• Proceedings of the Korea Concrete Institute Conference
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• 1998.10b
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• pp.643-648
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• 1998

Despite many advantages of FRP materials, such as corrosion resistance, their linear elastic behavior up to rupture is likely to result in a lack of ductility. This paper discusses ductility improvement methods for prestressed concrete beams using FRP tendons. The methods were evaluated thorough extensive analytical and experimental investigations. The methods include optimization of sectional ductility through proper reinforcement, concrete confinement, concrete reinforcement with fibers, and prestressing with unbonded tendons.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.309-319
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• 2017

A new method is suggested for the retrofitting of torsionally sensitive buildings. The main objective is to eliminate the torsional component from the first two natural modes of the structure by properly modifying its stiffness distribution via selective strengthening of its vertical elements. Due to the multi-parameter nature of this problem, state-of-art optimization schemes together with an ad-hoc software implementation were used for quantifying the required stiffness increase, determine the required retrofitting scheme and finally design and analyze the required composite sections for structural rehabilitation. The performance of the suggested method and its positive impact on the earthquake response of such structures is demonstrated through benchmark examples and applications on actual torsionally sensitive buildings.

• Advances in Computational Design
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.1-13
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• 2017

This paper presents a variant of the Harmony Search Algorithm (HS) and its application to discrete optimization. The main proposed modifications regarding original HS are related to stopping criterion and reinitialization of population, called Harmony Memory. In order to investigate the efficiency of the algorithm, it was applied for obtaining optimal sections of reinforced concrete columns subjected to uniaxial flexural compression. To minimize the cost of the section, the amount and diameters of the reinforcement bars and the dimensions of the columns cross sections were considered as design variables. The obtained results were compared to those generated by other optimization methods. Since, to the examples, Harmony Search reached the same results achieved by Simulated Annealing, some additional analysis are presented in order to compare these methods regarding success rate and number of iterations to reach the optimum.

• Magazine of the Korean Society of Agricultural Engineers
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.61-67
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• 1985

This study is concerned with the optimum design of reinforced concrete frame structure with multi-stories and multi-bays by Limit State Design Method aimed to establish a synthetical optimal method that can simultaneously acomplish structural analysis and sectional desig. For optimum solution, the Successive Linear Programming known as effective to nonlinear optimization problem: including both multi-design variables and mulit-constrained condition was applied. The developed algorithm was applied to an actual structure and reached following results. 1)The developed algorithm was rvey effective converging to an optimal solution with 3 to 5 iteration. 2)An optimal solution was showed when bending moment redistribution factor a was 0.80. 3)The column was, regardless of story, controlled by the long column when unbraced, while in case of braced column, it is designed with 3 short column controlled by thrust and bending moment, and the supporting condition had little effect on the optimization results.

• Proceedings of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute Conference
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• 2002.10a
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• pp.295-302
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• 2002

This paper introduces a method to determine strut-tie models in reinforced concrete (RC) structures using the evolutionary structural optimization (ESO). Even though strut-tie models are broadly adapted in design of reinforced concrete members subjected to shear and torsion, conventional methods can hardly give correct models in RC members subjected to complex loadings and geometry conditions. In this paper, the basic idea of the ESO method is used to determine more rational strut-tie models. Since an optimum topology of structures, finally obtained by the ESO method, usually represents a truss-like structure, the ESO method can effectively be used in finding the best strut-tie model in RC structures. Several example structures are provided to demonstrate the capability of the proposed method in finding the best strut-tie model of each RC structure and to verify its efficiency in application to real design problems.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.78 no.1
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• pp.77-86
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• 2021

Local school buildings are critical facilities that can provide shelter in disasters such as earthquakes, so they must be more resistant to seismic forces than other structures. In this study, a sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine which columns-as the most critical members in a reinforced concrete building-most urgently require seismic retrofitting. The sensitivity analysis was conducted using an optimization technique with the location of each column as a parameter. A numerical model was developed to simulate a realistic collapse mode through a three-dimensional dynamic analysis. Based on numerical analysis results, it was found that the columns positioned in the lower floors, such as the first floor and in the outer part of a building, urgently require retrofitting. For reinforcement of the RC columns, which has been proven for its performance in previous research, was applied. Through this study, the importance of appropriate retrofitting is demonstrated. Further, a method for determining the appropriate location for retrofitting-when retrofitting is not possible on the entire structure-is presented.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.3 no.4
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• pp.249-260
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• 2006

