• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.621-639
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• 2006

Stability of a cylindrical shell subject to a uniform axial compression, which is a power function of time, is examined within the framework of small strain elasto-plasticity. The material of the shell is incompressible and the effect of the elastic unloading is considered. Initially, employing the infinitesimal elastic-plastic deformation theory, the fundamental relations and Donnell type stability equations for a cylindrical shell have been obtained. Then, employing Galerkin's method, those equations have been reduced to a time dependent differential equation with variable coefficient. Finally, for two initial conditions applying a Ritz type variational method, the critical static and dynamic axial loads, the corresponding wave numbers and dynamic factor have been found. Using those results, the effects of the variations of loading parameters and the variations of power of time in the axial load expression as well as the variations of the radius to thickness ratio on the critical parameters of the shells for two initial conditions are also elucidated. Comparing results with those in the literature validates the present analysis.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.53-73
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• 2013

Prediction of prestressed concrete girder integral abutment bridge (IAB) load effect requires understanding of the inherent uncertainties as it relates to thermal loading, time-dependent effects, bridge material properties and soil properties. In addition, complex inelastic and hysteretic behavior must be considered over an extended, 75-year bridge life. The present study establishes IAB displacement and internal force statistics based on available material property and soil property statistical models and Monte Carlo simulations. Numerical models within the simulation were developed to evaluate the 75-year bridge displacements and internal forces based on 2D numerical models that were calibrated against four field monitored IABs. The considered input uncertainties include both resistance and load variables. Material variables are: (1) concrete elastic modulus; (2) backfill stiffness; and (3) lateral pile soil stiffness. Thermal, time dependent, and soil loading variables are: (1) superstructure temperature fluctuation; (2) superstructure concrete thermal expansion coefficient; (3) superstructure temperature gradient; (4) concrete creep and shrinkage; (5) bridge construction timeline; and (6) backfill pressure on backwall and abutment. IAB displacement and internal force statistics were established for: (1) bridge axial force; (2) bridge bending moment; (3) pile lateral force; (4) pile moment; (5) pile head/abutment displacement; (6) compressive stress at the top fiber at the mid-span of the exterior span; and (7) tensile stress at the bottom fiber at the mid-span of the exterior span. These established IAB displacement and internal force statistics provide a basis for future reliability-based design criteria development.