Structures最新文献

{"title":"Non-destructive solutions for the strengthening of stone beams with CFRP and high-strength steel strand FRCM systems: Experimental and analytical investigation","authors":"Jizhuo Huang ,&nbsp;Xiaohui Yang ,&nbsp;Kaiyun Wu ,&nbsp;Gang Chen ,&nbsp;Xinyi Liu ,&nbsp;Zheng Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.istruc.2025.110168","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.istruc.2025.110168","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates non-destructive strengthening techniques for stone beams using fiber-reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) systems combined with carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) meshes and high-strength steel strand (HSS) sheets. Experimental evaluations were conducted through three-point bending tests on twelve full-scale specimens, including unreinforced, CFRP mesh-reinforced, and HSS sheet-reinforced stone beams. An innovative five-phase constitutive model was developed for reinforced and non-reinforced stone beams under flexural loading to accurately capture the progressive load-deflection response, with three distinct failure patterns proposed based on post-cracking structural behavior. Theoretical formulas incorporating a damage-induced reduction factor were developed to predict cracking moments of stone beams, showing good agreement with experimental results. A cost-benefit metric was also introduced to evaluate the efficiency of different reinforcement strategies. Key findings revealed in this study include: (1) Unreinforced stone beams exhibit sufficient inherent flexural strength, confirming that the strengthening of stone beams should primarily target brittleness mitigation rather than load-bearing capacity enhancement; (2) Although the strengthening techniques provided modest improvements in cracking load, they successfully converted catastrophic brittle failures into non-brittle progressive failure modes, enabling post-cracked beams to maintain crucial deformation capacity, energy dissipation, and residual load-bearing reserves - significantly enhancing structural safety; (3) The FRCM-based reinforcement with G1200-type HSS sheets offers the most economically beneficial strengthening solution for stone beams. The research work advances the understanding of stone beam reinforcement while presenting practical methodologies for preserving historical structures and enhancing modern stone constructions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48642,"journal":{"name":"Structures","volume":"81 ","pages":"Article 110168"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145049876","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bearing capacities and yield stiffness predictions of CFT frame-BRSPSW linked by different partial bolted connections using RSM","authors":"Mohammed Amer ,&nbsp;Zhihua Chen ,&nbsp;Yansheng Du ,&nbsp;Kan Sun ,&nbsp;Sadi I. Haruna ,&nbsp;AIB Farouk","doi":"10.1016/j.istruc.2025.110122","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.istruc.2025.110122","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To address the time-consuming and complex nature of traditional methods, such as numerical simulations, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed to evaluate the behaviors and design optimizations of CFT-frame buckling unrestrained/restrained steel plate shear walls (SPSWs/BRSPSWs) connected by bolted four-corner or double-side (FC/DS) connections. A numerical simulation was performed and verified to generate data for RSM, which developed quadratic response (QR) models to predict shear capacities and yield stiffness for four cases, considering bolted connection types and buckling restraints. Linear response (LR) was also used to simplify calculations. These equations were validated against experimental and numerical results, showing high accuracy within ±10 %. The study examines the impact of geometric and loading parameters, including aspect ratio (<em>α</em>), slenderness ratio (<em>λ</em>), axial load ratio (<em>n</em>_<em>d</em>), concrete panel thickness (<em>t</em>_<em>ALC</em>) and bolt characteristics number and diameter (<em>N</em> and <em>D</em>) on shear wall performance. Geometric and loading parameters, particularly <em>λ</em>, <em>α</em>, and <em>n</em>_<em>d</em>, significantly influence shear capacity. Specifically, <em>α</em> increases capacity for both FC and DS connections, while <em>λ</em> increases capacity in DS connections, and <em>n</em>_<em>d</em> reduces capacity due to damage at the base of CFT columns. Additionally, the <em>N</em> and <em>D</em> also notably affect shear wall behavior, particularly FC connections, while <em>t</em>_<em>ALC</em> has an approximately negligible impact on shear walls with both FC and DS connections. Ultimately, the design optimization identified effective variable combinations that improve SPSW and BRSPSW behavior in terms of shear capacities and yield stiffness. Validated by a desirability function, the optimization demonstrated RSM/CCD's effectiveness in enhancing shear wall performance, offering valuable insights for early-stage design.