• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.88 no.1
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• pp.83-94
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• 2023

An accurate and highly efficient inverse element labelled iPCB is developed based on the inverse finite element method (iFEM) for real-time shape estimation of plane-curved structures (such as arch bridges) utilizing onboard strain data. This inverse problem, named shape sensing, is vital for the design of smart structures and structural health monitoring (SHM) procedures. The iPCB formulation is defined based on a least-squares variational principle that employs curved Timoshenko beam theory as its baseline. The accurate strain-displacement relationship considering tension-bending coupling is used to establish theoretical and measured section strains. The displacement fields of the isoparametric element iPCB are interpolated utilizing nonuniform rational B-spline (NURBS) basis functions, enabling exact geometric modelling even with a very coarse mesh density. The present formulation is completely free from membrane and shear locking. Numerical validation examples for different curved structures subjected to different loading conditions have been performed and have demonstrated the excellent prediction capability of iPCBs. The present formulation has also been shown to be practical and robust since relatively accurate predictions can be obtained even omitting the shear deformation contributions and considering polluted strain measures. The current element offers a promising tool for real-time shape estimation of plane-curved structures.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.88 no.2
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• pp.129-140
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• 2023

To increase the stiffness and strength of a reinforced concrete shear wall, steel plates are bolted to the sides of the wall. The general behavior of a composite concrete-steel shear wall is dependent on the buckling of the steel plates that should be prevented. In this paper, the unilateral buckling of steel plates of a composite shear wall is studied using the Rayleigh-Ritz method. To model the unilateral buckling of steel plate, the restraining concrete wall is described as an elastic foundation with high stiffness in compression and zero stiffness in tension. To consider the effect of bolt connections on the plate's buckling, a constrained optimization problem is solved by using Lagrange multipliers method. This process is used to obtain the critical elastic local buckling coefficients of unilaterally-restrained steel plates with various numbers of bolts, subjected to pure compression, bending and shear loading, and the interaction between them. Using these results, the spacing between shear bolts in composite steel plate shear walls is estimated and compared with the results of the AISC seismic provisions (2016). The results show that the AISC seismic provisions(2016) are overly conservative in obtaining the spacing between shear bolts.

• Advances in aircraft and spacecraft science
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• v.10 no.5
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• pp.419-437
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• 2023

This paper presents the study of the effects of rigid-body motion simultaneously with the presence of the effects of temporal variation due to the existence of morphing speed on the aeroelastic stability of the two-stage telescopic wings, and hence this is the main novelty of this study. To this aim, Euler-Bernoulli beam theory is used to model the bending-torsional dynamics of the wing. The aerodynamic loads on the wing in an incompressible flow regime are determined by using Peters' unsteady aerodynamic model. The governing aeroelastic equations are discretized employing a finite element method based on the beam-rod model. The effects of rigid-body motion on the length-based stability of the wing are determined by checking the eigenvalues of system. The obtained results are compared with those available in the literature, and a good agreement is observed. Furthermore, the effects of different parameters of rigid-body such as the mass, radius of gyration, fuselage center of gravity distance from wing elastic axis on the aeroelastic stability are discussed. It is found that some parameters can cause unpredictable changes in the critical length and frequency. Also, paying attention to the fuselage parameters and how they affect stability is very important and will play a significant role in the design.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.637-646
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• 2023

At present, the research on wave propagation in graphene platelet reinforced composite plates focuses on the propagation behavior of bulk waves, in which the effect of boundary condition is ignored, there is no literature report on propagation behaviors of guided waves in graphene platelet reinforced metal foams (GPLRMF) plates. In fact, wave propagation is affected by boundary conditions, so it is necessary to study the propagation characteristics of guided waves. The aim of this paper is to solve this problem. The effective performance of the material was calculated using the mixing law. Equations of motion of GPLRMF plate is derived by using Hamilton's principle. Then, the eigenvalue method is used to obtain the expressions of bending wave, shear wave and longitudinal wave, and the degradation verification is carried out. Finally, the effects of graphene platelets (GPLs) volume fraction, elastic foundation, porosity coefficient, GPLs distribution types and porosity distribution types on the dispersion relations are studied. We find that these factors play an important role in the propagation characteristics and phase velocity of guided waves.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.89 no.4
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• pp.349-362
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• 2024

High-performance fiber-reinforced cement composites (HPFRCC) are new materials created and used to repair, strengthen, and improve the performance of different structural parts. When exposed to tensile tension, these materials show acceptable strain-hardening. All of the countries of the globe currently seem to have a need for these building materials. This study aims to create a low-carbon HPFRCC (high ductility) that is made from materials that are readily available locally which has the right mechanical qualities, especially an increase in tensile strain capacity and environmental compatibility. In order to do this, the effects of fiber volume percent (0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2%), and determining the appropriate level, filler type (limestone powder and silica sand), cement type (ordinary Portland cement, and limestone calcined clay cement or LC3), matrix hardness, and fiber type (ordinary and oxygen plasma treated polypropylene fiber) were explored. Fibers were subjected to oxygen plasma treatment at several powers and periods (50 W and 200 W, 30, 120, and 300 seconds). The influence of the above listed factors on the samples' three-point bending and direct tensile strength test results has been examined. The results showed that replacing ordinary Portland cement (OPC) with limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) in mixtures reduces the compressive strength, and increases the tensile strain capacity of the samples. Furthermore, using oxygen plasma treatment method (power 200 W and time 300 seconds) enhances the bonding of fibers with the matrix surface; thus, the tensile strain capacity of samples increased on average up to 70%.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.90 no.4
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• pp.391-401
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• 2024

