• Computers and Concrete
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.759-774
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• 2015

This study simulates the flexural behavior of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) beams reinforced with steel and glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) rebars. For this, micromechanics-based modeling was first carried out on the basis of single fiber pullout models considering inclination angle. Two different tension-softening curves (TSCs) with the assumptions of 2-dimensional (2-D) and 3-dimensional (3-D) random fiber orientations were obtained from the micromechanics-based modeling, and linear elastic compressive and tensile models before the occurrence of cracks were obtained from the mechanical tests and rule of mixture. Finite element analysis incorporating smeared crack model was used due to the multiple cracking behaviors of structural UHPFRC beams, and the characteristic length of two times the element width (or two times the average crack spacing at the peak load) was suggested as a result of parametric study. Analytical results showed that the assumption of 2-D random fiber orientation is appropriate to a non-reinforced UHPFRC beam, whereas the assumption of 3-D random fiber orientation is suitable for UHPFRC beams reinforced with steel and GFRP rebars due to disorder of fiber alignment from the internal reinforcements. The micromechanics-based finite element analysis also well predicted the serviceability deflections of UHPFRC beams with GFRP rebars and hybrid reinforcements.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.849-866
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• 2012

Single span historic bridges often contain non-prismatic members identified with a varying depth along their span lengths. Commonly, the symmetric parabolic height variations having the constant haunch length ratio of 0.5 have been selected to lower the stresses at the high bending moment points and to maintain the deflections within the acceptable limits. Due to their non-prismatic geometrical configuration, their assessment, particularly the computation of fixed-end horizontal forces (FEFs) and fixed-end moments (FEMs) becomes a complex problem. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the behavior of non-prismatic beams with symmetrical parabolic haunches (NBSPH) having the constant haunch length ratio of 0.5 using finite element analyses (FEA). FEFs and FEMs due to vertical loadings as well as the stiffness coefficients and the carry-over factors were computed through a comprehensive parametric study using FEA. It was demonstrated that the conventional methods using frame elements can lead to significant errors, and the deviations can reach to unacceptable levels for these types of structures. Despite the robustness of FEA, the generation of FEFs and FEMs using the nodal outputs of the detailed finite element mesh still remains an intricate task. Therefore, this study advances to propose effective formulas and dimensionless estimation coefficients to predict the FEFs, FEMs, stiffness coefficients and carry-over factors with reasonable accuracy for the analysis and re-evaluation of the NBSPH. Using the proposed approach, the fixed-end reactions due to vertical loads, and also the stiffness coefficients and the carry-over factors of the NBSPH can be determined without necessitating the detailed FEA.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.223-235
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• 2008

This paper focuses on the application of artificial neural networks (ANN) for optimal design of tensegrity grid as light-weight roof structures. A tensegrity grid, 2 m ${\times}$ 2 m in size, is fabricated by integrating four single tensegrity modules based on half-cuboctahedron configuration, using galvanised iron (GI) pipes as struts and high tensile stranded cables as tensile elements. The structure is subjected to destructive load test during which continuous monitoring of the prestress levels, key deflections and strains in the struts and the cables is carried out. The monitored structure is analyzed using finite element method (FEM) and the numerical model verified and updated with the experimental observations. The paper then explores the possibility of applying ANN based on multilayered feed forward back propagation algorithm for designing the tensegrity grid structure. The network is trained using the data generated from a finite element model of the structure validated through the physical test. After training, the network output is compared with the target and reasonable agreement is found between the two. The results demonstrate the feasibility of applying the ANNs for design of the tensegrity structures.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.1133-1145
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• 1996

A method is proposed to predict the deformed shape of the structure subjected to the unknown external loads using the signal from the piezoceramic sensors. Such a shape estimation is based on the linear relationship between the deformation of structure and the signal from sensor, which is calculated using finite element method. The deformed shape is, then calculated using the linear matrix and the signals from the piezoceramic sensors attached to the structures. For the purpose, a structural analysis program is developed using a multi-layerd finite element of 8 nodes with 3 displacement and one voltage degrees of freedom at each node. The multiple layers with the different material properties can be layered within the element. The incompatible mode with the element is found to be crucial to catch the bending behavior accurately. The accuracy of the program is, then, verified by being compared with the experimental results performed by Crawley. The proposed shape estimation method is also verified for the different loads and sensor size. It is shown that the results of shape estimation method using the linear matrix well predicts the deflections compared with those of finite element method.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.1-14
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• 2004

Numerical solution to linear bending analysis of circular plates is obtained by the method of harmonic differential quadrature (HDQ). In the method of differential quadrature (DQ), partial space derivatives of a function appearing in a differential equation are approximated by means of a polynomial expressed as the weighted linear sum of the function values at a preselected grid of discrete points. The method of HDQ that was used in the paper proposes a very simple algebraic formula to determine the weighting coefficients required by differential quadrature approximation without restricting the choice of mesh grids. Applying this concept to the governing differential equation of circular plate gives a set of linear simultaneous equations. Bending moments, stresses values in radial and tangential directions and vertical deflections are found for two different types of load. In the present study, the axisymmetric bending behavior is considered. Both the clamped and the simply supported edges are considered as boundary conditions. The obtained results are compared with existing solutions available from analytical and other numerical results such as finite elements and finite differences methods. A comparison between the HDQ results and the finite difference solutions for one example plate problem is also made. The method presented gives accurate results and is computationally efficient.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.291-308
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• 2014

