• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.695-705
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• 2015

Distressed structures require necessary remedial measures in order to restore their original structural properties like strength and stiffness. Validating the effectiveness of the proposed qualitative remedial measure experimentally is of utmost importance as there is no well-established analytical method to verify the effectiveness of the same quantitatively. Prototype testing which would have been the best option for this purpose would not only prove costly but also be associated with numerous practical difficulties; hence model testing is resorted as the only option for the purpose. This paper presents one such typical experimental study on the structural behavior of a distressed bridge, mainly observed in the form of prominent tilt in the bearing plate in transverse and longitudinal direction on downstream side. The main focus of the proposed experimental investigation is to assess the structural behavior particularly the load carrying capacity. The extent of deformation of some models with specific structural arrangements and some models with specific need based remedial measures were also studied. This study also assessed the contribution of each remedial measure towards restoration individually and collectively.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.64 no.1
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• pp.11-21
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• 2017

It has been observed in the past that, the reinforced concrete (RC) bridge columns are very often subjected to torsional moment in addition to flexure and shear during seismic vibration. Ignoring torsion in the design can trigger unexpected shear failure of the columns (Farhey et al. 1993). Performance based seismic design is a popular design philosophy which calls for accurate prediction of the hysteresis behavior of structural elements to ensure safe and economical design under earthquake loading. However, very few investigations in the past focused on the development of analytical models to accurately predict the response of RC members under cyclic torsion. Previously developed hysteresis models are not readily applicable for torsional loading owing to significant pinching and stiffness degradation associated with torsion (Wang et al. 2014). The present study proposes an improved polygonal hysteresis model which can accurately predict the hysteretic behavior of RC circular and square columns under torsion. The primary curve is obtained from mechanics based softened truss model for torsion. The proposed model is validated with test data of two circular and two square columns. A good correlation is observed between the predicted and measured torque-twist behavior and dissipated energy.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Aeronautical & Space Sciences
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• v.34 no.9
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• pp.33-44
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• 2006

As many scientific phenomena are now investigated using complex computer models, the effective use of Kriging on physical problems has been expanded to provide global approximations for optimization problems. This paper is focused on the two types of strategies to improve efficiency and accuracy of approximate optimization models using Kriging. These methods are performed by the stochastic process, stochastic-localization method(SLM), as the criterion to move the local domains and the design of experiments(DOE), the classical design and space-filling design. The proposed methodology is applied to the designs of 3-bar truss, Sandgren's pressure vessel, and honeycomb upper platform of a satellite structure.

• Journal of Ocean Engineering and Technology
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.80-85
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• 2012

The methods of robust design optimization (RDO) and reliability-based robust design optimization (RBRDO) were implemented in the present study. RBRDO is an integrated method that accounts for the design robustness of an objective function and for the reliability of constraints. The objective function in RBRDO is expressed in terms of the mean and standard deviation of an original objective function. Thus, a multi-objective formulation is employed. The regressive approximate models are generated via the moving least squares method (MLSM) and constraint-feasible moving least squares method (CF-MLSM), which make it possible to realize the feasibility regardless of the multimodality/nonlinearity of the constraint function during the approximate optimization processes. The regression model based RBRDO is newly devised and its numerical characteristics are explored using the design of an actively controlled ten bar truss structure.

• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.505-517
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• 2008

A numerical analysis method was studied to predict the nonlinear behavior of slender double skin composite walls. For convenience in numerical analysis, the model for the double skin composite wall was developed as a macroscopic model that can predict nonlinear behavior with relatively simplified models. For the wall showing flexure-dominant behavior, a multiple layer model was used. Each layer was modeled with composite elements of concrete and steel plate. An X-type truss model was used for coupling beams showing shear-dominant behavior. To describe the cyclic behavior of concrete and steel elements, simplified cyclic models for the materials were proposed. The proposed analysis model was applied to isolated walls and coupled walls with rectangular or T-shaped cross-sections. The analytical results were compared with existing test results.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.375-390
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• 2015

Staircase is a vertical transportation element commonly used in every multistoried structure. Inclined flights of staircase are usually casted monolithically with RC frame. The structural configuration of stairs generally introduces discontinuities into the typical regular reinforced concrete frame composed of beams and columns. Inclined position of flight transfers both vertical as well as horizontal forces in the frame. Under lateral loading, staircase in a multistory RC frame building develops truss action creating a local stiffening effect. In case of seismic event the stiff area around staircase attracts larger force. Therefore, special attention is required while modeling and analyzing the building with staircase. However, in general design practice, designers usually ignore the staircase while modeling either due to ignorance or to avoid complexity. A numerical study has been conducted to examine the effect of ignoring staircase in modeling and design of RC frame buildings while they are really present in structure, may be at different locations. Linear dynamic analysis is performed on nine separate building models to evaluate influence of staircase on dynamic characteristics of building, followed by nonlinear static analysis on the same models to access their seismic performance. It is observed that effect of ignoring staircase in modeling is severe and leads to unsafe structure. Effect of location and orientation of staircase is also important in determining seismic performance of RC frame buildings.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.78 no.4
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• pp.413-423
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• 2021

