Search results

1 – 10 of over 2000
Open Access
Article
Publication date: 15 November 2022

Zhiqiang Zhang, Xingyu Zhu and Ronghua Wei

Large displacement misalignment under the action of active faults can cause complex three-dimensional deformation in subway tunnels, resulting in severe damage, distortion and…

Abstract

Purpose

Large displacement misalignment under the action of active faults can cause complex three-dimensional deformation in subway tunnels, resulting in severe damage, distortion and misalignment. There is no developed system of fortification and related codes to follow. There are scientific problems and technical challenges in this field that have never been encountered in past research and practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopted a self-designed large-scale active fault dislocation simulation loading system to conduct a similar model test of the tunnel under active fault dislocation based on the open-cut tunnel project of the Urumqi Rail Transit Line 2, which passes through the Jiujiawan normal fault. The test simulated the subway tunnel passing through the normal fault, which is inclined at 60°. This research compared and analyzed the differences in mechanical behavior between two types of lining section: the open-cut double-line box tunnel and the modified double-line box arch tunnel. The structural response and failure characteristics of the open-cut segmented lining of the tunnel under the stick-slip part of the normal fault were studied.

Findings

The results indicated that the double-line box arch tunnel improved the shear and longitudinal bending performance. Longitudinal cracks were mainly distributed in the baseplate, wall foot and arch foot, and the crack position was basically consistent with the longitudinal distribution of surrounding rock pressure. This indicated that the longitudinal cracks were due to the large local load of the cross-section of the structure, leading to an excessive local bending moment of the structure, which resulted in large eccentric failure of the lining and formation of longitudinal cracks. Compared with the ordinary box section tunnel, the improved double-line box arch tunnel significantly reduced the destroyed and damage areas of the hanging wall and footwall. The damage area and crack length were reduced by 39 and 59.3%, respectively. This indicates that the improved double-line box arch tunnel had good anti-sliding performance.

Originality/value

This paper adopted a self-designed large-scale active fault dislocation simulation loading system to conduct a similar model test of the tunnel under active fault dislocation. This system increased the similarity ratio of the test model, improved the dislocation loading rate and optimized the simulation scheme of the segmented flexible lining and other key factors affecting the test. It is of great scientific significance and engineering value to investigate the structure of subway tunnels under active fault misalignment, to study its force characteristics and damage modes, and to provide a technical reserve for the design and construction of subway tunnels through active faults.

Details

Railway Sciences, vol. 1 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2755-0907

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 November 2020

Hillal Ayas, Lyes Amara and Mohamed Chabaat

In this paper, an approximate analytical approach is developed for the determination of natural longitudinal frequencies of a cantilever-cracked beam based on the Lagrange…

Abstract

Purpose

In this paper, an approximate analytical approach is developed for the determination of natural longitudinal frequencies of a cantilever-cracked beam based on the Lagrange inversion theorem.

Design/methodology/approach

The crack is modeled by an equivalent axial spring with stiffness according to Castigliano's theorem. Thus, an implicit frequency equation corresponding to cantilever-cracked bar is obtained. The resulting equation is solved using the Lagrange inversion theorem.

Findings

Effect of different crack depths and crack positions on natural frequencies of the cracked beam is analyzed. It is shown that an increase in the crack depth ratio produces a decrease in the fundamental longitudinal natural frequency of a cracked bar. Furthermore, approximate analytical results are compared with those obtained numerically as well as from experimental tests.

Originality/value

A new approximate analytical expression of a fundamental longitudinal frequency, as a function of crack depth and crack location, is obtained.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. 12 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 April 2019

Hillal Ayas, Mohamed Chabaat and Lyes Amara

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new numerical approach for studying a cantilever bar having a transverse crack. The crack is modeled by an elastic longitudinal spring…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new numerical approach for studying a cantilever bar having a transverse crack. The crack is modeled by an elastic longitudinal spring with a stiffness K according to Castiglione’s theorem.

