Advances on Structural Engineering, Volume II

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Civil Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2021) | Viewed by 50285

Special Issue Editors

Associate Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
Interests: image-based seismic vulnerability and resiliency assessment; multihazard simulation of renewable energy structures; structural behavior examination of irregular structures; self-consolidating concrete; structural health monitoring; reliability analysis; load rating estimation of various bridge types; field testing and computational analyses; and lateral live-load distribution factor examination
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Structural engineering is centered on analysis, design, and evaluation of engineering structures. This Special Issue in Applied Sciences reports key findings from unpublished studies on advances and applications in all structural engineering fields.

Aware of the comprehensiveness of the suggested topic, we encourage you to send manuscripts containing scientific findings within the broad field of structural engineering, which includes but are not limited to the following: structural analysis and design; bridge engineering; building assessment; earthquake engineering; wind engineering; impact engineering; reliability evaluation; structural monitoring; image analysis; noncontact sensors; control structures; multi-hazard simulation; computational analysis; lab and field testing; multiscale analysis; smart structures; disaster mitigation; and big data evaluation. Both theoretical and practice-oriented papers, including case studies and reviews, are encouraged.

Prof. Dr. Jong Wan Hu
Prof. Dr. Junwon Seo
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • structural analysis and design
  • structural experiments
  • concrete and composite structures
  • structural control
  • disaster mitigation
  • seismic design
  • structural monitoring
  • smart structures
  • big data evaluation
  • structural performance assessments
  • building and bridge

Published Papers (20 papers)

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Research

33 pages, 27354 KiB  
Article
Seismic and Energy Performance Evaluation of Large-Scale Curtain Walls Subjected to Displacement Control Fasteners
by Heonseok Lee, Myunghwan Oh, Junwon Seo and Woosuk Kim
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(15), 6725; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11156725 - 22 Jul 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5601
Abstract
Glass façade curtain walls in buildings is the façade system of choice in modern architecture of mid- to high-rise buildings. This study investigates the seismic and thermal insulation performance of curtain wall systems through structural analysis using the finite element method (FEM) and [...] Read more.
Glass façade curtain walls in buildings is the façade system of choice in modern architecture of mid- to high-rise buildings. This study investigates the seismic and thermal insulation performance of curtain wall systems through structural analysis using the finite element method (FEM) and LBNL Window&Therm insulation analysis. The aim was to optimize the capability of the curtain wall module system and the fastener element technology to respond to displacement and vibration caused by dynamic seismic waves. Using the structural analysis of the optimization process, a curtain wall system capable of withstanding earthquake waves of 0.4 Hz, displacement of ±150 mm or more, and capable of responding to three-axis (X, Y, and Z-axis) dynamic earthquakes, was fabricated. Then, a curtain wall system that satisfies not only the evaluation of seismic performance, but also the desired airtightness, watertightness, wind pressure, and insulation, which are essential requirements for field applications, was verified through an experiment. Based on this study, it is expected that a curtain wall system capable of responding to three-axis dynamic seismic waves can be applied to mid- and high-rise buildings to prevent secondary damage in the event of an earthquake. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Structural Engineering, Volume II)
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16 pages, 4587 KiB  
Article
A New Method for Evaluating the Bearing Capacity of the Bridge Pile Socketed in the Soft Rock
by Yao Lu, Dejian Li, Shiwei Jia and Kai Wang
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(13), 5923; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11135923 - 25 Jun 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1907
Abstract
Aiming at the rock-socketed pile in the soft rock area, this paper studies the inherent constitutive relationship between the vertical restraint stiffness at the pier bottom and the bearing capacity of the pile foundation. A new method to evaluate the bearing capacity of [...] Read more.
