Engineering Structures最新文献

{"title":"Design and analysis of an origami-embedded multi-stable metastructure with shape reconfiguration","authors":"Size Ai ,&nbsp;Shuai Hou ,&nbsp;Jianzheng Wei ,&nbsp;Zhimin Xie","doi":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2025.121483","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2025.121483","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Multi-stable metastructures possess the ability to shape and function on demand or environmental changes, which has promising applications in the development of shape-reconfigurable structures. However, the steady-state characteristics of multi-stable structures typically remain unaltered after fabrication. In this paper, a combined multi-stable structure (CMS) with shape reconfigurable function is designed, which consists of symmetric curved beams embedded Kresling origami. The CMS steady-state characteristics are tuned by coupling the snap-through energy barrier of the steady-state of both Kresling origami and the curved beam. Firstly, the tri-stable characteristics of Kresling origami are analyzed using a truss model, and the force-displacement relation is also obtained by experiments. Then, a reverse design method for B-spline curved beams is proposed, leading to a bi-stable curved beam model within the CMS. The mechanical properties and feasibility of multi-stable tuning for the CMS are analyzed by experiments and numerical simulations. Finally, the metastructure of the arrayed CMS is designed, and a predicting method for the rotation angle in the rotational multi-stable is introduced. The multi-stable metastructures are fabricated using 3D-printing technology, and the functions of multi-stable tuning and multi-directional reconfigurable deformation are validated. These results offer new insights and references for the design of shape-reconfigurable structures.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11763,"journal":{"name":"Engineering Structures","volume":"345 ","pages":"Article 121483"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145218612","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":"Dynamic amplification factors in instantaneously loaded structures","authors":"Alex Sixie Cao ,&nbsp;Pedro Palma ,&nbsp;Andrea Frangi","doi":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2025.121464","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2025.121464","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Dynamic amplification factors are used to include dynamic effects in equivalent static analyses. Theoretical boundaries for the dynamic amplification factor in instantaneously loaded structures, with and without initial velocity, are determined using the pseudo-static method and a compatibility criterion is derived for various structural responses and pulse loading shapes. For instantaneously loaded structures without initial velocity, the dynamic amplification factor can exceed the widely assumed upper boundary of 2 and is possible in some situations with practical relevance. For instantaneously loaded structures with an initial velocity, such as for debris impact loading, the dynamic amplification factor does not have an upper boundary and its value depends on the ratio of the drop height of the impacting object and the dynamic displacement of the impacted structure, as well as on the structural response type. The developed analytical model agrees well with experimental results of debris loading on ductile steel beams and can be used in the design against impact loading. The compatibility criterion between the structural response type and the loading pulse shape, for instantaneous loading, shows that a linear response is only compatible with a triangular pulse, and a rigid-plastic response with a rectangular pulse. This result deviates from the linear response and rectangular loading pulse currently used in EN 1991-1-7:2006 and in the JCSS Probabilistic Model Code for vehicular impact, and may lead to an underestimation of the dynamic effects in dynamic analyses.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11763,"journal":{"name":"Engineering Structures","volume":"345 ","pages":"Article 121464"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145218615","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":"Nonlinear tension stiffening and cracking behaviour of concrete reinforced with EN 1.4301 and EN 1.4482 stainless steel rebars","authors":"H. Moodley ,&nbsp;S. Afshan ,&nbsp;P. Desnerck ,&nbsp;J. Melo","doi":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2025.121458","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2025.121458","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper presents an experimental investigation into the tension stiffening behaviour and crack formation of concrete elements reinforced with stainless steel rebars. Specimens reinforced with 12 mm diameter cold-rolled austenitic EN 1.4301 and 16 mm diameter hot-rolled lean-duplex EN 1.4482 stainless steel rebars were tested under uniaxial tension, with strain and crack development monitored using a Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique. The study compares the tension stiffening stress–strain responses and cracking behaviour of stainless steel and conventional B500C carbon steel rebars, showing broadly similar behaviour up to first cracking, but with differences emerging due to the nonlinear stress-strain response of stainless steel. In particular, stainless steel rebars exhibited a less pronounced tension stiffening effect in 12 mm bars, comparable behaviour in 16 mm bars and a continuation of tension stiffening beyond the 0.2 % proof stress that gradually decayed towards the bare rebar response. The applicability of codified models from <em>Eurocode 2</em>, <em>Model Code 1990</em> and <em>Model Code 2010</em>, including those for tension stiffening, crack spacing and crack width prediction, is assessed for stainless steel rebars. Finally, an improved tension stiffening model for stainless steel rebars is presented, based on <em>Model Code 1990</em>, <em>Model Code 2010</em> and <em>Eurocode</em> formulations and incorporating the Ramberg-Osgood stress-strain relationship.