• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.81-98
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• 2014

This paper presents the elastic buckling of smart lightweight column structures integrated with a pair of surface piezoelectric layers using artificial intelligence. The finite element modeling of Smart lightweight columns is found using $ANSYS^{(R)}$ software. Then, the first buckling load of the structure is calculated using eigenvalue buckling analysis. To determine the accuracy of the present finite element analysis, a compression study is carried out with literature. Later, parametric studies for length variations, width, and thickness of the elastic core and of the piezoelectric outer layers are performed and the associated buckling load data sets for artificial intelligence are gathered. Finally, the application of soft computing-based methods including artificial neural network (ANN), fuzzy inference system (FIS), and adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) were carried out. A comparative study is then made between the mentioned soft computing methods and the performance of the models is evaluated using statistic measurements. The comparison of the results reveal that, the ANFIS model with Gaussian membership function provides high accuracy on the prediction of the buckling load in smart lightweight columns, providing better predictions compared to other methods. However, the results obtained from the ANN model using the feed-forward algorithm are also accurate and reliable.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.139-148
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• 2023

The purpose of this paper is to numerically assess the seismic performance of deteriorated reinforced concrete columns using a new plastic-hinge element. Developing a three dimensional (3D) nonlinear model can be difficult and computationally complex, and there can be problems applying it in the field. Thus, to solve these problems, a plastic-hinge element that could considers the shear deformation of deteriorated reinforced concrete columns was proposed. The developed element was based on the Timoshenko beam model and used two nodes with six degrees of freedom and a zero-length element. Moreover, the developed model could consider the combined effects of corrosion, as demonstrated by the reduced reinforcement area and the loss of bond. Consequently, the numerical procedures developed for evaluating the seismic performance of deteriorated columns were validated by comparing the verification results.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.541-557
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• 2016

Prefabricated bridge substructures provide new possibility for designers in terms of efficiency of creativity, fast construction, geometry control and cost. Even though prefabricated bridge columns are widely adopted as a substructure system in the bridge construction project recently, lack of deeper understanding of the seismic behavior of prefabricated bridge substructures cause much concern on their performance in high seismic zones. In this paper, experimental research works are presented to verify enhanced design concepts of prefabricated bridge piers. Integration of precast segments was done with continuity of axial prestressing tendons and mild reinforcing bars throughout the construction joints. Cyclic tests were conducted to investigate the effects of the design parameters on seismic performance. An analytical method for moment-curvature analysis of prefabricated bridge columns is conducted in this study. The method is validated through comparison with experimental results and the fiber model analysis. A parametric study is conducted to observe the seismic behavior of prefabricated bridge columns using the analytical study based on strain compatibility method. The effects of continuity of axial steel and tendon, and initial prestressing level on the load-displacement response characteristics, i.e., the strain of axial mild steels and posttensioned tendon at fracture and concrete crushing strain at the extreme compression fiber are investigated. The analytical study shows the layout of axial mild steels and posttensioned tendons in this experiment is the optimized arrangement for seismic performance.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.495-506
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• 2019

This paper presents the results of axial pressure testing on reinforced concrete columns (RCCs) filled with confined normal concrete (NC) and high-strength concrete (HSC) using glass-fiber reinforced plastic pipes (GRP) casing as well as fiber reinforced polymer (FRP). This study aims to evaluate the behavior and mechanical properties of columns confined with GRP casing and FRP wrapping under pressure loads. The major parameters in the experiments were the type of concrete, the effect of GRP casing and FRP wrapping, as well as the number of FRP layers. 12 cylindrical RCCs (150*600) mm were prepared and divided into two groups, NC and HSC, and each group was divided into two parts. In each part, one column was without FRP strengthening layer, a column was wrapped with one FRP layer and another column with two FRP layers. All columns were tested under concentrated compression load. The results of the study showed that the utilization of FRP wrapping and GRP casing improved compression capacity and ductility of RCCs. The addition of one and two layers-FRP wrapping increased compression capacity in the NC group to an average of 18.5% and 26.5% and to an average of 10.2% and 24.8% in the HSC group. Meanwhile, the utilization of GRP casing increased the compression capacity of the columns by 4 times in the NC group and 3.38 times in the HSC group. The results indicated that although both FRP wrapping and GRP casing result in confinement, the GRP casing resulted in increased compression capacity and ductility of the RCCs due to higher confinement. Furthermore, the confinement effect was higher on columns made with NC.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Building Construction Conference
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• 2014.11a
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• pp.203-204
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• 2014

Unlike other members, beams have various cross-sections and they have an important role of delivering the load of slabs. A beam form neighbors the columns and slabs, which makes it difficult to be installed. In a conventional way to exclusively use the form after concrete pouring, the form and a support should be both removed. Then, the support should reinstalled to sustain the stripping time of form, resulting in a structural issue. To solve such structural problem, the study proposes SMART beam form that uses filler panels and supports for filler. The floor filler panels and supports for filler are not removed after concrete curing, to conform to the stripping time of supports. Thus, any structural problem such as cracks and reduction of compressive strength owing to the gap of load bearing capacity can be prevented. The study results will be used as cases for studies on productivity analyses.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.141-158
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• 2005

