Spatial embedded reinforcement of 20-node block element for analysis PC bridges

The formula for the contribution of prestressed reinforcement on embedded reinforcement element is derived according to the mechanical behavior of PC bridges and the foundational principle of finite element method. Mechanical concept is definite and examples validate the calculation results. Reinforcement element model allows generating a finite element mesh without taking into consideration the layout of reinforcements. Furthermore, the prestressing tendon may pass through the concrete elements in an arbitrary manner. It is an effective approach that the no-node loads are diverted from the tendons to the adjacent concrete elements. A useful arithmetic analysis of the spatial curved tendon PC Bridges is provided. __________ Translated from Journal of Tongji University (Natural Science), 2007, 35(4): 455–460 [译自: 同济大学学报(自然科学版)]     

Dynamic test and finite element model updating of bridge structures based on ambient vibration

The dynamic characteristics of bridge structures are the basis of structural dynamic response and seismic analysis, and are also an important target of health condition monitoring. In this paper, a three-dimensional finite-element model is first established for a highway bridge over a railroad on No.312 National Highway. Based on design drawings, the dynamic characteristics of the bridge are studied using finite element analysis and ambient vibration measurements. Thus, a set of data is selected based on sensitivity analysis and optimization theory; the finite element model of the bridge is updated. The numerical and experimental results show that the updated method is more simple and effective, the updated finite element model can reflect the dynamic characteristics of the bridge better, and it can be used to predict the dynamic response under complex external forces. It is also helpful for further damage identification and health condition monitoring. __________ Translated from Chinese Journal of Huazhong University of Science and Technology (Urban Science Edition), 2006, 23(4): 57–60 [译自: 华 中科技大学学报(城市科学版)]     

Calculation of prestressed anchor segment by 3D infinite element

Based on 1D infinite element theory, the coordinate transformation and shape function of 3D point-radiation 4-node infinite elements were derived. They were coupled with 8-node finite elements to compute the compressive deformation of the prestressed anchor segment. The results indicate that when the prestressed force acts on the anchor segment, the stresses and displacements in the rock around the anchor segment are concentrated in the zone center with the anchor axis and are subjected to exponential decay. Therefore, the stresses and the displacement spindles are formed. The calculation results of the infinite element are close to the theoretical results. __________ Translated from Journal of Huazhong University of Science and Technology (Nature Science Edition), 2007, 35(9): 28 30 [译自: 华中科技大学学报自然科学版]     

Experimental study of modal parameter identification in a simulated ambient-excited structure

Structure modal parameter online identification was used to monitor the structural health as evidenced by changes in the vibration characteristics. The natural excitation technique and the eigensystem realization algorithm were combined to identify the modal parameters in the time domain of a structure excited by simulated ambient vibrations. The mass-normalized mode shapes were obtained from the eigen-sensitivity analysis. The experimental modal analysis was performed on a two-story steel braced frame model excited by simulated ambient vibrations and hammer impacts. The mass-normalized mode shapes were acquired by changing the structural mass and by eigen-sensitivity analysis. From finite element analysis results and the experimental data, it is shown that this method is effective. __________ Translated from Journal of Tsinghua University (Science and Technology Edition), 2006, 46(6): 769–772 [译自: 清华大学学报 (自然科学版)]     

Calculation method on shape finding of self-anchored suspension bridge with spatial cables

Based on the spatial model, a reliable and accurate calculation method on the shape finding of self-anchored suspension bridge with spatial cables was studied in this paper. On the principle that the shape of the main cables between hangers is catenary, the iteration method of calculating the shapes of the spatial main cables under the load of hanger forces was deduced. The reasonable position of the saddle was determined according to the shape and the theoretical joint point of the main cables. The shapes of the main cables at completed cable stage were calculated based on the unchanging principle of the zero-stress lengths of the main cables. By using a numerical method combining with the finite element method, one self-anchored suspension bridge with spatial cables was analyzed. The zero-stress length of the main cables, the position of the saddle, and the pre-offsetting of the saddle of the self-anchored suspension bridge were given. The reasonable shapes of the main cables at bridge completion stage and completed cable stage were presented. The results show that the shape-finding calculation method is effective and reliable. __________ Translated from Journal of Hunan University (Natural Sciences), 2007, 34(12): 20–25 [译自: 湖南大学学报(自然科学版)]     

