• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.547-559
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• 2023

We evaluated the applicability of machine learning techniques and the Kuz-Ram model for predicting the mean fragmentation size in open-pit mines. The characteristics of the in-situ rock considered here were uniaxial compressive strength, tensile strength, rock factor, and mean in-situ block size. Seventy field datasets that included these characteristics were collected to predict the mean fragmentation size. Deep neural network, support vector machine, and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) models were trained using the data. The performance was evaluated using the root mean squared error (RMSE) and the coefficient of determination (r²). The XGBoost model had the smallest RMSE and the highest r² value compared with the other models. Additionally, when analyzing the error rate between the measured and predicted values, XGBoost had the lowest error rate. When the Kuz-Ram model was applied, low accuracy was observed owing to the differences in the characteristics of data used for model development. Consequently, the proposed XGBoost model predicted the mean fragmentation size more accurately than other models. If its performance is improved by securing sufficient data in the future, it will be useful for improving the blasting efficiency at the target site.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.84 no.4
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• pp.561-573
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• 2022

This paper presents a new model to obtain the minimum area of the contact surface for rectangular isolated footings, considering that the contact surface works partially to compression (a part of the contact surface of the footing is subjected to compression and the other is not in compression or tension). The methodology is developed by integration to obtain the axial load "P", moment around the X axis "M_x" and moment around the Y axis "M_y". This document presents the simplified and precise equations of the four possible cases of footing subjected to uniaxial bending and five possible cases of footing subjected to biaxial bending. The current model considers the contact area of the footing that works totally in compression, and other models consider the contact area that works partially under compression and these are developed by very complex iterative processes. Numerical examples are presented to obtain the minimum area of rectangular footings under an axial load and moments in two directions, and the results are compared with those of other authors. The results show that the new model presents smaller areas than the other authors presented.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.1-17
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• 2023

Based on Ahmadzadeh-Varvani hardening rule (A-V model), multiaxial ratcheting effect of Z2CND18.12N austenitic stainless steel is simulated by ABAQUS with user subroutine UMAT. The results show that the predicted results of the origin multiaxial A-V model are lower than the experimental data, and it is difficult to control ratcheting strain rate. In order to improve the predicted capability of A-V model, the A-V model is modified. In this study. Moreover, under the assumption of the von Mises yield criterion and normal plasticity flow rule, we develop a numerical algorithm of plastic strain with the improved model to implement the finite element calculation of the model. Internal iteration in the numerical algorithm was implemented with the Euler backward method, which calculated the trial strain for each equilibrium iteration using the consistent tangent matrix. With a user subroutine, the proposed model is programmed into ABAQUS for a user - executable version. By simulating the uniaxial ratcheting of a round bar made of Z2CND18.12N austenitic stainless steel, we observe that the predicted results simulated by ABAQUS with UMAT are compared with the experimental data. The predicted results of the improved multiaxial A-V model are consistent well with the experimental data.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.149-166
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• 2024

The acoustic emission (AE) technique is utilized to estimate the rock failure status in underground spaces. Understanding the AE characteristics under loading conditions is essential to ensure the reliability of AE monitoring. The AE characteristics depend on the material properties (p-wave velocity, density, UCS, and Young's modulus) and damage stages (stress ratio) of the target rock mass. In this study, two groups of granite specimens (based on the p-wave velocity regime) were prepared to explore the effect of material properties on AE characteristics. Uniaxial compressive loading tests with an AE measurement system were performed to investigate the effect of the rock properties using AE indices (count index, energy index, and amplitude index). The test results were analyzed according to three damage stages classified by the stress ratio of the specimens. Count index was determined to be the most suitable AE index for evaluating rock mass stability.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.573-594
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• 2024

This article presents a research study, with both laboratory and field tests, of a deep foundation in a markedly anisotropic medium. Particularly it has focused on the evaluation of the behavior of a pile, one meter in diameter, embedded in a rocky environment with difficult conditions, in the Flysch of the Spanish city of San Sebastián. To carry out the research, the site of a bridge over the Urumea River was chosen, which was supported by pre-excavated reinforced concrete piles. 4 borings were carried out, by the rotation and washing method, with continuous sampling and combined with flexible dilatometer tests. In the field, an Osterberg load test (O-cell) was performed, while in the laboratory, determinations of natural moisture, natural unit weight, uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), point load strength (PLS), compressive wave propagation velocity (V_c) and also triaxial and direct shear tests were carried out. The research results indicate the following: a) the empirical functions that correlate the UCS with the PLS are not always linear; b) for the studied Flysch it is possible to obtain empirical functions that correlate the UCS with the PLS and with the V_c; c) the bearing capacity of the studied Flysch is much greater than if it is evaluated by different load capacity theories; d) it is possible to propose an empirical function that allows evaluating the mobilized shear strength (τ_m), as a function of the UCS and the displacement relative of the pile (δ_r).

