• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.61 no.5
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• pp.577-592
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• 2017

A computing procedure is presented to predict the ultimate behavior of prestressed beams under torsion. This computing procedure is based on an extension of the Variable Angle Truss-Model (VATM) to cover both longitudinal and transversal prestressed beams. Several constitutive relationships are tested to model the behavior of the concrete in compression in the struts and the behavior of the reinforcement in tension (both ordinary and prestress). The theoretical predictions of the maximum torque and corresponding twist are compared with some results from reported tests and with the predictions obtained from some codes of practice. One of the tested combinations of the relationships for the materials was found to give simultaneously the best predictions for the resistance torque and the corresponding twist of prestressed beams under torsion. When compared with the predictions from some codes of practice, the theoretical model which incorporates the referred combination of the relationships provides best values for the torsional strength and leads to more optimized designs.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.53 no.1
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• pp.73-87
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• 2015

In case of aircraft impact on nuclear containment structures, the initial kinetic energy of the aircraft is transferred and absorbed by the outer containment, may causing either complete or partial failure of containment structure. In the present study safety analysis of BWR Mark III type containment has been performed. The total height of containment is 67 m. It has a circular wall with monolithic dome of 21m diameter. Crash analysis has been performed for fighter jet Phantom F4. A normal hit at the crown of containment dome has been considered. Numerical simulations have been carried out using finite element code ABAQUS/Explicit. Concrete Damage Plasticity model have been incorporated to simulate the behaviour of concrete at high strain rate, while Johnson-Cook elasto-visco model of ductile metals have been used for steel reinforcement. Maximum deformation in the containment building has reported as 33.35 mm against crash of Phantom F4. Deformations in concrete and reinforcements have been localised to the impact region. Moreover, no significant global damage has been observed in structure. It may be concluded from the present study that at higher velocity of aircraft perforation of the structure may happen.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.525-536
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• 2018

This paper focuses on the application of the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) to thermo-elastic static problems of functionally graded carbon nanotubes reinforced composite (FG-CNTRC) cylindrical pressure vessels. A symmetric displacement field is considered as unknown function along the longitudinal direction, whereas a linear distribution is assumed along the thickness direction. The cylindrical pressure vessels are subjected to an inner and outer pressure under a temperature increase. Different patterns of reinforcement are applied as distribution of CNTs. The effective material properties of FG-CNTRC cylindrical pressure vessels are measured based on the rule of mixture, whereas the governing equations of the problem are here derived through the principle of virtual works. A large parametric investigation studies the effect of some significant parameters, such as the pattern and volume fraction of CNTs, on the longitudinal distribution of deformation, strain and stress components, as useful tool for practical engineering applications.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.405-422
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• 2016

The paper deals with the results of the laboratory cyclic plate load tests performed on the reinforced soft clay beds. The performances of the clay bed reinforced with geocells and geocells with additional basal geogrid cases are compared with the performance of the unreinforced clay beds. From the cyclic plate load test results, the coefficient of elastic uniform compression ($C_u$) was calculated for the different cases. The $C_u$ value was found to increase in the presence of geocell reinforcement. The maximum increase in the $C_u$ value was observed in the case of the clay bed reinforced with the combination of geocell and geogrid. In addition, 3 times increase in the strain modulus, 10 times increase in the bearing capacity, 8 times increase in the stiffness and 90% reduction in the settlement was observed in the presence of the geocell and geogrid. Based on the laboratory test results, a hypothetical case of a prototype foundation subjected to cyclic load was analyzed. The results revealed that the natural frequency of the foundation-soil system increases by 4 times and the amplitude of the vibration reduces by 92% in the presence of the geocells and the geogrids.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.207-221
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• 2011

This paper aims to study the behavior of short reinforced concrete columns confined with external glass Fiber Reinforced Polymers (GFRP) sheets under eccentric loads. The experimental part of the study was achieved by testing 9 specimens under eccentric compression. Three eccentricity ratios corresponding to e/t = 0, 0.10, 0.50 in one direction of the column were used. Specimens were divided into three groups. The first group was the control one without confinement. The second group was fully wrapped with GFRP laminates before loading. The third group was wrapped under loading after reaching 75% of failure loads of the control specimens. The third group was investigated in order to represent the practical case of strengthening a loaded column with FRP laminates. All specimens were loaded until failure. The results show that GFRP laminates enhances both failure load and ductility response of eccentrically loaded column. Moreover, the study also illustrates the effect of confinement on the first crack load, lateral deformation, strain in reinforcement and failure pattern. Based on the analysis of the experimental results, a simple model has been proposed to predict the improvement of load carrying capacity under different eccentricity ratios. The predicted equation takes into consideration the eccentricity to cross section depth ratio, the ultimate strength of GFRP, the thickness of wrapping laminate, and the time of wrapping (before loading and under loading). A good correlation was obtained between experimental and analytical results.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.737-765
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• 2005

