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In a masonry veneer wall system, tie strengths and stiffnesses vary randomly and so are not consistent for all ties throughout the wall. To ensure an economical and safe design, this paper uses tie calibration experimental approach in accordance with the standard AS2699.1 to investigate the tie failure load under compression and tension loading. Probabilistic wall tie characterisations are accomplished by estimating the mean, coefficient of variation and characteristic axial compressive and tensile strength from 50 specimens. The displacement across the cavity is recorded, which resulted the complete load versus displacement response. Using the maximum likelihood method, a range of probability distributions are fitted to tie strengths at different displacement histogram data sets, and a best-fitted probability distribution is selected for each case. The inverse cumulative distribution function plots are also used along with the Anderson-Darling test to infer a goodness-of-fit for the probabilistic models. An extensive statistical correlation analysis is also conducted to check the correlation between different tie strengths and associated displacement for both compression and tension loading. Based on the findings, a wall tie constitutive law is proposed to define probabilistic tie behaviour in numerical modelling.

The effects of different variables of closed conduit transient partially pressurized flows on the maximum air pressure are investigated from an energy exchange perspective. It was found that when t...

The long-term quality assurance of bridges demands an adequate quality control plan detailing the main required activities and assessment tools. This paper presents the application of a quality control plan on two existing reinforced concrete bridges located in Portugal and North Macedonia. Based on the available results from visual inspections and non-destructive tests, defects and corresponding damage processes were identified. The structural safety of the case studies was assessed by means of a reliability index considering the identified damages. The reliability index computation was supported by a nonlinear finite element analysis. The computed reliability index that reflects the actual (‘today’) bridge condition was used as the base information in the preparation of possible maintenance scenarios. Three different maintenance scenarios were considered, namely, the improvement (corrective scenario), reduction (do nothing and rebuilt scenario), or delay in the reduction (preventative scenario) of the performance of the structure. By comparison of normalised net present values of the key performance indicators (reliability, safety, availability and costs), the most appropriate scenarios are found., This work was partly financed by: (i) national funds through FCT - Foundation for Science and Technology, under grant agreement ‘PD/BD/143142/ 2019’ and ‘PD/BD/143003/2018’ attributed to the 1st and 2ndauthor, respectively; and (ii) FCT/MCTES through national funds (PIDDAC) under the R&D Unit Institute for Sustainability and Innovation in Structural Engineering (ISISE), under reference UIDB/04029/2020.

This paper deals with the architectonic, constructive, and geometrical characterization of Yucatan stone masonry churches in Mexico. The work aims at finding statistical correlations between geomet...

International audience; Industrial chimneys, launch vehicles and stacks are examples of large diameter circular cross section structures that can be prone to cross-wind vortex-induced vibration (VIV). VIV has been extensively studied for both fundamental and applied issues, but few documented studies concern high Reynolds number regimes (> 5 × 105) in atmospheric turbulent wind. This paper introduces a field test on a slender light and low damped chimney designed to experience “super-critical” VIV at moderate wind velocity. The chimney was recently erected in a wind monitored field, near the Atlantic coast of France. The purpose of this paper is to present the first vibration results obtained during a sequential 13-day period in September 2020. A statistical analysis has been performed on the amplitude and dominant frequency responses and results are reported in term of probability distribution as a function of wind speed and direction. VIV events of low (30% of diameter) have been highlighted in a range of wind velocity 25% lower than expected, along with significant influence of the wind direction – low turbulence easterly wind giving vortex-induced vibrations with the highest amplitude.

Contrary to conventional buildings, the structural robustness of modular high-rise buildings has not been studied due to the lack of the numerical and experimental studies and design guides. To gai...

This paper presents a statistical analysis of the actual mean material properties for typical grades of concrete and reinforcement available in Australia. The analysis was performed using a database of 3,447 concrete cylinder test results and 15,201 reinforcement tensile test results. The test results were taken over a period from 2009 to 2021. The paper provides a summary of the mean values and respective coefficient of variation values for the different grades of concrete and reinforcement that make up the database. Distinctive manufacturing trends and variability between suppliers were observed for reinforcement samples and appropriate recommendations have been proposed. Researchers or designers can adopt these values to undertake probabilistic assessments of RC structures. The paper also provides recommendations for mean material properties for the purpose of undertaking non-linear analysis of RC structures. The database of test results also includes early age strength data for concrete, which have been used to provide recommendations for predicting the early age strength of various standard grades of concrete available in Australia. The paper also presents an assessment of the theoretical characteristic values from the database for the various grades of reinforcement and concrete and how they compare to respective specified code requirements.

