Showing papers in "Frontiers of Structural and Civil Engineering in 2015"

Yue’s solution of classical elasticity in n -layered solids: Part 1, mathematical formulation

Abstract: This paper presents the exact and complete fundamental singular solutions for the boundary value problem of a n-layered elastic solid of either transverse isotropy or isotropy subject to body force vector at the interior of the solid. The layer number n is an arbitrary nonnegative integer. The mathematical theory of linear elasticity is one of the most classical field theories in mechanics and physics. It was developed and established by many well-known scientists and mathematicians over 200 years from 1638 to 1838. For more than 150 years from 1838 to present, one of the remaining key tasks in classical elasticity has been the mathematical derivation and formulation of exact solutions for various boundary value problems of interesting in science and engineering. However, exact solutions and/or fundamental singular solutions in closed form are still very limited in literature. The boundary-value problems of classical elasticity in n-layered and graded solids are also one of the classical problems challenging many researchers. Since 1984, the author has analytically and rigorously examined the solutions of such classical problems using the classical mathematical tools such as Fourier integral transforms. In particular, he has derived the exact and complete fundamental singular solutions for elasticity of either isotropic or transversely isotropic layered solids subject to concentrated loadings. The solutions in n-layered or graded solids can be calculated with any controlled accuracy in association with classical numerical integration techniques. Findings of this solution formulation are further used in the companion paper for mathematical verification of the solutions and further applications for exact and complete solutions of other problems in elasticity, elastodynamics, poroelasticty and thermoelasticity. The mathematical formulations and solutions have been named by other researchers as Yue’s approach, Yue’s treatment, Yue’s method and Yue’s solution.

Fatigue crack growth simulations of 3-D linear elastic cracks under thermal load by XFEM

Abstract: This paper deals with the fatigue crack growth simulations of three-dimensional linear elastic cracks by XFEM under cyclic thermal load. Both temperature and displacement approximations are extrinsically enriched by Heaviside and crack front enrichment functions. Crack growth is modelled by successive linear extensions, and the end points of these linear extensions are joined by cubic spline segments to obtain a modified crack front. Different crack geometries such as planer, non-planer and arbitrary spline shape cracks are simulated under thermal shock, adiabatic and isothermal loads to reveal the sturdiness and versatility of the XFEM approach.

Free vibration analysis of cracked thin plates by quasi-convex coupled isogeometric-meshfree method

Abstract: The free vibration analysis of cracked thin plates via a quasi-convex coupled isogeometric-meshfree method is presented. This formulation employs the consistently coupled isogeometric-meshfree strategy where a mixed basis vector of the convex B-splines is used to impose the consistency conditions throughout the whole problem domain. Meanwhile, the rigid body modes related to the mixed basis vector and reproducing conditions are also discussed. The mixed basis vector simultaneously offers the consistent isogeometric-meshfree coupling in the coupled region and the quasi-convex property for the meshfree shape functions in the meshfree region, which is particularly attractive for the vibration analysis. The quasi-convex meshfree shape functions mimic the isogeometric basis function as well as offer the meshfree nodal arrangement flexibility. Subsequently, this approach is exploited to study the free vibration analysis of cracked plates, in which the plate geometry is exactly represented by the isogeometric basis functions, while the cracks are discretized by meshfree nodes and highly smoothing approximation is invoked in the rest of the problem domain. The efficacy of the present method is illustrated through several numerical examples.

Computational model generation and RVE design of self-healing concrete

Abstract: Computational homogenization is a versatile tool that can extract effective properties of heterogeneous or composite material through averaging technique. Self-healing concrete (SHC) is a heterogeneous material which has different constituents as cement matrix, sand and healing agent carrying capsules. Computational homogenization tool is applied in this paper to evaluate the effective properties of self-healing concrete. With this technique, macro and micro scales are bridged together which forms the basis for multi-scale modeling. Representative volume element (RVE) is a small (microscopic) cell which contains all the microphases of the microstructure. This paper presents a technique for RVE design of SHC and shows the influence of volume fractions of different constituents, RVE size and mesh uniformity on the homogenization results.

Elasto-plastic fatigue crack growth analysis of plane problems in the presence of flaws using XFEM

Abstract: In this paper, elasto-plastic XFEM simulations have been performed to evaluate the fatigue life of plane crack problems in the presence of various defects. The stress-strain response of the material is modeled by Ramberg-Osgood equation. The von-Mises failure criterion has been used with isotropic hardening. The J-integral for two fracture modes (mode-I and mode-II) is obtained by decomposing the displacement and stress fields into their symmetric and antisymmetric parts, then individual stress intensity factors are extracted from J-integral. The fatigue life obtained by EPFM is found quite close to that obtained by LEFM.