The present study focuses on the effect of extension-bending coupling on the elastic stability (buckling) of laminated composite plates. These plates will be loaded under uni-axial or bi-axial in-plane mechanical loads, especially in the orthotropic or anti-symmetric cross-angle cases. The main objective is to find a limit where we can approximate the elastic stability behavior of angularly crossed anti-symmetric plates by the simple behavior of specially orthotropic plates. The contribution of my present study is to predict the explicit effect of extension-flexion coupling on the elastic stability of this type of panel. Critically, a parametric study is carried out, involving the search for the critical buckling load as a function of deformation mode, aspect ratio, plate anisotropy ratio and finally the study of the effect of lamination angle and number of layers on the contribution of extension-flexure coupling in terms of plate buckling stability. We use first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) with a correction factor of 5/6. Simply supported conditions along the four boundaries are adopted where we can develop closed-form analytical solutions obtained by a Navier development.

• Structural Monitoring and Maintenance
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.299-314
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• 2023

Long-gauge carbon fiber line (CFL) sensors have received considerable attention in the past decade. However, there is still a need for an in-depth investigation of their measuring accuracy. This study investigates the accuracy of carbon fiber line sensors to monitor and differentiate the flexural behavior of two beams, one reinforced with steel bars alone and the other reinforced with steel and basalt fiber-reinforced polymer bars. A distributed set of long-gauge carbon fiber line, Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG), and traditional strain gauge sensors was mounted on the tensile concrete surface of the studied beams to compare the results and assess the accuracies of the proposed sensors. The test beams were loaded monotonically under four-point bending loading until failure. Results indicated the importance of using long-gauge sensors in providing useful, accurate, and reliable information regarding global structural behavior, while point sensors are affected by local damage and strain concentrations. Furthermore, long-gauge carbon fiber line sensors demonstrated good agreement with the corresponding Fiber Bragg Grating sensors with acceptable accuracy, thereby exhibiting potential for application in monitoring the health of large-scale structures.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.90 no.3
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• pp.287-299
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• 2024

Composite skew plates are aesthetically appealing light weight structural units finding wide applications in floors and roofs of commercial buildings. Although bending and vibration characteristics of these units have received attention from researchers but the domain of first and progressive failure has not been explored. Confident use of these plates necessitates comprehensive understanding of their failure behavior. With this objective, the present paper uses an eight noded isoparametric finite element together with von-Kármán's approach of nonlinear strains to study first ply and progressive failure up to ultimate damage of skew plates being subjected to uniform surface pressure. Parameters like skew angles, laminations and boundary conditions are varied and the results are practically analyzed. The novelty of the paper lies in the fact that the stiffness matrix of the damaged plate is calculated by considering material degradation locally only at failed points at each stage of first and progressive failure and as a result, the present outputs are so close to experimental findings. Interpretation of results from practical angles and proposing the relative performances of the different plate combinations in terms of ranks will be of much help to practicing engineers in selecting the best suited plate option among many combinations.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.385-398
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• 2024

As concrete dominates the construction industry, alternatives to traditionally used steel reinforcement are being sought. This study explored the suitability of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) as a substitute within rigid frames, focusing on its impact on section ductility and overall structural durability against seismic events. However, current design guidelines address quasi-static loads, leaving a gap for dynamic or extreme circumstances. Our approach included multiscale simulations, parametric study, and energy dissipation analyses, drawing upon a unique adaptation of modified compression field theory. In our efforts to optimize macro and microparameters to improve yield strength, manage brittleness, and govern failure modes, we also recognized the potential of CFRP's high corrosion resistance. This characteristic of CFRP could significantly reduce the frequency of required repairs, thereby contributing to enhanced durability of the structures. The research reveals that CFRP's durability and seismic resistance are attributed to plastic joints within compressed fibers. Notably, CFRP can impart ductility to structural designs, effectively balancing its inherent brittleness, particularly when integrated with quasi-brittle materials. This research challenges the notion that designing bendable components with carbon fiber reinforcement is impractical. It shows that creating ductile bending components with CFRP in concrete is feasible despite the material's brittleness. This funding overturns conventional assumptions and opens new avenues for using CFRP in structural applications where ductility and resilience are crucial.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.90 no.5
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• pp.435-446
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• 2024

The use of cold-formed steel members is increasing day by day, especially in regions where earthquake effects are intensively experienced. Among cold-formed steel members (CFS), "channel" members are used more than other crosssectional members, especially in buildings or industrial structures. In recent years, several studies have been carried out on the axial load and flexural performance of these members under monotonic loading. In this study, CFS beam-column members were cyclically and monotonically loaded under combined axial load and biaxial bending moments, and their buckling behavior, load bearing capacity, stiffness, ductility, and energy absorption capacity were determined. For this purpose, monotonic and cyclic loading experiments were carried out on 30 CFS channel members at 15 different eccentricities. Then, material properties were determined by axial monotonic tensile and very low cycle fatigue tests for use in numerical studies. From the experimental results, the buckling modes, bearing capacities, ductility, stiffness, and energy absorption capacities of the members were obtained. The characteristics of the members were compared according to the stress state of the lips. According to the data obtained from the displacement transducer placed on the lips and on the back of the web, information about the buckling mode and curvature of the members was obtained. Finally, monotonic, and cyclic loading results were compared to determine the differences in the buckling behavior of the members.