• Advances in nano research
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.495-511
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• 2023

In this research, the impact of micro-silica, nano-silica, and polypropylene fibers on the fracture energy of self-compacting concrete was thoroughly examined. Enhancing the fracture energy is very important to increase the crack propagation resistance. The study focused on evaluating the self-compacting properties of the concrete through various tests, including J-ring, V-funnel, slump flow, and T50 tests. Additionally, the mechanical properties of the concrete, such as compressive and tensile strengths, modulus of elasticity, and fracture parameters were investigated on hardened specimens after 28 days. The results demonstrated that the incorporation of micro-silica and nano-silica not only decreased the rheological aspects of self-compacting concrete but also significantly enhanced its mechanical properties, particularly the compressive strength. On the other hand, the inclusion of polypropylene fibers had a positive impact on fracture parameters, tensile strength, and flexural strength of the specimens. Utilizing the response surface method, the relationship between micro-silica, nano-silica, and fibers was established. The optimal combination for achieving the highest compressive strength was found to be 5% micro-silica, 0.75% nano-silica, and 0.1% fibers. Furthermore, for obtaining the best mixture with superior tensile strength, flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, and fracture energy, the ideal proportion was determined as 5% micro-silica, 0.75% nano-silica, and 0.15% fibers. Compared to the control mixture, the aforementioned parameters showed significant improvements of 26.3%, 30.3%, 34.3%, and 34.3%, respectively. In order to accurately model the tensile cracking of concrete, the authors used softening curves derived from an inverse algorithm proposed by them. This method allowed for a precise and detailed analysis of the concrete under tensile stress. This study explores the effects of micro-silica, nano-silica, and polypropylene fibers on self-compacting concrete and shows their influences on the fracture energy and various mechanical properties of the concrete. The results offer valuable insights for optimizing the concrete mix to achieve desired strength and performance characteristics.

• Advances in nano research
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.467-484
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• 2023

Despite the significant features of fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (FRCCs), including better mechanical, fractural, and durability performance, their high content of cement has restricted their use in the construction industry. Although ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) is considered the main supplementary cementitious material, its slow pozzolanic reaction stands against its application. The addition of nano-sized mineral modifiers, including nano-silica (NS), is an alternative to address the drawbacks of using GGBFS. The main object of this empirical and numerical research is to examine the effect of NS on the strain-hardening behavior of cementitious composites; ten mixes were designed, and five levels of NS were considered. This study proposes a new method, using a four-point bending test to assess the use of nano-silica (NS) on the flexural behavior, first cracking strength, fracture energy, and micromechanical parameters including interfacial friction bond strength and maximum bridging stress. Digital image correlation (DIC) was used for monitoring the initiation and propagation of the cracks. In addition, to attain a deep comprehension of fiber/matrix interaction, scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis was used. It was discovered that using nano-silica (NS) in cementitious materials results in an enhancement in the matrix toughness, which prevents multiple cracking and, therefore, strain-hardening. In addition, adding NS enhanced the interfacial transition zone between matrix and fiber, leading to a higher interfacial friction bond strength, which helps multiple cracking in the composite due to the hydrophobic nature of polypropylene (PP) fibers. The findings of this research provide insight into finding the optimum percent of NS in which both ductility and high tensile strength of the composites would be satisfied. As a concluding remark, a new criterion is proposed, showing that the optimum value of nano-silica is 2%. The findings and proposed method of this study can facilitate the design and utilization of green cementitious composites in structures.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.525-538
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• 2023

The development of a city is closely linked to the construction and operation of its subway system. However, constructing a new subway tunnel under an existing station is an extremely complex task, and the deformation characteristics and mechanical behavior of the new subway tunnel during the excavation process can greatly impact the normal operation of the existing station. Although the previous studies about the case of underpass engineering have been carried out, there is limited research on the condition of a newly-built subway tunnel that closely undercrossing an existing station with zero distance between them. Therefore, this study analyzes the deformation law and mechanical behavior characteristics of the preliminary lining of the underpass tunnel during the excavation process based on the real engineering case of Chengdu Metro Line 8. This study also makes an in-depth comparison of the influence of different excavation methods on this issue. Finally, the accuracy of numerical simulation is verified by comparing it with on-site result. The results indicate that the maximum bending moment mainly occurs at the floor slab of the preliminary lining, while that of the ceiling is small. The stress state at the ceiling position is less affected by the construction process of the pilot tunnel. Compared to the all-in-one excavation method, although the process of partial excavation method is more complicated, the deformation of preliminary lining caused by it is basically less than the upper limit value of the standard, while that of the all-in-one excavation method is beyond standard requirements.