A nonlinear, three-dimensional finite element analysis was conducted on six intermediate L-shaped spandrel beams using the "ANSYS Civil FEM" program. The beams were constructed and tested in the laboratory under eccentric concentrated load at mid-span to obtain a combined loading case: torsion, bending, and shear. The reinforcement case parameters were as follows: without reinforcement, with longitudinal reinforcement only, and reinforced with steel bars and stirrups. All beams were tested under two different combined loading conditions: T/V = 545 mm (high eccentricity) and T/V = 145 mm (low eccentricity). The failure of the plain beams was brittle, and the addition of longitudinal steel bars increased beam strength, particularly under low eccentricity. Transverse reinforcement significantly affected the strength at high eccentricities, that is, at high torque. A program can predict accurately the behavior of these beams under different reinforcement cases, as well as under different ratios of combined loadings. The ANSYS model accurately predicted the loads and deflections for various types of reinforcements in spandrel beams, and captured the critical crack regions of these beams.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.283-291
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• 2020

The present paper researches post-buckling behaviors of geometrically imperfect concrete beam resting on elastic foundation reinforced with graphene oxide powders (GOPs) based on finite element method (FEM). Distribution of GOPs are considered as uniform and linearly graded through the thickness. Geometric imperfection is considered as first buckling mode shape of the beam, the GOP reinforced beam is rested in initial position. The material properties of GOP reinforced composite have been calculated via employment of Halpin-Tsai micromechanical scheme. The provided refined beam element verifies the shear deformation impacts needless of any shear correction coefficient. The post-buckling load-deflections relations have been calculated via solving the governing equations having cubic non-linearity implementing FEM. Obtained findings indicate the importance of GOP distributions, GOP weight fraction, matrix material, geometric imperfection, shear deformation and foundation parameters on nonlinear buckling behavior of GOP reinforced beam.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.245-253
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• 2019

The studies on the applications of waste materials in concrete have been increased in Iraq since 2003. In this research, rubber wastes that resulting from scrapped tires was added to concrete mix with presence of superplasticizer. The mechanical properties of concrete and workability of concrete mixes were studied. The used rubber were ranging in size from (2-4) mm with addition percentages of (0.1% and 0.2%) by volume of concrete. The results of mechanical properties of concrete show that rubber enhance the ductility, and compressive and tensile strength compared to concrete without it. Also, the flexural behavior of hybrid strength concrete beams (due to using rubber at the bottom or top layer of section) was investigated. The rubber concrete located at bottom layer gives higher values of ultimate loads and deflections compared to the beam with top layer. A similar response to fiber concrete beam (all section contains 0.1% rubber) was recognized. Finite element modeling in three dimensions was carried for the tested beams using ABAQUS software. The ultimate loads and deflection obtained from experimental and finite elements are in good agreements with average difference of 8% in ultimate load and 20% in ultimate deflection.

• International journal of steel structures
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.1541-1559
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• 2018

This paper addresses the dynamic loading characteristics of the shock tube onto sandwich steel beams as an efficient and accurate alternative to time consuming and complicated fluid structure interaction using finite element modeling. The corrugated sandwich steel beam consists of top and bottom flat substrates of steel 1018 and corrugated cores of steel 1008. The corrugated core layers are arranged with non-uniform thicknesses thus making sandwich beam graded. This sandwich beam is analogous to a steel beam with web and flanges. Substrates correspond to flanges and cores to web. The stress-strain relations of steel 1018 at high strain rates are measured using the split-Hopkinson pressure. Both carbon steels are assumed to follow bilinear strain hardening and strain rate-dependence. The present finite element modeling procedure with an improved dynamic impulse loading assumption is validated with a set of shock tube experiments, and it provides excellent correlation based on Russell error estimation with the test results. Four corrugated graded steel core arrangements are taken into account for core design parameters in order to maximize mitigation of blast load effects onto the structure. In addition, numerical study of four corrugated steel core placed in a reverse order is done using the validated finite element model. The dynamic behavior of the reversed steel core arrangement is compared with the normal core arrangement for deflections, contact force between support and specimen and plastic energy absorption.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.261-271
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• 2003

A condition evaluation procedure for the pavement foundations using multi-load level Falling Weight Deflectometer(FWD) deflections is presented in this paper. A dynamic finite element program incorporating a stress-dependent material model, was used to generate the synthetic deflection database. Based on this synthetic database, the relationships between surface deflections and critical responses, such as stresses and strains in base and subgrade layers, have been established. FWD deflection data, Dynamic Cone Penetrometer(UP) data, and repeated load resilient modulus testing results used in developing this procedure were collected from the Long Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) and North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) database. Research effort focused on investigation of the effect of the FWD load level on the condition evaluation procedures. The results indicate that the proposed procedure can estimate the pavement foundation conditions. It is also found that structurally adjusted Base Damage Index (BDI) and Base Curvature Index (BCI) are good indicators for the prediction of stiffness characteristics of aggregate base and subgrade respectively. A FWD test with a load of 66.7 kN or less does not improve the accuracy of this procedure. Results from the study for the nonlinear behavior of a pavement foundations indicate that the deflection ratio obtained from multi-load level deflections can predict the type and quality of the pavement foundation materials.