• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.17-34
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• 2022

For steel structures, fatigue cracks are critical damage induced by long-term cycle loading and distortion effects. Vision-based crack detection can be a solution to ensure structural integrity and performance by continuous monitoring and non-destructive assessment. A critical issue is to distinguish cracks from other features in captured images which possibly consist of complex backgrounds such as handwritings and marks, which were made to record crack patterns and lengths during periodic visual inspections. This study presents a parametric study on image-based crack identification for orthotropic steel bridge decks using captured images with complicated backgrounds. Firstly, a framework for vision-based crack segmentation using the atrous convolution-based Deeplapv3+ network (ACDN) is designed. Secondly, features on crack images are labeled to build three databanks by consideration of objects in the backgrounds. Thirdly, evaluation metrics computed from the trained ACDN models are utilized to evaluate the effects of obstacles on crack detection results. Finally, various training parameters, including image sizes, hyper-parameters, and the number of training images, are optimized for the ACDN model of crack detection. The result demonstrated that fatigue cracks could be identified by the trained ACDN models, and the accuracy of the crack-detection result was improved by optimizing the training parameters. It enables the applicability of the vision-based technique for early detecting tiny fatigue cracks in steel structures.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.59-73
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• 2022

In this study, the seismic behavior of an all-steel buckling-restrained (AB) steel plate shear wall (SPSW) with incline slits under fire and cyclic loading was investigated. ABSPSW was composed of two thin steel infill plates with a narrow distance from each other, which were embedded with incline slits on each plate. These slits were in opposite directions to each other. The finite element (FE) numerical model was validated with three test specimens and after ensuring the modeling strategy, the parametric study was performed by considering variables such as wall plate thickness, slit width, strip width between two slits, and degree of temperature. A total of 256 FE numerical models were subjected to coupled temperature-displacement analysis. The results of the analysis showed that the high temperature reduced the seismic performance of the ABSPSW so that at 917℃, the load-bearing capacity was reduced by 92%. In addition, with the increase in the temperature, the yield point of the infill plate and frame occurred in a small displacement. The average decrease in shear strength at 458℃, 642℃, and 917℃ was 18%, 46%, and 92%, respectively, compared to the shear strength at 20℃. Also, with increasing the temperature to 917℃, ductility increased by an average of 75%

• Structural Monitoring and Maintenance
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.81-105
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• 2022

The use of concrete filled steel tube (CFST) column is widely accepted due to its property of high axial load carrying capacity, more ductility and more resistant to earthquake specially using in bridges and high-rise buildings. The initial imperfection (δ) that produces during casting or fixing causes the reduction in load carrying capacity, this is the reason, experimental capacity is always less then theoretical one. In this research, the effect of δ on load carrying capacity and behavior of concrete filled steel tube (CFST) column have been investigated by numerically simulation of large number of models with different δ and other geometric parameters that include length (L), width (B), steel tube thickness (t), f'_c and f_y. Finite element analysis software ANSYS v18 is used to develop model of SCFST column to evaluate strength capacity, buckling and failure pattern of member which is applied during experimental study under cyclic axial loading. After validation of results, 42 models with different parameters are evaluated to develop empirical equation predicting axial load carrying capacity for different value of δ. Results indicate that empirical equation shows the 0 to 9% error for finite element analysis Forty-two models in comparison with ANSYS results, respectively. Empirical equation can be used for predicting the axial capacity of early estimating the axial capacity of SCFT column including 𝛿.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Heat Treatment
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.69-76
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• 2023

In this study, we present a system for identifying equivalent grades of standardized wire rod steel based on alloy composition using machine learning techniques. The system comprises two models, one based on a supervised multi-class classification algorithm and the other based on unsupervised autoencoder algorithm. Our evaluation showed that the supervised model exhibited superior performance in terms of prediction stability and reliability of prediction results. This system provides a useful tool for non-experts seeking similar grades of steel based on alloy composition.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.323-334
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• 2022

In order to study the axial compression performance of basalt-fiber reinforced recycled concrete (BFRRC) filled circular steel tubular short columns, the axial compression performance tests of seven short column specimens were conducted to observe the mechanical whole-process and failure mode of the specimens, the load-displacement curves and the load-strain curves of the specimens were obtained, the influence of design parameters on the axial compression performance of BFRRC filled circular steel tubular short columns was analyzed, and a practical mathematical model of stiffness degradation and a feasible stress-strain curve equation for the whole process were suggested. The results show that under the axial compression, the steel tube buckled and the core BFRRC was crushed. The load-axial deformation curves of all specimens show a longer deformation flow amplitude. Compared with the recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) replacement ratio and the basalt fiber dosage, the BFRRC strength has a great influence on the peak bearing capacity of the specimen. The RCA replacement ratio and the BFRRC strength are detrimental to ductility, whereas the basalt fiber dosage is beneficial to ductility.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.83 no.4
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• pp.475-493
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• 2022