Displacement-based methods, such as a non-linear static pushover analysis (e.g. the capacity spectrum method), have many advantages compared to traditional force-based design methods. However, implementing a non-linear analysis and design method in accordance with the Australian Standard for concrete structures (AS 3600) introduces many difficult technical issues into the design, of which the standard provides little guidance. The aim of this study is to provide a framework and general guidance for designers who wish to perform non-linear displacement-based analysis methods for RC wall buildings. The paper will present how these methods can be used in accordance with the Australian Standard for earthquake actions (AS 1170.4) to assess seismic compliance and then provide recommendations for the requirements stipulated by AS 3600, which includes an experimentally validated tension stiffening model, nonlinear stress-strain material curves, mean material properties and material strain limits. The paper is concluded with a case study example of how a displacement-based seismic assessment can be performed using a typical case study building.

The honeycomb structures, due to minimal density, relative high out-of-plane compression properties, and out-of-plane shear properties, have attracted a lot of attention. Regarding this issue, in t...

This experimental study investigates the behavior of a proposed damper based on austenite Nitinol wires. The damper’s design is so that the wires are always in tension under both tensile and compre...

The aim of this paper is to determine the fatigue damage of structures subject to random vibrations generated by Qualmark chamber. In real life, structures are generally subjected to complex multia...

Improving the operating efficiency of piezoelectric tiles is currently a significant subject of scientific study. The current work proposes a viable solution for enhancing the efficiency of existin...

This paper presents a detailed numerical investigation of behavior of cylindrical tube-shaped textile-reinforced cementitious composites (TRCCs) under monotonic lateral compression loading, and exp...

In order to study the waterproof performance of non-curable rubber modified asphalt material at deformation joints, the grouting situation of non-curable rubber modified asphalt material in the def...

Topologically interlocked materials (TIMs) are an emerging class of architectured materials that each of block is supported by their neighboring blocks without any connector, which is inspired by m...

Performance evaluation and maintenance planning are gaining importance with ageing rail infrastructure and increasing demand on track safety and continuous availability. The discrete/point railway assets (e.g. bridges, level crossings) together with extended track sections constitute the main railway network infrastructure. The former has important implications in train safety, riding comfort and operating expenditures due to local intensified degradation and plays a role in effective network capacity due to their large quantity. The heterogeneity in asset features and operating environment also adds difficulties to efficient maintenance planning of multiple discrete assets. The current review screens the issue to level crossings, as little concern has been engaged to this asset type, and draws together different perspectives related to their maintenance management. The systems thinking approach is integrated and two levels of asset management (i.e. micro- and macro-level) are used to structure the synthesis, which are interdependent and synergistic. Two major approaches, namely, the mechanistic and data-driven modelling are synthesised. Both contribute to the maintenance knowledge and their comparisons are elaborated. Limitations in existing studies are identified and directions for future research are provided, aiming to contribute to a more refined ‘inspection and diagnosis’ process to properly capture the local track issues and move towards system-level maintenance approach for multiple level crossings.

The present study includes the free vibration analysis of geometrically imperfect and discontinuous porous functionally graded bi-directional plate (B-FGP) resting on an elastic foundation in a the...

An adaptable algorithm is proposed in this study, which can predict the complete load-shortening curve of a stiffened panel subjected to uniaxial longitudinal compression. The algorithm provides an extension to existing empirical formulae initially derived for predicting the ultimate compressive strength of stiffened panels. Based on observations from a series of nonlinear finite element analyses, the compressive load-shortening behaviour of stiffened panels is idealised with a linear pre-collapse response, an arc-shaped nonlinear ultimate collapse region and an asymptotic post-collapse decay. The algorithm allows direct modification of the elastic stiffness, ultimate strain, ultimate strength and post-collapse characteristics of the load shortening curve. This enables the load shortening curve to incorporate characteristics specific to the type of stiffened panel under analysis. The capability of the algorithm is demonstrated through an application with the simplified progressive collapse method to calculate the ultimate ship hull strength of four merchant ships and one naval vessel.

Clearance in ball bearing influences the startup torque and stiffness of bearing and affects the load distribution, load carrying capacity, and life of bearing. The present work is related to deep ...

openaire: EC/H2020/814753/EU//FLARE SOLAS2020 damage stability regulations are based on probabilistic damage distributions. Those originate from the pooled analysis of collision accidents across a fleet with bias towards cargo ships. This paper introduces a method that accounts for collision-based crashworthiness on ship damage distributions. The method reshapes statistical SOLAS damage distributions for a given ship or structural details for a reference ship section and her reinforced version. Damage reductions may differ depending on ship characteristics and operational scenarios. To mitigate this, a high number of collision scenarios was simulated using the super-element method. It is shown that risk control in terms of damage reduction over the whole range of damages is possible by adding a double hull or by deck reinforcement. Damage reduction is quantified by damage stability analysis of a cruise vessel. It is concluded that installing a double hull on ship vulnerable zones leads to increased A-index.

Highly nonlinear vibration is one of important factors influencing the failure of gas foil bearing-rotor systems. In this paper, an integrated nonlinear dynamic model is constructed to study the dy...

