Load-bearing Capacity Research Articles

Viscoelastic negative stiffness metamaterial with multistage load bearing and programmable energy absorption ability

ABSTRACT The mechanical properties of negative stiffness (NS) metamaterial could be customized and tuned in a wide range for various requirements, achieving programmable performances by the design from the aspect of structure and material. This work investigates the viscoelastic NS metamaterial based on double curved beams using a combined approach of experiments, simulations, and analytical modeling with an emphasis on multistage loading bearing and programmable energy absorption ability. Numerical simulations are first implemented based on the finite element models of three types of metamaterial cells, which provide comparisons of load bearing and energy absorption properties. Further, the effects of geometric parameters of multistage metamaterial element and the mechanisms are analyzed. An analytical discrete model is then innovatively developed to provide straightforward understandings of the geometric effects and reveal the role of viscoelasticity by examining the instantaneous loading responses and rate-dependent behaviors. Experimentally, we fabricate the metamaterial samples using 3D-printing technique and perform compression tests to validate the properties based on different boundary conditions, loading rates and cyclic loading and unloading. Results of this work show the potential of wide programmable room for mechanical properties through structure and functional material design, such as multistage load bearing capacity and energy absorption ability.

ANALYSIS OF THE POSSIBILITIES OF MANUFACTURING FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS USING THE FFF METHOD

The article presents the course and results of research aimed at assessing the strength and practical usability of a furniture hinge additively manufactured from thermoplastic material. The research activities included: development of design assumptions, adoption of target geometry, creation of a 3D-CAD model, preliminary strength analysis in the FEM environment, prototype manufacturing using FFF method with thermoplastic material (pet-g), and conducting tests under conditions similar to real ones. The hinge geometry was based on typical market-available design solutions, while considering the specifics of the adopted manufacturing method. Strength analysis via FEM was conducted on the 3D-CAD model, allowing estimation of stress values and determination of the suitability of the developed geometry for testing on a real model. Subsequently, research models were produced using FFF technology with various infill patterns: linear 30%, hexagonal 30%, linear 60%, hexagonal 60%, and solid 100%. Bench tests were conducted to determine the maximum load-bearing capacity of the hinge under perpendicular loading to the axis and to assess hinge wear under conditions simulating real-life door usage. The results revealed that the hinge with solid infill safely carried a load of 160 kg without damage, while the hinge with hexagonal 30% infill exhibited the lowest load-bearing capacity, failing at 85 kg. To determine the hinge's durability, the clearance at two reference points on the doors was measured.

Finite Element Modelling of Circular Concrete-Filled Steel Tubular Columns Under Quasi-Static Axial Compression Loading

This paper presents a modified finite element analysis (FEA) model for predicting the axial compression strength of large-diameter concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) stub columns, addressing the gap in research that has often focused on smaller diameters. The size effect, which significantly impacts the structural performance of large-diameter CFST columns, is a key focus of this study. The goal is to validate the accuracy and reliability of the modified FEA model by comparing its predictions with experimental data from the literature, specifically examining ultimate axial load capacity, failure modes, and deformed shapes. In addition to validating the model, this study includes a comprehensive parametric analysis that explores how critical geometric parameters such as the diameter-to-thickness (D/t) ratio and length-to-diameter (L/D) ratio affect the axial compressive behavior of CFST stub columns. By systematically varying these parameters, the research provides valuable insights into the load-bearing capacity, deformation characteristics, and failure mechanisms of CFST columns. Furthermore, the material properties of the steel tube—particularly its yield strength—and the compressive strength of the concrete core are investigated to optimize the design and safety performance of these columns. The results indicate that the FEA model shows excellent agreement with experimental results, accurately predicting the axial load-strain response. It was observed that as the diameter of the steel tube increases, the peak stress, peak strain, strength index, and ductility index tend to decrease, underscoring the size effect. Conversely, an increase in the yield strength and thickness of the steel tube enhances the ultimate strength of the CFST columns. These findings demonstrate the reliability of the modified FEA model in predicting the behavior of large-diameter CFST columns, offering a useful tool for optimizing designs and improving safety margins in structural applications.