Aiming at the rock-socketed pile in the soft rock area, this paper studies the inherent constitutive relationship between the vertical restraint stiffness at the pier bottom and the bearing capacity of the pile foundation. A new method to evaluate the bearing capacity of the pile foundation is proposed. Based on the Rayleigh energy method and the Southwell frequency synthesis method, the analytical expression of the vertical vibration fundamental frequency of the pier was calculated, and the constraint stiffness expression of the pier bottom was derived. By investigating the impact of parameters on the bearing capacity coefficient of the pile foundation, the fitting formula of the bearing capacity coefficient was obtained by multiple linear regression. Then, with this method, the vertical fundamental frequency of the pier was obtained through a field dynamic test to calculate the vertical constraint stiffness and evaluate the bearing capacity of the rock-socketed pile in the soft rock area. This method can overcome the shortcomings of the traditional static load test method, such as the high cost, long cycle, and poor representativeness. Finally, this method’s accuracy was verified by comparing field measurements and finite element simulation results. The results show that the difference between the code design constraint stiffness and the constraint stiffness by the frequency synthesis method was about 0.7%, and the bearing capacity difference between the analytical solution and the numerical simulation was small. The new method is accurate and effective. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Structural Engineering, Volume II)
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14 pages, 31390 KiB  
Article
Aerodynamic Analysis of Simple Girder Bridges under Construction Phase
by Sasan Sadrizadeh, Guillermo Martínez-López, Mahir Ülker-Kaustell and Raid Karoumi
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(12), 5562; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11125562 - 16 Jun 2021
Viewed by 1557
Abstract
Bridge designs are becoming slender and lighter, making wind dynamic effects even more important than wind static effects. Some types of bridges show especially vulnerable situations during construction stages, when the structure is lighter or does not have its final stiffness. The aim [...] Read more.
Bridge designs are becoming slender and lighter, making wind dynamic effects even more important than wind static effects. Some types of bridges show especially vulnerable situations during construction stages, when the structure is lighter or does not have its final stiffness. The aim of this document is to assess the dynamic wind loading on simple girder bridges during their construction phases. The studied section is formed by two steel beams supporting a concrete slab, but the analysis was made when the concrete slab has not been built yet. Several CFD simulations were made to find the aerodynamic parameters depending on the section’s dimensions. Three construction stages were analyzed: when only one beam is placed, when both beams are in their final locations but they are not connected yet, and when both beams are joined by the bracing. The results showed that vortex shedding effects are stronger in the along-wind direction due to the low horizontal bending stiffness of the beams and their large area perpendicular to the flow. Increasing beams’ distance is a good solution to reduce wind effects. However, closing the section with light plates was more effective, decreasing the frequency of vortex shedding and its effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Structural Engineering, Volume II)
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14 pages, 31241 KiB  
Article
Modeling of Ductile Fracture for SS275 Structural Steel Sheets
by Yonghyun Cho, Changkye Lee, Jurng-Jae Yee and Dong-Keon Kim
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(12), 5392; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11125392 - 10 Jun 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3896
Abstract
A series of earthquake events give impetus to research on the ductile fracture behavior of steel materials. In the last decades, many fracture models have been developed and utilized in the mechanical or aerospace engineering. Nevertheless, very little application to structural members used [...] Read more.
A series of earthquake events give impetus to research on the ductile fracture behavior of steel materials. In the last decades, many fracture models have been developed and utilized in the mechanical or aerospace engineering. Nevertheless, very little application to structural members used in the construction industry has been made due to the lack of a suitable model for the fracture behavior of constructional steel. This paper presents the experimental and finite element (FE) technique to predict ductile fracture in mild carbon structural steel (SS275) sheets, which has been widely used in building structures. The post-necking true stress–strain responses were successfully estimated using the weighted-average method. The Bao and Wierzbicki (BW) model, which requires only two model parameters, was selected for the identification of fracture locus. Each model parameter was calibrated from uniaxial tension and in-plane shear specimens with the aid of digital image correlation (DIC) and finite element analysis. Fracture simulation was then performed and validated based on the experimental results of the specimens under combined tension and shear stress state. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Structural Engineering, Volume II)
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16 pages, 9502 KiB  
Article
Behavior Characteristics of a Booted Sleeper Track System According to Substructure Deformation
by Jung-Youl Choi, Dae-Hui Ahn and Sun-Hee Kim
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(10), 4507; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11104507 - 14 May 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2084
Abstract
In booted sleeper floating track systems wherein the concrete bed, rail, and sleeper are structurally separated, mismatches can occur between the substructure and track owing to deformations. Nevertheless, the mutual behavior between substructures and track systems has not been studied extensively. To address [...] Read more.
