically carbon and graphene nanoparticles, into the polymer matrix of aluminum alloy 356, utilizing the vortex casting technique, with the aim of improving the mechanical properties of table tennis equipment. Athletes and their coaching teams have long been on a quest for high-performance sports gear, recognizing its pivotal role in unlocking the full potential of players. The dedication of engineers to craft designs, select materials with precision, and uphold stringent testing standards reflects the commitment to meeting the demands of the sporting world. Yet, to remain at the forefront, sports engineering must continually align with contemporary technologies, and nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative force in this regard. This study not only underscores the meticulous efforts in material integration but also highlights the remarkable strides made possible by nanotechnology. Aluminum nanocomposites, particularly, showcase a groundbreaking fusion of exceptional strength and reduced weight, marking a notable achievement in sports equipment innovation. The research outcomes are compelling, revealing a substantial enhancement in the mechanical performance of the sports structures under scrutiny. This promising development hints at a potential paradigm shift in the manufacturing of sports equipment, promising a new era of elevated athlete performance and enhanced safety during the rigors of physical education training. This study stands as a testament to the tangible impact of nanotechnology on the ever-evolving landscape of sports equipment.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.41-53
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• 2024

Under constant and cyclic axial compression, square composite short columns reinforced with Self Compacting Concrete (SCC) added with scrap rubber infilled inside steel tubes and with different types of concrete were cast and tested. The test is carried out to find the effectiveness of utilizing an aggregate manufactured from industrial waste and to address the problems associated with the need for alternative reinforcements along with waste management. The main testing parameters are the type of concrete, the effect of fiber inclusion, and the significance of rubber-infilled steel tubes. The failure modes of the columns and axial load-displacement curves of the steel tube-reinforced columns were all thoroughly investigated. According to the test results, all specimens failed due to compression failure with a longitudinal crack along the loading axis. The fiber-reinforced column specimens demonstrated improved ductility and energy absorption. In comparison to the normal-weight concrete columns, the lightweight concrete columns significantly improved the axial load-carrying capacity. The addition of basalt fiber to the columns significantly increased the yield stress and ultimate stress to 9.21%. The corresponding displacement at yield load and ultimate load was reduced to 10.36% and 28.79%, respectively. The precision of volumetric information regarding the obtained crack quantification, aggregates, and the fiber in concrete is studied in detail through image processing using MATLAB environment.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.275-284
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• 2024

This work presents a comprehensive investigation of buckling behavior of bidirectional functionally graded imperfect beams exposed to several thermal loading with general boundary conditions. The nonlinear governing equations are derived based on 2D shear deformation theory together with Von Karman strain-displacement relation. The beams are composed of two different materials. Its properties are porosity-dependent and are continuously distributed over the length and thickness of the beams following a defined law. The resulting equations are solved analytically in order to determine the thermal buckling characteristics of BDFG porous beams. The precision of the current solution and its accuracy have been proven by comparison with works previously published. Numerical examples are presented to explore the effects of the thermal loading, the elastic foundation parameters, the porosity distribution, the grading indexes and others factors on the nonlinear thermal buckling of bidirectional FG beam rested on elastic foundation.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.183-199
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• 2024

In this paper, a closed-form rigorous solution for interfacial stress in continuous steel beam with variable section strengthened with bonded prestressed FRP plates and subjected to a uniformly distributed load is developed using linear elastic theory and including the variation of fiber volume fractions with a longitudinal orientation of the fibers of the FRP plates. The results show that there exists a high concentration of both shear and normal stress at the ends of the laminate, which might result in premature failure of the strengthening scheme at these locations. The theoretical predictions are compared with other existing solutions. Overall, the predictions of the different solutions agree closely with each other. A parametric study has been conducted to investigate the sensitivity of interface behavior to parameters such as laminate and adhesive stiffness, the thickness of the laminate and the fiber volume fractions where all were found to have a marked effect on the magnitude of maximum shear and normal stress in the composite member. This research gives a numerical precision in relating to the others studies which neglect the effect of prestressed plate and the shear lag impact. The physical and geometric properties of materials are taken into account, and that may play an important role in reducing the interfacial stresses magnitude.

