• Steel and Composite Structures
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• 제18권2호
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• pp.289-303
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• 2015

This study presents a strategy so-called Subspace Search Mechanism (SSM) for reducing the computational time for convergence of population based metaheusristic algorithms. The selected metaheuristic for this study is the Cuckoo Search algorithm (CS) dealing with size optimization of trusses. The complexity of structural optimization problems can be partially due to the presence of high-dimensional design variables. SSM approach aims to reduce dimension of the problem. Design variables are categorized to predefined groups (subspaces). SSM focuses on the multiple use of the metaheuristic at hand for each subspace. Optimizer updates the design variables for each subspace independently. Updating rules require candidate designs evaluation. Each candidate design is the assemblage of responsible set of design variables that define the subspace of interest. SSM is incorporated to the Cuckoo Search algorithm for size optimizing of three small, moderate and large space trusses. Optimization results indicate that SSM enables the CS to work with less number of population (42%), as a result reducing the time of convergence, in exchange for some accuracy (1.5%). It is shown that the loss of accuracy can be lessened with increasing the order of complexity. This suggests its applicability to other algorithms and other complex finite element-based engineering design problems.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• 제31권5호
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• pp.453-467
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• 2019

Portal frame structures, made up of cold-formed steel trusses, are increasingly being used for lightweight building construction. A novel pin-jointed moment connector, called the Howick Rivet Connector (HRC), was developed and tested previously in T-joints and truss assemblage to determine its reliable strength, stiffness and moment resisting capacity. This paper presents an experimental study on the HRC, in moment resisting cold-formed steel trusses. The connection method is devised where intersecting truss members are confined by a gusset connected by HRCs to create a rigid moment connection. In total, three large scale experiments were conducted to determine the elastic capacity and cyclic behaviour of the gusseted truss moment connection comprising HRC connectors. Theoretical failure loads were also calculated and compared against the experimental failure loads. Results show that the HRCs work effectively at carrying high shear loads between the members of the truss, enabling rigid behaviour to be developed and giving elastic behaviour without tilting up to a defined yield point. An extended gusset connection has been proposed to maximize the moment carrying capacity in a truss knee connection using the HRCs, in which they are aligned around the perimeter of the gusset to maximize the moment capacity and to increase the stability of the truss knee joint.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• 제45권4호
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• pp.579-590
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• 2022

One of the biggest problems in structural steel calculation is the design of structures using the lowest possible material weight, making this a slow and costly process. To achieve this objective, several optimization methods have been developed and tested. Nevertheless, a method that performs very efficiently when applied to different problems is not yet available. Based on this assumption, this work proposes a hybrid metaheuristic algorithm for geometric and dimensional optimization of space trusses, called Simulated Squirrel Search Algorithm, which consists of an association of the well-established neighborhood shifting algorithm (Simulated Annealing) with a recently developed promising population algorithm (Squirrel Search Algorithm, or SSA). In this study, two models are tried, being respectively, a classical model from the literature (25-bar space truss) and a roof system composed of space trusses. The structures are subjected to resistance and displacement constraints. A penalty function using Fuzzy Logic (FL) is investigated. Comparative analyses are performed between the Squirrel Search Algorithm (SSSA) and other optimization methods present in the literature. The results obtained indicate that the proposed method can be competitive with other heuristics.

• 국제초고층학회논문집
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• 제7권3호
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• pp.255-264
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• 2018

This paper introduces three distinctive means for the use of a 189-meter high damped structure ensuring safety against earthquake: 1. Realization of L-shaped elevational structural planning: The bottom and top of the tower have belt trusses and hat trusses respectively to restrain the bending deformation. Furthermore, large-capacity oil dampers (damping force 6,000 kN) are installed in the middle part of the tower to restrain the higher-mode deformation. 2. Realization of L-shaped planar structural planning: We devised a means of matching the centers of gravity and rigidity by adjusting planar rigidity. Moreover, viscous damping devices are located at the edges of the L-shaped plan, where torsional deformation tends to be amplified. We call this the "Damping Tail" system. 3. Composite foundation to equalize deformations under different loading conditions: We studied the vertical and horizontal deformations using sway-rocking and 3D FEM models including the ground, and applied multi-stage diameter-enlarged piles to the tower and a mat foundation to the podium to keep the foundations from torsional deformations and ensure structural safety.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• 제6권2호
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• pp.103-122
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• 2006

The capacity of tubular truss chords subjected to concentrated reaction forces in the vicinity of the open end (i.e., the bearing region) is not directly treated by existing design specifications; although capacity equations are promulgated for related tubular joint configurations. The lack of direct treatment of bearing capacity in existing design specifications seems to represent an unsatisfactory situation given the fact that connections very often control the design of long-span tubular structures comprised of members with slender cross-sections. The case of the simple-span overhead highway sign truss is studied, in which the bearing reaction is applied near the chord end. The present research is aimed at assessing the validity of adapting existing specifications' capacity equations from related cases so as to be applicable in determining design capacity in tubular truss bearing regions. These modified capacity equations are subsequently used in comparisons with full-scale experimental results obtained from testing carried out at the University of Pittsburgh.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• 제34권6호
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• pp.783-794
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• 2020

