• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.845-865
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• 2022

In this study, the performance of shear deficient reinforced concrete (RC) beams with rectangular cross-sections, which were externally bonded reinforced (EBR) with high strength CFRP and GFRP strips composite along shear spans, has been experimentally and analytically investigated under vertical load. In the study, the minimum CFRP and GFRP strips width over spacing were considered. The shear beam with turned end to a bending beam was investigated by applying different composite strips. Therefore various arising in each of strength, ductility, rigidity, and energy dissipation capacity were obtained. A total of 12 small-scaled experimental programs have been performed. Beam dimensions have been taken as 100×150×1000 mm. Four beams have been tested as unstrengthened samples. This paper focuses on the effect of minimum CFRP and GFRP strip width on behaviours of RC beams shear-strengthened with full-wrapping, U-wrapping, and U-wrapping+longitudinal bonding strips. Strengthened beams showed significant increments for flexural ductility, energy dissipation, and inelastic performance. The full wrapping strips applied against shear failure have increased the load-carrying capacity of samples 53%-63% interval rate. Although full wrapping is the best strengthening choice, the U-wrapping and U-wrapping+longitudinal strips of both CFRP and GFRP bonding increased the shear capacity by 53%~75% compared to the S2 sample. In terms of ductility, the best result has been obtained by the type of strengthening where the S5 beam was completely GFRP wrapped. The experimental results were also compared with the analytically given by ACI440.2R-17, TBEC-2019 and FIB-2001. Especially in U-wrapped beams, the estimation of FIB was determined to be 81%. The estimates of the other codes are far from meeting the experimental results; therefore, essential improvements should be applied to the codes, especially regarding CFRP and GFRP deformation and approaches for longitudinal strip connections. According to the test results, it is suggested that GFRP, which is at least as effective but cheaper than CFRP, may be preferred for strengthening applications.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.47 no.6
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• pp.693-707
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• 2023

This article investigates the static thermo-mechanical response of anisotropic thick laminated composite plates on Visco-Pasternak foundations under various thermal load conditions (linear, non-linear, and uniform) along the transverse direction (thickness) of the plate, while keeping the mechanical load constant. The governing equations, which represent the thermo-mechanical behavior of the composite plate, are derived from the principle of virtual displacements. Using Navier's type solution, these equations are solved for the composite plate with simply supported condition. The Visco-Pasternak foundation type is included by considering the impact of the damping on the classical foundation model, which is modeled by Winkler's linear modulus and Pasternak's shear modulus. The excellent accuracy of the present solution is confirmed by comparing the results with those available in the literature. The study investigates the impact of geometric ratios, thermal expansion coefficient ratio, damping coefficient and foundation parameters on the thermo-mechanical flexural response of the composite plate. Overall, this article provides insights into the behavior of composite plates on visco-Pasternak foundations and may be useful for designing and analyzing composite structures in practical applications.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.221-236
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• 2023

In order to study the seismic response of the main plant of steel reinforced concrete (SRC) structure of the CAP1400 nuclear power plant under the influence of different high-mode vibration, the 1/7 model structure was manufactured and its dynamic characteristics was tested. Secondly, the finite element model of SRC frame-bent structure was established, the seismic response was analyzed by mode-superposition response spectrum method. Taking the combination result of the 500 vibration modes as the standard, the error of the base reactions, inter-story drift, bending moment and shear of different modes were calculated. Then, based on the results, the influence of high-mode vibration on the seismic response of the SRC frame-bent structure of the main plant was analyzed. The results show that when the 34 vibration modes were intercepted, the mass participation coefficient of the vertical and horizontal vibration mode was above 90%, which can meet the requirements of design code. There is a large error between the seismic response calculated by the 34 and 500 vibration modes, and the error decreases as the number of modes increases. When 60 modes were selected, the error can be reduced to about 1%. The error of the maximum bottom moment of the bottom column appeared in the position of the bent column. Finally, according to the characteristics of the seismic influence coefficient αj of each mode, the mode contribution coefficient γj•Xji was defined to reflect the contribution of each mode to the seismic action.

