• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.715-724
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• 2011

A turn buckle inserted between tension members that sustain the structural loads in a suspension structure system is a device that is capable of adjusting the tensile force. The tension member is an important element of a tension structure, but no simple and economical method of measuring a tensile force applied to members has been proposed yet. Thus, a turn buckle for measuring the tensile force in a tension member was developed in this study. The turn buckles of the measurement limit loads of 100kN, 200kN, and 300kN were tested through a theoretical analysis and a finite element analysis. There was no significant difference in the results of the theoretical analysis, FEA, and the test. In addition, the ultimate strength of the turn buckle using FEA showed that a new turn buckle is sufficiently safe to use even when there is a five-times overload in the measurement limit load.

• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.61-70
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• 2013

A turn-buckle is capable of adjusting the tensile force by left-hand threads and right-hand threads between tension members. There are different types of turn-buckles according to tension member and connection form but the practical and existing turn-buckles are incapable of measuring the tensile force. A turn-buckle for adjusting and measuring tensile force has therefore been developed. This study shows the ultimate strength and reliability for measurement of the new turn-buckles through finite element analysis of the developed ones. From analytic results of the new turn-buckles which have the measurement limit loads of 100kN, 200kN and 300kN, the ultimate strength is approximately five times stronger than the measurement limit capacity. Additionally, a review of the new turn-buckle, which has the measurement limit load of over 300kN, shows that there is a tendency for the size of turn-buckle to become larger. So the connection devices were designed and the loading test was conducted from the concept that the parallel connection of turn-buckle with 300kN capacity can measure the tensile force of 600kN. The results of parallel loading test show the sufficient possibility. Furthermore, the mock-up test was constructed to investigate the release of initial load and corrosion when the new turn-buckle is installed at the outdoor and exposed to rain and atmosphere.

• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.15 no.4 s.65
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• pp.435-445
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• 2003

Tension member is one of the most important elements in tension structure. An economical and reliable measurement method of a member's tensile force has yet to be developed, however. Several conventional measurement methods have some disadvantages when used for long-term, on-site measurement. A new tension-force measurement device was proposed to resolve measuring problems. Its principle was to use the bending part of the device as an elastic spring. The lateral deformation of the bending part due to tensile force can be measured to monitor the tensile force. This device was inserted in the tension member like a turn-buckle. Lateral deformation may be measured in the field at any time for the purpose of maintaining structures. Finite element analysis was used to design the shape and parametric study. Six specimens were tested within the elastic range. The test result showed that the elastic behavior or the bending part was consistent with the analysis' results.