Design/methodology/approach

The bar is excited by different longitudinal impulse forces. The considered problem based on the differential equation of motion is solved by the method of characteristics (MOC) after splitting the second-order motion equation into two first-order equivalent equations.

Findings

In this study, effects of the crack size and crack’s position on the reflected waves from the crack are investigated. The results indicate that the presence of the crack in the cantilever bar generates additional waves caused by the reflection of the incident wave by the crack.

Originality/value

A numerical approach developed in this paper is used for detecting the extent of the damage in cracked bars by the measurement of the difference between the dynamic response of an uncracked bar and a cracked bar.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. 10 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 April 2022

Yan Liu and Yan Wang

The purpose of this paper is to clarify the growth behavior of fatigue cracks on bionic coupling surface of vermicular cast iron.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to clarify the growth behavior of fatigue cracks on bionic coupling surface of vermicular cast iron.

Design/methodology/approach

The thermal fatigue cyclic experiments were carried out on the bionic specimens processed by laser bionic treatment, in which the thermal fatigue was generated by heating at 600°C ± 5°C and cooling at 25°C ± 5°C. The thermal fatigue cracks of bionic units were analyzed using fractal theory. The relation between fractal dimensions of thermal fatigue cracks and thermal fatigue cycles was discussed.

Findings

The results show that the fractal dimensions can better characterize the fatigue crack growth behavior on bionic coupling surface of vermicular cast iron.

Originality/value

The fractal theory is first used to discuss the growth behavior of fatigue cracks on bionic coupling surface of vermicular cast iron, which is processed by laser bionic treatment.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 69 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 March 2021

Eslam Mohammed Abdelkader

Cracks on surface are often identified as one of the early indications of damage and possible future catastrophic structural failure. Thus, detection of cracks is vital for the…

Abstract

Purpose

Cracks on surface are often identified as one of the early indications of damage and possible future catastrophic structural failure. Thus, detection of cracks is vital for the timely inspection, health diagnosis and maintenance of infrastructures. However, conventional visual inspection-based methods are criticized for being subjective, greatly affected by inspector's expertise, labor-intensive and time-consuming.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a novel self-adaptive-based method for automated and semantic crack detection and recognition in various infrastructures using computer vision technologies. The developed method is envisioned on three main models that are structured to circumvent the shortcomings of visual inspection in detection of cracks in walls, pavement and deck. The first model deploys modified visual geometry group network (VGG19) for extraction of global contextual and local deep learning features in an attempt to alleviate the drawbacks of hand-crafted features. The second model is conceptualized on the integration of K-nearest neighbors (KNN) and differential evolution (DE) algorithm for the automated optimization of its structure. The third model is designated for validating the developed method through an extensive four layers of performance evaluation and statistical comparisons.

Findings

It was observed that the developed method significantly outperformed other crack and detection models. For instance, the developed wall crack detection method accomplished overall accuracy, F-measure, Kappa coefficient, area under the curve, balanced accuracy, Matthew's correlation coefficient and Youden's index of 99.62%, 99.16%, 0.998, 0.998, 99.17%, 0.989 and 0.983, respectively.

Originality/value

Literature review lacks an efficient method which can look at crack detection and recognition of an ensemble of infrastructures. Furthermore, there is absence of systematic and detailed comparisons between crack detection and recognition models.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. 11 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 April 2023

Mohammed Tahi, Mohamed Chikhaoui and Mohamed Chabaat

Monobloc sleepers have several problems related to bending cracking, especially longitudinal cracking and cracking at rail seat under preload release. Therefore, the purpose of…

28

Abstract

Purpose

Monobloc sleepers have several problems related to bending cracking, especially longitudinal cracking and cracking at rail seat under preload release. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to describe the behavior and cracking mode of prestressed concrete railroad sleepers under static loads using the positive test. Experimental tests followed by 3-D numerical models were performed of the same test.

