• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.72 no.3
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• pp.293-304
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• 2019

In this paper, a general model is developed to predict the distribution of interfacial shear and normal stresses of FG beam reinforced by porous FGM plates under mechanical loading. The beam is assumed to be isotropic with a constant Poisson's ratio and power law elastic modulus through the beam thickness. Stress distributions, depending on an inhomogeneity constant, were calculated and presented in graphicals forms. It is shown that both the normal and shear stresses at the interface are influenced by the material and geometry parameters of the composite beam, and it is shown that the inhomogeneities play an important role in the distribution of interfacial stresses. The results presented in the paper can serve as a benchmark for future analyses of functionally graded beams strengthened by imperfect varying properties plates. Numerical comparisons between the existing solutions and the present new solution enable a clear appreciation of the effects of various parameters. The results of this study indicated that the imperfect functionally graded panel strengthening systems are effective in enhancing flexural behavior of the strengthened FGM beams. This research is helpful in understanding the mechanical behaviour of the interface and design of hybrid structures.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.123-140
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• 2019

This paper presents experimental study on effects of width-to-thickness ratio and loading history on cyclic rotational capacity of H-shaped steel beams subjected to pure bending. Eight Class 3 and 4 H-shaped beams with large width-to-thickness ratios were tested under four different loading histories. The coupling effect of local buckling and cracking on cyclic rotational capacity of the specimens was investigated. It was found that loss of the load-carrying capacity was mainly induced by local buckling, and ductile cracking was a secondary factor. The width-to-thickness ratio plays a dominant effect on the cyclic rotational capacity, and the loading history also plays an important role. The cyclic rotational capacity can decrease significantly due to premature elasto-plastic local buckling induced by a number of preceding plastic reversals with relative small strain amplitudes. This result is mainly correlated with the decreasing tangent modulus of the structural steel under cyclic plastic loading. In addition, a theoretical approach to evaluate the cyclic rotational capacity of H-shaped beams with different width-to-thickness ratios was also proposed, which compares well with the experimental results.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.149-158
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• 2019

The force-deformation behavior, strain distribution and failure modes of a variable damping self-centering brace (VD-SCB) are theoretically analyzed, experimentally studied, and numerically simulated to guide its design. The working principle of the brace is explained by describing the working stages and the key feature points of the hysteretic curve. A large-scale brace specimen was tested under different sinusoidal excitations to analyze the recentering capability and energy dissipation. Results demonstrate that the VD-SCB exhibits a full quasi-flag-shaped hysteretic response, high ultimate bearing capacity, low activation force and residual deformation, and excellent recentering and energy dissipation capabilities. Calculation equations of the strain distribution in different parts of the brace are proposed and are compared with the experimental data and simulated results. The developments of two failure modes are compared. Under normal circumstances, the brace fails due to the yielding of the spring blocking plates, which are easily replaced to restore the normal operating conditions of the brace. A brief description of the design procedure of the brace is proposed for application.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2019

In this research, an efficient mixed mode I/II fracture criterion is developed for fracture investigation of orthotropic materials wherein crack is placed along the fibers. This criterion is developed based on extension of well-known Maximum Tensile Stress (MTS) criterion in conjunction with a novel material model titled as Equivalent Reinforced Isotropic Model (ERIM). In this model, orthotropic material is replaced with an isotropic matrix reinforced with fibers. A comparison between available experimental observations and theoretical estimation implies on capability of developed criterion for predicting both crack propagation direction and fracture instance, wherein the achieved fracture limit curves are also compatible with fracture mechanism of orthotic materials. It is also shown that unlike isotropic materials, fracture toughness of orthotic materials in mode $I(K)_{IC}{\mid})$ cannot be introduced as the maximum load bearing capacity and thus new fracture mechanics property, named here as maximum orthotropic fracture toughness in mode $I(K_{IC}{\mid}^{ortho}_{max})$ is defined. Optimum angle between crack and fiber direction for maximum load bearing in orthotropic materials is also defined.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.189-200
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• 2021

The compressive strength of circular concrete filled steel tubular (C-CFST) stubs strengthened with carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) is studied theoretically. According to previous experimental results, the failure process and mechanism of circular CFRP-concrete filled steel tubular (C-CFRP-CFST) stubs is analyzed, and the loading process is divided into 3 stages, i.e., elastic stage, elasto-plastic stage and failure stage. Based on continuum mechanics, the theoretical model of C-CFRP-CFST stubs under axial compression is established based on the assumptions that steel tube and concrete are both in three-dimensional stress state and CFRP is in uniaxial tensile stress state. Equations for calculating the yield strength and the ultimate strength of C-CFRP-CFST stubs are deduced. Theoretical predictions from the presented equations are compared with existing experimental results. There are a total of 49 tested specimens, including 15 ones for comparison of yield strength and 44 ones for comparison of ultimate strength. It is found that the predicted results of most specimens are within an error limit of 10%. Finally, simplified equations for calculating both yield strength and ultimate strength of C-CFRP-CFST stubs are proposed.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.453-469
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• 2021

