Strengthening Methods Research Articles

DEVELOPMENT OF DISCRETE-CONTINUOUS STRENGTHENING TECHNOLOGY OF AUTONOMOUS TURBOEXPANDER POWER PLANTS ELEMENTS

This paper describes a set of research and development activities to create a technology for discrete-continuous strengthening of autonomous turbo-expander power plants elements. With this purpose, it is proposed to study the stress-strain state of the system of discretely and continuously strengthened bodies in contact. This is done by combining the positive effects observed when using each type of strengthening. The combined effect of this synthetic strengthening method exceeds the sum of the effects of each of the component methods. In order to achieve high technical characteristics of the elements and turboexpander power plants as a whole, an approach based on parametric modelling of structures and technologies has been developed. By targeted improvement of these parameters, strength, efficiency and durability are increased. It also reduces the wear and tear of the most stressed and critical elements of turboexpander power plants. The main feature of the developed approaches to the creation of the discrete-continuous strengthening technology of the elements of autonomous turboexpander power plants is the development and application of a generalized parametric model of turboexpander power plants as a complete system object. At the same time, both design and technological solutions are varied and sought after by the criteria of strength, durability and efficiency..

Seismic Capacity of Unstrengthened and FRP Strengthened Masonry Arches: Tilting Test and Nonlinear Numerical Analysis

ABSTRACTCultural heritage preservation requires a deeper understanding of their seismic response and imposes the use of effective strengthening methods. Fibre‐reinforced polymers (FRP) have emerged as an effective solution for strengthening masonry structural elements. The decision over the optimal configuration for a FRP‐based strengthening is a trade‐off between different objective functions such as strength, inelastic stiffness and cost. Although some studies have explored design alternatives and topology optimisation, experimental investigation remains limited, especially regarding the evaluation of seismic response. This study investigates the seismic capacity of unstrengthened and strengthened mortared–masonry arches through tilting table experiments and numerical simulations. The optimal strengthening arrangement is obtained through topology optimisation, and experimental results demonstrate its performance. A three‐dimensional numerical model, following a macro‐modelling approach through the so‐called concrete damage plasticity material model, is adopted. Numerical results are validated with existing literature and experimental data. A parametric study is conducted for full‐scale arches to evaluate the effect of dimensions and the embrace angle of masonry arches. The study reveals that the numerical model successfully replicates masonry arches' nonlinear behaviour and hinge mechanism. In addition, both experimental and numerical results highlight the effectiveness of optimised strengthening placement achieved through topology optimisation.

Research on the performance and strengthening mechanism of composite‐enhanced recycled aggregate concrete

AbstractThe application of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) greatly promotes the sustainable development of engineering construction, and improving its performance can further expand its practical application range. In order to obtain higher performance RAC, this article selects two composite pre‐treatment methods: cement silica mortar wrapping organosilicon immersion, water glass soaking, and organic silicon soaking to enhance the performance of recycled aggregate (RA). Subsequently, the composite reinforced RAC was poured, and their mechanical and durability properties were tested. The strengthening mechanism of the composite pre‐treatment method was analyzed. The results show that compared with the single‐treatment method, the composite strengthening method has an effect of increasing the apparent density of RA by 0.2%∼4%, and the effects of reducing the crushing value and water absorption are increased by 0.5%∼7.2% and 0.4%∼4.7%, respectively; both composite strengthening methods can improve the mechanical and durability properties of RAC. Analysis of the samples using SEM, TG, and XRD showed that both composite strengthening methods filled the microcracks and pores on the surface of the old mortar layer of RA and promoted the hydration of cement in the transition zone between the RAC interfaces, thereby increasing the interface strength and improving the mechanical and durability properties of RAC.

Research capacity strengthening methods and meanings: negotiating power in a global health programme on violence against women

BackgroundThere has been much critical reflection among global health researchers about how power imbalances between high-income countries and low- and middle-income country collaborators are perpetuated through research programmes. Research capacity...

Achieving Strength and Toughness in Dual-Phase Mg-8Li Alloys Through Phase Structure Control and Composite Fracture.

