• Wind and Structures
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• 제27권6호
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• pp.439-449
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• 2018

Wind loading of a tall building built amidst a group of buildings in urban environment is always greatly affected by shielding effects. Wind tunnel tests were carried out to assess the shielding provided by a row of low-rise or medium-rise buildings upstream a square-section tall building of height-to-breadth ratio 6. Mean and dynamic wind loads on the tall building were measured at different wind incidence angles and presented as interference factors (IFs). It is found that presence of a row of upstream buildings provides significant shielding to the tall building. At normal wind incidence, the mean along-wind loads and all components of fluctuating wind loads on the tall building are always reduced by shielding. Vortex shedding seems to still occur on the upper exposed part of the tall building but the vortex excitation levels are largely reduced. The degree of shielding is found to depend on a number of arrangement parameters of the row of upstream buildings. Empirical equations are proposed to quantify the shielding effect based on the wind tunnel data.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• 제38권4호
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• pp.447-462
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• 2021

In this work, we consider a problem in the context of thermoelectric materials with memory-dependent derivative for a half space which is assumed to have variable thermal conductivity depending on the temperature. The Lamé's modulii of the half space material is taken as a function of the vertical distance from the surface of the medium. The surface is traction free and subjected to a time dependent thermal shock. The problem was solved by using the Laplace transform method together with the perturbation technique. The obtained results are discussed and compared with the solution when Lamé's modulii are constants. Numerical results are computed and represented graphically for the temperature, displacement and stress distributions. Affectability investigation is performed to explore the thermal impacts of a kernel function and a time-delay parameter that are characteristic of memory dependent derivative heat transfer in the behavior of tissue temperature. The correlations are made with the results obtained in the case of the absence of memory-dependent derivative parameters.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• 제43권4호
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• pp.457-464
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• 2022

Optimization in distribution of stay cable forces is one of the most difficult aspects in the design of cable-stayed bridges. This article attempts to examine tension force influence on structural behavior of cable-stayed bridges. For the examination, finite element modeling using nonlinear static and nonlinear modal analyses was completed and compared to structural experimental results. Variables analyzed in this parametric study were: 1) Number of stay cables; 2) Tension of the stay cables, and 3) Stay cable pattern - harp and semi-fan patterns. Though the findings from the analysis are limited to the tested models, the study gives insight on the structural behavior of actual cable stayed bridges.

• Computers and Concrete
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• 제31권1호
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• pp.9-21
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• 2023

The published studies usually used analytical method, numerical methods or experimental method to determine the stress-strain state and displacement of the single-layer or multi-layer curved shell types, but with a small scale model. However, a full scale multi-layer doubly curved concrete shell roof model should be researched. This paper presents the results of the experiment and simulation analysis involving stress-strain state, sliding between layers, the formation and development of the full scale double-layer doubly curved concrete shell roof when this shell begins to crack. The results of the this study have constructed the load-sliding strain relationship; strain diagram; stress diagram in the shell layers; the N_x, N_y membrane force diagram and deflection of shell. Thisresults by experimental method on a full scale model of concrete have clarified the working of multi-layer doubly curved concrete shell roof. The experimental and simulation results are compared with each other and compared with the Sap2000 software.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• 제33권1호
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• pp.1-14
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• 2009

Hong Kong is now recognized as an area of moderate seismic hazard, but most of the buildings have been designed with no seismic provision. It is of great significance to develop effective and practical measures to retrofit existing buildings against moderate seismic attacks. Researches show that beam-column joints are critical structural elements to be retrofitted for seismic resistance for reinforced concrete frame structures. This paper explores the possibility of using a Hydraulic Displacement Amplification Damping System (HDADS), which can be easily installed at the exterior of beam-column joints, to prevent structural damage against moderate seismic attacks. A series of shaking table tests were carried out with a 1/3 prototype steel frame have been carried out to assess the performance of the HDADS. A Numerical model representing the HDADS is developed. It is also used in numerical simulation of the shaking table tests. The numerical model of the HDADS and the numerical simulation of the shaking table tests are verified by experimental results.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• 제15권1호
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• pp.67-79
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• 2018

