• Smart Structures and Systems
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• 제17권6호
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• pp.881-901
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• 2016

In this study, a method to compensate the effect of temperature variation on impedance responses which are used for prestress-loss monitoring in prestressed concrete (PSC) girders is presented. Firstly, an impedance-based technique using a mountable lead-zirconate-titanate (PZT) interface is presented for prestress-loss monitoring in the local tendon-anchorage member. Secondly, a cross-correlation-based algorithm to compensate the effect of temperature variation in the impedance signatures is outlined. Thirdly, lab-scale experiments are performed on a PSC girder instrumented with a mountable PZT interface at the tendon-anchorage. A series of temperature variation and prestress-loss events are simulated for the lab-scale PSC girder. Finally, the feasibility of the proposed method is experimentally verified for prestress-loss monitoring in the PSC girder under temperature-varying conditions and prestress-loss events.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• 제16권3호
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• pp.415-433
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• 2015

Tendon failures in bonded post-tensioned bridges over the last two decades have motivated ongoing investigations on various aspects of unbonded tendons and their monitoring methods. Recent research shows that change of strain distribution in anchor heads can be useful in detecting wire breakage in unbonded construction. Based on this strain variation, this paper develops a damage detection model that enables an automated tendon monitoring system to identify and locate wire breaks. The first part of this paper presents an experimental program conducted to study the strain variation in anchor heads by generating wire breaks using a mechanical device. The program comprised three sets of tests with fully populated 19-strand anchor head and evaluated the levels of strain variation with number of wire breaks in different strands. The sensitivity of strain variation with wire breaks in circumferential and radial directions of anchor head in addition to the axial direction (parallel to the strand) were investigated and the measured axial strains were found to be the most sensitive. The second part of the paper focuses on formulating the wire breakage detection framework. A finite element model of the anchorage assembly was created to demonstrate the algorithm as well as to investigate the asymmetric strain distribution observed in experimental results. In addition, as almost inevitably encountered during tendon stressing, the effects of differential wedge seating on the proposed model have been analyzed. A sensitivity analysis has been performed at the end to assess the robustness of the model with random measurement errors.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• 제28권6호
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• pp.599-611
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• 2022

Tendon reinforced cemented soil is applied extensively in foundation stabilisation and improvement, especially in areas with soft clay. To solve the deterioration problem led by steel corrosion, the glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) tendon is introduced to substitute the traditional steel tendon. The interface bond strength between the cemented soil matrix and GFRP tendon demonstrates the outstanding mechanical property of this composite. However, the lack of research between the influence factors and bond strength hinders the application. To evaluate these factors, back propagation neural network (BPNN) is applied to predict the relationship between them and bond strength. Since adjusting BPNN parameters is time-consuming and laborious, the particle swarm optimisation (PSO) algorithm is proposed. This study evaluated the influence of water content, cement content, curing time, and slip distance on the bond performance of GFRP tendon-reinforced cemented soils (GTRCS). The results showed that the ultimate and residual bond strengths were both in positive proportion to cement content and negative to water content. The sample cured for 28 days with 30% water content and 50% cement content had the largest ultimate strength (3879.40 kPa). The PSO-BPNN model was tuned with 3 neurons in the input layer, 10 in the hidden layer, and 1 in the output layer. It showed outstanding performance on a large database comprising 405 testing results. Its higher correlation coefficient (0.908) and lower root-mean-square error (239.11 kPa) were obtained compared to multiple linear regression (MLR) and logistic regression (LR). In addition, a sensitivity analysis was applied to acquire the ranking of the input variables. The results illustrated that the cement content performed the strongest influence on bond strength, followed by the water content and slip displacement.

• Computers and Concrete
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• 제30권1호
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• pp.75-83
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• 2022

This study introduced a post-tensioned precast concrete system that was developed and designed to improve the performance of joints by post-tensioning. Full-scaled specimens were tested to investigate flexural performances at the negative moment region, where the test variables were the presence of slabs, tendon types, and post-tensioned lengths. A specimen with slabs exhibited significantly higher stiffness and strength values than a specimen without slabs. Thus, it would be reasonable to consider the effects of a slab on the flexural strength for an economical design. A specimen with unbonded mono-tendons had slightly lower initial stiffness and flexural strength values than a specimen with bonded multi-tendons but showed greater flexural strength than the value specified in the design codes. The post-tensioned length was found to have no significant impact on the flexural behavior of the proposed post-tensioned precast concrete system. In addition, a finite element analysis was conducted on the proposed post-tensioned precast concrete system, and the tests and analysis results were compared in detail.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• 제17권4호
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• pp.541-557
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• 2016