The rising industrial demand for ultra-lightweight materials with exceptional strength and toughness has intensified interest in dual-phase Mg-Li alloys due to their low density and high specific strength. While much of the research on Mg-Li alloys has concentrated on conventional strengthening methods, such as grain refinement and solid-solution strengthening, overcoming the challenge of plastic deformation compatibility between the α- and β-phases remains unresolved. This study focuses on Mg-8Li binary alloy, systematically investigating the impact of rolling deformation temperature and strain on the phase structures. A detailed analysis of fracture behavior reveals a novel brittle-tough composite fracture control strategy that enhances both strength and toughness simultaneously. This work advances the understanding of phase structure control and its role in strengthening and toughening mechanisms, offering critical insights for the development of next-generation dual-phase magnesium alloys.

Penguatan Organisasi Pecinta Alam (Green Campus) Melalui Diklatsar

Organization is a process of identifying, forming, team working, defining and delegating authority, responsibility and establishing relationships with the aim of enabling people to work together effectively towards set goals. Strengthening the organization is one of the goals of forming members who have knowledge, skills and mentality in accordance with the vision and mission of Green Campus organization. Training is the first step to provide an in-depth understanding of the values, culture and basic skills needed by members of an organization. One of effective way to improve the quality and capacity of human resources in an organization is through basic education and basic training. In training, new members are trained to understand the roles, responsibilities, technical and non-technical skills that are relevant to the organization's goals. Thus training is not just technical training, but also a process of mental strengthening, emotional and intellectual strength of its members. Through this activity, it can make the members of organizations become competent, professional and have high integrity, so that they are able to face future challenges more prepared and confident. The method used in implementing this community service consists of three stages, namely: planning, implementing mentoring, and evaluating the results of mentoring. In this community service activity there were 10 participants. In this evaluation there are four aspects namely: (1) Usefulness, (2) Understandability, (3) Strengthening methods, and (4) Suitability. So, it can be concluded that this activity really hit the targets or participants as shown by the evaluation results with an average score is very good (86.20%), and good (13.80%).

Enhanced recognition of bonding interface defects within CFRP-steel adhesive structures via thermal signals in low-power vibrothermography

Carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) have been used as one of the options to strengthen steel structures through adhesive bonding, particularly in specific applications where traditional strengthening methods may not be suitable. Therefore, it becomes crucial to perform inspections on the resulting CFRP-steel adhesive structures (CSAS) to ensure their structural integrity and safety. However, the distinct physical properties of CFRP, epoxy resin, and steel pose significant challenges to accurately inspecting bonding interface defects of such special hybrid engineering structures. To address these challenges, a new approach, streamlined one-dimensional convolutional denoising autoencoder-low-power vibrothermography (SOCDAE-LVT), is proposed in this study to enhance the recognition of bonding interface defects within CSAS. This approach utilizes thermal signals from low-power vibrothermography (LVT) to enhance the recognizability of CSAS bonding interface defects. A low-power vibrothermography inspection system was developed to acquire thermal signals on the surface of CSAS samples. A streamlined one-dimensional convolutional denoising autoencoder (SOCDAE) model was designed for robust representation extraction of the thermal signal at each pixel point. The study further investigated the impact of different types of added noise and signal pre-processing approaches on the performance of the SOCDAE-LVT, aiming to optimize its effectiveness. By comparing qualitatively and quantitatively with the state-of-the-art approaches, the results show that the proposed approach can better improve the recognizability of defects. The enhanced recognizability of bonding interface defects enables accurate assessment of the quality of CSAS, thereby contributing to the safety of such structures.

A Novel Analytical Bond Model for ETS FRP Bars in Shear Rehabilitation of Concrete Members

In this article, an unprecedented fracture mechanics-based bond model for embedded through-section (ETS) fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) bars installed in concrete blocks is proposed. Various methods have emerged for rehabilitating substandard and deteriorated concrete structures. The ETS FRP bar method provides numerous advantages over existing shear strengthening methods, but no reliable and comprehensive bond–slip model exist to predict the method’s bond behaviour. In this study, a state-of-the-art analytical bond model is derived for determining the debonding force of the ETS FRP bars from concrete blocks using a newly proposed bi-linear bond–slip relationship that is expressed as a function of the maximum shear stress and its corresponding slip. The accuracy of the results predicted by the proposed model is verified with the existing push–pull data of ETS FRP/concrete joints in the literature. The results show that the newly proposed model can be used for both carbon FRP (CFRP) and glass FRP (GFRP) ETS bars with an average Pexp/Pmax ratio of 1.04 with superior statistical accuracy measures when compared to the existing bond models’ predictions.

