Showing papers in "Engineering Structures in 2017"

TL;DR: In this paper, the nonlinear free vibration of a multi-layer polymer nanocomposite beam reinforced by graphene platelets (GPLs) non-uniformly distributed along the thickness direction is studied.

TL;DR: In this paper, a comprehensive experimental program has been carried out to investigate the behavior of concrete filled steel tubes (CFSTs) with high and ultra-high-strength materials at ambient temperature.

TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed a new methodology to calculate damage variables evolution; the proposed approach is based in the Lubliner/Lee/Fenves formulation and provides closed-form expressions of the compressive and tensile damage variables in terms of the corresponding strains.

TL;DR: In this article, a performance-based seismic design (PBSD) method was proposed for steel braced frames with novel self-centering (SC) braces that utilize shape memory alloys (SMA) as a kernel component.

TL;DR: In this article, a finite element model was used to generate simulation data covering a wide range of parameters for circular and rectangular CFST stub columns under axial compression, and regression analysis was conducted to predict the compressive strength, the compositional stiffness, and compressive strain for the composite columns, and the capacity reduction factors for the steel and concrete materials were recalibrated to achieve a target reliability index of 3.04 when considering resistance effect only.

TL;DR: In this article, the authors reveal the potential of using NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) bolts for self-centring connections against seismic action, with the main focus on the influence of composite slab systems on the connection performance.

TL;DR: In this paper, a beam-to-beam bolted connection is proposed to provide easy working access without being affected by the structural members, and the static performance, hysteretic performance, skeleton curves, ductile performance, energy dissipation capacity, and stiffness degradation patterns of the joints are obtained by experiments and finite element analyses.

TL;DR: In this article, the effect of critical structural parameters (i.e., the beam height, slab thickness and seismic reinforcement) on the collapse resistance was investigated by analyzing the applied loads, structural deformations and material strains.

TL;DR: In this article, a nonlinear recursive filter and a non-contact computer vision based algorithm is used to measure structural dynamic responses, and an unscented Kalman filter is employed to predict structural properties such as stiffness and damping coefficients.

TL;DR: The approach is shown to be an efficient means of simulating the three-dimensional non-linear behaviour of masonry under monotonic in-plane, out of plane and cyclic loads and the novel use of XFEM in simulating crack propagation within masonry units without initial definition of crack location is detailed.

TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed using multiple tuned mass dampers (MTMDs) to control vibrations from the fundamental and higher modes of offshore wind turbine tower under multiple hazards, i.e. under the combined wind, sea wave and earthquake excitations.

TL;DR: In this article, the authors compared the results obtained from laboratory tests against those predicted using the 3D discrete element method (DEM) software and showed that the model developed is capable of representing the crack development and load carrying capacity of masonry structures constructed with dry joints with sufficient accuracy.

TL;DR: In this article, an innovative numerical modeling strategy for the structural analysis of historical monumental buildings is presented, based on a procedure that enables the semi-automatic transformation of a three-dimensional points cloud surveyed through terrestrial laser scanner or closed range photogrammetry into a 3D finite element mesh, as well as its mechanical characterization.

TL;DR: In this paper, an analytical model based on Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) is proposed to predict the strength of FRP-confined concrete, which is adapted for the design of FRM-confining concrete and guarantees an improved accuracy with respect the available competitors.

TL;DR: In this article, the nonlinear bending and thermal postbuckling behaviors of nanocomposite beams in thermal environments and supported by an elastic foundation are investigated. And the effects of the graphene reinforcement distribution, laminate layer stacking sequence, temperature variation and foundation stiffness on the non-linear bending, thermal post-buckling, and the von Karman geometric nonlinear strain terms are also considered.

TL;DR: In this paper, a new methodology is presented for calculating the natural frequencies (NF) and damping ratios (DR) of large civil infrastructure from acquired dynamic signals using a multiple signal classification (MUSIC) algorithm, the empirical wavelet transform (EWT), and the Hilbert transform.

TL;DR: In this article, a deformation-based design approach called the continuous strength method (CSM) has been proposed for the design of stocky cross-sections, which relates the strength of a cross-section to its deformation capacity and employs a bi-linear (elastic, linear hardening) material model to account for strain hardening.

TL;DR: In this article, a modified concrete damaged plasticity model (CDPM) based on ABAQUS is presented to accurately simulate the mechanical responses of steel-polypropylene hybrid fiber reinforced concrete (HFRC).

TL;DR: In this article, the behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened in shear with externally bonded composites was investigated, and two different types of composites were studied: fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) and fiber reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) composites.

TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a complete and commented collection of cases of damage and collapse in reinforced concrete (RC) precast industrial buildings, observed by the authors during a series of field surveys after the 2012 Emilia earthquake in Northern Italy.

TL;DR: In this paper, an experimental investigation into the structural performance of compressed high strength steel (HSS) square and rectangular hollow sections is described, which includes tensile coupon tests on flat and corner material, measurements of geometric imperfections, full cross-section tensile tests and stub column tests.

TL;DR: In this paper, the evaluation of various parameters needed to define the monotonic and hysteretic response of infill walls modelled by equivalent struts is performed by means of the OpenSees computer program.

TL;DR: In this article, a multi-disciplinary approach for identification of historic buildings structural health with combination of Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) survey, Deviation Analysis (DA) and Finite Element (FE) numerical modelling is presented.

TL;DR: In this article, a physics-based finite element model is developed to study the effect of blast pressure on structural resistance against progressive collapse under column removal scenario induced by contact detonation, and to investigate the development of catenary action within ultra-fast dynamic regime.

TL;DR: In this paper, the authors presented a building corner aerodynamic optimization procedure (AOP) to reduce the wind load, by coupling an optimization algorithm, large eddy simulation (LES) and an artificial neural network (ANN) based surrogate model.

TL;DR: In this article, an improved finite element (FE) model is proposed to simulate axially-loaded reinforced concrete (RC) columns subjected to impact loading, where the concrete material model is modified to accurately consider the confinement effect of the spiral stirrup.

TL;DR: In this paper, a hybrid cable network consisting of dissipative devices and cross-ties is proposed to improve the dissipation capacity of cable-stayed bridges by embedding inerter components into cable networks.

TL;DR: In this paper, the performance of four types of beam-to-column connections, namely, the welded cover plate flange connection (CWP), the haunch end plate bolted connection (EPH), the reduced beam section welded connection (RBS), and the unstiffened extended end-plate bolted connection(EP), against progressive collapse was investigated.

TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present the testing program and the obtained results in terms of dynamic identification (fundamental period and damping ratio) and earthquake performance (global lateral response, building drift, acceleration amplification, diaphragm response, and observed damage).

TL;DR: In this article, a multidisciplinary approach for the structural assessment of masonry arch bridges is presented, which integrates laser scanning, ground penetration radar, sonic tests and ambient vibration testing, providing all the necessary geometric data to build an accurate and detailed 3D finite element model.