Triaxial Load Testing of Metal and FRP Roof-to-Wall Connectors

The allowable capacity of conventional roof-to-wall metal connectors is based on results of unidirectional component tests that do not simulate triaxial aerodynamic loading effects induced by high-wind events. The results of wind and wind-driven rain tests conducted at a full-scale facility were used to create a database on aerodynamic and aerohydrodynamic load effects on roof-to-wall connectors. Based on these results, three axial mean force components (triaxial mean loads) were combined into a series of resultant mean force vectors. A new test protocol was then developed for roof-to-wall connectors under simulated triaxial loading as opposed to simple uniaxial loading. The findings confirm that current testing methods tend to overestimate the actual load capacities of metal connectors. The performance of a nonintrusive roof-to-wall connector system using fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) ties was also tested and compared with that of a traditional metal connector under simulated aerodynamic loads. The test results demonstrated the validity of FRP ties as an alternative to hurricane clips for use in timber roof-to-wall connection systems.     

Wedge Failure Analysis of Soil Resistance on Laterally Loaded Piles in Clay

A fundamental study of pile-soil systems subjected to lateral loads in clay soil was conducted by using experimental tests and a lateral load-transfer approach. The emphasis was on an improved wedge failure model developed by considering three-dimensional combination forces and a new hyperbolic p-y criterion. A framework for determining the p-y curve on the basis of both theoretical analysis and experimental load test results is proposed. The proposed p-y method is shown to be capable of predicting the behavior of a large-diameter pile under lateral loading. The proposed p-y curves with an improved wedge model are more appropriate and realistic for representing a pile-soil interaction for laterally loaded piles in clay than the existing p-y method.     

Performance Evaluation of Precast Posttensioned Concrete Multibeam Deck

An innovative bridge construction utilizing on-site posttensioned precast concrete beams that are compressed together with full depth grouted shear keys and transverse posttensioning is the subject of this paper. In particular, the performance of the shear keys with regard to load transfer and water tightness constitutes the main issues of investigation. This paper presents the results of a live load testing program and associated finite-element analysis results of the as-built bridge. Live truck load test results help provide insights on the lateral (transverse direction) load distribution characteristics among the interconnected beams. The measured lateral distribution of the applied truck load among adjacent beams showed that the load was transferred primarily to the beams close to the truck load position, validating the effectiveness of the shear key details in transporting loads.     

Numerical Investigation of the Effect of Vertical Load on the Lateral Response of Piles

The laboratory and field test data on the response of piles under the combined action of vertical and lateral loads is rather limited. The current practice for design of piles is to consider the vertical and lateral loads independent of each other. This paper presents some results from three-dimensional finite-element analyses that show the significant influence of vertical loads on a pile’s lateral response. The analyses were performed in both homogeneous clayey soils and homogeneous sandy soils. The results have shown that the influence of vertical loads on the lateral response of piles is to significantly increase the capacity in sandy soils and marginally decrease the capacity in clayey soils. In general, it was found that the effect of vertical loads in sandy soils is significant even for long piles, which are as long as 30 times the pile width, while in the case of clayey soils, the effect is not significant for piles beyond a length of 15 times the width of the pile. The design bending moments in the laterally loaded piles were also found to be dependent on the level of vertical load on the piles.     

p-y Criterion for Rock Mass

Drilled shafts socketed in rock mass have been used frequently as a foundation system to support both vertical and lateral loads. Traditionally, the lateral interaction between the drilled shaft and the surrounding rock medium has been characterized by means of nonlinear p-y curves; however, there is a lack of well verified p-y criterion for rock mass. In this paper, a hyperbolic p-y criterion is developed based on both theoretical derivations and numerical (finite element) parametric analysis results. The methods for determining pertinent rock parameters needed for constructing the proposed p-y curves are presented in the paper. Two full-scale lateral load tests on large diameter, fully instrumented drilled shafts socketed in rock conducted by the writers, together with additional four load test results reported by Gabr et al. were used to validate the applicability of the proposed hyperbolic p-y curves for rock mass. The comparisons between the computed shaft responses (both deflections and bending moments) and the actual measured responses are considered acceptable.     

