• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.531-545
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• 2023

Composite dowels are implemented as a powerful alternative to headed studs for the efficient combination of Ultra High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) with high-strength steel in novel composite structures. They are required to provide sufficient shear resistance and ensure the transmission of tensile forces in the composite connection in order to prevent lifting of the concrete slab. In this paper, the load bearing capacity of puzzle-shaped and clothoidal-shaped dowels encased in UHPC specimen were investigated based on validated experimental test data. Considering the influence of the embedment depth and the spacing width of shear dowels, the characteristics of UHPC square plate on the load bearing capacity of composite structure, 240 numeric models have been constructed and analyzed. Three artificial intelligence approaches have been implemented to learn the discipline from collected experimental data and then make prediction, which includes Artificial Neural Network-Particle Swarm Optimization (ANN-PSO), Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) and an Extreme Learning Machine (ELM). Among the factors, the embedment depth of composite dowel is proved to be the most influential parameter on the load bearing capacity. Furthermore, the results of the prediction models reveal that ELM is capable to achieve more accurate prediction.

• Coupled systems mechanics
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.1-19
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• 2021

Composite nature of the masonry structures in general causes complex and non-linear behaviour, especially in intense vibration conditions. The presence of different types and forms of structural elements and different materials is a major problem for the analysis of these type of structures. For this reason, the analysis of the behaviour of masonry structures requires a combination of experimental tests and non-linear mathematical modelling. The famous UNESCO Heritage Old Bridge in Mostar was selected as an example for the analysis of the global behaviour of reinforced stone arch masonry bridges. As part of the experimental research, a model of the Old Bridge was constructed in a scale of 1:9 and tested on a shaking table platform for different levels of seismic excitation. Non-linear mathematical modelling was performed using a combined finite-discrete element method (FDEM), including the effect of connection elements. The paper presents the horizontal displacement of the top of the arch and the failure mechanism of the Old Bridge model for the experimental and the numerical phase, as well as the comparison of the results. This research provided a clearer insight into the global behaviour of stone arch masonry structures reinforced with steel clamps and steel dowels, which is significant for the structures classified as world cultural heritage.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.4 no.3
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• pp.247-263
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• 2004

Comparison of behaviour of shear connections by means of shear-connection strips (perfobond and comb-shaped strips) and headed studs under static and repeated loading, possible failure modes of concrete dowels and ways of the quantitative differentiation of some failure modes are described in the paper. The article presents a review of knowledge resulting from the analysis of shear-connection effects based on tests of perfobond and comb-shaped strips carried out in the laboratories of the Faculty of Civil Engineering of the Technical University of Kosice (TU of Kosice) in Slovakia and their comparison with results obtained by other authors.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.399-414
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• 2021

This paper aims to verify the feasibility of rubber rings to mitigate the shear concentration in perfobond connector (PBL) groups. Firstly, modified push-out tests for five specimens with four holes were conducted to investigate the effects of rubber rings on the shear mechanism of PBL groups. The test results showed that by employing rubber rings on partial holes, more shear forces were distributed to the holes without rubber rings. The rubber rings significantly improved the slip ability of the specimens, and the ductility of PBL groups is dependent on the number and thickness of rubber rings. Subsequently, three-dimensional numerical models were established and validated by the experimental results. According to the plastic strain distribution in concrete dowels, the action principle of rubber rings in PBL groups was explained. Furthermore, the parametric study was conducted to investigate the influential factors on shear distributions, including the width of steel plates, the hole spacing, the number of holes, the rubber ring thickness, and the positions of rubber rings. The parametric analysis results showed that the redistribution of shear forces is significantly affected by the rubber rings with the smallest thickness. By properly employing rubber rings in PBL groups, the shear forces of holes are more even. Finally, an analytical model for PBL groups with rubber rings was proposed to predict the shear distribution at the serviceability stage.