• Wind and Structures
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.147-160
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• 2024

The aerodynamic force is a significant component that influences the stability and safety of structures. It has unstable properties and depends on computer precision, making its long-term prediction challenging. Accurately estimating the aerodynamic traits of structures is critical for structural design and vibration control. This paper establishes an unsteady aerodynamic time series prediction model using Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network. The unsteady aerodynamic force under varied Reynolds number and angles of attack is predicted by the LSTM model. The input of the model is the aerodynamic coefficients of the 1 to n sample points and output is the aerodynamic coefficients of the n+1 sample point. The model is predicted by interpolation and extrapolation utilizing Unsteady Reynolds-average Navier-Stokes (URANS) simulation data of flow around a circular cylinder, square cylinder and airfoil. The results illustrate that the trajectories of the LSTM prediction results and URANS outcomes are largely consistent with time. The mean relative error between the forecast results and the original results is less than 6%. Therefore, our technique has a prospective application in unsteady aerodynamic force prediction of structures and can give technical assistance for engineering applications.

• Advances in nano research
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.531-548
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• 2024

The study focuses on using remote sensing to gather data about the Earth's surface, particularly in urban environments, using satellites and aircraft-mounted sensors. It aims to develop a classification framework for road targets using multi-spectral imagery. By integrating Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) with XGBoost, the study seeks to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of road target identification, aiding urban infrastructure management and transportation planning. A novel aspect of the research is the incorporation of quantum sensors, which improve the resolution and sensitivity of the data. The model achieved high predictive accuracy with an MSE of 0.025, R-squared of 0.85, RMSE of 0.158, and MAE of 0.12. The CNN model showed excellent performance in road detection with 92% accuracy, 88% precision, 90% recall, and an f1-score of 89%. These results demonstrate the model's robustness and applicability in real-world urban planning scenarios, further enhanced by data augmentation and early stopping techniques.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.51 no.5
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• pp.499-507
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• 2024

The paper delves into an emerging paradigm shift in architectural design, focusing on the development of a cutting-edge methodological framework for the artistic enhancement of nanocomposite brick facades in building construction. This innovative approach represents a fusion of art and science, harnessing the potential of advanced nanotechnology to redefine the aesthetic and functional properties of building exteriors. Central to this new methodology is the integration of state-of-the-art materials and fabrication techniques, aimed at not only elevating the visual appeal of architectural structures but also enhancing their structural robustness and environmental sustainability. By leveraging the unique characteristics of nanocomposite materials, the proposed method opens up new possibilities for pushing the boundaries of traditional brick facade design. Through a meticulous exploration of the intricacies involved in implementing this novel approach, the paper elucidates the transformative impact it can have on the architectural landscape. By marrying creativity with technical precision, the method environment for art design of nanocomposite brick facades promises to usher in a new era of sustainable, visually captivating, and structurally resilient building facades that are poised to redefine the very essence of architectural aesthetics.

• Advances in nano research
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.61-73
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• 2024

This paper presents nonlinear vibration analysis of a composite cylindrical shell. The core of the shell is made of functionally graded (FG) porous materials and layers is fabricated of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced nanocomposites. To increase the accuracy of results, neutral surface position is considered. First-order shear deformation theory is used as displacement field to derive the basic relations of equation motions. In addition, von-Karman nonlinear strains are employed to account geometric nonlinearity and to enhance the results' precision, the exact position of the neutral surface is considered. To governing the partial equations of motion, the Hamilton's principle is used. To reduce the equation motions into a nonlinear motion equation, the Galerkin's approach is employed. After that the nonlinear motion equation is solved by multiple scales method. Effect of various parameters such as volume fraction and distribution of CNTs along the thickness directions, different patterns and efficiency coefficients of porous materials, geometric characteristics and initial conditions on nonlinear to linear ratio of frequency is investigated.