A new design of distributed crack sensors based on the topological change of transmission line cables is presented for the condition assessment of reinforced concrete (RC) structures during and immediately after an earthquake event. This study is primarily focused on the performance of cable sensors under dynamic loading, particularly a feature that allows for some "memory" of the crack history of an RC member. This feature enables the post-earthquake condition assessment of structural members such as RC columns, in which the earthquake-induced cracks are closed immediately after an earthquake event due to gravity loads, and are visually undetectable. Factors affecting the onset of the feature were investigated experimentally with small-scale RC beams under cyclic loading. Test results indicated that both crack width and the number of loading cycles were instrumental in the onset of the memory feature of cable sensors. Practical issues related to dynamic acquisition with the sensors are discussed. The sensors were proven to be fatigue resistant from shake table tests of RC columns. The sensors continued to show useful performance after the columns can no longer support additional loads.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.501-516
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• 2014

The rocking pier system (RPS) allows the columns to rock on beam or foundation surfaces during the attacks of a strong earthquake. Literatures have proved that seismic energy dissipated by the RPS through the column impact is limited. To enhance the energy dissipation capacity of a RPS bridge substructure, frictional hinge dampers (FHDs) were installed and evaluated by shaking table tests. The supplemental FHDs consist of two brass plates sandwiched by three steel plates. The strategy of self-centering design is to isolate the seismic energy by RPS at the columns and then dissipate the energy by FHDs at the bridge deck. Component tests of FHD were first conducted to verify the friction coefficient and dynamic characteristic of the FHDs. In total, 32 shaking table tests were conducted to investigate parameters such as wave forms of the earthquake (El Centro 1940 and Kobe 1995) and normal forces applied on the friction dampers. An analytical model was also proposed to compare with the tested damping of the bridge sub-structure with or without FHDs.

• Journal of the Earthquake Engineering Society of Korea
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.29-37
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• 2020

This study is to investigate the effect of a retrofitted reinforced concrete frame with non-seismic details strengthened by embedded steel moment frames with an indirect joint, which mitigates the problems of the direct joint method. First, full-scale experiments were conducted to confirm the structural behavior of a 2-story reinforced concrete frame with non-seismic details and strengthened by a steel moment frame with an indirect joint. The reinforced concrete frame with non-seismic details showed a maximum strength of 185 kN at an overall drift ratio of 1.75%. The flexural-shear failure of columns was governed, and shear cracks were concentrated at the beam-column joints. The reinforced concrete frame strengthened by the embedded steel moment frames achieved a maximum strength of 701 kN at an overall drift ratio of 1.5% so that the maximum strength was about 3.8 times that of the specimen with non-seismic details. The failure pattern of the retrofitted specimen was the loss of bond strength between the concrete and the rebars of the columns caused by a prying action of the bottom indirect joint because of lateral force. Furthermore, methods are proposed for calculation of the specified strength of the reinforced concrete frame with non-seismic details and strengthened by the steel moment frame with the indirect joint.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.495-505
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• 2009

Bridges form crucial links in the transportation network especially in high seismic risk regions. This research aims to provide a quantitative methodology for post-earthquake performance evaluation of the bridges. The experimental portion of the research involved shake table tests of a 4-span bridge which was subjected to progressively increasing amplitudes of seismic motions recorded from the Northridge earthquake. As part of this project, a high resolution long gauge fiber optic displacement sensor was developed for post-seismic evaluation of damage in the columns of the bridge. The nonlinear finite element model was developed using Opensees program to simulate the response of the bridge and the abutments to the seismic loads. The model was modified to predict the bent displacements of the bridge commensurate with the measured bent displacements obtained from experimental analysis results. Following seismic events, the tangential stiffness matrix of the whole structure is reduced due to reduction in structural strength. The nonlinear static push over analysis using current damaged stiffness matrix provides the longitudinal and transverse ultimate capacities of the bridge. Capacity loss in the transverse and longitudinal directions following the seismic events was correlated to the maximum displacements of the deck recorded during the events.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.525-540
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• 2016

The CFRP-confined circular concrete-filled steel tubular column is composed of concrete, steel, and CFRP. Its failure mechanics are complex. The most important difficulties are lack of an available method to establish a relationship between a specific damage mechanism and its acoustic emission (AE) characteristic parameter. In this study, AE technique was used to monitor the evolution of damage in CFRP-confined circular concrete-filled steel tubular columns. A fuzzy c-means method was developed to determine the relationship between the AE signal and failure mechanisms. Cluster analysis results indicate that the main AE sources include five types: matrix cracking, debonding, fiber fracture, steel buckling, and concrete crushing. This technology can not only totally separate five types of damage sources, but also make it easier to judge the damage evolution process. Furthermore, typical damage waveforms were analyzed through wavelet analysis based on the cluster results, and the damage modes were determined according to the frequency distribution of AE signals.