In booted sleeper floating track systems wherein the concrete bed, rail, and sleeper are structurally separated, mismatches can occur between the substructure and track owing to deformations. Nevertheless, the mutual behavior between substructures and track systems has not been studied extensively. To address this limitation, the effect of substructure uplift and subsidence on the deformation of a boosted sleeper floating track system installed in a subway box tunnel was analyzed using finite element analysis. A detailed three-dimensional model consisting of all track system components was constructed to determine the interaction between the rail and concrete bed. The sleepers were observed to rotate in response to substructure deformation, and their resulting contact conditions on the concrete bed were analyzed to determine the track status accordingly. The zones of likely tension and shear cracking in the concrete bed were then determined to provide focus areas for track design and maintenance efforts. The results of this study can be used to improve the design and inspection of floating track systems to ensure the safety and functionality of railway tunnels in areas likely to experience uplift or subsidence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Structural Engineering, Volume II)
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9 pages, 3527 KiB  
Article
Effect of the Depth of Decarburized Layer in SKL15 Tension Clamp on Fatigue Strength
by Yeun-Chul Park, Chang-Beom An, Mancheol Kim and Hyoung-Bo Sim
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(9), 3841; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11093841 - 23 Apr 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1816
Abstract
The surface of a quenched and tempered spring steel may have a decarburized layer from which the carbon component has been reduced. The fatigue strength of the decarburized layer is low compared to the base metal, which can easily develop fatigue cracks. Recently, [...] Read more.
The surface of a quenched and tempered spring steel may have a decarburized layer from which the carbon component has been reduced. The fatigue strength of the decarburized layer is low compared to the base metal, which can easily develop fatigue cracks. Recently, fatigue failure was reported in the tension clamp (SKL 15) of the DFF-300 rail fastening system during use on one urban transit route in South Korea. As a result of measuring the depth of the decarburized layer of the SKL 15 tension clamp where the fatigue failure occurred, a decarburized layer thinner than the manufacturer’s maximum allowable decarburized layer was found in one of the eight tension clamps. To check the depth of the decarburized layer where the fatigue crack may have initiated, the decarburized layer was assumed to be the initial crack, and fatigue crack initiation was assessed based on the linear elastic fracture mechanics. The manufacturer’s maximum allowable decarburized layer depth of 0.2 mm may result in fatigue cracks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Structural Engineering, Volume II)
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30 pages, 38030 KiB  
Article
Numerical Analysis of the Beam-Column Resistance Compared to Methods by European Standards
by Jozef Prokop, Josef Vičan and Jozef Jošt
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(7), 3269; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11073269 - 06 Apr 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2758
Abstract
The optimisation of the design method for verification of slender steel beam-columns is still a current issue not only from scientific point of view, but also for design practice. Therefore, the main objective of this paper is comparison of the suitability of established [...] Read more.
The optimisation of the design method for verification of slender steel beam-columns is still a current issue not only from scientific point of view, but also for design practice. Therefore, the main objective of this paper is comparison of the suitability of established design approaches, according to the European standards for steel and aluminium structures, on the basis of numerical simulations. Thus, a finite element model was validated on the basis of experimental analysis available in the scientific literature. To perform the comparison of accuracy of design approaches according to European standards, a commercial software program ANSYS was used for observation of the resistances of beam-columns. The resistance of european I beams with parallel flanges (IPE) and a rectangular hollow cross-section (RHS) were investigated for four load cases on a simply supported member and also on a pinned-fixed beam column with linear bending moment distribution, where the resistance of the cross-section governs. Finally, the conclusions for suitability of the respective design approaches are discussed, together with some findings that arose from this work. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Structural Engineering, Volume II)
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16 pages, 4497 KiB  
Article
Probabilistic Assessment of Roof Snow Load and the Calibration of Shape Coefficients in the Eurocodes
by Pietro Croce, Paolo Formichi and Filippo Landi
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(7), 2984; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11072984 - 26 Mar 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2475
Abstract
In modern structural codes, the reference value of the snow load on roofs is commonly given as the product of the characteristic value of the ground snow load at the construction site multiplied by the shape coefficient. The shape coefficient is a conversion [...] Read more.
