Statistical Evaluation of Metaheuristic Algorithm: An Optimum Reinforced Concrete T-beam Problem

This paper presents results of an experimental investigation into the effect of flange geometry on the shear strength of point-loaded, reinforced concrete T-beams. A procedure to normalise the ultimate strength and calculate a concrete contribution is implemented. This is used to discuss the effect of varying the ratio of flange width to web width and the ratio of flange depth to effective depth on the shear strength of a reinforced concrete T-beam. An increase in the ratio of flange width to web width is shown to produce an accompanying increase in the ultimate strength of a reinforced concrete T-beam, providing the ratio of flange depth to effective depth is above a certain minimum value. This increase in shear resistance with an increase in the ratio of flange width to web width continues until the flange is wide enough to allow formation of a failure mechanism whereby the load point punches through the flange.Key words: shear, T-beams, flange, reinforcing, strength, failure mechanisms.

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Damage Identification of T-Beam Bridge Based on Distributed Long-Gauge Strain Mode Theory

Applied Mechanics and Materials ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/amm.501-504.1352 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 501-504 ◽

pp. 1352-1358

Author(s):

Bi Tao Wu ◽

Gang Wu ◽

Cai Qian Yang

Keyword(s):

Reinforced Concrete ◽

Strain Amplitude ◽

Health Monitoring ◽

Damage Identification ◽

Amplitude Variation ◽

Strain Mode ◽

Mode Theory ◽

Sensor Arrangement ◽

Beam Bridge ◽

T Beam

Damage identification of a T-beam bridge which contains five T-beams is conducted based on distributed long - gauge strain mode theory, considering the damage and aging problems of widely used simple-supported reinforced concrete T-beam bridges. Assuming that the damage occurs in the different T-beams, the normalized strain mode is used to identify the damage. The sensitivity of the normalized strain mode of each T-beam and change rule of strain mode curve is studied at the same time. It is effective to apply modal strain amplitude variation degree to detect damages. If sensors are arranged reasonablely, a good damage identification can be obtained by utilizing distributed long-gauge strain mode theory even if the damage is slight.Some suggestions are given for the sensor arrangement and health monitoring of this kind of bridge when using the distributed long-gauge strain mode theory at last.

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Improved Live Load Distribution Factors for Use in Load Rating of Older Slab and T-Beam Reinforced Concrete Bridges

10.5703/1288284317303 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Faezeh Ravazdezh ◽

Julio A. Ramirez ◽

Ghadir Haikal

Keyword(s):

Finite Element ◽

Reinforced Concrete ◽

Load Distribution ◽

Load Rating ◽

Flat Slab ◽

3D Finite Element ◽

On Demand ◽

Load Distribution Factors ◽

The Impact ◽

T Beam

This report describes a methodology for demand estimate through the improvement of load distribution factors in reinforced concrete flat-slab and T-beam bridges. The proposed distribution factors are supported on three-dimensional (3D) Finite Element (FE) analysis tools. The Conventional Load Rating (CLR) method currently in use by INDOT relies on a two-dimensional (2D) analysis based on beam theory. This approach may overestimate bridge demand as the result of neglecting the presence of parapets and sidewalks present in these bridges. The 3D behavior of a bridge and its response could be better modeled through a 3D computational model by including the participation of all elements. This research aims to investigate the potential effect of railings, parapets, sidewalks, and end-diaphragms on demand evaluation for purposes of rating reinforced concrete flat-slab and T-beam bridges using 3D finite element analysis. The project goal is to improve the current lateral load distribution factor by addressing the limitations resulting from the 2D analysis and ignoring the contribution of non-structural components. Through a parametric study of the slab and T-beam bridges in Indiana, the impact of selected parameters on demand estimates was estimated, and modifications to the current load distribution factors in AASHTO were proposed.

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