Engineering Structures最新文献

{"title":"Effect of model architecture and input parameters to improve performance of artificial intelligence models for estimating concrete strength using SonReb","authors":"Seyed Alireza Alavi,&nbsp;Martin Noel","doi":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2024.119285","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2024.119285","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with the non-intrusive SonReb method, which combines Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) and Rebound Number (RN) to predict concrete compressive strength, has attracted increasing attention in recent years. This study introduces a novel approach to improve AI models for predicting concrete strength, making them more suitable for future practical applications. One of the key challenge in AI models is the number of input parameters; while more inputs often improve accuracy, they are typically impractical for most applications dealing with existing structures (e.g., requiring detailed concrete mix design information that is often unavailable). SonReb AI-based models which use only two input parameters (UPV and RN) have shown reasonable accuracy, but their general use is limited by adoption of different testing standards which precludes the development of large databases. This study aims to improve two-parameter SonReb-based AI models through the addition of a binary input variable that represents the type of the specimen geometry (cube or cylinder) and investigates the effect of model architecture by comparing three different AI algorithms: Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Deep Neural Networks (DNN), and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference Systems (ANFIS). Six AI models were developed using 514 data points from experimental tests and collected data, and an unbiased data splitting method was applied for training and testing. The results showed that including specimen geometry improved model accuracy across all AI algorithms. The results of this study show that regardless of AI architecture, the proposed novel approach not only improves the accuracy of models, but also enables the use of larger databases containing both cubic and cylindrical specimens.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11763,"journal":{"name":"Engineering Structures","volume":"323 ","pages":"Article 119285"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2024-11-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142659798","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mechanical properties of short rebar connectors in ultra-thin lightweight composite decks","authors":"Shuwen Deng ,&nbsp;Yingzhuo Liu ,&nbsp;Xudong Shao ,&nbsp;Hanwen Zhang ,&nbsp;Lian Shen ,&nbsp;Junhui Cao","doi":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2024.119272","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2024.119272","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To address the challenge of shear connector applicability in ultra-thin Lightweight Composite Decks (LWCDs), a novel type of Short Rebar Connectors (SRCs) was proposed. With the height of 16–20 mm, the connectors are well-suited for ultra-thin LWCDs with Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) thicknesses within 35 mm. The mechanical performance of SRCs was investigated through pull-out tests, static and fatigue push-out tests. The results demonstrate that SRCs exhibit excellent tensile and shear resistance, with the maximum pull-out and shear capacities of 80.4 kN and 948 kN, respectively. The shear stiffness of SRCs is twice that of traditional stud connectors. From fatigue push-out tests, a design strength of 69.2 MPa at 2 million cycles was obtained. Finite Element Method (FEM) calculations for practical bridge engineering SRCs layout recommend arranging SRCs with a spacing of 200 mm × 200 mm.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11763,"journal":{"name":"Engineering Structures","volume":"323 ","pages":"Article 119272"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2024-11-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142659070","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A novel approach to model differential settlements and crack patterns in masonry structures","authors":"Antonino Iannuzzo ,&nbsp;Vincenzo Mallardo","doi":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2024.119220","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2024.119220","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The present paper introduces a novel methodology for accurately modelling differential settlements beneath the foundations of masonry structures and the resulting crack patterns. In contrast to standard strategies, which typically impose predefined settlements at the structure’s base, the proposed approach directly accounts for the soil–structure interaction by coupling the mechanical responses of masonry and soil. Specifically, the mechanical behaviour of the masonry is accurately modelled using an elastic no-tension approach, while the soil is represented as an elastic half-plane. The solution to the coupled mechanical problem, satisfying both equilibrium and compatibility conditions, is obtained through an iterative optimisation-based procedure. Several 2D numerical applications, considering different geometries and loading conditions, are provided to demonstrate the proposed procedure’s effectiveness and performance and highlight its potential.