In modern structural codes, the reference value of the snow load on roofs is commonly given as the product of the characteristic value of the ground snow load at the construction site multiplied by the shape coefficient. The shape coefficient is a conversion factor which depends on the roof geometry, its wind exposure, and its thermal properties. In the Eurocodes, the characteristic roof snow load is either defined as the value corresponding to an annual probability of exceedance of 0.02 or as a nominal value. In this paper, an improved methodology to evaluate the roof snow load characterized by a given probability of exceedance (e.g., p=0.02 in one year) is presented based on appropriate probability density functions for ground snow loads and shape coefficients, duly taking into account the influence of the roof’s geometry and its exposure to wind. In that context, the curves for the design values of the shape coefficients are provided as a function of the coefficient of variation (COVg) of the yearly maxima of the snow load on the ground expected at a given site, considering three relevant wind exposure conditions: sheltered or non-exposed, semi-sheltered or normal, and windswept or exposed. The design shape coefficients for flat and pitched roofs, obtained considering roof snow load measurements collected in Europe during the European Snow Load Research Project (ESLRP) and in Norway, are finally compared with the roof snow load provisions given in the relevant existing Eurocode EN1991-1-3:2003 and in the new version being developed (prEN1991-1-3:2020) for the “second generation” of the Eurocodes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Structural Engineering, Volume II)
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23 pages, 65496 KiB  
Article
Compressive Strength Testing of Hybrid Concrete-Filled Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Tubes Confined by Filament Winding
by In-Kyu Kang and Sun-Hee Kim
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(7), 2900; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11072900 - 24 Mar 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1955
Abstract
In this study, an experiment on compressive strength of the hybrid concrete-filled fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) tube (CFFT) confined by filament winding was conducted to improve the longitudinal strength while considering the thickness of filament winding as a variable. A maximum error of 17% [...] Read more.
In this study, an experiment on compressive strength of the hybrid concrete-filled fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) tube (CFFT) confined by filament winding was conducted to improve the longitudinal strength while considering the thickness of filament winding as a variable. A maximum error of 17% was observed when the results of performing the finite element analysis (FEA) by applying the mechanical properties of the fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) materials suggested in previous studies were compared to those of the compressive strength experiment on the hybrid-CFFT. Moreover, a maximum error of 15% was exhibited when the results derived from the strength equation proposed by analyzing the compressive strength experiment were compared. Furthermore, the compressive strength of the hybrid-CFFT increased by up to 14% when the longitudinal compressive strength of the pre-tensioned spun high strength concrete (PHC) pile and concrete-filled tube (CFT) were compared. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Structural Engineering, Volume II)
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15 pages, 4907 KiB  
Article
Effects of Flexural Stiffness on Deformation Behaviour of Steel and FRP Stress-Ribbon Bridges
by Algirdas Juozapaitis, Giedrė Sandovič, Ronaldas Jakubovskis and Viktor Gribniak
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(6), 2585; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11062585 - 14 Mar 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2540
Abstract
Stress-ribbon systems develop the most flexible and slender bridges. A structural system of such elegant bridges consists of cables or ribbons and deck slabs placed to these strips to distribute the live load. Although this structural system is simple, the design of such [...] Read more.
Stress-ribbon systems develop the most flexible and slender bridges. A structural system of such elegant bridges consists of cables or ribbons and deck slabs placed to these strips to distribute the live load. Although this structural system is simple, the design of such structures is a challenging issue. Design limitations of the bridge deck slope induce considerable forces in the ribbons, which transfer the tension to massive foundations. The deformation increase under concentrated and asymmetrical loads causes another problem of stress-ribbon bridges—the kinematic component, the design object of such structures, exceeds the dead load-induced vertical displacement several times. This paper introduces a new concept of such a structural system, comprising ribbons made of flexural-stiff profiles. The proposed approach to reduce kinematic displacements is illustrated experimentally by testing two pedestrian bridge prototypes with different flexural stiffness of the steel ribbons. Numerical models calibrated using the test results are used for the parametric analysis of the flexural stiffness effect on the deformation behaviour of the bridge system with steel and fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) ribbons. A practical approach to the choice of the efficient flexural stiffness of the ribbon-profiles is also proposed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Structural Engineering, Volume II)
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13 pages, 4634 KiB  
Article
Impact of the Textile Mesh on the Efficiency of TRM Strengthening Solutions to Improve the Infill Walls Out-of-Plane Behaviour
by André Furtado, Hugo Rodrigues, António Arêde and Humberto Varum
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(23), 8745; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10238745 - 07 Dec 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2141
Abstract
Different retrofitting techniques have been developed and proposed to prevent the masonry infill walls (MIW) out-of-plane collapse. Many other authors confirmed that these types of elements are vulnerable when subjected to earthquake loadings, leading to several casualties and economic losses. Based on this, [...] Read more.
