• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.957-980
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• 2016

Structural damage detection (SDD) is a challenging task in the field of structural health monitoring (SHM). As an exploring attempt to the SDD problem, a hybrid self-adaptive Firefly-Nelder-Mead (SA-FNM) algorithm is proposed for the SDD problem in this study. First of all, the basic principle of firefly algorithm (FA) is introduced. The Nelder-Mead (NM) algorithm is incorporated into FA for improving the local searching ability. A new strategy for exchanging the information in the firefly group is introduced into the SA-FNM for reducing the computation cost. A random walk strategy for the best firefly and a self-adaptive control strategy of three key parameters, such as light absorption, randomization parameter and critical distance, are proposed for preferably balancing the exploitation and exploration ability of the SA-FNM. The computing performance of the SA-FNM is evaluated and compared with the basic FA by three benchmark functions. Secondly, the SDD problem is mathematically converted into a constrained optimization problem, which is then hopefully solved by the SA-FNM algorithm. A multi-step method is proposed for finding the minimum fitness with a big probability. In order to assess the accuracy and the feasibility of the proposed method, a two-storey rigid frame structure without considering the finite element model (FEM) error and a steel beam with considering the model error are taken examples for numerical simulations. Finally, a series of experimental studies on damage detection of a steel beam with four damage patterns are performed in laboratory. The illustrated results show that the proposed method can accurately identify the structural damage. Some valuable conclusions are made and related issues are discussed as well.

• Transactions of the Korean Society for Noise and Vibration Engineering
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.185-191
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• 2008

Optimal damping layout of the constrained viscoelastic damping layer on beam is identified with temperatures by using a gradient-based numerical search algorithm. An optimal design problem is defined in order to determine the constrained damping layer configuration. A finite element formulation is introduced to model the constrained layer damping beam. The four-parameter fractional derivative model and the Arrhenius shift factor are used to describe dynamic characteristics of viscoelastic material with respect to frequency and temperature. Frequency-dependent complex-valued eigenvalue problems are solved by using a simple re-substitution algorithm in order to obtain the loss factor of each mode and responses of the structure. The results of the numerical example show that the proposed method can reduce frequency responses of beam at peaks only by reconfiguring the layout of constrained damping layer within a limited weight constraint.

• Coupled systems mechanics
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.185-197
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• 2019

Considering the increasing use of tubular profiles in civil construction, this paper highlights the study on the behavior of welded connections between square hollow section column and I-beam, with emphasis on the assessment of the joint stiffness. Firstly, a theoretical analysis of the welded joints has been done focusing on prescriptions of the technical literature for the types of geometries mentioned. Then, a numerical analysis of the proposed joints were performed by the finite element method (FEM) with the software ANSYS 16.0. In this study, two models were evaluated for different parameters, such as the thickness of the cross section of the column and the sizes of cross section of the beams. The first model describes a connection in which one beam is connected to the column in a unique bending plane, while the second model describes a connection of two beams to the column in two bending planes. From the numerical results, the bending moment-rotation ($M-{\varphi}$) curve was plotted in order to determine the resistant bending moment and classify each connection according to its rotational capacity. Furthermore, an equation was established with the aim of estimating the rotational stiffness of welded I beam-to-RHS column connections, which can be used during the structure design. The results show that most of the connections are semi-rigid, highlighting the importance of considering the stiffness of the connections in the structure design.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.465-478
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• 2021

On the premise of ensuring that the static performance of the concrete spreader is met, the first-order natural frequency of the concrete spreader is increased, and the weight of the main beam is reduced. ANSYS is used as an analysis tool to perform modal analysis on the concrete spreader. The natural frequency, mode shape and modal test verification will be obtained to ensure the accuracy of finite element model analysis. Using the ANSYS designxplorer module, the size of the main beam is set, and the response surface model between the parameter variables and the optimization objective is established according to the experimental design points. Screening algorithm and MOGA algorithm are used to multi-optimize the stress, first-order natural frequency and girder weight, and the optimal solution is obtained by comparison. The results of modal analysis are consistent with those of the experiment, and a set of optimal solutions is obtained through the optimization algorithm. The optimal solution obtained can meet the purpose of increasing the first-order natural frequency of the concrete spreader and reducing the weight of the main beam under the premise of ensuring the overall dynamic and static performance of the concrete spreader.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.283-296
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• 2023

This paper presents experimental and numerical studies of seismic performance on reinforced concrete (RC) wide beam (WB) joints. Two RC-WB joint specimens and one conventional RC joint specimen were fabricated using the reinforcing details of longitudinal reinforcing bars in a beam as a variable, and quasi-static cyclic loading tests were performed. The results were used to compare and analyze the load-drift ratio relationship, failure mode, and seismic performance of the specimens quantitatively. In addition, a finite element (FE) analysis of the RC-WB joint was conducted, and the rationality of the FE model was validated by comparing it with the test results. Based on the FE model, a parametric study was conducted, where the ratio of longitudinal reinforcing bars placed on the outer and inner parts of the joint (𝜌_ex/𝜌_in) was a key variable. The results showed that, in the RC-WB joint, an increase of 𝜌_ex/𝜌_in leads to more severe damage to concrete, which reduces the seismic performance of the RC-WB joints.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.62 no.2
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• pp.225-236
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• 2017