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48642,"journal":{"name":"Structures","volume":"81 ","pages":"Article 110122"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145049881","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"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 transformer-based point and interval probability estimation model for predicting dynamic responses of train-track-bridge interaction system","authors":"Y.S. Zhao ,&nbsp;Xuhui He ,&nbsp;K. Shi ,&nbsp;C.Z. Cai ,&nbsp;N. Han","doi":"10.1016/j.istruc.2025.110127","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.istruc.2025.110127","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A novel Transformer-based point and interval probability estimation model is firstly proposed for predicting the dynamic responses of train-track-bridge interaction (TTBI) system by fusing <em>Convolutional Neural Network</em> (CNN), <em>Transformer</em> network and <em>Quantile Regression</em> (QR) approach. The proposed model not only takes advantage of CNN-Transformer model to accurately capture the nonlinear features of data and predict the long-term dependencies of the time series, but also leverages the outstanding abilities of QR method in quantifying the uncertainty of forecast outcomes. Additionally, <em>Karhunen–Loéve expansion</em> (KLE) approach is applied to simulate track irregularity with fewer dimensions of random variables. To evaluate the probability distribution of the dynamic response for TTBI system, <em>Quantile Regression</em> approach is employed to accurately assess the prediction intervals at different confidence levels. By comparing with those benchmark models, i.e., GRU, BiLSTM, TCN and Transformer model, the feasibility and precision of the proposed model are numerically confirmed for point and interval probability predictions of TTBI system. Moreover, parameter analysis including vehicle speed, noise level and type of track are investigated to illustrate its robustness. The results show that the proposed model presents high point and interval precision in predicting the dynamic response in comparison to different benchmark models. Moreover, the proposed model exhibits excellent robustness and applicability in both ballasted and ballastless tracks, even for the vehicle running at 350 km/h, noise level at 20 %.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48642,"journal":{"name":"Structures","volume":"81 ","pages":"Article 110127"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145027568","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Optimization of nonlinear refined semi-rigid steel braced frames via failure mechanism control using SA-PSO algorithm","authors":"Deming Liu ,&nbsp;Yanjun Zheng ,&nbsp;Zhan Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.istruc.2025.110046","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.istruc.2025.110046","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper presents a structural optimization method for multi-story semi-rigid steel frames that couples failure mechanism control (FMC) and efficient advanced analysis (EAA) with the simulated-annealing-particle-swarm optimization (SA-PSO) algorithm. A refined semi-rigid connection database, created using the BNSGA algorithm, is utilized in structural analysis. Various classic optimization algorithms are analyzed and compared specifically for semi-rigid steel braced frame optimization. The integrated SA-PSO algorithm is chosen for its global search capabilities enabled by simulated annealing and its local convergence strengths provided by particle swarm optimization. The failure braces-plastic hinges distribution pattern is employed as a key parameter to evaluate the development of structural failure mechanisms. Several design examples validate the proposed method, demonstrating its effectiveness in achieving global or partial structural failure mechanisms while significantly enhancing ductility and energy dissipation compared to traditional design approaches. This method not only contributes to the improvement of seismic resilience in structures but also offers a potential framework for refining structural design approaches.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48642,"journal":{"name":"Structures","volume":"81 ","pages":"Article 110046"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145027560","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Strength evaluation of inserted bolt-type shear connectors for use in small CFTs","authors":"Jun-Seop Lee ,&nbsp;Sunghyun Park ,&nbsp;Wang Tao ,&nbsp;Won-Tak Chae","doi":"10.1016/j.istruc.2025.110129","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.istruc.2025.110129","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the structural performance of inserted bolt-type shear connectors designed for use in small concrete-filled tube (CFT) columns. To evaluate their feasibility, three series of experiments were conducted: (1) a conventional push-out test based on Eurocode provisions, (2) a CFT-based test applying axial load directly to composite members, and (3) a bond strength test. The results show that the CFT-based test method yielded shear capacities approximately 1.94 times higher than the conventional method due to the confinement effect of the steel tube. The proposed bolt-type connectors using high-strength bolts achieved shear strength comparable to or exceeding that of traditional stud-type connectors. In contrast, connectors with medium-strength bolts exhibited premature yielding and lower capacities. Theoretical predictions based on AISC, Eurocode, and Chinese codes were also compared, revealing that current design equations could be considered overly conservative for high-strength bolts but insufficient for medium-strength bolts. The findings demonstrate that the inserted bolt-type shear connectors are structurally viable and provide a more efficient construction method, particularly for prefabricated CFT components.