Different retrofitting techniques have been developed and proposed to prevent the masonry infill walls (MIW) out-of-plane collapse. Many other authors confirmed that these types of elements are vulnerable when subjected to earthquake loadings, leading to several casualties and economic losses. Based on this, the present manuscript comprises an experimental campaign of flexure strength tests on small masonry walls to discuss the efficiency of textile-reinforced mortar (TRM) strengthening solutions to improve their out-of-plane behaviour. For this, eighteen flexural strength tests parallel to the horizontal bed joints were carried out. Nineteen masonry infill walls made with hollow clay horizontal brick, eight non-strengthened and the remaining ones strengthened with TRM. The tests were performed according to the EN 1052-2 standard. In this study, the effect of textile mesh (weak or strong) is analysed in parallel with the efficiency of the strengthening solutions. The results are presented and discussed in terms of force-displacement response parameters and damages observations. From the tests, it was observed that the TRM strengthening improved the flexural strength capacity up to 54% and the out-of-plane deformation ability about 7.18 times. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Structural Engineering, Volume II)
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17 pages, 4390 KiB  
Article
Estimating Slump Flow and Compressive Strength of Self-Compacting Concrete Using Emotional Neural Networks
by Mosbeh R. Kaloop, Pijush Samui, Mohamed Shafeek and Jong Wan Hu
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(23), 8543; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10238543 - 29 Nov 2020
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2130
Abstract
The characteristics of fresh and hardened self-compacting concrete (SCC) are an essential requirement for construction projects. Moreover, the sensitivity of admixture contents of SCC in these properties is highly impacted by that cost. The current study investigates to estimate the slump-flow (S) and [...] Read more.
The characteristics of fresh and hardened self-compacting concrete (SCC) are an essential requirement for construction projects. Moreover, the sensitivity of admixture contents of SCC in these properties is highly impacted by that cost. The current study investigates to estimate the slump-flow (S) and compressive strength (CS), as fresh and hardened properties of SCC, respectively. Four developed soft-computing approaches were proposed and compared, including the group method of data handling (GMDH), Minimax Probability Machine Regression (MPMR), emotional neural network (ENN), and hybrid artificial neural network-particle swarm optimization (ANN-PSO), to estimate the S and 28-day CS of SCC, which comprises fly ash (FA), silica fume (SF), and limestone powder (LP) as part of cement by mass in total powder content. In addition, the impact of eight admixture components is investigated and evaluated to assess the sensitivity of admixture contents for the modelling of S and CS of SCC. The results demonstrate that the performance prediction of ENN model is more significant than other models in estimating S and CS characteristics of SCC. The overall of Pearson correlation coefficient, r, and root mean square error (RMSE) of ENN model are 97.80% and 20.16 mm, respectively, for the S. These are 96.07% and 2.59 MPa, respectively, for the CS. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the powder content of fly ash is shown to have a high impact on the estimated S and CS values of SCC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Structural Engineering, Volume II)
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16 pages, 5345 KiB  
Article
Experimental Investigations on Nonlinear Flutter Behaviors of a Bridge Deck with Different Leading and Trailing Edges
by Wenjie Li and Shujin Laima
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(21), 7781; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10217781 - 03 Nov 2020
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1388
Abstract
Recently, the nonlinear flutter behavior of long-span suspension bridges has attracted attention. Unlike the classical theory of bridge flutter, the stable limit cycle oscillations (LCO) have occurred for some bluff aerodynamic configurations when the inflow velocity exceeded a specific critical value. To explore [...] Read more.
