• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.85 no.4
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• pp.485-500
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• 2023

The non-linear static analysis of reinforced concrete (RC) structures using the three-dimensional (3D) finite element method is a time-consuming and challenging task. Moreover, this type of analysis encounters numerical problems such as the lack of convergence of results in the stages of growth and propagation of cracks in the structure. The time integration analysis along with the mass scaling (MS) technique is usually used to overcome these limitations. Despite the use of this method in the 3D finite element analysis of RC structures, a comprehensive study has not been conducted so far to assess the effects of the MS method on the accuracy of results. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of the MS method in the non-linear quasi-static finite element analysis of RC structures. To this aim, different types of RC structures were simulated using the finite element approach based on the implicit time integration method and the mass scaling technique. The influences of effective parameters of the MS method (i.e., the allowable values of increase in the mass of the RC structure, the relationship between the duration of the applied load and fundamental vibration period of the RC structure, and the pattern of applied loads) on the accuracy of the simulated results were investigated. The accuracy of numerical simulation results has been evaluated through comparison with existing experimental data. The results of this study show that the achievement of accurate structural responses in the implicit time integration analyses using the MS method involves the appropriate selection of the effective parameters of the MS method.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
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• v.24 no.1 s.173
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• pp.38-51
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• 2000

The study on the mechanical behavior of a spot-welded specimen is largely divided into the quasi-static overload failure analysis and the fatigue failure prediction. The main issue in an overload analysis is to examine the critical loads, thereby providing a generalized overload failure criterion. As the welding spot forms a singular geometry of an external crack type, fatigue failure of spot-welded specimens can be evaluated by means of a fracture parameter. In this study, we first present the limit loads of 4 representative types of single spot-welded specimens in terms of the base metal yield strength and specimen geometries. Recasting the load vs. fatigue life relationships experimentally, obtained here, we then predict the fatigue life of spot-weld specimens with a single parameter denoted the equivalent stress intensity factor. This crack driving parameter is demonstrated to successfully describe the effects of specimen geometry and loading type in a comprehensive manner. The suggested fatigue life formula for a single spot weld can play a key, role in the design and assessment of spot-welded panel structures, in that the fatigue strength of multi-spots is eventually determined by the fatigue strength of each single spot.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.227-237
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• 2020

Strain rate investigations are needed to calibrate strain-rate-dependent material models and numerical codes. An appropriate material model, which considers the rate effects, need to be used for proper numerical modeling. The plastic concrete cut-off wall is a special underground structure that acts as a barrier to stop or reduce the groundwater flow. These structures might be subjected to different dynamic loads, especially earthquake. Deformability of a structure subjected to dynamic loads is a principal issue which need to be undertaken during the design phase of these structures. The characterization of plastic concrete behavior under different strain rates is essential for proper designing of cut-off walls subjected to dynamic loads. The Cowper-Symonds model, as one of the most commonly applied material models, complies well with the behavior of a plastic concretes in low to moderate strain rates and will be useful in explicit dynamics simulations. This paper aims to present the results of an experimental study on mechanical responses of one of the most useful types of plastic concrete and Cowper-Symonds constant determination procedures in a wide range of strain rate from 0.0005 to 107 (1/s). For this purpose, SHPB, uniaxial, and triaxial compression tests were done on plastic concrete samples. Based on the results of quasi-static and dynamic tests, the dynamic increase factors (DIF) of this material in different strain rates and stress state conditions were determined for calibration of the Cowper - Symonds material models.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.27-37
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• 2011

This paper presents the results of a study on the capability of nonlinear quasi-static finite element modelling in simulating the hysteretic behaviour of CFRP and GFRP-retrofitted RC exterior beam-column joints under cyclic loads. Four specimens including two plain and two CFRP/GFRP-strengthened beam-column joints tested by Mahini and Ronagh (2004) and other researchers are modelled using ANSYS. Concrete in compression is defined by the modified Hognestad model and anisotropic multi-linear model is employed for modelling the stress-strain relations in reinforcing bars while anisotropic plasticity is considered for the FRP composite. Both concrete and FRP are modelled using solid elements whereas space link elements are used for steel bars considering a perfect bond between materials. A step by step load increment procedure to simulate the cyclic loading regime employed in the testing. An automatically reforming stiffness matrix strategy is used in order to simulate the actual seismic performance of the RC concrete after cracking, steel yielding and concrete crushing during the push and pull loading cycles. The results show that the hysteretic simulation for all specimens is satisfactory and therefore suggest that the numerical model can be used as an inexpensive tool to design of FRP-strengthened RC beam-column joints under cyclic loads.

