• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.67 no.2
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• pp.207-217
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• 2018

In past years, numerous problems have vexed engineers with regard to buckling, corrosion, bending, and overloading in damaged steel structures. This article sets out to investigate the possible effects of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) and steel plates for retrofitting deficient steel square hollow section (SHS) columns. The effects of axial loading, stiffness, axial displacement, the position and shape of deficient region on the length of steel SHS columns, and slenderness ratio are examined through a detailed parametric study. A total of 14 specimens was tested for failure under axial compression in a laboratory and simulated using finite element (FE) analysis based on a numerical approach. The results indicate that the application of CFRP sheets and steel plates also caused a reduction in stress in the damaged region and prevented or retarded local deformation around the deficiency. The findings showed that a deficiency leads to reduced load-carrying capacity of steel SHS columns and the retrofitting method is responsible for the increase in the load-bearing capacity of the steel columns. Finally, this research showed that the CFRP performed better than steel plates in compensating the axial force caused by the cross-section reduction due to the problems associated with the use of steel plates, such as in welding, increased weight, thermal stress around the welding location, and the possibility of creating another deficiency by welding.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.261-278
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• 2020

In steel-concrete composite beams, to improve the cracking resistance of the concrete slab in the hogging moment region, a new type of connector in the interface, named uplift-restricted and slip-permitted screw-type (URSP-S) connector has been proposed. This paper focuses on the behavior of steel-concrete composite beams with URSP-S connectors. A total of three beam specimens including a simply supported beam with URSP-S connectors and two continuous composite beams with different connectors arrangements were designed and tested. More specifically, one continuous composite beam was equipped with URSP-S connectors in negative moment region and traditional shear studs in other regions. For comparison, the other one was designed with only traditional shear studs. The failure modes, crack evolution process, ultimate capacities, strain responses at different locations as well as the interface slip of the three tested specimens were measured and evaluated in-depth. Based on the experimental study, the research findings indicate that the larger slip deformation is allowed while using URSP-S connectors. Meanwhile, the tensile stress reduces and the cracking resistance of the concrete slab improves accordingly. In addition, the overall stiffness and strength of the composite beam become slightly lower than those of the composite beam using traditional shear studs. Moreover, the arrangement suggestion of URSP-S connectors in the composite beam is discussed in this paper for its practical design and application.

• Advances in nano research
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• v.7 no.6
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• pp.443-457
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• 2019

In this investigation, dynamic and bending behaviors of isolated protein microtubules are analyzed. Microtubules (MTs) can be considered as bio-composite structures that are elements of the cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells and posses considerable roles in cellular activities. They have higher mechanical characteristics such as superior flexibility and stiffness. In the modeling purpose of microtubules according to a hollow beam element, a novel single variable sinusoidal beam model is proposed with the conjunction of modified strain gradient theory. The advantage of this model is found in its new displacement field involving only one unknown as the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory, which is even less than the Timoshenko beam theory. The equations of motion are constructed by considering Hamilton's principle. The obtained results are validated by comparing them with those given based on higher shear deformation beam theory containing a higher number of variables. A parametric investigation is established to examine the impacts of shear deformation, length scale coefficient, aspect ratio and shear modulus ratio on dynamic and bending behaviors of microtubules. It is remarked that when length scale coefficients are almost identical of the outer diameter of MTs, microstructure-dependent behavior becomes more important.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.323-335
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• 2020

Magnetorheological elastomer (MRE), a smart material, is an innovative material for base isolation system. It has magnetorheological (MR) effect that can control the stiffness in real-time. In this paper, a new hybrid base isolation system combining two electromagnetic closed circuits and the roller bearing is proposed. In the proposed system, the roller part can support the vertical load. Thus, the MRE part is free from the vertical load and can exhibit the maximum MR effect. The MRE magnetic loop is constructed in the free space of the roller bearing and forms a strong magnetic field. To demonstrate the performance of the proposed hybrid base isolation system, dynamic characteristic tests and performance evaluation were carried out. Dynamic characteristic tests were performed under the extensive range of strain of the MRE and the change of the applied current. Performance evaluation was carried out using the hybrid simulation under five earthquakes (i.e., El Centro, Kobe, Hachinohe, Northridge, and Loma Prieta). Especially, semi-active fuzzy control algorithm was applied and compared with passive type. From the performance evaluation, the comparison shows that the new hybrid base isolation system using fuzzy control algorithm is superior to passive type in reducing the acceleration and displacement responses of a target structure.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.1-16
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• 2020