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11763,"journal":{"name":"Engineering Structures","volume":"323 ","pages":"Article 119220"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2024-11-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142659158","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Allowable stress rating compared to load and resistance factor rating for timber bridges with and without steel-beam retrofit","authors":"Yail J. Kim ,&nbsp;Jun Wang ,&nbsp;Yongcheng Ji","doi":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2024.119276","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2024.119276","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper presents the relevancy of the Allowable Stress Rating (ASR) and the Load and Resistance Factor Rating (LRFR) methods for timber bridges. Benchmark bridges constructed in the 1930′s are upgraded with hollow structural steel (HSS) beams and three-dimensional finite element models provide technical information that is necessary for examining their behavior and rating evaluations. Complying with published manuals, a total of 17 rating vehicles are considered across three categories (Design, Legal, and Permit) so as to generate the maximum responses of the bridges. The position of the vehicles dominates the deflection profiles of the unrepaired bridges. After installing the HSS beams, the live loads are redistributed and stiffness enhancement is noticed in the transverse direction of the bridges. The rating factors calculated with ASR exceed those with LRFR for the unrepaired bridges, regardless of vehicle configurations, and the level of disparity between these rating approaches increases when the bridges are repaired owing to differences in load factors. In terms of sensitivity to average daily truck traffic, the LRFR factors of the bridges under the Legal vehicles are more responsive than the factors subjected to other vehicle types. From a probability perspective, the compatibility of these rating methodologies varies contingent upon vehicle categories and the presence of the HSS beams. Practice guidelines are proposed to facilitate the conversion of rating factors between ASR and LRFR as a function of the present condition of constructed timber bridges.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11763,"journal":{"name":"Engineering Structures","volume":"323 ","pages":"Article 119276"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2024-11-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142659724","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enhancing seismic resilience in modular steel building through three-dimensional isolation","authors":"Ze Mo ,&nbsp;BingLin Lai ,&nbsp;Ganping Shu ,&nbsp;T.Y. Yang ,&nbsp;Carlos E. Ventura ,&nbsp;J.Y. Richard Liew","doi":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2024.119269","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2024.119269","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Modular steel building (MSB) has been gaining increasing popularity globally due to its numerous advantages such as fast-track construction, adaptability, and reusability. In order to enhance the seismic resilience of the MSB, this study presents a novel approach through the implementation of an air spring-lead rubber bearing (AS-LRB) three-dimensional seismic isolation device. Combining a pressure-resistant air spring (AS) with a lead rubber bearing (LRB) featuring low shear modulus rubber. The paper details the construction of the AS-LRB, investigates its mechanical properties through extensive experimentation, and outlines a design methodology for implementing the AS-LRB within MSB. A comprehensive analysis is conducted on a four-story, three-span MSB subjected to various seismic scenarios, evaluating the AS-LRB's isolation performance and examining the impact of key parameters on isolation of MSB. Results indicate that the AS-LRB design effectively mitigates seismic effects, with AS primarily isolating vertical forces and LRB addressing horizontal forces. The study reveals superior isolation performance during ordinary earthquakes, showcasing significant reductions in horizontal peak acceleration (HPA) at nodes, peak equivalent stress, shear force on columns, and drift angles. However, near-fault earthquakes show diminished but still notable benefits, notably decreasing vertical peak acceleration (VPA) and axial force on columns. Far-field earthquakes exhibit reduced isolation efficacy. Furthermore, optimizing the target period ratio and transmission ratio enhances the isolation performance of MSB. A recommended target isolation period of at least 1.75 coupled with a lower transmission ratio vertically yields optimal results, indicating a path towards improved seismic resilience in MSB using AS-LRB technology.