Stability analysis of large diameter thin-walled tube beam-columns

Based on a blind spot in the current design standard of steel structures, the large diameter thin-walled tube beam-columns are analyzed using nonlinear finite element method in this paper. The influence of several factors on stability capacity of the large diameter thin-walled tube beam-columns is taken into account. Thus, according to the correlative design standard of steel structures, and on the basis of the numerical analytical results by the finite element methods, the calculation formulas of the stability bearing capacity are presented for beam-column members of the large diameter thin-walled tubes. Three tests of thin-walled steel tube beam-columns were reported. Test results for deformations and ultimate strength are found to be in a good agreement with the corresponding values predicted by the calculation formulas, and the proposed methods can be used in design practice. __________ Translated from China Civil Engineering Journal, 2007, 40(3): 11–17 [译自: 土 木 工 程 学 报]     

Design and stability analysis of continuous skew tied-arch bridge over Bin Jiang River

A tied arch bridge without wind bracing was built over the Bin Jiang River, with oblique angle of 20°. Its main design details are described and mechanical performances are analyzed. The stability analytical types are also introduced and the first elastic stability theory is used. A space finite element model has been built to analyze the stability performances in both construction and operation stages for single span or continuous, orthogonal or oblique bridge. The influence of stiffness of the end crossbeam is also analyzed. The result shows that out-plane buckling occur for a rigid tie and similar no matter whether it is single span or continuous and orthogonal or oblique. When there are more and stronger inner crossbeams, the influence of the end crossbeams on arch stability becomes unremarkable. __________ Translated from Journal of Southeast University, 2006, 36(6): 1007–1012 [译自: 东南大学学报]     

Ribbon bridge in waves based on hydroelasticity theory

For the design and operation of a floating bridge, the understanding of its hydroelastic behavior in waves is of great importance. This paper investigated the hydroelastic performances of a ribbon bridge under wave action. A brief introduction on the estimation of dynamic responses of the floating bridge and the comparisons between the experiments and estimation were presented. Based on the 3D hydroelasticity theory, the hydroelastic behavior of the ribbon bridge modeled by finite element method (FEM) was analyzed by employing the mode superposition method. And the relevant comparisons between the numerical results and experimental data obtained from one tenth scale elastic model test in the ocean basin were made. It is found that the present method is applicable and adaptable for predicting the hydroelastic response of the floating bridge in waves. __________ Translated from Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University, 2007, 41(9): 1441–1444 [译自: 上海交通大学学报]     

An analytical method for calculating torsional constants for arbitrary complicated thin-walled cross-sections

In this paper, an analytical method is proposed for calculating torsional constants for complicated thin-walled cross-sections with arbitrary closed or open rib stiffeners. This method uses the free torsional theory and the principle of virtual work to build governing equilibrium equations involving unknown shear flows and twisting rate. After changing the form of the equations and combining these two unknowns into one, torsional function, which is a function of shear flow, shear modulus, and twisting rate, is included in the governing equations as only one of the unknowns. All the torsional functions can be easily obtained from these homogeneous linear equations, and torsional constants can be easily obtained from the torsional functions. The advantage of this method is that we can easily and directly obtain torsional constants from the torsional functions, rather than the more sophisticated shear flow and twisting rate calculations. Finally, a complicated thin-walled cross-section is given as a valid numerical example to verify the analytical method, which is much more accurate and simpler than the traditional finite element method. __________ Translated from Journal of Tongji University (Natural Science), 2006, 34(9): 1 170–1 174 [译自: 同济大学学报 (自然科学版)]     

Parametric analysis and design equation of ultimate capacity for unstiffened overlapped CHS K-joints

