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Abstract: This work deals with the evaluation of the ultimate bending moment of a severely corroded box girder subjected to uniform vertical bending moment through a series of nonlinear finite element analysis. Two models of corrosion degradation have been adopted, one is an average general corrosion thickness reduction, and the other is the real thickness of the corroded plates. New stress–strain relations have been developed to account for the effect of corrosion on the flexural rigidity. To validate the new developed stress–strain relationships, a comparison between the finite element analysis results using the existing stress–strain models, the newly developed ones and the experimental test results of a severely corroded box girder have been conducted. The comparison showed a good agreement and supported the choice of the newly developed stress–strain relationships of corroded structures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The stress distributions at the interfaces in the scarf adhesive joints under static bending moments were analyzed using two-dimensional and three-dimensional finite element (FEM) calculations. The effects of the scarf angle, adhesive Young's modulus and the adhesive thickness on the interface stress distribution were examined. It was found that the singular stress at the edges of the interfaces decreased as the adhesive Young's modulus increased and the adhesive thickness decreased. The singular stress at the edges of the interfaces obtained from the 3-D was larger than that from the 2-D FEM. The joint strength was also predicted using the elasto-plastic 3-D FEM calculations. For verification of the FEM calculation results, the strains in the adherends and the joint strengths were measured. The measured results of the strains and the joint strengths were fairly consistent with the results obtained from the 3-D FEM calculations and indicated that the rupture bending moment (joint strength) was the maximum when the scarf angle was around 60°. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Steel caging is an effective, economical, easily applied and widely used method of strengthening RC columns. Based on the results of two experimental studies, this paper proposes the finite element modelling of RC columns strengthened by a steel cage under axial loads and bending moments. The FE models were used to obtain the N-M diagrams of experimental cases in which a study was made of the improved resistance of RC columns strengthened with this type of strengthening technique. The paper also includes a comparison of different methods of connecting the cage around the beam–column joint and a parametric study to observe the influence of diverse parameters on the behaviour of the strengthened column, including: angle dimensions, number of strips, the yield stress of the steel used in the strengthening, the dimensions of the capitals at both ends of the column, concrete strength and the characteristics of the reinforcement used in the columns. Finally, the results of the various tests (experimental and numerical) described in the paper are used to be compared with three design proposals and the goodness of fit of each one is analysed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this research, 18 laced built-up columns with various geometric specifications were analyzed under different levels of axial load and cyclic lateral load using the finite element method. This research was performed as a continuation of the experimental investigation on the cyclic behavior of the laced columns. This study evaluated the effects of column''s geometrical parameters and various levels of axial loads on the cyclic behavior of laced columns. A compression of the results shows that there is generally good agreement between the experimental and analytical results. The analytical results showed that as the axial load increased, the ductility of the laced columns decreased significantly. Further, at high levels of axial load (i.e., loads higher than 50% of the columns'' compressive capacity), ductility was very poor. It was found that during lateral loading there is a bending moment in addition to the axial force in the lacing bars and the main chords, which affects the columns'' behavior. The slenderness ratio of the main chords between the connecters and the shape of the cross-section of the lacing bars (i.e., bending strength of the lacing bars) are the main geometrical parameters affecting the laced columns'' ductility. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Current design formulae for circular hollow-section (CHS) T and X joints loaded by brace in-plane or out-of-plane bending moments are based on a limited number of tests available from the early 1980s. In the last three decades, many experimental studies and numerical research programmes have been conducted in this area. This study re-evaluates the brace moment capacity strength of T and X joints. The available data are checked against possible member failures, while the experimental data are carefully screened with respect to outliers. Detailed comparisons are made between finite-element results and 'reliable' test data obtained from different research programmes. Based on the selected data, the existing strength equations are updated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a study on the strength and behavior of cold-formed steel Z-sections with simple and complex stiffeners subjected to major axis bending. The study involved both experimental and numerical investigations, in which a series of specimens were examined. All specimens were failed by the combined mode of shear and moment. The results from the investigations were analyzed and compared with the combined moment and shear strengths predicted by international design rules. The suitability of the design rules in predicting the combined capacity of Z-section with complex stiffeners was assessed through a reliability analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]