Field Of Structural Engineering Research Articles

Enhancing Structural Resilience: A Comparative Study of G+35 Storey Irregular Buildings with Bracing and Diagrid Systems

Abstract: The study presented herein delves into the structural performance and behavior of a building subjected to different configurations, namely, an Irregular Building, an Irregular Building with Steel Bracing, and an Irregular Building with Diagrid System. The focus of the investigation is on key structural parameters such as node displacements and storey shear values across various levels of the building. Understanding how these parameters vary in response to different design strategies is vital for assessing the overall stability, safety, and efficiency of the structure in the face of external forces. Structural engineers and designers are constantly striving to optimize building designs to meet safety standards and performance criteria. The incorporation of additional elements, such as steel bracing or a diagrid system, can significantly impact a structure's ability to withstand lateral forces, ensuring resilience in the face of dynamic loads such as wind or seismic events. By comparing the performance of the three configurations, this study aims to provide insights into the efficacy of these design strategies and their influence on key structural indicators. Through a comprehensive analysis of node displacements and storey shear values at various levels, this study seeks to contribute valuable information to the field of structural engineering. The findings may inform future design decisions, guide improvements in structural systems, and enhance the understanding of how different configurations influence the overall behavior of a building. Ultimately, the knowledge gained from this study can contribute to the advancement of resilient and efficient structural designs, with implications for the broader fields of architecture and civil engineering.

Unveiling the Efficiency of the Moment Distribution Method: A Geometric Series Perspective

The moment distribution method, originally introduced by Hardy Cross in his influential publication “Analysis of Continuous Frames by Distributing Fixed‐End Moments” (published in Transactions of the ASCE, 1932;96(1793):1–10), is widely recognized as a fundamental aspect of both structural engineering and global education. This iterative technique aims to improve solution accuracy at each step of distribution and has stood the test of time. In our study, we delve into the mathematical foundation of this method and make a crucial discovery: the terms generated during iterations follow a geometric series pattern. By leveraging this property, we propose a streamlined formula for efficiently calculating the sum of all the terms produced in each step of distribution iteration. Through comparative analysis with alternative methods, we highlight the method’s superior precision and robustness in structural analysis. Our investigation primarily focuses on demonstrating the geometric series nature of the terms generated through iterative moment distribution, providing specific theorems as references. Ultimately, our objective is to present concise, closed‐form mathematical solutions that showcase the practical effectiveness of this method in various applications within the field of structural engineering.

Landslide risk assessment of existing bridges: analysis of the Italian Guidelines and preliminary proposal for future developments

Many Italian bridges were built more than 50 years ago and are subjected to significant phenomena of deterioration. The current situation would require in-depth analyses to be carried out on all infrastructures to assess the current level of safety, according to in-force national standards, and to define appropriate construction or operational interventions. However, taking account of the large number of infrastructures, the necessity to define the priorities for detailed assessments arises and, this is why the recent Italian ‘Guidelines for risk classification and management, safety assessment and structural health monitoring of existing bridges’ include, for the first time in Italy, a stepwise approach with increasing level of detail. In this article, with reference to landslide risk assessment at the national scale, the main issues arisen from the analysis of the guidelines are discussed. This has been done based on the collaboration between researchers from geomorphological, geotechnical and structural engineering fields. Moreover, a preliminary proposal for a novel approach to rapid landslide risk assessment of existing bridges, is briefly proposed.

Widely Employed Constitutive Material Models in Abaqus FEA Software Suite for Simulations of Structures and Their Materials: A Brief Review

The structural response of masonry/concrete structures depends upon the load-carrying mechanism and subsequently deformations produced by loads carried. In masonry/concrete structures, identification of the stress/strain imposing stress conditions and strain hardening/softening makes the structural response more complicated. Elastic damage models or elastic-plastic constitutive laws are inadequate to simulate masonry/concrete response under high strain-rate loadings. Further, irreversible or plastic strain cannot be realized using the elastic damage model. Several constitutive damage models are available in the literature. In this article, a concise explanation of the functioning of different material models in the Abaqus software package has been provided. These models include concrete damage plasticity for concrete and masonry, traction separation constitutive laws for brick-mortar interface, Hashin's criteria for CFRP, Johnson-Cook plasticity for steel, and crushable foam plasticity hardening for metallic foams. Researchers frequently utilize these models for numerical simulations and modeling of infrastructural elements and their respective materials when subjected to various structural loads. Besides, this paper presents a discourse on problem-solving methods and a comparison between explicit and implicit analysis. The research provides valuable input to researchers and practitioners in the field of structural engineering for an in-depth understanding of the functioning of Abaqus' pre-existing material models.