• Advances in concrete construction
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.23-39
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• 2023

One of the important problems of concrete placing is the concrete compaction, which can affect the strength, durability and apparent quality of the hardened concrete. Therefore, vibrating operations might be accompanied by much noise and the need for training the involved workers, while inappropriate functioning can result in many problems. One of the most important methods to solve these problems is to utilize self-compacting cementitious composites instead of the normal concrete. Due to their benefits of these new materials, such as high tensile, compressive, and flexural strength, have drawn the researchers' attention to this type of cementitious composite more than ever. In this experimental investigation, six mixing designs were selected as a base to acquire the best mechanical properties. Moreover, forty-eight rectangular composite panels with dimensions of 300 mm × 400 mm and two thickness values of 30 mm and 50 mm were cast and tested to compare the flexural and impact energy absorption. Steel fibers with volume fractions of 0%, 0.5% and 1% and with lengths of 25 mm and 50 mm were imposed in order to prepare the required cement composites. In this research, the composite panels with two thicknesses of 30 mm and 50 mm, classified into 12 different groups, were cast and tested under three-point flexural bending and repeated drop weight impact test, respectively. Also, the examination and comparison of flexural energy absorption with impact energy absorption were one of the other aims of this research. The obtained results showed that the addition of fibers of longer length improved the mechanical properties of specimens. On the other hand, the findings of the flexural and impact test on the self-compacting composite panels indicated a stronger influence of the long-length fibers.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.46 no.6
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• pp.773-791
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• 2023

Connections with damage concentrated to pre-selected components can enhance seismic resilience for moment resisting frames. These pre-selected components always yield early to dissipate energy, and their energy dissipation mechanisms vary from one to another, depending on their position in the connection, geometry configuration details, and mechanical characteristics. This paper presents behaviour insights on two types of beam-to-beam connections that the angles were designed as energy dissipation components, through the results of experimental study and finite element analysis. Firstly, an experimental programme was reviewed, and key responses concerning the working mechanism of the connections were presented, including strain distribution at the critical section, section force responses of essential components, and initial stiffness of test specimens. Subsequently, finite element models of three specimens were established to further interpret their behaviour and response that were not observable in the tests. The moment and shear force transfer paths of the composite connections were clarified through the test results and finite element analysis. It was observed that the bending moment is mainly resisted by axial forces from the components, and the dominant axial force is from the bottom angles; the shear force at the critical section is primarily taken by the slab and the components near the top flange. Lastly, based on the insights on the load transfer path of the composite connections, preliminary design recommendations are proposed. In particular, a resistance requirement, quantified by a moment capacity ratio, was placed on the connections. Design models and equations were also developed for predicting the yield moment resistance and the shear resistance of the connections. A flexible beam model was proposed to quantify the shear resistance of essential components.

• Advances in nano research
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.467-484
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• 2023

Despite the significant features of fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (FRCCs), including better mechanical, fractural, and durability performance, their high content of cement has restricted their use in the construction industry. Although ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) is considered the main supplementary cementitious material, its slow pozzolanic reaction stands against its application. The addition of nano-sized mineral modifiers, including nano-silica (NS), is an alternative to address the drawbacks of using GGBFS. The main object of this empirical and numerical research is to examine the effect of NS on the strain-hardening behavior of cementitious composites; ten mixes were designed, and five levels of NS were considered. This study proposes a new method, using a four-point bending test to assess the use of nano-silica (NS) on the flexural behavior, first cracking strength, fracture energy, and micromechanical parameters including interfacial friction bond strength and maximum bridging stress. Digital image correlation (DIC) was used for monitoring the initiation and propagation of the cracks. In addition, to attain a deep comprehension of fiber/matrix interaction, scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis was used. It was discovered that using nano-silica (NS) in cementitious materials results in an enhancement in the matrix toughness, which prevents multiple cracking and, therefore, strain-hardening. In addition, adding NS enhanced the interfacial transition zone between matrix and fiber, leading to a higher interfacial friction bond strength, which helps multiple cracking in the composite due to the hydrophobic nature of polypropylene (PP) fibers. The findings of this research provide insight into finding the optimum percent of NS in which both ductility and high tensile strength of the composites would be satisfied. As a concluding remark, a new criterion is proposed, showing that the optimum value of nano-silica is 2%. The findings and proposed method of this study can facilitate the design and utilization of green cementitious composites in structures.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.525-538
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• 2023

