A new formulation for longitudinally stiffened webs subjected to patch loading

This study proposes a new formulation for patch loading longitudinally stiffened webs using genetic programming (GP) for the first time in the literature. The database for the GP formulation is based on extensive experimental results from the literature. The results of the GP based formulation are compared with existing models and design codes. The results indicate that the proposed GP formulation performs quite well compared to existing models and design codes.     

Unified formulation for web crippling strength of cold-formed steel sheeting using stepwise regression

This study presents the availability of a stepwise regression (SR) method for the unified formulation of web crippling strength of cold-formed steel decks for various loading cases. Existing design codes offer different formulations for each loading case. However, the objective of this study is to provide an alternative unified (single) formulation to related design codes which can be used for all loading cases at the same time and should be more accurate than the separate formulations of existing design codes. The unified stepwise regression formulation is based on well established experimental results from the literature. The proposed unified SR formulation results are compared with experimental results and current design codes and found to be more accurate.     

Genetic programming based formulation of rotation capacity of wide flange beams

This study is a pioneer work that proposes genetic programming (GP) as a new approach for the explicit formulation of available rotation capacity of wide-flange beams which is an important phenomenon that determines the plastic behaviour of steel structures. The database for the GP formulation is based on extensive experimental results from literature. The results of the GP-based formulation are compared with numerical results obtained by a specialized computer program and existing analytical equations. The results indicate that the proposed GP formulation performs quite well compared to numerical results and existing analytical equations and is quite practical for use.     

Prediction of web crippling strength of cold-formed steel sheetings using neural networks

This study considers the use of neural networks (NNs) to predict the web crippling strength of cold-formed steel decks. Web crippling is critical for slender webs as in the case of trapezoidal sheetings which are widely used in roofing applications. The elastoplastic behaviour of web crippling is quite complex and difficult to handle. There is no well established analytical solution due to complex plastic behaviour. This leads to significant errors in various design codes. The objective of this study is to provide a fast and accurate method of predicting the web crippling strength of cold-formed steel sheetings and to introduce this in a closed-form solution which has not been obtained so far. The training and testing patterns of the proposed NN are based on well established experimental results from literature. The trained NN results are compared with the experimental results and current design codes (NAS 2001) and found to be considerably more accurate. Moreover, a trained neural network gives the results significantly more quickly than the design codes and finite element (FE) models. The web crippling strength is also introduced in closed-form solution based on the parameters of the trained NN. Extensive parametric studies are also performed and presented graphically to examine the effect of geometric and mechanical properties on web crippling strength.     

A new approach to determine the base shear of steel frame structures

Base shear (V) is the maximum lateral force that will occur due to seismic ground motion at the base of a structure. Calculations of base shear depend on a lot of factors such as soil conditions, level of ductility, fundamental period of vibration of the structure, etc. A great number of methodologies have been developed to determine the dynamic responses of individual frameworks. However, there is no well established empirical solution of the dynamic response of the problem due to the base shear of the steel frames. In this study, a formulation based on NN to determine the dynamic response of both braced and unbraced plane steel frames are provided. The presented formulation is a function of number of stories (ns), bays of the frames (nb), and soil types (Z). The training and testing patterns of the proposed NN formulation are obtained from linear Finite Element Analysis (FEA) solution. The NN-based formulation results are compared with the results obtained from numerical and some current design codes. The NN- based formulation results are found to be more accurate.     

箱形型钢混凝土梁开裂扭矩与极限扭矩计算分析

依据7根箱形型钢混凝土梁的受扭性能的试验结果,在变形协调基础上建立了开裂扭矩计算公式,采用等效钢筋法建立了符合我国规范计算公式形式的极限扭矩计算公式。与试验结果对比表明,建议的公式满足精度要求,可为箱形型钢混凝土梁的设计提供理论依据。     