Strengthening, lifetime extension, and monitoring of a deficient steel–concrete composite roadway bridge using iron-based shape memory alloys

This study presents an innovative application of smart metals for the prestressed strengthening of roadway bridges. The target structure is a steel–concrete composite bridge, in which poor construction practices cause nonlinear creep, excessive deflection, and crack growth. However, the high flood water level of the creek below the bridge limits the application of conventional strengthening solutions. Therefore, an innovative strengthening method using iron-based shape memory alloy (Fe-SMA) bars for the post-tensioning of bridge members was designed and employed. The study framework encompassed the design, laboratory examination, installation, and monitoring of Fe-SMA reinforcements. A finite-element simulation was used to estimate the effect of applied prestressing on the stress distribution of the structure. High-cycle fatigue tests of Fe-SMA bars with different types of connections at room temperature and –20 °C, were conducted to select the most reliable connections. A total of approximately 825 m of Fe-SMA bars with a diameter of 18 mm, comprising 68 Fe-SMA bars, were installed and activated. A wireless sensor monitoring system consisting of strain gauges, potentiometers, linear-variable differential transformer sensors, and thermocouples was utilized to measure the changes in strain and stress of the designed system under field conditions. The results revealed a prestress loss of 8.5 % owing to relaxation after six months, which match well to the values obtained by the laboratory tests. A second static loading test was conducted approximately six months after strengthening, and the results indicated a 9 % reduction in mid-span deflection and a remarkable 106 % reduction in average stresses in the lower flange at the mid-span of the beams. The results of monitoring the bridge for a duration longer than 6 months highlighted a significant decrease in the mid-span deflection and indicated the potential of Fe-SMAs for the lifetime extension of bridges.

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates: flexural strengthening method for prestressed concrete beams with anchorage loss

Abstract Post-tensioning (PT), a method of pre-stressing, involves the use of high-strength steel strands/ tendons to reinforce concrete or other materials. On the contrary, Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) are lightweight, high-strength materials with used to strengthen concrete structures by adhering the polymer to the concrete element. Challenges with post-tensioned elements include reverse curvature of the post-tensioning strands, tendon misplacement, and frequent damage in the anchorage and dead-end zones. These difficulties frequently cause bulging of the surrounding concrete, even at lower stress levels, and can lead to concrete bursting when tension exceeds certain threshold. This study investigates into the potential of CFRP strengthening technique to improve the flexural capacity of post-tensioned concrete beams with anchorage loss. Through an experimental program, the study compares the performance of control beams to those reinforced with different layers of CFRP. The results of this study demonstrated that there was a significant increase in flexural capacity, ranging from 45.31% to 78.62% for single layers and 87.17% to 153% for double layers of CFRP sheet. Additionally, the research examines how different levels of prestressing and CFRP wraps influence crack formation and delamination patterns of carbon fiber, with promising results. It was also noted that optimal usage of CFRP fibers and tendons is found to be critical. The study suggests exploring alternative fiber types and orientations for future study.

Residual stress release and corresponding microstructural changes in high-energy impact-modified GH4169 after aging at 425 °C and 650 °C

The nickel-based superalloy is a critical material in aero-engines, where enhanced durability and resistance to stress relaxation are essential. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a high-energy composite modification technique, applied through dual surface friction methods, to induce residual stress and examines the stability of this stress under medium-temperature aging conditions. GH4169 was selected and a foundational study was conducted to quantify residual stress relaxation under medium-temperature aging treatment. The surface strengthening method used was a high-energy composite modification known for its significant post-treatment effects. The specific temperatures for medium-temperature aging treatment were 425 °C and 650 °C. The test results of the residual stress field confirmed the phenomenon of residual stress relaxation under the influence of temperature. Correspondingly, the different degrees of stress relaxation caused by varying aging treatment conditions are closely related to the microstructural changes within the material. Areas with a higher number of annealing twins exhibited a more pronounced degree of residual stress relaxation. By elucidating the link between stress relaxation and microstructural changes, this research offers a theoretical foundation for optimizing surface-strengthening processes and setting optimal operational temperatures for advanced structural materials.

