Research on Hysteretic Models for Prestressed and Non-Prestressed Steel Reinforced Concrete Frames

The beam-column fibre model is used to simulate the entire hysteretic process of the prestressed and non-prestressed steel reinforced concrete frame, and the results are compared with the test results. Based on the analysis of a large number of parameters, the hysteretic curve characteristics of this kind of composite frame are discussed, and the load-displacement hysteretic models of single-storey and single-span composite frame are established. The models can comprehensively consider the influence of axial compression ratio and column slenderness ratio and can predict the hysteretic behaviour of this kind of composite frame under horizontal loads. The load-displacement hysteretic models are consistent with the numerical simulation results. Relevant research can provide reference for simplifying the elastic-plastic dynamic analysis of structures.

HIGH ENERGY WIDE AREA BLUNT IMPACT OF COMPOSITE AIRCRAFT STRUCTURES PART B: TESTING AND INTERNAL DAMAGE MODES

Modern aircraft structures constructed from high strength laminated composite materials present a challenge in the detection of damage resulting from impact events. Broad-area contact from large sized or blunt radius objects furthermore create conditions in which significant internal damage can result, while leaving low (or even no) externally visible indications of damage being present. Composite fuselage structures subjected to high energy wide area blunt impact (HEWABI) sources have been studied. These impact sources act over a wide area and can possibly damage multiple internal structural elements. HEWABI sources of concern are generally heavy ground service equipment (GSE) such as belt loaders, cargo loaders, catering trucks, etc., which have soft rubber/elastomeric bumper-type pads mounted at locations where the GSE could contact the aircraft. Of particular interest in this study is the formation of damage in composite frame and shear tie components during HEWABI events occurring near the passenger floor joint. Carbon/epoxy composite test specimens reflecting modern composite fuselage features were designed and fabricated having continuous shear ties and representative stiffness interaction between the floor beam and circumferential frame members. Quasi-static and slow speed tests (representing impact) conducted using rubber bumper faced indentors developed significant internal damage to internal components. Specifically, fiber failures and large-size crack formation in shear ties, frames, and stringers occurred with low/no external observability in the external skin. A clear quantitative understanding of damage modes and damage location that could result from HEWABI events is important for establishing damage size criteria in the evaluation of a structure’s residual strength and damage tolerance capability.

Experimental Study on the Progressive Collapse Resistance of Two-Storey Half-Scale Fabricated Reinforced Concrete Column-Steel Beam Composite Frame Structure

Progressive collapse behavior of case-in-place concrete and steel frame structures has been extensively investigated over the past years. However, studies on progressive collapse resistance and characteristics of prefabricated RCS composite frame structure (space frame) are limited. In this study, a half-scale prefabricated RCS space frame structure (two-storey, 1 × 2-bay) was designed and manufactured and then tested through the sudden failure of the long-side central column. The weakened part of failure column was rapidly pulled out using vehicle traction force, and displacement was obtained with a dynamic data acquisition instrument supplemented by high-speed camera to record the deformation process of the structure. Additionally, the remaining structure displacement variation and the beam-to-column connections of fem model under progressive collapse were simulated using SAP2000. The FEA results were compared with the experimental results to verify the effectiveness of the numerical analysis. Experimental results demonstrated that the prefabricated RCS composite frame structure designed in accordance with Chinese building codes shows improved resistance to progressive collapse. The dynamic effect demonstrates no significant influence on the prefabricated RCS composite frame structure, and the suggested dynamic amplification coefficient is 1.28. Steel plates (A, B, and C) of the beam-to-column connection are the weak part of the structural failure, and appropriate measures should be applied to strengthen the steel plate of the beam-to-column connection when the prefabricated RCS composite frame structure is designed to resist progressive collapse. SAP2000 FEM program verified that the numerical simulation results are basically consistent with the experimental results.

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.

Comparative Study Seismic Analysis of RCC, Steel & Steel-Concrete Composite Frame: A Review

This study examines how composite structures are gaining popularity in developing countries. For medium and high levels in RCC buildings are no longer economical due to increased weight, range limitations and low natural frequencies and dangerous formwork. Steel and concrete composite structures are becoming increasingly popular today and are safe throughout their useful lives. Round Steel and concrete structures are the best solution for modern buildings. In this article we will discuss the various results of building construction for RCC, metal and composite construction taking into account different studies. Keyword: RCC Structure, Steel Structure, Composite Structure, Joint Displacement, Base Shear

Seismic Behavior of RCS Composite Frame Structure with Rigidity Zone Factor Variations of Beam-Column Connections

This research evaluated the effect of connection’s rigidity zone factors of RCS frame’s connections on the seismic behavior of regular RCS frames of a five-story office building located at seismic design category (SDC) of D. The variations on rigidity zone factors were 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.0, respectively for Model MS, MSR025, MSR05 MSR075, and MR with the same elements’ dimension. A 3-D finite element modeling was conducted to do a linear elastic analysis for structural design and nonlinear static pushover analysis for evaluating the structural seismic performance. The results show that all models have met the strength and serviceability design limits. The seismic performances in terms of base shear, elastic stiffness, and ductility of all RCS models increased with an increase in the values of the rigidity zone factor. The structural performance level according to FEMA 440 was life safety (LS) for the Model MSR05, MSR075, and MR, while for the Model MS and MSR025 was collapse prevention (CP). The seismic energy dissipation for all RCS frames was an intermediate category indicated by the numbers of developed plastic hinges less than 20% of the total potential plastic hinges