矩形钢管焊接空心球节点承载能力的简化理论解与实用计算方法研究

国家游泳中心“水立方”的新型多面体空间刚架结构采用配合矩形钢管、且承受轴力与弯矩共同作用的焊接空心球节点,目前规范对该类节点的设计方法尚属空白。在有限元分析和试验研究的基础上,进一步研究轴力、弯矩及两者共同作用下矩形钢管焊接空心球节点的承载能力及设计方法。首先推导基于冲切面剪应力破坏模型的节点承载力简化理论解,从而得到节点承载力计算公式的基本形式。在此基础上,利用有限元分析和试验结果,建立了轴力、单向弯矩以及两者共同作用下节点承载力的实用计算公式。对双向任意弯矩作用的情况,提出了基于线性插值的简化计算方法。成果可供实际工程设计采用,也可供相关规程修订时参考。     

Reliability-based evaluation of design code provisions for circular concrete-filled steel columns

This paper presents an investigation of design code provisions for steel-concrete composite columns. The study covers the national building codes of United States, Canada and Brazil, and the transnational EUROCODE. The study is based on experimental results of 93 axially loaded concrete-filled tubular steel columns. This includes 36 unpublished, full scale experimental results by the authors and 57 results from the literature. The error of resistance models is determined by comparing experimental results for ultimate loads with code-predicted column resistances. Regression analysis is used to describe the variation of model error with column slenderness and to describe model uncertainty. The paper shows that Canadian and European codes are able to predict mean column resistance, since resistance models of these codes present detailed formulations for concrete confinement by a steel tube. ANSI/AISC and Brazilian codes have limited allowance for concrete confinement, and become very conservative for short columns. Reliability analysis is used to evaluate the safety level of code provisions. Reliability analysis includes model error and other random problem parameters like steel and concrete strengths, and dead and live loads. Design code provisions are evaluated in terms of sufficient and uniform reliability criteria. Results show that the four design codes studied provide uniform reliability, with the Canadian code being best in achieving this goal. This is a result of a well balanced code, both in terms of load combinations and resistance model. The European code is less successful in providing uniform reliability, a consequence of the partial factors used in load combinations. The paper also shows that reliability indexes of columns designed according to European code can be as low as 2.2, which is quite below target reliability levels of EUROCODE.     

Behavior and resistance of beam-column structural elements

Most of the structural elements in a steel structure are subjected to bending moment and axial force simultaneously. In some elements, one of the two components is relatively small compared to the other. Yet, the smaller component cannot be ignored due to the interactive behavior of the two components. Therefore, it is not adequate to design the beam-column element as a beam or a column by ignoring one of the two load components even if the ignored component is relatively small.Most of the design codes use empirical interaction equations that are based on semi-experimental semi-analytical results. Most of the design formulae adopted by the design codes do not explicitly account for the geometrical imperfection.This research aims at investigating the buckling behavior of steel beam-column elements for the sake of developing an analytical model to calculate their ultimate resistance under axial compression and bending moment. The analytical model will be based on Perry-type formulation, and it will account for the effect of initial imperfection. The model will be validated by comparing its results with those obtained by the Finite Element Non-Linear Elasto-Plastic analysis using ANSYS 5.4 program.Finally, a simple but rational design method based on the model, will be introduced. This method can be applied using a simple mathematical expression or charts and tables. The results of the developed design method will be compared with the design method of the international codes of practice for design of steel structures. On light of these comparisons, design recommendations are introduced.     

高强度结构钢研究现状及其在抗震设防区应用问题

近年来,随着钢材生产工艺的进步及一大批重点工程、标志性建筑的兴建,高强度结构钢在工程中的应用逐渐增长。高强度结构钢与普通强度钢材的力学性能存在明显差异,然而现有设计规范的制定是基于普通强度钢结构的试验与理论研究,其能否适用于高强度钢的结构设计有待进一步研究。首先介绍了高强度结构钢的经济性与其在国内外工程中应用的概况,然后总结了国内外关于高强度结构钢在材料性能、基本构件力学行为、连接与节点性能和抗震设计方面的研究成果与现状。已有的研究结果表明,随着钢材强度的提高,其伸长率下降,屈强比升高,延性变差,阻碍了高强度结构钢在抗震结构中的应用。最后对高强度结构钢在地震设防区应用所面临的问题进行讨论,提出了高强度结构钢在抗震结构中应用的两种思路,并指出未来高强结构钢应用仍需开展的研究工作。     