Steel-concrete-steel sandwich composite wall is composed of two external steel plates and infilled concrete core. Internal mechanical connectors are used to enhance the composite action between the two materials. In this paper, the compressive behavior of a novel sandwich composite wall was studied. The steel trusses were applied to connect the steel plates to the concrete core. Three short specimens with different truss spacings were tested under compressive loading. The boundary columns were not included. It was found that the failure of walls started from the buckling of steel plates and followed by the crushing of concrete. Global instability was not observed. It was also observed that the truss spacing has great influence on ultimate strength, buckling stress, ductility, strength index, lateral deflection, and strain distribution. Three modern codes were introduced to calculate the capacity of walls. The comparisons between test results and code predictions show that AISC 360 provides significant underestimations while Eurocode 4 and CECS 159 offer overestimated predictions.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• 제35권2호
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• pp.159-169
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• 2020

Sandwich composite wall consists of concrete core attached by two external steel faceplates. It combines the advantage of steel and concrete. The appropriate composite action between steel faceplate and concrete core is achieved by using adequate mechanical connectors. This research studied the compressive behavior of the sandwich composite walls using steel trusses to bond the steel faceplates to concrete infill. Four short specimens with different wall width and thickness of steel faceplate were designed and tested under axial compression. The test results were comprehensively evaluated in terms of failure modes, load versus axial and lateral deformation responses, resistance, stiffness, ductility, strength index, and strain distribution. The test results showed that all specimens exhibited high resistance and good ductility. Truss connectors offer better restraint to walls with thinner faceplates and smaller wall width. In addition, increasing faceplate thickness is more effective in improving the ultimate resistance and axial stiffness of the wall.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• 제1권1호
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• pp.17-32
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• 2001

The Rosette-joining system is a completely new press-joining method for cold-formed steel structures. One Rosette-joint has a shear capacity equal to that of approximately four screws or rivets. The Rosette thin-walled steel truss system presents a new fully integrated prefabricated alternative to light-weight roof truss structures. The trusses are built up on special industrial production lines from modified top hat sections used as top and bottom chords and channel sections used as webs which are joined together with the Rosette press-joining technique to form a completed structure easy to transport and install. A single web section is used when sufficient but can be strengthened by double-nesting two separate sections or by using two lateral profiles where greater compressive axial forces are met. An individual joint in the truss can be strengthened by introducing a hollow bolt into the joint hole. The bolt gives the connection capacity a boost of approximately 20%. A series of laboratory tests have been carried out in order to verify the Rosette truss system in practice. In addition to compression tests on individual sections of different lengths, tests have also been done on small structural assemblies and on actual full-scale trusses of a span of 10 metres. Design calculations have been performed on selected roof truss geometries based on the test results, FE-analysis and on the Eurocode 3 and U.S.(AISI) design codes.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• 제2권3호
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• pp.209-222
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• 2002

This paper describes the buckling phenomenon of a tubular truss with unsupported length through a full-scale test and presents a practical computational method for the design of the trusses allowing for the contribution of torsional stiffness against buckling, of which the effect has never been considered previously by others. The current practice for the design of a planar truss has largely been based on the linear elastic approach which cannot allow for the contribution of torsional stiffness and tension members in a structural system against buckling. The over-simplified analytical technique is unable to provide a realistic and an economical design to a structure. In this paper the stability theory is applied to the second-order analysis and design of the structural form, with detailed allowance for the instability and second-order effects in compliance with design code requirements. Finally, the paper demonstrates the application of the proposed method to the stability design of a commonly adopted truss system used in support of glass panels in which lateral bracing members are highly undesirable for economical and aesthetic reasons.

• 국제초고층학회논문집
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• 제5권3호
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• pp.213-220
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• 2016

The "China Zun" tower in Beijing will rise to 528 meters in height and will be the tallest building in Beijing once built. Inspired by an ancient Chinese vessel, the "Zun", the plan dimensions reduce gradually from the bottom of the tower to the waist and then expand again as it rises to form an aesthetically beautiful and unique geometry. To satisfy the structural requirement for seismic and wind resistance, the structure is a dual system composed of a perimeter mega structure made of composite mega columns, mega braces, and belt trusses, and a reinforced-concrete core with steel plate-embedded walls. Advanced parametric design technology is applied to find the most efficient outer-perimeter structure system. The seismic design basically follows a mixed empirical and performance-based methodology that was verified by a shaking table test and other specimen lab tests. The tower is now half-way through its construction.