• Steel and Composite Structures
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• 제22권6호
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• pp.1217-1238
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• 2016

Mega composite structure systems have been widely used in high rise buildings in China. Compared to other structures, this type of composite structure systems has a larger cross-section with less weight. Concrete filled steel tubular (CFST) laced column to box-beam connections are gaining popularity, in particular for the mega composite structure system in high rise buildings. To enable a better understanding of the destruction characteristics and aseismic performance of these connections, three different connection types of specimens including single-limb bracing, cross bracing and diaphragms for core area of connections were tested under low cyclic and reciprocating loading. Hysteresis curves and skeleton curves were obtained from cyclic loading tests under axial loading. Based on these tested curves, a new trilinear hysteretic restoring force model considering rigidity degradation is proposed for CFST laced column to box-beam connections in a mega composite structure system, including a trilinear skeleton model based on calculation, law of stiffness degradation and hysteresis rules. The trilinear hysteretic restoring force model is compared with the experimental results. The experimental data shows that the new hysteretic restoring force model tallies with the test curves well and can be referenced for elastic-plastic seismic analysis of CFST laced column to composite box-beam connection in a mega composite structure system.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• 제20권1호
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• pp.45-67
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• 2005

This paper presents a new approach to predict the racking load-displacement response of plasterboard clad walls found in Australian light-framed residential structures under monotonic racking load. The method is based on a closed-form mathematical model, described herein as the 'Modularised' Closed-Form Mathematical model or MCFM model. The model considers the non-linear behaviour of the connections between the plasterboard cladding and frame. Furthermore, the model is flexible as it enables incorporation of different nailing patterns for the cladding. Another feature of this model is that the shape of stud deformation is not assumed to be a specific function, but it is computed based on the strain energy approach to take account of the actual load deformation characteristics of particular walls. Verification of the model against the results obtained from a detailed Finite Element (FE) model is also reported. Very good agreement between the closed form solution and that of the FE model was achieved.

• Advances in concrete construction
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• 제1권3호
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• pp.253-272
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• 2013

The use of steel bracing systems is a popular method for the strengthening of existing reinforced concrete (RC) frames and may lead to a substantial increase of both strength and stiffness. However, in most retrofitting cases, the main target is the increase of the energy dissipation capacity. This paper studies numerically the efficiency of a specific strengthening methodology which utilizes a steel link element having a cross-section of various shapes, connected to the RC frame through bracing elements. The energy is dissipated through the yielding of the steel link element. The case studied is a typical one bay, single-storey RC frame, constructed according to older code provisions, which is strengthened through two different types of link elements. The presented numerical models are based on tests which are simulated in order to gain a better insight of the behaviour of the strengthened structures, but also in order to study the effects of different configurations for the link element. The behaviour of the strengthened frames is studied with respect to the one of the original bare frame. Moreover, the numerically obtained results are compared to the experimentally obtained ones, in order to verify the effectiveness of the applied simulation methodology.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• 제59권6호
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• pp.1121-1137
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• 2016

A large number of structure in the world were build with poor seismic details, with or without any lateral load resisting system like concentrically braced frames and steel plate shear walls. These structures can reveal deteriorating hysteretic behaviors with stiffness and strength degradation. Therefore, seismic retrofitting of such structures for drift control has vital importance. In this study a retrofit methodology has been developed, which involves diagonal bracing of steel frames with different cable arrangements. In the experimental and numerical program 5 different lateral load resisting system were tested and results compared with each other. The results indicated that multi-cable arrangements suggested in this study showed stable ductile behavior without any sudden decrease in strength. Due to the usage of more than one diagonal cable, fracture of any cable did not significantly affect the overall strength and deformation capacity of the system. In cable braced systems damages concentrated in the boundary zones of the cables and beams. That is why boundary zone must have enough stiffness and strength to resist tension field action of cables.

• 한국지진공학회논문집
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• 제17권4호
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• pp.181-186
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• 2013

The construction costs for nonstructural systems such as mechanical/electrical equipment, ceiling system, and piping system occupy a significant proportion of the total cost. These nonstructural systems can also cause considerable economic losses and loss of life during and after an earthquake. Therefore, reduction of seismic risk of nonstructural components has been emerging as a key aspect of research in recent year. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the seismic performance of a single-story and multi-story piping system installed in low-rise building and to identify the seismic vulnerability of the current piping systems. The seismic performance evaluation of the piping systems was conducted with 5 different earthquakes to account for the ground motion uncertainty and the preliminary results demonstrated that the maximum displacements of each floor in the multi-story piping system increased linearly with increasing floor level in the building system. This study revealed that the current design piping systems are significantly sensitive to the effect of floor height, which stress the necessity to improve the seismic performance of the current piping systems by, for example, strengthening with seismic sway bracing using transverse/longitudinal bracing cables or hangers.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• 제85권6호
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• pp.825-835
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• 2023