Recently, the nonlinear flutter behavior of long-span suspension bridges has attracted attention. Unlike the classical theory of bridge flutter, the stable limit cycle oscillations (LCO) have occurred for some bluff aerodynamic configurations when the inflow velocity exceeded a specific critical value. To explore the influence of aerodynamic configurations on flutter behaviors a series of flutter tests for spring-suspended sectional models were conducted. When the leading edges and trailing edges with various shapes were installed at the sectional models, different flutter types occurred. In the test, the self-excited forces and flutter responses were measured. Then, the characteristics of coupling vibration and aerodynamic hysteresis of the two kinds of flutter were analyzed and compared. Finally, the role of the phase difference between self-excited forces and displacements was discussed in the mechanism difference of the classical flutter and the postflutter LCO. As the leading edge became the bluffer, the results showed that the type of flutter gradually transformed from classical divergent flutter to postcritical LCO and the torsional mode played a more important role in the flutter than in the vertical mode. For the postflutter LCO, there was a negative feedback pattern, i.e., as the vibration amplitude increased, the phase difference gradually decreased, and the energy input to the dynamic system did not grow rapidly, which limited the further vibration divergence and resulted in a stable LCO. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Structural Engineering, Volume II)
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24 pages, 8001 KiB  
Article
Long-Term Deflection of Prestressed Concrete Bridge Considering Nonuniform Shrinkage and Crack Propagation by Equivalent Load Approach
by Fiseha Nega Birhane, Sung-Il Kim and Seung Yup Jang
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(21), 7754; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10217754 - 02 Nov 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4826
Abstract
Long-span prestressed concrete (PSC) bridges often suffer excessive deflection during their service lives. The nonuniform shrinkage strains of concrete caused by uneven moisture distributions can induce significant additional deflections, when combined with the creep and cracking of the concrete. Current design practices usually [...] Read more.
Long-span prestressed concrete (PSC) bridges often suffer excessive deflection during their service lives. The nonuniform shrinkage strains of concrete caused by uneven moisture distributions can induce significant additional deflections, when combined with the creep and cracking of the concrete. Current design practices usually overlook these factors, and the few proposed approaches to consider them are complex and computationally expensive. This study proposes a simplified approach for considering the effect of nonuniform shrinkage by using the equivalent load concept in combination with a nonlinear analysis of the creep and cracking using three-dimensional finite element models. The long-term deflections of short-, medium-, and long-span PSC bridges are calculated under the combined effects of creep, shrinkage, and cracking. The results show that the nonuniform shrinkage effect is significant in medium- to long-span bridges, and that the cracking of the concrete reduces the stiffness, thereby increasing the long-term deflection of the bridges (more severely so in combination with creep and shrinkage). The predicted long-term deflections reasonably agree with the measured data. Thus, the equivalent load approach is effective for calculating long-term deflections considering nonuniform shrinkage strains, without the complicated and expensive coupling of moisture transport and structural analyses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Structural Engineering, Volume II)
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26 pages, 71578 KiB  
Article
Experimental Investigation on Glaze Ice Accretion and Its Influence on Aerodynamic Characteristics of Pipeline Suspension Bridges
by Haiyan Yu, Fuyou Xu, Mingjie Zhang and Aoqiu Zhou
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(20), 7167; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10207167 - 14 Oct 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1743
Abstract
Pipeline suspension bridges may experience ice accretion under special atmospheric conditions, and the aerodynamic characteristics of the bridges may be modified by the ice accretion. Under some specific climatic conditions of freezing rain, the dependencies of the ice size and shape on the [...] Read more.
Pipeline suspension bridges may experience ice accretion under special atmospheric conditions, and the aerodynamic characteristics of the bridges may be modified by the ice accretion. Under some specific climatic conditions of freezing rain, the dependencies of the ice size and shape on the icing duration and some structural properties (including pipeline diameter, inclination angle of wind hanger, inclination angle and size of section steel, and girder geometry) were experimentally investigated in a refrigerated precipitation icing laboratory. Typical ice accretions on pipelines, wind hangers, section steels, and girders of pipeline suspension bridges are summarized. Then the effects of some selected ice accretions on aerodynamic force coefficients of a bridge girder were further investigated through wind tunnel tests. The ice size and shape on the pipeline were closely related to the pipeline diameter and icing duration. The engineering geometric models of ice accretion on pipelines were extracted. The ice shape and size on wind hangers and section steels changed with their inclination angles. The aerodynamic force coefficients of a girder with ice accretion were much higher than those of an ice-free one. The results can provide references for simulating the ice accretion and further evaluating the effect of ice accretion on the aerodynamics of pipeline suspension bridges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Structural Engineering, Volume II)
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19 pages, 4173 KiB  
Article
Kalman Filter-Based Adaptive Delay Compensation for Benchmark Problem in Real-Time Hybrid Simulation
by Xizhan Ning, Zhen Wang and Bin Wu
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(20), 7101; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10207101 - 13 Oct 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2162
Abstract
Real-time hybrid simulation (RTHS) is a versatile, effective, and promising experimental method used to evaluate the structural performance under dynamic loads. In RTHS, the emulated structure is divided into a numerically simulated substructure (NS) and a physically tested substructure (PS), and a transfer [...] Read more.
