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Article
Publication date: 6 December 2021

Yu Liu, Shan-Shan Huang and Ian Burgess

In order to improve the robustness of bare-steel and composite structures in fire, a novel axially and rotationally ductile connection has been proposed in this paper.

129

Abstract

Purpose

In order to improve the robustness of bare-steel and composite structures in fire, a novel axially and rotationally ductile connection has been proposed in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

The component-based models of the bare-steel ductile connection and composite ductile connection have been proposed and incorporated into the software Vulcan to facilitate global frame analysis for performance-based structural fire engineering design. These component-based models are validated against detailed Abaqus FE models and experiments. A series of 2-D bare-steel frame models and 3-D composite frame models with ductile connections, idealised rigid and pinned connections, have been created using Vulcan to compare the fire performance of ductile connection with other connection types in bare-steel and composite structures.

Findings

The comparison results show that the proposed ductile connection can provide excellent ductility to accommodate the axial deformation of connected beam under fire conditions, thus reducing the axial forces generated in the connection and potentially preventing the premature brittle failure of the connection.

Originality/value

Compared with conventional connection types, the proposed ductile connection exhibits considerable deformability, and can potentially enhance the robustness of structures in fire.

Details

Journal of Structural Fire Engineering, vol. 13 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-2317

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 July 2019

Mohammad Hajjar, Elie Hantouche and Ahmad El Ghor

This study aims to develop a rational model to predict the thermal axial forces developed in shear tab connections with composite beams when subjected to transient-state fire…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to develop a rational model to predict the thermal axial forces developed in shear tab connections with composite beams when subjected to transient-state fire temperatures.

Design/methodology/approach

Finite element (FE) models are first developed in ABAQUS and validated against experimental data available in the literature. Second, a parametric study is conducted to identify the major parameters that affect the behavior of shear tab connections with composite beams in the fire. This includes beam length, shear tab thickness, shear tab location, concrete slab thickness, setback distance and partial composite action. A design-oriented model is developed to predict the thermal induced axial forces during the heating and cooling phases of a fire event. The model consists of multi-linear springs that can predict the stiffness and strength of each component of the connection with the composite beam.

Findings

The FE results show that significant thermal axial forces are generated in the composite beam in the fire. This is prominent when the beam bottom flange comes in contact with the column. Fracture at the toe of the welds governs the behavior during the cooling phase in most FE simulations. Also, the rational model is validated against the FE results and is capable of predicting the thermal axial forces developed in shear tab connections with composite beams under different geometrical properties.

Originality/value

The proposed model can predict the thermal axial force demand and can be used in performance-based approaches in future structural fire engineering applications.

Details

Journal of Structural Fire Engineering, vol. 10 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-2317

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 December 2022

Zhangxin Guo, Shiyi Wei, Pingyu Kuai, Gin Boay Chai, Mingyu Wu and Jianguo Liang

The influence of the number and arrangement of bolts on the tensile properties of bolted composite laminates was studied in the present study.

Abstract

Purpose

The influence of the number and arrangement of bolts on the tensile properties of bolted composite laminates was studied in the present study.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the finite element model, the stiffness degradation method is used to simulate the damage evolution process for the failure of bolted composite laminates. Using ABAQUS finite element software combined with material failure criteria, the numerical calculation of the connection strength and failure mode of bolted composite laminates was carried out.

Findings

The results of the study show that the tensile strength of the composite laminates connected by three bolts is higher than that of the laminates connected by two bolts. And the arrangement of different bolts has a great influence on the failure strength of bolted laminates.

Originality/value

Bolted connection of composite laminates is a common problem in engineering practice. The effect of bolt arrangement and number on the strength of composite laminates is studied in this manuscript.

Details

Multidiscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures, vol. 19 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1573-6105

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 February 2015

Peter Schaumann and Thomas Kirsch

Actual developments in numerical simulations of the structural behaviour in fire situation are focussed on taking into consideration the interaction of all structural members in a…

Abstract

Actual developments in numerical simulations of the structural behaviour in fire situation are focussed on taking into consideration the interaction of all structural members in a global approach. Therefore it is necessary to simulate the load bearing behaviour of connections. With this motivation, the authors conducted experiments and thermal FE-simulations on two different connection types. In this paper, the accompanying mechanical FE-simulations of both investigated connection types will be described. The joints are defined as an end plate connection in a steel structure and a fin plate connection in a composite structure. Besides the validation of the numerical models, the results of the described investigations show that it is possible to activate a significant moment resistance within fin plate connections of composite structures. The main requirement for this activation is sufficient reinforcement strength.