The effective buckling length factor is an important parameter in the elastic buckling analysis of steel structures. The present article aims at developing a new method that allows the determination of the buckling factor values for frames. The novelty of the method is that it considers the interaction between the bracing and the elastic supports for asymmetrical frames in particular. The approach consists in isolating a critical column within the frame and evaluating the rotational and translational stiffness of its restraints to obtain the critical buckling load. This can be achieved by introducing, through a dimensionless parameter 𝜙_i, the effects of coupling between the axial loading and bending stiffness of the columns, on the classical stability functions. Subsequently, comparative, and parametric studies conducted on several frames are presented for assessing the influence of geometry, loading, bracing, and support conditions of the frame columns on the value of the effective buckling length factor K. The results show that the formulas recommended by different approaches can give rather inaccurate values of K, especially in the case of asymmetric frames. The expressions used refer solely to local stiffness distributions, and not to the overall behavior of the structure.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• 제35권1호
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• pp.29-41
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• 2020

Cross-beams of modern through truss bridges are connected to truss chord at its nodes and between them. It results in variable rotational end restraint for cross-beams, thus variable bending moment distribution. This feature is captured in three-dimensional modelling of through truss bridge structure. However, for preliminary design or rapid assessment of service load effects such technique of analysis may not be available. So an analytical method of assessment of rotational end restraint for cross-beam of through truss bridges was worked out. Two cases - nodal cross-beam and inter-nodal cross-beam - were analyzed. Flexural and torsional stiffness of truss members, flexural stiffness of deck members and axial stiffness of wind bracing members in the vicinity of the analyzed cross-beam were taken into account. The provision for reduced stiffness of the X-type wind bracing was made. Finally, general formula for assessment of rotational end restraint was given. Rotational end restraints for cross-beams of three railway through truss bridges were assessed basing on the analytical method and the finite element method (three-dimensional beam-element modelling). Results of both methods show good agreement. The analytical method is able to reflect effects of some structural irregularities. On the basis of the obtained results the general values of rotational end restraint for nodal and inter-nodal cross-beams of railway through truss bridges were suggested.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• 제3권5호
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• pp.749-766
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• 2012

Structural control through integration of passive damping devices within the building structure has been increasingly implemented internationally in the last years and has proven to be a most promising strategy for earthquake safety. In the present paper an alternative configuration of an innovative energy dissipation mechanism that consists of slender tension only bracing members with closed loop and a hysteretic damper is investigated in its dynamic behavior. The implementation of the adaptable dual control system, ADCS, in frame structures enables a dual function of the component members, leading to two practically uncoupled systems, i.e., the primary frame, responsible for the normal vertical and horizontal forces and the closed bracing-damper mechanism, for the earthquake forces and the necessary energy dissipation. Three representative international earthquake motions of differing frequency contents, duration and peak ground acceleration have been considered for the numerical verification of the effectiveness and properties of the SDOF systems with the proposed ADCS-configuration. The control mechanism may result in significant energy dissipation, when the geometrical and mechanical properties, i.e., stiffness and yield force of the integrated damper, are predefined. An optimum damper ratio, DR, defined as the ratio of the stiffness to the yield force of the hysteretic damper, is proposed to be used along with the stiffness factor of the damper's- to the primary frame's stiffness, in order for the control mechanism to achieve high energy dissipation and at the same time to prevent any increase of the system's maximum base shear and relative displacements. The results are summarized in a preliminary design methodology for ADCS.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• 제45권6호
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• pp.396-400
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• 2012

Background: Surgery has been the classical treatment of pectus carinatum (PC), though compressive orthotic braces have shown successful results in recent years. We propose a non-operative approach using a lightweight, patient-controlled dynamic chest-bracing device. Materials and Methods: Eighteen patients with PC were treated between July 2008 and June 2009. The treatment involved fitting of the brace, which was worn for at least 20 hours per day for 6 months. Their degree of satisfaction (1, no correction; 4, remarkable correction) was measured at 12 months after the initiation of the treatment. Results: Thirteen (72.2%) patients completed the treatment (mean time, $4.9{\pm}1.4$ months). In patients who completed the treatment, the mean overall satisfaction score was $3.73{\pm}0.39$. The mean satisfaction score was 4, and there was no recurrence of pectus carinatum in patients who underwent the treatment for at least 6 months. Minimal recurrence of pectus carinatum after removal of the compressive brace occurred in 5 (38.5%) patients who stopped wearing the compressive brace at 4 months. Conclusion: Compressive bracing results in a significant improvement in PC appearance in patients with an immature skeleton. However, patient compliance and diligent follow-up appear to be paramount for the success of this method of treatment. We currently offer this approach as a first-line treatment for PC.

• 대한치과보철학회지
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• 제36권6호
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• pp.878-887
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• 1998

Although attachments have been utilized for a retainer of removable prostheses during several decades, there is little information on the force distribution by the attachments. This study was undertaken to evaluate the stress patterns developed by partial dentures employing rigid attachments on the supporting structures. Four types of the mandibular removable partial dentures were designed depending upon the position of the rigid attachment and the existency of lingual bracing. Under 100N of vertical and 25N of lateral loads on the 1st and 2nd lower molar of partial denture, stress distribution patterns and displacement were analysed with three dimensional finite element method by ANSYS version 5.3. 1. The highest stresses were concentrated on the distal alveolar crest of posterior abutment and the second stresses on the apical region of posterior abutment in the models. 2. The greatest displacement were shown on the distal alveolar crest of posterior abutment and the second displacement on the distal alveolar crest of anterior abutment in the models. 3. There was little difference between the models with intraoral attachment and those with extracoronal attachment. 4. There was little difference between the models with and without the lingual bracing.