Analysis of Strengthening Beam Structure Case Study on Food Court Building of Ruang Terbuka Hijau (RTH) Project at Alun-Alun Kota Kediri

The Green Open Space (RTH) construction in Kediri City includes a food court building utilizing reinforced concrete structures. During construction, cracking issues occurred in several beam structures due to the inability to bear the design loads effectively, necessitating a strengthening approach. This study aims to develop and evaluate a strengthening method for cracked beam structures by employing concrete jacketing. The specific objective is to improve the structural integrity and load-bearing capacity of these beams to ensure the durability and safety of the building. A concrete jacketing technique was used to reinforce the cracked beams, utilizing K-300 ready-mix concrete and additional reinforcing steel. The study involved structural analysis to assess the load-bearing capacity before and after jacketing, and on-site evaluation was conducted to monitor the method's effectiveness. The findings indicate that the jacketing method significantly increased the beams' bending moment capacity and overall structural strength, successfully addressing the cracks and enhancing the beams' ability to bear the intended loads. The reinforced beams showed improved load distribution and structural resilience performance. Concrete jacketing proved to be an effective method for strengthening the cracked beam structures in the Green Open Space project. The study provides valuable insights for similar future construction projects, suggesting that concrete jacketing can be a reliable reinforcement technique to enhance the durability and safety of building structures.

Various configurations of externally bonded strain-hardening cementitious composite reducing shear failure risk of defected RC beams

This study delves into the efficacy of external strengthening methods in improving the shear behavior of defected reinforced concrete (RC) beams that lack shear stirrups, utilizing both experimental and numerical methodologies. Failure risk of such beams is a potential threat which is mitigated carefully to increase building safety and sustainability to avoid risk of construction failure. Ten RC beams underwent three-point experimental testing to assess the influence of the strengthening scheme and the presence of mechanical anchors. Two beams were designated as control specimens, while eight beams were strengthened with the application of additional strain-hardening cementitious composite (SHCC) layer in various configurations. These configurations encompassed single-sided, two-sided, and strip applications, with the inclusion of mechanical anchors. The study found that employing a single-sided SHCC, incorporating vertically bent bars into the RC beam, is recognized for its efficient alleviation of degradation in shear reinforcement. The incorporation of three SHCC strips to partially reinforce the compromised beams demonstrated a modest impact on the initial stiffness. Nevertheless, noteworthy enhancements of 46% and 42% were observed in both cracking and ultimate loads, respectively. Furthermore, increasing the number of the SHCC strips to four resulted in a more significant improvement in the load–deflection responses. Enhancing the compromised beams by applying four SHCC strips to the beams using bolts offers a feasible alternative to the configuration where SHCC was uniformly attached along the entire defected zone. Moreover, a numerical model was created to simulate the tested beams. The model effectively anticipated the progression of cracks, ultimate capacity, and deflection, indicating excellent agreement with the experimental observations.

Experimental study on seismic performance of seismic-damaged precast steel reinforced (recycled) concrete frame structure after strengthened and repaired

In order to understand the seismic performance and failure mechanism of the seismic-damaged prefabricated steel (recycled) concrete frame after strengthening and repairing, this paper uses four different strengthened methods, including carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), high-strength steel wire cloth (HSSWC), oblique support and enveloped steel jacket. Four seismic-damaged prefabricated steel (recycled) concrete frames were strengthened by single or composite strengthening, and low-cycle reciprocating failure tests were carried out on all frame specimens. The final failure mode of the reinforced specimens under simulated seismic load was observed. The seismic performance indexes such as load-displacement (P-Δ) hysteresis curve, skeleton curve, and stiffness degradation of each specimen before and after strengthening were compared and analyzed. The test results show that the strengthening methods used in this test can effectively restore the seismic performance of the seismic-damaged prefabricated steel (recycled) concrete frame. The specimens show a typical ductile failure mode, and the P-Δ hysteresis curve of the specimens is relatively full. For a single strengthened form, CFRP strengthened can more significantly restore and improve the ductility of the specimen than HSSWC strengthened, but the cumulative energy dissipation capacity of the specimen after HSSWC strengthened is stronger. The bearing capacity of the specimens after composite-strengthened is significantly improved, and the damage degree of the structure is reduced. The addition of oblique support and an enveloped steel jacket can provide greater lateral stiffness for the specimens and improve the failure mode of the specimens. The results of this paper can provide a scientific basis for the selection and design of strengthened methods for prefabricated steel-reinforced concrete structures after earthquake damage.

