• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.363-382
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• 2024

In India's north-eastern region, low-strength autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) blocks are widely used for constructing masonry structures, making them susceptible to lateral forces due to their low tensile and shear strengths and brittleness nature. The absence of earthquake-resistant attributes further compromises their resilience during seismic events. An economically viable solution to enhance the structural integrity of these masonry structures involves integrating steel wire mesh within the masonry mortar joints. This study investigates the in-plane shear behaviour of AAC masonry by employing two approaches: incorporating steel wire mesh within the masonry bed joint "BJ" and the masonry bed and head joint "BHJ". These approaches aim to augment strength and ductility, potentially serving as earthquake-resistant attributes in masonry structures. Three distinct variations of steel wire mesh and three reinforcing arrangements, i.e. (-), (L) and (Z) arrangement were employed to reinforce the two approaches. The test result reveals a significant enhancement in structural performance upon inclusion of steel wire mesh in both reinforcing approaches, with the "BHJ" approach outperforming the "BJ" approach and the unreinforced masonry, along with increase in capacity as the wire mesh size increases. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the reinforcing arrangement is ranked with the (Z) arrangement showing the largest performance, followed by the (L) and (-) arrangement.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.13-25
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• 2024

In this study, contact analysis in a functionally graded (FG) layer loaded with two circular punches is solved using the finite element method (FEM). The problem is consisted of a functionally graded layer that resting on an elastic semi-infinite plane and is loaded with two rigid punches of circular geometry. External loads P and Q are transferred to the layer via two rigid punches. The finite element model of the functionally graded layer is created using the ANSYS package program and a 2-dimensional analysis of the problem is analyzed. The contact lengths, obtained as a result of the analysis are compared with the analytical solution in the literature. In the study, the effects of parameters such as distances between punches, loads, inhomogenity parameter on contact zones, initial separation loads and distances, normal stresses, stresses across depth and contact stresses are investigated. As a result, in this study, it can be said that the magnitude of the stresses occurring in the FG layer is less than the homogeneous layer, therefore the life of FG materials will be longer than the homogeneous layer. When the distance between the punches is 2.25, the initial separation distance is 6.98, and when the distance between the punches is 4, the initial separation distance decreases to 6.10. In addition, when the load increased in the second punch, the initial separation load decreased from 55 to 18. The obtained results are presented in the form of graphs and tables.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.91-102
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• 2024

Beam-shaped components commonly rotate along a fixed axis when massive mechanical structures like rotors, jet engine blades, motor turbines, and rotating railway crossings perform their functions. For these structures to be useful in real life, their mechanical behavior is essential. Therefore, this is the first article to use the modified shear deformation theory type hyperbolic sine functions theory and the FEM to study the static bending response of rotating functionally graded GPL-reinforced composite (FG-GPLRC) beams with initial geometrical deficiencies in thermal media. Graphene platelets (GPLs) in three different configurations are woven into the beam's composition to increase its strength. By comparing the numerical results with those of previously published studies, we can assess the robustness of the theory and mechanical model employed in this study. Parameter studies are performed to determine the effect of various geometric and physical variables, such as rotation speed and temperature, on the bending reactions of structures.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.241-250
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• 2024

This article investigates the thermal and post-buckling problems of graphene platelets reinforced metal foams (GPLRMF) beams with initial geometric imperfection. Three distribution forms of graphene platelet (GPLs) and foam are employed. This article utilizes the mixing law Halpin Tsai model to estimate the physical parameters of materials. Considering three different boundary conditions, we used the Euler beam theory to establish the governing equations. Afterwards, the Galerkin method is applied to discretize these equations. The correctness of this article is verified through data analysis and comparison with the existing articles. The influences of geometric imperfection, GPL distribution modes, boundary conditions, GPLs weight fraction, foam distribution pattern and foam coefficient on thermal post-buckling are analyzed. The results indicate that, perfect GPLRMF beams do not undergo bifurcation buckling before reaching a certain temperature, and the critical buckling temperature is the highest when both ends are fixed. At the same time, the structural stiffness of the beam under the GPL-A model is the highest, and the buckling response of the beam under the Foam-II mode is the lowest, and the presence of GPLs can effectively improve the buckling strength.

• 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.