Real-time hybrid simulation (RTHS) is a versatile, effective, and promising experimental method used to evaluate the structural performance under dynamic loads. In RTHS, the emulated structure is divided into a numerically simulated substructure (NS) and a physically tested substructure (PS), and a transfer system is used to ensure the force equilibrium and deformation compatibility between the substructures. Owing to the inherent dynamics of the PS and transfer system (referred to as a control plant in this study), there is a time-delay between the displacement command and measurement. This causes de-synchronization between the boundary of the PS and NS, and affects the stability and accuracy of the RTHS. In this study, a Kalman filter-based adaptive delay compensation (KF-ADC) method is proposed to address this issue. In this novel method, the control plant is represented by a discrete-time model, whose coefficients are time-varying and are estimated online by the KF using the displacement commands and measurements. Based on this time-varying model, the delay compensator is constructed employing the desired displacements. The KF performance is investigated theoretically and numerically. To assess the performance of the proposed strategy, a series of virtual RTHSs are performed on the Benchmark problem in RTHS, which was based on an actual experimental system. Meanwhile, several promising delay-compensation strategies are employed for comparison. Results reveal that the proposed time-delay compensation method effectively enhances the accuracy, stability, and robustness of RTHS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Structural Engineering, Volume II)
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16 pages, 328 KiB  
Article
Application of the Theory of Convex Sets for Engineering Structures with Uncertain Parameters
by Jan Pełczyński
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(19), 6864; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10196864 - 29 Sep 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1584
Abstract
The present paper discusses an innovative approach providing the solution sets of engineering structures with uncertain parameters. The approach is based on the properties of convex sets and can be applied to structures described by the system of algebraic equations. The present paper [...] Read more.
The present paper discusses an innovative approach providing the solution sets of engineering structures with uncertain parameters. The approach is based on the properties of convex sets and can be applied to structures described by the system of algebraic equations. The present paper focuses on trusses and frames applications, but in general it can be applied to various structures made of thin and thick bars and some plate and shell problems. The uncertain parameters are assumed to be independent. In addition, calculations are valid for any level of uncertainty and the obtained solution sets are exact within the assumed theory and are insensitive for perturbed data. Furthermore, solutions obtained by the present approach can be considered as benchmark solutions and can be used as a reference for other algorithms. The presented formulae allow the analysis of the influence of uncertain parameters on the behaviour of the structure. The presented considerations are illustrated by calculation of two truss examples. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Structural Engineering, Volume II)
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21 pages, 7341 KiB  
Article
Identifying Optimal Intensity Measures for Predicting Damage Potential of Mainshock–Aftershock Sequences
by Zhou Zhou, Xiaohui Yu and Dagang Lu
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(19), 6795; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10196795 - 28 Sep 2020
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 1835
Abstract
Large earthquakes are followed by a sequence of aftershocks. Therefore, a reasonable prediction of damage potential caused by mainshock (MS)–aftershock (AS) sequences is important in seismic risk assessment. This paper comprehensively examines the interdependence between earthquake intensity measures (IMs) and structural damage under [...] Read more.
