• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.371-394
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• 2012

Accurate finite element (FE) models are needed in many applications of Civil Engineering such as health monitoring, damage detection, structural control, structural evaluation and assessment. Model accuracy depends on both the model structure (the form of the equations) and the model parameters (the coefficients of the equations), and can be generally improved through that process of experimental reconciliation known as model updating. However, modelling errors, including (i) errors in the model structure and (ii) errors in parameters excluded from adjustment, may bias the solution, leading to an updated model which replicates measurements but lacks physical meaning. In this paper, an application of ambient-vibration-based model updating to a large-scale benchmark prototype of a building structure is reported in which both types of error are met. The error in the model structure, originating from unmodelled secondary structural elements unexpectedly working as resonant appendages, is faced through a reduction of the experimental modal model. The error in the model parameters, due to the inevitable constraints imposed on parameters to avoid ill-conditioning and under-determinacy, is faced through a multi-model parameterization approach consisting in the generation and solution of a multitude of models, each characterized by a different set of updating parameters. Results show that modelling errors may significantly impair updating even in the case of seemingly simple systems and that multi-model reasoning, supported by physical insight, may effectively improve the accuracy and robustness of calibration.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.355-380
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• 2008

In this study, the new three-dimensional finite element analysis model of guideway structures considering ultra high-speed magnetic levitation train-bridge interaction, in which the various improved finite elements are used to model structural members, is proposed. The box-type bridge deck of guideway structures is modeled by Nonconforming Flat Shell finite elements with six DOF (degrees of freedom). The sidewalls on a bridge deck are idealized by using beam finite elements and spring connecting elements. The vehicle model devised for an ultra high-speed Maglev train is employed, which is composed of rigid bodies with concentrated mass. The characteristics of levitation and guidance force, which exist between the super-conducting magnet and guideway, are modeled with the equivalent spring model. By Lagrange's equations of motion, the equations of motion of Maglev train are formulated. Finally, by deriving the equations of the force acting on the guideway considering Maglev train-bridge interaction, the complete system matrices of Maglev train-guideway structure system are composed.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.73 no.1
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• pp.83-95
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• 2020

In this work, a mathematical model of beam-column system carrying a double eccentric end mass system is investigated, and solved analytically based on the exact solution analysis. The model considers the case in which the double eccentric end mass is a rigid storage tank containing fluid. Both Timoshenko and Bernoulli-Euler beam bending theories are considered. Equation of motion, general solution and boundary conditions for the present system model are developed and presented in dimensional and non-dimensional format. Several important non-dimensional design parameters are introduced. Symbolic and/or explicit formulae of the frequency and mode shape equations are formulated. To the authors knowledge, the present reduced closed form symbolic and explicit frequency equations have not appeared in literature. For different applications, the results are validated using commercial finite element package, namely ANSYS. The beam-column system investigated in this paper is significant for many engineering applications, especially, in mechanical and structural systems.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Rural Architecture
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.29-36
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• 2009

The recently research shows that the many tourists of Suanbo hot spring waters haven't satisfied the service. These reasons due to that they did not properly consider the satisfaction of tourists' services and index. However, satisfaction level of hot spring waters tourists is interacted complicatedly with various factors, the interactions are not easily identified. A structural equations model is adopted to capture the complex relationships among variables. In the model estimation, we used 140 survey data of Suanbo hot spring waters tourists. The SEM with several factors mentioned above as exogenous variables shows that they have complex and strong relationships. As results of a SEM, it was shown that variables influencing in pleasance are surrounding scenery, clean condition inside hot springs and congestion for use in satisfaction level most. Secondly, in case of kindness, attitudes of employees influence in satisfaction level most, followed by attitudes of residents and kindness of employees. Thirdly, in case of information, it was shown guidance on internal roads influencing in satisfaction level most, followed by guidance on owner drivers, guidance on surrounding tourist attractions and guidance on public transportation. Finally, a variable influencing in accessibility most is satisfaction level of public transportation.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.27-44
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• 2013

A finite element computational procedure for the accurate analysis of quasistatic thermorheological complex structures response is developed. The geometrical nonlinearity, arising from large displacements and rotations (but small strains), is accounted for by the total Lagrangian description of motion. The Schapery's nonlinear single-integral viscoelastic constitutive model is modified for a time-stress-temperature-dependent behavior. The nonlinear thermo-viscoelastic constitutive equations are incrementalized leading to a recursive relationship and thereby the resulting finite element equations necessitate data storage from the previous time step only, and not the entire deformation history. The Newton-Raphson iterative scheme is employed to obtain a converged solution for the non-linear finite element equations. The developed numerical model is verified with the previously published works and a good agreement with them is found. The applicability of the developed model is demonstrated by analyzing two examples with different thermal/mechanical loading histories.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.68 no.1
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• pp.39-51
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• 2018