• Advances in nano research
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.53-69
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• 2024

Advancements in the technology of building materials has led to diverse applications of nanomaterials with the aim to monitor concrete structures. While there are myriad instances of the use of nanoparticles in building materials, the production of smart nano cement-composites is often expensive. Thereupon, this research aims to discover a sustainable nanomaterial from tyre waste using the pyrolysis process as part of the green manufacturing circle. Here, Nano Structure Tyre-Char (NSTC) is introduced as a zero-dimension carbon-based nanoparticle. The NSTC particles were characterized using various standard characterization techniques. Several salient results for the NSTC particles were obtained using microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. The size of the particles as well as that of the agglomerates were reduced significantly using the milling process and the results were validated through a scanning electron microscope. The crystallite size and crystallinity were found to be ~35nm and 10.42%, respectively. The direct bandgap value of 5.93eV and good optical conductivity at 786 nm were obtained from the ultra violet visible spectroscopy measurements. The thermal analysis reveals the presence of a substantial amount of carbon, the rate of maximum weight loss, and the two stages of phase transformation. The FT-Raman confirms the presence of carboxyl groups and a ID/IG ratio of 0.83. Water contact angle around 140° on the surface implies the highly hydrophobic nature of the material and its low surface energy. This characteristic process assists to obtain a sustainable nanomaterial from waste tyres, contributing to the development of a smart building material.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.89 no.4
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• pp.363-374
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• 2024

Significant changes have been made to estimate the punching shear capacity for edge column-slab joints in the latest editions of most current codes. The revised equations account for axial forces as well as moments conveyed to columns from slabs, which have a substantial impact on the punching resistance of such joints. Many key design parameters, such as reinforcement-ratio, concrete strength, size-effect, and critical-section perimeter, were treated differently or even ignored in various code provisions. Consequently, wide ranges of predicted punching shear strength were detected by applying different code formulas. Therefore, it is essential to assess the various current Codes' design-equations. Because of the similarity in estimated outcomes, only the ACI, EC, and SNiP are used in this study to cover a wide range of estimation ranges from highly conservative to unconservative. This paper is devoted to analyzing the techniques in these code provisions, comparing the estimated punching resistance with available experimental data, and finally developing efficient models predicting the punching capacity of edge column-slab connections. 63 samples from past investigations were chosen for validation. To appropriately predict the punching shear, newly updated equations for ACI and SNiP are provided based on nonlinear regression analysis. The proposed equations'results match the experimental data quite well.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.375-382
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• 2024

The network theory studies interconnection between discrete objects to find about the behavior of a collection of objects. Also, nanomaterials are a collection of discrete atoms interconnected together to perform a specific task of mechanical or/and electrical type. Therefore, it is reasonable to use the network theory in the study of behavior of super-molecule in nano-scale. In the current study, we aim to examine vibrational behavior of spherical nanostructured composite with different geometrical and materials properties. In this regard, a specific shear deformation displacement theory, classical elasticity theory and analytical solution to find the natural frequency of the spherical nano-composite structure. The analytical results are validated by comparison to finite element (FE). Further, a detail comprehensive results of frequency variations are presented in terms of different parameters. It is revealed that the current methodology provides accurate results in comparison to FE results. On the other hand, different geometrical and weight fraction have influential role in determining frequency of the structure.

• Advances in concrete construction
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.189-203
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• 2023

This study investigates the bending and stability properties of cylindrical constructions, with a focus on their use in the design and implementation of sporting equipment. The work focuses on a cylindrical construction resembling nanomotors, similar to components seen in sports equipment, using mathematical modeling based on high-order beam theory and nonlocal strain gradient theory. The analysis provides important insights into the dynamic behavior of these systems, revealing light on the impact of numerous factors such as rotational velocity, section change rate, and structural dimensions. The results show a relationship between angular velocity growth and section change rate, which leads to an increase in fundamental frequency values. Furthermore, the research emphasizes the effect of structural factors on dynamic deflection, giving critical information for increasing the stability and performance of sporting equipment. This study adds to the area of sports engineering by providing a more nuanced understanding of how cylindrical constructions react under diverse settings. The results will help to guide the design and manufacturing processes of sports equipment, assuring improved stability and performance for players across a wide range of sports.

• Advances in concrete construction
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.243-254
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• 2023

Microtubules in the cell are influenced by internal and external stimulation and play an important part in conveying protein substances and in carrying out medications to the intended targets. Waves are produced during these functions and in order to control the biological cell functions, it is important to know the wave velocities of microtubules. Owing to cylindrical shell shaped and mechanically elastic and orthotropic, cylindrical shell model based on gradient elasticity theory has been used. Wave velocities of the protein microtubule are carried out by considering Love's thin shell theory and Navier solution. Also the effect of size parameter and other variables on the results are investigated.