• Journal of Advanced Research in Ocean Engineering
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• v.1 no.4
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• pp.252-267
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• 2015

Offshore structures might encounter several environmental and operating conditions during their lifetime of several decades. In order to predict the dynamic behavior of offshore structures, several simulation cases should be considered to deal with all the combinations of ocean environments and operating conditions. Because a sophisticated time-domain coupled dynamic analysis requires an extremely large amount of computational time to handle all the possible cases, an efficient preliminary process to prescreen the probability of severe environmental conditions can be helpful in downsizing the number of simulation cases and computational effort. In this study, a prescreening procedure to reduce the number of environmental conditions for dynamic analyses of offshore structures is proposed. For the efficiency of the procedure, frequency-domain theories were adopted to estimate the platform offset, using quasi-static analyses in line tension prediction. The results were validated by comparing with those of dynamic analysis coupled between platform and mooring lines, and reasonable agreement was observed. In addition, the characteristics of environmental conditions classified to be severe to the system were investigated through the application of the developed prescreening scheme to several actual environmental conditions.

• 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.

• Journal of Satellite, Information and Communications
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.8-13
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• 2010

Satellite structure should be designed to accommodate and support safely the payload and equipments necessary for its own missions and to secure satellite and payloads from severe launch environments. The launch environments imposed on satellites are quasi-static accelerations, aerodynamic loads, acoustic loads and shock loads. Especially when optical payload is accommodated, satellite structure usually adopts the optical bench consisting of composite material not only to support and secure but also to guarantee good pointing stability against extreme thermal environments. This paper deals with optical bench and support structure which shall be designed to minimize the loads transferred to optical payloads from satellite.

• Journal of the Korea Concrete Institute
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.369-379
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• 2012

The collapse of concrete structures by extreme loads such as impact, explosion, and blast from terrorist attacks causes severe property damage and human casualties. Concrete has excellent impact resistance to such extreme loads in comparison with other construction materials. Nevertheless, existing concrete structures designed without consideration of the impact or blast load with high strain rate are endangered by those unexpected extreme loads. In this study, to improve the impact resistance, the static and impact behaviors of concrete beams caste with steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) with 0~1.5% (by volume) of 30 mm long hooked steel fibers were assessed. Test results indicated that the static and impact resistances, flexural strength, ductility, etc., were significantly increased when higher steel fiber volume fraction was applied. In the case of the layered concrete (LC) beams including greater steel fiber volume fraction in the tensile zone, the higher static and impact resistances were achieved than those of the normal steel fiber reinforced concrete beam with an equivalent steel fiber volume fraction. The impact test results were also compared with the analysis results obtained from the single degree of freedom (SDOF) system anaysis considering non-linear material behaviors of steel fiber reinforced concrete. The analysis results from SDOF system showed good agreement with the experimental maximum deflections.

• Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2003

This paper summarizes the results of the fatigue test of four composite bridge decks in extreme temperatures (-30$^{\circ}C$ and 50$^{\circ}C$ ). The work was performed as part of a research program to evaluate and install multiple FRP bridge deck systems in Dayton, Ohio. A two-span continuous concrete deck was also built on three steel girders for the benchmark tests. Simulated wheel loads were applied simultaneously at two points by two servo-controlled hydraulic actuators specially designed and fabricated to perform under extreme temperatures. Each deck was initially subjected to one million wheel load cycles at low temperature and another one million cycles at high temperature. The results presented in this paper correspond to the fatigue response of each deck for four million load cycles at low temperature and another four million cycles at high temperature. Thus, the deck was subjected to a total of ten million cycles. Quasi-static load-deflection and load-strain responses were determined at predetermined fatigue cycle levels. Except for the progressive reduction in stiffness, no significant distress was observed in any of the composite deck prototypes during ten million load cycles. The effects of extreme temperatures and accumulated load cycles on the load-deflection and load-strain response of FRP composite and FRP-concrete hybrid bridge decks are discussed based on the experimental results.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.30 no.1A
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• pp.15-26
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• 2010

Quasi-static tests were conducted to evaluate structural performance of precast piers prestressed by bonded prestressing steels. Combinations of prestressing bars and normal reinforcing bars, embedded steel tubes and prestressing strands were used as continuous steels crossing the joints of a precast pier. Main design parameters were steel ratio, magnitude of prestress force, and section details. Flexural strength and energy dissipation capacity of precast columns with higher steel ratio showed better performance due to continuous steels after opening of the joints. Precast piers with embedded members showed stable behavior after reaching maximum loads resulting in higher displacement ductility and energy dissipation capacity increased as the introduced prestress increased. Self-centering behavior at early stages and stress increase of confining reinforcements were observed from highly prestressed columns. Combination of prestressing steels and normal reinforcing bars should be used in design to prevent rapid strength degradation after reaching the maximum load.