Analysis of flow over backward facing step with transition

Abstract: The present study deals with the study of the velocity distribution and the separation phenomenon of flow of air over a two dimensional backward facing step. The flow of air over a backward facing step has been investigated numerically using FLUENT. Flow simulation has been carried out in a backward facing step having an expansion ratio (ratio of the height before and after the step) of 1:1.94 and the results obtained are compared with the published experimental results. Comparison of flow characteristics between steps with three different transitions is made. The variation of reattachment length for all the three cases are analyzed for wide range of Reynolds number ranging from 100 to 7000 which covers the laminar, transition and turbulent flow of air. Simulation of the flow over steps with expansion ratios of 1:1.24, 1:1.38, 1:1.47, 1:1.53, 1:1.94, 1:2.20 are also carried out to examine the effect of different expansion ratios on the reattachment length. It is found that the primary reattachment length increases with increase in the expansion ratio. The primary reattachment length at the bottom wall downstream of the step is minimum for the step with round edged transition and maximum for the step with a vertical drop transition.

Continuous dynamic monitoring of a centenary iron bridge for structural modification assessment

Abstract: A multi-channel continuous dynamic monitoring system has been installed in a centenary iron arch bridge on late November 2011. The historic infrastructure, completed in 1889 and crossing the Adda river about 50 km far from Milan, is the most important monument of XIX century iron architecture in Italy and is still used as roadway and railway bridge. The monitoring project follows a series of preliminary ambient vibration tests carried out on the bridge since June 2009.

Influence of axial load on the lateral pile groups response in cohesionless and cohesive soil

Abstract: The lateral response of single and group of piles under simultaneous vertical and lateral loads has been analyzed using a 3D finite element approach. The response in this assessment considered lateral pile displacement and lateral soil resistance and corresponding p-y curve. As a result, modified p-y curves for lateral single pile response were improved with respect to the influence of increasing axial load intensities. The improved plots can be used for lateral loaded pile design and to produce the group action design p-multiplier curves and equations. The effect of load combination on the lateral pile group response was performed on three pile group configurations (i.e., 2×1, 2×2 and 3×2) with four pile spacings (i.e., s = 2D, 4D, 6D and 8D). As a result, design curves were developed and applied on the actual case studies and similar expected cases for assessment of pile group behavior using improved p-multiplier. A design equation was derived from predicted design curves to be used in the evaluation of the lateral pile group action taking into account the effect of axial load intensities. It was found that the group interaction effect led to reduced lateral resistance for the pile in the group relative to that for the single pile in case of pure lateral load. While, in case of simultaneous combined loads, large axial load intensities (i.e., more than 6H, where H is lateral load values) will have an increase in p-multiplier by approximately 100% and will consequently contribute to greater group piles capacities.

Research on port ecological suitability evaluation index system and evaluation model

Abstract: Along with the rapid development of port building, the negative impacts of port’s construction and operation on the coastline ecosystem are also increasingly strong. Therefore, it’s urgent to establish a scientific and complete system of port ecological suitability evaluation. This paper pointed out the characteristics of port ecological effects and the principles of selecting evaluation index, and used the “pressure-state-response (PSR)” model to analysis the various pressures on the environment caused by port construction and operation, and the system’s response. On this basis, we constructed the port ecological suitability evaluation index. This model used the combination of qualitative and quantitative analytic hierarchy process, to meet the multi-level, multi-objective characteristics of evaluation index system. The evaluation index system and evaluation model can be used to analysis the ecological suitability of port projects comprehensively and have some guiding significance to the port ecological suitability evaluation.

Stochastic analysis of laminated composite plate considering stochastic homogenization problem

Abstract: This paper discusses a multiscale stochastic analysis of a laminated composite plate consisting of unidirectional fiber reinforced composite laminae. In particular, influence of a microscopic random variation of the elastic properties of component materials on mechanical properties of the laminated plate is investigated. Laminated composites are widely used in civil engineering, and therefore multiscale stochastic analysis of laminated composites should be performed for reliability evaluation of a composite civil structure. This study deals with the stochastic response of a laminated composite plate against the microscopic random variation in addition to a random variation of fiber orientation in each lamina, and stochastic properties of the mechanical responses of the laminated plate is investigated. Halpin-Tsai formula and the homogenization theory-based finite element analysis are employed for estimation of effective elastic properties of lamina, and the classical laminate theory is employed for analysis of a laminated plate. The Monte-Carlo simulation and the first-order second moment method with sensitivity analysis are employed for the stochastic analysis. From the numerical results, importance of the multiscale stochastic analysis for reliability evaluation of a laminated composite structure and applicability of the sensitivity-based approach are discussed.

