Structural optimization of concrete plane frames considering the static and dynamic wind effect

abstract: This study has as its main purpose the structural optimization of plane frames in concrete, having as the objective function the minimum total weight of the structure. For this purpose, external actions, considered within the optimization process, are intended to represent accurately all effects observed in a real situation. In such manner, loads are dependent on the cross-section obtained in each optimization step, as well as the static and dynamic effects of the wind are considered for a more realistic representation. The optimization method adopted is the Teaching-Learning Based Optimization (TLBO). Thus, all proper design constraints were considered in accordance with Brazilian standards for concrete structures. From the results obtained in both situations (static and dynamic effects), it is possible to notice the difference regarding external actions, in which higher loads were obtained in higher floors, using the simplified dynamic model proposed in standards. Regarding the analysis of the structure optimization, the weight was higher when the applied forces were the result of the dynamic wind model, in which the larger cross-sections were found at the bottom of the structure. Even though this may be a well-known issue, the present work shows a quantitative study in which both effects are discussed in detail, as well as it features a methodology, based on a novel optimization method and with a straightforward implementation, that could be adapted for the analysis of more complex structures.

Analysis of Concrete-Filled Steel Tube Reinforced Concrete Column-Steel Reinforced Concrete Beam Plane Frame Structure Subjected to Fire

The ABAQUS finite-element analysis platform was used to understand the mechanical behavior of concrete-filled steel tube reinforced concrete (CFSTRC) columns and steel reinforced concrete (SRC) beam plane frames under fire conditions. Thermal parameters and mechanical constitutive model of steel and concrete materials were reasonably selected, the correct boundary conditions were chosen, and a numerical model for the thermal mechanical coupling of CFSTRC columns and SRC beam plane frame structure was established. The finite-element model was verified from related experimental test results. The failure modes, deformation, and internal force distribution of the CFSTRC column and SRC beam plane frames were analyzed under ISO-834 standard fire conditions and with an external load. The influence of beam and column fire-load ratio on the fire resistance of the frame structure was established, and the fire-resistance differences between the plane frame structures and columns were compared. The CFSTRC column-steel reinforced concrete beam plane frame may undergo beam failure or the column and beam may fail simultaneously. The frame structure fire-resistance decreased with an increase of column and beam fire-load ratio. The column and beam fire-load ratio influence the fire resistance of the frames significantly. In this numerical example, the fire resistance of the frames is less than the single columns. It is suggested that the fire resistance of the frame structure should be considered when a fire-resistant structural engineering design is carried out.