• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.313-337
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• 2012

A three-dimensional formulation is proposed to analyze the lateral loading distribution of external actions in high-rise buildings. The method is extended to encompass any combination of bracings, including bracings with open thin-walled cross-sections, which are analyzed in the framework of Timoshenko-Vlasov's theory of sectorial areas. More in detail, the proposed unified approach is a tool for the preliminary stages of structural design. It considers infinitely rigid floors in their own planes, and allows to better understand stress and strain distributions in the different bearing elements if compared to a finite element analysis. Numerical examples, describing the structural response of tall buildings characterized by bracings with different cross-section and height, show the effectiveness and flexibility of the proposed method. The accuracy of the results is investigated by a comparison with finite element solutions, in which the bracings are modelled as three-dimensional structures by means of shell elements.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.72 no.1
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• pp.43-60
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• 2019

This paper presents a finite element model which can simulate the axial compression behavior of steel reinforced recycled concrete (SRRC) filled square steel tube columns using the ABAQUS software. The analytical model was established by selecting the reasonable nonlinear analysis theory and the constitutive relationship of material in the columns. The nonlinear analysis of failure modes, deformation characteristics, stress nephogram, and load-strain curves of columns under axial loads was performed in detail. Meanwhile, the influences of recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) replacement percentage, profile steel ratio, width thickness ratio of square steel tube, RAC strength and slenderness ratio on the axial compression behavior of columns were also analyzed carefully. It shows that the results of finite element analysis are in good agreement with the experimental results, which verifies the validity of the analytical model. The axial bearing capacity of columns decreased with the increase of RCA replacement percentage. While the increase of wall thickness of square steel tube, profile steel ratio and RAC strength were all beneficial to improve the bearing capacity of columns. Additionally, the parameter analysis of finite element analysis on the columns was also carried out by using the above numerical model. In general, the SRRC filled square steel tube columns have high bearing capacity and good deformation ability. On the basis of the above analysis, a modified formula based on the American ANSI/AISC 360-10 was proposed to calculate the nominal axial bearing capacity of the columns under axial loads. The research conclusions can provide some references for the engineering application of this kind of columns.

• Advances in nano research
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.351-368
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• 2022

Recently, promising structural technologies like multi-function, ultra-load bearing capacity and tailored structures have been put up for discussions. Finite Element (FE) modelling is probably the best-known option capable of treating these superior properties and multi-domain behavior structures. However, advanced materials such as Functionally Graded Material (FGM) and nanocomposites suffer from problems resulting from variable material properties, reinforcement aggregation and mesh generation. Motivated by these factors, this research proposes a unified shape function for FGM, nanocomposites, graded nanocomposites, in addition to traditional isotropic and orthotropic structural materials. It depends not only on element length but also on the beam's material properties and geometric characteristics. The systematic mathematical theory and FE formulations are based on the Timoshenko beam theory for beam structure. Furthermore, the introduced element achieves C1 degree of continuity. The model is proved to be convergent and free-off shear locking. Moreover, numerical results for static and free vibration analysis support the model accuracy and capabilities by validation with different references. The proposed technique overcomes the issue of continuous properties modelling of these promising materials without discarding older ones. Therefore, introduced benchmark improvements on the FE old concept could be extended to help the development of new software features to confront the rapid progress of structural materials.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society For Composite Materials Conference
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• 2005.11a
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• pp.276-279
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• 2005

FRP Composite materials are widely applicable in the construction industries as a load-bearing structural element or a reinforcing and/or repairing materials for the concrete. In this paper, we presented the flexural behavior of FRP Re-bar and steel reinforced concrete beams and only FRP re-bars reinforced concrete beams. FRP Re-bar manufactured by different fibers but the same vinylester resin. Also, surface of FRP Re-bars is coated garnet and glass fiber by epoxy to increase the adhesive to concrete. Experimental investigation pertaining to the load-deflection and load-strain characteristics of two classfied specimens is presented and the theoretical prediction is also conducted. In the investigation, the effects of FRP Re-bar reinforcement are estimated. The experimental results arc compared with theoretical predictions. Good agreements arc observed.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
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• v.40 no.12
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• pp.1077-1085
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• 2016

Linear roller bearing (LRB) is an important mechanical element that is widely used in precise positioning systems that are subjected to large loads. This paper presents a new model for estimating the displacement of an LRB subjected to external forces. For this purpose, assuming that the linear motion block (LM block) is rigid, the equilibrium conditions for the LRB were obtained by solving the equilibrium equations of the rollers and the rigid LM block using the iterative Newton-Raphson method. The contact loads between the rollers and raceways were determined considering the profiled rollers. Then, the structural deformations of the LM block, subjected to the contact loads from the rigid LM block model, were computed using a finite element model for the LM block. The displacements of the LRB were then determined by superposition of the rigid LM block displacements on the induced displacements due to the structural deformations of the LM block. The proposed method was verified through comparison with a program by the bearing manufacturer.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.2 no.4
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• pp.305-312
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• 2006

