Study on Interaction of RC Pile-Soil with High Reinforcement Ratio of Integral Abutment Bridges under Quasi-Static Test

In order to improve the ability of the reinforcement concrete (RC) pile foundation of integral abutment to absorb the horizontal reciprocating deformation under the action of temperature or earthquake, a pseudo-static low cycle test on interaction of pile-soil with high reinforcement ratio was carried out. The failure location, hysteresis curve, skeleton curve and horizontal deformation of three piles with different reinforcement ratios were compared. The test results show that, with the increase of the reinforcement ratio, the crack of the RC pile develops along the pile body to the depth, and the pile body failure area and the position where the maximum bending moment moves down, the crack resistance of the pile body is improved, and the effective interaction pile length increases; The test results also show that the hysteresis curve of the model pile becomes fuller with the increase of the reinforcement ratio, compared with the RCP-1 specimen with the lowest reinforcement ratio, the equivalent viscous damping ratio of the RCP-3 specimen is increased by 31.6%, and the energy dissipation capacity is improved. In addition, with the increase of the reinforcement ratio, the bearing capacity and deformation capacity of model piles are greatly improved. Compared with RCP-1 specimen, the ultimate bearing capacity of RCP-3 specimen increased by 150%, and the corresponding ultimate displacement increased by 153%. Increasing reinforcement ratio can significantly improve the mechanical properties and deformation capacity of RC pile.

Experimental investigations into the mechanical performance of glulam dowel-type connections with either bolts or screws as fasteners

Dowel-type connections are the most common connections in glulam structures. Bolts are often used as fasteners for dowel-type connections. However, the clearance between the bolts and the pre-drilled bolt holes leads to low rotational stiffness and insufficient moment-resisting capacity. To achieve better mechanical performance, screws can be used as alternative fasteners for dowel-type connections. In this paper, monotonic and cyclic loading tests were conducted on glulam dowel-type connections with either bolts or screws as fasteners. The failure modes, moment-resisting capacity, ductility ratio, stiffness degradation, and equivalent viscous damping ratio of the specimens were analyzed and reported. Results showed that compared with traditional bolted connections, the screwed connections had larger moment-resisting capacity and better ductility. The hysteretic loops of the screwed connections were plumper, and the pinching effect was gentler compared to those of traditional bolted connections.

Experimental Study on Mechanical Properties of Large NiTi Superelastic Shape Memory Alloy Bars

This study intensively examined the mechanical properties of large-sized superelastic shape memory alloy (SMA) bars, mainly focusing on their self-centering and energy dissipation capabilities. A detailed investigation on the effects of the heat treatment strategy, loading rate, strain amplitude, cyclic loading, prestress, and diameter of the SMA bars on their mechanical performance—residual strain, energy dissipation, equivalent viscous damping ratios, strength, and stiffness—was conducted. Furthermore, the fracture microstructure of monotonic tensile specimens was analyzed via scanning electron microscopy. The results indicated that the optimally heat-treated SMA bars show good superelasticity. The mechanical properties were relatively stable under constant strain loading–unloading training, which should be considered in engineering applications. The test results provided basic experimental data support for the engineering application of large SMA bars.

Research on seismic performance of prefabricated concrete-filled steel tubular frame joints

PurposeConcrete-filled steel tube structures are widely used for their high bearing capacity, good plasticity, good fire resistance and optimal seismic performance. In order to give full play to the advantages of concrete-filled steel tube, this paper proposes a prefabricated concrete-filled steel tube frame joint.Design/methodology/approachThe concrete-filled steel tube column and beam are connected by high-strength bolted end-plate, and the steel bars in the concrete beam are welded vertically with the end-plates through the enlarged pier head. In addition, the finite element software ABAQUS is used numerically to study the seismic performance of the structure.FindingsThe ductility coefficient of the joint is in 1.72–6.82, and greater than 2.26 as a whole. The equivalent viscous damping coefficient of the joint is 0.13–3.03, indicating that the structure has good energy dissipation capacity.Originality/valueThe structure is convenient for construction and overcomes the shortcomings of the previous on-site welding and on-site concrete pouring. The high-strength bolted end-plate connection can effectively transfer the load, and each component can give play to its material characteristics.

Design analysis and performance evaluation of a novel Multi-Cantilever Foil Bearing

This study gives an explanation to design analysis and performance evaluation of a novel multi-cantilever foil bearing (MCFB). The aim of this study is to develop a theoretical model that will explain the working principles of the cantilever foil bearing. A theoretical derivation of structural and vibration models were developed to find structural stiffness, equivalent viscous damping and maximum deflection. Findings show that the theoretical results of structural models have an equivalent structural stiffness of 58.59kN/mm, equivalent viscous damping of 0.599kNs/m and maximum deflection of 0.5675mm. The equivalent viscous damping is computed at a near zero circumferential coordinate (0.0350). The results obtained from vibration models show an equivalent structural stiffness of 58.74kN/mm, equivalent viscous damping of 0.228kNs/m and maximum deflection of 0.5675mm. Theoretical viscous damping coefficient varies from 0.23kNs/m at 24Hz to 0.026kNs/m at 200Hz when determined at maximum deflection of 0.5675mm and phase angle of 0.0350. This means the higher the frequency, the lower the viscous damping coefficient. The validation was done over frequency range 24-200Hz and at amplitude of 50mm at a 450 phase angle. The models were found to have compared well with experimental results in the prediction of equivalent viscous damping coefficient. The models can be relied upon to analyze the behaviour of MCFB and it can also form a theoretical background for the design and manufacture of Multi-Cantilever Foil Bearing.

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON SEISMIC PERFORMANCE OF PEC COMPOSITE COLUMN-STEEL BEAM FRAME WITH WELDED T-STUB STRENGTHENED CONNECTIONS

Seismic performance of innovative Partially Encased Composite (PEC) column-steel beam composite frame was investigated, where the connection was strengthened by the welded T-stub. A ½ scale, two-storey, and one bay composite frame specimen was designed and fabricated for the quasi-static test. Through the experimental observation and measurements, the seismic performance were evaluated, including hysteretic characteristic, lateral stiffness, seismic energy dissipation, and ductility. The plastic damage evolution process and ductile failure mode were clarified. The results indicated that the welded T-stud strengthened connection enhanced the integrity of the frame and led to higher seismic strength and larger lateral stiffness. The plastic hinge was observed away from the beam end due to the welded T-stud and the specimen exhibited an approximately completed hysteretic loop. Without significant decreasing of the ultimate bearing capacity, its overall drift, ductility efficient and equivalent viscous damping ratio were 3.63% (push) / 4.07% (pull), 3.21 (push) / 3.70 (pull) and 0.261 respectively. The proposed structure possesses sound deformation, ductility, and energy-dissipation capacity with the desired plastic failure mode induced by the plastic hinges formed in all beam sections near the T-stud end and column section at the bottom, successively. It was demonstrated an ideal ductile energy-dissipation mode of the frame structure.