• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.65 no.6
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• pp.707-719
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• 2018

In this article, a new method is introduced to improve the local search capability of meta-heuristic algorithms using the projection of the path on the border of constraints. In a mathematical point of view, the Gradient Projection Method is applied through a new approach, while the imposed limitations are removed. Accordingly, the gradient vector is replaced with a new meta-heuristic based vector. Besides, the active constraint identification algorithm, and the projection method are changed into less complex approaches. As a result, if a constraint is violated by an agent, a new path will be suggested to correct the direction of the agent's movement. The presented procedure includes three main steps: (1) the identification of the active constraint, (2) the neighboring point determination, and (3) the new direction and step length. Moreover, this method can be applied to some meta-heuristic algorithms. It increases the chance of convergence in the final phase of the search process, especially when the number of the violations of the constraints increases. The method is applied jointly with the authors' newly developed meta-heuristic algorithm, entitled Star Graph. The capability of the resulted hybrid method is examined using the optimal design of truss and frame structures. Eventually, the comparison of the results with other meta-heuristics of the literature shows that the hybrid method is successful in the global as well as local search.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.39-56
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• 2010

Structural Control relies, with a great deal, on the ability of the control algorithm to identify the current state of the system, at any given point in time. When such algorithms are designed to perform in a smart manner, several smart technologies/devices are called upon to perform tasks that involve pattern recognition and control. Smart pattern recognition is proposed to replace/enhance traditional state identification techniques, which require the extensive manipulation of intricate mathematical equations. Smart pattern recognition techniques attempt to emulate the behavior of the human brain when performing abstract pattern identification. Since these techniques are largely heuristic in nature, it is reasonable to ensure their reliability under real life situations. In this paper, a neural network pattern recognition scheme is explored. The pattern identification of three structural systems is considered. The first is a single bay three-story frame. Both the second and the third models are variations on benchmark problems, previously published for control strategy evaluation purposes. A Neural Network was developed and trained to identify the deformed shape of structural systems under earthquake excitation. The network was trained, for each individual model system, then tested under the effect of a different set of earthquake records. The proposed smart pattern identification scheme is considered an integral component of a Smart Structural System. The Reliability assessment of such component represents an important stage in the evaluation of an overall reliability measure of Smart Structural Systems. Several studies are currently underway aiming at the identification of a reliability measure for such smart pattern recognition technique.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.303-315
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• 2017

This paper describes the finite element model for predicting the fundamental performance of embedded steel column base connections under monotonic and cyclic loading. Geometric and material nonlinearities were included in the proposed finite element model. Bauschinger and pinching effects were considered in the simulation of embedded column base connections under cyclic loading. The degradation of steel yield strength and accumulation of plastic damage can be well simulated. The accuracy of the finite element model is examined by comparing the predicted results with independent experimental dataset. It is demonstrated that the finite element model accurately predicts the behaviour and failure models of the embedded steel column base connections. The finite element model is extended to carry out evaluations and parametric studies. The investigated parameters include column embedded length, concrete strength, axial load and base plate thickness. Moreover, analytical models for predicting the initial stiffness and bending moment strength of the embedded column base connection were developed. The comparison between results from analytical models and those from experiments and finite element analysis proved the developed analytical model was accurate and conservative for design purposes.

• Wind and Structures
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.431-446
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• 2017

As concrete is most usable material in construction industry it's been required to improve its quality. Nowadays, nanotechnology offers the possibility of great advances in construction. In this study, buckling of horizontal concrete columns reinforced with Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles is analyzed. Due to the presence of ZnO nanoparticles which have piezoelectric properties, the structure is subjected to electric field for intelligent control. The Column is located in foundation with vertical springs and shear modulus constants. Sinusoidal shear deformation beam theory (SSDBT) is applied to model the structure mathematically. Micro-electro-mechanic model is utilized for obtaining the equivalent properties of system. Using the nonlinear stress-strain relation, energy method and Hamilton's principal, the motion equations are derived. The buckling load of the column is calculated by Difference quadrature method (DQM). The aim of this study is presenting a mathematical model to obtain the buckling load of structure as well as investigating the effect of nanotechnology and electric filed on the buckling behavior of structure. The results indicate that the negative external voltage applied to the structure, increases the stiffness and the buckling load of column. In addition, reinforcing the structure by ZnO nanoparticles, the buckling load of column is increased.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.769-782
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• 2020

A Prestressed stayed steel column is an efficient and lightweight way with regard to enhancing the stability behaviour of a compression column. In the past, researchers primarily concentrated on investigating the behaviour of stayed steel columns with horizontal crossarms. However, this article focuses on prestressed stayed steel columns with split-up crossarm system, in which the crossarms are aslant and rotational symmetrically arranged. A mathematical formula calculating the optimal pretension that corresponds to the maximum critical buckling load was established according to geometric analysis based on the small deformation assumption. It was demonstrated that critical buckling mode of this stayed column is different from the one with horizontal crossarms. The governing imperfection direction that should be adopted in the nonlinear buckling analysis was determined in this work. In addition, the effects of crossarm inclination, stay diameter, and crossarm length on the stability behaviour were investigated. An influencing factor denotes the ratio of the load carrying capacity of the prestressed stayed steel column to the Euler load of the main column was also obtained.