Malaysia and Singapore have adopted Eurocode 8 (EC8) for the seismic design of building structures. The authors studied the seismic hazard modelling of the region surrounding Malaysia and Singapore for a long time and have been key contributors to the drafting of the Malaysia National Annex (NA). The purpose of this paper is to explain the principles underlying the derivation of the elastic response spectrum model for Malaysia (Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and Sabah). The current EC8 NA for Singapore is primarily intended to address the distant hazards from Sumatra and is not intended to provide coverage for potential local intraplate hazards. Hence, this paper recommends a reconciled elastic response spectrum for Singapore, aiming to achieve a more robust level of safety. The topics covered include the modelling of distant interplate earthquakes generated offshore and local earthquakes in an intraplate tectonic setting, decisions on zoning, modelling of earthquake recurrences, ground motion and response spectrum. Alternative expression for response spectrum on rock, strictly based on the rigid framework of EC8 is discussed.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• 제15권1호
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• pp.81-95
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• 2018

Most buildings feature core walls (and shear walls) that are placed eccentrically within the building to fulfil architectural requirements. Contemporary earthquake design standards require three dimensional (3D) dynamic analysis to be undertaken to analyse the imposed seismic actions on this type of buildings. A static method of analysis is always appealing to design practitioners because results from the analysis can always be evaluated independently by manual calculation techniques for quality control purposes. However, the equivalent static analysis method (also known as the lateral load method) which involves application of an equivalent static load at a certain distance from the center of mass of the buildings can generate results that contradict with results from dynamic analysis. In this paper the Generalised Force Method of analysis has been introduced for multi-storey buildings. Algebraic expressions have been derived to provide estimates for the edge displacement ratio taking into account the effects of dynamic torsional actions. The Generalised Force Method which is based on static principles has been shown to be able to make accurate estimates of torsional actions in seismic conditions. The method is illustrated by examples of two multi-storey buildings. Importantly, the black box syndrome of a 3D dynamic analysis of the building can be circumvented.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• 제9권1호
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• pp.233-256
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• 2015

This paper presents an experimental study to assess the effectiveness of using ferrocement to strengthen deficient beam-column joints. Ferrocement is proposed to protect the joint region through replacing concrete cover. Six exterior beam-column joints, including two control specimens and four strengthened specimens, are prepared and tested under constant axial load and quasi-static cyclic loading. Two levels of axial load on column (0.2fc'Ag and 0.4fc'Ag) and two types of skeletal reinforcements in ferrocement (grid reinforcements and diagonal reinforcements) are considered as test variables. Experimental results have indicated that ferrocement as a composite material can enhance the seismic performance of deficient beam-column joints in terms of peak horizontal load, energy dissipation, stiffness and joint shear strength. Shear distortions within the joints are significantly reduced for the strengthened specimens. High axial load (0.4fc'Ag) has a detrimental effect on peak horizontal load for both control and ferrocement-strengthened specimens. Specimens strengthened by ferrocement with two types of skeletal reinforcements perform similarly. Finally, a method is proposed to predict shear strength of beam-column joints strengthened by ferrocement.

• Computers and Concrete
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• 제6권5호
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• pp.357-376
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• 2009

In the design of concrete columns, it is important to provide some nominal flexural ductility even for structures not subjected to earthquake attack. Currently, the nominal flexural ductility is provided by imposing empirical deemed-to-satisfy rules, which limit the minimum size and maximum spacing of the confining reinforcement. However, these existing empirical rules have the major shortcoming that the actual level of flexural ductility provided is not consistent, being generally lower at higher concrete strength or higher axial load level. Hence, for high-strength concrete columns subjected to high axial loads, these existing rules are unsafe. Herein, the combined effects of concrete strength, axial load level, confining pressure and longitudinal steel ratio on the flexural ductility are evaluated using nonlinear moment-curvature analysis. Based on the numerical results, a new design method that provides a consistent level of nominal flexural ductility by imposing an upper limit to the axial load level or a lower limit to the confining pressure is developed. Lastly, two formulas and one design chart for direct evaluation of the maximum axial load level and minimum confining pressure are produced.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• 제11권4호
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• pp.539-561
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• 2016

The rate of occurrence of intraplate earthquake events has been surveyed around the globe to ascertain the average level of intraplate seismic activities on land. Elastic response spectra corresponding to various levels of averaged (uniform) seismicity for a return period of 2475 years have then been derived along with modifying factors that can be used to infer ground motion and spectral response parameters for other return period values. Estimates derived from the assumption of uniform seismicity are intended to identify the minimum level of design seismic hazard in intraplate regions. The probabilistic seismic hazard assessment presented in the paper involved the use of ground motion models that have been developed for regions of different tectonic and crustal classifications. The proposed minimum earthquake loading model is illustrated by the case study of Peninsular Malaysia which has been identified with a minimum effective peak ground acceleration (EPGA) of 0.1 g for a return period of 2475 years, or 0.07 g for a notional return period of 475 years.