Investigation of sediment transport pattern and beach morphology in the vicinity of submerged groyne (case study: Dahane Sar Sefidrood)

Abstract: Marine structures, such as Groynes, Sea walls and Detached Breakwaters, are constructed in coast of area to improve coast stability against bed erosions due to changing wave and current pattern. Marine mechanisms and interaction with the hydraulic structures need to be intensively studied. Groynes are one of the most prominent structures that are used in shore protection and littoral sediment. The main hydraulic function of the groyne is to control the long shore current and littoral sediment transport. This structure can be submerged and provide the necessary beach protection without negative aesthetic impact. However, for submerged structures adopted for beach protection, the shoreline response to these structures is not well understood. The objective of this study is to predict sediment transport in the vicinity of submerged groyne and comparison with non-submerged groyne focusing on a part of the coast at Dahane Sar Sefidrood, Guilan Province, Iran, where serious coast erosion has been occurred. The simulations were designed using a one-line model which can be used as a first approximation of shoreline prediction in the vicinity of groyne. The results of the proposed model are compared with experimental data to determine the shape of the coast. The results of predicted beach deformation show that when submerged groyne construct in the beach, sediment accumulation will be slightly less than the non-submerged groyne; because transfer coefficient for the submerged groyne is more than non-submerged groyne. This result will cause more sediment passing on submerged groyne. Finally, the result of the present study show that using submerged groyne is an efficient way to control the sediment and beach erosion without causing severe environmental effect on the coast.

Damage assessment of laminated composite beam structures using damage locating vector (DLV) method

Abstract: In this paper, the damage locating vector (DLV) method using normalized cumulative energy (nce) is employed to locate multiple damage sites in laminated composite beam structures. Numerical simulations of two laminated composite beams are employed to investigate several damage scenarios in which the degradation of elements is modeled by the reduction in the longitudinal Young’s modulus and transverse Young’s modulus of beam layers. The results show that the DLV method gives good performance for this kind of structure.

Performance of soft-hard-soft (SHS) cement based composite subjected to blast loading with consideration of interface properties

Abstract: This paper presents a combined experimental and numerical study on the damage and performance of a soft-hard-soft (SHS) multi-layer cement based composite subjected to blast loading which can be used for protective structures and infrastructures to resist extreme loadings, and the composite consists of three layers of construction materials including asphalt concrete (AC) on the top, high strength concrete (HSC) in the middle, and engineered cementitious composites (ECC) at the bottom. To better characterize the material properties under dynamic loading, interface properties of the composite were investigated through direct shear test and also used to validate the interface model. Strain rate effects of the asphalt concrete were also studied and both compressive and tensile dynamic increase factor (DIF) curves were improved based on split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) test. A full-scale field blast test investigated the blast behavior of the composite materials. The numerical model was established by taking into account the strain rate effect of all concrete materials. Furthermore, the interface properties were also considered into the model. The numerical simulation using nonlinear finite element software LS-DYNA agrees closely with the experimental data. Both the numerical and field blast test indicated that the SHS composite exhibited high resistance against blast loading.

Load-sharing mechanism in timber-steel hybrid shear wall systems

Abstract: The lateral performance of timber-steel hybrid shear wall systems with regard to the interaction between the steel frame and the infill wood shear wall was investigated in this paper. A numerical model for the timber-steel hybrid shear wall system was developed and verified against test results. Design parameters, such as the lateral infill-to-frame stiffness ratio and the arrangements of wood-steel bolted connections were studied using the numerical model. Some design recommendations were also proposed based on the parametric analysis. In the hybrid shear wall system, the infill wood wall was found to resist a major part of the lateral load within relatively small wall drifts, and then the steel frame provided more lateral resistance. Under seismic loads, the infill wood wall could significantly reduce the inter-story drift of the hybrid system, and a complementary effect between the infill wood wall and the steel frame was observed through different lateral load resisting mechanisms, which provided robustness to the hybrid shear wall systems.