Utilizing Generative Design Algorithms for Innovative Structural Engineering Solutions

The present research paper examines the application of generative design algorithms in the area of structural engineering. This new approach has transformed the field of structural engineering through its innovative solutions. The integration of algorithms and AI in generative engineering enables the investigation of broad possibilities for design, with a goal of increasing the productivity, environmental sustainability and aesthetically appeal of constructions. The current research examines the effective implementation of generative design algorithms for dealing with difficult structural issues to generate creative solutions. The text explores into the mathematical methods included its effect on sustainable design, and the potential for customization throughout the area of structural engineering. This study also explores case studies in which the use of generative design is being successfully implemented, providing valuable insights into its real-world benefits and limitations. The main objective is to prove the consequences of generative design algorithms for the design procedure, as well as their involvement in increased creativity, efficiency, as well as environmental sustainability in the field of construction engineering.

Numerical Study of the Effect of Maturation and Extended Chloride Deposition on Chloride Ingress

This study presents the implementation of advanced analytical models designed to account for delayed exposure to chlorides in reinforced concrete structures. These models incorporate the effects of aging, which are known to reduce the rate of chloride ingress over time. The analytical models aim to provide faster predictions of the durability and service life of concrete structures subjected to chloride penetration comparing to finite element based models. To validate the accuracy and reliability of these models, preliminary results have been obtained and compared with those from a reference finite element-based model. The comparative analysis highlights the strengths and limitations of the analytical models, offering insights into their potential application in real-world scenarios. This research contributes to the field of structural engineering by enhancing predictive capabilities for infrastructure exposed to chloride-induced corrosion.

A Review of Structures and Performance of Ternary Blends of Rice Husk Ash and Some Wastes in Concrete

The field of structural engineering has in recent times begun to widen its scope from the traditional analysis and design, into the development of new structural materials. This is because the use of non-renewable materials in forming and framing structural projects are raising serious environmental concerns bothering on sustainability of materials, especially cement, to produce structural concrete. Cement has been found to be a major contributor to greenhouse gases which affect the environment negatively. Waste from both the industrial and agricultural industries are gradually becoming sources of material to partly replace cement in concrete because of their pozzolanic properties. The agro-based pozzolanic materials include Rice husk Ash (RHA), Saw dust ash (SDA), Palm oil fuel ash (POFA) amongst others. To further widen the scope and resource base of pozzolanic materials for concreting, ternary blends consisting of agro-based pozzolans are being researched into. These research efforts however appear to be uncoordinated, and thus there is a need to juxtapose these efforts together to see the extent of work done on such ternary blends and present their relevant structural properties. This is with a view to helping identify gaps in such research as a means of preventing wastage of research energies. This paper presents a review of structural properties of some agro-based ternary blends used in structural concrete. It is concluded that more research effort is needed, especially in the development of practical and acceptable guidelines that will aid their application in concrete, for sustainable production of structural concrete.

Behaviour of Building Under Different Combination of Eccentricity

Abstract: The study looks at the effect of eccentricity in load combinations, recognising the importance of non-uniform loading circumstances on structural behaviour. The combination of eccentricity factors and moment distribution not only improves structural analysis accuracy but also makes it easier to identify crucial spots prone to higher stresses. This holistic method strives to optimise structural designs while maintaining safety, efficiency, and adherence to applicable design requirements.Case studies and comparative analyses are used in the study to validate the efficiency of the suggested technique. The results show that using the combined technique of moment distribution and eccentricity considerations inside STAAD Pro software improves the accuracy and reliability of structural analysis. This study adds vital insights to the field of structural engineering by providing engineers with a more sophisticated technique.