Design/methodology/approach

Two steel supports were placed on the rail seat. During a progressive loading, the initiated cracks had approximately the same amplitude as those obtained from the numerical model. The type of cracking depends on the intensity of the applied static load and the loading rate. A validated three-dimensional digital model was established. The obtained results showed a perfect resemblance to the experimental tests. The final design was optimized and verified using a validated numerical simulation.

Findings

At low static loading levels, the first flexural shear cracks appeared at a vertical position located between the two steel supports. At higher static loading levels, bending shear cracks have occurred. The latter are inclined at the steel supports. It was proven that for higher loading levels, shear cracks were the primary mode of failure.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to the sensitivity of monobloc sleepers to technology production, the results are limited by the maximal loading and press used.

Practical implications

Numerical modeling greatly reduces uncertainties in laboratory testing and is an important tool for visualizing and quantifying rail seat cracks to understand behavior and predict collapse.

Social implications

Ensuring human life during rail operations is one of our the long-term priorities. This cannot be done unless the authors manage to master the manufacturing tool for sleepers while controlling the limitation of crack propagation.

Originality/value

The three-dimensional numerical established model has been checked and validated against the experimental results using the positive test to understand the behavior and the cracking mode of prestressed concrete railroad sleepers under static loads. The proposed numerical model has been more refined for a later more complex application by reducing the computation time.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. 14 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 November 2020

Abid Ullah, HengAn Wu, Asif Ur Rehman, YinBo Zhu, Tingting Liu and Kai Zhang

The purpose of this paper is to eliminate Part defects and enrich additive manufacturing of ceramics. Laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) experiments were carried to investigate the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to eliminate Part defects and enrich additive manufacturing of ceramics. Laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) experiments were carried to investigate the effects of laser parameters and selective oxidation of Titanium (mixed with TiO2) on the microstructure, surface quality and melting state of Titania. The causes of several L-PBF parts defects were thoroughly analyzed.

Design/methodology/approach

Laser power and scanning speed were varied within a specific range (50–125 W and 170–200 mm/s, respectively). Furthermore, varying loads of Ti (1%, 3%, 5% and 15%) were mixed with TiO2, which was selectively oxidized with laser beam in the presence of oxygen environment.

Findings

Part defects such as cracks, pores and uneven grains growth were widely reduced in TiO2 L-PBF specimens. Increasing the laser power and decreasing the scanning speed shown significant improvements in the surface morphology of TiO2 ceramics. The amount of Ti material was fully melted and simultaneously changed into TiO2 by the application of the laser beam. The selective oxidation of Ti material also improved the melting condition, microstructure and surface quality of the specimens.

Originality/value

TiO2 ceramic specimens were produced through L-PBF process. Increasing the laser power and decreasing the scanning speed is an effective way to sufficiently melt the powders and reduce parts defects. Selective oxidation of Ti by a high power laser beam approach was used to improve the manufacturability of TiO2 specimens.

Article
Publication date: 13 August 2018

Jiawei Wang, Guanhua Zhang, Jinliang Liu and Yanmin Jia

During service period, the bridge structures will be affected by the environment and load, so the carrying capacity will decline. The purpose of this paper is to research on the…

Abstract

Purpose

During service period, the bridge structures will be affected by the environment and load, so the carrying capacity will decline. The purpose of this paper is to research on the bearing capacity of bridge structures with time.

Design/methodology/approach

Destructive test and non-linear finite element analysis are carried out by utilizing two pretensioning prestressed concrete hollow slabs in service for 20 years; using the structural test deflection value to simulate the stiffness degradation of the service bridge and the finite element calculation results verify the accuracy of the calculation.

Findings

The flexural rigidity of the main beam when the test beam is destructed is degraded to approximately 20 percent of that before the test, which agrees well with the result of finite element analysis and indicates that the method of deducing the flexural rigidity of the structure according to the measured deflection value can effectively simulate the rigidity degradation law of the bridge in service. The crack resistance property of the test beam degrades obviously and the ultimate bearing capacity of the bending resistance does not degrade obviously.