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48642,"journal":{"name":"Structures","volume":"81 ","pages":"Article 110129"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145049877","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"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 and analytical investigation on flexural performance of poplar scrimber-steel composite beams","authors":"Jing Zhang ,&nbsp;Zhifang Liu ,&nbsp;Yijie Yang ,&nbsp;Liujie Chen ,&nbsp;Xinmei Xiang","doi":"10.1016/j.istruc.2025.110156","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.istruc.2025.110156","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To improve the flexural performance of scrimber beams made from fast-growing poplar trees, poplar scrimber-steel composite beams with the application of rectangular steel tube or steel plates were developed in this study. Steel shear keys, epoxy glue and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets were applied to enhance the synergistic effect and composite action. A total of fifteen beam specimens, characterized by five distinct sets of cross-sectional parameters, were tested under four-point bending loads. Experimental results indicated that compared to pure poplar scrimber beams, significant improvement was achieved in the flexural performance of the composite beams with respect to the flexural capacity, stiffness, ductility behavior and energy absorption. Further, the failure mode switched from the brittle tensile failure of poplar scrimber to relatively ductile bending failure. The composite beams with rectangular steel tube exhibited more excellent flexural performance than those with steel plates. The flexural capacity and ductility ratio of the composite beams could be up to 73 % and 90 % higher than those of pure poplar scrimber beams, respectively. The elastic flexural rigidity and energy absorption of the composite beams could be increased by 145 % and 214 %, respectively. Furthermore, a theoretical model based on sectional stress analysis was proposed to predict the flexural capacity of the composite beams, and the feasibility of the model was verified by comparison with the experimental results.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48642,"journal":{"name":"Structures","volume":"81 ","pages":"Article 110156"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145027561","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Seismic resistance of precast GFRP-reinforced concrete columns with grouted corrugated duct connections","authors":"Mohamed H. El-Naqeeb ,&nbsp;Reza Hassanli ,&nbsp;Thong M. Pham ,&nbsp;Xing Ma ,&nbsp;Milad Bazli ,&nbsp;Allan Manalo","doi":"10.1016/j.istruc.2025.110142","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.istruc.2025.110142","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the seismic resistance of precast concrete columns reinforced with glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars and spirals, connected to cap/base elements using grouted corrugated duct connections (GCDCs). Four precast specimens and one cast-in-place (CIP) specimen, serving as a control, were tested under simultaneous axial and lateral cyclic loading. Different construction techniques for GCDC were evaluated, including conventional methods with GCDC in the base/cap to accommodate the protruding column reinforcement, L-starter bars of various sizes from the cap/base with GCDC in the column, and an innovative approach using fully precast connections with separate straight bars through GCDC in both elements. The latter innovative technique is without protruding reinforcement to reduce the risk of damaging the bars during transportation and to address the rigidity of GFRP bars, which cannot be adjusted on-site in case of misalignment. The seismic performance in terms of cracking, failure mode, hysteresis behaviour, stiffness, energy dissipation and residual drift was discussed. The precast specimens exhibited a comparable seismic performance to the CIP, with similar cracking patterns, failure modes, and hysteretic responses, all governed by a gradual flexural failure of the columns. Additionally, the specimens demonstrated acceptable deformability, achieving a drift ratio of up to 7 % without significant strength degradation. They also exhibited a relatively small residual drift, reflecting adequate self-centring capacity despite the accumulated damage from repeated cycles. The innovative straight-bar connection demonstrated superior performance compared to the conventional methods. It achieved a 4.5 % increase in lateral load capacity compared to the CIP specimen and improvements ranging from 2 % to 11 % over the various conventional GCDC configurations. In terms of energy dissipation, it performed comparably to the CIP specimen, with a 3 % increase, and outperformed the conventional methods with improvements ranging from 8 % to 20 %. These findings highlight the viability of GFRP-reinforced concrete precast columns for seismic applications, particularly with the innovative construction approach. This approach simplifies workflows, reduces costs, and accelerates timelines, making it ideal for modern precast structures using GFRP.