• Advances in concrete construction
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.59-68
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• 2023

In the pumping process, concrete moves along the pipe and experiences both pressure and shear. This changes the workability and flow characteristics of the concrete. However, the effect of pressure and shear on the change in properties of concrete during the pumping process has not yet been accurately identified. This study analyzed the effects of pressure and shear on the properties of concrete during pumping. For quantitative tests, lab-scale test equipment capable of simulating the pressure and shear applied to concrete during pumping was used. For one coarse aggregate type, two paste types, three mortar types, and five concrete types, the effects of pressure, shear, and shear under pressure conditions were examined by varying the maximum pressure (0 to 200 bar) and the rotational speed of the vane for shear (0 to 180 rpm). Under the maximum pressure condition of 200 bar, the water absorption of coarse aggregate increased by 0.62% and that of fine aggregate also increased. When the concrete was under pressure, significant changes (a reduction in a slump and an increase in viscosity and yield stress) compared with the effect of the elapsed time occurred owing to an increase in the water absorption of the aggregates. When both pressure and shear were applied to concrete, both the slump and viscosity decreased. As the rotational speed of the vane increased, changes in properties became significant. Shearing in the absence of pressure maintained the properties of concrete. However, shearing under pressure conditions caused a reduction in slump and viscosity.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.88 no.2
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• pp.169-178
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• 2023

Lightweight aggregate concrete (LWAC) has various advantages, but it has limitations in ensuring sufficient ductility as structural members such as reinforced concrete (RC) columns due to its low confinement effect of core concrete. In particular, the confinement effect significantly decreases as the axial load increases, but studies on evaluating the ductility of RC columns at high axial loads are very limited. Therefore, this study examined the effects of concrete unit weight on the seismic performance of RC columns subjected to constant axial loads applied with different values for each specimen. The column specimens were classified into all-lightweight aggregate concrete (ALWAC), sand-lightweight aggregate concrete (SLWAC), and normal-weight concrete (NWC). The amount of transverse reinforcement was specified for all the columns to satisfy twice the minimum amount specified in the ACI 318-19 provision. Test results showed that the normalized moment capacity of the columns decreased slightly with the concrete unit weight, whereas the moment capacity of LWAC columns could be conservatively estimated based on the procedure stipulated in ACI 318-19 using an equivalent rectangular stress block. Additionally, by applying the section lamina method, the axial load level corresponding to the balanced failure decreased with the concrete unit weight. The ductility of the columns also decreased with the concrete unit weight, indicating a higher level of decline under a higher axial load level. Thus, the LWAC columns required more transverse reinforcement than their counterpart NWC columns to achieve the same ductility level. Ultimately, in order to achieve high ductility in LWAC columns subjected to an axial load of 0.5, it is recommended to design the transverse reinforcement with twice the minimum amount specified in the ACI 318-19 provision.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.49 no.6
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• pp.615-631
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• 2023

To investigate the seismic behavior of steel slag self-stressing concrete-filled circular steel tubular (SSSCFCST) columns, 14 specimens were designed, namely, 10 SSSCFCST columns and four ordinary steel slag (SS) concrete (SSC)-filled circular steel tubular (SSCFCST) columns. Comparative tests were conducted under low reversed cyclic loading considering various parameters, such as the axial compression ratio, diameter-thickness ratio, shear-span ratio, and expansion ratio of SSC. The failure process of the specimens was observed, and hysteretic and skeleton curves were obtained. Next, the influence of these parameters on the hysteretic behavior of the SSSCFCST columns was analyzed. The self stress of SS considerably increased the bearing capacity and ductility of the specimens. Results indicated that specimens with a shear-span ratio of 1.83 exhibited compression bending failure, whereas those with shear-span ratios of 0.91 or 1.37 exhibited drum-shaped cracking failure. However, shear-bond failure occurred in the nonloading direction. The stiffness of the falling section of the specimens decreased with increasing shear-span ratio. The hysteretic curves exhibited a weak pinch phenomenon, and their shapes evolved from a full shuttle shape to a bow shape during loading. The skeleton curves of the specimens were nearly complete, progressing through elastic, elastoplastic, and plastic stages. Based on the experimental study and considering the effects of the SSC expansion rate, shear-span ratio, diameter-thickness ratio, and axial compression ratio on the seismic behavior, a peak displacement coefficient of 0.91 was introduced through regression analysis. A simplified method for calculating load-displacement skeleton curves was proposed and loading and unloading rules for SSSCFCST columns were provided. The load-displacement restorative force model of the specimens was established. These findings can serve as a guide for further research and practical application of SSSCFCST columns.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.1-13
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• 2024