• Advances in materials Research
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.19-35
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• 2024

Presented Article evaluates the effect of nanoclay on permeability, compressive strength, and plasticity behavior of fine-grained soil related to the Tabriz landfill site. In this regard, comprehensive experimental study was performed on taken soil samples (42 specimens) with aim of design high-performance liners for Tabriz landfill. The samples was mixed by 0% (control) 3%, 6% and 9% nanoclay and prepared in 1, 7, 14 and 28 days before testing stage. Index tests like particle-size, permeability, atterberg limits, and uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) was conducted on samples. The results show that studied soil is classified as CL in USCS classification and atterberg limits measured as LL is 37, PL is 20.67, and PI is 16.33 which increase into 75, 45, and 30. The assessment presented the LL was increased about 20.27% based on increasing in nanoclay from 0% to 9%. These variations for PL and PI were 21.77% and 18.37%, respectively. Also, the and soil's compressive strength is increase from 120 kPa to 188 kPa and permeability is estimated as 4.25×10^-6 m/s which reduced into the 6.34×10^-9 m/s with respect the naboclay content increases form 0% to 9%.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.671-688
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• 2024

The modeling efficiency of concrete meso-models close to real concrete is one of the important issues that limit the accuracy of mechanical simulation. In order to improve the modeling efficiency and the closeness of the numerical aggregate shape to the real aggregate, this paper proposes a method for generating a two-dimensional concrete meso-model based on pixel matrix and skeleton theory. First, initial concrete model (a container for placing aggregate) is generated using pixel matrix. Then, the skeleton curve of the residual space that is the model after excluding the existing aggregate is obtained using a thinning algorithm. Finally, the final model is obtained by placing the aggregate according to the curve branching points. Compared with the traditional Monte Carlo placement method, the proposed method greatly reduces the number of overlaps between aggregates by up to 95%, and the placement efficiency does not significantly decrease with increasing aggregate content. The model developed is close to the actual concrete experiments in terms of aggregate gradation, aspect ratio, asymmetry, concavity and convexity, and old-new mortar ratio, cracking form, and stress-strain curve. In addition, the cracking loss process of concrete under uniaxial compression was explained at the mesoscale.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.15-31
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• 2024

This study explores the failure mechanisms of 'I' shaped non-persistent cracks under uniaxial loads through a combination of experimental tests and numerical simulations. Concrete specimens measuring 200 mm×200 mm×50 mm were manufactured, featuring 'I' shaped non-persistent joints. The number of these joints varied from one to three, with angles set at 0, 30, 60, and 90 degrees. Twelve configurations, differing in the placement of pre-existing joints, were considered, where larger joints measured 80 mm in length and smaller cracks persisted for 20 mm with a 1 mm crack opening. Numerical models were developed for the 12 specimens, and loading in Y-axis direction was 0.05 mm/min, considering a concrete tensile strength of 5 MPa. Results reveal that crack starting was primarily influenced by the slope of joint that lacks persistence in relation to the loading direction and the number of joints. The compressive strength of the samples exhibited variations based on joint layout and failure mode. The study reveals a correlation between the failure behavior of joints and the number of induced tensile fracture, which increased with higher joint angles. Specimen strength increased with decreasing joint angles and numbers. The strength and failure processes exhibited similarities in both laboratory testing and numerical modeling methods.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.137-149
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• 2024

In order to study the triaxial mechanical behavior of steel fiber reinforced high performance concrete (SFRHPC), the standard triaxial compression tests with four different confining pressures are performed on the cylindrical specimens. Three different steel fiber volumes (0, 1% and 2%) are added in the specimens with diameter of 50 mm and height of 100 mm. Test results show that the triaxial compressive strength and peak strain increase with the increasing of fiber content at the same confining pressure. At the same steel fiber content, the triaxial compressive strength and peak strain increases with the confining pressure. The compressive strength growth rate declines as the confining pressure and steel fiber content increases. Longitudinal cracks are dominant in specimens with or without steel fiber under uniaxial compression loading. While with the confining pressure increases, diagonal crack due to shear is obvious. The Mohr-Coulomb criterion is illustrated can be used to describe the failure behavior, and the cohesive force increases as steel fiber content increases. Finally, the numerical model is built by using the PFC3D software. In the numerical model a index is introduced to reflect the effect of steel fiber content on the triaxial compressive behavior. The simulating stress-strain curve and failure mode of SFRHPC are agree well with the experimental results.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.91 no.5
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• pp.517-526
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• 2024

Due to the asymmetric cross-section of unequal-angle steel, the application of loads can induce axial rotation, leading to a series of buckling failure behaviors. Special attention must be paid during the design process. The present study aims to analyze the structural behavior of asymmetric steel angle members under various eccentric loading conditions, considering the complex biaxial bending interaction that arises when the angle steel is connected to the panel. Several key factors are investigated in this paper, including the effects of uniaxial and biaxial eccentricity on the structural behavior and the eccentric axial compression strength of long and short legs at different load application points. Potential risks associated with the specified load points, based on the AISC specifications, are also discussed. The study observed that the strength values of the members exhibited significant changes when the eccentric load deviates from the specified point. The relative position of the eccentric load point and the slenderness ratio of the member are critical influencing factors. Overall, this research intends to enhance the accuracy and reliability of strength analysis methods for asymmetric single angle steel members, providing valuable insights and guidance for a safer and more efficient design.