Piers are the main lateral force-resisting members of high-speed railway (HSR) bridges used in China and are characterized by low axial load ratios, low longitudinal reinforcement ratios, low stirrup ratios, and high shear span ratios. It is well known that flexural, flexural-shear, and shear failures of piers may occur during an earthquake. In this study, a new shear strength model was developed to simulate the seismic failure of HSR solid piers accurately. First, low cyclic-loading test data of solid piers obtained in recent years were collected to set up a database for model verification. Second, based on the test database, the applicability of existing shear strength models was evaluated. Finally, a new shear strength model for HSR solid piers with round-ended cross-sections was derived based on the truss model and ultimate equilibrium theory. In comparison with existing models, it was demonstrated that the proposed model could be used to predict the shear strength of HSR piers more accurately.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.53 no.12
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• pp.4179-4188
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• 2021

This study identifies efficient earthquake intensity measures (IMs) for seismic performances and fragility evaluations of the reactor containment building (RCB) in the advanced power reactor 1400 (APR1400) nuclear power plant (NPP). The computational model of RCB is constructed using the beam-truss model (BTM) for nonlinear analyses. A total of 90 ground motion records and 20 different IMs are employed for numerical analyses. A series of nonlinear time-history analyses are performed to monitor maximum floor displacements and accelerations of RCB. Then, probabilistic seismic demand models of RCB are developed for each IM. Statistical parameters including coefficient of determination (R²), dispersion (i.e. standard deviation), practicality, and proficiency are calculated to recognize strongly correlated IMs with the seismic performance of the NPP structure. The numerical results show that the optimal IMs are spectral acceleration, spectral velocity, spectral displacement at the fundamental period, acceleration spectrum intensity, effective peak acceleration, peak ground acceleration, A95, and sustained maximum acceleration. Moreover, weakly related IMs to the seismic performance of RCB are peak ground displacement, root-mean-square of displacement, specific energy density, root-mean-square of velocity, peak ground velocity, Housner intensity, velocity spectrum intensity, and sustained maximum velocity. Finally, a set of fragility curves of RCB are developed for optimal IMs.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.75 no.3
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• pp.401-414
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• 2020

Unlike the existing truss models for shear and torsion analysis, in this study, the torsional capacities of reinforced concrete (RC) members were estimated by introducing multi-potential capacity criteria that considered the aggregate interlock, concrete crushing, and spalling of concrete cover. The smeared truss model based on the fixed-angle theory was utilized to obtain the torsional behavior of reinforced concrete member, and the multi-potential capacity criteria were then applied to draw the capacity of the member. In addition, to avoid any iterative calculation in the existing torsional behavior model, a simple strength model was suggested that considers key variables, such as the effective thickness of torsional member, principal stress angle, and strain effect that reduces the resistance of concrete due to large longitudinal tensile strain. The proposed multi-potential capacity concept and the simple strength model were verified by comparing with test results collected from the literature. The study found that the multi-potential capacity could estimate in a rational manner not only the torsional strength but also the failure mode of RC members subjected to torsional moment, by reflecting the reinforcing index in both transverse and longitudinal directions, as well as the sectional and material properties of RC members.

• Journal of the Korea Concrete Institute
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• v.18 no.2 s.92
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• pp.177-188
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• 2006

Conventional nonlinear finite element analysis requires complicated modeling and analytical technique. Furthermore, it is difficult to interpret the analytical results presented as the stress-strain relationship. In the present study, a design-oriented analytical method using the truss model was developed. A reinforced concrete member to be analyzed was idealized by longitudinal, transverse, and diagonal line elements. Basically, each element was modeled as a composite element of concrete and re-bars. Simplified cyclic models for the concrete and re-bar elements were developed. RC beams and walls with various reinforcement details were analyzed by the proposed method. The inelastic strength, energy dissipation capacity, deformability, and failure mode predicted by the proposed method were compared with those of existing experiments. The results showed that the proposed model accurately predicted the strength and energy dissipation capacities, and to predict deformability of the members, the compression-softening model used for the concrete strut element must be improved.