Shaking table testing of hard layered soil-pile-structure interaction system

Shaking table tests on a dynamic interaction system of hard layered soil, pile foundation and frame structure were carried out. The earthquake damage of the superstructure and foundation was reproduced. Based on these tests, several key issues about the seismic response of the dynamic soil-structure interaction (SSI) system were studied. The natural frequency of the system was less than that of the structure on rigid foundation if the SSI is not taken into account, while its damping ratio was larger than that of the structure. The mode shape of the system was different from that of the structure on the fixed base in that there were rocking and swinging at the foundation. Magnification or reduction of vibration transferred by soil was related to soil characteristic, excitation magnitude, and so on. Generally, sand magnifies vibration, while viscous powder soil dampens vibration. The components of the acceleration response at the top of the superstructure were based on the relative magnitude of the rocking stiffness, the swing stiffness of the foundation and the stiffness of the super-structure. The multi-direction excitations have little effect on the key issues of the horizontal SSI. __________ Translated from Journal of Tongji University (Natural Science), 2006, 34(3): 307–313 [译自: 同济大学学报 (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]     

Probabilistic model for vessel-bridge collisions in the Three Gorges Reservoir

Based on a field observation on vessel transit path of three bridges over the Yangtze River in the Three Gorges Reservoir, and an analysis of the geometric probabilistic model of transiting vessels in collision probability calculation, the aberrancy angle and vessel velocity probabilistic model related with impact force, a probabilistic model is established and also verified by goodness-of-fit test. The vessel transit path distribution can be expressed by the normal distribution model. For the Three Gorges Reservoir, the mean and standard deviation adopt 0.2w and 0.1w, respectively (w is the channel width). The aberrancy angle distribution of vessels accepts maximum I distribution model, and its distribution parameters can be taken as 0.314 and 4.354. The velocity distribution of up-bound and down-bound vessels can also be expressed by the normal distribution model. __________ Translated from Journal of Tongji University (Natural Science), 2008, 36 (4): 477–482 [译自: 同济大学学报(自然科学版)]     

Soil-water interaction in unsaturated expansive soil slopes

The intensive soil-water interaction in unsaturated expansive soil is one of the major reasons for slope failures. In this paper, the soil-water interaction is investigated with the full-scale field inspection of rainwater infiltration and comprehensive experiments, including wetting-induced softening tests, swelling, and shrinkage tests. It is demonstrated that the soil-water interaction induced by seasonal wetting-drying cycles is very complex, and it involves coupled effects among the changes in water content, suction, stress, deformation and shear strength. In addition, the abundant cracks in the expansive soil play an important role in the soil-water interaction. The cracks disintegrate the soil mass, and more importantly, provide easy pathways for rainfall infiltration. Infiltration of rainwater not only results in wetting-induced softening of the shallow unsaturated soil layers, but also leads to the increase of horizontal stress. The increase of horizontal stress may lead to a local passive failure. The seasonal wetting-drying cycles tend to result in a down-slope creeping of the shallow soil layer, which leads to progressive slope failure. Translated from Journal of Zhejiang University (Engineering Science), 2006, 40(3): 494–500 [译自: 浙江大学学报 (工学版)]     

Wind-induced vibration control of Hefei TV tower with fluid viscous damper

The Hefei TV tower is taken as an analytical case to examine the control method with a fluid viscous damper under wind load fluctuation. Firstly, according to the random vibration theory, the effect of fluctuating wind on the tower can be modeled as a 19-dimensional correlated random process, and the wind-induced vibration analysis of the tower subjected to dynamic wind load was further obtained. On the basis of the others’ works, a bimodel dynamic model is proposed. Finally, a dynamic model is proposed to study the wind-induced vibration control analysis using viscous fluid dampers, and the optimal damping coefficient is obtained regarding the wind-induced response of the upper turret as optimization objectives. Analysis results show that the maximum peak response of the tower under dynamic wind load is far beyond the allowable range of the code. The wind-induced responses and the wind vibration input energy of the tower are decreased greatly by using a fluid viscous damper, and the peak acceleration responses of the upper turret is reduced by 43.4%. __________ Translated from Journal of Southeast University (Natural Science Edition), 2008, 37(6): 1018–1022 [译自: 东南大学学报(自然科学版)]     

Investigations concerning seismic response control of self-anchored suspension bridge with MR dampers

