• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.65 no.5
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• pp.535-546
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• 2018

The objective of this study is to understand the behaviour of hollow core slabs strengthened with FRP and hybrid techniques through numerical and analytical studies. Different strengthening techniques considered in this study are (i) External Bonding (EB) of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) laminates, (ii) Near Surface Mounting (NSM) of CFRP laminates, (iii) Bonded Overlay (BO) using concrete layer, and (iv) hybrid strengthening which is a combination of bonded overlay and NSM or EB. In the numerical studies, three-dimensional Finite Element (FE) models of hollow core slabs were developed considering material and geometrical nonlinearities, and a phased nonlinear analysis was carried out. The analytical calculations were carried out using Response-2000 program which is based on Modified Compression Field Theory (MCFT). Both the numerical and analytical models predicted the behaviour in agreement with experimental results. Parametric studies indicated that increase in the bonded overlay thickness increases the peak load capacity without reducing the displacement ductility. The increase in FRP strengthening ratio increased the capacity but reduced the displacement ductility. The hybrid strengthening technique was found to increase the capacity of the hollow core slabs by more than 100% without compromise in ductility when compared to their individual strengthening schemes.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.807-831
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• 2015

In the previous analytical studies on 2D reinforced concrete (RC) beam-column joints, the modified compression field theory (MCFT) and the strut-and-tie method (STM) are usually employed. In this paper, the limitations of these analytical models for RC joint applications are reviewed. Essentially for predictions of RC joint shear behaviour, the MCFT is not applicable, while the STM can only predict the ultimate shear strength. To eliminate these limitations, an improved STM is derived and applied to some commonly encountered 2D joints, viz., interior and exterior joints, subjected to monotonic loading. Compared with the other STMs, the most attracting novelty of the proposed improved STM is that all critical stages of the shear stress-strain relationships for RC joints can be predicted, which cover the stages characterized by concrete cracking, transverse reinforcement yielding and concrete strut crushing. For validation and demonstration of superiority, the shear stress-strain relationships of interior and exterior RC beam-column joints from published experimental studies are employed and compared with the predictions by the proposed improved STM and other widely-used analytical models, such as the MCFT and STM.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.329-338
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• 2017

A new simple and practical strut-and-tie model (STM) for predicting the shear strength of RC pile caps is proposed in this paper. Two approaches are adopted to take into account the concrete softening effect. In the first approach, a concrete efficiency factor based on compression field theory is employed to determine the effective strength of a concrete strut, assumed to control the shear strength of the whole member. The second adopted Kupfer and Gerstle's biaxial failure criterion of concrete to derive the simple nominal shear strength of pile caps containing the interaction between strut and tie capacity. The validation of these two methods is investigated using 110 RC pile cap test results and other STMs available in the literature. It was found that the failure criterion approach appears to provide more accurate and consistent predictions, and hence is chosen to be the proposed STM. Finally, the predictions of the proposed STM are also compared with those obtained by using seven other STMs from codes of practice and the literature, and were found to give better accuracy and consistency.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.211-223
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• 2008

A number of studies have suggested that the use of high ductile and high shear materials, such as Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) and High Performance Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Composites (HPFRCC), significantly enhances the shear capacity of structural elements, even with/without shear reinforcements. The present study emphasizes the development of a nonlinear model of shear behaviour of a HPFRCC panel for application to the seismic retrofit of reinforced concrete buildings. To model the shear behaviour of HPFRCC panels, the original Modified Compression Field Theory (MCFT) for conventional reinforced concrete panels has been newly revised for reinforced HPFRCC panels, and is referred to here as the HPFRCC-MCFT model. A series of experiments was conducted to assess the shear behaviour of HPFRCC panels subjected to pure shear, and the proposed shear model has been verified through an experiment involving panel elements under pure shear. The proposed shear model of a HPFRCC panel has been applied to the prediction of seismic retrofitted reinforced concrete buildings with in-filled HPFRCC panels. In retrofitted structures, the in-filled HPFRCC element is regarded as a shear spring element of a low-rise shear wall ignoring the flexural response, and reinforced concrete elements for beam or beam-column member are modelled by a finite plastic hinge zone model. An experimental study of reinforced concrete frames with in-filled HPFRCC panels was also carried out and the analysis model was verified with correlation studies of experimental results.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.371-390
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• 2003

The concept of the seismic slit shear wall was proposed in the early 1990's. A series of experimental and theoretic studies on the wall with reinforced concrete short connecting beams cast in the slit were carried out. In this paper another type of slit shear wall is studied. It is one with vertical slit purposely cast within the wall, and the rubber belt penetrated by a part of web shear reinforcement as seismic energy-dissipation device is filled in the slit. Firstly, an experiment under cyclic loading was carried out on two shear wall models, one slit and the other solid. The failure mechanism and energy-dissipation capacity are compared between the two different models, which testifies the seismic performance of the slit wall improved significantly. Secondly, for engineering practice purpose, a macroscopic analytical model is developed to predict the nonlinear behavior of the slit shear wall under cyclic loading. The mechanical properties of each constituent elements of this model are based on the actual behavior of the materials. Furthermore, the effects of both the axial force and bending moment on the shear behavior are taken into account with the aid of the modified compression-field theory. The numerical results are verified to be in close agreement with the experimental measurements.