Three-Dimensional Analysis of Performance of Laterally Loaded Sleeved Piles in Sloping Ground

Development of urban cities in hilly terrain often involves the construction of high-rise buildings supported by large diameter piles on steep cut slopes. Under lateral loads, the piles may induce slope failure, particularly at shallow depths. To minimize the transfer of lateral load from the buildings to the shallow depths of the slope, an annulus of compressible material, referred to as sleeving, is usually constructed between the piles and the adjacent soil. However, the influence of the sleeving on the pile performance in a sloping ground is not fully studied and understood. To investigate the influence, a 3D numerical analysis of sleeved and unsleeved piles on a cut slope is described in this paper. The influences of relative soil stiffness on the response of sleeved piles are also examined. The load transfer from the laterally loaded sleeved pile to the sloping ground is primarily through a shear load transfer mechanism in the vertical plane. Under small lateral loads, the sleeving can lead to a significant reduction in subgrade reaction on the sleeved pile segment and may considerably increase the pile deflection and bending moments. Under large lateral loads, the influence of the sleeving on pile performance appears to diminish because of the widespread plastic zones developed around the pile.     

循环荷载下岩石材料力学特性研究进展

工程实际中的岩体常常受到地质构造运动、工程施工及次生应力场等循环荷载作用,表现出与单调荷载不同的力学特性.为了更好地研究循环荷载作用下岩石材料的力学特性,对强度特征、变形特征及破坏特征3个方面进行了总结分析,同时对现有研究的局限性提出了几点建议:在更宽频率范围内研究频率对循环力学特性的影响,从而得出更为准确的结论;将现...     

新型木建筑材料——交叉层积木介绍及其连接的试验研究

交叉层积木作为一种新型木建筑材料已经在北美地区推广开来,然而在我国还没有得到引进和推广.本文介绍了这种新型材料的性能特点,总结其生产工艺、设计方法和研究进展,重点对交叉层积木七种半刚性连接的抗震性能进行试验研究.研究表明:紧固件全部被拔出的失效模式为理想的延性破坏模式,滞回曲线表现出高度非线性、刚度退化、强度退化以及捏拢现象.通过试验数据分析,给出了在延性和承载能力两方面最佳的连接.      

钢筋混凝土结构施工期荷载效应分析

在建筑结构施工期荷载和早期抗力现场实测和统计分析的基础上,分析了施工期钢筋混凝土框架结构施工荷载的加载历程,建立了结构施工期力学模型,应用SAP2000程序计算了施工期结构荷载效应,研究了施工期荷载效应的时变规律,为施工期结构安全控制提供依据.     

Hodgkin's disease: a tumor with disturbed immunological pathways

An experimental testing program was conducted to investigate the uplift capacity of various rafter to top plate connections. Rather than simply testing the fastener in an ideal test specimen configuration, attention is paid to more realistic test specimens that account for as-built conditions. Consideration is also given to repetitive systems of these connections such as would be found in roof systems. The results from this investigation provide basic data on failure modes and capacities. Comparisons are made between test values, calculated design values, and manufacturers' published values. In addition to metal straps, alternative connection methods such as adhesives are investigated, and consideration is given to both new construction and retrofit of existing structures. The results from this study are used to develop possible schedules for rafter to top plate connections considering different roof slopes, rafter lengths, wind speeds, exposures, and internal pressures.     

Response of Laterally Loaded Large-Diameter Bored Pile Groups

This paper presents results of full-scale lateral load tests of one single pile and three pile groups in Hong Kong. The test piles, which are embedded in superficial deposits and decomposed rocks, are 1.5 m in diameter and approximately 30 m long. The large-diameter bored pile groups consist of one two-pile group at 6 D (D = pile diameter) spacing and one two-pile and one three-pile group at 3 D spacing. This paper aims to investigate the nonlinear response of laterally loaded large-diameter bored pile groups and to study design parameters for large-diameter bored piles associated with the p-y method using a 3 D finite-element program, FLPIER. Predictions using soil parameters based on published correlations and back-analysis of the single-pile load test are compared. It is found that a simple hyperbolic representation of load-deflection curves provides an objective means to determine ultimate lateral load capacity, which is comparable with the calculated values based on Broms' theory. Lateral deflections of bored pile groups predicted using the values of the constant of horizontal subgrade reaction, suggested by Elson and obtained from back-analysis of the single pile load test, are generally in good agreement with the measurements, especially at low loads.     

Failure Mechanisms of Pile Foundations in Liquefiable Soil: Parametric Study

This paper presents the response of piles in liquefiable soil under seismic loads. The effects of soil, pile, and earthquake parameters on the two potential pile failure mechanisms, bending and buckling, are examined. The analysis is conducted using a two-dimensional plain strain finite difference program considering a nonlinear constitutive model for soil liquefaction, strength reduction, and pile-soil interaction. The depths of liquefaction, maximum lateral displacement, and maximum pile bending moment are obtained for concrete and steel piles for different soil relative densities, pile diameters, earthquake predominant frequencies, and peak accelerations. The potential failure mechanisms of piles identified from the parametric analysis are discussed.     