Flexural behaviour of bamboo scrimber beams with different composite and reinforced technology: A literature review

Bamboo scrimber (BS) is a novel renewable biocomposite material with excellent mechanical performance and stability that is suitable for load-bearing structural members. Beam-type components are among the most widely used members in structural engineering, and their flexural behaviour is crucial for the safety and applicability of structures. Based on a review of the existing literature, this article presents a comprehensive overview and discussion of the research and development of various forms of beam-type BS members with the aim of reaching a clearer understanding of the bending mechanisms and mechanical characteristics of BS beams. The members highlighted in this review include general BS beams, reinforced BS beams (with steel bars and fibre-reinforced polymer plates), composite BS beams (with profile steel and concrete), and strengthened damaged BS beams. Moreover, the factors affecting the flexural performance of BS beams, such as span-depth ratios, their mechanical properties, and reinforcing materials, are analysed quantitatively. Finally, the calculation models for the flexural bearing capacity and stiffness of BS beams are summarised and compared. This review aims to illustrate the potential of BS in the field of structural engineering and provide references for future research and design methods for BS flexural members.

Transforming Structural Engineering: Examining the Opportunities and Risks of ChatGPT and Other Large Language Models

The advancements in technology, particularly the development of high-performance computing (HPC) and large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, can potentially transform the field of Structural Engineering. Use of LLMs, such as ChatGPT, offers several opportunities in Structural Engineering, including the development of innovative design solutions, use in code-based structural analysis programs by automating repetitive coding tasks, conforming to building code requirements by automating compliance checks, and storing information. The critical concerns arise in LLM’s regarding biases, misinformation, safety, reliability, and lack of domain expertise. This paper explores the opportunities and risks associated with using ChatGPT and LLMs in Structural Engineering, focusing on efficiency, accuracy, and reliability. The main aim of the study is to examine the limitations and potential risks of relying solely on machine-generated information and to provide mitigation strategies to overcome them. Careful management to prevent harmful content, collaboration with human experts for accurate results, establishing guidelines and standards are obligatory measures to address ethical concerns such as bias, privacy, and abuse. Continuous monitoring and updating of LLMs are essential to maintain accuracy and relevance. While ChatGPT and LLMs offer significant benefits in Structural Engineering, responsible usage in combination with human expertise and machine-generated insights are vital to maximizing their potential while mitigating risks and ensuring safe as well as reliable engineering practices.

Research on seismic performance of a novel fully precast RC frame isolation structure

Precast structure is considered the most promising approach for achieving architectural industrialization and urban functional resilience due to its advantages such as high quality, low cost, minimal on-site work, environmental friendliness, and resource conservation. However, some studies and earthquake damage investigations indicate that the seismic performance of precast structures is relatively poor, and their damage is usually attributed to insufficient bearing capacity and ductility of connections, making post-earthquake repair extremely challenging. While considering isolation technology one of the most innovative achievements in the field of structural engineering, it has been widely used in structures, and numerous isolation buildings have withstood the test of earthquakes. Therefore, isolation technology may be the most promising solution to improve the seismic performance of precast structure systems. This paper proposed a new type of dry-connection fully precast RC frame structure and adopts the isolation technology to guarantee its seismic performance. A half-scaled model of the precast isolation structure was manufactured and tested on the shaking table. The results show that after experiencing rare earthquakes, the superstructure was basically intact and the isolation layer remains undamaged, which could achieve the design objectives of no damage under moderate earthquakes and repairable after severe earthquakes.

