• Steel and Composite Structures
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• 제50권3호
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• pp.319-336
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• 2024

Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) has attracted increasing attention in prefabricated steel-concrete composite beams as achieving the onsite construction time savings and structural performance improvement. The inferior replacement and removal efficiency of conventional prefabricated steel-UHPC composite beams (PSUCBs) has thwarted its sustainable applications because of the widely used welded-connectors. Single embedded nut bolted shear connectors (SENBs) have recently introduced as an attempt to enhance demountability of PSUCBs. An in-depth exploration of the mechanical behavior of SENBs in UHPC is necessary to evidence feasibilities of corresponding PSUCBs. However, existing research has been limited to SENB arrangement impacts and lacked considerations on SENB geometric configuration counterparts. To this end, this paper performed twenty push-out tests and theoretical analyses on the shear performance and design recommendation of SENBs. Key test parameters comprised the diameter and grade of SENBs, degree and sequence of pretension, concrete casting method and connector type. Test results indicated that both diameters and grades of bolts exerted remarkable impacts on the SENB shear performance with respect to the shear and frictional responses. Also, there was limited influence of the bolt preload degrees on the shear capacity and ductility of SENBs, but non-negligible contributions to their corresponding frictional resistance and initial shear stiffness. Moreover, inverse pretension sequences or monolithic cast slabs presented slight improvements in the ultimate shear and slip capacity. Finally, design-oriented models with higher accuracy were introduced for predictions of the ultimate shear resistance and load-slip relationship of SENBs in PSUCBs.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• 제50권4호
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• pp.383-401
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• 2024

The research comprehensively studies the axial compression performance of T-shaped concrete-filled thin-walled steel tubular (CTST) long columns after fire exposure. Initially, a series of tests investigate the effects of heating time, load eccentricity, and stiffeners on the column's performance. Furthermore, Finite Element (FE) analysis is employed to establish temperature and mechanical field models for the T-shaped CTST long column with stiffeners after fire exposure, using carefully determined key parameters such as thermal parameters, constitutive relations, and contact models. In addition, a parametric analysis based on the numerical models is conducted to explore the effects of heating time, section diameter, material strength, and steel ratio on the axial compressive bearing capacity, bending bearing capacity under normal temperature, as well as residual bearing capacity after fire exposure. The results reveal that the maximum lateral deformation occurs near the middle of the span, with bending increasing as heating time and eccentricity rise. Despite a decrease in axial compressive load and bending capacity after fire exposure, the columns still exhibit desirable bearing capacity and deformability. Moreover, the obtained FE results align closely with experimental findings, validating the reliability of the developed numerical models. Additionally, this study proposes a simplified design method to calculate these mechanical property parameters, satisfying the ISO-834 standard. The relative errors between the proposed simplified formulas and FE models remain within 10%, indicating their capability to provide a theoretical reference for practical engineering applications.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• 제51권6호
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• pp.679-695
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• 2024

This paper presents a novel technique that combines machine learning (ML) with moth-flame optimization (MFO) methods to predict the axial compressive strength (ACS) of concrete filled double skin steel tubes (CFDST) columns. The proposed model is trained and tested with a dataset containing 125 tests of the CFDST column subjected to compressive loading. Five ML models, including extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), gradient tree boosting (GBT), categorical gradient boosting (CAT), support vector machines (SVM), and decision tree (DT) algorithms, are utilized in this work. The MFO algorithm is applied to find optimal hyperparameters of these ML models and to determine the most effective model in predicting the ACS of CFDST columns. Predictive results given by some performance metrics reveal that the MFO-CAT model provides superior accuracy compared to other considered models. The accuracy of the MFO-CAT model is validated by comparing its predictive results with existing design codes and formulae. Moreover, the significance and contribution of each feature in the dataset are examined by employing the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) method. A comprehensive uncertainty quantification on probabilistic characteristics of the ACS of CFDST columns is conducted for the first time to examine the models' responses to variations of input variables in the stochastic environments. Finally, a web-based application is developed to predict ACS of the CFDST column, enabling rapid practical utilization without requesting any programing or machine learning expertise.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• 제51권5호
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• pp.509-527
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• 2024

