• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.387-407
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• 2006

A Genetic Algorithm (hereinafter GA) based optimum design algorithm and program for plane steel frames with partially restrained connections is presented. The algorithm was incorporated with the refined plastic hinge analysis method, in which geometric nonlinearity was considered by using the stability functions of beam-column members and material nonlinearity was considered by using the gradual stiffness degradation model that included the effects of residual stress, moment redistribution by the occurrence of plastic hinges, partially restrained connections, and the geometric imperfection of members. In the genetic algorithm, a tournament selection method and micro-GAs were employed. The fitness function for the genetic algorithm was expressed as an unconstrained function composed of objective and penalty functions. The objective and penalty functions were expressed, respectively, as the weight of steel frames and the constraint functions which account for the requirements of load-carrying capacity, serviceability, ductility, and construction workability. To verify the appropriateness of the present method, the optimum design results of two plane steel frames with fully and partially restrained connections were compared.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.57 no.4
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• pp.681-701
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• 2016

This paper presents an experimental study of six steel reinforced high strength concrete T-shaped short-limb shear walls configured with T-shaped steel truss under low cyclic reversed loading. Considering different categories of ratios of wall limb height to thickness, shear/span ratios, axial compression ratios and stirrup reinforcement ratios were selected to investigate the seismic behavior (strength, stiffness, energy dissipation capacity, ductility and deformation characteristics) of all the specimens. Two different failure modes were observed during the tests, including the flexural-shear failure for specimens with large shear/span ratio and the shear-diagonal compressive failure for specimens with small shear/span ratio. On the basis of requirement of Chinese seismic code, the deformation performance for all the specimens could not meet the level of 'three' fortification goals. Recommendations for improving the structural deformation capacity of T-shaped steel reinforced high strength concrete short-limb shear wall were proposed. Based on the experimental observations, the mechanical analysis models for concrete cracking strength and shear strength were derived using the equivalence principle and superposition theory, respectively. As a result, the proposed method in this paper was verified by the test results, and the experimental results agreed well with the proposed model.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.89-98
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• 2013

In recent years steel-concrete composite shear walls have been widely used in enormous high-rise buildings. Due to high strength and ductility, enhanced stiffness, stable cycle characteristics and large energy absorption, such walls can be adopted in the auxiliary building; surrounding the reactor containment structure of nuclear power plants to resist lateral forces induced by heavy winds and severe earthquakes. This paper demonstrates a set of nonlinear numerical studies on I-shaped composite steel-concrete shear walls of the nuclear power plants subjected to reverse cyclic loading. A three-dimensional finite element model is developed using ABAQUS by emphasizing on constitutive material modeling and element type to represent the real physical behavior of complex shear wall structures. The analysis escalates with parametric variation in steel thickness sandwiching the stipulated amount of concrete panels. Modeling details of structural components, contact conditions between steel and concrete, associated boundary conditions and constitutive relationships for the cyclic loading are explained. Later, the load versus displacement curves, peak load and ultimate strength values, hysteretic characteristics and deflection profiles are verified with experimental data. The convergence of the numerical outcomes has been discussed to conclude the remarks.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.205-215
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• 2023

Currently, many studies are underway at home and abroad on the seismic performance evaluation and dry construction method of the masonry structure. In this study, a dry stack masonry wall system without mortar using concrete blocks is proposed, and investigate the seismic performance of dry filling wall frames through experimental studies. First, two types of standard blocks and key blocks were designed to assemble dry walls of concrete blocks. And then, three types of experiments were manufactured, including pure frame, 1/2 height filling wall frame, and full height filling wall frame, and cyclic load experiments in horizontal direction were performed to analyze crack patterns, load displacement history, rebar deformation yield, effective stiffness change, displacement ductility, and energy dissipation capacity. According to the experimental results, the full height filling wall frame had the largest horizontal resistance against the earthquake load and showed a high energy dissipation capacity. However, the 1/2 height filling wall frame requires attention because the filling wall constrains the effective span of the column, limiting the horizontal displacement of the frame. In addition, the concrete block was firmly assembled in the vertical direction of the wall as the horizontal movement between the concrete blocks was allowed within installation margin, and there was no dropping of the assembled concrete block.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.471-482
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• 2018

The composite reinforced concrete and steel (RCS) structural systems have larger structural lateral stiffness, higher inherent structural damping, and faster construction speed than either traditional reinforcement concrete or steel structures. In this paper, four RCS subassemblies with or without the RC slab designed following a strong column-weak beam philosophy were constructed and tested under reversed-cyclic loading. Parameters including the width of slab and composite effect of the RC slab and beam were explored. The test results showed that all specimens performed in a ductile manner with plastic hinges formed in the beam ends near the column faces. The seismic responses of composite connections are influenced significantly by different width of slabs. Compared with that of the steel beam without the RC slab, it was found that the load carrying capacity of composite connections with the RC slab increased by 30% on average, and strength degradation, energy dissipation also had better performance, while the ductility of that were almost the same. Furthermore, the contribution of connection deformation to the overall specimen displacement was analyzed and compared. It decreased approximately 10% due to the coupling effect in the columns and beams with the RC slab. Based on the test result, some suggestions are presented for the design of composite RCS joints.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.267-278
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• 2018

