• Steel and Composite Structures
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• 제26권5호
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• pp.573-582
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• 2018

This study develops and numerically verifies an innovative seismically resilient bracing system. The proposed self-centering tension-only brace (SC-TOB) is composed of a tensioning system to provide a self-centering response, a frictional device for energy dissipation, and a high-strength steel cable as a bracing element. It is considered to be an improvement over the traditional self-centering braces in terms of lightness, high bearing capacity, load relief, and double-elongation capacity. In this paper, the mechanics of the system are first described. Governing equations deduced from the developed analytical model to predict the behavior of the system are then provided. The results from a finite element validation confirm that the SC-TOB performs as analytically predicted. Key parameters including the activation displacement and load, the self-centering parameter, and equivalent viscous damping are investigated, and their influences on the system behavior are discussed. Finally, a design procedure considering controlled softening behavior is developed and illustrated through a design example.

• 한국구조물진단유지관리공학회 논문집
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• 제7권2호
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• pp.247-261
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• 2003

The technique of posttensioning has been used successfully to improve the performance of existing concrete structures. However, very few applications of this technique can be found in steel structures. Posttensioning by means of high strength cable or bar can be used to effectively increase the working load capacity of Truss Bridges. The benefits of posttensioning trusses can be achieved in strengthening of existing structures as well as in the design of new structures. In this paper, the elastic behavior of posttensioned trusses with straight and draped tendon profiles is examined. For the analysis of posttensioned trusses in the elastic range of behavior, two methods are presented, namely, the flexibility method and the mixed-method, i.e., a combination of the stiffness and flexibility methods. Using the presented methods, the effects of design variables such as the tendon profile, truss type, prestress force, and tendon eccentricity on the working load and deflection of trusses are studied. The results show that the allowable load of truss increases proportionally with increase in prestress force and eccentricity. Posttesioning enlarges the elastic range, increases redundancy, and reduces deflection and member stresses. Thus, the remaining life of a truss bridge can be increased relatively inexpensively.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• 제86권1호
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• pp.17-27
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• 2023

To investigate the mechanical behavior of the post-tensioned prestressed concrete lining (PPCL), the desilting tunnel of the Xiaolangdi Hydro Project in China is adopted as a case, and a detailed three-dimensional continuum model verified by the observation results is established for the PPCL. The radial stresses, longitudinal stresses, axial forces and bending moments of the PPCL under the completed cable tension condition (CCTC) and design water pressure condition (DWPC) are analyzed, respectively. The numerical results reveal that the PPCL concrete is significantly compressed in the circumferential direction by the prestress, while the prestress has a negligible influence on the radial stresses of the PPCL concrete. It should be noted that the concrete near the anchor slots has a complex and adverse stress state with stress concentration, longitudinal tensioning and large bending moment. In addition, a simplified shell model and a further simplified beam model which can take the influences of the prestress loss and the anchor slot into consideration are proposed for the PPCL. The results of the simplified models are in a good agreement with these of the three-dimensional continuum model, and they can be used as efficient approaches for the structural design and analysis of the PPCL.