In the case of hospital buildings, where seismic design requirements are very high, existing structuresand especially those attacked by past earthquakes, appear, often, unable to fulfil the necessary safety prerequisites. In this paper, the retrofitting of hospital buildings is investigated, using alternative methods of repair and strengthening. Analysis of an existing hospital building in Patras, Greece, is performed. The load-bearing system is a reinforced concrete system. Two solutions are proposed: strengthening using concrete jackets around column and beam elements and application of viscoelastic dampers for the increase of the stability of the structure. Adequate finite element models are constructed for each case and conclusions are drawn on the efficiency of each rehabilitation method.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.78 no.5
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• pp.545-556
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• 2021

The present experimental study evaluated the seismic performance of six engineered cementitious composite (ECC) columns strengthened with carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates under cyclic lateral loading. The ECC columns damaged and crushed in the first stage of cyclic tests were repaired using the ECC with a certain polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber and strengthened with flexural and sheer CFRP laminates and then re-assessed under the cyclic loading. The effects of some variables were examined on lateral displacement, energy absorption and dissipation, failure modes, crack patterns, load bearing capacity and plasticity, and the obtained results were compared with those of the first stage of cyclic tests. The results showed that retrofitting the ECC columns can improve their performance, plasticity and load-bearing threshold, delayed the concrete failure, changed the failure modes and increased the energy absorbed by the strengthened columns element by over 50%.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.549-556
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• 2018

Progressive building collapse occurs when failure of a structural component leads to the failure and collapse of surrounding members, possibly promoting additional failure. Global system collapse will occur if the damaged system is unable to reach a new static equilibrium configuration. The most common type of primary failure which led to the progressive collapse phenomenon, is the sudden removal of a column by various factors. In this study, a method is proposed to prevent progressive collapse phenomena in structures subjected to removal of a single column. A vierendeel peripheral frame at roof level is used to redistribute the removed column's load on other columns of the structure. For analysis, quasi-static approach is used which considers various load combinations. This method, while economically affordable is easily applicable (also for new structures as well as for existing structures and without causing damage to their architectural requirements). Special emphasis is focused on the evolution of vertical displacements of column removal point. Even though additional stresses and displacements are experienced by removal of a structural load bearing column, the proposed method considerably reduces the displacement at the mentioned point and prevents the collapse of the structural frame.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.233-245
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• 2008

For historical masonry structures existing in the Mediterranean area, structural strengthening is of primary importance due to the continuous earthquake threat that is posed on them. Proper retrofitting of historical structures involves a thorough understanding of their structural pathology, before proceeding with any intervention measures. In this paper, a methodology is presented for the evaluation of the actual state of historical masonry structures, which can provide a useful tool for the seismic response assessment before and after the retrofitting. The methodology is mainly focused on the failure and vulnerability analysis of masonry structures using the finite element method. Using this methodology the retrofitting of historical structures with innovative techniques is investigated. The innovative technique presented here involves the exploitation of Shape Memory Alloy prestressed bars. This type of intervention is proposed because it ensures increased reversibility and minimization of interventions, in comparison with conventional retrofitting methods. In this paper, a case study is investigated for the demonstration of the proposed methodologies and techniques, which comprises a masonry Byzantine church and a masonry Cistern. Prestressed SMA alloy bars are placed into the load-bearing system of the structure. The seismic response of the non-retrofitted and the retrofitted finite element models are compared in terms of seismic energy dissipation and displacements diminution.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.657-671
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• 2015

The level of ductility is determined by depending on the intended use of the building, the region's seismic characteristics and the type of structural system when buildings are planned by engineers. Major portion of seismic energy is intended to be consumed in the plastic zone in structural systems of high ductility, so the occurrence of damages in load bearing and non-load bearing structural elements is accepted in planning stage under severe earthquakes. However, these damages must be limited among specific values in order not to endanger buildings in terms of the bearing capacity. Isolators placed between the basement and upper structure make buildings behave elastically by reducing the effects of seismic loads and improving seismic performance of building significantly. Thus, damages can be limited among desired values. In this study, the effectiveness of seismic isolation is investigated on both fixed based and seismic isolated models of a hospital building with high ductility level with regard to lateral displacements, internal forces, structural periods and cost of the building. Layered rubber bearings are interposed between the base of the structure and foundation. Earthquake analysis of the building are performed using earthquake records in time domain (Kocaeli, Loma Prieta and Landers). Results obtained from three-dimensional finite element models are presented by graphs and tables in detail. That seismic isolation reduces significantly the destructive effects of earthquakes on structures is seen from the results obtained by seismic analysis.