Details

Journal of Structural Fire Engineering, vol. 6 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-2317

Article
Publication date: 30 January 2019

Said Hicham Boukhalkhal, Abd Nacer Touati Ihaddoudène, Luis Filipe Da Costa Neves and Wafa Madi

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the static and dynamic inelastic response of rigid and semi-rigid connections of steel structures with concrete-filled steel tube…

146

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the static and dynamic inelastic response of rigid and semi-rigid connections of steel structures with concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) columns built in high seismic areas, and to compare it with those with open section columns.

Design/methodology/approach

CFST columns are frequently used in moment resistant steel frames located in seismic areas due to their inherent advantages, including their ductility, energy absorption capacity as well as their high bearing capacity. The smart combination of steel and concrete makes it possible to benefit from the advantages of both components to the maximum. This research work presents the nonlinear dynamic response of moment resistant steel frames with CFST columns, with rigid or semi-rigid connections, built in high seismic areas, according to the Algerian seismic code RPA 99/2003, European EC8 and American FEMA 356 to show the nonlinear characteristics of this type of structures, and their advantages over steel frames with open section columns.

Findings

The paper presents the advantages of using CFST columns with rigid and semi-rigid connections on the seismic response of portal steel frames. A high performance level in terms of ductility, plastic hinges distribution and their order of appearance has been obtained. It also shows the low effect of seismic loading on the structural elements with CFST columns compared to structures with open section columns.

Originality/value

The investigation of the numerical results has shown the possibility of their use in the seismic areas for their adequate performance, and also with respect to the design limits specified in the seismic guidelines. In addition, this study represents a first step to develop seismic performance factors for steel structures with CFST columns in Algeria, where the Algerian code do not include a comprehensive specification for the composite steel structures.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. 10 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 March 2015

M.K. Loganathan and O.P. Gandhi

Reliability assessment does require an effective structural modelling approach for systems, in general and manufacturing systems are no exception. This paper aims to develop it…

Abstract

Purpose

Reliability assessment does require an effective structural modelling approach for systems, in general and manufacturing systems are no exception. This paper aims to develop it for large manufacturing systems using graph models, a systems approach.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural graph models for reliability at various hierarchical levels are developed by considering a CNC cam shaft grinding machine. The system reliability expression is obtained by converting the reliability graphs into equivalent matrices, which helps to evaluate and analyse system.

Findings

Using the obtained reliability expressions at various hierarchical levels of the system, it is possible not only to evaluate its reliability from structure point of view but also to identify weak structural elements from reliability point of view.

Research limitations/implications

The approach can be extended to include the influence of other parameters, such as human, component and environment, etc., on the system reliability.

Practical implications

The approach helps to design and develop manufacturing systems from reliability consideration by assessing their possible alternatives among these.

Originality/value

The suggested methodology is useful for reliability evaluation of large and complex manufacturing systems.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, vol. 13 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 July 2012

M.F. Boseman, Y.W. Kwon, D.C. Loup and E.A. Rasmussen

In order to connect a fiberglass composite structure to a steel structure, a hybrid composite made of glass and steel fibers has been studied. The hybrid composite has one end…

Abstract

Purpose

In order to connect a fiberglass composite structure to a steel structure, a hybrid composite made of glass and steel fibers has been studied. The hybrid composite has one end section with all glass fibers and the opposite end section with all steel fibers. As a result, it contains a transition section in the middle of the hybrid composite changing from glass fibers to steel fibers. The purpose of this paper is to examine interface strength at the glass to steel fiber transition section, in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the hybrid composite as a joining technique between a polymer composite structure and a metallic structure.

Design/methodology/approach

The present micromechanical study considers two types of glass to steel fiber joints: butt and overlap joints. For the butt joint, the end shape of the steel fiber is also modified to determine its effect on interface strength. The interface strength is predicted numerically based on the virtual crack closure technique to determine which joint is the strongest under various loading conditions such as tension, shear and bending. Numerical models include resin layers discretely. A virtual crack is considered inside the resin, at the resin/glass‐layer interface, and at the resin/steel‐layer interface. The crack is located at the critical regions of the joints.

Findings

Overall, the butt joint is stronger than the overlap joint regardless of loading types and directions. Furthermore, modification of an end shape of the middle fiber layers in the butt joint shifts the critical failure location.