The objective of this research is to study experimentally and numerically the behavior of steel beam columns with openings. Although the presence of openings in the beam columns is inevitable, finding ways to maintain strength is crucial. The studied parameters are opening shape, the ratio between opening height to specimen height, the percentage of opening location from support to beam column length, and web slenderness. Experimental tests are conducted including twelve specimens to study the effect of these parameters and record failure load, load deflection curve, and stress strain curve. Two failure modes are observed: local and flexural buckling. Interaction curves plotted from finite element model analysis are also used to expand the parametric study. Changing the location of the opening can decrease failure load by up to 7% and 60% in both normal and moment ratios respectively. Increasing the opening dimension can lead to a drop in the axial ratio by up to 29% and in the moment ratio by up to 74%. The weakest beam column behavior is noticed in specimens with rectangular openings which results from uneven and concentrated stresses around the opening. The main results of this research illustrate that the best location for opening is at 40% - 50% from beam column support. Also, it is advisable to use circular openings instead of rectangular openings in specimens having slender webs because moment ratios are raised by 85% accompanied by a rise in normal ratios by 9%.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.89 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2024

This article introduces a novel analytical model for examining the impact of porosity on shear correction factors (SCFs) in functionally graded porous beams (FGPB). The study employs uneven and logarithmic-uneven modified porosity-dependent power-law functions, which are distributed throughout the thickness of the FGP beams. Additionally, a modified exponential-power law function is used to estimate the effective mechanical properties of functionally graded porous beams. The correction factor plays a crucial role in this analysis as it appears as a coefficient in the expression for the transverse shear stress resultant. It compensatesfor the assumption that the shear strain is uniform across the depth of the cross-section. By applying the energy equivalence principle, a general expression for static SCFs in FGPBs is derived. The resulting expression aligns with the findings obtained from Reissner's analysis, particularly when transitioning from the two-dimensional case (plate) to the one-dimensional case (beam). The article presents a convenient algebraic form of the solution and provides new case studies to demonstrate the practicality of the proposed formulation. Numerical results are also presented to illustrate the influence of porosity distribution on SCFs for different types of FGPBs. Furthermore, the article validates the numerical consistency of the mechanical property changesin FG beams without porosity and the SCF by comparing them with available results.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.89 no.1
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• pp.33-46
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• 2024

The present research delves into the analysis of nonlinear free and forced vibrations of porous functionally graded (FG) shallow shells reinforced with oblique stiffeners, which are embedded in a nonlinear elastic foundation (NEF) subjected to external excitation. Two distinct types of PFG shallow shells, characterized by even and uneven porosity distribution along the thickness direction, are considered in the research. In order to model the stiffeners, Lekhnitskii's smeared stiffeners technique is implemented. With the stress function and first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT), the nonlinear model of the oblique stiffened shallow shells is established. The strain-displacement relationships for the system are derived via the FSDT and utilization of the von-Kármán's geometric assumptions. To discretize the nonlinear governing equations, the Galerkin method is employed. The model such developed allows analysis of the effects of the stiffeners with various angles as desired, in addition to the quantitative investigation on the influence of the surrounding nonlinear elastic foundations. To numerically solve the problem of vibrations, the 4th-order P-T method is used, as this method, known for its enhanced accuracy and reliability, proves to be an effective choice. The validation of the present research findings includes a comprehensive comparison with outcomes documented in existing literature. Additionally, a comparative analysis of the numerical results against those obtained using the 4th Runge-Kutta method is performed. The impact of stiffeners with varying angles and material parameters on the vibration characteristics of the present system is also explored. The researchers and engineers working in this field may use the results of this study as benchmarks in their design and research for the considered shell systems.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.265-280
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• 2024

The collapse behavior observed in single-story beam-column assembly (SSBCA) do not accurately represent the actual overall stress characteristic of multi-story frame structure (MSFS) under column loss scenario owing to ignoring the interaction action among different stories, leading to a disconnection between the anti-collapse behaviors of "components" and "overall structures", that is, the anti-collapse performance of frame structures with two different structural scales has not yet formed a combined force. This paper conducts a numerical and theoretical study to explore the difference of the collapse behaviors of the SSBCA and MSFS, and further to reveal the internal force relationships and boundary constraints at beam ends of models SSBCA and MSFS. Based on the previous experimental tests, the corresponding refined numerical simulation models were established and verified, and comparative analysis on the resistant-collapse performance was carried out, based on the validated modeling methods with considering the actual boundary constraints, and the results illustrates that the collapse behaviors of the SSBCA and MSFS is not a simple multiple relationship. Through numerical simulation and theoretical analysis, the development laws of internal force in each story beam under different boundary constraints was clarified, and the coupling relationship between the bending moment at the most unfavorable section and axial force in the composite beam of different stories of multi story frames with weld cover-plated flange connections was obtained. In addition, considering the effect of the yield performance of adjacent columns on the anti-collapse bearing capacities of the SSBCA and MSFS during the large deformation stages, the calculation formula for the equivalent axial stiffness at the beam ends of each story were provided.