Static-based early-damage detection using symbolic data analysis and unsupervised learning methods

Abstract: A large amount of researches and studies have been recently performed by applying statistical and machine learning techniques for vibration-based damage detection. However, the global character inherent to the limited number of modal properties issued from operational modal analysis may be not appropriate for early-damage, which has generally a local character. The present paper aims at detecting this type of damage by using static SHM data and by assuming that early-damage produces dead load redistribution. To achieve this objective a data driven strategy is proposed, consisting of the combination of advanced statistical and machine learning methods such as principal component analysis, symbolic data analysis and cluster analysis. From this analysis it was observed that, under the noise levels measured on site, the proposed strategy is able to automatically detect stiffness reduction in stay cables reaching at least 1%.

An extended cell-based smoothed discrete shear gap method (XCS-FEM-DSG3) for free vibration analysis of cracked Reissner-Mindlin shells

Abstract: A cell-based smoothed discrete shear gap method (CS-FEM-DSG3) was recently proposed and proven to be robust for free vibration analyses of Reissner-Mindlin shell. The method improves significantly the accuracy of the solution due to softening effect of the cell-based strain smoothing technique. In addition, due to using only three-node triangular elements generated automatically, the CS-FEM-DSG3 can be applied flexibly for arbitrary complicated geometric domains. However so far, the CS-FEM-DSG3 has been only developed for analyzing intact structures without possessing internal cracks. The paper hence tries to extend the CS-FEM-DSG3 for free vibration analysis of cracked Reissner-Mindlin shells by integrating the original CS-FEM-DSG3 with discontinuous and crack–tip singular enrichment functions of the extended finite element method (XFEM) to give a so-called extended cell-based smoothed discrete shear gap method (XCS-FEM-DSG3). The accuracy and reliability of the novel XCS-FEM-DSG3 for free vibration analysis of cracked Reissner-Mindlin shells are investigated through solving three numerical examples and comparing with commercial software ANSYS.

Experiment on aluminum alloy members under axial compression

Abstract: To improve the design methods of Chinese aluminum alloy members, experiment of 63 profiled aluminum alloy members, made of Chinese aluminum alloy 6061-T6, under axial compression is conducted in this paper. Valuable experimental data are obtained. At the same time, in order to obtain the relevant data, a large number of other experimental data from published papers and technical reports are collected and sorted out. 167 valid experimental data points are obtained finally. Furthermore, for the purpose of creating column curves, the aluminum alloy members under the axial compression, used in experiments, are analyzed by means of FEM. Based on the numerical results, 2 column curves are created by means of the numerical fitting method. The column curves are compared with the calculated data according to the experimental results for verification, and also are verified with the curves in design codes of several relevant countries. The numerical results show that the column curves obtained in this paper are valid and reliable.

Adaptive selective ES-FEM limit analysis of cracked plane-strain structures

Abstract: This paper presents a simple and efficient approach for predicting the plastic limit loads in cracked planestrain structures.We use two levels of mesh repartitioning for the finite element limit analysis. The master level handles an adaptive primal-mesh process through a dissipation-based indicator. The slave level performs the subdivision of each triangle into three sub-triangles and constitutes a dual mesh from a pair of two adjacent sub-triangles shared by common edges of the primal mesh. Applying a strain smoothing projection to the strain rates on the dual mesh, the incompressibility constraint and the flow rule constraint are imposed over the edge-based smoothing domains and everywhere in the problem domain. The limit analysis problem is recast into the compact form of a second-order cone programming (SOCP) for the purpose of exploiting interior-point solvers. The present method retains a low number of optimization variables. It offers a convenient way for designing and solving the large-scale optimization problems effectively. Several benchmark examples are given to show the simplicity and effectiveness of the present method.

Simulation of heterogeneous two-phase media using random fields and level sets

Abstract: The accurate and efficient simulation of random heterogeneous media is important in the framework of modeling and design of complex materials across multiple length scales. It is usually assumed that the morphology of a random microstructure can be described as a non-Gaussian random field that is completely defined by its multivariate distribution. A particular kind of non-Gaussian random fields with great practical importance is that of translation fields resulting from a simple memory-less transformation of an underlying Gaussian field with known second-order statistics. This paper provides a critical examination of existing random field models of heterogeneous two-phase media with emphasis on level-cut random fields which are a special case of translation fields. The case of random level sets, often used to represent the geometry of physical systems, is also examined. Two numerical examples are provided to illustrate the basic features of the different approaches.