Originality/value

The paper describes one of a few studies which investigated the interface strength of the hybrid joint made of fiberglass and steel‐fiber composites. This joint is important to connect a polymeric composite structure to a metallic structure without using conventional mechanical joints.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 29 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 August 2023

Nor Salwani Hashim, Fatimah De’nan and Norbaya Omar

Basically, connections are used to transfer the force supported by structural members to other parts of the structure. The flush end-plate bolted beam to column connection is one…

Abstract

Purpose

Basically, connections are used to transfer the force supported by structural members to other parts of the structure. The flush end-plate bolted beam to column connection is one type that has been widely used because of its simplicity in fabrication and rapid site erection. The purpose of this study is to determine the moment-rotation curve, moment of resistance (MR) and mode of failure, and the results were compared with existing results for normal flat web connections.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the connection modeled was the flush end-plate welded with triangular web profile (TriWP) steel beam section and then bolted to a UKC column flange. The bolted flush end-plate semi-rigid beam to column connection was modeled using finite element software. The specimen was modeled using LUSAS 14.3 finite element software, with dimensions and parameters of the finite element model sizes being 200 × 200 × 49.9 UKC, 200 × 100 × 17.8 UKB and 200 × 100 with a thickness of 20 mm for the endplate.

Findings

It can be concluded that the MR obtained from the TriWP steel beam section is different from that of the normal flat web steel beam by 28%. The value of MR for the TriWP beam section is lower than that of the normal flat web beam section, but the moment ultimate is higher by 21% than the normal flat web. Therefore, it can be concluded that the TriWP section can resist more acting force than the normal flat web section and is suitable to be used as a new proposed shape to replace the normal flat web section for a certain steel structure based on the end-plate connection behavior.

Originality/value

As a result, the TriWP section has better performance than the flat web section in resisting MR behavior.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 August 2019

Wojciech Piotr Adamczyk, Marcin Gorski, Ziemowit Ostrowski, Ryszard Bialecki, Grzegorz Kruczek, Grzegorz Przybyła, Rafal Krzywon and Rafal Bialozor

Large structural objects, primarily concrete bridges, can be reinforced by gluing to their stretched surface tapes of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP). The condition for this…

151

Abstract

Purpose

Large structural objects, primarily concrete bridges, can be reinforced by gluing to their stretched surface tapes of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP). The condition for this technology to work requires the quality of the bonding of FRP and the concrete to be perfect. Possible defects may arise in the phase of construction but also as a result of long-term fatigue loads. These defects having different forms of voids and discontinuities in the bonding layer are difficult to detect by optical inspection. This paper aims to describe the development of a rapid and nondestructive method for quantitative assessment of the debonding between materials.

Design/methodology/approach

The applied technique belongs to the wide class of active infrared (IR) thermography, the principle of which is to heat (or cool) the investigated object, and determine the properties of interest from the recorded, by an IR camera, temperature field. The methodology implemented in this work is to uniformly heat for a few seconds, using a set of halogen lamps, the FRP surface attached to the concrete. The parameter of interest is the thermal resistance of the layer separating the polymer tape and the concrete. The presence of voids and debonding will result in large values of this resistance. Its value is retrieved by solving an inverse transient heat conduction problem. This is accomplished by minimizing, in the sense of least squares, the difference between the recorded and simulated temperatures. The latter is defined as a solution of a 1D transient heat conduction problem with the already mentioned thermal resistance treated as the only decision variable.

Findings

A general method has been developed, which detects debonding of the FRP tapes from the concrete. The method is rapid and nondestructive. Owing to a special selection of the compared dimensionless measured and simulated temperatures, the method is not sensitive to the surface quality (roughness and emissivity). Measurements and calculation may be executed within seconds. The efficiency of the technique has been shown at a sample, where the defects have been artificially introduced in a controlled manner.

Originality/value

A quantitative assessment procedure which can be used to determine the extent of the debonding has been developed. The procedure uses inverse technique whose result is the unknown thermal resistance between the member and the FRP strip.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 30 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 August 2008

Achintya Haldar and Ali Mehrabian

Structural engineering as a part of civil engineering has over 5,000 years of distinguished history, as documented in this paper. An attempt is made in this paper to define…

2187

Abstract

Purpose

Structural engineering as a part of civil engineering has over 5,000 years of distinguished history, as documented in this paper. An attempt is made in this paper to define structural engineering as it exists at present, then some historical structures are identified.

Design/methodology/approach

The advances of structural engineering are discussed in chronological order, encompassing the development of the concept, analysis, the use of innovative construction materials, and construction. The developments which necessitated the change of design philosophies are presented, and the current status of structural engineering is discussed in terms of several specific topics. Opportunities and challenges in the new millennium in structural engineering are then presented in terms of education, service to society, and research.

Findings

In the past, structural engineering always met the challenges it faced. It helped to improve our quality of life, and its role in society is not expected to change in the near future.

Originality/value

The paper has provided an over‐view of this important profession – from ancient history to the present day. Based on research over several decades it offers a prediction of the direction in which this profession and the academic research that underpins it is likely to take in the future.

Details

Structural Survey, vol. 26 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-080X

Keywords

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