Optimized design of concrete-filled steel columns

The objective of this paper is to present the formulation of the optimization problem and its application to the design of concrete-filled composite columns with and without reinforcement steel bars, according to recommendations from NBR 8800:2008, NBR 16239:2013 and EN 1994-1-1:2004. A comparative analysis between the aforementioned standards is performed for various geometries considering cost, efficiency and materials in order to verify which parameters influence the solution of the composite column that satisfies the proposed problems. The solution of the optimization problem is obtained by using the genetic algorithm method featured in MATLAB’s guide toolbox. For the examples analyzed, results show that concretes with compressive strength greater than 50MPa directly influence the solution of the problem regarding cost and resistance to normal forces.

Flexure based gripper to grasp hollow objects by internal surface interaction

The paper focuses on the design, development, and evaluation of a gripper intended to hold hollow objects by interacting with the inner surface. The gripper moves towards the inside of the hollow object and grips it using the friction forces applied on the surface of the object. The design also ensures the application of variable normal forces on the surface of the object to be grasped. The mathematical architecture is verified using prototypes and experiments.

A Numerical Method for the Design of the U-Shaped Segmental Tunnel Lining under the Impact of Earthquakes: A Case Study of a Tunnel in the Hanoi Metro System

Circular tunnels are usually encountered when excavation tunnel. However, the U-shapedtunnel lining is used a lot in practice because of it’s advantages. However, there are not many studies inthe world to calculate and design for underground structures with U-shaped tunnel lining, especially inthe case of tunnels being affected by earthquakes. This paper proposes a new numerical-HRM methodapproach for the analysis of U-shaped segmental tunnel lining under the impact of earthquakes. Hanoi isthe capital of Vietnam, this is a big city with more than 8 million people. Hanoi is located between twomajor fault systems, the Red River fault system and the Son La-Dien Bien-Lai Chau fault system.Therefore, the Hanoi area is assessed as likely to be affected by earthquakes of magnitude Mw = 6.1 up to6.5 Richter. The Hanoi metro system is constructed by TBM and the U-shaped segmental tunnel lining isalso one of the types of tunnel lining considered for use in the construction of metro tunnels in Hanoi. Theimproved HRM method has been used to investigate the effect of joints in the tunnel lining from the Hanoisystem metro under the impact of earthquakes is conducted considering from the results of the tunnellining behavior in terms of bending moment (M), normal forces (N) and tunnel lining displacements (δn)in both cases: the U-shaped continuous tunnel lining and the U-shaped segmental tunnel lining.

Study of the strengthened state near the forces for the semi-plan

Many of the engineering applications have faced the delicate contact problem in the area close to the forces where it is very difficult to experimentally carry out various measurements and draw important conclusions on the condition of the contact points. In this paper the forced state in the vicinity of the forces for the half-plane will be studied. Furthermore, the qualities displayed by the half-plane under the action of normal forces, tangential forces and the moment caused by a pair of forces will be analyzed, as well as changes in the elastic characteristics for the forced plane state and the deformed plane state.

ANALYSIS OF THE COMBINED STRUCTURE OF THE SHAFT OF THE DNIPRO METRO BY THE FINITE ELEMENTS METHOD

Purpose. The development of construction of underground excavations of the Dnipro Metro requires analysis and scientific substantiation of design solutions based on technologies that are new for Ukraine. The aim of the scientific article is to analyze the combined design of the shaft of the Dnipro Metro by the finite element method with determination of force factors in the linings of the pile system and shotcrete system with further substantiation based on the results of design solutions to the real situation of Dnipro Metro construction. Methodology. Two finite element models were constructed for the analysis of the shaft № 1 of the Dnipro Metro by the finite element method. They reflect the combined design of the shaft, which consists of two parts. The finite-element model of the pile system, which reflects the shell of bored piles, supported by a cap beam and ring beams, is analyzed separately. The model for the shotcrete system, which is used for the second part of the shaft, which lies in a solid rock mass, is separately modeled and analyzed. Finite-element models of both systems are assigned real deformation and geometric parameters, as well as the load, which became the key to adequate calculations by the finite element method. Findings. During the numerical analysis of the combined structure of the shaft № 1 of Dnipro Metro, the force factors (normal forces and bending moments) for the pile system and the shotcrete system were determined. These results became the basis for the reinforcement of both systems. Originality. A numerical analysis of the shaft structure was performed, which provided a complete picture of the force factors that allow predicting the appearance of normal forces and bending moments in similar engineering and geological conditions. Practical value. The results of the analysis of the combined design of the shaft of the Dnipro Metro by the finite element method allowed to scientifically substantiate the design solutions and ensure high performance of both shaft systems № 1.