拱北隧道大直径曲线管幕顶管顶力研究

 以我国在建港珠澳大桥拱北隧道管幕工程为例,研究长距离大直径曲线管幕的施工顶力。总结曲线顶管顶力的主要组成及影响因素;比较和分析中国和日本顶管规范的预测顶力和现场实测顶力的差异;推荐总顶力中迎面阻力的计算公式以及管壁单位摩阻力和摩擦因数的取值;基于力学平衡,推导分节曲线顶管顶力的计算公式。研究表明：泥浆润滑后钢管的管壁单位摩阻力和摩擦因数远小于以往研究中提供的混凝土管的管壁单位摩阻力和摩擦因数;推导的分节曲线顶管顶力公式的计算顶力和实测顶力吻合良好。研究结果可为类似的管幕工程以及供水、污水、供电、通信等管道的顶管设计和施工提供有益参考。     

Experimental and numerical investigations of sedimentation of porous wastewater sludge flocs

The paper studies the properties and sedimentation characteristics of sludge flocs, as they appear in biological wastewater treatment (BWT) plants. The flocs are described as porous and permeable bodies, with their properties defined based on conducted experimental study. The derivation is based on established geometrical properties, high-speed camera data on settling velocities and non-linear numerical model, linking settling velocity with physical properties of porous flocs. The numerical model for derivation is based on generalized Stokes model, with permeability of the floc described by the Brinkman model. As a result, correlation for flocs porosity is obtained as a function of floc diameter. This data is used in establishing a CFD numerical model of sedimentation of flocs in test conditions, as recorded during experimental investigation. The CFD model is based on Euler-Lagrange formulation, where the Lagrange formulation is chosen for computation of flocs trajectories during sedimentation. The results of numerical simulations are compared with experimental results and very good agreement is observed.     

Wind loads on low-rise buildings: a review of the state of the art

This paper refers to the most recent research on wind loads on low-rise buildings. Novel measurement techniques and methodologies are reviewed, and selected experimental results from various studies are presented. Particular emphasis is given to works aimed at the formulation of codified data, i.e. results appropriate for incorporation into design standards and codes of practice. Only either full-scale studies or those done under conditions simulating the earth's atmospheric boundary layer have been considered. Comparisons between full-scale and laboratory results are discussed. Areas requiring additional research and analysis are identified.     

基于渐进全概率模型的既有砌体墙压剪承载力推断

在推断砌体墙的压剪承载力时，需要考虑力学参数和计算模型不确定性的影响。为此，在已有6片砌体墙的压剪承载力试验研究基础上，以不同的强度计算公式为先验判断、以砌体抗剪强度和竖向压应力为输入参数，建立墙体名义压剪强度的4种高斯过程(Gaussian process, GP)模型。收集了52组压剪试验结果、采用共轭梯度法更新这4种GP模型；基于更新后的模型确定名义压剪强度的正态概率密度函数，并取其均值作为推断值。采用全概率公式加权组合4种GP模型推断值，获得名义压剪强度的渐进全概率推断结果，并利用试验结果和规范计算结果加以验证。研究表明: 所提出的方法能够考虑各类强度计算公式的贡献，并有效利用试验数据中的信息；可以基于简单先验判断和有限试验结果，合理推断名义压剪强度的总体规律。同时，该方法可以定量表示推断结果的不确定性程度，并通过累积试验数据更新并完善名义压剪强度的推断结果。     

钢筋混凝土框架节点受剪承载力简化计算模型

各国现行设计规范中的节点受剪承载力计算公式均为基于试验资料的半经验公式,缺乏合理理论模型支撑。在已有研究基础上,通过建立平衡方程、几何方程和物理方程对钢筋混凝土框架节点进行受力分析,建议了框架节点等效核心区在剪、压复合作用下的简化计算模型,并将国内外108个钢筋混凝土框架节点试件(包括常规中节点、边节点、变梁中节点等)受剪承载力的试验结果与该模型计算得到的理论结果进行对比。研究表明：基于简化模型计算得到的节点受剪承载力与试验结果吻合较好,与我国现行规范建议设计方法的计算结果相当,该建议方法有明确的力学计算模型,能较为合理地反映框架节点的受力机理,可为混凝土构件受剪分析模型化提供参考。     