Self-consolidating concrete (SCC) in the fresh state is known for its excellent deformability, high resistance to segregation, and use, without applying vibration, in congested reinforced concrete structures characterized by difficult casting conditions. Such a concrete can be obtained by incorporating either mineral or chemical admixtures. This paper presents the results of an investigation to asses the applicability of Abram's law in predicting the compressive strength of SCC to any given age. Abram's law is based on the assumption that the strength of concrete with a specific type of aggregate at given age cured at a prescribed temperature depends primarily on the water-to-cement ratio (W/C). It is doubtful that such W/C law is applicable to concrete mixes with mineral or chemical admixtures as is the case for SCC where water to binder ratio (W/B) is used instead of W/C as the basis for mix design. Strength data of various types of SCC mixtures is collected from different sources to check the performance of Abram's law. An attempt has been made to generalize Abram's law by using various optimization methodologies on collected strength data of various SCC mixtures. A set of generalized equations is developed for the prediction of SCC strength at various ages. The performance of generalized equations is found better than original Abram's equations.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.86 no.3
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• pp.337-348
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• 2023

The optimization of reinforced concrete (RC) cantilever retaining walls is a complex problem and requires the use of advanced techniques like metaheuristic algorithms. For this purpose, an optimization model must first be developed, which involves mathematical complications, multidisciplinary knowledge, and programming skills. This task has proven to be too arduous and has halted the mainstream acceptance of optimization. Therefore, it is necessary to unravel the complications of optimization into an easily applicable form. Currently, the most commonly used method for designing retaining walls is by following the proportioning limits provided by the ACI handbook. However, these limits, derived manually, are not verified by any optimization technique. There is a need to validate or modify these limits, using optimization algorithms to consider them as optimal limits. Therefore, this study aims to propose updated proportioning limits for the economical design of a RC cantilever retaining wall through a comprehensive parametric investigation using the genetic algorithm (GA). Multiple simulations are run to examine various design parameters, and trends are drawn to determine effective ranges. The optimal limits are derived for 5 geometric and 3 reinforcement variables and validated by comparison with their predecessor, ACI's preliminary proportioning limits. The results indicate close proximity between the optimized and code-provided ranges; however, the use of optimal limits can lead to additional cost optimization. Modifications to achieve further optimization are also discussed. Besides the geometric variables, other design parameters not covered by the ACI building code, like reinforcement ratios, bar diameters, and material strengths, and their effects on cost optimization, are also discussed. The findings of this investigation can be used by experienced engineers to refine their designs, without delving into the complexities of optimization.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.27-48
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• 1984

This study is conserned with the optimization of reinforced concrete frames using limit state design theory. Formulations of the optimal design for reinforced concrete frame based on the limit state theory turn out to be the nonlinear programming problems which have to deal with the required steel area, the width and effective height of the beam and column section and the moment reduction factor as the design variables. The objective function is formulated as the total construction cost which considers the costs of steel, concrete and forming for the reinforced concrete frames, and the basic constraints are imposed upon both ultimate and serviciability limit state concepts. Also, the stress blocks assumpted in CP110 and Hognestad et al. theory are applied to analysis an ultimate resistant section force for the ultimate limit state and only the criteria of CP110 are used for serviciability limit state. The optimized technique which is applied to solve the nonlinear programming problems for the optimization of reinforced concrete frames is SUMT utilizing the modified Newton-Raphson method. This algorithm is used to test for the two reinforced concrete frames, and then is compared and analysized with the numerical results of reference(10) to examine its convergence, applicability and stability under the same conditions. The results of this study are discussed about the economy comparision of the optimal values for CP110 and Hognestad et al., and the applicability, stability, convergence and validity of this algorithm used herein through the numerical analyses.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.389-409
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• 2014

Precast hollow core slabs (HCS) are technically advanced products in the precast concrete industry, widely used in the last years due to their versatility, their multipurpose potential and their low cost. Using three dimensional FEM (Finite Element Method) elements, this study focuses on the stresses induced by the prestressing of steel. In particular the investigation of the spalling crack formation that takes place during prestressing is carried out, since it is important to assure the appropriate necessary margins concerning such stresses. In fact, spalling cracks may spread rapidly towards the web, leading to the detachment of the lower part of the slab. A parametric study takes place, capable of evaluating the influence of the tendon position and of the web width on the spalling stress. Consequently, after an extensive literature review on the topic of soft computing, an optimization of the HCS is performed by means of Genetic Algorithms coupled with 3-D FEM models.