Flexural-torsional buckling behavior of aluminum alloy beams

Abstract: This paper presents an investigation on the flexural-torsional buckling behavior of aluminum alloy beams (AAB). First, based on the tests of 14 aluminum alloy beams under concentrated loads, the failure pattern, load-deformation curves, bearing capacity and flexural-torsional buckling factor are studied. It is found that all the beam specimens collapsed in the flexural-torsional buckling with excessive deformation pattern. Moreover, the span, loading location and slenderness ratio influence the flexural-torsional buckling capacity of beams significantly. Secondly, besides the experiments, a finite element method (FEM) analysis on the flexural-torsional buckling behavior of AAB is also conducted. The main parameters in the FEM analysis are initial imperfection, material property, cross-section and loading scheme. According to the analytical results, it is indicated that the FEM is reasonable to capture mechanical behavior of AAB. Finally, on the basis of the experimental and analytical results, theoretical formulae to estimate the flexural-torsional buckling capacity of AAB are proposed, which could improve the application of present codes for AAB.

Aseismic smart building isolation systems under multi-level earthquake excitations: Part II, energy-dissipation and damage reduction

Abstract: Based on the performance results of the previously suggested smart building isolation systems (1st companion paper), this following study verifies the control effects of the systems from the view point of energy dissipation and damage level metrics. Several different model cases of the strategically isolated multi-story building structures utilizing passive dampers and semi-active resettable devices are analyzed and the energy-based target indices are compared. Performance comparisons are conducted on statistically calculated story/structural hysteretic energy and story/structural damage demands over realistic suites of earthquake ground motion records, representing seismic excitations of specific return period probability. Again, the semi-active solutions show significant promise for applications of resettable device, offering advantages over passive systems in the consistent damage reductions. The specific results of this study include the identification of differences in the mechanisms by which smart building isolation systems remove energy, based on the differences in the devices used. Less variability is also seen for the semi-active isolation systems, indicating an increased robustness.

Feasibility of crack free reinforced concrete bridge deck from materials composition perspective: a state of the art review

Abstract: Early age cracking on bridge deck has been the subject of many studies for years. Cracking is a major concern because it leads to premature deterioration of structures. Millions of dollars spent to repair the cracked bridge decks each year. To design an appropriate mixture for crack free bridge deck, it is important to study previous researches. This paper presents a comprehensive literature review of the performance of different materials compositions as well as methods have been used to reduce and control bridge deck cracks. Different material compositions and methods are discussed in terms of their performances as well as advantages and disadvantages.

Torsional vibrations of a cylindrical foundation embedded in a saturated poroelastic half-space

Abstract: Considering the interactions between an embedded foundation and saturated soil, the torsional vibrations of a cylindrical foundation embedded in a saturated poroelastic medium are analyzed in this paper. Both a rigid foundation and an elastic foundation are considered. Assuming both the side surface and the bottom surface of the foundation are perfectly bonded to soil, the reaction torques that the side soil and bottom soil acting on the foundation can be gained from basic dynamic equations of the poroelastic medium. According to the dynamic equilibrium equations of a foundation under harmonic torque, the torsional vibrations of an embedded cylindrical foundation are presented. Besides, the angular amplitude of the foundation, the equivalent stiffness and damping coefficients of the soil are expressed explicitly. Selected examples are presented to investigate the influence of relevant parameters on the torsional vibrations.

Experimental and statistical investigation of a new concrete-composite beam with encased polymer tube wrapped by FRP

Abstract: A new concrete-composite beam with high mechanical performances to weight ratio is developed in this study. The proposed design technique consists to embed a cylindrical polymer tube wrapped by a GFRP Jacket in the mechanically ineffective concrete tensile zone. An experimental investigation is carried out on composite beams under bending loads until failure to evaluate the flexural capacity and the corresponding failure mechanisms. Based on the experimental results, statistical and preliminary reliability analyses using the FORM method are performed to assess the safety margin of the new beam. The confrontation between test and simulation results shows a satisfactory agreement, and represents a promising revelation regarding the improvement in terms of strength and ductility of such design compared to conventional reinforced concrete beams with traditional one.