Experimental Study on Seismic Behavior of Concrete-Filled Steel Tube with Spherical-Cap Gap

Concrete-filled steel tubes (CFST) are widely used due to their high strength, ductility, and energy dissipation capacity. However, gaps in between core concrete and steel tube adversely affect the mechanical performance of structures, thereby compromising the safety of the building. In this paper, four concrete-filled steel tube specimens with spherical-cap gaps were designed, and quasi-static tests were conducted to investigate the impact of gap depth on the seismic performance of concrete-filled steel tube columns. The test results indicate that the gap reduced the cumulative energy dissipation and initial stiffness of concrete-filled steel tubes. The gap weakened the compressing effect on the steel tube exerted by the expansion of core concrete, leading to premature yielding of the steel tube. As the gap’s depth increased from 0 mm to 30 mm, the load-bearing capacity and ductility of the concrete-filled steel tube columns decreased by 24.86% and 21.7%, respectively. This research quantified the extent to which gaps weaken the seismic performance of CFST columns, and the reduction coefficients of bearing capacity under different gap ratios were provided. This contributes to enhancing structural safety and lays a foundation for further research.

Utilizing Machine Learning for Predictive Maintenance of Climate-Resilient Highways through Integration of Advanced Asphalt Binders and Permeable Pavement Systems with IoT Technology

This review provides a comprehensive examination of the application of advanced technologies in enhancing the climate resilience of highway infrastructure. The focus is on the integration of machine learning for predictive maintenance, the use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices for real-time monitoring, and the deployment of advanced materials, specifically permeable pavements and modified asphalt binders. The review explores how these technologies work synergistically to create durable, low-maintenance highway systems capable of withstanding extreme environmental conditions. Advanced asphalt binders, such as those modified with styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) and nanomaterials, are discussed for their enhanced flexibility, thermal stability, and load-bearing capacity. Additionally, the environmental and structural benefits of permeable pavements are highlighted, particularly their role in stormwater management and reduction of urban heat island effects. Several case studies highlight the successful implementation of these technologies in diverse geographical and climatic conditions, including North Carolina, Australia, and Raipur, India. These cases illustrate the adaptability and environmental benefits of permeable pavements in managing stormwater, recharging groundwater, and mitigating the urban heat island effect. By synthesizing recent advancements and practical implementations, this review emphasizes the importance of integrating predictive technologies and resilient materials to develop sustainable, climate- adaptive highway systems. These insights offer a foundation for future infrastructure policies and technological innovations aimed at enhancing the durability and environmental sustainability of highway networks.

Performance of repair pre-damaged RC columns using steel straps tensioning techniques (SSTT) confinement: experimental data and modelling

PurposeA model that extends study parameters to predict repaired column behaviour is efficient. Three-dimensional nonlinear finite element models were created in ABAQUS to simulate steel strap confinement with inclusion of pre-damaged levels.Design/methodology/approachExperimental and analytical studies demonstrate that restored reinforced concrete (RC) columns usually crush at mid-height under axial compressions. Numerical models verified RC column load-deformation. Although some specimens have considerable column stiffness differences, a numerical model based on statistical analysis matches experimental test results.FindingsIt shows that, finite element model exhibited a tendency to overestimate the stiffness of the columns, with an average absolute error (AAE) of 23.1%. The validation results indicate that the AAE values for strength and ductility were 15.1% and 12.3%. It has been demonstrated that the combination of strength and ductility is capable of yielding predictions with an error rate of approximately 20%. A parametric study focused on finite element model-predicted load bearing capacity reduction.Originality/valueA numerical analysis employing finite element modelling has been formulated to investigate the behaviour of confined columns. The model underwent validation through comparison with the experimental results. The validated model is utilised to perform additional parametric investigations on the confined column.

Experimental investigation on the seismic performance of reinforced concrete frames with decoupled masonry infills: considering in-plane and out-of-plane load interaction effects

AbstractMasonry infills are frequently employed as both outer and inner partitions in reinforced concrete (RC) frame structures due to their outstanding characteristics in terms of energy efficiency, fire resistance and sound isolation. However, common construction practice typically involves the mortar connection between masonry infills and RC frames. For this reason, the unforeseen frame-infill interaction takes part under seismic loading, which leads to severe and uncontrollable damage to masonry infills. This interaction also causes damage or even the collapse of the RC frames and thus of the whole structures. The poor performance of infilled RC frame structures in recent earthquake events is a strong motivation for the development of innovative engineering solutions, which aim to mitigate the detrimental effects of frame-infill interaction. This article introduces an innovative decoupling system founded on the concept of decoupling the RC frame from the masonry infill. The decoupling is achieved by inserting elastomeric material between the masonry infill and RC frame. The properly designed decoupling system allows infill activation only at high in-plane drifts. Simultaneously, it provides boundary conditions for seismic loads acting perpendicular to the infill plane. Firstly, the article explains the design of the masonry infill with the decoupling system and its installation. Afterwards, the results of small specimen tests carried out to determine the load-bearing capacity of the decoupling system are presented. Furthermore, the article discusses the findings of an extensive experimental campaign conducted on nine real-size RC frames with decoupled infills subjected to separate and combined in-plane and out-of-plane loadings. In addition to different loading types, various infill configurations are considered – solid infill, infill with centric window, and infill with centric door opening. Finally, the experimental results of RC frames with decoupled infills are compared with the experimental results of traditionally infilled RC frames, which were tested within the framework of the same project. The thorough evaluation and comparison of the experimental findings demonstrate the significant improvement of seismic performance of infilled RC frames if the decoupling system is applied.