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48642,"journal":{"name":"Structures","volume":"81 ","pages":"Article 110142"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145049878","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"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 analysis of reinforced concrete frames considering deformation localization under far-field blast loads","authors":"Doudou Si ,&nbsp;Zuanfeng Pan ,&nbsp;Zheng Huang ,&nbsp;Haipeng Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.istruc.2025.110158","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.istruc.2025.110158","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Due to the high computational cost of detailed finite element models, more researchers are using fiber beam elements that consider strain rate to simulate the blast response of high-rise buildings. However, the impact of deformation localization issue on the reinforced concrete (RC) structures blast response prediction using fiber beam elements is not clear, and the effectiveness of existing regularization techniques in blast response prediction has not been verified. Based on this, this paper thoroughly evaluated the impact of deformation localization on prediction of the static performance and blast response of the RC frame and column based on fiber beam models. The effectiveness of concrete material regularization in mitigating mesh dependency in blast response of the RC structure was verified, and suggestions for mesh sensitivity analysis in the blast response of RC structures were provided. Furthermore, the mechanism of mesh sensitivity caused by rebar materials was analyzed. A more reasonable rebar regularization method, based on equivalent plastic length, was proposed and verified through comparative simulation analysis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48642,"journal":{"name":"Structures","volume":"81 ","pages":"Article 110158"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145027555","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Numerical simulation of snow drifting on a three-span arch roof considering time-varying snow phase boundaries","authors":"Xingyu Guo,&nbsp;Yanli He,&nbsp;Guangxin Lai","doi":"10.1016/j.istruc.2025.110149","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.istruc.2025.110149","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The uneven snow distribution of snow on roofs is one of the main causes for the collapse of large-span structures. To improve the prediction accuracy of wind and snow loads, this paper employs a coupling method based on time-varying snow phase boundaries. This method considers dynamic changes in the roof snow phase boundary over time, enabling the coupling of the wind field with the processes of snow deposition and erosion through real-time updates of the snow contour. The reliability of the model is verified through numerical simulations of wind-snow flow over a three-centred cylindrical shell, with comparisons to wind tunnel test results. Using a continuous three-span arch structure as an example, and based on statistical analyses of wind speed and snowfall in the region where the structure is located, the effects of wind speed, snowfall, threshold friction velocity, and snow phase boundary variations on roof snow distribution are investigated. These findings provide a reliable approach for predicting snow load distribution on multi-span arched roofs under complex snow drifting conditions, contributing to safer large-span roof design.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48642,"journal":{"name":"Structures","volume":"81 ","pages":"Article 110149"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145027556","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Construction and characterization of a structural unit for modular artificial reefs","authors":"Fábio Cruz,&nbsp;Isabel B. Valente,&nbsp;Tiago Miranda,&nbsp;Eduardo B. Pereira","doi":"10.1016/j.istruc.2025.110154","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.istruc.2025.110154","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In recent years, the development of artificial reefs has gained significant importance, driven by the need to preserve marine ecosystems and promote the sustainability of human activities. These structures increasingly incorporate complex geometries to enhance their functionality and ecological integration, requiring advanced modelling approaches, more flexible and innovative construction methods. Given the need to address this increasing complexity, this study focuses on the construction and experimental characterization of a modular artificial reef unit using two alternative structural systems: reinforced concrete (RC) and engineered cementitious composite (ECC). The module development involved the use of 3D-printed moulds to optimize fabrication and reduce costs. Full-scale structural tests, including bending tests, were conducted to evaluate stiffness, strength, ductility, and failure modes of the modules. The results indicate that the RC unit exhibited superior structural performance, with higher load capacity, greater deformation, and higher initial stiffness compared to the ECC unit. The failure modes differed between the systems, with the RC unit failing due to cracking of the central bulb and failure of the reinforcement lashing, while the ECC unit failed due to separation of one of the loaded limbs. This study also highlights the feasibility of 3D printing for cost-effective and sustainable mould production.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48642,"journal":{"name":"Structures","volume":"81 ","pages":"Article 110154"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145027558","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}