Calculation Of Bearing Capacity Research Articles

Evaluating Partial Safety Factors for Shear Strength in Bearing Capacity Calculations for Cohesionless Soils

Calculating bearing capacity is critical when designing shallow foundations. Many countries use limit state design (LSD) as the standard method for geotechnical design. The paper aims to develop realistic LSD partial factors for bearing capacity calculations of shallow foundations on cohesionless soils based on full-scale model tests. The experimental setup consisted of a hydraulic jack, concrete footing, sand samples, and pressure cells placed in a cylindrical wall. Fifteen sand samples were tested and classified by gradation and relative density. Settlement curves were plotted for each sample under an increasing load. The measured ultimate bearing stresses were found to be higher than theoretical values calculated using traditional methods. This indicates that the traditional approach is conservative. The suggested safety factor for the internal friction angle in cohesionless soils (γtan(ϕ)= 1.10) is notably lower than the values specified in Eurocode 7 at 1.25 and the Egyptian code of practice at 1.30. The proposed LSD partial factors allow for more economical designs than traditional factors while maintaining safety. The full-scale model-testing approach is novel and provides realistic factors directly applicable to Egyptian codes. The results are satisfactory and reasonable for the geotechnical design of shallow foundations on cohesionless soils. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-07-015 Full Text: PDF

Axial compressive behavior of reinforced hollow circular high strength concrete filled steel tubular short columns

This study aims to investigate the mechanical behavior of reinforced hollow circular high-strength concrete-filled steel tubular (RHCFST) short columns under axial compression. The axial compression test of 6 RHCFST short columns was carried out, and the bearing capacity, ductility and failure modes of the columns were analyzed. The results revealed that the failure modes of RHCFST short columns primarily included mixed failure, shear failure, and crushing failure. Comparatively, the failure modes of specimens with ordinary reinforcement exhibited a shift towards mixed failure, significant improvement in ductility, and a decrease in the increase trend of ultimate bearing capacity with the growth of steel tube thickness. Based on the test results, finite element models were developed using ABAQUS software for parameter analysis. The results demonstrated a positive correlation between the short column’s bearing capacity and parameters such as steel strength, sandwich concrete strength, steel tube thickness, and ordinary reinforcement diameter. Additionally, the initial stiffness of the short column increased with the increase of steel tube thickness. Considering the mechanical properties and engineering applicability of the member, the recommended design of steel tube yield strength, sandwich concrete strength, steel tube thickness and ordinary reinforcement diameter were given. Furthermore, the axial bearing capacity calculation formulae for RHCFST short columns were proposed. The calculated values were found to closely match both experimental and simulated values, with errors falling within 10 %. Consequently, the formulae can offer a reliable prediction of the member’s axial bearing capacity.

Axial compressive performance of thin-walled square steel tube concrete short column with built-in steel slag block

In the process of iron and steel production, steel slag is produced as waste. The steel slag processing method generally produces steel slag cement as a substitute for gravel and fine aggregates. Steel slag aggregates replace natural aggregate concrete used in concrete components. In addition, steel slag expansion can compensate for the shrinkage characteristics of concrete and steel pipes inside closed wet environments, and the outer steel tube hoop constraint can avoid late hydration expansion structure cracking. Through orthogonal testing, the wall thickness of the steel pipe (3 mm, 3.75 mm, 4.5 mm), content of the steel slag blocks (10 %, 15 %, 20 %) and particle size of the steel slag blocks (40–60 mm, 60–80 mm) were used as experimental variables to conduct axial compression tests on 9 groups of short columns made of slag aggregate concrete-filled thin-walled square steel tubes. Based on the analysis of the test process and displacement, strain, ductility and ultimate bearing capacity results, the failure pattern and mechanism of the short column specimens under axial compression were obtained, and a bearing capacity calculation formula was obtained according to the existing theoretical methods. The results indicate three failure patterns: local convexity, shearing and circumferential bulging. The factors influencing the bearing capacity, from most influential to least influential, are the particle size of the steel slag, the wall thickness of the steel pipe and the amount of steel slag. The Poisson's ratio of core concrete has an important effect on its passive binding force, which affects the longitudinal displacement and load-bearing capacity of the component. The deduced formula can be used to accurately calculate the ultimate bearing capacity of the square steel tube and steel slag concrete. This article transforms the drawbacks of steel slag concrete into advantages and, by combining the characteristics of steel tube concrete, proposes a new type of composite component that has a certain degree of innovation and application value.