Originality/value

The research results truly reflect the destruction process, destructive form, bearing capacity and rigidity degradation law of the old beam of the concrete bridge in service for 20 years and can provide technical basis for optimization design of newly built bridges of the same type and maintenance and reinforcement design of existing old bridges.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. 9 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 September 2013

Deboshree Roy, Balbhadra Kumar Kaushik and Rakesh Chakraborty

Eddy current testing (ECT) is widely used in the non-destructive evaluation of materials in different industries. In this paper, ECT has been used to detect the presence of cracks

Abstract

Purpose

Eddy current testing (ECT) is widely used in the non-destructive evaluation of materials in different industries. In this paper, ECT has been used to detect the presence of cracks in boiler tubes. The most important feature in ECT is the way in which the eddy currents are induced and detected in the sample. The authors have tried to design a new sensor that is effective in detecting cracks in boiler tubes. The purpose of this paper is to study the response of this sensor to cracks of different depths and dimensions.

Design/methodology/approach

The designed eddy current sensor is equipped with an exciting and a sensing coil. An alternating current is passed through the exciting coil thus producing eddy currents. The sensing coil scans the outer surface of the boiler tube and looks for abrupt changes in output signals resulting from sharp discontinuities in structure.

Findings

The sensor designed can detect the position of the crack. The presence of crack is indicated by a reduction in the induced voltage in the sensing coil. The sensor is also used for characterisation of the cracks, and can distinguish between cracks of varying shape, size and depth. The sensitivity of the sensing coil to cracks is dependent on operating conditions, such as frequency and voltage of the excitation signal.

Practical implications

The new sensor designed is used to detect defects in boiler tubes in power plants. However, the operating conditions, such as excitation frequency and amplitude will vary with composition of the boiler tubes.

Originality/value

The new eddy current sensor designed for crack detection is an E-shaped core coil. The shape of the coil provides a high permeability path to the magnetic field lines, thus reducing the loss of the field produced. This helps in improving the sensitivity of the coil, and makes the detection system effective in detecting hairline cracks.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 33 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 January 2024

Kuleni Fekadu Yadeta, Sudath C. Siriwardane, Tesfaye Alemu Mohammed and Hirpa G. Lemu

Incorporating pre-existing crack in service life prediction of reinforced concrete structures subjected to corrosion is crucial for accurate assessment, realistic modelling and…

Abstract

Purpose

Incorporating pre-existing crack in service life prediction of reinforced concrete structures subjected to corrosion is crucial for accurate assessment, realistic modelling and effective decision-making in terms of maintenance and repair strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

An accelerated corrosion test was conducted by using impressed current method on cylindrical specimens with varying cover thickness and crack width. Mechanical properties of the specimens were evaluated by tensile tests.

Findings

The results show that, the pre-cracked samples exhibited shorter concrete cover cracking times, particularly with wider cracks when compared to the uncracked samples. Moreover, the load-bearing capacity of the reinforcement bars decreased owing to the pre-cracks, causing structural deflection and a shortened yield plateau. However, the ductility index remained consistent across all sample types, implying that the concrete had good overall ductility. Comparing the results of the non-corroded rebar and corroded rebar samples, the maximum reduction in the yield load was 25.22%, whereas the maximum reduction in the ultimate load was 26.23%. The simple mathematical model proposed in this study provides a reliable method for predicting the chloride ion diffusion coefficient in cracked concrete of existing reinforced concrete structures.

Originality/value

A simple mathematical model was proposed for evaluation of the equivalent chloride ion diffusion coefficient considering crack width, average crack spacing and crack extending lengths for cracked reinforced concrete structures, which is used to incorporate existing crack in service life prediction models.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. 15 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 2000