• International Journal of Railway
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.112-119
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• 2013

A mid-size RC test apparatus (MRCA) equipped with a program is developed that can test samples up to D=10 cm diameter and H=20 cm height which are larger than usual samples used in practice. Using the developed RC test apparatus, two types of crushed trackbed foundation materials were tested in order to get the shear modulus reduction curves of the materials with changing of shear strain levels. For comparison purpose, large repetitive triaxial compression tests (LRT) with samples of height H=60cm and diameter D=30 cm were performed also. Resilient modulus obtained from the LRT was converted to shear modulus by considering elastic theory and strain level conversion and were compared to shear modulus values from the MRCA. It is found from this study that the MRCA can be used to test the trackbed foundation materials properly. It is found also that strain levels of $E_{v2}$ mostly used in the field should be verified considering the shear modulus reduction curves and proper values of $E_{v2}$ of trackbed foundation must be used considering the strain level verified.

• Advances in nano research
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• v.7 no.5
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• pp.311-324
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• 2019

The present study aims to evaluate the nonlinear and post-buckling behaviors of orthotropic graphene sheets exposed to end-shortening strain by implementing a semi-Galerkin technique, as a new approach. The nano-sheets are regarded to be on elastic foundations and different out-of-plane boundary conditions are considered for graphene sheets. In addition, nonlocal elasticity theory is employed to achieve the post-buckling behavior related to the nano-sheets. In the present study, first, out-of-plane deflection function is considered as the only displacement field in the proposed technique, which is hypothesized by an appropriate deflected form. Then, the exact nonlocal stress function is calculated through a complete solution of the von-Karman compatibility equation. In the next step, Galerkin's method is used to solve the unknown parameters considered in the proposed technique. In addition, three different scenarios, which are significantly different with respect to concept, are used to satisfy the natural in-plane boundary conditions and completely attain the stress function. Finally, the post-buckling behavior of thin graphene sheets are evaluated for all three different scenarios, and the impacts of boundary conditions, polymer substrate, and nonlocal parameter are examined in each scenario.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.83 no.4
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• pp.563-576
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• 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the progressive collapse potential of buildings designed using conventional design codes for the merchant occupancy classification and subjected to a sudden column failure. For this purpose, three reinforced concrete buildings having different story numbers were designed according to the seismic design recommendations of TSCB-2019. Later on, the buildings were analyzed using the GSA-2016 and UFC 4-023-03 to observe their progressive collapse responses. Three columns were removed independently in the structures from different locations. Nonlinear dynamic analysis method for the alternate path direct design approach was implemented for the design evaluation. The plasticity of the structural members was simulated by using nonlinear fiber hinges. The moment, axial, and shear force interaction on the hinges was considered by the Modified Compression Field Theory. Moreover, an existing experimental study investigating the progressive collapse behavior of reinforced concrete structures was used to observe the validation of nonlinear fiber hinges and the applied analysis methodology. The study results deduce that a limited local collapse disproportionately more extensive than the initial failure was experienced on the buildings designed according to TSCB-2019. The mercantile structures designed according to current seismic codes require additional direct design considerations to improve their progressive collapse resistance against the risk of a sudden column loss.

• Journal of Positioning, Navigation, and Timing
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.129-140
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• 2023

Autonomous driving systems are likely to be operated in various complex environments. However, the well-known integrated Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)/Inertial Navigation System (INS), which is currently the major source for absolute position information, still has difficulties in accurate positioning in harsh signal environments such as urban canyons. To overcome these difficulties, integrated Visual/Inertial/GNSS (VIG) navigation systems have been extensively studied in various areas. Recently, a Compressed-State Constraint Kalman Filter (CSCKF)-based VIG navigation system (CSCKF-VIG) using a monocular camera, an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), and GNSS receivers has been studied with the aim of providing robust and accurate position information in urban areas. For this new filter-based navigation system, on the basis of time-propagation measurement fusion theory, unnecessary camera states are not required in the system state. This paper presents a performance evaluation of the CSCKF-VIG system compared to other conventional navigation systems. First, the CSCKF-VIG is introduced in detail compared to the well-known Multi-State Constraint Kalman Filter (MSCKF). The CSCKF-VIG system is then evaluated by a field experiment in different GNSS availability situations. The results show that accuracy is improved in the GNSS-degraded environment compared to that of the conventional systems.

• 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.