Frame System Research Articles

Experimental investigation of long-span cold-rolled aluminium built-up section portal frames: Braced columns and ultimate strength enhancement

This paper presents an experimental program on a series of long-span cold-rolled aluminium portal frames with various configurations subjected to different load combinations. The main structural members of the portal frame systems, including columns and rafters, were constructed using cold-rolled aluminium back-to-back built-up channel sections made from aluminium alloy 5052-H36 materials. The objectives of this paper are to understand the structural behaviour of different portal frame configurations and to explore possibilities for improving the performance of the structural systems, including strength and ductility enhancements. A total of four full-scale two-bay portal frame systems, each featuring two end frames and a central frame, were tested. The columns were braced against flexural-torsional buckling by girts spanning between the columns of the central frame and the columns of the two end frames. As a result, the portal frames failed due to in-plane sway deformations with the columns reaching their full section capacities. The tests revealed that the addition of rafter tie and sleeve stiffeners significantly improved the performance of the cold-rolled aluminium portal frame systems. Described in a separate publication, the authors also conducted a study to experimentally investigate the behaviour of the same system but with unrestrained columns, resulting in failure due to flexural-torsional buckling. Collectively, these two works form the foundation for further studies on cold-rolled aluminium portal frames in particular, and aluminium structures more generally.

Comparison of 5 and 10 Storey Frame Buildings and 5 and 10 Storey Shear Wall-Frame Buildings Under the Effect of Maras Earthquake According to the Turkish Building Earthquake Code 2018

In this study, the differences in the displacements, base shear forces, relative storey drifts and foundation stresses under different earthquake data on different storeys of shear wall frame systems and framed systems are investigated by using SAP2000 program. Within the scope of the study, four buildings with 5-storey frame, 5-storey shear wall frame, 10-storey frame and 10 storey shear wall frame are modelled. All four buildings were designed to be identical with 4 spans in X and Y directions and each span was designed as 5 meters. The height of each floor is designed as 3 meters for all four buildings. In sheared structures, shear walls are designed to be 4 meters from the corner columns to the columns closest to them. The earthquake data to be influenced on all four structures are the earthquake data from the Earthquake Hazard Map of Turkey published by AFAD at the coordinates of 41° latitude, 27° longitude of Kırklareli province, Luleburgaz district. Another earthquake parameter was taken from station 4615 during the earthquake in Kahramanmaras. The data recorded by station 4615 for the 7.6 Mw earthquake in Kahramanmaras was applied to all four structures. These two earthquake data were imposed on these four structures in order to compare the resulting displacements, relative storey drifts, base shear forces and foundation stresses. Since the structures are all symmetrical in both X and Y directions, only one direction of the displacements was calculated. As a result, when both the earthquake data from the Earthquake Hazard Map and the Kahramanmaras earthquake data were applied to these four structures, it was observed that the maximum values of the displacements occurred at the top floors of all structures and the effect of the Kahramanmaras earthquake data was higher in the displacements, relative storey drifts, base shear forces and foundation stresses than the effect of the other earthquake data.

Cyclic performance of precast steel beam-to-CECFST column exterior sub-assemblages with dry connections: Experimental studies and mechanism analyses

Combining advantages of both reinforced concrete (RC) and concrete-filled steel tube (CFST), concrete-encased concrete-filled steel tube (CECFST) members demonstrate superior structural performance over pure RC or CFST counterparts. Nevertheless, current research in this domain has primarily focused on member and connection behaviour of CECFST columns, with no attention given to frame-level performance. This significantly impedes applications of this form of high-performance composite members into actual engineering practice. To bridge this research gap, a novel precast steel beam-to-CECFST column composite system is proposed in this study. This is followed by a comprehensive experimental programme, where seven precast steel beam-to-CECFST column exterior sub-assemblages were tested under cyclic loads. In the test specimens, three types of connections, including beam-to-beam (B-B), column-to-column (C-C) and beam-to-column (B-C), were incorporated to establish a precast steel beam-to-CECFST column sub-assemblage. Horizontal displacement versus shear force relationship and failure mode of the test specimens are reported, followed by a detailed analysis of test results and findings. Furthermore, a comprehensive mechanism analysis is presented, with emphasis on energy dissipation behaviour and deformation mechanism of the proposed precast composite system. The test results show that the proposed precast composite system has comparable load-carrying capacity and energy dissipation capacity in comparison with conventional cast-in-place counterparts. This indicates that despite using precast beam-to-beam and column-to-column connections, structural performance of the composite frame system would not be significantly affected, showing that this form of precast steel beam-to-CECFST column composite system has considerable potential to be adopted in actual engineering practice.