Flexural behavior of historical RC beams strengthened with hybrid FRP sheets

Historical reinforced concrete (RC) buildings are culturally and aesthetically significant and require conservation due to aging. Strengthening RC buildings often requires the use of Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) sheets, however distinct material properties of historical RC buildings have not been systematically considered yet. This study investigates the flexural behavior of historical RC beams strengthened by hybrid FRP sheets. A total of 11 beam specimens with varying FRP sheet configurations were tested using a four-point bending test to assess their flexural behavior, including failure mode, cracking pattern, load-deflection behavior, strain distribution, and ductility. The results showed that hybrid FRP sheets increased the maximum bearing capacity of strengthened specimens up to 30.2 %. An optimal fiber sheet configuration (T-3) is identified. 45-degree incline installation contributes to a 4.5 % increase in the bearing capacity of specimens. The average ductility loss of hybrid FRP sheets strengthened specimen (except for double-layer strengthened specimen) is 42 %, while an increase of sheet layer post adverse effect on ductility. Strain distribution conforms to the plane-section assumption. Additionally, a maximum bearing capacity calculation model was proposed, aiding the understanding of FRP strengthening in historical RC buildings.

Axial compressive performance and finite element analysis on spirally reinforced seawater sea-sand concrete-filled aluminum alloy tube columns

Axial compression experiment and finite element analysis were used in this research to explain the mechanical properties of spirally reinforced seawater sea-sand concrete-filled aluminum alloy tube (SR-CFAT) columns. The diameter and spacing of the spiral stirrup, the quantity and diameter of the longitudinal reinforcement, and the ratio of the spiral stirrup to longitudinal reinforcement (rhv) were used as the variation parameters in the design of 16 SR-CFAT columns and 1 seawater sea-sand concrete-filled aluminum alloy tube (CFAT) column. The results demonstrated that both the SR-CFAT columns and the CFAT column experience shear failure, while the former exhibited greater axial compression bearing capacity and deformation capacity. The ultimate bearing capacity, ductility, and energy absorption value of this composite column increase with an increase in rhv, then decrease under the same reinforcement content. The specimens perform best under axial compression when rhv is 2.20. Among the others, specimens with "fine and dense" spiral stirrups and "less and coarse" longitudinal reinforcement have higher ultimate bearing capacities, ductility, and energy absorption values. An FE model is created for the SR-CFAT columns, followed by a parameter extension analysis. Based on test and finite element results, a high-accuracy axial compression bearing capacity calculation algorithm is provided using cylinder theory.

Research on the Scale Fire Test and Fire Resistance of the One-Way Slab of a Metro

To address the difficulty in conducting fire tests to verify the fire-resistance limit of large one-way slabs with heavy loads in a metro, a scale fire test method is proposed based on the bearing capacity calculation of the one-way slab under fire. The scale fire test method adapted the hypothesis that the deflection of the one-way slab under fire is close to a half-sine function and the plane section hypothesis. The validity of this hypothesis is verified through fire tests and finite element simulations. The scale fire test method achieves a similar temperature field and mechanical behavior between the scaled model and full-scale model of the one-way slab. The results of the fire tests showed that the temperature field and mechanical behavior of the scaled model were consistent with those of the full-scale model, with an error in fire resistance of 4.7%. The calculation results and fire test results are essentially consistent, with an error of 6.5%, and according to the calculation of the one-way slab fire-resistance limit, the key factor affecting the fire resistance of the one-way slab under fire is the temperature of the bottom rebars. Using the scale fire test method, the size effect of the one-way slab under fire still exists, and larger slabs have a greater deformation capacity.

Bearing Capacity Equations for Intact Argillaceous and Arenaceous Rocks in Malaysia Derived from P-Wave Velocity

This paper presents the derivation of the bearing capacity equation of shallow foundations using P-wave velocity based on the seismic refraction method on argillaceous rocks (shale) and arenaceous rocks (sandstone). Various theories of bearing capacity equations were developed over the years for the calculation of bearing capacity under vertical central loading. But, the most widely used on rock is the Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion given by Meyerhof (1963). Based on this theoretical development, the empirical equation of ultimate bearing capacity was obtained. The detailed derivation of these parameters is comprised of the results from Uniaxial Compressive Strength (UCS) and P-wave velocity values. The proposed empirical equation of bearing capacity derived from P-wave velocity herewith can be used as an alternative method in designing shallow foundations. There is a good agreement on the bearing capacity determination from P-wave velocities.