Bonding carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates have been extensively employed in the restoration of steel constructions. In addition to the mechanical properties of the CFRP, the bond strength (P_U) between the CFRP and steel is often important in the eventual strengthened performance. Nonetheless, the bond behavior of the CFRP-steel (CS) interface is exceedingly complicated, with multiple failure causes, giving the P_U challenging to forecast, and the CFRP-enhanced steel structure is unsteady. In just this case, appropriate methods were established by hybridized Random Forests (RF) and support vector regression (SVR) approaches on assembled CS single-shear experiment data to foresee the P_U of CS, in which a recently established optimization algorithm named Aquila optimizer (AO) was used to tune the RF and SVR hyperparameters. In summary, the practical novelty of the article lies in its development of a reliable and efficient method for predicting bond strength at the CS interface, which has significant implications for structural rehabilitation, design optimization, risk mitigation, cost savings, and decision support in engineering practice. Moreover, the Fourier Amplitude Sensitivity Test was performed to depict each parameter's impact on the target. The order of parameter importance was t_c> L_c > E_A > t_A > E_c > b_c > f_c > f_A from largest to smallest by 0.9345 > 0.8562 > 0.79354 > 0.7289 > 0.6531 > 0.5718 > 0.4307 > 0.3657. In three training, testing, and all data phases, the superiority of AO - RF with respect to AO - SVR and MARS was obvious. In the training stage, the values of R² and VAF were slightly similar with a tiny superiority of AO - RF compared to AO - SVR with R² equal to 0.9977 and VAF equal to 99.772, but large differences with results of MARS.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• 제50권6호
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• pp.659-674
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• 2024

Casting Ultra High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) on an orthotropic steel deck and forming a composite action by connectors could improve the steel deck fatigue performance. This study presents the mechanical performance of a proposed post-combination connection between UHPC and steel, which had a low constraint effect on UHPC shrinkage. A total of 10 push-out tests were conducted for static and fatigue performance investigations. And the test results were compared with evaluation methods in codes to verify the latter's applicability. Meanwhile, nonlinear simulation and parametric works with material damage plasticity models were also conducted for the static and fatigue failure mechanism understanding. The static and fatigue test results both showed that fractures at stud roots and surrounding local UHPC crushes were the main failure appearances. Compared with normally arranged studs, group arrangement could result in reductions of static stud shear stiffness, strength, and fatigue lives, which were about 18%, 12%, and 27%, respectively. Compared with the test results, stud shear capacity and fatigue lives evaluations based on the codes of AASHTO, Eurocode 4, JSCE and JTG D64 could be applicable in general while the safety redundancies tended to be smaller or even insufficient for group studs. The analysis results showed that arranging studs in groups caused obviously uneven strain distributions. The severer stress concentration and larger strain ranges caused the static and fatigue performance degradations of group studs. The research outcome provides a very important basis for establishing a design method of connections in the novel post-combination steel-UHPC composite deck.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• 제52권2호
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• pp.199-215
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• 2024

The Caynarachi Bridge is a 130 m long posttensioned steel-concrete composite bridge built in Peru. The structural performance of this bridge under construction loads is reviewed in this paper using numerical simulation. Hence, a numerical model using shell finite elements to trace its deformational behavior at service conditions is proposed. The geometry and boundary conditions of the superstructure are updated according to the construction schedule. Firstly, the adequacy of the proposed model is validated with the field measurements obtained from the static truck load test. Secondly, the study of other scenarios less explored in research are performed to investigate the effect of some variables on bridge performance such as time effects, sequence of execution of concrete slabs and type of supports conditions at the abutments. The obtained results show that the original sequence of execution of the superstructure better behaves mechanically in relation to the other studied scenarios, yielding smaller stresses at critical cross sections with staging. It is also demonstrated that an improper slab staging may lead to more critical stresses at the studied cross sections and that casting the concrete slab at the negative moment regions first can lead to an optimal design. Also, the long-term displacements can be accurately predicted using an equivalent composite resistance cross section defined by a steel to concrete modulus ratio equal to three. This article gives some insights into the potential shortcomings or advantages of the original design through high-fidelity finite element simulations and reinforces the understating of posttensioned composite bridges with staging.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• 제50권5호
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• pp.563-581
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• 2024