Behavior of laminated bamboo columns under low cyclic reversed loading

Laminated bamboo, a type of eco-friendly engineered bamboo product, is increasingly gaining attention in the field of civil engineering. Although there has been considerable research on the material properties of laminated bamboo, studies focusing on the seismic performance of laminated bamboo columns are still relatively scarce. This paper discusses in detail the behavior of laminated bamboo columns and BFRP (Basalt fiber reinforced polymer) reinforced laminated bamboo columns under low cyclic reversed loading. In particular, the effects of slenderness ratio and axial compression ratio on laminated bamboo columns and BFRP reinforced laminated bamboo columns are studied. The hysteresis behavior of the column specimens is first tested through experiments. The results show that under low cyclic reverse loading, the failure of laminated bamboo columns is due to the tensile fracture and compressive bending of bamboo strips, as well as the tensile fracture of BFRP. To quantify the mechanical performance of laminated bamboo columns, parameters of interest are defined and discussed, including load-bearing capacity, stiffness, energy dissipation, and equivalent viscous damping. The load-bearing capacity and stiffness of laminated bamboo columns and BFRP reinforced laminated bamboo columns are significantly affected by the slenderness ratio and axial compression ratio. The yield loads for the column specimens with slenderness ratios of 37.0, 63.4, and 77.5 are within the ranges of 2.08–7.64 kN, 1.63–5.15 kN, and 1.82–7.51 kN, respectively. Laminated bamboo columns exhibit a satisfactory energy dissipation, with the maximum observed equivalent viscous damping exceeding 50 %. Furthermore, combining theoretical calculations and fitting analysis, bilinear skeleton curve models for both laminated bamboo columns and BFRP reinforced laminated bamboo columns are presented, showing a good agreement with experimental results. This research aims to provide some references for the design of laminated bamboo structures in future practical engineering.

Experimental Test and Analytical Calculation on Residual Strength of Prestressed Concrete T-Beams After Fire

High temperatures during a fire can lead to the evaporation of moisture and the degradation of hydration products within concrete, consequently compromising its mechanical properties. This paper thoroughly investigates the effect of fire-induced high temperatures on the residual load-bearing capacity of concrete structures, with a focus on prestressed concrete T-beams. By conducting constant temperature tests and residual load-bearing capacity tests, complemented by finite element modeling, this study examines the degradation of mechanical properties in prestressed concrete T-beams due to fire exposure and its impact on post-fire residual load-bearing capacity. Additionally, an equivalent concrete compressive strength method was employed to propose a calculation method for concrete material degradation under high temperatures and a corresponding concrete strength reduction factor. Simplified calculations were also performed for the high-temperature damage to reinforcement and prestressed tendons, leading to the derivation of a simplified formula for the residual load-bearing capacity of post-fire prestressed concrete T-beams. The results indicate that in prestressed concrete T-beams exposed to fire, an increase in holding time results in more severe damage modes, accelerated crack propagation, and wider crack widths during bending failure. Under the same load, a longer holding time corresponds to a more pronounced reduction in deflection. At holding times of 60 min, 120 min, and 180 min, the prestress losses were 48.17%, 85.16%, and 93.26%, respectively. The cracking load decreased by 15%, 27%, and 42%, while the residual load-bearing capacity decreased by 11%, 21%, and 28%. Comparison with experimental data demonstrates that both the finite element model and the simplified calculation formula exhibit high accuracy, offering a reliable reference for the performance evaluation of post-fire prestressed concrete T-beams.

