• Ocean Systems Engineering
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• v.4 no.4
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• pp.279-291
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• 2014

Smart flanges are used for pipeline and riser repair in subsea. In a typical case in the gas export pipeline project, the end cap bolts of a 4inch smart flange were broken during operation, and in turn leakage occurred. This work presents the detail of three dimensional finite element analysis of the smart flange to support the observed end cap bolts failure. From finite element analysis it turns out that in the presence of external bending moment, an uneven contact distribution is present between seal and end cap, which in turn changes the uniform load distribution on bolts and threaten the integrity of bolts. On the other hand, 3D finite element analysis of interaction between pipeline and seabed is presented by means of Abaqus to explore the distribution of bending moment along the pipeline route. It is found that lateral buckling occurs in the pipeline which introduces large bending moment.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.339-351
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• 2022

A mortar-filled rectangular hollow structural section (RHS) can increase a structural section property as well as a compressive buckling capacity of a RHS member. In this study, the tensile performance of newly developed mortar-filled RHS members was experimentally evaluated with various connection details. The major test parameters were the type of end connections, the thickness of cap plates and shear plates, the use of stud bolts, and penetrating bars. The test results showed that the welded T-end connection experienced a brittle weld fracture at the welded connection, whereas the tensile performance of the T-end connection was improved by additional stud bolts inserted into the mortar within the RHS tube. For the end connection using shear plates and penetrating stud bolts, ductile behavior of the RHS tube was achieved after yielding. The penetrating bars increased load carrying capacity of the RHS. Based on the analysis of the load transfer mechanism, the current design code and test results were compared to evaluate the tensile capacity of the RHS tube according to the connection details. Design considerations for the connections of the mortar-filled RHS tubes were also recommended.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.77 no.1
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• pp.75-87
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• 2021

The present study pertains to the introduction of two new types of grip adaptor for universal testing machines, namely Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Polyoxymethylene (POM) grip adaptors, and their application to tension testing of FRP bars with different fiber and surface finish types. The tabs are connected to the FRP bar sample with the help of mechanical anchors, i.e. bolts. These new adaptors offer vital superiorities over the existing end tab designs (anchors with filling material or mechanical anchorage), including the reduction in the time and labor for production, reusability and the mild nature, i.e. low hardness of the tab material, which retards and even prevents peeling and crushing in the gripping regions of an FRP sample. The methods were successfully applied to FRP bars with different types of fiber (CFRP, GFRP and BFRP) and different types of surface texture (ribbed, wrapped, sand-coated and wound). The test results indicated that the both types of end caps prevented slip of the bar, crushing and peeling in the gripping zone. The mechanical properties from the material tests with the new caps were in perfect agreement with the ones from the material tests with steel tubular caps.