This paper presents a novel finite element model for the free vibration analysis of variable-thickness functionally graded porous (FGP) microplates resting on Pasternak's medium in the hygro-thermal environment. The governing equations are established according to refined higher-order shear deformation plate theory (RPT) in construction with the modified couple stress theory. For the first time, three-node triangular elements with twelve degrees of freedom for each node are developed based on Hermitian interpolation functions to describe the in-plane displacements and transverse displacements of microplates. Two laws of variable thickness of FGP microplates, including the linear law and the nonlinear law in the x-direction are investigated. Effects of thermal and moisture changes on microplates are assumed to vary continuously from the bottom surface to the top surface and only cause tension loads in the plane, which does not change the material's mechanical properties. The numerical results of this work are compared with those of published data to verify the accuracy and reliability of the proposed method. In addition, the parameter study is conducted to explore the effects of geometrical and material properties such as the changing law of the thickness, length-scale parameter, and the parameters of the porosity, temperature, and humidity on the free vibration response of variable thickness FGP microplates. These results can be applied to design of microelectromechanical structures in practice.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• 제52권3호
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• pp.357-376
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• 2024

In this paper, weakly bonded ultra-high-strength steel bars (UHSS) were used as longitudinal reinforcement in recycled aggregate concrete shear walls to achieve resilient performance. The study evaluated the repairability and hysteresis performance of shear walls before and after retrofitting. Quasi-static tests were performed on recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) and steel fiber reinforced recycled aggregate concrete (FRAC) shear walls to investigate the reparability of resilient shear walls when loaded to 1% drift ratio. Results showed that shear walls exhibited drift-hardening properties. The maximum residual drift ratio and residual crack width at 1% drift ratio were 0.107% and 0.01mm, respectively, which were within the repairable limits. Subsequently, shear walls were retrofitted with bonded X-shaped CFRP strips and steel plates wrapped at the bottom and retested. Except for a slight reduction in initial stiffness, earthquake-damaged resilient shear walls retrofitted with a composite method still had satisfactory hysteresis performance. A revised damage assessment index D, has been proposed to assess of damage degree. Moreover, finite-element analysis for the shear wall before and after retrofit retrofitting was established in OpenSees and verified with experimental results. The finite element results and test results were in good agreement. Finally, parametric analysis was performed.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• 제52권3호
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• pp.377-390
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• 2024

Analyzing thermoelastic, elastoplastic, and residual stresses is pivotal for deepening our insights into material characteristics, particularly in the engineering of advanced materials like functionally graded materials (FGM). This research delves into these stress types within a thick-walled sphere composed of Al-SiC FGM, employing a detailed successive approximation method (SAM) to pinpoint stress distributions under varied loading scenarios. Our investigation centers on how the sphere's structure responds to different magnitudes of internal pressure. We discover that under various states-thermoelastic, elastoplastic, and residual-the radial stresses are adversely impacted, manifesting negative values due to the compressive nature induced by internal pressures. Notably, the occurrence of reverse yielding, observed at pressures above 410 MPa, merits attention due to its significant implications on the sphere's structural integrity and operational efficacy. Employing the SAM allows us to methodically explore the nuanced shifts in material properties across the sphere's thickness. This study not only highlights the critical behaviors of Al-SiC FGM spheres under stress but also emphasizes the need to consider reverse yielding phenomena to maintain safety and reliability in their application. We advocate for ongoing refinement of analytical techniques to further our understanding of stress behaviors in various FGM configurations, which could drive the optimized design and practical application of these innovative materials in diverse engineering fields.