A finite element model simulating an experiment on unstiffened, overlapped circular hollow structure (CHS) K-joints was generated and validated by comparing the ultimate capacities, deformation processes and failure modes of the experimental results. Using this model, the stress distribution, propagation of plasticity and the failure modes of overlapped joints with through-brace-in-compression and welded hidden seams were analyzed. The effect of geometric parameters, with or without hidden welds, and the loading hierarchy reversal of braces on the ultimate capacity of the joints were also studied. The results of finite element parametric analysis indicate that the brace-to-chord thickness ratio has relatively large effects on the failure mechanism and ultimate capacity of overlapped joints. It was also found that the absence of hidden welds has less significance on the ultimate capacity of through-brace-in-compression joints than through-brace-in tension joints. Finally, based on the design equation of gap joints, a formula predicting the ultimate capacity of overlapped CHS K-joints was derived by applying multivariate regression analysis. Results from the proposed design equation are consistent with experimental results. __________ Translated from Journal of Building Structures, 2006, 27(4): 30–36 [译自: 建筑结构学报]     

Moment-curvature relationship of FRP-concrete-steel double-skin tubular members

Tests were conducted on 3 specimens to study the flexural behavior of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP)-concrete-steel double-skin tubular members (DSTMs). The strip method was used to calculate the section momentcurvature curves of the 3 specimens and 12 models. A theoretical formula is presented for the flexural strength of DSTMs. The test results show that the tension zone of the specimen FRP tubes was in hoop compression while the compression zone was in hoop tension. The load-carrying capacity did not decrease even when the mid-span deflection reached about 1/24 of the span length. The tests, simulation and theoretical analysis resulted in a simplified formula for the flexural strength of DSTMs and a tri-linear moment-curvature model was expressed as a function of the section bending stiffness for DSTMs. __________ Translated from Journal of Tsinghua University (Science and Technology), 2008, 47(12): 2105–2110 [译自: 清华大学学报(自然科学版)]     

Explicit finite element method for calculation and analysis to the elasto-plastic dynamic response of fluid-saturated porous media

In order to describe the elasto-plastic dynamic response of fluid-saturated porous media, the incremental elasto-plastic wave propagation equations of fluid-saturated porous media are developed by the fundamental theory of continuum mechanics and appointing to the characteristic of fluid-saturated porous media. Then, the space discretization of these equations is performed to get their Galerkin formula. At last, the time discretization of this formula is carried out with the integral method which consists of central difference method and Newmark constant average acceleration method to get the explicit time integral formula for solving the wave propagation equations of porous media. On the basis of the integral formula mentioned above, the time-domain explicit finite element method is developed for calculation and analysis of the elasto-plastic dynamic response of fluid-saturated porous media. In this method, the decoupling technique is adopted and it does not need to solve simultaneous linear equations in each time step, so the computational effort and memory requirement can be reduced considerably by using this method. __________ Translated from Journal of Beijing University of Technology, 2006, 32(9): 785–790 [译自: 北京工业大学学报]     

General framework for bridge life cycle design

Based on a detailed illustration for bridge life cycle design which comprises the processes of service life design, aesthetics design, performance design, environmental and ecological design, inspection, maintenance and repair design as well as cost analysis, this paper presented a general framework for bridge life cycle design comprising three design phases and six design processes. __________ Translated from Journal of Tongji University (Natural Science), 2007, 35 (8): 1003–1007 [译自: 同济大学学报(自然科学版)]     

Application of cable-supported spatial grid in dry coal shed

This paper presented a new structural style cable-supported spatial grid, which was applied in large span dry coal sheds. The influence of configuration of cable on the force of cable and beam, the ratio of beam force to cable force and the deflection of span was investigated, and a rational configuration of cable was obtained. The results show that the cable-supported spatial grid can maximize the use of material strength, and have the advantages of low usage of steel, large span and sufficient headroom. __________ Translated from Journal of Hunan University (Natural Sciences), 2007, 34(2): 29–32 [译自: 湖南大学学报 (自然科学版)]     

Seismic performance of prestressed concrete stand structure supporting retractable steel roof

The seismic behavior of a structural system composed of pre-stressed concrete stand supporting a retractable steel roof was studied, which is typically based on the prototype of engineering project of Shanghai Qizhong Tennis Center. By elasto-plastic finite element analysis and shaking table test, the following were investigated: the effects of roof configurations in opening and closing, the effect of pre-stress on the structural seismic response, and the failure mechanism of the spatial stand frame systems featured with circularly arranged columns and inverse-cone type stands. It was found that the roof status has great effect on the natural period, vibration modes, and seismic response of the whole structure, the stand response to horizontal seismic excitation is stronger in roof opening configuration than in closing state, and the response mode is dominantly translational rather than rotational, though the stand is characterized by its fundamentally torsional vibration mode. The study indicated that the pre-stressed inverse-cone stands can keep the system from global side-sway collapse under gravity loads, even in the case that most columns loose moment capacity. __________ Translated from China Civil Engineering Journal, 2007, 40(8): 22–28 [译自: 土木工程学报]     

