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In this paper, the idea of using polymer adhesive as a damping layer is proposed. An experimental study of two aluminium cantilevered beams has been conducted. One of them presents a plain cantilevered beam, while the second one considers two aluminium beams bonded with a polymer adhesive of different thickness (0,5; 1,2; 1,75; 3,1 and 5 mm). The polymer adhesive considered in the study is a specially designed flexible two-component grout, which has high damping properties. The aim of the study is to determine dynamic parameters, such as natural frequencies and damping ratios of both beams, based on the tests in which analyzed elements have been induced to vibrations by a modal hammer. The behaviour of the beams under different additional weight, installed at the end of elements, has been studied. The results of the study clearly show that the response of the composite aluminium beam with polymer adhesive inside is substantially different then the response of the plain beam. The application of polymer adhesive leads to significant increase in structural damping. Based on the results, the method of using the polymer adhesive can be considered as an effective one in reduction of structural vibrations.

The article presents the results for cast iron columns used as floor supports in the former financial office building in Kwidzyn (Poland). The stocktaking drawings provided the general and detailed data about the 19th century designer’s decisions. During the research, architectural and structural analysis was carried out. The graphics were used as a starting material for preparing 3D calculation models. The FEM-based numerical simulations were conducted using ABAQUS software. It was shown that the selection of such a structural solution in the building allowed arranging the interior space in an innovative way. The results of the study prove the thesis put forward of a low application extent of the load-bearing capacity of cast iron column used.

Hydrotechnical structures are important components in water management system and general flooding safety. Their reliability should be ensured since potential damage might lead to catastrophic consequences. Weir gates are considered to be highly vulnerable elements of each hydro power plant, with regard to its dynamic resistance. The aim of the paper is to compare different numerical models and their influence on the results of a computational modal analysis of a steel radial gate. The investigation has been conducted for models using beam and shell elements, while assuring the same geometry, material properties and boundary conditions. The results of the comparative computational analysis indicate that the eigenmode shapes are similar for both models, while the corresponding eigenfrequencies are considerably different. These differences are important from the point of view of dynamic analysis, especially that the first eigenfrequency falls within the energy range typical for earthquakes and mining tremors.

The present paper summarizes the preliminary results of the experimental shaking table investigation conducted in order to verify the effectiveness of a new base isolation system consisting of Polymeric Bearings in reducing strong horizontal machine-induced vibrations. Polymeric Bearing considered in the present study is a prototype base isolation system, which was constructed with the use of a specially prepared flexible polymer with improved damping properties. Dynamic oscillatory tests, during which a concrete base slab supported by four Polymeric Bearings was subjected to horizonal sinusoidal excitations characterized by different frequencies and amplitudes, were conducted in order to determine the damping properties of Polymeric Bearings and their effectiveness in mitigating structural vibrations. Equivalent damping ratios for every excitation frequency considered were determined using the experimentally obtained hysteresis loops. Final conclusions are presented and the results discussed.