Axial Compressive Tests and Bearing Capacity Calculations for Short Circular Concrete Columns Strengthened with Woven Carbon Fiber Mesh and Polypropylene Fiber-Reinforced Cement-Based Composite Materials

Axial Compressive Tests and Bearing Capacity Calculations for Short Circular Concrete Columns Strengthened with Woven Carbon Fiber Mesh and Polypropylene Fiber-Reinforced Cement-Based Composite Materials

Research on seismic performance of prefabricated composite shear wall with end steel plate connection

Chinese construction industry is gradually transforming to industrialization, which promotes the development of prefabricated buildings. As an efficient lateral force resisting system, prefabricated steel-plate concrete composite shear wall structure has become a research hotspot in the field of architecture at home and abroad. Based on the mechanical characteristics of the shear wall, this paper proposes a end steel plate connection prefabricated composite shear wall structure. Through numerical simulation and analysis of the prefabricated composite shear wall with different connection areas and the cast-in-place composite shear wall, which verified the feasibility and reliability of end steel plate connection. Based on the above verification, the influence of different parameters on the seismic performance of the prefabricated composite shear wall with end steel plate connection has been further studied, and the theoretical calculation of bearing capacity is carried out. The results show that the length of the connector should be controlled within a reasonable range. The tie bars in the node connection area can improve the strength and ductility of the prefabricated composite shear wall. The aspect ratio and axial pressure ratio have obvious influence on the seismic performance of the wall, which should be reasonably selected in design.

Study on mechanical properties and bearing capacity calculation of eccentric compression of RC columns reinforced with prestressed lattice steel

The external steel structure and RC column under eccentric compression have a reduced ability to work together, and using prestressing technology can significantly improve their ability to work together. Therefore, the paper proposes a new prestressed column reinforcement technology by adopting a space profile steel structure instead of angle steel and combining prestressing technology with the bolted connection. By conducting eccentric compression test studies on 11 specimens with different reinforcement methods, prestressing and eccentricity, load-displacement curves, stress distribution laws, ultimate bearing capacity, damage modes and prestressing influence rules were obtained. The main conclusions are as follows: prestressing can significantly improve the ability of external reinforcement steel structure and core column to work together and inhibit the development of concrete cracks. Compared with the traditional angle steel reinforcement, the bearing capacity is increased by 17.5 %, the stiffness is increased by 26.6 %, and the ductility is increased by 12.3 %. However, the reinforcement effect will be reduced if the prestressing is too large. It is recommended that the prestressing should be applied according to the size of 0.09 fc of the unilateral area of the core column. According to the prestressed lattice steel constraint mechanism, a mechanical analysis model of the reinforced member was established. Finally, based on the cross-section equilibrium method, a calculation method of eccentric compressive ultimate bearing capacity was proposed, and the research results can provide a basis for the engineering application of the new reinforcement method.

Behaviour of concrete-filled circular steel tubular K-joints in wind turbine towers

The advantages of concrete-filled steel tubular lattice towers in stress efficiency, material consumption, and industrial construction are significant for the future development of ultra-long blades, ultra-high towers, and large-capacity units. The stress state of the joints is a key component of a wind tower structure. Therefore, experiments were conducted on four concrete-filled circular steel tubular (CFCST) K-joints in a lattice wind turbine tower, along with one hollow circular steel tubular (HCST) K-joint for comparison. The test results revealed that the CFCST K-joints failed due to local and overall buckling of the compression web, whereas no plastic deformation occurred on the chord. The stiffness of the CFCST K-joints significantly improved, and the stress concentration around the intersecting line was significantly reduced. Existing structural codes, both domestic and international, underestimate the bearing capacity of CFCST K-joints because the contribution of the core concrete cannot be accounted for. Finite element analyses indicate that the bearing capacity of the CFCST K-joints is dependent on the failure mode, primarily influenced by the thickness ratio τ and the angle θ. To prevent joint failure in the CFCST lattice wind turbine towers, specifically suggest τ ≤ 1 and θ ≤ 45°. Based on the bearing capacity calculation method proposed by CIDECT for HCST K-joints, design equations were obtained to predict the punching shear bearing capacity of CFCST K-joints using the least-squares method. The established formula exhibited high accuracy through regression verification.

