• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.1305-1322
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• 2016

This paper presents the results of experimental and numerical model analyses on partially encased composite columns under concentric loads. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of replacing the conventional longitudinal and transverse steel bars by welded wire mesh on the structural behavior of these members under concentric loads. To achieve these goals experimental tests on four specimens of partially encased composite columns submitted to axial loading were performed and the results were promising in terms of replacing the traditional reinforcement by steel meshes. In addition, a numerical FE model was developed using the software DIANA$^{(R)}$ with FX+. The experimental results were used to validate the numerical model. Satisfactory agreement between experimental and numerical results was observed in both capacity and deformability of the composite columns. Despite of the simplifying assumptions of perfect bond between steel and concrete, the numerical model adequately represented the columns behavior. A finite element parametric study was performed and parameters including thickness of the steel profile and the concrete and steel strengths were evaluated. The parametrical study results found no significant changes in the partially encased columns behavior due to variations of the steel profile thickness or yield strength. However, significant changes in the post peak behavior were observed when using high strength concrete and these results suggest a change in the failure mode.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.151-159
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• 2020

This paper presents an evaluation of shear transfer across cracks in reinforced concrete through finite element modelling (FEM) and analytical predictions. The aggregate interlock is one of the mechanisms responsible for the shear transfer between two slip surfaces of a crack; the others are the dowel action, when the reinforcement contributes resisting a parcel of shear displacement (reinforcement), and the uncracked concrete comprised by the shear resistance until the development of the first crack. The aim of this study deals with the development of a 3D numerical model, which describes the behavior of Z-type push-off specimen, in order to determine the properties of interface subjected to direct shear in terms cohesion and friction angle. The numerical model was validated based on experimental data and a parametric study was performed with the variation of the concrete strength. The numerical results were compared with analytical predictions and a new equation was proposed to predict the maximum shear stress in cracked concrete.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.483-490
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• 2017

This paper studies on the behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) pipes used in basic sanitation in the conduction of storm water and sanitary sewer. Pipes with 800 mm and 1200 mm in diameter were analyzed. The 800 mm pipes were built with simple reinforcement and the 1200 mm pipes with double reinforcement. For the two diameters of pipes the presence or absence of the pocket was evaluated, and the denomination of each one is spigot and pocket pipe (SPP) and ogee joint pipe (OJP), respectively. The 3D numerical models reproduce the three-edge-bearing test that provides information about the strength and stiffness of the reinforced concrete pipes. The validation of the computational models was carried out comparing the vertical and horizontal displacements on the springline and crown/invert and it was also evaluated the reinforcement strains and the crack pattern. As a main conclusion, the numerical models represented satisfactorily the behavior of the pipes and can be used in future studies in parametric analysis.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.497-506
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• 2021

Steel-concrete composite structures and precast concrete elements have a common prefabrication process and allow fast construction. The use of hollow-core slabs associated with composite floors can be advantageous. However, there are few studies on the subject, impeding the application of such systems. In this paper, a numerical model representing the considered system using the FE (finite element)-based software DIANA is developed. The results of an experimental test were also presented in Souza (2016) and were used to validate the model. Comparisons between the numerical and test results were performed in terms of the load versus displacement, load versus slip, and load versus strain curves, showing satisfactory agreement. In addition, a wide parametric study was performed, evaluating the influence of several parameters on the behaviour of the composite system: The strength of the steel beam, thickness of the web, thickness and width of the bottom flange of the steel beam and concrete cover thickness on top of the beam. The results indicated a great influence of the steel strength and the thickness of the bottom flange of the steel beam on the capacity of the composite floor. The remaining parameters had limited influences on the results.

• Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology(JNFCWT)
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.123-136
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• 2018

The objective of this study is to propose a new methodology to fabricate a reliable engineering-scale buffer block, which shows homogeneous and uniform distribution in buffer block density, for in-situ experiments. In this study, for the first time in Korea, floating die press and CIP (Cold Isostatic Press) are applied for the manufacture of an engineering-scale bentonite buffer. The optimized condition and field applicability are also evaluated with respect to the method of manufacturing the buffer blocks. It is found that the standard deviation of the densities obtained decreases noticeably and that the average dry density increases slightly. In addition, buffer size is reduced by about 5% at the same time. Through the test production, it is indicated that the stress release phenomenon decreases after the application of the CIP method, which leads to a reduction in crack generation on the surface of the buffer blocks over time. Therefore, it is confirmed that the production of homogeneous buffer blocks on industrial scale is possible using the method suggested in this study, and that the produced blocks also meet the design conditions for dry density of buffer blocks in the AKRS (Advanced Korea Reference Disposal System of HLW).