Research on design of through-diaphragm connections between CFRT columns and HSS beams

The through-diaphragm connection detail has been identified as a good choice for attaching HSS beams to concrete-filled rectangular tube columns in engineering applications. In this research program an analytical study was conducted to comprehend the behavior of this detail and develop the accompanying design guidelines. The experimental results are presented elsewhere. In this paper two analytical models were established to predict the shear stiffness and yield shear strength of the HSS beam and panel zone, respectively. Theoretical results based on the proposed model well agreed with the experimental data. Finally, design provisions were introduced to check the strength in the connections.     

An improved formulation for the assessment of the capacity load of circular rings and cylindrical shells under external pressure. Part 1. Analytical derivation

In this two-part set of articles the capacity load of circular rings under external pressure is investigated assuming as a starting point the classic Levy–Timoshenko approach, which is still at the bases of most design codes for cylindrical shells. This first paper presents a perfected analytical formulation of the problem, which accurately accounts for the onset of plasticity and incorporates the effect of various geometrical imperfections. A rigorous non-linear formulation is first derived and, subsequently, an algebraic expression which avoids the recourse to numerical solution strategies is established.     

Buckling analysis design of steel frames

Steel design codes do not provide sufficient information for the efficient design of steel structures against out-of-plane failure, and what is provided is often overly conservative. The method of design by buckling analysis (DBA) specified in one code corrects this situation for beams, but the extension of this method to columns is only referred to, while there is no guidance on how to apply this method to the design of beam-columns and frames.Beam DBA uses the design code formulation for the member nominal design strengths in terms of the section moment capacities and the maximum moments at elastic buckling, accurate predictions of which may be determined by computer programs. Column DBA is similar, in that it uses the design code formulation for the column nominal design strengths in terms of the section compression capacities and accurate predictions of the elastic buckling.However, design codes do not provide formulations for the direct buckling design of beam-columns, but instead use the separate results of beam design and column design in interaction equations. The further extension to frames is not directly possible, because frames are not designed as a whole (except through the rarely used methods of advanced analysis), but as a series of individual members. This paper shows how the method of DBA can be used to design beam-columns and frames as well as beams and columns. Two example frames are designed and very significant economies are demonstrated when the DBA method is used.     

柱失效方程中荷载相关特性对承载力抗震设计可靠度的影响

以竖向荷载和水平地震作用组合下的钢筋混凝土柱和钢柱为对象,研究了失效方程中荷载相关特性对柱承载力抗震可靠性的影响。根据现行《混凝土结构设计规范》和《钢结构设计规范》分析了不同柱弯矩轴力相关曲线的特性。结合多个框架结构实例,对比了柱失效方程中荷载相关曲线与规范考虑情形的异同。实例分析表明:水平地震和竖向荷载组合作用下,小偏压RC柱和工字型钢柱的荷载相关曲线与规范考虑的情形较为符合,均近似为负相关的直线;水平地震和竖向荷载组合作用下,大偏压RC柱的荷载相关曲线则与规范考虑的情形有较大出入,存在明显的正相关段部分。在此基础上,考虑失效方程复杂特性,依据已有的荷载和抗力变量概率模型,采用Monte Carlo法分析了水平地震和竖向荷载组合作用下柱的可靠性。结果表明:钢柱和小偏压RC柱的承载力抗震可靠度随轴压力荷载效应比值的变化幅度较小,与规范模式计算结果较接近;大偏压RC柱的承载力抗震可靠度随轴压力荷载效应比值的变化会有较大幅度波动,与规范模式计算结果差异较大;当轴压力荷载效应比值为负时,大偏压RC柱的承载力抗震可靠度会低于规范计算值较多,现行柱可靠性设计方法会偏于不安全。