To mitigate the seismic response of self-anchored suspension bridges, equations of motion governing the coupled system of bridge-magneto-rheological (MR) dampers subject to seismic excitation are formulated by employing the phenomenological model of MR dampers. A corresponding computer program is developed and employed for studying the seismic response control of a self-anchored suspension bridge with a main span of 350 m. The effect of variable current and number of dampers on seismic response control is investigated. The numerical results indicate the longitudinal displacement of the tower top and bridge girder decrease with the increase in input current and number of MR dampers attached longitudinally at the tower-girder connections, and the internal forces of the tower are effectively attenuated as well. It appears that small electronic current (0.5 A in this study) may sufficiently attenuate the seismic responses for practical engineering applications. __________ Translated from China Civil Engineering Journal, 2006, 39(11): 84–89 [译自: 土木工程学报]     

Progress in lifeline engineering researches

In this paper, an overview is given on several key issues and related research progress made in lifeline engineering. The research topics include: numerical modeling of random seismic waves, probabilistic density evolution analysis for nonlinear structural responses, and seismic reliability analysis of large-scale lifeline networks. In addition, a comparison is made between the domestic and international studies on the aforementioned topics. Several examples are included in the paper as the case studies. Recommendations are given for further development of the lifeline engineering research. Translated from China Civil Engineering Journal, 2006, 39(1):1–6, 37 [译自: 土木工程学报]     

Improving existing “reaching law” for better discrete control of seismically-excited building structures

In this paper, a novel “composite reaching law” was explained in details: 1) the equation of discrete motion for a control system; 2) the design of discrete-time variable structure control. In addition, the model of a three-storey shear-type building structure was used to verify the effectiveness of the discrete variable structure control method. The results of numerical example analysis of the model show that the control law can effectively reduce the peak value of seismic response of the building structure and the chattering effect of the control system. __________ Translated from Journal of Northwestern Polytechnical University, 2007, 25(6): 869-873 [译自: 西北工业大学学报]     

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)]     

Experimental study on fire protection methods of reinforced concrete beams strengthened with carbon fiber reinforced polymer

In this paper, two reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened with carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) and attached with thick-painted fire resistant coating were tested for fire resistance following the standard fire testing procedures. The experimental results show that the specimen pasted with the insulated layer of 50 mm in thickness could resist fire for 2.5 h. It is also demonstrated that the steel wire mesh embedded in the insulated layer can effectively prevent it from cracking and eroding under firing. __________ Translated from Journal of Tongji University (Natural Sciences), 2006, 34(11): 1452–1456 [译自: 同济大学学报 (自然科学版)]     

Experimental study on flow behavior at open channel confluences

Channel confluences are common in natural rivers and hydraulic engineering, and the flow behavior at confluences becomes very complex because of the interaction between the tributary and the main river. In this study, the experiments were performed in a combined flume with a 30° angle between the main and tributary flume located at Sichuan University. The velocity was measured by using a three-component acoustic Doppler velocimeter (ADV) over a grid defined throughout the junction region. Based on the analysis of the velocity at the confluence, the distinctive characteristics of a channel confluence flow may be divided into several zones including a zone of separation immediately downstream of the junction branch channel, the maximum and minimum velocity regions at the upstream and downstream in the confluent channel, and a shear plane developed between the two combining flows downstream of the confluent channel. In addition, secondary circulations in different directions at the higher and lower velocity zones are observed as well. Translated from Journal of Sichuan University (Engineering Science Edition), 2006, 38(2): 1–5 [译自: 四川大学学报 (工程科学版)]     

Mechanical properties of stabilized artificial organic soil

In order to study the influence of organic matter on the mechanical properties of stabilized soil and the effect of XGL2005 on stabilizing organic soil, unconfined compressive strength tests were carried out. Test results indicated that the strength of stabilized soil decreased in the form of a logarithmic function as the organic matter content increased. In contrast, the strength increased in the form of a power function as the content of the stabilization agent increased. The strength of cement stabilized organic soil was reinforced greatly by adding the stabilizer XGL2005. Based on the law obtained from the test, a strength prediction model was established by regression analysis. The model included the influence of the curing time, the content of the cement, the organic matter content and the stabilization agent on the strength of stabilized soil. __________ Translated from Journal of Zhejiang University (Engineering Science), 2007, 41(1): 109–113 [译自: 浙江 大学学报(工学版)]     

