• Computers and Concrete
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.135-147
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• 2014

Strut-and-tie model (STM) has been recommended by many codes and standards as a rational model for discontinuity regions in structural members. STM has been adopted in ACI building code for analysis of reinforced concrete (RC) deep beams since 2002. However, STM recommended by ACI 318-11 is only applicable for analysis of ordinary RC deep beams. This paper aims to develop the STM for CFRP strengthened RC deep beams through the strut effectiveness factor recommended by ACI 318-11. Two sets of RC deep beams were cast and tested in this research. Each set consisted of six simply-supported specimens loaded in four-point bending. The first set had no CFRP strengthening while the second was strengthened by means of CFRP sheets using two-side wet lay-up system. Each set consisted of six RC deep beams with shear span to effective depth ratio of 0.75, 1.00, 1.25, 1.50, 1.75, and 2.00.The value of strut effectiveness factor recommended by ACI 318-11 is modified using a proposed empirical relationship in this research. The empirical relationship is established based on shear span to effective depth ratio.

• International Journal of Ocean System Engineering
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.185-194
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• 2012

A Macroscopic combination of two or more distinct materials is commonly referred to as a "Composite Material", having been designed mechanically and chemically superior in function and characteristic than its individual constituent materials. Composite materials are used not only for aerospace and military, but also heavily used in boat/ship building and general composite industries which we are seeing increasingly more. Regardless of the various applications for composite materials, the industry is still limited and requires better fabrication technology and methodology in order to expand and grow. An example of this is that the majority of fabrication facilities nearby still use an antiquated wet lay-up process where fabrication still requires manual hand labor in a 3D environment impeding productivity of composite product design advancement. As an expert in the advanced composites field, I have developed fabrication skills with the use of machinery based on my past composite experience. In autumn 2011, the Korea government confirmed to fund my project. It is the development of a composite sanding machine. I began development of this semi-robotic prototype beginning in 2009. It has possibilities of replacing or augmenting the exhaustive and difficult jobs performed by human hands, such as sanding, grinding, blasting, and polishing in most often, very awkward conditions, and is also will boost productivity, improve surface quality, cut abrasive costs, eliminate vibration injuries, and protect workers from exposure to dust and airborne contamination. Ease of control and operation of the equipment in or outside of the sanding room is a key benefit to end-users. It will prove to be much more economical than normal robotics and minimize errors that commonly occur in factories. The key components and their technologies are a 360 degree rotational shoulder and a wrist that is controlled under PLC controller and joystick manual mode. Development on both of the key modules is complete and are now operational. The Korean government fund boosted my development and I expect to complete full scale development no later than 3rd quarter 2012. Even with the advantages of composite materials, there is still the need to repair or to maintain composite products with a higher level of technology. I have learned many composite repair skills on composite airframe since many composite fabrication skills including repair, requires training for non aerospace applications. The wind energy market is now requiring much larger blades in order to generate more electrical energy for wind farms. One single blade is commonly 50 meters or longer now. When a wind blade becomes damaged from external forces, on-site repair is required on the columns even under strong wind and freezing temperature conditions. In order to correctly obtain polymerization, the repair must be performed on the damaged area within a very limited time. The use of pre-impregnated glass fabric and heating silicone pad and a hot bonder acting precise heating control are surely required.