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11763,"journal":{"name":"Engineering Structures","volume":"345 ","pages":"Article 121458"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145218613","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":"Mechanical behavior and design method of low-yield-point steel buckling-restrained brace and connections","authors":"Yunshan Tong ,&nbsp;Meng Wang ,&nbsp;Yue Cui","doi":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2025.121455","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2025.121455","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A novel assembled low-yield-point steel buckling-restrained brace (ALYBRB) was proven to have favorable and stable seismic performance. However, the absence of optimized brace-to-frame connection and design methods restricted the realization of its superiority. The influence of design parameters on the performance of ALYBRBs and brace-to-frame connections was evaluated through parameter analysis. Considering the synergistic interaction among frame, gusset plate, and ALYBRB, design recommendations for optimized configurations of gusset plates were given, and a design method for ALYBRBs and connections based on damage control concepts was proposed. Results indicated that the upper limit of the gap between core and external restraint system and core width-to-thickness ratio could be relaxed to half of core thickness and 15, respectively, compared to specifications. Within the recommended range, ALYBRBs exhibited insensitivity to gap-size variations, improving processing and assembly efficiency. The double-angle steel cross-sectional dimensions should accommodate the spatial requirements for the core, bolts, and spacers. The core can be effectively constrained by the external restraint system with four equally spaced bolt groups and two groups of end-strengthening bolts. Unreliable gusset plates limited the load-bearing capacity of ALYBRBs, resulting in lower load-bearing capacity in beam-column-ALYBRB models compared to ALYBRB models. The stability and strength of gusset plates were improved by optimized stiffener configuration, ensuring full utilization of seismic performance of ALYBRBs. End stiffeners should be positioned along the entire free edge of the gusset plates. The intermediate stiffener length should ensure the stiffened gusset plate length is at least 0.69 times its total length.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11763,"journal":{"name":"Engineering Structures","volume":"345 ","pages":"Article 121455"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145218549","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":"Experimental investigation on protection measures of concrete gravity dams subjected to underwater explosion","authors":"Aobo Liu ,&nbsp;Gaohui Wang ,&nbsp;Wenbo Lu ,&nbsp;Zhiyong Qi ,&nbsp;Shengguo Zhu ,&nbsp;Yanpian Mao ,&nbsp;Zheng Gao","doi":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2025.121478","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2025.121478","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>With increasingly tense international situations, the safety issues of dams under underwater explosion strikes have attracted attention because of their strategic importance. However, there is a lack of research on anti-explosion measures and technologies for dams, especially by means of experiments. Therefore, model experiments were designed to explore protection methods for concrete gravity dams subjected to underwater explosion. A 1:60 scale-down gravity dam with a height of 2 m and 13 dam sections was constructed, and the dynamic responses of the dam were monitored using various sensors. Initially, the influence of lowering the reservoir level is studied from the perspective of operation. Subsequently, the mitigation effects of the bubble curtain on the upstream face of the dam are investigated. Ultimately, the effects of an upstream protection layer constructed with hollow glass microsphere (HGM)-mixed concrete, asphalt concrete (AC), and ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) are compared. The results reveal that lowering the reservoir level is an effective protective measure for dams under underwater explosion. The upstream HGM-mixed concrete layer and the use of a bubble curtain have excellent mitigation effects due to the differences in impedance between air and concrete. The upstream AC layer upstream of the dam exhibits good energy-absorbing performance, which also decreases the velocity response of the dam. The effect of the UHPC layer on reducing response is general, but its high strength can be used for local protection. Based on the experimental results and their protective mechanisms, recommended protection methods for actual concrete gravity dams are proposed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11763,"journal":{"name":"Engineering Structures","volume":"345 ","pages":"Article 121478"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145218691","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 review of Kresling origami: Smart design, mechanics, and applications","authors":"Ji Zhang ,&nbsp;Jintong Chen ,&nbsp;Xizi Zhang ,&nbsp;Shuai Liu ,&nbsp;Changguo Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2025.121499","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2025.121499","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Origami, an ancient art form, has shown significant potential in various fields, yet faces challenges such as material strength, precision control, and practical adaptability. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the research progress and challenges of origami structures, with a particular focus on kresling origami, in geometric design, actuation modes, mechanical behavior, and multiphysics applications. First, it compares representative origami structures in terms of geometric features, mechanical properties, and application scenarios, and evaluates the functions and learning costs of different origami modeling software. Second, it summarizes common actuation methods—including mechanical, pneumatic, magnetic, and smart driving—and analyzes the integration challenges and improvement strategies for different geometric types under each mode. In terms of mechanical behavior, it reviews methods such as theoretical modeling, finite element simulation, and experimental validation, as well as the performance and limitations of origami structures in strength, stiffness, stability, fatigue life, and vibration control. The multiphysics applications cover acoustics, optics, electromagnetics, thermal science, fluid mechanics, flexible electronics, robotics, aerospace, and architecture, highlighting the broad potential of origami in interdisciplinary design. Finally, it suggests that future research focus on material innovation, geometric optimization, smart actuation, and multiphysics-coupled design, leveraging artificial intelligence, high-throughput simulation, and advanced manufacturing to accelerate the transition of origami structures from theory to practice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11763,"journal":{"name":"Engineering Structures","volume":"345 ","pages":"Article 121499"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145218446","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":"The influence mechanism of structural characteristics on the fatigue cracking mode at the rib-to-deck welded joint","authors":"Yuqiang Gao,&nbsp;Zhongqiu Fu,&nbsp;Bohai Ji,&nbsp;Bangchong Ji","doi":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2025.121376","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2025.121376","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The fatigue resistance of rib-to-deck welded joints in orthotropic steel decks is primarily governed by the dominant cracking modes, which are influenced by structural configurations and component dimensions. Clarifying the influence mechanisms of these factors on cracking modes can aid in the accurate prediction of fatigue resistance and guide structural design. In this study, the equivalent structural stress method is employed, and an orthogonal test is designed to identify the dominant influencing factors. The influence mechanism of the dominant factor on both crack initiation position and dominant cracking modes is then analyzed. Additionally, structural parameter ranges corresponding to the crack initiation position and cracking mode are established based on the analysis results and real bridge data. The results show that the weld penetration ratio and the weld access hole radius are the primary determinants of crack initiation positions and cracking modes. The weld penetration ratio affects the overall stress distribution of the structure, and increasing it can reduce the probability of crack initiation for each cracking mode. Meanwhile, the weld access hole primarily influences the diaphragm and its adjacent areas. The predicted crack initiation positions and cracking modes within the proposed structural parameter ranges align closely with those observed in real bridges.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11763,"journal":{"name":"Engineering Structures","volume":"345 ","pages":"Article 121376"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145218453","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":"Orthotropic steel deck reinforcement technique for super-long span bridges with thin dense-reinforced UHPC Layers","authors":"Zihao Luo ,&nbsp;Chengjun Tan ,&nbsp;Junhui Cao ,&nbsp;Kun Liu ,&nbsp;Sui Luo ,&nbsp;Jiahe An ,&nbsp;Hua Zhao ,&nbsp;Xudong Shao ,&nbsp;Dutao Yi","doi":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2025.121444","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2025.121444","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Most of the long-span bridges over the last few decades adopted the traditional OSD (orthotropic steel deck) system, which has suffered from serious fatigue cracking after operation. This cracking phenomenon even directly affects the service life of those bridges. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a reinforcement technology to increase the stiffness of the existing OSD system to prevent further cracking. This paper proposes a reinforcement technique using thin dense-reinforced UHPC layers. Compared to LWCD (light weight composite deck) and previous reinforcement methods, the challenges of the proposed method are that the existing OSDs of super-long span bridges have thicker top steel plates, and have to use relatively thinner UHPC layers since the super-long span bridges are extremely sensitive to the added self-weight. Therefore, the neutral axis of the UHPC-based reinforced composite decks is near the interface between the steel plate and the UHPC layer or even within the steel plate. As a result, this reinforced composite deck shows different mechanical properties and the previous related calculation formula is no longer applicable. Based on the second Jiujiang Bridge in China, the corresponding global and local finite element analysis first verifies the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method. Then, several sets of specimens are carried out to investigate the bending performance of this UHPC-based composite decks under sagging and hogging moments, considering four parameters, i.e., the steel plate thickness, <em>t</em>_<em>s</em>, stud spacing, <em>d</em>, UHPC layer thickness, <em>h</em>_<em>u</em> and the number of transverse rebars, <em>n</em>_<em>r</em>. The failure modes, cracking process, relative slip and mechanical properties analysis are discussed. In addition, the theoretical calculation methods are proposed to predict the cracking and ultimate loads. Moreover, with the proposed calculation methods, the parameter analysis and sensitivity of the bending behavior of the reinforced steel-UHPC composite decks are also investigated. Based on the tests and theoretical analysis, some design recommendations for UHPC-based reinforcement for OSDs of super-long span bridges have been conducted. The findings of this study can provide a reference for the reinforcement technology of dense-reinforced UHPC layers in super-long span bridges.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11763,"journal":{"name":"Engineering Structures","volume":"345 ","pages":"Article 121444"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145218618","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":"An equivalent shell model for elastic gridshell analysis","authors":"Giambattista Romano ,&nbsp;Salvatore Sessa ,&nbsp;Daniele Lancia ,&nbsp;Luciano Rosati","doi":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2025.121462","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2025.121462","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study presents a novel framework for modelling elastic gridshells, and particularly their deployment phase, using a continuum shell model derived from the Special Cosserat Theory of rods. Such an approach enforces energetic equivalence between discrete rod-based gridshell configurations and a continuum shell representation, enabling the derivation of constitutive parameters that accurately reflect the structural behaviour. Numerical simulations validate the model’s remarkable accuracy, achieving a maximum percentage root mean square error of about 2% when compared to traditional discrete beam models. Experimental validation on a real-world structure, the Toledo 2.0 gridshell, further confirms the model’s predictive capability. The proposed methodology provides an efficient and versatile tool for the early stages of gridshell design. It permits rapid assessment of structural performance, thus significantly reducing computational overhead while maintaining high accuracy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11763,"journal":{"name":"Engineering Structures","volume":"345 ","pages":"Article 121462"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145218555","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":"Predicting bending after impact failure mode and strength of hybrid sandwich composites: A machine learning approach","authors":"Faizan Mirza ,&nbsp;Jason P. Mack ,&nbsp;Z.H. Duan ,&nbsp;K.T. Tan","doi":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2025.121493","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2025.121493","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the use of machine learning to predict post-impact flexural failure modes and residual strength in hybrid foam-core sandwich composites. Experimental data were obtained from low-velocity impact and bending after impact (BAI) tests at various impact energy levels under room and low temperatures, and with inward/outward bending configurations. To enhance model performance and interpretability, domain-informed interaction features such as (impact energy × dent depth) and (dent depth × bending direction) are incorporated to improve classification and regression models. Three models named Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), Ridge Regression, and Random Forest are trained and evaluated. The improved LDA model achieved 97 % test accuracy in classifying failure modes with only one misclassification. For residual strength prediction, the interaction enhanced Ridge Regression model reached R² values of 0.90. Feature importance analysis reveals that combined damage indicators (e.g., dent depth under specific loading and temperature) are key drivers of model performance. Temperature as a feature, enabled the model to correctly predict core dominated failures for low temperature specimens and facesheet dominated failures for room temperature specimens, consistent with experimental observations. This work presents a predictive framework that incorporates physically meaningful interactions into interpretable machine learning models to predict BAI damage modes and failure strength using only impact conditions, without requiring complex failure criteria.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11763,"journal":{"name":"Engineering Structures","volume":"345 ","pages":"Article 121493"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145218451","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}