Vibration analysis of medium and small span bridges subjected to mixed marshalling freight trains

It has been reported several times that train derailment occurs when mixed marshalling freight trains traverse bridges at high speeds in China. This study aims to explain this phenomenon numerically based on the train-bridge coupling vibration theory and its associated computer program. The train-bridge vibration characteristic is analyzed by a computer program when mixed marshalling freight trains traverse 32-meter-span prestressed concrete simple beam bridges. The mechanism that dynamic responses of the bridges are prominent and that empty trains are inclined to derail are derived from the dynamic responses analysis. The analysis indicates that the significant differences of axle loads between heavy vehicles and empty vehicles produce periodic forced loadings of large amplitudes. These periodic loadings cause severe vibration of bridges. In turn, severe vibration of the bridges produces intensive counteraction to empty vehicles. __________ Translated from Journal of Tongji University (Natural Science), 2007, 35(2): 171–175 [译自: 同济大学学报(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]     

Experimental research on seismic behavior of recycled concrete frame under varying cyclic loading

A study is conducted on the seismic behavior of one natural concrete frame and two recycled concrete frames with 100% recycled coarse aggregate whose scales are 1:2 entirely, and a comparative study is conducted under low-reversed cyclic lateral loading and different vertical loading. This work aims to estimate the failure mechanism, hysteresis loops, displacement ductility, deterioration of strength and stiffness and energy dissipation of recycled concrete frames under low-reversed cyclic loading as well as the influence of different vertical loading. Analysis on the basis of the experiment proves that it is entirely feasible to apply recycled concrete to practical engineering for the sake of its good seismic behaviors. Theoretical base is provided for further study and practical application of recycled concrete structure. __________ Translated from Journal of Tongji University (Natural Science), 2007, 35(8): 1013–1018 [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)]     

Propagation characteristics of transient waves in low-strain integrity testing on cast-in-situ concrete thin-wall pipe piles

The three-dimensional effects of pile head and the applicability of plane-section assumption are main problems in low-strain dynamic tests on cast-in-situ concrete thin-wall pipe piles. The velocity and displacement responses were calculated by a theoretical formula deduced by the authors. The frequency and influencing factor of high-frequency interference were analyzed. A numerical method was established to calculate the peak value and arrival time of incoming waves on top of the piles. The regularity along circumferential and the influence of radius or impulse width were studied. The applicability of plane-section assumption was investigated by comparison of velocity responses at different points in the sections at different depths. The waveform of velocity response at different points forked after the first peak, indicating that the propagation of stress waves did not well meet the plane- section assumption. __________ Translated from Chinese Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, 2008, 30 (3): 414–419 [译自: 岩土工程学报]     

Tests on impact effect of partial fracture at steel frame connections

Impact effect of sudden fracture at steel frame connections under severe earthquake or other extreme loads is presented in this paper. The relation of impulse caused by structural fracture to the release of inner force at the cracked location, the magnitude of the response to impact on the basis of one degree of freedom model, and the ratio of the peak value of response to natural period of the system are investigated. Two types of fracture tests were designed and carried out both on uniaxial steel bar tensioned and moment resistant steel frame model. It is proven that the response during the fracture process can be measured quite well using high-frequency data processing system. It is also revealed that the instant fracture of structural connection is characterized by progressive and partial fracture. Numerical evaluation of the impact effect of connection fracture is carried out. __________ Translated from Journal of Tongji University (Natural Science), 2007, 35(3): 299–303, 314 [译自: 同济大学学报(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)]     

Comparisons of bridges flutter derivatives and generalized ones

The causes of the nonlinearity of self-excited aerodynamic force of bridge are interpreted from such two aspects as amplitude and wind velocity. The concept of “generalized flutter derivative” is proposed, and its physical meaning is illustrated. The graphs of the generalized flutter derivatives of plate and Sutong Bridge section model are plotted. The characteristics of all generalized flutter derivatives are compared and analyzed, and their superiorities are verified. The results indicate that the physical meaning of generalized flutter derivatives are more explicit compared to the traditional ones. It is more convenient to understand the nonlinearity properties of self-excited aerodynamic force of bridge according to the generalized flutter derivatives graphs with the wind velocity as the horizontal coordinate. __________ Translated from Journal of Wuhan University of Technology (Transportation Science and Engineering), 2008, 32(4): 607–610 [译自: 武汉理工大学学报(交通科学与工程版)]