The results of research focusing on the experimental and numerical performance of ferrocement RC beams with openings reinforced with welded steel mesh, expanded steel mesh, fiber glass mesh, and polyethylene mesh independently are presented in this article. Casting and testing of fourteen reinforced concrete beams with dimensions of 200×100×2000 mm under concentric compression loadings were part of the research program. The type of reinforcing materials, the volume fraction of reinforcement, the number of mesh layers, and the number of stirrups are the major parameters that change. The main goal is to understand the impact of using new appealing materials in reinforcing RC beams with openings. Using ANSYS-16.0 Software, nonlinear finite element analysis (NLFEA) was used to demonstrate the behavior of composite RC beams with openings. A parametric study is also conducted to discuss the variables that can have the greatest impact on the mechanical behavior of the proposed model, such as the number of openings. The obtained experimental and numerical results demonstrated the FE simulations' acceptable accuracy in estimating experimental values. Furthermore, demonstrating that the strength gained of specimens reinforced with fiber glass meshes was reduced by approximately 38% when compared to specimens reinforced with expanded or welded steel meshes is significant. In addition, when compared to welded steel meshes, using expanded steel meshes in reinforcing RC beams with openings results in a 16 percent increase in strength. In general, when ferrocement beams with openings are tested under concentric loadings, they show higher-level ultimate loads and energy-absorbing capacity than traditional RC beams.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.86 no.6
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• pp.793-815
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• 2023

The current study looks at the experimental and numerical performance of ferrocement RC channel slabs reinforced with welded steel mesh, expanded steel mesh, and fiber glass mesh individually. Ten RC channel slabs with dimensions of 500 mm×40 mm×2500 mm were subjected to flexural loadings as part of the testing program. The type of reinforcing materials, the number of mesh layers, and the reinforcement volume fraction are the key parameters that can be changed. The main goal is to determine the impact of using new inventive materials to reinforce composite RC channel slabs. Using ANSYS -16.0 Software, nonlinear finite element analysis (NLFEA) was used to simulate the behavior of composite channel slabs. Parametric study is also demonstrated to identify variables that can have a significant impact on the model's mechanical behavior, such as changes in slab dimensions. The obtained experimental and numerical results indicated that FE simulations had acceptable accuracy in estimating experimental values. Also, it's significant to demonstrate that specimens reinforced with fiber glass meshes gained approximately 12% less strength than specimens reinforced with expanded or welded steel meshes. In addition, Welded steel meshes provide 24% increase in strength over expanded steel meshes when reinforcing RC channel slabs. In general, ferrocement specimens tested under flexural loadings outperform conventional reinforced concrete specimens in terms of ultimate loads and energy absorbing capacity.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.46 no.6
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• pp.805-821
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• 2023

This study developed an evaluation system to explore the effect of the environmental temperature on the stress redistribution produced by cable stress relaxation of structural members in a steel cable-stayed bridge. The generalized Maxwell model is used to estimate stress relaxation at different temperatures. The environmental temperature is represented using the thermal coefficients and temperature loads. The fmincon optimization function is used to determine the set of stress relaxation parameters at different temperatures for all cables. The ABAQUS software is employed to investigate the stress redistribution of the steel cable-stayed bridge caused by the cable stress relaxation and the environmental temperature. All of these steps are set up as an evaluation system to save time and ensure the accuracy of the study results. The developed evaluation system is then employed to investigate the effect of environmental temperature and cable type on stress redistribution. These studies' findings show that as environmental temperatures increased up to 40 ℃, the redistribution rate increased by up to 34.9% in some girders. The results also show that the cable type with low relaxation rates should be used in high environmental temperature areas to minimize the effect of cable stress relaxation.

• Journal of the Earthquake Engineering Society of Korea
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.11-20
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• 2024

The ductility of the system based on the capacity of each structural member constituting the seismic force-resisting system is a significant factor determining the structure's seismic performance. This study aims to provide a procedure to supplement the current seismic design criteria to secure the system's ductility and improve the seismic performance of the steel ordinary moment frames. For the study, a nonlinear analysis was performed on the 9- and 15-story model buildings, and the formation of collapse mechanisms and damage distribution for dynamic loads were analyzed. As a result of analyzing the nonlinear response and damage distribution of the steel ordinary moment frame, local collapse due to the concentration of structural damage was observed in the case where the influence of the higher mode was dominant. In this study, a procedure to improve the seismic performance and avoid inferior dynamic response was proposed by limiting the strength ratio of the column. The proposed procedure effectively improved the seismic performance of steel ordinary moment frames by reducing the probability of local collapse.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.173-183
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• 2024

This study investigates a new seismic retrofit system that utilizes rotational friction dampers and axial springs. The retrofit system involves a steel frame with rotational friction dampers (RFD) at beam-column joints and linear springs at the corners, providing energy dissipation and self-centering capabilities to existing structures. The axial spring acts as a self-centering mechanism that eliminates residual deformations, while the friction damper mitigates seismic damage. To evaluate the seismic performance of the proposed retrofit system, a series of cyclic loading tests were carried out on a steel beam-column subassembly equipped with the proposed devices. An analytical model was then developed to validate the experimental results. A performance point ratio (PPR) was presented to optimize the design parameters of the retrofit system, and a performance-based seismic design strategy was developed based on the PPR. The retrofit system's effectiveness and the presented performance-based design approach were evaluated through case study models, and the analysis results demonstrated that the developed retrofit system and the performance-based design procedure were effective in retrofitting structures for multi-level design objectives.