Life Cycle Assessment and Experimental Mechanical Investigation of Test Samples for High-Performance Racing Boats

This paper investigates the environmental impact and mechanical performance of two composite sandwich structures, named Series 1 and Series 2, used in high-performance racing boats. Mechanical tests, including four-point bending and drop impact tests, were performed. It was found on a general basis that Series 2 has higher load-bearing capacity and limited deflection. Series 1, which has a higher density, was able to absorb more impact energy but was more susceptible to damage. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted to evaluate the environmental impact associated with the materials, considering also the testing phase, which plays an important role in the life cycle of materials and structures for advanced marine applications. In addition, two performance indexes were introduced to correlate the mechanical and environmental properties of the analyzed materials. This study emphasizes the importance of considering the testing phase in LCA, as the energy-intensive nature of mechanical testing contributes significantly to the overall environmental impact. The introduced indexes allow for a more comprehensive understanding of the balance between mechanical performance and environmental sustainability. The findings suggest a trade-off between mechanical performance and sustainability, calling for further research into recyclable composites and greener manufacturing processes to balance these competing priorities.

Bamboo (Dendrocalamus Asper) as an Eco-Friendly Sustainable Material: Optimising Mechanical Properties and Enhancing Load-Bearing Capacity for Environmental Architectural Design

This study will assess the utilisation of Bamboo (a Thai vernacular material) in the construction industry. Bamboo is a sustainable and environmentally friendly material which provides a suitable alternative to traditional construction materials. This research will examine its mechanical strength properties as determined by a review of the existing literature and an examination of the bearing area variations of bamboo nodes. The research data and ensuing experiments facilitated the simulation of the load-bearing capacities of bamboo columnar and beam structures via optimisation. Additionally, this study examined the limitations of bamboo-based structures. The assimilation of mechanical property data and bamboo strength was imperative for the production of load-bearing simulations for bamboo columns and beams within ANSYS software. In many countries, bamboo is a commonly employed construction material because of the many benefits it provides such as its rapid growth speed. The compressive strength tests conducted in this study revealed that the middle nodes could withstand up to 64.9 kN, which was the highest value amongs the three samples tested. These findings will contribute to ongoing optimisation and research regarding the damage mechanisms affecting column and beam structures under load. Notably, this damage was prevalent at the junctures of column and beam interfaces. The intention is to conduct additional research that will enhance the current understanding and ensure the sustainability of bamboo as an architectural building material.

Maintenance Methods and Strategies for Existing Bridges in China

Abstract. In China, bridges constructed in the past century have deteriorated due to environmental exposure and increasing loads, necessitating attention from researchers on assessment, maintenance, and reinforcement to ensure safety. Appropriate design and construction techniques are key to improving load-bearing capacity and extending service life. This paper summarizes China's bridge challenges, introduces the development of bridges in China since the 20th century and visual inspection methods, and outlines strengthening techniques for bridge superstructures and substructures. Furthermore, the paper concludes with a discussion of future research directions, highlighting the importance of continued efforts to ensure the safety, reliability, and longevity of these vital transportation structures.

Topology optimization and diverse truss designs considering nodal stability and bar buckling

Ensuring the bar stability is crucial in truss design. However, unstable nodes lacking lateral support complicate the calculation of bar buckling lengths. bar buckling constraints make the feasible region of optimization problems concave, further complicating the solution process. Moreover, traditional truss optimization methods typically yield a single optimal result, limiting the design options available to engineers. In this study, nominal disturbing load conditions are applied to the structure to eliminate unstable nodes, thereby ensuring accurate buckling length calculations. Additionally, the advanced allowable stress iteration (AASI) approach is proposed to address truss optimization problems with bar buckling constraints. To generate geometrically diverse and structurally competitive trusses, we develop a bar-length penalty (BLP) method. To validate the effectiveness of these methods, three numerical studies are presented. The results demonstrate that the proposed AASI approach produces optimized structures free from unstable nodes and bar buckling. Compared to structures optimized using the allowable stress iteration (ASI) method, which can only optimize for a single load case, those designed with the new approach maintain bar stability under all load conditions. Compared to the traditional method of increasing the cross-sectional area of unstable bars to ensure stability, much lighter trusses can be generated while maintaining the same load-bearing capacity. By applying the proposed BLP method to penalize specific bars, it is possible to achieve optimized structures with distinct topologies, similar masses, and equivalent load-carrying capacities. The proposed methods provide valuable insights for truss optimization design.