In steel-concrete composite beams, to improve the cracking resistance of the concrete slab in the hogging moment region, a new type of connector in the interface, named uplift-restricted and slip-permitted screw-type (URSP-S) connector has been proposed. This paper focuses on the behavior of steel-concrete composite beams with URSP-S connectors. A total of three beam specimens including a simply supported beam with URSP-S connectors and two continuous composite beams with different connectors arrangements were designed and tested. More specifically, one continuous composite beam was equipped with URSP-S connectors in negative moment region and traditional shear studs in other regions. For comparison, the other one was designed with only traditional shear studs. The failure modes, crack evolution process, ultimate capacities, strain responses at different locations as well as the interface slip of the three tested specimens were measured and evaluated in-depth. Based on the experimental study, the research findings indicate that the larger slip deformation is allowed while using URSP-S connectors. Meanwhile, the tensile stress reduces and the cracking resistance of the concrete slab improves accordingly. In addition, the overall stiffness and strength of the composite beam become slightly lower than those of the composite beam using traditional shear studs. Moreover, the arrangement suggestion of URSP-S connectors in the composite beam is discussed in this paper for its practical design and application.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.76 no.4
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• pp.465-477
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• 2020

This paper presents an investigation on the dynamic behavior of SRC columns with built-in cross-shaped steels under impact load. Seven 1/2 scaled SRC specimens were subjected to low-speed impact by a gravity drop hammer test system. Three main parameters, including the lateral impact height, the axial compression ratios and the stirrup spacing, were considered in the response analysis of the specimens. The failure mode, deformation, the absorbed energy of columns, as well as impact loads are discussed. The results are mainly characterized by bending-shear failure, meanwhile specimens can maintain an acceptable integrity. More than 33% of the input impact energy is dissipated, which demonstrates its excellent impact resistance. As the impact height increases, the flexural cracks and shear cracks observed on the surface of specimens were denser and wider. The recorded time-history of impact force and mid-span displacement confirmed the three stages of relative movement between the hammer and the column. Additionally, the displacements had a notable delay compared to the rapid changes observed in the measured impact load. The deflection of the mid-span did not exceed 5.90mm while the impact load reached peak value. The impact resistance of the specimen can be improved by proper design for stirrup ratios and increasing the axial load. However, the cracking and spalling of the concrete cover at the impact point was obvious with the increasing in stiffness.

• Proceedings of the Korea Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry Conference
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• 2006.06b
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• pp.311-316
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• 2006

The role of short fibre pulp - Mixed Harwood, Eucalyptus, Aspen, Birch, etc for the manufacture of different grades of paper is very well recognized. At the same time, lots of efforts are in progress to maximize the advantages while preserving their own special property. Bleached Acacia Kraft Pulp (BAKP) is comparatively new entry but gained quick recognition. BAKP was introduced to the world market by South East Asian suppliers in the late 1990's. This paper discusses in detail the role and opportunities of use of short fibre pulps. A logical technical comparison has been made between BAKP and another short fibre grades. BAKP being a short, thin-walled fibre shows several similarities with Eucalyptus pulp in terms of good bulk and stiffness. Refining energy and strength properties are very similar, but the shorter fibres and thinner cell walls give an outstanding opacity and formation compared to other commercial short fibre pulps. The collapsed and band-shaped nature gives a matchless smoothness, enabling less calendaring and exceptional printing properties. BAKP is shown to give several advantages to fine paper manufactures, compared with a number of established short fibre pulps such as Brazilian and Chilean Eucalyptus, Canadian Aspen and Indonesian Mixed Hardwood. It is important to consider refining and calendaring conditions to achieve optimum performance. For outer layers of multiply board, Acacia gives excellent coverage due to its high opacity and uniform fibre distribution. Its low roughness property gives improved printability. For tissue products, Acacia gives unique property of superior softness both in terms of hand feel and bulk softness. The high fibre population gives an impression of much higher quality due to the higher opacity and good formation.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.569-581
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• 2019