Progressive Collapse Behavior of a Precast Reinforced Concrete Frame System with Layered Beams

A possible way to improve the structural safety and robustness of precast building structures is to develop effective precast frame systems with layered beams, which combine prefabricated parts with cast-in situ ordinary concrete, high-performance concrete, fiber concrete, or FRP. The paper provides a new type of precast reinforced concrete frame system with layered beams for rapidly erected multi-story buildings resistant to accidental actions. Using a combination of the variational method and two-level design schemes, a simplified analytical model has been developed for structural analysis of the precast reinforced concrete frame system, both for serviceable and ultimate limit states as well as for accidental actions. The proposed model allows for determining shear deformations and the formation and opening of longitudinal cracks in the intermediate contact zone between precast and monolithic parts of reinforced concrete structural elements of the frame, as well as the formation and opening of normal cracks because of the action of axial tensile force or bending moment in these elements. The design model was validated by comparing the calculated and experimental data obtained from testing scaled models of the precast reinforced concrete frame system with layered beams. The paper investigates and thoroughly analyzes the factors affecting the stiffness and bearing capacity of the intermediate contact zone, discusses the criteria for the formation of shear cracks along the contact zone of precast and monolithic concrete, and examines the change in the stiffness and dissipative properties of layered elements at different stages of their static–dynamic loading. The robustness of the experimental models of the structural system was not ensured under the specified load, section dimensions, and reinforcement scheme. Following an accidental action, longitudinal cracks were observed in the contact joint between the monolithic and prefabricated parts in the layered beams. This occurred almost simultaneously with the opening of normal cracks in adjacent sections. A comprehensive analysis of the results indicated a satisfactory degree of agreement between the proposed semi-analytical model and the test data.

Database of tall pre-Northridge steel moment frames for earthquake performance evaluations

This article describes a detailed database of tall steel moment frame buildings that are representative of the construction practices in San Francisco prior to the 1994 Northridge earthquake. The database contains design details that affect the structural performance of steel moment frames, including frame geometry, member cross-section sizes, and gravity system characteristics. This database also captures irregularities that might impact seismic response, such as podiums, setbacks, mass concentrations (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) floors), interrupted column lines, and atriums. The database includes information on 89 moment frame buildings, 14 of which were built before 1960 and are constructed with riveted connections, while the remaining 75 have welded flange connections like those that suffered brittle fracture during the 1994 Northridge earthquake. The buildings are further distinguished between space frame, perimeter frame, and partial space frame systems. For about half (41/89) of the buildings in the database, section sizes of representative structural members were collected, which enabled the evaluation of the seismic design, elastic, and inelastic response using computational workflows. The design diagnostics indicate that most of the buildings meet the minimum seismic strength and strong-column weak-beam requirements of modern building codes, even though they were not necessarily designed with this intent. On the contrary, about one-third of the buildings do not meet the seismic design drift limit of current codes, and about half of them have weak beam-column panel zones. This database, associated structural analysis models, and processing scripts are published at DesignSafe https://doi.org/10.17603/ds2-wjad-r340 to facilitate collaboration and continued development of open-source data for high-resolution simulations to inform risk mitigation strategies on a regional scale.

Robustness of reinforced concrete frames with elements experiencing bending with torsion

The article presents the results of experimental and theoretical studies of deformation, cracking and fracture of frame structural systems under accidental impacts. The elements of frame structures may exhibit bending with torque as a consequence of the occurrence of an abnormal event. The study provides an energy-based approach to determining internal forces in such structural systems under a scenario in which a column is removed. It also presents a computational model that evaluates the robustness of a reinforced concrete frame of a multi-story building. The model permits the determination of dynamic effects within a structural system, at varying levels of static loads acting within it, and enables the investigation of deformation patterns within the spatial cross-section, including those experiencing bending and torsion. It also allows for the calculation of the robustness parameter of frame systems. In order to validate the proposed computational model, the study employs the outcomes of tests conducted on scale models of reinforced concrete frames with beams subjected to bending and torsion. The experimental frames were loaded in two stages. In the initial stage, the frame structures were subjected to static loading. At the second stage, scaled models were exposed to dynamic loading, which was caused by the sudden removal of columns. A comparison of calculated and experimental results for the investigated structures demonstrates the reliability and efficiency of the proposed calculation model. Consequently, it can be used to calculate the progressive collapse resistance of reinforced concrete frames of multi-storey buildings.