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11763,"journal":{"name":"Engineering Structures","volume":"323 ","pages":"Article 119269"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2024-11-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142659068","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development and performance assessment of a novel self-centering damper for slotted RC walls","authors":"Bin Wang ,&nbsp;Zhou Yang ,&nbsp;Wen-Zhe Cai ,&nbsp;Qing-Xuan Shi ,&nbsp;Yuan-Li Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2024.119274","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2024.119274","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Slotted RC walls exhibit better ductility compared to conventional RC walls, but inevitably lead to a reduction in lateral stiffness and load-bearing capacity. In order to improve the seismic performance and reduce the residual deformation of slotted RC walls, a novel self-centering damper (SCD) suitable for the connection of slotted RC wall is proposed. The novel SCD is composed of two diagonally intersecting disc spring devices (DSD) and multiple slit steel plate (MSSP) arranged in parallel. The construction and working principle of the novel SCD were thoroughly explained, and its theoretical model was established. Through cyclic loading tests and numerical simulations, the collaborative working mechanism of the two components was analyzed. The influence of the pre-pressed force and arrangement angle of the DSD on the energy-dissipating and self-centering capacities of the SCD was investigated. It was found that increasing the pre-pressed force and arrangement angle of the DSD would reduce residual deformation and equivalent viscous damping ratio. Then, the seismic performance of the slotted RC wall with the novel SCDs was analyzed. The results demonstrated that the slotted RC wall incorporating the SCDs exhibited superior deformation and energy-dissipating capabilities, while maintaining a relatively high level of load- bearing capacity and stiffness. Notably, the residual deformation rate of the SCDs was only 0.4 % at the design threshold, enabling disassembly and replacement after seismic events.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11763,"journal":{"name":"Engineering Structures","volume":"323 ","pages":"Article 119274"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2024-11-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142659160","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Analyzing the inelastic response of wind-excited steel tall buildings through a reduced-order model incorporating strength and stiffness degradation along with P-Delta effects","authors":"Jinghui Huang ,&nbsp;Xinzhong Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2024.119268","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2024.119268","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>When wind-excited tall buildings undergo vibrations beyond their linear elastic range, it becomes imperative to account for both strength and stiffness degradation and P-Delta effects. This study investigates the influence of the degradation and P-Delta effects on the inelastic response of wind-excited tall buildings through a reduced-order building model, wherein the alongwind and crosswind building responses are presumed to be contributed by the fundamental modes. The backbone curves of the hysteretic relationships between the generalized restoring forces and displacements are developed through monotonic static modal pushover analysis utilizing a high-fidelity finite element building model with consideration of P-Delta effect. A cyclic modal pushover analysis is performed to ascertain the degradation of generalized building stiffness and strength in both translation directions, stemming from the deterioration of steel material in stiffness and strength. Subsequently, a biaxial hysteretic force model is employed to depict the hysteretic relationships between generalized forces and displacements, factoring in degradation and P-Delta effects. The inelastic response of a 60-story steel building subjected to both alongwind and crosswind load excitations is quantified through response history analysis to assess the accuracy of the reduced-order building model and to evaluate the influence of degradation of material strength and pre-yield stiffness and P-Delta effects on various responses.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11763,"journal":{"name":"Engineering Structures","volume":"323 ","pages":"Article 119268"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2024-11-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142659161","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Maximum punching resistance of slab-column connections based on experimentally determined ratio of the maximum punching strength and punching shear strength without shear reinforcement","authors":"Natalia Gregušová,&nbsp;Jaroslav Halvonik","doi":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2024.119219","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2024.119219","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Shear reinforcement is an effective way to improve the punching resistance and ductility of slab-column connections in flat slabs. However, the results from various experimental tests have demonstrated that an increase in punching capacity has certain limits, which are independent of the amount of shear reinforcement. These limits, referred to as <em>V</em>_R,max, are defined in current standards and codes in two ways: by the capacity of the concrete strut at the column periphery (EC2) and as <em>k</em>_max and <em>η</em>_sys times the punching capacity without shear reinforcement, as seen in ACI 318–19, EC2 (2004), and prEC2 (2023). The values of <em>k</em>_max and <em>η</em>_sys vary significantly depending on the country's experience and standard or code, making it an important area of research. This paper presents the results of an experimental program focused on maximum punching resistance. The test results were included in the special filtered database that was used to evaluate the safety and accuracy of nine different models for predicting <em>V</em>_R,max. The model with constant values of <em>k</em>_max and <em>η</em>_sys equal to 1.75 for double-headed studs (DHS) and 1.40 for stirrups and links, recommended by Schmidt et al., provided the best performance. Even when considering only the results from tests with DHS, the constant value proposed by Schmidt et al. yielded the highest accuracy. For flat slab specimens reinforced with stirrups and links, the most accurate model was found in the Slovak National Annex to EC2 with <em>k</em>_max ranging from 1.40 to 1.70 depending on the slab effective depth <em>d</em>. The second generation of Eurocode 2 (prEC2) provided the second-best accuracy compared to other models when the coefficient of variation, <em>V</em>_θ, was 0.082. Modifying the prEC2 (2023) model so that the <em>η</em>_sys factor varies with the slab shear effective depth <em>d</em>_v significantly increased the model's accuracy, reducing the coefficient of variation <em>V</em>_θ to 0.057.