Wind turbine tower (WTT) is a vital part of wind energy development, which gains huge momentum globally over the past decades. In this study, an ingenious solution is provided with the proposed per...

The first Floating Production Storage and Offloading platforms (FPSOs), many still operating in Campos Basin, were converted from single-hull oil tankers. Therefore, collision leading to the FPSO s...

In recent years, reinforced thermoplastic composite pipe (RTP) is widely sought after because of its high strength and corrosion resistance. The development of a connector that is easy to install a...

The out-of-plane collapse of masonry infills during seismic actions resulted in human life losses and huge repair or reconstruction costs. These problems will result in disturbance of the operation...

The present study proposes a 15-degrees of freedom multibody model of semi-supine humans to estimate the injury risk to a space capsule occupant during landing. The model consists of five body segm...

In momentum-based impact models used in accident reconstructions, the restitution coefficient is a key role to determine impulses and delta-V accurately in car-to-car collisions. The restitution co...

This paper aims to report an enhanced mechanistic analytical model to account for the geometry of a concentric cylinder structure, the effect of an elastic bonding layer, and mechanical boundary co...

This paper aims to study the combined effects of incident wave angularity and geometrical characteristics on the seismic spectral response of curved valleys filled with alluvium. The parametric stu...

A health assessment technique for infrastructures is presented following earthquakes using uncertainty-filled information. A system identification (SI)-based concept is used to identify the stiffne...

This work investigates the crashworthiness of jute fiber mat reinforced epoxy composite circular tubes by introducing holes around the tube circumference. The composite tubes were tested under quas...

Miniature buckling-restrained braces (MBRBs) have been widely used as energy dissipating dampers in precast concrete and steel beam-to-column connections for their superior seismic performance. Thi...

This study proposes a hybrid optimisation method integrating contribution analysis, Entropy weight Technique for Ordering Preferences by Similarity to Ideal Solution (E-TOPSIS), design of experimen...

In the present study, an attempt has been made to produce lightweight concrete (LWC) by replacing fine aggregates with expanded perlite and pumice. The first set of LWC is prepared by replacing the...

For the analysis and conservation of architectural heritage a multi-disciplinary approach is required. In the specific case of early concrete buildings, survey and experimental investigations const...

One Manhattan West (1MW), Two Manhattan West (2MW) and 35 Hudson Yards (35HY) are three slender supertall towers recently designed and engineered by the authors' company that rise above the undergr...

Ball-end milling is widely used in industrial applications, such as mold manufacturing and aerospace industries. One of many difficulties in milling research is the milling force, which is often cr...

In this research, frequency and resonance area information of a size-dependent electro-elastic rotary non-classical piezoelectric microdisk via modified couple stress theory (MCST) is presented. Th...

An improved seismic vulnerability index methodology is formulated on the basis of eight modeled parameters that are designed according to earthquake-resistant design concept and derived from the em...

A portion of Byzantine land walls from “Mevlanakapi” to “Belgradkapi”, part of Theodosian walls, is surveyed by laser scanners for recording the current condition and for identification of the dama...

Aluminum foams have recently received special attention due to their peculiar mechanical properties. For example, their energy absorption capacity in crash events and low density are very desirable...

Compared with the fractional order generalized themoelastic theory, the generalized thermoelastic theory based on the memory-dependent derivative has following significant advantages: First, the ge...

This article examines the free vibrations of spherical orthotropic within an elastic medium according to the one-dimensional (1D) elastic model. According to the linear elasticity model, rotation, ...

The integrity of precast concrete (PC) shear walls depends strongly on the structural measures and construction quality of the reinforcement connections, which impedes complete equivalence with cas...

Demanding marine operations increase the complexity of manoeuvring. A highly accurate ship model promotes predicting ship motions and advancing control safety. It is crucial to identify the unknown hydrodynamic coefficients under environmental disturbance to establish accurate mathematical models. In this paper, the identification procedure for a 3 degree of freedom hydrodynamic model under disturbance is completed based on the support vector machine with multiple manoeuvres datasets. The algorithm is validated on the clean ship model and the results present good fitness with the reference. Experiments in different sea states are conducted to investigate the effects of the turbulence on the identification performance. Generalisation results show that the models identified in the gentle and moderate environments have less than 10% deviations and are considered allowable. The higher perturbations, the lower fidelity the identified model has. Models identified under disturbance could provide different levels of reliable support for the operation decision system. © 2021 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/), which permits non-commercial re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, and is not altered, transformed, or built upon in any way

The earthquake resilience of low-damage self-centering precast concrete frame connections (LDSCPC) is studied in this article. Cyclic load tests are carried out, and the results show that the overa...

In this article, by considering the Dufour effect and Soret effect, a hygrothermal coupling model based on phase delay of heat and moisture fluxes is established for convective surfaces. The convec...

A mathematical novel model for elastic semiconductor medium with microstretch properties is investigated. The generalized model is studied in the context of photo-thermoelasticity theory when the s...