• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
• /
• v.24 no.1
• /
• pp.63-89
• /
• 2006

Geometric imperfections have an important influence on the buckling response of structural components. This paper describes an experimental technique for determining imperfections in long (5.7 m) structural members using a series of overlapping measurements. Measurements were performed on 31 austenitic stainless steel sections formed from three different production routes: hot-rolling, cold-rolling and press-braking. Spectral analysis was carried out on the imperfections to obtain information on the periodic nature of the profiles. Two series were used to model the profile firstly the orthogonal cosine and sine functions in a classic Fourier transform and secondly a half sine series. Results were compared to the relevant tolerance standards. Simple predictive tools for both local and global imperfections have been developed to enable representative geometric imperfections to be incorporated into numerical models and design methods.

• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• v.6 no.6
• /
• pp.531-555
• /
• 2006

H-shaped welded steel column members are fabricated by welding together pre-cut flanges and the web. Modern fabricators are increasingly using plasma-cutting technique instead of traditional flame cutting. Different fabrication techniques result in different degrees of geometric imperfections and residual stresses, which can have considerable influence on the strength of steel columns. This paper presents the experimental investigation based temperature profiles, geometric imperfections, and built-in residual stresses in plasma cut-welded H-shaped steel column members and in similar flame cut-welded H-shaped steel columns. Temperature measurements were taken during and immediately after the cutting operations and the welding operations. The geometric imperfections were established at closely spaced grid locations on the original plates, after cutting plates into plate strips, and after welding plate strips into columns. Geometric imperfections associated with plasma cut element and members were found to be less than those of the corresponding elements and members made by flame cutting. The "Method of Section" technique was used to establish the residual stresses in the plate, plate strip, and in the welded columns. Higher residual stress values were observed in flame cut-welded columns. Models for idealized residual stress distributions for plasma cut and flame cut welded sections have been proposed.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
• /
• v.88 no.5
• /
• pp.405-417
• /
• 2023

This paper reveals theoretical research to the nonlinear dynamic response and initial geometric imperfections sensitivity of the spinning graphene platelets reinforced metal foams (GPLRMF) cylindrical shell under different boundary conditions in thermal environment. For the theoretical research, with the framework of von-Karman geometric nonlinearity, the GPLRMF cylindrical shell model which involves Coriolis acceleration and centrifugal acceleration caused by spinning motion is assumed to undergo large deformations. The coupled governing equations of motion are deduced using Euler-Lagrange principle and then solved by a combination of Galerkin's technique and modified Lindstedt Poincare (MLP) model. Furthermore, the impacts of a set of parameters including spinning velocity, initial geometric imperfections, temperature variation, weight fraction of GPLs, GPLs distribution pattern, porosity distribution pattern, porosity coefficient and external excitation amplitude on the nonlinear harmonic resonances of the spinning GPLRMF cylindrical shells are presented.

• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• v.52 no.3
• /
• pp.327-341
• /
• 2024

This paper is the first in a series of articles dealing with the study and analysis of imperfections in thin-walled, cold-formed steel sections with modified cross-sectional shapes. A study was conducted, using 3D scanning techniques, to determine the most vulnerable geometric imperfections in the profiles. Based on a review of the literature, it has been determined that few researchers are studying thin-walled sections with modified cross-sectional shapes. Each additional bend in the section potentially generates geometric imperfections. Geometric imperfections significantly affect the resistance to loss of stability, which is crucial when analyzing thin-walled structures. In addition, the most critical locations along the length where these imperfections occur were determined. Based on the study, it was found that geometric imperfections cause a reduction in critical load. It should be noted that the tests performed are preliminary studies, based on which a program of further research will be developed. In addition, the article presents the current state of knowledge in the authors' field of interest. The future objective is to ascertain if these imperfections could potentially contribute positively to structural integrity. This enhanced understanding may pave the way for novel methodologies in structural engineering, wherein imperfections are viewed not solely as flaws but also as elements that could enhance the end product.

• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• v.50 no.6
• /
• pp.705-720
• /
• 2024

Analyzing the collapse behavior of thin-walled steel structures holds significant importance in ensuring their safety and longevity. Geometric imperfections present on the surface of metal materials can diminish both the durability and mechanical integrity of steel shells. These imperfections, encompassing local geometric irregularities and deformations such as holes, cavities, notches, and cracks localized in specific regions of the shell surface, play a pivotal role in the assessment. They can induce stress concentration within the structure, thereby influencing its susceptibility to buckling. The intricate relationship between the buckling behavior of these structures and such imperfections is multifaceted, contingent upon a variety of factors. The buckling analysis of thin-walled steel shell structures, similar to other steel structures, commonly involves the determination of crucial material properties, including elastic modulus, shear modulus, tensile strength, and fracture toughness. An established method involves the emulation of distributed geometric imperfections, utilizing real test specimen data as a basis. This approach allows for the accurate representation and assessment of the diversity and distribution of imperfections encountered in real-world scenarios. Utilizing defect data obtained from actual test samples enhances the model's realism and applicability. The sizes and configurations of these defects are employed as inputs in the modeling process, aiding in the prediction of structural behavior. It's worth noting that there is a dearth of experimental studies addressing the influence of geometric defects on the buckling behavior of cylindrical steel shells. In this particular study, samples featuring geometric imperfections were subjected to experimental buckling tests. These same samples were also modeled using Finite Element Analysis (FEM), with results corroborating the experimental findings. Furthermore, the initial geometrical imperfections were measured using digital image correlation (DIC) techniques. In this way, the response of the test specimens can be estimated accurately by applying the initial imperfections to FE models. After validation of the test results with FEA, a numerical parametric study was conducted to develop more generalized design recommendations for the stainless-steel shell structures with the initial geometric imperfection. While the load-carrying capacity of samples with perfect surfaces was up to 140 kN, the load-carrying capacity of samples with 4 mm defects was around 130 kN. Likewise, while the load carrying capacity of samples with 10 mm defects was around 125 kN, the load carrying capacity of samples with 14 mm defects was measured around 120 kN.

• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• v.34 no.3
• /
• pp.423-440
• /
• 2020

In the recent years, steel box girder bridges have been extensively used due to high bending stiffness, torsional rigidity, and rapid construction. Therefore, researches related to this girder bridge have been widely conducted. This paper investigates the effect of residual stresses and geometric imperfections on the load-carrying capacity of steel box girder bridges spanning 30 m and 50 m. A three - dimensional finite element model of the steel box girder with a closed section was developed and analyzed using ABAQUS software. Nonlinear inelastic analysis was used to capture the actual response of the girder bridge accurately. Based on the results of analyses, the superimposed mode of webs and flanges was recommended for considering the influence of initial geometric imperfections of the steel box model. In addition, 4% and 16% strength reduction rates on the load - carrying capacity of the perfect structural system were respectively recommended for the girders with compact and non-compact sections, whose designs satisfy the requirements specified in AASHTO LRFD standard. As a consequence, the research results would help designers eliminate the complexity in modeling residual stresses and geometric imperfections when designing the steel box girder bridge.

• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• v.42 no.4
• /
• pp.447-458
• /
• 2022

Cold-formed steel (CFS) sections are thin-walled, therefore, more susceptible to different types of geometric imperfections. Global type of geometric imperfections has a significant impact on the load-carrying capacity of flexural members. This paper reports an experimental study that discusses the influence of global imperfections on the flexural response of CFS built-up I-beams composed of two lipped channels, with simply supported ends, under four-point loading. Global imperfections of magnitude over eight times the maximum permissible ones were induced in the specimens, leading to their distress. Using various simple stiffening schemes, the capacity and stiffness of the distressed specimens were improvised. The performance comparisons were made based on the maximum loads resisted, flexural stiffnesses offered, and failure modes experienced by the specimens. As experimental data on such distressed specimens are currently lacking in the literature, the test results of the present study will provide the necessary data needed by future researchers to numerically extend this study further, which will help in the development of necessary design guidelines for the same. The stiffening schemes significantly improved the structural efficiency of distressed specimens in terms of strength and stiffness, by over 60%. As a result, an effective and time-saving solution to such realistic structural engineering problems is given.

• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• v.50 no.2
• /
• pp.149-158
• /
• 2024

Considering that different boundary conditions can have an important impact on structural vibration characteristics. In this paper, the nonlinear forced vibration behavior of functionally graded material (FGM) doubly curved shells with initial geometric imperfections under different boundary conditions is studied. Considering initial geometric imperfections and von Karman geometric nonlinearity, the nonlinear governing equations of FGM doubly curved shells are derived using Reissner's first order shear deformation (FOSD) theory. Three different boundary conditions of four edges simply supported (SSSS), four edges clamped (CCCC), clamped-clamped-simply-simply (CCSS) were studied, and a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations was obtained with the help of Galerkin principle. The nonlinear forced vibration response of the FGM doubly curved shell is obtained by using the modified Lindstedt Poincare (MLP) method. The accuracy of this method was verified by comparing it with published literature. Finally, the effects of curvature ratio, power law index, void coefficient, prestress, and initial geometric imperfections on the resonance of FGM doubly curved shells under different boundary conditions are fully discussed. The relevant research results can provide certain guidance for the design and application of doubly curved shell.

• Earthquakes and Structures
• /
• v.26 no.4
• /
• pp.251-259
• /
• 2024

In this paper, the thermal post-buckling behavior of graphene platelets reinforced metal foams (GPLRMFs) plate with initial geometric imperfections on nonlinear elastic foundations are studied. First, the governing equation is derived based on the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) of plate. To obtain a single equation that only contains deflection, the Galerkin principle is employed to solve the governing equation. Subsequently, a comparative analysis was conducted with existing literature, thereby verifying the correctness and reliability of this paper. Finally, considering three GPLs distribution types (GPL-A, GPL-B, and GPL-C) of plates, the effects of initial geometric imperfections, foam distribution types, foam coefficients, GPLs weight fraction, temperature changes, and elastic foundation stiffness on the thermal post-buckling characteristics of the plates were investigated. The results show that the GPL-A distribution pattern exhibits the best buckling resistance. And with the foam coefficient (GPLs weight fraction, elastic foundation stiffness) increases, the deflection change of the plate under thermal load becomes smaller. On the contrary, when the initial geometric imperfection (temperature change) increases, the thermal buckling deflection increases. According to the current research situation, the results of this article can play an important role in the thermal stability analysis of GPLRMFs plates.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
• /
• v.31 no.7 s.262
• /
• pp.792-799
• /
• 2007

A newly developed cellular metal based on kagome lattice is an ideal candidate for multifunctional materials achieving various optimal properties. Intensive efforts have been devoted to develop efficient techniques for mass production due to its wide potential applications. Since a variety of imperfections would be inevitably included in the realistic fabrication processes, it is highly important to examine the correlation between the imperfections and material strengths. Previous performance tests were mostly done by numerical simulations such as finite element method (FEM), but only for perfect structures without any imperfection. In this paper, we developed an efficient numerical framework using nonlinear random network analysis (RNA) to verify how the statistical imperfections (geometrical and material property) contribute to the performance of general truss structures. The numerical results for kagome truss structures are compared with experimental measurements on 3-layerd WBK (wire-woven bulk kagome). The mechanical strength of the kagome structures is shown relatively stable with the Gaussian types of imperfections.