This paper presents a theoretical model for the behavior of partially confined axi-symmetric reinforced concrete members subjected to axial load. The analysis uses the theories of elasticity and plasticity to cover the full range of the concrete behavior. Analysis of the elastic range of the problem involves boundary conditions that are defined along a relatively simple geometry. However, extending the analysis into the plastic range involves difficulties that arise from the irregular geometry of the boundary between the plastic zone and the elastic zone, a boundary which is also changing as the axial load increases. The solution is derived by replacing the discrete steel ties with an equivalent tube of thickness $t_{eq}$ and by analyzing the concrete cylinder, which is uniformly confined by the equivalent tube. The equivalency criterion initiates from a theoretical analysis of the problem in its elastic range where further finite element analysis shows that this criterion is valid also for the plastic range of the cylinder material. According to the proposed model, the efficiency of the lateral reinforcement can be evaluated by the equivalent thickness $t_{eq}$. Comparison with published test results of confined reinforced concrete stress-strain curves shows good agreement between the test and the analytical results.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.86 no.3
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• pp.417-430
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• 2023

As the key part in the reinforced concrete column-steel beam (RCS) frame, the beam-column joints are usually subjected the axial force, shear force and bending moment under seismic actions. With the aim to study the seismic behavior of RCS joints with and without RC slab, the quasi-static cyclic tests results, including hysteretic curves, slab crack development, failure mode, strain distributions, etc. were discussed in detail. It is shown that the composite action between steel beam and RC slab can significantly enhance the initial stiffness and loading capacity, but lead to a changing of the failure mode from beam flexural failure to the joint shear failure. Based on the analysis of shear failure mechanism, the calculation formula accounting for the influence of RC slab was proposed to estimate shear strength of RCS joint. In addition, the finite element model (FEM) was developed by ABAQUS and a series of parametric analysis model with RC slab was conducted to investigate the influence of the face plates thickness, slab reinforcement diameter, beam web strength and inner concrete strength on the shear strength of joints. Finally, the proposed formula in this paper is verified by the experiment and FEM parametric analysis results.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.659-677
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• 2013

This paper introduces new specimens of Steel-Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer composite developed in accordance with standard test method and definition for mechanical testing of steel (ASTM-A370). The main purpose of this research is to study the behaviour of steel-CFRP composite specimen under uniaxial tension to use it in beams in lieu of traditional steel bar reinforcement. Eighteen specimens were prepared and divided into six groups, depending upon the number of the layers of CFRP. Uniaxial tensile tests were conducted to determine yield strength and ultimate strength of specimens. Test results showed that the stress-strain curve of the composite specimen was bilinear prior to the fracture of CFRP laminate. The tested composite specimens displayed a large difference in strength with remarkable ductility. The ultimate load for Steel-Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer composite specimens was found using the model proposed by Wu et al. (2010) and nonlinear FE analysis. The ultimate loads obtained from FE analysis are found to be in good agreement with experimental ones. However, ultimate loads obtained applying Wu model are significantly different from experimental/FE ones. This suggested modification of Wu model. Modified Wu's model which gives a better estimate for the ultimate load of Steel-Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (SCFRP) composite specimen is presented in this paper.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.403-426
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• 2008

Externally bonding fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) sheets with an epoxy resin is an effective technique for strengthening and repairing reinforced concrete (RC) beams under flexural loads. Their resistance to electro-chemical corrosion, high strength-to-weight ratio, larger creep strain, fatigue resistance, and nonmagnetic and nonmetallic properties make carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites a viable alternative to bonding of steel plates in repair and rehabilitation of RC structures. The objective of this investigation is to study the effectiveness of CFRP sheets on ductility and flexural strength of reinforced high strength concrete (HSC) beams. This objective is achieved by conducting the following tasks: (1) flexural four-point testing of reinforced HSC beams strengthened with different amounts of cross-ply of CFRP sheets with different amount of tensile reinforcement up to failure; (2) calculating the effect of different layouts of CFRP sheets on the flexural strength; (3) Evaluating the failure modes; (4) developing an analytical procedure based on compatibility of deformations and equilibrium of forces to calculate the flexural strength of reinforced HSC beams strengthened with CFRP composites; and (5) comparing the analytical calculations with experimental results.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.163-173
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• 2024

Fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) have a proven strength enhancement capability when installed into Reinforced Concrete (RC) beams. The brittle failure of traditional FRP strengthening systems has attracted researchers to develop novel materials with improved strength and ductility properties. One such material is that known as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). This study presents a numerical investigation of the flexural behavior of reinforced concrete beams externally strengthened with PET-FRP systems. This material is distinguished by its large rupture strain, leading to an improvement in the ductility of the strengthened structural members compared to conventional FRPs. A three-dimensional (3-D) finite element (FE) model is developed in this study to predict the load-deflection response of a series of experimentally tested beams published in the literature. The numerical model incorporates constitutive material laws and bond-slip behavior between concrete and the strengthening system. Moreover, the validated model was applied in a parametric study to inspect the effect of concrete compressive strength, PET-FRP sheet length, and reinforcing steel bar diameter on the overall performance of concrete beams externally strengthened with PET-FRP.