• Computers and Concrete
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.305-317
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• 2021

The bond between the concrete and bar is a main factor affecting the performance of the reinforced concrete (RC) members, and since the steel corrosion reduces the bond strength, studying the bond behavior of concrete and GFRP bars is quite necessary. In this research, a database including 112 concrete beam test specimens reinforced with spliced GFRP bars in the splitting failure mode has been collected and used to estimate the concrete-GFRP bar bond strength. This paper aims to accurately estimate the bond strength of spliced GFRP bars in concrete beams by applying three soft computing models including multivariate adaptive regression spline (MARS), Kriging, and M5 model tree. Since the selection of regularization parameters greatly affects the fitting of MARS, Kriging, and M5 models, the regularization parameters have been so optimized as to maximize the training data convergence coefficient. Three hybrid model coupling soft computing methods and genetic algorithm is proposed to automatically perform the trial and error process for finding appropriate modeling regularization parameters. Results have shown that proposed models have significantly increased the prediction accuracy compared to previous models. The proposed MARS, Kriging, and M5 models have improved the convergence coefficient by about 65, 63 and 49%, respectively, compared to the best previous model.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.1049-1061
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• 2022

Neutron and gamma-ray shielding properties of Inconel 718 reinforced B₄C (0-25 wt%) were investigated using PSD software. Mean free path (MFP), linear and mass attenuation coefficients (LAC,MAC), tenth-value and half-value layers (TVL,HVL), effective atomic number (Z_eff), exposure buildup factors (EBF), and fast neutron removal cross-sections (FNRC) values were calculated for 0.015-15 MeV. It was found that MAC and LAC increased with the decrease in the content of B₄C compound by weight in Inconel 718. The EBFs were computed using G-P fitting method for 0.015-15 MeV up to the penetration depth of 40 mfp. HVL, TVL, and FNRC values were found to range between 0.018 cm and 3.6 cm, between 2.46 cm and 12.087 cm, and between 0.159 cm^-1 and 0.194 cm^-1, respectively. While Inconel 718 provides the maximum photon shielding property since it offered the highest values of MAC and Z_eff and the lowest value of HVL, Inconel 718 with B₄C(25 wt%) was observed to provide the best shielding material for neutron since it offered the highest FNRC value. The study is original in terms of several aspects; moreover, the results of the study may be used in nuclear technology, as well as other technologies including nano and space technologies.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.409-425
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• 2024

This paper utilizes LS-DYNA software to numerically investigate impact response and damage evaluation of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) bars-reinforced ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) composite beams (FRP-UHPC beams). Three-dimensional finite element (FE) models are established and calibrated by using literature-based static and impact tests, demonstrating high accuracy in simulating FRP-UHPC beams under impact loading. Parametric analyses explore the effects of impact mass, impactor height, FRP bar type and diameter, and clear span length on dynamic response and damage modes. Two failure modes emerge: tensile failure with bottom longitudinal reinforcement fracture and compression failure with local concrete compression near the impact region. Impact mass or height variation under the same impact energy significantly affects the first peak impact force, but minimally influences peak midspan displacement with a difference of no more than 5% and damage patterns. Increasing static flexural load-carrying capacity enhances FRP-UHPC beam impact resistance, reducing displacement deformation by up to 30%. Despite similar static load-carrying capacities, different FRP bars result in varied impact resistance. The paper proposes a damage assessment index based on impact energy, static load-carrying capacity, and clear span length, correlating well with beam end rotation. Their linearly-fitting coefficient was 1.285, 1.512, and 1.709 for the cases with CFRP, GFRP, and BFRP bars, respectively. This index establishes a foundation for an impact-resistant design method, including a simplified formula for peak midspan displacement assessment.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.53-70
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• 2006

The paper summarizes the dynamic-based assessment of a reinforced concrete arch bridge, dating back to the 50's. The outlined approach is based on ambient vibration testing, output-only modal identification and updating of the uncertain structural parameters of a finite element model. The Peak Picking and the Enhanced Frequency Domain Decomposition techniques were used to extract the modal parameters from ambient vibration data and a very good agreement in both identified frequencies and mode shapes has been found between the two techniques. In the theoretical study, vibration modes were determined using a 3D Finite Element model of the bridge and the information obtained from the field tests combined with a classic system identification technique provided a linear elastic updated model, accurately fitting the modal parameters of the bridge in its present condition. Hence, the use of output-only modal identification techniques and updating procedures provided a model that could be used to evaluate the overall safety of the tested bridge under the service loads.

• The Korean Journal of Rheology
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.202-216
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• 1998

Improved version of previous 'Orthotropic' closure approximation, termed 'ORW' has been numerically developed using new homogeneous flow data. Previous 'Orthotropic' closure approximation, i.e., ORF or ORL showed non-physical oscillation for interaction coefficient $C_1$<0.001 at simple shear flow. It also shows non-physcial oscillation and under-prediction compared with 'Distribution Function Calculation' at non-homogeneous flow of center-gated disk. These phenomena are mainly due to the flow data of 'Distribution Function Calculation' which were used for least-square optimization. ORW obtained by fitting flow data of low interaction coefficient does not show non-physical oscillation and results in reasonably good behaviors at non-homogeneous flows as well as homogeneous flows. Fitting function forms have not been found to improve overall behaviors. It has been found that considering all the eigenvalues of orientation tensor (including the third eigenvalues) might end up with a better closure approximation than just considering the first and second eigenvalues. It is, however, very important and yet difficult to select appropriate function forms of eigenvalues. Numerical simulation including coupling and in-plane velocity gradient effects were performed for injection mold filing process with a film-gated strip and a center-gated disk using ORW and various other closure approximations for comparisons. Although ORW is in excellent agreement with 'Distribution Function Calculation', the predicted results seem to have consistent error in comparison with experimental data. The diffusivity term with constant interaction coefficient might have to be further investigated in order to accurately describe orientation states.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.863-874
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• 2015