Test-Based Assessment of the Seismic Response of Bracing Systems for Concealed Grid Suspended Ceilings

ABSTRACT Despite not directly contributing to a structure’s load-bearing capacity, non-structural elements like partitions, cladding, ceilings, floor finishes, and facades play a pivotal role in the overall building design and occupant safety. Their susceptibility to damage during seismic events, however, can lead to substantial economic losses, business interruptions, and potential risks to occupants. Focusing on concealed grid suspended ceiling systems, this study focuses on enhancing their seismic resilience introducing and experimentally evaluating two innovative bracing systems (Typology N and Typology W) that utilize steel members, already used in non-seismic application, as braces. Unlike prior research using shake tables, this study employs a specially designed set-up on a universal testing machine, offering a cost-effective and efficient approach for cyclic testing and considering the spatial variability of seismic loads. As a complementary task, component-level tests were conducted on the compressed strut to extend the results for suspended ceiling systems having suspension height up to 2 meters. The results show that Typology N performs better than Typology W, with 1.7 times greater resistance and 2.5 times greater stiffness on average, demonstrating the importance of considering different directions of horizontal seismic loading in the performance assessment. The study provides valuable insights, including design resistance values and a step-by-step procedure for determining the maximum ceiling area that a single bracing system can cover, aiding in optimizing bracing system selection and mitigating seismic vulnerability in concealed grid suspended ceilings for seismic-prone regions.

In Situ Transition of Amorphous Carbon to Graphite-like Structures Using MXene as a Template for Fast and Long-Lasting Macrosuperlubricity.

Achieving fast and long-lasting superlubricity in two-dimensional (2D) materials under high-stress conditions is challenging due to their susceptibility to structural deformations, limited load-bearing capacity, oxidation, and thermal degradation. This study introduces an innovative strategy by utilizing a composite of MXene and H-DLC, where, under high-stress conditions, H-DLC acts as a preferential energy-absorbing phase. MXene serves as a template to rapidly and continuously transform the absorbed energy into graphene-like structures, forming an in situ heterogeneous MXene/graphene-like interface. This process achieves long-lasting macroscopic superlubricity. Friction tests indicate that, under high-stress conditions (∼1.5 GPa Hertz pressure), the coefficient of friction (CoF) of the composite films rapidly decreases to macroscopic superluberic regimes of ∼0.003, with a friction lifespan more than ten times that of the original H-DLC films. In-depth experimental research and tribology-focused molecular dynamics simulations have shown that carbon atoms diffusing from decomposed H-DLC form graphene-like structures under high contact stress, which then evolve into MXene/graphene-like heterostructures. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the formation of this heterostructure involves a transition from sp3 to sp2 carbon structures, accompanied by significant energy absorption. Our research presents the lowest CoF achieved by MXene or MXene/H-DLC nanocomposite so far.

Evaluation of polyester high-tenacity fabric and carbon nanotube reinforcements for improving flexural response in concrete beams.

This research scrutinized the effectiveness of utilizing polyester high tenacity fabrics to enhance the functionality of concrete panels. Two distinct woven fabrics with comparable strength resistance were fabricated and assessed. Concrete beams were compared in their original form and those reinforced with woven fabrics, along with beams reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) (B, BC2, BC4, BS1, and BS2). Results indicated that the textile-reinforced concrete panels displayed notably greater energy absorption capabilities post-failure under flexural loads in comparison to the control and CNT-reinforced panels. This enhanced performance was credited to the development of multiple cracking patterns in the textile-reinforced panels. The flexural behavior of the textile-reinforced panels was characterized by four discernible phases: a linearly increasing segment, a crack propagation phase featuring multiple cracking, a post-cracking phase with reduced stiffness, and ultimately, failure due to fabric rupture or debonding. Conversely, the control and CNT-reinforced panels exhibited a more brittle response post-initial cracking, with a limited number of cracks and reduced deformation capacity. The performance of the textile samples was largely unaffected by their specific characteristics, except for the fabric wrapping angle. The introduction of 0.04% CNTs marginally enhanced crack flexural resistance compared to the control and 0.02% CNT panels, owing to the varied distribution of CNTs within the matrix. Overall, the textile-reinforced concrete panels demonstrated superior load-bearing capacity, ductility, and energy absorption when compared to the other reinforcement techniques examined.