Model uncertainties in action effects and load bearing capacity calculation in statically indeterminate reinforced concrete structures

AbstractFor the dimensioning and assessment of structures, it is common practice to compare action effects with sectional resistances. Extensive studies have been performed to quantify the model uncertainty on the resistance side. However, for statically indeterminate systems, the model uncertainty in the calculation of action effects has not been properly investigated yet. The aim of this article is to contribute in quantifying the model uncertainty in action effects and load bearing capacity calculations for reinforced concrete structures, accounting for the type of mechanical model used and for various failure modes. To collect a sufficient amount of data and perform statistical analyses, the experimental response of statically indeterminate systems is obtained with a simple and effective technique which allows using experimental results available in literature. Finally, on the basis of a parametric analysis and case studies, practical implications are discussed and recommendations are given concerning the implementation in the partial safety factor format.

Predicting the ultimate bearing capacity of spudcan in stiff-over-soft clay based on a failure model varying with soil parameter

A jack-up platform is prone to a ‘punch-through’ accident when working on the stiff-over-soft clay foundation. To assess the risk of punch-through, it is necessary to plot the bearing capacity-penetration curve for evaluating the penetration depth of the pile leg or to calculate the ultimate bearing capacity of the spudcan and compare it with the preload. However, accurate prediction of spudcan bearing capacity is not easy. In this paper, the failure mode about the stiff-over-soft clay under different geological conditions when punch-through occurs is discussed using coupled Eulerian lagrangian (CEL) method, varying the strength ratio between soft and stiff soil layers, the thickness of stiff soil relative to the spudcan diameter, and the non-homogeneity factor of soil strength. Based on the soil failure model with varying soil parameters, a new calculation method for ultimate bearing capacity of spudcan is proposed and then verified against existing centrifuge test results. The results show that the shape of soil shear plane in stiff clay is significantly affected by the strength ratio of soil layer and the non-homogeneity factor of soil strength. And the presented new method whose prediction errors compared with centrifuge test results are less than 5%, has better calculation accuracy than the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) method, which is valuable in guiding the calculation of the ultimate bearing capacity of the spudcan and ensuring the safe operation of the jack-up drilling units on stiff-over-soft clay.

Experimental and simulative study on seismic performance of stiffener‐plate PEC beam‐column joint

AbstractAn innovative assembled stiffener‐plate PEC beam‐column joint (SP‐PEC) is proposed to improve better constructability. In this paper, 12 PEC beam‐column joint specimens were subjected to quasi‐static cyclic tests. The design parameters included the thickness of the stiffener‐plate (equal‐stiffness thickness at load standard combination, full‐stiffness thickness of the cross‐section, and 120% of full‐stiffness thickness of the cross‐section) and the beam‐column connection with or without the stub beam. The results revealed that the assembled SP‐PEC beam‐column joint exhibited better seismic performance than the conventional PEC beam‐column concrete joint. The strength degradation coefficients of SP‐PEC beam‐column nodes are all greater than 0.92, and the stiffness decreases slowly. The specimens had good bearing capacity, deformation ability, energy dissipation capacity, and stiffness under a reasonable stiffener‐plate thickness. Then, the bearing capacity calculation formulae of the novel joint with certain prediction accuracy were proposed. Besides, the finite element models of the test specimens were established in ABAQUS and validated against the test results. Finally, further investigations of the SP‐PEC joint configuration by finite element analysis and engineering design recommendations for the assembled SP‐PEC beam‐column joint were provided.

Calculation of second-order bearing capacity of members subjected to axial load and biaxial bending

The second-order effects of biaxial bending members involve dual non-linear problems, namely material nonlinearity and geometric nonlinearity. These problems typically require iterative calculations and cannot be solved manually. To address this issue, this paper founded upon the strain-based resolution of stress and internal forces, deduces the formula for calculating the load-bearing capacity of the cross-section. The elastoplastic second-order deformation is then calculated at the member level, and the final result is presented in the form of a dimensionless nomogram for calculating the second-order biaxial bending members. In this paper, the limit range of section strain is determined based on the constitutive relationship of concrete and reinforcement. This range is divided into three limited strain areas, which enable the calculation of section bearing capacity and limit curvature, and subsequently the second-order bearing capacity of the member. The results are in good agreement with experimental data. The dimensionless nomogram in this paper considers the complete parabolic and rectangular of concrete stress-strain relationship and the ideal elastoplastic constitutive relationship of reinforcement and the second-order effect. It does not require iteration. It can quickly calculate the reinforcement or check the section bearing capacity by hand. It can be used to check the calculation results of engineering software and provides ideas for the design method of member subjected to axial load and biaxial bending based on seismic restoring force.