Performance of RC beams strengthened using NSM FRP and cement based adhesives after exposure to elevated temperatures

A popular method for strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) structures is the use of carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) bonded to the structural elements using the near surface mounted (NSM) techniques. While this method possesses many advantages, poor fire resistance as a result of the low glass transition temperatures (TG) of organic resins remains a significant drawback. Replacement of organic resins with cement based adhesives (CBA) could potentially improve the fire performance of NSM FRP systems and reduce the amount of insulation required to achieve the required fire endurance period. This paper presents an experimental program consisting of fifteen RC beams strengthened in flexure using NSM FRP bonded using CBA and subjected to the standard fire time temperature curve up to a target temperature of 600 °C. Twelve of the beams were strengthened using NSM-FRP laminates and bars including both smooth and rough FRP laminates and the remaining three specimens acted as control beams. Further, the use of plasterboard was explored as fire protection to further increase the residual strength of the specimens after heating. Results showed that the reinforced concrete beams strengthened with NSM CFRP retained 82 % to 61 % of their unheated strengthened ultimate load after heat exposure. This was a result of the superior performance of the cement-based adhesive at high temperature and the fire protection provided to the CFRP through embedment in the grooves. Moreover, the use of plasterboard as fire protection decreased the CFRP temperature by 42–24 %. The insulated beams behaved similarly to strengthened beams prior to fire exposure.

DLHEnhancing tribological properties of involute gear teeth through discrete hardening treatment using a biased laser source with axis

Traditional methods for enhancing surface fatigue in gears are limited by their techniques and processes, making it increasingly challenging to achieve a balance between strength and toughness and meet the demands for fatigue-resistant manufacturing of high-energy-density gears. In this study, a novel tooth surface laser discrete strengthening method is proposed, focusing on validating the actual effects of laser discrete processing and strengthening on the involute gear tooth surface. Through comprehensive simulations and experiments, the consistency and feasibility of the process within a tilt angle range of 0 to 30° are demonstrated. To address laser interference between adjacent gear teeth, a processing technique is introduced that involves the offsetting of the laser beam from the gear axis and the tilting of the optical path relative to the normal of the tooth profile. By deriving the coordinates of evenly distributed points on the involute gear profile, a strategy for biased discrete hardening processing is formulated. Furthermore, remarkable benefits are revealed through friction experiments conducted on physical gears processed using this technique, including the reduction of friction power (9.36 % to 27.10 %), the stabilization of output torque, and the improvement of substrate protection, thus confirming the effectiveness of this technique in resisting contact fatigue damage. Valuable insights into advancing the field of fatigue-resistant gear manufacturing through the utilization of laser-based discrete hardening techniques are provided by this research.

Modal analysis and seismic optimization of multi-storey gymnasium frame

In order to improve the seismic resistance capacity of the multi-storey gymnasium frame, based on the finite element analysis method, the dynamic response characteristics were analyzed, and the natural frequencies and vibration modes were obtained. Based on the results of the modal analysis, different reinforcement methods were proposed for verification. Under the excitation conditions of Borego waves, the vibration responses of different nodes in initial model were obtained. Modal verification was carried out by using two methods of shear strengthening and support rod strengthening respectively. The analysis results show that the bearing capacity of the single-span frame is insufficient, the lateral stiffness is small, and it is prone to cause severe torsional vibration damage. It can also be known that the seismic resistance capacity of the support rods reinforcement is more balanced in different directions. It can not only effectively improve the lateral stiffness and bearing capacity of the structure, but also improve the seismic performance of the main structure through the energy dissipation of component yield, which is more suitable for multi-story buildings.