Examination of Spatial Deictic Markers in KingoniExamination of Spatial Deictic Markers in Kingoni

This study aimed to examine spatial deixis in Kingoni within the framework of the cognitive semantics approach. A total of 60 adults and grandparents that were purposively selected from 30 households in Songea Rural District were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. Data on Kingoni spatial orientation was analysed using thematic and quotation analysis techniques, with special interest in underlying coordinates, body-sidedness, and the absolute and intrinsic frame of reference. The study results show that Kingoni has five deictic terms with movement or motion components categorised into two groups: go (hambai, wukai) and come (bwelai, wuyai, and kiliwukai). It has also been realised that Kingoni is a hybrid system of frames of reference, changing from one frame to another when interacting. It uses object-sidedness (intrinsic frame of reference) and body-sidedness to express or point to something like kumangiga (the right hand) or kumandyoli (the left-hand side). Kingoni exhibits four spatial dimension differences when expressing the location of an object from a given viewpoint. These are apa (near), pala (near far), palanaha (far), and palé (far most). Accordingly, the study recommends continued research in natural language to enrich existing knowledge about deictic markers.

An Experimental Study on Compressive Properties of Composite Fiber Geopolymer Concrete

Background: The production process of Portland cement (OPC) consumes energy and releases carbon dioxide, which affects the environment. It has been found that geopolymer cementing material is a better substitute for it. The strength effect of fiber on geopolymer materials is the basis of the application of fiber geopolymer concrete in structural beams, slabs, and other components. Methods: Geopolymer concrete was prepared with fly ash, slag, and water glass as the main raw materials, and the effects of fiber type, quality, and blending method on the compressive properties and elastic modulus of geopolymer concrete were compared to explore the working mechanism of fiber-reinforced geopolymer concrete. Results: Through experimental research, the results showed that in 0.2% flocculent lignin fibers, when the mass ratio of carbon fibers was increased, the strength of the geopolymer concrete decreased. Due to the increased mass ratio of wavy steel fibers, comprising 0.2% flocculent lignin fibers, the strength enhancement effect was not apparent. Moreover, with regard to enhancing the modulus of elasticity of geopolymer concrete, blending fibers exerted the most significant effect. The fiber was added to geopolymer concrete to form a three-dimensional supporting frame system. When cracks occurred under the action of force, the development of cracks was limited due to the fibers, and the bonding slip delayed the propagation of cracks. The composite fiber could make full use of the advantages of each material and improve the strength of geopolymer concrete. Conclusion: The compressive properties of geopolymer concrete could be enhanced by blending single-fiber or mix-fibers, and the effect of mix-fibers was more optimal than that of others. The above research results provide a theoretical reference for the design of geopolymer concrete and a theoretical basis for the application of fiber geopolymer concrete in structural beams, slabs, and other components.

Wooden Spatial Structures Assembled with Disassembly Possible Simple Joints

The authors propose a new clamped joint system that can easily join wooden members together and a wooden spatial structure that utilizes this system. The proposed system can clamp wood members without the need for special joint machining. Two types of clamps have been developed: orthogonal clamps and rotational clamps. A frame system is developed using this joint system, which is a hemispherical dome with a diameter of 5.4 m and its membrane is tensioned using struts. A preliminary framework structural analysis and membrane stress analysis are conducted to confirm the safety of the frame. Full-scale mock-up was constructed to validate the frame model analysis and verify construction procedures. As a combinable structure, a small-scale spatial structure assembled using orthogonal clamps is also described. It is the cube-shaped structure 2.8 m wide consisting of wall and ceiling planes. Single clamp loading tests are conducted to understand the load-deformation relationship of the proposed clamped joint system and full-scale horizontal loading tests have been conducted.

Study on the influence of vibration characteristics of ship’s stern structure

The stern structure of the ship, as the primary source of vibration and noise, has always been widely studied. Conducting an analysis of the vibration characteristics of the stern and determining the impact of local structures on the complex coupled vibration in the stern section are particularly important aspects of research. This paper employs the structural-acoustic coupling methodology to investigate the vibration features of the stern of a ship. The study explores the influence of variations in parameters such as the rudder, stern frame, and shaft system on the vibration response of the stern. The results provide valuable insights into controlling vibration and noise in the stern section of ships, as well as informing the design of related structures.