Descriptive Analysis of Forces Applied by Trained Clinicians During Two-Handed Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization

Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a common intervention among clinicians. Despite the popularity, little is known about the forces applied by the clinician with the instruments during treatment. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the forces applied by trained clinicians using IASTM instruments during a simulated treatment. Eleven IASTM trained (Graston Technique, Técnica Gavilán, or RockBlades) clinicians (Physical Therapist = 2, Chiropractor = 2, Athletic Trainer = 7) participated in the study. Each clinician performed 75 two-handed strokes distributed evenly across five different IASTM instruments on a skin simulant attached to a force plate. IASTM stroke application was analyzed for peak normal forces (Fpeak) and mean normal forces (Fmean) by stroke. We observed an average Fpeak of 8.9N and Fmean of 6.0N across all clinicians and instruments. Clinicians and researchers may use the descriptive values as a reference for application of IASTM in practice and research.

Mechanical Wear Contact between the Wheel and Rail on a Turnout with Variable Stiffness

The operation and maintenance of railroad turnouts for rail vehicle traffic moving at speeds from 200 km/h to 350 km/h significantly differ from the processes of track operation without turnouts, curves, and crossings. Intensive wear of the railroad turnout components (switch blade, retaining rods, rails, and cross-brace) occurs. The movement of a rail vehicle on a switch causes high-dynamic impact, including vertical, normal, and lateral forces. This causes intensive rail and wheel wear. This paper presents the wear of rails and of the needle in a railroad turnout on a straight track. Geometrical irregularities of the track and the generation of vertical and normal forces occurring at the point of contact of the wheel with turnout elements are additionally considered in this study. To analyse the causes of rail wear in turnouts, selected technical–operational parameters were assumed, such as the type of rail vehicle, the type of turnout, and the maximum allowable axle load. The wear process of turnout elements (along its length) and wheel wear is presented. An important element, considering the occurrence of large vertical and normal forces affecting wear and tear, was the adoption of variable track stiffness along the switch. This stiffness is assumed according to the results of measurements on the real track. The wear processes were determined by using the work of Kalker and Chudzikiewicz as a basis. This paper presents results from simulation studies of wear and wear coefficients for different speeds. Wear results were compared with nominal rail and wheel shapes. Finally, conclusions from the tests are formulated.

Railroad Turnout Wear Diagnostics

The article presents a few issues related to the technical condition of a railway turnout, an important element of the railway network where about 90% of railway accidents occur. In the first part of the article, the results of railway turnout wear are presented. A comparison of normal forces (in wheel–rail contact) in vehicle traffic on straight track without a turnout and normal forces occurring when a rail vehicle passes a turnout is presented. Then, turnout wear processes for selected speeds are presented. In the next part of the paper, the possibilities of using a vision system are presented, which, in combination with tools for image processing analysis, makes it possible to detect wear and distances between the key elements of a railway turnout. The main idea of the proposed online diagnostic system solution is to use the analysis of received images (photos) with the help of a vision system. The basic problem to be solved in the proposed system was to develop algorithms responsible for generating wear areas from high-resolution images. The algorithms created within the work were implemented and tested in the MATLAB software environment. The presented method is an original procedure for diagnosing turnout elements for each time instant. The proposed system is compatible with railway traffic control systems.

REGULARITIES OF THE LINING STRESS-STRAIN STATE DURING OF THE PYLON METRO STATION CONSTRUCTION

Purpose. Perform numerical analysis of the station structure. Take into account in the process of mathematical modeling the process of construction of station tunnels of a three-vaulted station. Obtain the regularities of the stress-strain state of the linings, which is influenced by the processes of soil excavation and lining construction. Methodology. To achieve this goal, a series of numerical calculations of models of the deep contour interval metro pylon station was performed. Three finite-element models have been developed, which reflect the stages of construction of a three-vaulted pylon station. Numerical analysis was performed on the basis of the finite element method, implemented in the calculation complex Lira for Windows. Modeling of the stress-strain state of the station tunnel linings and the soil massif was performed using rectangular, universal quadrangular and triangular finite elements, which take into account the special properties of the soil massif. Station tunnel linings are modeled by means of rod finite elements. Findings. Isofields of the stress-strain state in finite-element models reflecting the stages of construction are obtained. The vertical displacements and horizontal stresses that are characteristic of a three-vaulted pylon station are analyzed. The analysis of horizontal stresses proved that at the stage of opening of the middle tunnel the scheme of pylon operation is rather disadvantageous. The analysis of bending moments and normal forces was also carried out and the asymmetry of their distribution was noted. Originality. Based on the obtained patterns of distribution of stress-strain state and force factors, it is proved that numerical analysis of the station structure during construction is necessary to take measures to prevent or reduce deformation of frames that are in unfavorable conditions. Practical value. In the course of research, the regularities of changes in stresses, displacements, bending moments and normal forces in the models of the pylon station, which reflect the sequence of its construction, were obtained.