Prefabricated bridge substructures provide new possibility for designers in terms of efficiency of creativity, fast construction, geometry control and cost. Even though prefabricated bridge columns are widely adopted as a substructure system in the bridge construction project recently, lack of deeper understanding of the seismic behavior of prefabricated bridge substructures cause much concern on their performance in high seismic zones. In this paper, experimental research works are presented to verify enhanced design concepts of prefabricated bridge piers. Integration of precast segments was done with continuity of axial prestressing tendons and mild reinforcing bars throughout the construction joints. Cyclic tests were conducted to investigate the effects of the design parameters on seismic performance. An analytical method for moment-curvature analysis of prefabricated bridge columns is conducted in this study. The method is validated through comparison with experimental results and the fiber model analysis. A parametric study is conducted to observe the seismic behavior of prefabricated bridge columns using the analytical study based on strain compatibility method. The effects of continuity of axial steel and tendon, and initial prestressing level on the load-displacement response characteristics, i.e., the strain of axial mild steels and posttensioned tendon at fracture and concrete crushing strain at the extreme compression fiber are investigated. The analytical study shows the layout of axial mild steels and posttensioned tendons in this experiment is the optimized arrangement for seismic performance.

• 비파괴검사학회지
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• 제31권6호
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• pp.616-625
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• 2011

Ensuring the designed prestress force is very important for the safety of prestressed concrete bridge. The loss of prestress force in tendon could significantly reduce load carrying capacity of the structure. In this study, an automated prestress-loss monitoring system for prestressed concrete girder using PZT-interface and wireless impedance sensor node is presented. The following approaches are carried out to achieve the objective. Firstly, wireless impedance sensor nodes are designed for automated impedance-based monitoring technique. The sensor node is mounted on the high-performance Imote2 sensor platform to fulfill high operating speed, low power requirement and large storage memory. Secondly, a smart PZT-interface designed for monitoring prestress force is described. A linear regression model is established to predict prestress-loss. Finally, a system of the PZT-interface interacted with the wireless sensor node is evaluated from a lab-scale tendon-anchorage connection of a prestressed concrete girder.

• 로봇학회논문지
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• 제18권1호
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• pp.18-28
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• 2023

This study introduces a smart wrist band system with pressure measurements using wrist skin curvature variation due to finger motion. It is easy to wear and take off without pre-adaptation or surgery to use. By analyzing the depth variation of wrist skin curvature during each finger motion, we elaborated the most suitable location of each Force Sensitive Resistor (FSR) to be attached in the wristband with anatomical consideration. A 3D depth camera was used to investigate distinctive wrist locations, responsible for the anatomically de-coupled thumb, index, and middle finger, where the variations of wrist skin curvature appear independently. Then sensors within the wristband were attached correspondingly to measure the pressure change of those points and eventually the finger motion. The smart wrist band was validated for its practicality through two demonstrative applications, i.e., one for a real-time control of prosthetic robot hands and the other for natural human-computer interfacing. And hopefully other futuristic human-related applications would be benefited from the proposed smart wrist band system.

• 한국전산구조공학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국전산구조공학회 2008년도 정기 학술대회
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• pp.133-138
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• 2008

This study proposes a novel method for in-service evaluation of force in an external prestressing 7-wire tendon which is employed for retrofitting bridge superstructure. For this propose, a smart strand 7.0m long whose king wire is replaced by a steel tube and the FBG sensor, is developed. Performance of the strand is demonstrated through loading-unloading tests for a RC T-shaped beam 6.4m long. Finally, a couple of test results are presented to discuss effect of temperature change in the FBG sensor.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• 제1권3호
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• pp.267-282
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• 2005

This work describes ongoing development of an embedded sensor system for the early detection and prevention of deterioration of reinforcing steel tendons within reinforced concrete. These devices will evaluate the condition of the steel tendon using ultrasonic techniques and then wirelessly transmit this data to the outside world without human intervention. The ultrasonic transducers and the interpretation of the sensed signals that allow detection and prognosis of tendon condition are detailed. Electrical characterization of concrete mixtures used in bridge construction is conducted and a wideband microstrip antenna is designed and fabricated to operate between 2.4 and 2.5 GHz when embedded in such a medium. Simulations and measurements of the embedded antenna element are presented. Transceiver selection and implementation are discussed as well as future work in operational protocols, sensor networking, and power sources. By implementing commercially available off-the-shelf components whenever possible, these devices have the potential to save millions of dollars a year in evaluation, repair and replacement of reinforced concrete.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• 제18권1호
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• pp.31-52
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• 2016

The paper first reviews the theory of active tendon control with decentralized Integral Force Feedback (IFF) and collocated displacement actuator and force sensor; a formal proof of the formula giving the maximum achievable damping is provided for the first time. Next, the potential of the control strategy for the control of suspension bridges with active stay cables is evaluated on a numerical model of an existing footbridge; several configurations are investigated where the active cables connect the pylon to the deck or the deck to the catenary. The analysis confirms that it is possible to provide a set of targeted modes with a considerable amount of damping, reaching ${\xi}=15%$. Finally, the control strategy is demonstrated experimentally on a laboratory mock-up equipped with four control stay cables equipped with piezoelectric actuators. The experimental results confirm the excellent performance and robustness of the control system and the very good agreement with the predictions.