Flexural Reinforcement of Glulam Timber Beams and Joints with Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Rods

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have largely been used in combination with masonry and concrete structural elements in the last decade. Recent applications showed that new advantages may also be achieved in the field of timber structures, even if currently steel fasteners are used mainly in connecting systems. This study investigated the possibility of using carbon FRP (CFRP) rods as glued-in reinforcement of glulam beams and as glued-in connectors for glulam timber head joints that should transfer flexural moment between two adjacent beams. Half-scale beams were tested both with and without the presence of FRP reinforcement. Flexural behavior of CFRP-reinforced beams was compared with unreinforced beams that were used as control specimens. Two different amounts of CFRP reinforcement were used in the beam section. Experimental results showed a significant influence of the CFRP rods, because the reinforced beams demonstrated an increase in ultimate capacity and stiffness. Experimental results were also compared with numerical analysis, which showed good accordance with regard to the load and deflection values. Full-size head joints were prepared and tested. Flexural behavior of the joints was compared with the mechanical properties of monopiece beams that were used as reference specimens. Three different force transfer lengths were used for the construction of CFRP-timber joints. Experimental results showed that the use of CFRP rods in timber joints was successful, because the capacity of the CFRP-jointed beams was almost the same as that of the monolithic beams for the longest bond length that was adopted. This result is important in order to find an adequate alternative to traditional joints made with steel bolts and plates, which are unable to create rigid connections, increase dramatically the weight of timber structures, and may be subjected to corrosion in an aggressive environment. A numerical modeling based on the virtual work principle was also conducted and theoretical results were found in good accordance with the experimental results for the tested joint.     

Behavior of Slender Piles Subject to Free-Field Lateral Soil Movement

Soil movements associated with slope instability induce shear forces and bending moments in stabilizing piles that vary with the buildup of passive pile resistance. For such free-field lateral soil movements, stress development along the pile element is a function of the relative displacement between the soil and the pile. To investigate the effects of relative soil-pile displacement on pile response, large-scale load tests were performed on relatively slender, drilled, composite pile elements (cementitious grout with centered steel reinforcing bar). The piles were installed through a shear box into stable soil and then loaded by lateral translation of the shear box. The load tests included two pile diameters (nominal 115 and 178?mm) and three cohesive soil types (loess, glacial till, and weathered shale). Instrumentation indicated the relative soil-pile displacements and the pile response to the loads that developed along the piles. Using the experimental results, an analysis approach was evaluated using soil p-y curves derived from laboratory undrained shear strength tests. The test piles and analyses helped characterize behavioral stages of the composite pile elements at loads up to pile section failure and also provided a unique dataset to evaluate the lateral response analysis method for its applicability to slender piles.     

基于裂纹扩展模型的脆性岩石破裂特征及力学性能研究

为了探究初始微裂纹参数分布对岩石破裂特征及力学性能的影响,进一步系统地了解脆性岩石破裂演化过程,依据线弹性断裂力学理论,建立了非均质性二维细观弹性损伤模型,并运用FLAC^2D数值分析软件,数值模拟研究了单轴压缩条件下不同形态岩石试样的破裂过程。研究结果表明,当初始微裂纹长度和角度服从不同的随机分布时,岩石材料表现出不同的破裂特征,其中初始微裂纹长度和角度均服从正态分布时,岩石破裂区域较完整;初始微裂纹长度或角度服从均匀分布和指数分布时,岩石破裂区域较分散;初始微裂纹角度对于解释脆性岩石单轴抗压试验时岩石试样出现剪切破坏和劈裂破坏的原因具有一定的指导意义,且当初始微裂纹角度均值ɑ=45°时,模型具有最小的峰值强度和轴向最大应变。模型还模拟了脆性岩石单轴抗压试验、巴西劈裂试验和断裂韧度试验的演化过程,模拟结果与试验结果具有较高的一致性。     

Out-of-Plane Strengthening of Unreinforced Masonry Walls with Openings

Collapse of unreinforced masonry (URM) walls is the cause of many casualties during extreme loading events. The objective of this current research was to investigate effective and practical approaches for strengthening URM block walls with openings to resist extreme out-of-plane loads. Five full-scale masonry block walls were constructed. The walls had different opening configurations such as a single center window, one window off center, two windows, a wide window and a door. The walls were tested when subjected to uniformly distributed lateral load up to failure. The walls were then strengthened using carbon fiber-reinforced polymer laminate strips and then retested. The walls were set up in a vertical test frame and were subjected to cyclic out-of-plane distributed pressure using an airbag. Failure of the unstrengthened URM block wall was along the mortar joints. In the strengthened walls, failure occurred in the mortar joints as well as in concrete blocks near the carbon strips. The lateral load carrying capacity of the strengthened walls was found to be significantly higher than that of the unstrengthened walls and had much more ductile performance.     

