• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.127-134
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• 2004

Rammed Aggregate Pier (RAP) has extensive applicability as for a foundation of structures. In this study, bearing capacity of the reinforced ground by RAP and the failure behavior of RAP are investigated through experiments. RAPs with diameters of 45, 60, 70 mm were installed in sand, of which relative densities are 60, 70, 90%. Then, two columns of pressure gauges, near the RAPs and one diameter off from the center of piers, are installed 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 cm from the surface of the ground. The test results show that maximum lateral earth pressure is observed near 5∼10 cm (1.0∼2.0D) from the surface, which indicates the occurrence of bulging failure type. In addition, deformation of RAP in radial direction increases with lower relative density of the ground. Furthermore, lateral stress distribution decreases with depth.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.21-44
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• 2014

The aim of this study is to determine the dynamic characteristics of long reinforced concrete highway bridges with post-tension tendons using analytical and experimental methods. It is known that the deck length and height of bridges are affected the dynamic characteristics considerably. For this purpose, Berta Bridge constructed in deep valley, in Artvin, Turkey, is selected as an application. The Bridge has two piers with height of 109.245 m and 85.193 m, and the total length of deck is 340.0 m. Analytical and experimental studies are carried out on Berta Bridge which was built in accordance with the balanced cantilever method. Finite Element Method (FEM) and Operational Modal Analysis (OMA) which considers ambient vibration data were used in analytical and experimental studies, respectively. Finite element model of the bridge is created by using SAP2000 program to obtain analytical dynamic characteristics such as the natural frequencies and mode shapes. The ambient vibration tests are performed using Operational Modal Analysis under wind and human loads. Enhanced Frequency Domain Decomposition (EFDD) and Stochastic Subspace Identification (SSI) methods are used to obtain experimental dynamic characteristics like natural frequencies, mode shapes and damping ratios. At the end of the study, analytical and experimental dynamic characteristic are compared with each other and the finite element model of the bridge was updated considering the material properties and boundary conditions. It is emphasized that Operational Modal Analysis method based on the ambient vibrations can be used safely to determine the dynamic characteristics, to update the finite element models, and to monitor the structural health of long reinforced concrete highway bridges constructed with the balanced cantilever method.

• Composites Research
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.24-30
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• 2008

Durability problems may arise in the concrete, which is one of the major construction materials, used in the construction field. Bridge piers and foundation piles are usually made with concrete and they are exposed to the moisture and hence the durability of the concrete reduced significantly due to oxidization of re-bar and icing of concrete. To mitigate such problems, FRP tube has been developed and the concrete filled FRP tube (CFFT) has been investigated to find the confinement effect which is provided additionally. It was reported that if the concrete is wrapped with FRP, strength and chemical resistance are improved significantly. In order to apply such a member in the construction field, structural behavior and applicable design guideline or design criteria must be thoroughly investigated. In the experimental investigation, the results are compared with the previous research results and the relationship which can predict the ultimate strength and strain is suggested. In addition, some comments found at the compression tests are given briefly.