The purpose of this work is to predict ductile fracture of structural steel under extremely low cyclic loading experienced in earthquake. A cumulative damage model is proposed on the basis of an existing damage model originally aiming to predict fracture under monotonic loading. The cumulative damage model assumes that damage does not grow when stress triaxiality is below a threshold and fracture occurs when accumulated damage reach unit. The model was implemented in ABAQUS software. The cumulative damage model parameters for steel base metal, weld metal and heat affected zone were calibrated, respectively, through testing and finite element analyses of notched coupon specimens. The damage evolution law in the notched coupon specimens under different loads was compared. Finally, in order to examine the engineering applicability of the proposed model, the fracture performance of beam-column welded joints reported by previous researches was analyzed based on the cumulative damage model. The analysis results show that the cumulative damage model is able to successfully predict the cracking location, fracture process, the crack initiation life, and the total fatigue life of the joints.

• Proceedings of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute Conference
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• 2000.10a
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• pp.349-354
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• 2000

The modal analysis based on deformations is the method to drived dynamic responsed from superposition of natural frequency and mode shape. In order to free vibration analysis of the structures, Aluminum-made model is used in experiment. The dynamic characteristic of the structures are determined from acceleration measurements using impulse hammer. Experimenrt input and output signal are derive from impact hammer and the one accerometer. This paper present three methods for calculating the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the structure with theory value and finite element analysis, experiment. The results were good approximated about natural frequency and mode shape.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.417-431
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• 2013

This paper presents responses of the free end of a cantilever micro beam under the effect of an impact force based on the modified couple stress theory. The beam is excited by a transverse triangular force impulse modulated by a harmonic motion. The Kelvin-Voigt model for the material of the beam is used. The considered problem is investigated within the Bernoulli-Euler beam theory by using energy based finite element method. The system of equations of motion is derived by using Lagrange's equations. The obtained system of linear differential equations is reduced to a linear algebraic equation system and solved in the time domain by using Newmark average acceleration method. In the study, the difference of the modified couple stress theory and the classical beam theory is investigated for the wave propagation. A few of the obtained results are compared with the previously published results. The influences of the material length scale parameter on the wave propagation are investigated in detail. It is clearly seen from the results that the classical beam theory based on the modified couple stress theory must be used instead of the classical theory for small values of beam height.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.67-84
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• 2008

The present contribution is concerned with the static and dynamic stability of a piezo-laminated Bernoulli-Euler beam subjected to an axial compressive force. Recently, an inconsistent derivation of the equations of motions of such a smart structural system has been presented in the literature, where it has been claimed, that an axial piezoelectric actuation can be used to control its stability. The main scope of the present paper is to show that this unfortunately is impossible. We present a consistent theory for composite beams in plane bending. Using an exact description of the kinematics of the beam axis, together with the Bernoulli-Euler assumptions, we obtain a single-layer theory capable of taking into account the effects of piezoelectric actuation and buckling. The assumption of an inextensible beam axis, which is frequently used in the literature, is discussed afterwards. We show that the cited inconsistent beam model is due to inadmissible mixing of the assumptions of an inextensible beam axis and a vanishing axial displacement, leading to the erroneous result that the stability might be enhanced by an axial piezoelectric actuation. Our analytical formulations for simply supported Bernoulli-Euler type beams are verified by means of three-dimensional finite element computations performed with ABAQUS.

• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.233-245
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• 2007

Previous finite element studies have shown that AASHTO Standard load distribution factor (LDF) equations appear to be conservative for longer spans and larger girder spacing, but too permissible for short spans and girder spacing. AASHTO LRFD specification defines the distribution factor equation for girder spacing, span length, slab thickness, and longitudinal stiffness. However, this equation requires an iterative procedure to correctly determine the LDF value due to an initially unknown longitudinal stiffness parameter. This study presents a simplified LDF equation for interior and exterior girders of two-span continuous I-girder bridges that does not require an iterative design procedure. The finite element method was used to investigate the effect of girder spacing, span length, slab thickness, slab width, and spacing and size of bracing. The computer program, GTSTRUDL, was used to idealize the bridge superstructures as the eccentric beam model, the concrete slab by quadrilateral shell elements, steel girders by space frame members, and the composite action between these elements by rigid links. The distribution factors obtained from these analyses were compared with those from the AASHTO Standard and LRFD methods. It was observed through the parametric studies that girder spacing, span length, and slab thickness were the dominant parameters compared with others. The LRFD distribution factor for the interior girder was found to be conservative in most cases, whereas the factor for the exterior girder to be unconservative in longer spans. Furthermore, a regression analysis was performed to develop simplified LDF formulas. The formulas developed in this study produced LDF values that are always conservative to those from the finite element method and are generally smaller than the LDF values obtained from the AASHTO LRFD specification. The proposed simplified equation will assist bridge engineers in predicting the actual LDF in two-span continuous I-girder bridges.