Pressure and Temperature Prediction of Oil Pipeline Networks Based on a Mechanism-Data Hybrid Driven Method

To ensure the operational safety of oil transportation stations, it is crucial to predict the impact of pressure and temperature before crude oil enters the pipeline network. Accurate predictions enable the assessment of the pipeline’s load-bearing capacity and the prevention of potential safety incidents. Most existing studies primarily focus on describing and modeling the mechanisms of the oil flow process. However, monitoring data can be skewed by factors such as instrument aging and pipeline friction, leading to inaccurate predictions when relying solely on mechanistic or data-driven approaches. To address these limitations, this paper proposes a Temporal-Spatial Three-stream Temporal Convolutional Network (TS-TTCN) model that integrates mechanistic knowledge with data-driven methods. Building upon Temporal Convolutional Networks (TCN), the TS-TTCN model synthesizes mechanistic insights into the oil transport process to establish a hybrid driving mechanism. In the temporal dimension, it incorporates real-time operating parameters and applies temporal convolution techniques to capture the time-series characteristics of the oil transportation pipeline network. In the spatial dimension, it constructs a directed topological map based on the pipeline network’s node structure to characterize spatial features. Data analysis and experimental results show that the Three-stream Temporal Convolutional Network (TTCN) model, which uses a Tanh activation function, achieves an error rate below 5%. By analyzing and validating real-time data from the Dongying oil transportation station, the proposed hybrid model proves to be more stable, reliable, and accurate under varying operating conditions.

Analytical study on fire resistance performance of precast concrete hollow-core slabs for electric vehicle fire in parking structures

This study evaluated the effects of fires that occur in internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) on the structural safety of hollow-core slabs (HCS) installed in parking structures. A fire simulation of a prototype parking structure was performed using the time–heat release rate curves of ICEVs and BEVs derived from fire experiments, and fire behavior and temperature history were derived according to the fire curve. Additionally, nonlinear finite element analysis was conducted using a general-purpose finite element analysis program, and the fire resistance performance of HCS was evaluated according to the fire curve and slab load ratio. In the case of a fire in ICEVs, the performance criteria of ISO 834–1 were met even at a slab load ratio of 0.7. However, in the case of a fire in BEVs, the standard for insulation was not met as the temperature change of the upper surface of HCS exceeded 180 K, and the load-bearing capacity was also not satisfied as the limiting deflection reached a slab load ratio of 0.7.

The influence of modification of the geometry of the front surface of the RFSSW tool inner sleeve on the fatigue life of joints during joining clad sheets made of aluminum alloy 2024-T3

AbstractRefill Friction Stir Spot Welding (RFSSW) has a number of advantages that make it a possible alternative to riveting and resistance welding in aerospace structures, the automotive industry and other applications. Adequate determination of technological parameters which ensure the desired properties of welds and their functioning in various operating conditions requires, among others, appropriate fatigue life of connections. The article presents the results of comparative tests of the mechanical properties of welds (load-bearing capacity and fatigue life at selected three load levels) made with a basic tool (G0) and a tool with a modified geometry (G4). The samples were made of 1.27 mm thick clad sheets of 2024-T3 aluminum alloy with an additional oxide anodic coating. It has been shown that the modified geometry of the working surface of the inner sleeve of the RFSSW tool improves the conditions and course of the plasticization and stirring process of the joined materials. The use of a G4 geometry tool allowed for approximately 30% higher joint load-bearing capacity and approximately twice as long fatigue life (at lower load levels) compared to welds made with the G0 tool.

Research on the Connection Technology of Assembled Monolithic Residential Wallboard

In this paper, a novel technique for connecting residential shear walls to floor slabs is investigated. Shear wall structures with two different connection methods were established and numerically analyzed using ABAQUS (2024) finite element software. The two structures were connected by sleeve grouted connections (hereinafter referred to as the original structure) and profile + bolted connections (hereinafter referred to as the new structure). Numerical analyses yielded a positive maximum load for the new structure 1.41 times that of the original structure and a negative maximum load 1.12 times that of the original structure. The ratio of the ultimate tensile strength (load value corresponding to the peak point) to the yield strength (load value corresponding to the yield point) of the two structures (strength-to-yield ratio) was in the range of 1.15–1.27. The original structure was 2.62 times more ductile in the negative direction and 2.24 times more ductile in the positive direction than the new structure. The stiffness degradation of the new structure was greater in the later stages of loading, and that of the original structure was greater in the early stages of loading. The original structure had 1.08 times the energy-consuming capacity of the new structure. The cost of labor and materials for the original structure was approximately 1.50 times the cost of the new structure. The results of the data analysis showed that, compared to the original structure, the new structure had comparable performance in terms of strength-to-flexure ratio, ductility, stiffness degradation, and energy dissipation capacity. However, the new structure was more advantageous in terms of load-bearing capacity and required lower construction costs than the original structure. Therefore, the connection nodes designed in this paper are of great significance for engineering practice.