The use of pile reinforcement is considered as one of the most promising techniques for improving load carrying capacity of piles in offshore area. In this study, to consider the horizontal and uplift bearing capacity of submerged breakwater bearing pile, exclusive analysis on load-transfer behaviour of pile was conducted. First of all, check the reinforcing effect from the three-dimensional finite element method, and estimate load transfer curve (ground reaction force). Based on these results, the reinforcing effect was quantified by estimating the coefficients of horizontal and uplift reinforcement of reinforced piles. Load transfer function with consideration of the reinforcing effect was proposed from estimated coefficients. A comparison of the analysis using the proposed load transfer function with three-dimensional finite element analysis has resulted that the proposed load transfer function is displaying good accuracy of predicting behavior of the load transfer between the pile and soil reinforcement. Interpretation of the submerged structure by applying a load transfer function considering the reinforcing effect, has shown that the reinforced pile's shear, bending moment and displacement are less than that of non-reinforced piles, while the subgrade reaction modulus arises greater. Thus, it is expected to be relatively cost effective in terms of design.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.471-493
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• 2013

This paper presents a framework for seismic damage evaluation for Algerian buildings adapted from HAZUS approach (Hazard-United States). Capacity and fragility curves were adapted to fit the Algerian building typologies (Reinforced Concrete structures, Confined or Non-Confined Masonry, etc). For prediction purposes, it aims to estimate the damages and potential losses that may be generated by a given earthquake in a prone area or country. Its efficiency is validated by comparing the estimated and observed damages in Boumerd$\grave{e}$s city, in the aftermath of Boumerd$\grave{e}$s earthquake (Algeria: May $21^{st}$ 2003; $M_w$ = 6.8). For this purpose, observed damages reported for almost 3,700 buildings are compared to the theoretical predictions obtained under two distinct modelling of the seismic hazard. In one hand, the site response spectrum is built according to real accelerometric records obtained during the main shock. In the other hand, the effective Algerian seismic code response spectrum (RPA 99) in use by the time of the earthquake is considered; it required the prior fitting of Boumerd$\grave{e}$s site PGA (Peak Ground Acceleration) provided by Ambraseys' attenuation relationship.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.23-34
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• 2017

Composite steel plate deep beam (CDB) is proposed as a lateral resisting member, which is constructed by steel plate and reinforced concrete (RC) panel, and it is connected with building frame through high-strength bolts. To investigate the seismic performance of the CDB, tests of two 1/3 scaled specimens with different length-to-height ratio were carried out under cyclic loads. The failure modes, load-carrying capacity, hysteretic behavior, ductility and energy dissipation were obtained and analyzed. In addition, the nonlinear finite element (FE) models of the specimens were established and verified by the test results. Besides, parametric analyses were performed to study the effect of length-to-height ratio, height-to-thickness ratio, material type and arrangement of RC panel. The experimental and numerical results showed that: the CDBs lost their load-carrying capacity because of the large out-of plane deformation and yield of the tension field formed on the steel plate. By increasing the length-to-height ratio of steel plate, the load-carrying capacity, elastic stiffness, ductility and energy dissipation capacity of the specimens were significantly enhanced. The ultimate loading capacity increased with increasing the length-to-height ratio of steel plate and yield strength of steel plate; and such capacity increased with decreasing of height-to-thickness ratio of steel plate and gap. Finally, a unified formula is proposed to calculate their ultimate loading capacity, and fitting formula on such indexes are provided for designation of the CDB.

• Composites Research
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.388-394
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• 2016

Fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) composites have drawn increasing attentions worldwide for decades due to its outstanding properties. Stress concentration factor (SCF) as an essential parameter in materials science are critically considered in structure design and application, strength assessment and failure prediction. However, investigation of stress concentration in FRP composites has been rarely reported so far. In this study, three resource-conserving analyses (Isotropic analysis, Orthotropic analysis and Finite element analysis) were introduced to plot the $K_T^A-d/W$ curve for E-glass/epoxy composite plate with the geometrical defect of circular hole placed centrally. The plates were loaded to uniaxial direction for simplification. Finite element analysis (FEA) was carried out via ACP (ANSYS composite prepost module). Based on the least squares method, a simple expression of fitting equation could be given based on the simulated results of a set of discrete points. Finally, all three achievable solutions were presented graphically for explicit comparison. In addition, the investigation into customized efficient SCFs has also been carried out for further reference.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.527-538
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• 2018

Buckling of longitudinal bars is a brittle failure mechanism, often recorded in reinforced concrete (RC) structures after an earthquake. Studies in the literature highlights that it often occurs when steel is in the post elastic range, by inducing a modification of the engineered stress-strain law of steel in compression. A proper evaluation of this effect is of fundamental importance for correctly evaluating capacity and ductility of structures. Significant errors can be obtained in terms of ultimate bending moment and curvature ductility of an RC section if these effects are not accounted, as well as incorrect evaluations are achieved by non-linear static analyses. This paper presents a numerical investigation aiming to evaluate the engineered stress-strain law of reinforcing steel in compression, including second order effects. Non-linear FE analyses are performed under the assumption of local buckling. A role of key parameters is evaluated, making difference between steel with strain hardening or with perfectly plastic behaviour. Comparisons with experimental data available in the literature confirm the accuracy of the achieved results and make it possible to formulate recommendations for design purposes. Finally, comparisons are made with analytical formulations available in the literature and based on obtained results, a modification of the stress-strain law model of Dhakal and Maekawa (2002) is proposed for fitting the numerical predictions.