• Proceedings of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute Conference
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• 2001.04a
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• pp.162-169
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• 2001

Tubular joints are usually reinforced using thicker can section or ring stiffeners to increase the load carrying capacity. In this paper, a numerical study has been performed for evaluation of axial strength for X-joints with internal ring stiffener, The finite element analysis software was used for nonlinear strength analysis. According to variation of ring geometries, the effect of ring stiffener for X-joints are investigated. Internal ring stiffener is found to be efficient improving ultimate strength of tubular joints. Relations of thickness of ring and axial strength are observed considering geometric parameters of ring stiffeners.

• Proceedings of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute Conference
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• 2002.04a
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• pp.61-68
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• 2002

Tubular members have been applied in a wide range of frame structures including offshore structures. For the efficient load flow in tubular-member structures, the joints of tubular members are usually reinforced using internal ring stiffener for the steel tubular joint having a large diameter. The objective of this paper is to numerically assess the behavior of X-joints with an internal ring stiffener, and to evaluate the reinforcement effect of a ring stiffener, and to establish the strength formulae. Nonlinear finite element analysis is used to compute the static strength of axially loaded tubular joints. From the numerical results, internal ring stiffener is found to be efficient in improving static strength of tubular X-joints. Maximum strength ratios are calculated as 1.5~3.5, and the effective dimensions of ring stiffener are found. Regression analyses are performed considering practical size of ring stiffener and strength estimation formulae are proposed.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.77-94
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• 2004

Steel beam-to-column joints are often subjected to a combination of bending and axial forces. The level of axial forces in the joint may be significant, typical of pitched-roof portal frames, sway frames or frames with incomplete floors. Current specifications for steel joints do not take into account the presence of axial forces (tension and/or compression) in the joints. A single empirical limitation of 10% of the beam's plastic axial capacity is the only enforced provision in Annex J of Eurocode 3. The objective of the present paper is to describe some experimental and numerical work carried out at the University of Coimbra to try to extend the philosophy of the component method to deal with the combined action bending moment and axial force.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.215-233
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• 2016

Exterior beam-column joints are structural elements that ensure connection between beams and columns. The joint strength is generally assumed to be governed by the structural element of lowest load capacity (beam or column), however, the joint may be the weakest link. The joint shear behavior is still not well understood due to the influence of several variables, such as geometry of the connection, stress level in the column, concrete strength and longitudinal beam reinforcement. A parametrical study based only on experiments would be impracticable and not necessarily exposes the failure mechanisms. This paper reports on a set of numerical simulations conducted in DIANA$^{(R)}$ software for the investigation of the shear strength of exterior joints. The geometry of the joints and stress level on the column are the variables evaluated. Results have led to empirical expressions that provide the shear strength of unreinforced exterior beam-column joints.

• Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology
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• v.14 no.12
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• pp.1319-1327
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• 2000

• Journal of Welding and Joining
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.86-91
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• 2012

Fatigue tests and analyses were carried out to investigate fatigue strength and crack initiation point of load-carrying asymmetric double bevel cruciform welded joints. Mesh-insensitive structural stress approach was adopted to estimate high precise fatigue life and crack initiation point. Two different case material and weld shape were considered in this study. Results of fatigue tests and analyses were compared and discussed in consideration of applicability of structural stress approach as the reliable fatigue assessment method of cruciform welded joints.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.417-429
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• 2012

Taking the superficial temperature increment as the major fatigue damage indicator, the infrared thermography was used to predict fatigue parameters (fatigue strength and S-N curve) of welded joints subjected to fatigue loading with a high mean stress, showing good predictions. The fatigue damage status, related to safety evaluation, was tightly correlated with the temperature field evolution of the hot-spot zone on the specimen surface. An energetic damage model, based on the energy accumulation, was developed to evaluate the residual fatigue life of the welded specimens undergoing cyclic loading, and a good agreement was presented. It is concluded that the infrared thermography can not only well predict the fatigue behavior of welded joints, but also can play an important role in health detection of structures subjected to mechanical loading.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.307-321
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• 2020

The slim-floor solution provides an efficient alternative to the classic slab-over-beam configuration due to architectural and structural benefits. Two deficiencies can be identified in the current state-of-art: (i) the technique is limited to nonseismic applications and (ii) the lack of information on moment-resisting slim-floor beam-to-column joints. In the seismic design of framed structures, continuous beam-to-column joints are required for plastic hinges to form at the ends of the beams. The present paper proposes a slim-floor technical solution capable of expanding the current application of slim-floor joints to seismic-resistant composite construction. The proposed solution relies on a moment-resisting connection with a thick end-plate and large-diameter bolts, which are used to fulfill the required strength and stiffness characteristics of continuous connections, while maintaining a reduced height of the configuration. Considering the proposed novel solution and the variety of parameters that could affect the behavior of the joint, experimental and numerical validations are compulsory. Consequently, the current paper presents the experimental and numerical investigation of two slim-floor beam-to-column joint assemblies. The results are discussed in terms of moment-rotation curves, available rotational capacity and failure modes. The study focuses on developing reliable slim-floor beam joints that are applicable to steel building frame structures located in seismic regions.

• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.61-72
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• 2011

In this study, the structural details of steel girder-abutment joints with shear connectors and tie bars were suggested to improve the rigid behavior and crack-resisting capacity of the joints in integral bridges. Experimental loading tests of steel girder-abutment joint specimens with the proposed and empirically constructed structural details were carried out, and the capacities and behavioral characteristics of the joints were evaluated through loading tests. Based on the results of the loading tests, it was estimated that all types of tested joints can be applied to the steel girder-abutment joints because they have sufficient stiffness and crack-resisting capacity under the required design and yield loads. According to the initial stiffness, crack propagations, and load-strain relationships, however, the joints with shear connectors and tie bars showed better structural behaviors compared to the empirically constructed joint.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.10 no.5
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• pp.469-487
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• 2012

This paper presents a study on the behaviour of the joints of segmental concrete bridges with external prestressing, focusing on the structural response of dry non-epoxied joints with shear keys. A Finite Element joint model to study such structures is validated modelling eight concrete panel tests. The most important feature of this model is that it has been validated with experimental tests on concrete panels which were specifically designed to fail in shear. Interface elements are used to reproduce the non linear behaviour of the joint and parameters deduced from the tests are used to define the constitutive law of these elements. This joint model is of great importance because it will permit the development of a structural model that faithfully reproduces the behaviour of these structures under combined flexure and shear and the study of its global behaviour after the opening of the joints. Interesting conclusions about the behaviour of the dry joints, about the contribution of the different mechanisms transferring shear (friction and cohesion) and about the shear stress distribution in the joint have been reached.