Preface: 2nd International Conference on Architecture, Geotechnical Engineering and Construction Technology (AGECT 2023)

The 2023 2nd International Conference on Architecture, Geotechnical Engineering and Construction Technology (AGECT 2023) was held in Barcelona, Spain from September 9-10, 2023. The conference brings together innovative scholars and industry experts in the fields of architecture design, urban planning, building materials, structural engineering, civil engineering, geotechnical engineering, and construction technology into a common forum. The main objective of AGECT 2023 was to promote research and development activities. Another goal is to promote the exchange of scientific information between researchers, engineers, PHDs, students, and practitioners working in the conference and workshop.
 During the conference, the conference model was divided into three sessions, including oral presentations, keynote speeches, and online Q&A discussion. In the first part, some scholars, whose submissions were selected as the excellent papers, were given about 8-15 minutes to perform their oral presentations one by one. Then in the second part, keynote speakers were each allocated 30-40 minutes to hold their speeches.
 We would like to acknowledge all of those who supported AGECT 2023. The help and contribution of each individual and institution was instrumental in the success of the conference. In particular, we would like to thank the organizing committee for its valuable inputs in shaping the conference program and reviewing the submitted papers. We are sure that the proceedings will serve as an important research source of references and knowledge, which will lead to not only scientific and engineering findings but also new products and technologies.
 With best regards,
 Conference Organizing Chair
 Barcelona, Spain

Experimental investigation of fixed-ended hot-rolled austenitic stainless-steel unequal-leg angles under compression

Structural stainless steel is gaining traction in the structural engineering field, however, there is currently limited published data on the performance of stainless steel unequal-leg single-angle compression members. This limitation of published data is reflected in the recently released AISC 370: Specification for Structural Stainless Steel Buildings which is limited in scope to equal-leg cross sections. Furthermore, the Specification requires the consideration of flexural–torsional buckling for single angles which is in contrast to the original design guidelines from AISC published in 2013, which mirrored the carbon steel specifications and did not required checking for flexural–torsional buckling for single angles. This paper reports a comprehensive experimental study on the behavior of hot-rolled austenitic stainless steel unequal-leg angle columns. A series of unequal-leg angles with cross-sectional dimensions of 76.2 × 50.8 × 6.35 mm (3″× 2″× 1/4″) and lengths ranging from 250 mm (10″) to 3760 mm (148″) were tested in compression. The ultimate loads were recorded in addition to displacements, twists, and failure modes through the use of strain gauges and an optical tracking system. The material properties were obtained through a series of tensile coupon tests, and the member geometric imperfections were measured through a non-contact 3D laser scanning technique. In addition, residual stress distributions were measured by the sectioning method. The results obtained from this experimental investigation indicated: (1) that torsional buckling is dominant in the shorter lengths and minor-axis flexural buckling in the longer lengths, with a transition occurring gradually in the middle lengths; (2) that the measured material properties are significantly higher than nominal values, and that this had a significant effect on the capacity predicted by the design provisions; (3) flexural buckling design provisions provide a better estimation than flexural–torsional buckling design provisions, although both are conservative.

Experimental and numerical study on weld strengths of built-up steel box columns

This study investigates the demands generated in the panel zone of welded steel built-up box columns with fillet and complete joint penetration (CJP) groove welds, which are mainly used as columns in steel moment-resisting frames. The motivation for this study stems from the a 360–16 specification for structural steel building, which requires the joining of flange and web plates of box columns with CJP groove welds within a zone extending 12 in. above the upper beam flange and 12 in. below the lower beam flange in special and intermediate steel moment frames. Laboratory experiments have been conducted to examine the strength of these welds under pure shear forces. For this purpose, two laboratory specimens, one with fillet welds and the other with CJP groove welds, have been designed, and the strength of these welds were equal to each other in pure shear force conditions. The fillet weld specimen has resisted up to 1670 kN in the pure shear test, and the CJP groove weld has resisted up to 1520 kN. The entire loading process of each specimen was characterized by employing the digital image correlation (DIC) technique, which enabled the extraction of strain values throughout. Numerical modeling is validated in Abaqus software using experimental results, with comprehensive analyses on force-displacement diagrams and rupture. The outcomes of the tests conducted have shown that the demands generated in the panel zone of the built-up steel box welded sections are satisfactorily tolerated by both fillet and CJP groove welds. Research significanceThe significance of this study can be elaborated in multiple aspects. Firstly, it introduces an innovative test setup meticulously designed to replicate the behavior of welded built-up box columns with corner joints to steel plates. This advanced experimental arrangement not only facilitates the current study, but also serves as a versatile tool for conducting forthcoming experiments, allowing for meaningful comparisons and further exploration of diverse phenomena within the field. Secondly, the deliberate imposition of uniform demands on both types of welds during the study enables a comprehensive examination of their behavioral characteristics. This comprehensive analysis contributes to a more profound comprehension of welds performance under identical conditions, thereby enhancing our knowledge within the field. Finally, the research outcome, which reveals that fillet welds exhibit almost identical load-bearing capacity in comparison to CJP groove welds, bears substantial practical significance for the construction industry. This finding has the potential to instigate more cost-effective and efficient welding practices, which are paramount for maintaining the structural integrity of steel structures.In summary, this study makes a noteworthy contribution to the scientific community by presenting an innovative test setup, deepening the knowledge of weld performance, and suggesting practical enhancements in welding methodologies. These collective contributions serve to elevate the field of structural engineering, promoting advancements in construction practices.