Analysis of behavior of melted dark green silty soil

The behavior of dark green silty soil of the 6th storey is studied by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The shape, size and contact condition of the basic elements of the soil microstructure, and the shape and the size of the pore are further studied. In addition, a comparative study is made to analyze the experiment results of Cu and dynamic test. The mechanic characteristics of common soil and those of melted soil are presented and their influences on dark silty soil after being frozen are theoretically illustrated from a microscopic perspective. __________ Translated from Journal of Tongji University (Natural Science), 2007, 35(1): 6–9 [译自: 同济大学学报(自然科学版)]     

Distribution of background equivalent static wind load on high-rise buildings

In this paper, the along-wind and cross-wind fluctuating load distributions along the height of high-rise buildings and their correlations are obtained through simultaneous pressure measurements in a wind tunnel. Some typical methods proposed in some relative literatures, i.e., load-response correlation (LRC), and quasi-mean load (QML) and gust load envelope (GLE) methods, are verified in terms of their accuracy in describing the background equivalent static wind load distribution on high-rise buildings. Based on the results, formulae of the distribution of background equivalent static load on high-rise buildings with typical shapes are put forward. It is shown that these formulae are of high accuracy and practical use. __________ Translated from Journal of Tongji University (Natural Science), 2008, 36(3): 285–290 [译自: 同济大学学报(自然科学版)]     

Experimental study of aerodynamic interference effects on aerostatic coefficients of twin deck bridges

The aerodynamic interference effects on aerostatic coefficients of twin deck bridges with large span were investigated in detail by means of wind tunnel test. The distances between the twin decks and wind attack angles were changed during the wind tunnel test to study the effects on aerodynamic interferences of aerostatic coefficients of twin decks. The research results have shown that the drag coefficients of the leeward deck are much smaller than that of a single leeward deck. The drag coefficients of a windward deck decrease slightly compared with that of a single deck. The lift and torque coefficients of windward and leeward decks are also affected slightly by the aerodynamic interference of twin decks. And the aerodynamic interference effects on lift and torque coefficients of twin decks can be neglected. __________ Translated from Journal of Hunan University (Natural Science), 2008, 35(1): 16–20 [译自: 湖南大学学报(自然科学版)]     

Unified solution of limit loads of thick wall cylinder subject to external pressure considering strain softening

Based on the unified strength theory [1], a unified strength criterion for strain softening materials, such as concrete or rock, was derived, and the elastic and plastic limit loads of a thick-walled cylinder made of these materials subject to external pressure were also given. In addition, the influence of some factors on the limit loads of such cylinders as the ratio of the external radius to internal radius, r _b/r _a, the coefficient b, which reflects the effect of medium principal stress and the normal stress of the relevant surface on the material destroy degree, the ratio of tensile strength to compressed strength of the material, α, and the damage variable β were discussed in detail. Some examples were given and some meaningful results were obtained. __________ Translated from Journal of Hunan University (Natural Science), 2006, 33(2): 1–5 [译自: 湖南大学学报 (自然科学版)]     

Analysis of nonlinear channel friction inverse problem

Based on the Backus-Gilbert inverse theory, the singular value decomposition (SVD) for general inverse matrices and the optimization algorithm are used to solve the channel friction inverse problem. The resolution and covariance friction inverse model in matrix form is developed to examine the reliability of solutions. Theoretical analyses demonstrate that the convergence rate of the general Newton optimization algorithm is in the second-order. The Wiggins method is also incorporated into the algorithm. Using the method, noise can be suppressed effectively, and the results are close to accurate solutions with proper control parameters. Also, the numerical stability can be improved. Translated from Journal of Zhejiang University (Engineering Science), 2005, 39(10): 1 603–1 608 [译自: 浙江大学学报(工学版)]