From Digital Literacy to Critical Digital Ecology: Curricula as Digital Places in Art Education

Abstract This article makes a case for the critical potential of media ecology frameworks to address the limits of the media literacy frameworks prevalent in visual culture art education pedagogies that focus on art education with digital materials. In this article, I articulate a brief history of the literacy metaphor in visual culture art education, before summarizing recent arguments advocating for a shift from media literacy to media ecology in critical digital pedagogies. I then examine my own digital curricular place-craft in the development of Crafting Digital Places, a Web-based teaching resource that played a part in a series of remotely taught summer camp programs focusing on critical digital place-craft. In this article, I aim to illustrate the critical and practical limits of engaging digital materials via the literacy metaphor. I also aim to show how a media ecology approach—framing digital systems as places with agentic material qualities—affords art educators distinctive potentials for critical practice and curriculum design.

Comparison Analysis of Punching Buildings With Flat Plate Under Static and Seismic Loads

The structures with the same frame system (flat plate), but with different spans (6 m and 7 m) and slab thicknesses (20 cm, 22 cm, 25 cm and 40 cm), static and seismic calculation was carried out by the finite element method using “LIRA SAPR”and “ETABS” software packages. Design of structure in accordance with Armenian building codes were implemented. In order to analyze the results of calculations, comparative graphs and tables with a number of variables were built. From the results of the analysis it became clear that the average value of punching shear is 14,58 %, and the average difference of the shear reinforcement area is 38,7%. Consequently, the anchorage length also should be checked by the American building standards for structure design.

Seismic Performance Assessment of Conventional Construction and Ductile Concrete Moment Frames Using Performance-Based Unified Procedure

A Performance-Based Unified (PBU) procedure has recently been proposed by the National Research Council Canada (NRC) to systematically evaluate seismic design requirements available in the National Building Codes (NBC) of Canada. Conventional Construction reinforced Concrete Moment-resisting Frame (CC-CMF) and Ductile reinforced Concrete Moment-Resisting Frame (D-CMF) systems were used in this paper to first assess the proposed PBU procedure and second determine the adequacy of the basis for seismic design requirements in NBC and see its performance margin against different structural performance levels. Results indicate that the detailed screening in the PBU procedure efficiently reduces the number of Incremental Dynamic Analyses (IDA) by more than 60% for CC-CMF while providing remarkable accuracy. It was also found that the CC-CMF system designed for the Normal importance category can provide an adequate margin against Life Safety (LS) performance level objectives, while the D-CMF system designed for the same importance category passes the Collapse Prevention (CP) performance level criteria.

Seismic Performance Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Mortise-Tenon Frame Infilled with Friction Dissipative Window Frame

ABSTRACT This paper presents a new form of window frame that employs a friction dissipative connection. The design is informed by a structural analysis of the sill window in traditional wooden structures and inspired by friction dissipative mechanisms. By considering the frictional wear of the friction block, a more accurate formula for calculating the frictional torque is derived and its accuracy is verified. Additionally, a finite element model of the sill window-wooden frame system is established and verified using experimental data. Then a further finite element model of the sill window-wooden frame system with the friction dissipative window frame is established and analyzed, and the effectiveness of the reinforcement scheme of the friction dissipative connection is verified. The analysis shows that compared to the sill window-wooden frame system, the load-carrying capacity and energy dissipation of the sill window-wooden frame reinforced with the friction dissipative window frame are significantly improved. When the bolt pre-tightening force is 100 kN, the peak load and stiffness of the sill window-wooden frame system reinforced with the friction energy dissipation window frame are increased by 2.7 and 2.57 times, respectively, compared to the sill window-wooden frame, which can effectively prevent the seismic damage of ancient wooden structures.

Analisis Struktur Balok Sistem Rangka Pemikul Momen Khusus Pada Menara Talawang Kota Palangka Raya

The Talawang Tower building will be built in the center of the Great Roundabout of Palangka Raya City. The renovation of the Great Roundabout of Palangka Raya, which will be carried out by the Central Kalimantan Provincial Government through the Public Works and Spatial Planning Office (PUPR), will be built grandly with a multipurpose concept. The plan in the middle of the roundabout will be built Talawang Tower with a height of 45 meters. It takes a fairly mature analysis to avoid greater losses, especially earthquake planning analysis. Therefore, the author tries to redesign an earthquake-resistant reinforced concrete structure with an irregular structural model and shows the seismic loads acting on the structure that meets the detaling standards of the Special Moment Bearing Frame System. Planning using SAP2000 by inputting dead loads, live loads, wind loads and earthquake loads to help get the internal forces needed in planning. From the calculation results, a 500 x 650 beam is used with the longitudinal reinforcement requirement of the pedestal to withstand the load is 12D22 with a capacity of ϕMn = 723.955 kN-m > 665.192 kN-m, while the field longitudinal reinforcement requirement is 6D22 with a reinforcement capacity of ϕMn = 379.9872 kN-m > 18.4086 kN-m. The support shear reinforcement requirement is 4D13 - 130 with capacity ϕVn = 753.879 kN > 694.232 kN, while the field shear reinforcement requirement is 2D13 - 150 with capacity ϕVn = 513.47 kN > 405.02 kN.