Aseismic smart building isolation systems under multi-level earthquake excitations: Part I, conceptual design and nonlinear analysis

Abstract: As a novel structural control strategy, tuned mass damper (TMD) inspired passive and semi-active smart building isolation systems are suggested to reduce structural response and thus mitigate structural damage due to earthquake excitations. The isolated structure’s upper stories can be utilized as a large scaled TMD, and the isolation layer, as a core design point, between the separated upper and lower stories entails the insertion of rubber bearings and (i) viscous dampers (passive) or (ii) resettable devices (semi-active). The seismic performance of the suggested isolation systems are investigated for 12-story reinforced concrete moment resisting frames modeled as “10 + 2” stories and “8 + 4” stories. Passive viscous damper or semi-active resettable devices are parametrically evaluated through the optimal design principle of a large mass ratio TMD. Statistical performance metrics are presented for 30 earthquake records from the three suites of the SAC project. Based on nonlinear structural models, including P-delta effects and modified Takeda hysteresis, the inelastic time history analyses are conducted to compute the seismic performances across a wide range of seismic hazard intensities. Results show that semi-active smart building isolation systems can effectively manage seismic response for multi-degree-of freedom (MDOF) systems across a broader range of ground motions in comparison to uncontrolled case and passive solution.

Multiscale stochastic finite element method on random field modeling of geotechnical problems — a fast computing procedure

Abstract: The Green-function-based multiscale stochastic finite element method (MSFEM) has been formulated based on the stochastic variational principle. In this study a fast computing procedure based on the MSFEM is developed to solve random field geotechnical problems with a typical coefficient of variance less than 1. A unique fast computing advantage of the procedure enables computation performed only on those locations of interest, therefore saving a lot of computation. The numerical example on soil settlement shows that the procedure achieves significant computing efficiency compared with Monte Carlo method.

Development of temperature-robust damage factor based on sensor fusion for a wind turbine structure

Abstract: Wind power systems have gained much attention due to the relatively high reliability, maturity in technology and cost competitiveness compared to other renewable alternatives. Advances have been made to increase the power efficiency of the wind turbines while less attention has been focused on structural integrity assessment of the structural systems. Vibration-based damage detection has widely been researched to identify damages on a structure based on change in dynamic characteristics. Widely spread methods are natural frequency-based, mode shape-based, and curvature mode shape-based methods. The natural frequency-based methods are convenient but vulnerable to environmental temperature variation which degrades damage detection capability; mode shapes are less influenced by temperature variation and able to locate damage but requires extensive sensor instrumentation which is costly and vulnerable to signal noises. This study proposes novelty of damage factor based on sensor fusion to exclude effect of temperature variation. The combined use of an accelerometer and an inclinometer was considered and damage factor was defined as a change in relationship between those two measurements. The advantages of the proposed method are: 1) requirement of small number of sensor, 2) robustness to change in temperature and signal noise and 3) ability to roughly locate damage. Validation of the proposed method is carried out through numerical simulation on a simplified 5 MW wind turbine model.

Characterization of random stress fields obtained from polycrystalline aggregate calculations using multi-scale stochastic finite elements

Abstract: The spatial variability of stress fields resulting from polycrystalline aggregate calculations involving random grain geometry and crystal orientations is investigated A periodogram-based method is proposed to identify the properties of homogeneous Gaussian random fields (power spectral density and related covariance structure) Based on a set of finite element polycrystalline aggregate calculations the properties of the maximal principal stress field are identified Two cases are considered, using either a fixed or random grain geometry The stability of the method wrt the number of samples and the load level (up to 35% macroscopic deformation) is investigated

Mixed mode properties of CNT reinforced composites using Arcan test rig

Abstract: Composite materials reinforced with carbon nanotubes were mechanical tested using Arcan test rig under Mode-I, Mode-II and mixed mode loading conditions to obtain their fracture properties. The butterfly composite specimens were fabricated with 0.02, 0.05 and 0.1 wt % CNTs. The polyester/CNT composite was fabricated using VRTM (Vacuum Resin Transfer Molding) where the CNTs were first functionalised to reach an optimum properties. Arcan test rig was designed and fabricated to work with the Shimadzu testing machine. The results show that the functionalised CNTs have improved the fracture behavior by acting as bridge between the cracked face. In addition, the fracture properties were not improved for the higher weight fraction of 0.1 wt% CNTs.

A new damage quantification approach for shear-wall buildings using ambient vibration data

Abstract: This paper presents a new approach to estimate damage severity for shear-wall buildings using diagonal terms of a modal flexibility matrix estimated from dynamic properties. This study aims to provide a fundamental concept for quantifying the damage of realistic buildings by investigating an idealized shear-wall building. Numerical studies were performed on a 5-story shear-wall building model to validate the applicability of the presented approach, using two damage patterns. With the numerical simulations, the proposed approach accurately determined the damage ratio of the specimens. Experiments were also conducted on a 5-story shear-wall building model for which the system parameters were almost the same as those in numerical simulations. The estimated damage-quantification results from the experimental validations demonstrated that the performance of the presented method for shear-wall buildings was both suitable and accurate.