Mechanical evaluation of craniofacial osseointegration retention systems

This study evaluates mechanical behavior of retention systems that have been used in craniofacial osseointegration. A loading/measuring apparatus was custom designed and constructed. Test bases that represented a typical auricular situation were constructed. These bases allowed for three points of retention. Jigs that could be reproducibly positioned carried the reciprocal portion of the retentive components. The test apparatus provided vertical and horizontal loads in five locations. The system was used to test two ball-and-socket attachments (Dalla Bona; Nobelpharma), cast and preformed bar and clips (Nobelpharma), and three magnet systems (Dynamag; Neomag; Technovent). The loading/measuring apparatus was also used to evaluate the performance of two facial prosthetic adhesives. Retention systems employed in craniofacial osseointegration offer more predictable retention than the facial prosthetic adhesives. The mechanical retention systems are best suited to situations where tensile and shear forces will operate. Magnet systems are best used where only tensile forces are anticipated or where horizontal forces on the implants are to be avoided.     

Mechanical Characterization of a Graphite∕Epoxy IsoTruss

Graphite∕epoxy IsoTruss specimens were filament wound and experimentally tested to failure under simple compression, tension, and torsion and compared with simple analytical predictions. Failed specimens were subsequently retested to gain further insight into the mechanical interaction of the various components of the IsoTruss. Simple analytical techniques were used to predict the approximate strength of the IsoTruss. A total of 15 five inch (12.7 cm) diameter, five-bay IsoTruss specimens were filament wound on a reusable, silicone inner mandrel. Nine 3-tow specimens with a nominal member cross-sectional area of 0.27 in.2 (1.7 cm2) and six 5-tow specimens with a corresponding area of 0.45 in.2 (2.9 cm2) were fabricated and tested. Axial and torsion loads, axial displacements, and rotations were synchronized with axial strain gauge data from the three main regions of the IsoTruss (axials, tetrahedrons, and the cross-zone). Additionally, four 3-tow IsoTruss specimens with various lengths tested in simple compression showed that global buckling does not affect a five inch (12.7 cm) IsoTruss six bays in length or less, and that the failure of a single bay has little or no effect on the capacity of the remaining IsoTruss to resist compressive loads. The results indicate the relative contributions of primary and secondary load members. The influence of the secondary load members increases after failure of a primary load member. The redundancy of the structure coupled with the influence of the secondary load members causes a ductile type failure to occur for all load types, but it is most pronounced in torsion. In all load types, failure was initially isolated to a single bay. Generally, reloaded specimens were only minimally affected by the prior damage. Finally, increased fiber interconnectivity at the nodes of the IsoTruss yields higher ultimate stresses and greater toughness in IsoTruss structures.     

Effect of Cracking on the Response of Pile Test under Horizontal Loading

Capacity-based design of structures limits the soil-structure interaction mechanism to the determination of the bearing capacity of a pile group. However, in many cases the criterion for the design of piles to resist lateral loads is not the ultimate lateral capacity but the deflection of the piles. Many procedures exist for estimating the response of single piles and pile groups under lateral loading, ranging from application of empirical relationships and simple closed-form solutions to sophisticated nonlinear numerical procedures. With the aim of investigating the effect of cracking, disregarded by most of the above-mentioned methods, a three-dimensional (3D) nonlinear analysis that accounts for cracking is presented. Response prediction correlates well with the experimental data from a full-scale pile load test. Interesting conclusions have also been drawn regarding the discretization of the computational domain and the combination of 3D numerical nonlinear analysis and the structural beam theory.     

Nonlinear Rail-Structure Interaction Analysis of an Elevated Skewed Steel Guideway

The use of continuous welded rail (CWR) with direct fixation of track on concrete deck is typical of most modern light-rail aerial structures. The interaction between the CWR and the elevated structure takes place through direct-fixation rail fasteners, which have a nonlinear force-displacement relationship. Factors that have significant influence on this interaction include the following: the bearing arrangement at the substructure units, trackwork terminating on the aerial structure, type of deck construction, and type of rail fasteners. To better understand the interaction mechanism, a nonlinear three-dimensional (3D) finite-element analysis of a straight, skewed, elevated steel guideway was carried out using the commercially available software GT STRUDL. The load cases considered in this study are temperature change, temperature change with rail breaking, and train braking. Results are presented in the form of rail axial stresses along the length of the bridge and normal bearing forces at both abutments and at all pier locations. The study shows that nonlinear 3D modeling can give a comprehensive insight into the rail-structure interaction (RSI) forces.