In this study, a frequency domain model updating method is presented using power spectral density (PSD) data. It uses the sensitivity of PSD function with respect to the unknown structural parameters through a decomposed form of transfer function. The stiffness parameters are captured with high accuracy through solving the sensitivity equations utilizing the least square approach. Using numerically noise polluted data, the model updating results of a truss model prove robustness of the method against measurement and mass modelling errors. Results prove the capabilities of the method for parameter estimation using highly noise polluted data of low ranges of excitation frequency.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.393-406
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• 2001

The present paper discusses the behavior of the reinforced concrete beams subjected to torsion by applying the endochronic plastic model in conjunction with the softened truss model. The endochronic constitutive equations are developed to describe the behavior of concrete. The mechanical behavior of concrete is decomposed into hydrostatic part and deviatoric part. New definition of the bulk modulus and the shear modulus are defined in terms of compressive strength of concrete. Also, new deviatoric hardening function is developed. Then, the endochronic constitutive equations of concrete are applied with the softened truss model for the behavior of the reinforced concrete beams subjected to torsion. The theoretical results obtained based on the present model are compared with the experimental data. The present model has shown the ability to describe the behavior of reinforced concrete beams subjected to torsion.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.75 no.3
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• pp.283-294
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• 2020

In general, the study of a high-rise building's behaviour when subjected to a horizontal load (wind or earthquake) is carried out through numerical modelling with finite elements method. This paper proposes a new, original approach based on the use of a multi-beams model. By redistributing bending and axial stiffness of horizontal elements (beams and slabs) along vertical elements, it becomes possible to produce a system of differential equations able to represent the structural behaviour of the whole building. In this paper this approach is applied to the study of bending behaviour in a 37-storey building (Torre Pontina, Latina, Italy) with a regular reinforced concrete structure. The load considered is the wind, estimated in accordance with Italian national technical rules and regulations. To simplify the explanation of the approach, the wind load was considered uniform on the height of building with a value equal to the average value of the wind load distribution. The system of differential equations' is assessed numerically, using Matlab, and compared with the obtainable solution from a finite elements model along with the obtainable solutions via classical Euler-Bernoulli beam theory. The comparison carried out demonstrates, in the case study examined, an excellent approximation of structural behaviour.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.739-759
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• 2012

The tailoring optimization technique recently developed by the author for improving structural response and energy absorption of composites is extended to sandwich shells using a previously developed zig-zag shell model with hierarchic representation of displacements. The in-plane variation of the stiffness properties of plies and the through-the thickness variation of the core properties are determined solving the Euler-Lagrange equations of an extremal problem in which the strain energy due to out-of-plane strains and stresses is minimised, while that due to their in-plane counterparts is maximised. In this way, the energy stored by unwanted out-of-plane modes involving weak properties is transferred to acceptable in-plane modes. As shown by the numerical applications, the critical interlaminar stress concentrations at the interfaces with the core are consistently reduced without any bending stiffness loss and the strength to debonding of faces from the core is improved. The structural model was recently developed by the author to accurately describe strain energy and interlaminar stresses from the constitutive equations. It a priori fulfills the displacement and stress contact conditions at the interfaces, considers a second order expansion of Lame's coefficients and a hierarchic representation that adapts to the variation of solutions. Its functional d.o.f. are the traditional mid-plane displacements and the shear rotations, so refinement implies no increase of the number of functional d.o.f. Sandwich shells are represented as multilayered shells made of layers with different thickness and material properties, the core being treated as a thick intermediate layer.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.545-556
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• 2007

In this paper, a hybrid boundary element technique is implemented to analyze nonlinear transient pile soil interaction in Gibson type nonhomeogenous soil. Inelastic modeling of soil media is presented by introducing a rational approximation to the continuum with nonlinear interface springs along the piles. Modified $\ddot{O}$zdemir's nonlinear model is implemented and systems of equations are coupled at interfaces for piles and pile groups. Linear beam column finite elements are used to model the piles and the resulting governing equations are solved using an implicit integration scheme. By enforcing displacement equilibrium conditions at each time step, a system of equations is generated which yields the solution. A numerical example is performed to investigate the effects of nonlinearity on the pile soil interaction.