Shape and Stiffness Switchable Hydroplastic Wood with Programmability and Reproducibility.

Stiffness switchable materials (e.g., supramolecular polymers, metals) that alter their shape and mechanical properties in response to specific stimuli are potentially utilized in the structural engineering field but still limited due to the use of petroleum-based synthetic monomers and large energy consumption. Herein, a sustainable and facile solvent casting strategy is proposed to fabricate the "hydroplastic wood" with shape and stiffness switchable properties via cell wall wetting, cell wall softening and subsequent moisture evaporation. Therein, a wetting agent with low surface tension and low viscosity is utilized for covering the rough surface of solid wood to form a liquid lubricating layer, thereby increasing the interfacial wettability and achieving uniform softening of the cell walls. This interface wetting treatment can easily break through the hydro-plasticization process for thick wood (Balsa wood, Ochroma lagopus Swartz, density: 0.25 g/cm3; Pinewood, Pinus armandii, density: 0.38 g/cm3). Additionally, the capillary force arising from moisture evaporation induces the self-densification of oriented cellulose nanofibrils and achieves moisture-mediated shape design capabilities through periodic saturation-dehydration. This work makes hydroplastic wood a promising candidate for engineering materials because of its combined advantages of strong durability, formability, and load-carrying capacity.

Identification of the most suitable probability distributions for ultimate strength of FRP-strengthened X-shaped tubular joints under axial loads

This paper focuses on identifying the most appropriate probability distributions for characterizing the ultimate strength of FRP-strengthened X-shaped tubular joints under axial loads. The study begins by verifying the accuracy of finite element (FE) models through a comparison with experimental results. Subsequently, 218 FE nonlinear static analyses are conducted to generate two reliable datasets for strength ratios. To determine the most suitable probability distribution models, 16 different distributions are fitted to the data, and their accuracy is evaluated using Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Chi-squared goodness-of-fit tests. The findings reveal that the Generalized Extreme Value distribution provides the best fit for describing the ultimate strength under compressive axial load, while the Burr distribution is identified as the most suitable model for tensile axial load. The analysis of probability differences revealed that the proposed probability distribution models for compressive and tensile loads exhibit minimal disparities, with a slight difference of 5.24% and 4.80%, respectively. The identified probability distribution models enhance the reliability and confidence in predicting the behavior and performance of these joints, contributing valuable insights to the field of structural engineering.

Seismo-VLAB: An Open-Source Software for Soil–Structure Interaction Analyses

In the fields of structural and geotechnical engineering, improving the understanding of soil–structure interaction (SSI) effects is critical for earthquake-resistant design. Engineers and practitioners often resort to finite element (FE) software to advance this objective. Unfortunately, the availability of software equipped with boundary representation for absorbing scattered waves and ensuring consistent input ground motion prescriptions, which is necessary for accurately representing SSI effects, is currently limited. To address such limitations, the authors developed Seismo-VLAB (SVL v1.0-stable) an open-source software designed to perform SSI simulations. The methodology considers the integration of advanced techniques, including the domain decomposition method (DDM), perfectly matched layers (PMLs), and domain reduction method (DRM), in addition to parallel computing capabilities to accelerate the solution of large-scale problems. In this work, the authors provide a detailed description of the implementation for addressing SSI modeling, validate some of the SVL’s features needed for such purpose, and demonstrate that the coupled DRM–PML technique is a necessary condition for accurately solving SSI problems. It is expected that SVL provides a significant contribution to the SSI research community, offering a self-contained and versatile alternative. The software’s practical application in analyzing SSI and directionality effects on 3D structures under seismic loading demonstrates its capability to model real-world earthquake responses in structural engineering.