The development of a city is closely linked to the construction and operation of its subway system. However, constructing a new subway tunnel under an existing station is an extremely complex task, and the deformation characteristics and mechanical behavior of the new subway tunnel during the excavation process can greatly impact the normal operation of the existing station. Although the previous studies about the case of underpass engineering have been carried out, there is limited research on the condition of a newly-built subway tunnel that closely undercrossing an existing station with zero distance between them. Therefore, this study analyzes the deformation law and mechanical behavior characteristics of the preliminary lining of the underpass tunnel during the excavation process based on the real engineering case of Chengdu Metro Line 8. This study also makes an in-depth comparison of the influence of different excavation methods on this issue. Finally, the accuracy of numerical simulation is verified by comparing it with on-site result. The results indicate that the maximum bending moment mainly occurs at the floor slab of the preliminary lining, while that of the ceiling is small. The stress state at the ceiling position is less affected by the construction process of the pilot tunnel. Compared to the all-in-one excavation method, although the process of partial excavation method is more complicated, the deformation of preliminary lining caused by it is basically less than the upper limit value of the standard, while that of the all-in-one excavation method is beyond standard requirements.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.215-230
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• 2023

Cable-girder anchorage joint is the critical part of cable-supported bridges. Tensile-plate anchorage (TPA) is one of the most commonly used types of cable-girder anchorage joints in steel girder cable-supported bridges. In recent years, it has been proposed by bridge designers to apply TPA to concrete girder cable-supported bridges to form composite cable-girder anchorage joint (CCGAJ). In this paper, the mechanical performance of CCGAJ under tensile force is studied through experimental and numerical analyses. Firstly, the effects of the external prestressing (EP) and the bearing plate (BP) on the mechanical performance of CCGAJ were investigated through three tests. Then, finite element model was established for parametrical study, and was verified by the experimental results. Then, the effects of shear connector forms, EP, BP, vertical rebar rate, and perforated rebar rate on the tensile capacity of CCGAJ were investigated through numerical analyses. The results show that the tensile capacity of CCGAJ depends on the first row of PR. The failure mode of CCGAJ using headed stud connectors is to form a shear failure surface at the end of the studs while the failure mode using PBLs is similar to the bending of a deep girder. Finally, based on the strut-and-tie model (STM), a calculation method for CCGAJ tensile capacity was proposed, which has a high accuracy and can be used to calculate the tensile capacity of CCGAJ.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.88 no.4
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• pp.389-403
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• 2023

In order to explore the influence of tooth root cracks on the dynamic characteristics of multi-stage planetary gear transmission systems, a concentrated parameter method was used to construct a nonlinear dynamic model of the system with 30-DOF in bending and torsion, taking into account factors such as crack depth, length, angle, error, time-varying meshing stiffness (TVMS), and damping. In the model, the energy method was used to establish a TVMS model with cracks, and the influence of cracks on the TVMS of the system was studied. By using the Runge- Kutta method to calculate the differential equations of system dynamics, a series of system vibration diagrams containing cracks were obtained, and the influence of different crack parameters on the vibration of the system was analyzed. And vibration testing experiments were conducted on the system with planetary gear cracks. The results show that when the gear contains cracks, the TVMS of the system will decrease, and as the cracks intensify, the TVMS will decrease. When cracks appear on the II-stage planetary gear, the system will experience impact effects with intervals of rotation cycles of the II-stage planetary gear. There will be obvious sidebands near the meshing frequency doubling, and the vibration trajectory of the gear will also become disordered. These situations will become more and more obvious as the degree of cracks intensifies. Through experiments, the theoretical results are in good agreement with experimental results, verifying the correctness of the theoretical model. This provides a theoretical basis for fault diagnosis and reliability research of the system.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.307-323
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• 2023

In this research, the study of the thermoelastic flexural analysis of silicon carbide/Aluminum graded (FG) sandwich 2D uniform structure (plate) under harmonic sinusoidal temperature load over time is presented. The plate is modeled using a simple two dimensional integral shear deformation plate theory. The current formulation contains an integral terms whose aim is to reduce a number of variables compared to others similar solutions and therefore minimize the computation time. The transverse shear stresses vary according to parabolic distribution and vanish at the free surfaces of the structure without any use of correction factors. The external load is applied on the upper face and varying in the thickness of the plates. The structure is supposed to be composed of "three layers" and resting on nonlinear visco-Pasternak's-foundations. The governing equations of the system are deduced and solved via Hamilton's principle and general solution. The computed results are compared with those existing in the literature to validate the current formulation. The impacts of the parameters (material index, temperature exponent, geometry ratio, time, top/bottom temperature ratio, elastic foundation type, and damping coefficient) on the dynamic flexural response are studied.