Large earthquakes are followed by a sequence of aftershocks. Therefore, a reasonable prediction of damage potential caused by mainshock (MS)–aftershock (AS) sequences is important in seismic risk assessment. This paper comprehensively examines the interdependence between earthquake intensity measures (IMs) and structural damage under MS–AS sequences to identify optimal IMs for predicting the MS–AS damage potential. To do this, four categories of IMs are considered to represent the characteristics of a specific MS–AS sequence, including mainshock IMs, aftershock IMs (i.e., IMMS and IMAS, respectively), and two newly proposed IMs through taking an entire MS–AS sequence as one nominal ground motion (i.e., IM1MS–AS), or determining the ratio of IMAS to IMMS (i.e., IM2MS–AS), respectively. The single-degree-of-freedom systems with varying hysteretic behaviors are subjected to 662 real MS–AS sequences to estimate structural damage in terms the Park–Ang damage index. The intensities in terms of IMMS, IMAS, and IM1MS–AS are correlated with the accumulative damage of structures (i.e., DI1MS–AS). Moreover, the ratio (i.e., DI2MS–AS) of the AS-induced damage increment to the MS-induced damage is related to IM2MS–AS. The results show that IM2MS–AS exhibits significantly better performance than IMMS, IMAS, and IM1MS–AS for predicting the MS–AS damage potential, due to its high interdependence with DI2MS–AS. Among the considered 22 classic IMs, Arias intensity, root-square velocity, and peak ground displacement are respectively the optimal acceleration-, velocity-, and displacement-related IMs to formulate IM2MS–AS. Finally, two empirical equations are proposed to predict the correlations between IM2MS–AS and DI2MS–AS in the entire structural period range. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Structural Engineering, Volume II)
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18 pages, 63059 KiB  
Article
Qualitative Prediction Model for Dynamic Behavior of Ballasted Tracks
by Jung-Youl Choi and Sun-Hee Kim
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(18), 6258; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10186258 - 09 Sep 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1622
Abstract
Theoretical, experimental, analytical, and statistical evaluations were performed to predict and assess the dynamic behavior of a ballasted track, such as the track support stiffness, track impact factor, or dynamic wheel–rail forces. Field measurements were then performed to evaluate the dynamic behavior of [...] Read more.
Theoretical, experimental, analytical, and statistical evaluations were performed to predict and assess the dynamic behavior of a ballasted track, such as the track support stiffness, track impact factor, or dynamic wheel–rail forces. Field measurements were then performed to evaluate the dynamic behavior of the ballasted track and its components. A qualitative prediction model was then developed to predict and assess track performance as a function of dynamic wheel-rail force and variation in track support stiffness. The developed two-degree-of-freedom dynamic track model can define the rail pad and ballast stiffness ranges based on designed and measured values. Using the proposed model, qualitative analysis results are presented as a discrete space of various track responses and parameters, rather than as single values. The proposed model was then validated using field measurements, which demonstrated that the proposed model predicted the vertical rail displacement and rail bending stress within approximately 2–5% of the obtained field measurements. Overall, the developed qualitative prediction model allows the dynamic response of in-service ballasted tracks to be estimated as a function of the rail pad and ballast stiffness using only a simple field measurement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Structural Engineering, Volume II)
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18 pages, 5808 KiB  
Article
Experimental Investigation on Effective Distances of Acoustic Emission in Concrete Structures
by Tae-Min Oh, Min-Koan Kim, Jong-Won Lee, Hyunwoo Kim and Min-Jun Kim
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(17), 6051; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10176051 - 01 Sep 2020
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2345
Abstract
As one of the non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, acoustic emission (AE) can be widely applied to the field of engineering and applied science owing to its advantageous characteristics. In particular, the AE method is effectively applied to monitor concrete structures in civil engineering. [...] Read more.
As one of the non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, acoustic emission (AE) can be widely applied to the field of engineering and applied science owing to its advantageous characteristics. In particular, the AE method is effectively applied to monitor concrete structures in civil engineering. For this technology to be employed in a monitoring system, it is necessary to investigate the propagation characteristics of the AE in structures. Hence, this study investigates the characteristics of AE in concrete structures to evaluate the field applicability of AE monitoring systems. To achieve this goal, experiments employing an AE system are conducted for concrete structures 20 × 0.2 × 1.2 m in length, width, and height, respectively, to explore the AE parameters according to the impact energy. Among all AE parameters, absolute energy is determined to be most sensitive factor with respect to the impact energy. In addition, the attenuation effect of the AE wave is quantitatively evaluated according to the wave propagation distance. Moreover, the concept of effective distance is newly suggested based on the experimental results. The effective distance is shown to increase as the impact energy increases, although the increased effective distance is limited because the damaged AE signal is of high frequency. This study helps improve the field applicability of AE monitoring systems by suggesting suitable AE sensor spacing, which contributes to promote the practice of technology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Structural Engineering, Volume II)
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