Structures may need retrofitting as a result of design and calculation errors, lack of proper implementation, post-construction change in use, damages due to accidental loads, corrosion and changes introduced in new editions of construction codes. Retrofitting helps to compensate weakness and increase the service life. Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) is a modern material for retrofitting steel elements. This study aims to investigate the effect of deficiency location on the axial behavior of compressive elements of Circular Hollow Section (CHS) steel short columns. The deficiencies located vertically or horizontally at the middle or bottom of the element. A total of 43 control column and those with deficiencies were investigated in the ABAQUS software. Only 9 of them tested in the laboratory. The results indicated that the deficiencies had a significant effect on the increase in axial deformation, rupture in deficiency zone (local buckling), and decrease in ductility and bearing capacity. The damages of steel columns were responsible for resistance and stiffness drop at deficiency zone. Horizontal deficiency at the middle and vertical deficiency at the bottom of the steel columns were found to be the most critical. Using Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) as the most effective material in retrofitting the damaged columns, significantly helped the increase in resistance and rupture control around the deficiency zone.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.6 no.5
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• pp.561-580
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• 2014

After strong earthquakes conventional frames used worldwide in multi - story steel buildings (e.g. moment resisting frames) are not well positioned according to reparability. Two innovative systems for seismic resistant steel frames incorporated with dissipative fuses were developed within the European Research Program "FUSEIS" (Vayas et al. 2013). The first, FUSEIS1, resembles a vertical Vierendeel beam and is composed of two closely spaced strong columns rigidly connected to multiple beams. In the second system, FUSEIS2, a discontinuity is introduced in the composite beams of a moment resisting frame and the dissipative devices are steel plates connecting the two parts. The FUSEIS system is able to dissipate energy by means of inelastic deformations in the fuses and combines ductility and architectural transparency with stiffness. In case of strong earthquakes damage concentrates only in the fuses which behave as self-centering systems able to return the structure to its initial undeformed shape. Repair work after such an event is limited only to replacing the fuses. Experimental and numerical investigations were performed to study the response of the fuses system. Code relevant design rules for the seismic design of frames with dissipative FUSEIS and practical recommendations on the selection of the appropriate fuses as a function of the most important parameters and member verifications have been formulated and are included in a Design Guide. This article presents the design and performance of building frames with FUSEIS 1-1 based on models calibrated on the experimental results.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.659-667
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• 2018

This paper deals with the experimental study on strength the strength and deformation characteristics of short circular Concrete Filled Steel Tube (CFST) columns. Effect of vertical stiffeners on the behavior of the column is studied under axial compressive loading. Intermittently welded vertical stiffeners are used to strengthen the tubes. Stiffeners are attached to the inner surface of tube by welding through pre drilled holes on the tube. The variable of the study is the spacing of the weld between stiffeners and circular tube. A total of 5 specimens with different weld spacing (60 mm, 75 mm, 100 mm, 150 mm and 350 mm) were prepared and tested. Short CFST columns of height 350 mm, outer tube diameter of 165 mm and thickness of 4.5 mm were used in the study. Concrete of cube compressive strength $41N/mm^2$ and steel tubes with yield strength $310N/mm^2$ are adopted. The test results indicate that the strength and deformation of the circular CFST column is found to be significantly influenced by the weld spacing. The ultimate axial load carrying capacity was found to increase by 11% when the spacing of weld is reduced from 350 mm to 60 mm. The vertical stiffeners are found to effective in enhancing the initial stiffness and ductility of CFST columns. The prediction models were developed for strength and deformation of CFST columns. The prediction is found to be in good agreement with the corresponding test data.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.231-251
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• 2019

In the present study, a numerical and experimental investigation has been carried out on the seismic behavior of RC columns of a bridge which damaged under corrosive environments and retrofitted by various techniques including combined application of CFRP sheets and steel profiles. A novel hybrid retrofitting procedure, including the application of inner steel profiles and outer peripheral CFRP sheets, has been proposed for strengthening purpose. Seven large-scale RC columns of a Girder Bridge have been tested in the laboratory under the influence of simultaneous application of constant axial load and the lateral cyclic displacements. Having verified the finite element modeling, using ABAQUS software, the effects of important parameters such as the corrosion percentage of steel rebars and the number of CFRP layers have been evaluated. Based on the results, retrofitting of RC columns of the bridge with the proposed technique was effective in improving some measures of structural performance such as lateral strength degradation and higher energy absorption capability. However, the displacement ductility was not considerably improved whereas the elastic stiffness of the specimens has been increased.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.49 no.5
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• pp.571-585
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• 2023

The application of relatively low volumes of fibres in normal strength concrete has been shown to be of significant benefit when applied to composite slabs with profiled sheet decking. This paper reports on an experimental study aimed at quantifying further potential benefits that may arise from applying ultra-high performance fibre reinforced concrete. To assess performance six simply supported beams were tested under hogging and sagging loading configurations along with three two span continuous beams. Fibre contents are varied from 0% to 2% and changes in strength, deformation, crack width and moment redistribution are measured. At the serviceability limit state, it is shown that the addition of high fibre volumes can significantly enhance member stiffness and reduce crack widths in all beams. At the ultimate limit state it is observed that a transition from 0% to 1% fibres significantly increases strength but that there is a maximum fibre volume beyond which no further increases in strength are possible. Conversely, member ductility and moment redistribution are shown to be strongly proportional to fibre volume.