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11763,"journal":{"name":"Engineering Structures","volume":"323 ","pages":"Article 119219"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2024-11-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142659069","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Out-of-plane bending and shear behavior of cross-laminated bamboo and timber under four-point loading with variable spans","authors":"Hao Li ,&nbsp;Yang Wei ,&nbsp;Jiawei Chen ,&nbsp;Hao Du ,&nbsp;Yantai Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2024.119273","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2024.119273","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper investigates the out-of-plane four-point loading behavior of cross-laminated bamboo and timber (CLBT) with variable spans. The experimental design involved CLBT specimens with spans ranging from 1800 mm to 3600 mm, and cross-laminated timber (CLT) specimens were used as the control. Theoretical calculations and finite element simulation methods were employed to analyze the out-of-plane loading performance. The results indicated that under the same span, the measured mechanical properties of CLBT specimens were higher than those of CLT specimens. For example, the CLBT specimens with a span of 3600 mm exhibited bending strength and global bending stiffness that were approximately 190 % and 70 % higher than those of the CLT specimens, respectively. Increasing the span reduced internal shear stress in both CLBT and CLT specimens and increased their strength and global stiffness in bending. Although the CLBT floor panel was heavier than that of the CLT floor panel, it exhibited lower mid-span deflection in the serviceability limit state, indicating better performance in safety and stability compared to CLT. The results of this study offer valuable insights into the design and application of CLBT floor panels.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11763,"journal":{"name":"Engineering Structures","volume":"323 ","pages":"Article 119273"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2024-11-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142659162","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Shear performance of deep partially precast high-strength steel reinforced UHPC T-beam: Experimental study and a novel shear model","authors":"Ning Hao ,&nbsp;Yong Yang ,&nbsp;Yicong Xue ,&nbsp;Longkang Xu ,&nbsp;Shiqiang Feng ,&nbsp;Xingjie Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2024.119256","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2024.119256","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To promote the application of high-performance SRC beams in large-span and heavily-loaded structures, a partially precast high-strength steel reinforced ultra-high performance concrete (PPHSRC) T-beam is proposed. Five PPHSRC T-beam specimens with varying shear-span ratios and steel web thickness were tested to investigate the shear performance of PPHSRC T-beams. Failure mode, load-deflection curve, load-strain response, and shear strength were thoroughly analyzed. The results indicated that the specimens experienced diagonal compression failure and shear compression failure under different shear-span ratios. The steel fibres could effectively prevent spalling of the cracked UHPC, ensuring effective confinement of the encased steel by the surrounding UHPC during loading. As the shear-span ratio decreased, the shear strength increased significantly. Increasing the steel web thickness was advantageous in enhancing the shear contribution of the steel shape. The steel web section almost reached yield entirely at the ultimate shear strength. Finally, a novel shear model was proposed for predicting the shear strength of PPHSRC T-beams. Based on strain compatibility, the proposed model divided PPHSRC T-beams into a shear steel web and a composite truss comprised of T-shaped RC with steel flanges. The shear contributions of the steel web and composite truss were evaluated using yield criteria and proposed SST-HT model, which could capture the shear contributions of steel fibre bridging effect and concrete flanges. The satisfactory accuracy of the proposed model was demonstrated by the good agreement between the predicted and tested results, indicating its superiority over existing code-based and mechanics-based shear models and its broader applicability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11763,"journal":{"name":"Engineering Structures","volume":"323 ","pages":"Article 119256"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2024-11-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142659726","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}