Effect of nitrogen on the microstructure and strengthening mechanism of high performance tinplate

In order to meet the high strength and high formability requirements of the tinplate market, the nitrogen strengthening method was used for the chemical composition of the tinplate, and the action mechanism of nitrogen on the full-process tinplate substrate was explored. The present study designed tinplate with different nitrogen contents (named as 20 N steel and 150 N steel), and conducted phase transformation research and recrystallization temperature tests. SEM, XRD, EBSD, TEM, chemical dissolution analysis and tensile tests were carried out, and the influence of annealing process on the microstructure, mechanical properties and precipitation of annealed sheet was also explained. With the increase of nitrogen content, the phase transformation temperature decreases, the hardness increases and the recrystallization temperature increases. The microstructures of 20 N steel and 150 N steel annealed at different annealing temperatures are composed of ferrite and cementite distributed in chains. At the same annealing temperature, the recrystallization degree of 20 N steel is higher, the {111} texture accounts for a larger proportion, and the grain size is larger. With the increase of annealing temperature, the yield strength and tensile strength show a downward trend, while the elongation shows an upward trend. Compared with 20 N steel, the yield strength and tensile strength of the 150 N annealed sheet are significantly improved, and the elongation is slightly reduced. The calculation results show that the mechanism of nitrogen improving the strength of tinplate is mainly solid solution strengthening, and the improvement effect of fine grain strengthening and precipitation strengthening is weak.

Shear Strengthening of RC Beams Incorporating Post-Tensioned Bars and Engineered Cementitious Composite Reinforced with Palm Fronds

This paper investigates, experimentally and numerically, the shear strengthening of Normal Concrete (NC) beams using post-tensioning steel bars and Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) reinforced with chemically cured Palm Fronds (PFs). The benefits of strain-hardening ECC and the tensile strength of PFs cured with 6% wt Alkali NaOH solution beside post-tensioned bars have been employed herein. Seven full-scale Reinforced Concrete (RC) beams were fabricated and experimented with under three-point loading until failure. The test parameters include the strengthening technique, type, and configuration of the material used for strengthening. The strengthening process has been implemented through two techniques: Externally Bonded Reinforcement (EBR) and Near-Surface Mounted (NSM) Reinforcement. The strengthening materials have been configured and placed in horizontal, vertical, and inclined positions. The effectiveness of the strengthening methods has been evaluated by examining their cracking propagations, load-deflection responses, collapse modes, elastic stiffness, and absorbed energy. It was found that the proposed strengthening systems could significantly control the crack pattern and failure mode, and they could enhance the ultimate load amplitude up to 37% and 50% for NSM ECC with PFs and EBR post-tensioning steel bars, respectively. Nonlinear three-dimensional finite element models of the tested beams were developed and validated with the test data, where it was found that finite element models predict the structural performance of tested beams with a maximum error of only 2%.

Comparison between Design Methods for Seismic Retrofit of Reinforced Concrete Frames Using Dissipative Bracing Systems

Braces equipped with dissipative devices are among the most widespread methods for the seismic strengthening of seismically prone reinforced concrete (RC) frames. It allows for high reductions in seismic vulnerability with inexpensive, quickly executed interventions. They can often be carried out mainly at the exterior, resulting in interruptions of use that are limited both in time and to only small portions of the building. The design methods of dissipative devices are based on the extensive use of pushover analyses (POA). POA is capable of highlighting the structural deficiencies of the building and comparing the performances of design performed according to different methods and sizing criteria. In the present work, with reference to a case study represented by a four-story spatial frame having characteristics representative of design and construction common practice of the 1970s in Southern European countries, the performances of three different design methods were evaluated and compared. The examined procedures differ, including the following: (i) methods for estimating the peak displacement response of the nonlinear systems, namely (i1) the well-known equal displacement rule and (i2) the equivalent (secant) stiffness and damping rule, and (ii) criteria for distributing stiffness and strength of the braces along the height, namely (ii1) the distribution of stiffness and strength proportionally to those of the frame and (ii2) methods that vary the stiffness and strength along the height in order to minimize the eventual irregularity in elevation of the bare frame. The effectiveness of the procedures was checked by both POA and nonlinear response history analysis, the latter performed assuming both unidirectional and bidirectional input. The stiffness was found to increase by about 10 times and the strength between 7.5 to 3.7 times depending on the design method, and reduction in the displacements ranged between 31% and 42% compared to the values of the original frame. The pros and cons of each procedure are summarized, as all procedures are able to provide brace designs that meet the performance requirements set during the design phase.