• Computational Structural Engineering
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.103-113
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• 1995

Since the mechanical properties of the rubber connectors used in the vehicle structures are sensitive on the dynamic characteristics of the system, they must be exactly evaluated. In this paper, both finite deformation theory and Hookean model are considered to calculate the stiffness coefficients of rubber connectors. An expert system is developed by using finite element method. When the equivalent stiffness coefficients on the same kinds of isolators used in actual vehicles were emperically examined, the results were largely dispersed due to the lack of the quality control on the material properties. To compensate the errors caused by the mathematical modeling and the mechanical properties, a practical method which identifies the shear and bulk moduli of rubber with the experimented overall force-deformation curves is suggested and applied to the engine isolators of vehicle.

• Wind and Structures
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.79-88
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• 2005

This paper deals with a unified way for calculating vortex-induced vibrations (Aeolian vibrations in transmission line parlance) of undamped single overhead conductors. The main objective of the paper is to identify reduced parameters which would unify the predicted vibration response to the largest possible extent. This is actually done by means of a simple mathematical transformation resulting, for a given terrain (associated to a given wind turbulence intensity), into a single, unified response curve that is applicable to any single multi-layered aluminium conductor. In order to further validate the above process, the predicted, unified response curve is compared with measured response curves drawn from tests run on a full-scale test line using several aluminium-conductor-steel-reinforced (ACSR), all-alloy-aluminium-conductor (AAAC) and aluminium-conductor-alloy-reinforced (ACAR) conductors strung at different tensions. On account of the expected scatter in the results from such field tests, the agreement is shown to be good. The final results are expressed by means of only four different curves pertaining to four different terrain characteristics. These curves may then be used to assess the vibration response of any undamped single, multi-layer aluminium conductor of any diameter, strung at any practical tension.

• Proceedings of the Korea Concrete Institute Conference
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• 2009.05a
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• pp.259-260
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• 2009

Many concrete structures have suffered from carbonation or chloride ion diffusion induced reinforcement corrosion, and a number of studies have been done on these topics. Many studies were mostly confined to the single deterioration of carbonation or chloride ion, although the environment actually presents a combined condition. This paper tried to develop the approach to compute re-diffusion of de-sorbed chloride due to carbonation of concrete. This is a key for successful combined deterioration model of carbonation and chloride. It is thought that this paper can contribute to express mathematically chloride enrichment and re-diffusion of chloride at front of carbonation.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
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• v.29 no.3 s.234
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• pp.387-394
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• 2005

Accurate predictions and simulations of the behavior of space structures based on analytical models become more important. In order to perform analysis to support the design of Ku-band transponder panel for the Communications and Broadcasting Satellite(CBS), mathematical models of the panel were generated in the form of finite element models. Test verification of these models is required before the transponder panel can be certified for launch environments. A modal identification was performed to obtain modal parameters which can be compared with the test results using correlation techniques. This paper approaches the sensor placement from the standpoint of the structural dynamicist who uses the modal parameter obtained during launch environmental test. The models were validated by performing a test-analysis correlation and updating analysis. It was proved that the Ku-band transponder panel satisfies the environmental test requirements.

• 한국가시화정보학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2007.11a
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• pp.88-91
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• 2007

Animal cells show different behaviors in response to the mechanical properties of the substrates. We hypothesize that the rigidity of the substrates also affects the bacterial motility and controls the colony dynamics. It is found that the colony size of Escherichia colis and Bacillus subtilis grown on the agar plates is correlated with agarose gel concentrations and thus with the substrate rigidity. High- resolution microscopic imaging reveals that bacteria in single colonies form different aggregation patterns on the agar plates with varying gel concentration. We measured the apparent diffusion coefficients in the agarose gel plates made with different gel concentrations. Mathematical modeling and quantitative imaging of dye dispersion in the agar plates suggest that there is a close connection between the diffusion rate and the colony size. Nanoscale pore structures and kinetic constraints in the porous media may have an effect on bacterial colony dynamics.