• 한국식품조리과학회지
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• 제30권6호
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• pp.670-678
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• 2014

본 연구의 목적은 최근 해삼 소비량이 크게 늘고 있는 추세에 맞추어 해삼의 기호성 및 조직감을 위한 최적 팽윤조건, 방법을 도출하는데 있다. 또한 처리 조건을 달리하여 보다 손쉽게 건해삼을 불리는 방법을 연구하고자 하였고, 팽윤시간 단축 및 해삼특유의 성품 규명과 이에 미치는 영향에 대하여 조사하고자 시간을 단축하고 준비 과정 중 발생하는 시간적 낭비를 줄여 손쉽게 사용될 수 있는 기초 자료로 활용되고자 하였다. 건해삼을 삶기나 찌기를 각각 5, 15, 30, 60분씩 하여 4회 반복 실험하였고, 무게, 길이, 부피는 5, 15, 30, 60분씩 삶기나 찌기를 한 후 6회 반복 실험하여, 성품을 상호 비교하였으며, 결과는 다음과 같다. 팽윤된 해삼의 pH는 모든 시료가 비슷한 중성값을 나타냈다. 서로 다른 가열방법을 사용한 팽윤된 해삼의 pH값은 크게 유의적인 차이가 없었다. 색도 L값의 경우 모든 시료의 명도는 어두운 수치를 보였으며, 적색도 a값의 경우에는 삶기(boiling) 30분 시료가 가장 높은 a값을 보였다. 수분함량의 경우 삶기(boiling) 60분 끓인 시료가 가장 높게 나타났으며, 찌기(steaming)의 경우에는 시간이 경과함에 따라 수분함량이 낮게 나타났다. 경도의 경우 삶기(boiling)보다 찌기(steaming)을 이용한 것이 좋은 결과가 나타났으며, 신장성의 경우 전체 시료 간에 차이가 없었다. 씹힘성의 경우 가열시간이 짧을수록 높은 수치로 측정되었고, 장시간 가열될수록 씹힘성의 낮은 결과값이 나타났다. 해삼의 조직은 시간이 경과함에 따라 수분흡수량이 높아져 조직이 연해지는 결과가 나타났다. 무게값을 측정한 결과는 삶기(boiling) 30분 후 90분, 찌기(steaming) 60분 후 120분에서 가장 무게값이 크게 증가하였고, 횟수를 줄이고 장시간 가열하는 방법이 해삼의 팽윤도에는 좋은 성품이 완성되는 실험결과가 나타났다. 길이 및 부피의 측정결과 삶기(boiling)의 경우 가열횟수가 증가할수록 길이 값이 늘어나는 유의적인 결과가 나타났고(p<0.001), 부피의 경우 1회, 2회 조작 직후 가장 높은 부피 증가 값을 보였다. 성품완성까지의 소요시간을 측정해 본 결과 삶기(boiling)의 경우 60분 가열 조작한 시료가 2회 16시간 경과 후 길이 10 cm, 부피 32 mL로 완성되었고, 찌기(steaming)의 경우 60분 가열 조작한 시료가 2회 16시간 경과 후 길이 12 cm, 부피 52 mL로 측정되었다. 가열방법에 의한 해삼의 팽윤도는 가열시간과 횟수는 동일하였지만, 찌기(steaming)의 경우가 더 높은 결과 값을 나타냈다. 실험을 통해 팽윤된 해삼의 샘플 중 가장 성품까지의 소요시간이 짧고 최상의 Texture의 샘플 5개를 분류하여 관능검사를 실시한 결과 전반적 기호도는 SCS4 > SCS3 > SCB4 > SCB3 순으로 평가 되었다. 이번 연구 결과를 종합해 볼 때 해삼의 모든 값에서 고온으로 장시간 가열한 삶기(boiling) 60분, 찌기(steaming) 60분 시료가 가장 좋은 결과 값을 나타냈고 가열방법에 따른 물의 양과 온도유지를 지속적으로 유지하는 방법에 대한 보완이 필요할 것이라 판단되었다. 해삼은 특유의 texture을 중시하는 식품으로 해삼의 종류와 건조방법, 보관방법에 따라 성품에 많은 변수가 작용되는데, 보편적으로 해삼의 팽윤에 영향을 미치는 가열방법, 시간 및 온도를 잘 파악하여 보다 간편하게 실무에서 사용될 수 있는 기초자료로 활용될 수 있을 것으로 기대된다.