Seismic Behavior of Structure with Cantilever Projections in Different Zones

Abstract: In this research paper, the main focus is on understanding how structures with constant cantilever projections of 1m perform when subjected to seismic forces. To carry out the analysis, the researchers utilize ETABS software, which is commonly used in the field of structural engineering. The study investigates two types of buildings: a 5-storey building and a 10-storey building. By using the static method, the researchers evaluate various aspects of the structure’s seismic behavior. This includes examining the story displacement, which refers to how much each floor moves during an earthquake. They also examine the overturning moment, which helps to assess the potential for the structure to rotate or tip over due to seismic forces. Additionally, the researchers analyze the base shear, which represents the total force experienced by the building's foundation due to seismic activity. By conducting these analyses, the researchers aim to gain insights into how the structures with 1m cantilever projections perform in different zones under seismic conditions. This information can be valuable for designing safer and more resilient buildings in earthquake-prone areas.

Book Review of Vorticity Vibration Effects,Principles and Aerodynamic Control Measures for Large-Span Bridges

With the rapid development of the world's economy and technology, bridge structures are developing in the direction of large spans. Large span means that the main girder of the bridge becomes longer, the whole bridge becomes more flexible, and the effect of the fluid, mainly wind, will be more obvious. Vortex Vibration Effects, Principles and Pneumatic Control Measures for Large-Span Bridges is a monograph in the field of wind engineering related to bridge structures written by Zhao Lin and Ge Yaojun of Tongji University (published by Tongji University Press) , which starts from the basic characteristics of vortex vibration of large-span bridges, the research progress and principles, and experimental situations, and puts forward the control countermeasures applicable to vortex vibration of a wide range of bridges and pneumatic control measures. This paper provides a brief introduction to the editors of the work, systematizes the chapter structure of the book, and explores its academic and theoretical values. The monograph shows how to apply the theory and mechanism related to vortex vibration of large-span bridges to practice, with a view to providing reference for workers and researchers in the fields of bridge structural wind engineering, disaster prevention and mitigation engineering.

State-of-the-Art: Integrating Fastener Technology and Design Guidelines for Enhanced Performance of Cold-Formed Steel Sections

Cold-formed steel (CFS) elements have gained significant attention in the field of structural engineering due to their numerous advantages, including high strength-to-weight ratio, cost-effectiveness, and ease of assembly and prefabrication. This review paper presents a comprehensive state-of-the-art analysis of the design and analysis of CFS structures, with a specific focus on columns and beams. The primary objectives and aims of this review paper are to provide a detailed assessment of the factors influencing the behavior and performance of CFS elements, including partial composite action, fastener spacing, bolt arrangement, web aperture, stiffeners, and connection spacing, to propose and present various formulas and methodologies that accurately estimate critical buckling loads, strength, and moment resistance for CFS members, and to emphasize the significance of proper screw and bolt placement in preventing premature failure and enhancing the overall load-carrying capacity of CFS structures. Additionally, the impact of temperature on the mechanical properties and performance of CFS members is discussed. The review paper proposes different formulas and methodologies to accurately estimate critical buckling loads, strength, and moment resistance for CFS members. Moreover, the paper highlights the importance of proper screw and bolt placement to prevent early failure and improve the overall load-carrying capacity of CFS structures. The discussion also emphasizes the need for revisions in existing standards and codes to provide more practical guidelines for designers and engineers. Overall, this state-of-the-art review paper provides valuable insights and recommendations for researchers and practitioners involved in the design and analysis of CFS elements.