Multi-Criteria Assessment of Timber-Based Structural Systems for a Grocery Store

To reduce the negative impact on the environment, architects, designers, and construction companies need to find and apply eco-friendly and sustainable building solutions. Due to its renewable nature and numerous advantages, timber has become an attractive substitute for steel and concrete in both residential and non-residential construction projects. However, timber application in the construction of grocery stores is a relatively new concept. The purpose of this research is to propose three alternative timber-based structural systems for a grocery store in Lithuania and to select the most efficient option based on multi-criteria decision-making methods. Three alternative glued laminated timber (glulam) structural systems—the glulam column and truss system, the glulam three-hinge frame system, and the glulam column and double-tapered beam system—were designed. The systems were evaluated against ten criteria, reflecting structural properties, cost efficiency, assembling complexity, and aesthetics. Multiple-criteria assessments by the COmplex PRoportional ASsessment (COPRAS) method and simple additive weighting (SAW) method revealed that the best-performing alternative is the glulam column and double-tapered beam system due to the lower cost of load-bearing structures, the smaller quantity of required steel details and fittings, and the highest maximum utility ratio according to serviceability limit states compared to other alternatives.

SURVEY AND RECONSTRUCTION OF LOW-RISE REINFORCED CONCRETE FRAME BUILDINGS

This article examined the technical condition of a 2-story retail and household complex located in the city of Tashkent, and provided the necessary recommendations for reconstruction. The building is a reinforced concrete frame system and the survey process used existing methods and computer software.

Comparison of Seismic and Wind Actions on Medium to High-Rise Buildings in Muscat, Oman

This study is a comparison of wind and seismic loads on medium and high-rise buildings in Muscat, Oman. It uses the proposed Omani Seismic Code and Eurocode EN1991 for seismic and wind calculations, respectively. Muscat falls under Zone-1 in the Omani seismic code and experience basic wind speed of 30 m/sec. The research investigates buildings with varying aspect ratios (1:1 and 1:2), heights (11, 15, and 19 stories), and structural layouts (frame only, core shear wall, and corner shear wall), using ETABS for structural analysis. The findings reveal that seismic actions are generally more significant than wind actions for buildings in Muscat. In frame-only structures, wind-induced base shear ranges from 16%-33% for 1:1 aspect ratio and 21%-43% in the x-direction and 10%-20% in the y-direction for 1:2 aspect ratio, when compared to seismic actions. This difference decreases with increasing building height. Incorporating shear walls notably reduces the maximum lateral displacement across all scenarios, with core-located walls being most effective, leading to a 49% reduction in lateral displacement. Shear walls also substantially mitigate first-story column shear forces and bending moments. The study concludes that seismic actions are more critical than wind actions in Muscat for simple moment-resisting frame systems. Additionally, using shear walls in these buildings is highly beneficial for controlling lateral displacements and reducing member forces.

Hybrid simulation of a steel frame with Dissipative Replaceable Link Frames

In the last decades, high priority has been given to enhancing the seismic resilience of structures by reducing the damage of structural and non-structural elements after a disaster. In this context, the European Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS) project DISSIPABLE was funded to perform large demonstration tests of steel frames equipped with easily repairable seismic dissipative devices. The paper extensively describes the experimental campaign carried out at the University of Trento on a steel frame equipped with innovative Dissipative Replaceable Link Frame (DRLF) systems, composed of two rigid columns connected by weakened beams at their ends. Hybrid Simulation was employed, enabling to physically test the first floor of the building yet allowing for considering the response of the remaining five floors, which were numerically simulated. A bidimensional frame was tested under increasing seismic intensity levels: Damage Limitation, Significant Damage and Near Collapse limit states. The experimental results proved that the DRLF system was able to dissipate energy and protect the primary elements of the structure from plasticisation. Moreover, the structure's re-centring capability was verified to ensure the components' replaceability. Finally, the calibration of the nonlinear model was performed following the tests, which allowed to develop a high-fidelity model suitable for further numerical investigation.

Partial-dual polynomial as a framed weight system

Recently, Chmutov proved that the partial-dual polynomial considered as a function on chord diagrams satisfies the four-term relations. In this paper, we show that this function on framed chord diagrams also satisfies the four-term relations, i.e., is a framed weight system.