The cracking at the transverse diaphragm cutout is one of the most severe fatigue failures threatening orthotropic steel decks (OSDs), whose mechanisms and crack treatment techniques have not been fully studied. In this paper, full-scale experiments were first performed to investigate the fatigue performance of polished cutouts involving the effect of an artificial geometrical defect. Following this, comparative experimental testing for defective cutouts strengthened with carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) was carried out. Numerical finite element analysis was also performed to verify and explain the experimental observations. Results show that the combinative effect of the wheel load and thermal residual stress constitutes the external driving force for the fatigue cracking of the cutout. Initial geometrical defects are confirmed as a critical factor affecting the fatigue cracking. The principal stress 6 mm away from the free edge of the cutout can be adopted as the nominal stress of the cutout during fatigue evaluation, and the fatigue resistance of polished cutouts is higher than Grade A in AASHTO specification. The bonded CFRP system is highly effective in extending the fatigue life of the defective cutouts. The present study provides some new insights into the fatigue evaluation and repair of OSDs.

• International journal of steel structures
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.1577-1588
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• 2018

As the excellent mechanical performance and easy construction of concrete filled steel tubes (CFST) composite structure, it has the potential to be used to strengthen RC pier columns. Therefore, tests were conducted on 2 reinforcement concrete (RC) stub columns and 9 RC columns strengthened with circular CFST under axial loading. The test results show that the circular CFST strengthening method is effective since the mean bearing capacity of the RC columns is increased at least 3.69 times and the ductility index is significantly improved more than 30%. One of the reasons for enhancement is obvious confinement provided by steel tube besides the additional bearing capacity supplied by the strengthening materials. From the analysis of the enhancement ratio, the strengthening structure has at least an extra 20% amplification except for taking full advantage of the strength of the strengthening material. Through the analysis of confining stress provided by steel tube and the stress-strain relationship of confined concrete, it is found that the strength of the core concrete can be increased by 21-33% and the ultimate strain can be enhanced to beyond $15,000{\mu}{\varepsilon}$.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.76 no.5
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• pp.561-578
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• 2020

The present work addresses the surface integrity and chip morphology in finish hard turning of AISI D3 steel under nanofluid assisted minimum quantity lubrication (NFMQL) condition. The surface integrity aspects include microhardness, residual stress, white layer formation, machined surface morphology, and surface roughness. This experimental investigation aims to explore the feasibility of low-cost multilayer (TiCN/Al2O3/TiN) coated carbide tool in hard machining applications and to assess the propitious role of minimum quantity lubrication using graphene nanoparticles enriched eco-friendly radiator coolant based nano-cutting fluid for machinability improvement of hardened steel. Combined approach of central composite design (CCD) - analysis of variance (ANOVA), desirability function analysis, and response surface methodology (RSM) have been subsequently employed for experimental investigation, predictive modelling and optimization of surface roughness. With a motivational philosophy of "Go Green-Think Green-Act Green", the work also deals with economic analysis, and sustainability assessment under environmental-friendly NFMQL condition. Results showed that machining with nanofluid-MQL provided an effective cooling-lubrication strategy, safer and cleaner production, environmental friendliness and assisted to improve sustainability.

• 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.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.83 no.1
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• pp.19-29
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• 2022

The angle steel frame confined concrete columns (ASFCs) are an emerging form of hybrid columns, which comprise an inner angle steel frame and a concrete column. The inner angle steel frame can provide axial bearing capacity and well confining effect for composite columns. This paper presents the experimental and theoretical studies on the seismic behaviour of ASFCs. The experimental study of the 6 test specimens is presented, based on the previous study of the authors. The theoretical study includes two parts. One part establishes the section analysis model, and it uses to analyze section axial force-moment-curvature. Another part establishes the section moment-curvature hysteresis model. The test and analysis results show that the axial compression ratio and the assembling of steel slabs influence the local buckling of the angle steel. The three factors (axial compression ratio, content of angle steel and confining effect) have important effects on the seismic behaviour of ASFCs. And the theoretical model can provide reasonably accurate predictions and apply in section analysis of ASFCs.