Corrugated steel plate shear wall (CSPSW) as an innovative lateral load resisting system provides various advantages in comparison with the flat steel plate shear wall, including remarkable in-plane and out-of-plane stiffnesses and stability, greater elastic shear buckling stress, increasing the amount of cumulative dissipated energy and maintaining efficiency even in large story drifts. Employment of low yield point (LYP) steel web plate in steel shear walls can dramatically improve their structural performance and prevent early stage instability of the panels. This paper presents a comprehensive structural performance assessment of corrugated low yield point steel plate shear walls having circular openings located in different positions. Accordingly, following experimental verification of CSPSW finite element models, several trapezoidally horizontal CSPSW (H-CSPSW) models having LYP steel web plates as well as circular openings (for ducts) perforated in various locations have been developed to explore their hysteresis behavior, cumulative dissipated energy, lateral stiffness, and ultimate strength under cyclic loading. Obtained results reveal that the rehabilitation of damaged steel shear walls using corrugated LYP steel web plate can enhance their structural performance. Furthermore, choosing a suitable location for the circular opening regarding the design purpose paves the way for the achievement of the shear wall's optimal performance.

• Advances in concrete construction
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.173-185
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• 2019

This article presents a comparative study of the effect of steel layouts on the seismic behavior of transition steel-concrete composite connections, both experimental and analytical investigations of concrete filled steel tube-reinforced concrete (CFST-RC) and steel reinforecd concrete-reinforced concrete (SRC-RC) structures were conducted. The steel-concrete composite connections were subjected to combined constant axial load and lateral cyclic displacements. Tests were carried out on four full-scale connections extracted from a real project engineering with different levels of axial force. The effect of steel layouts on the mechanical behavior of the transition connections was evaluated by failure modes, hysteretic behavior, backbone curves, displacement ductility, energy dissipation capacity and stiffness degradation. Test results showed that different steel layouts led to significantly different failure modes. For CFST-RC transition specimens, the circular cracks of the concrete at the RC column base was followed by steel yielding at the bottom of the CFST column. While uncoordinated deformation could be observed between SRC and RC columns in SRC-RC transition specimens, the crushing and peeling damage of unconfined concrete at the SRC column base was more serious. The existences of I-shape steel and steel tube avoided the pinching phenomenon on the hysteresis curve, which was different from the hysteresis curve of the general reinforced concrete column. The hysteresis loops were spindle-shaped, indicating excellent seismic performance for these transition composite connections. The average values of equivalent viscous damping coefficients of the four specimens are 0.123, 0.186 and 0.304 corresponding to the yielding point, peak point and ultimate point, respectively. Those values demonstrate that the transition steel-concrete composite connections have great energy dissipating capacity. Based on the experimental research, a high-fidelity ABAQUS model was established to further study the influence of concrete strength, steel grade and longitudinal reinforcement ratio on the mechanical behavior of transition composite connections.

• Wind and Structures
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.339-359
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• 2019

Pre-stressed concrete poles are among the supporting systems used to support transmission lines. It is essential to protect transmission line systems from harsh environmental attacks such as downburst wind events. Typically, these poles are designed to resist synoptic wind loading as current codes do not address high wind events in the form of downbursts. In the current study, the behavior of guyed pre-stressed concrete Transmission lines is studied under downburst loads. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first investigation to assess the behaviour of guyed pre-stressed concrete poles under downburst events. Due to the localized nature of those events, identifying the critical locations and parameters leading to peak forces on the poles is a challenging task. To overcome this challenge, an in-house built numerical model is developed incorporating the following: (1) a three-dimensional downburst wind field previously developed and validated using computational fluid dynamics simulations; (2) a computationally efficient analytical technique previously developed and validated to predict the non-linear behaviour of the conductors including the effects of the pretension force, sagging, insulator's stiffness and the non-uniform distribution of wind loads, and (3) a non-linear finite element model utilized to simulate the structural behaviour of the guyed pre-stressed concrete pole considering material nonlinearity. A parametric study is conducted by varying the downbursts locations relative to the guyed pole while considering three different span values. The results of this parametric study are utilized to identify critical downburst configurations leading to peak straining actions on the pole and the guys. This is followed by comparing the obtained critical load cases to new load cases proposed to ASCE-74 loading committee. A non-linear failure analysis is then conducted for the three considered guyed pre-stressed concrete transmission line systems to determine the downburst jet velocity at which the pole systems fail.