• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.647-664
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• 2006

In this study, an improved finite element formulation with a scheme of solution for the large deflection analysis of inextensible prismatic and nonprismatic slender beams is developed. For this purpose, a three-noded Lagrangian beam-element with two dependent degrees of freedom per node (i.e., the vertical displacement, y, and the actual slope, $dy/ds=sin{\theta}$, where s is the curved coordinate along the deflected beam) is used to derive the element stiffness matrix. The element stiffness matrix in the global xy-coordinate system is achieved by means of coordinate transformation of a highly nonlinear ($6{\times}6$) element matrix in the local sy-coordinate. Because of bending with large curvature, highly nonlinear expressions are developed within the global stiffness matrix. To achieve the solution after specifying the proper loading and boundary conditions, an iterative quasi-linearization technique with successive corrections are employed considering these nonlinear expressions to remain constant during all iterations of the solution. In order to verify the validity and the accuracy of this study, the vertical and the horizontal displacements of prismatic and nonprismatic beams subjected to various cases of loading and boundary conditions are evaluated and compared with analytic solutions and numerical results by available references and the results by ADINA, and excellent agreements were achieved. The main advantage of the present technique is that the solution is directly obtained, i.e., non-incremental approach, using few iterations (3 to 6 iterations) and without the need to split the stiffness matrix into elastic and geometric matrices.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.403-413
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• 2017

The present article encompasses a nonlinear finite element (FE) and genetic algorithm (GA) based optimal vibration energy harvesting from nonprismatic piezo-laminated cantilever beams. Three cases of cross section profiles (such as linear, parabolic and cubic) are modelled to analyse the geometric nonlinear effects on the output responses such as displacement, voltage, and power. The simultaneous effects of taper ratios (such as breadth and height taper) on the output power are also studied. The FE based nonlinear dynamic equation of motion has been solved by an implicit integration method (i.e., Newmark method in conjunction with the Newton-Raphson method). Besides this, a real coded GA based constrained optimization scheme has also been proposed to determine the best set of design variables for optimal harvesting of power within the safe limits of beam stress and PZT breakdown voltage.

• 한국방재학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2010.02a
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• pp.83.2-83.2
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• 2010

Stepped I-beams having increased moment of inertia at one end(singly stepped beam) or both ends(doubly stepped beams) can often be seen in construction of bridges due to material economy and easy fabrication of the section. This paper presents the results of the parametric study of lateral torsional buckling of monosymmetric stepped I-beams with constant depth subjected to equal and opposite end moments applied at the end of the beam. Design recommendations were made based on the finite element results of the models having different combinations of monosymmetric ratio, stepped length ratio, flange thickness ratio and flange width ratio,. The proposed approximation is acceptable based on the parameters given having mostly conservative results. The proposed equation can be further used to extend the study to different loading conditions.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.723-738
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• 2014

Prestressing is the most commonly employed technique in bridges and long span beams in commercial buildings as prestressing results in slender section with higher load carrying capacities. This work is an attempt to study the performance of a minimum weight prestressed concrete beam adopting a non-prismatic section so that there will be a reduction in the volume of concrete which in turn reduces the self-weight of the structure. The effect of adopting a non-prismatic section on parameters like prestressing force, area of prestressing steel, bending stresses, shear stresses and percentage loss of prestress are established theoretically. The analysis of non-prismatic prestressed beams is based on the assumption of pure bending theory. Equations are derived for dead load bending moment, eccentricity, and depth at any required section. Based on these equations an algorithm is developed which does the stress checks for the given section for every 500 mm interval of the span. Limit state method is used for the design of beam and finite difference method is used for finding out the deflection of a non-prismatic beam. All the parameters of nonprismatic prestressed concrete beams are compared with that of the rectangular prestressed concrete members and observed that minimum weight design and economical design are not same. Minimum weight design results in the increase in required area of prestressing steel.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.213-230
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• 2001

This paper presents a simplified approach for the design of semi-continuous composite beams in braced frames, where specific attention is given to the effect of joint rotational stiffness. A simple composite beam model is proposed incorporating the effects of semi-rigid end connections and the nonprismatic properties of a 'cracked' steel-concrete beam. This beam model is extended to a sub-frame in which the restraining effects from the adjoining members are considered. Parametric studies are performed on several sub-frame models and the results are used to show that it is possible to correlate the amount of moment redistribution of semi-continuous beam within the sub-frame using an equivalent stiffness of the connection. Deflection equations are derived for semi-continuous composite beams subjected to various loading and parametric studies on beam vibrations are conducted. The proposed method may be applied using a simple computer or spreadsheet program.

• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.191-201
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• 2006

New design equations for calculating the lateral-torsional buck ling moment resistances of stepped I-section beams with/without continuous lateral top-flange bracing subjected to a point load, a series of point loads, and a uniformly distributed load, are suggested based on the results of elastic finite-element analyses. The new equations presented in this study are compared with the current moment gradient modifiers presented by other researchers and specifications. Although the study paper presents mainly stepped-beam cases subjected to a point load and a uniformly distributed load. The proposed equations include the length-to-height ratio effects for stepped beams with continuous lateral top-flange bracing. The new moment gradient correction factors could be easily used to calculate the lateral-torsional buckling moment resistance of stepped I-beams.