Study on failure modes and calculation method of the cast steel joint with branches in treelike structure

The treelike structure links members and transfers loads via its solitary cast steel joint with branches. Therefore, the joint’s bearing capacity significantly affects the treelike structure’s stability, security, and economics. This paper utilized experimental verification and numerical modeling to examine the mechanical behavior of cast-steel joints with branches in the treelike structure under various loading conditions. Then, researchers investigated the failure process and mechanism of joints, and the three most common failure modes were outlined. Furthermore, the researchers proposed the bearing capacity calculation formula based on the common failure modes. The results show that the three common failure modes of the cast-steel joints with branches under different loading conditions are the failure in the joint core area under the axial load, the failure in the main pipe compression side under eccentric load, and the failure in the compression side of the single branch pipe root when the single branch pipe is under the uneven load. The suggested empirical calculation method can serve as a reference point for similar engineering practices design.

Finite element analysis and bearing capacity calculation of cross-shaped CFST columns under compressive load

The study investigated the load capacity of cross-shaped concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) columns under axial and eccentric compression using finite element software ABAQUS. It analyzed six specimens with measured data and an additional 26 specimens with varied parameters, including eccentricity, slenderness ratio, section steel ratio and material properties such as concrete strength and steel yield strength.The objective was to understand how these parameters affect the load capacity of cross-shaped CFST columns. The research findings suggest that as eccentricity and slenderness ratio increase, the ultimate capacity decreases. Conversely, it increases with higher steel content, concrete strength and steel yield strength. Moreover, the bearing capacity deteriorates more rapidly with reduced eccentricity and concrete strength, while it demonstrates a nearly linear increase with greater steel content. Additionally, the study found that enhancing the resilience of the channel steel significantly boosts the load-bearing capacity of the column. Based on these findings, practical design equations were developed to determine the maximum bearing capacity of cross-shaped CFST columns under axial and eccentric compression. These equations are grounded in confined concrete theory and demonstrate robust applicability for practical design purposes.

Theoretical study of bearing capacity calculation model for multi-segment confined concrete arch and design method in underground engineering

Theoretical study of bearing capacity calculation model for multi-segment confined concrete arch and design method in underground engineering

Experimental study and optimal design of UHPC T‐shaped beam

AbstractIn this paper, the ordinary reinforced UHPC T‐shaped beam, steel plate reinforced UHPC T‐shaped beam and prestressed UHPC T‐shaped beam were compared by conducting the flexure test. The vertical displacement, crack development, strain change, and crack resistance were discussed. The steel plate reinforced UHPC T‐shaped beam shown better cracking resistance and mechanical properties. Based on the research, the multi‐scale finite element model of the steel plate reinforced UHPC T‐shaped beam was established, and the influence parameters were analyzed. The beam height, steel plate thickness and web thickness shown great influence on the ultimate bearing capacity of the beam. The bearing capacity calculation formulas of the steel plate reinforced UHPC T‐shaped beam based on the plastic strengthening model of the steel were proposed. The calculation results shown good agreement with the test value.

Research on the Design and Application of Anti-wind devices for Seismically Isolated Buildings

Specialized anti-wind devices were designed and applied to seismically isolated buildings to solve the problem that seismic isolation buildings in areas with high wind loads could not simultaneously meet the requirements of the seismic damping objectives and the wind bearing capacity calculation. Taking an actual project as an example, anti-wind devices are added to the seismic isolation interface, a finite element analysis model of the structure is established and a time-distance analysis calculation is performed, and a synergistic design is carried out for the seismic damping effect and wind-resistant calculation. The results of the study show that the addition of anti-wind devices to reduce the number of lead rubber bearings can simultaneously satisfy the expected seismic damping effect and wind bearing capacity requirements; Numerical analysis of static loading verifies the effectiveness of anti-wind devices; This anti-wind device can be popularized for use in seismically isolated buildings in areas with high wind loads.