Monotonic Loading Research Articles

On the effect of energy input on microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of laser beam powder bed fusion processed Ti-27Nb-6Ta biomedical alloy

Additive manufacturing of pre-alloyed Ti-27Nb-6Ta powder by laser beam powder bed fusion (PBF-LB/M) employing a wide range of processing parameters is reported. An in-depth microstructure analysis along the whole process chain from powder feedstock material to additively manufactured bulk structures was conducted employing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as well as X-ray and high-energy synchrotron diffraction. It is shown that near-fully dense parts (≥ 99.96%) with β+α’’ dual-phase microstructure and very homogenous element distribution are obtained in a large process window. In particular, a considerable influence of the energy input during PBF-LB/M on the solidification microstructure, i.e. phase composition and texture, is found. With increasing energy per unit area (EA) values both an increase in the volume fraction of the bcc β-phase and more pronounced texture components are seen. Furthermore, the mechanical behavior was evaluated under monotonic tensile loading. The PBF-LB/M processed Ti-27Nb-6Ta structures feature good mechanical properties with ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and strain to failure values of up to 768 MPa and 33.8 %, respectively. Due to the strong impact of the energy input during additive manufacturing on the microstructure evolution, however, a significant inverse strength-ductility behavior is observed. While UTS clearly decreases with increasing EA values, strain to failure increases at the same time. The underlying relationships between processing (energy input), microstructure and mechanical properties are explored and rationalized.

Relation of synthesis and fatigue property in elastic soft materials

Fatigue has long been studied for many materials, but many aspects are not well understood. Our recent study of the distinct roles of crosslinks and entanglements in the synthesis-property relation of a polymer network under monotonic load leads to a fundamental question: how do crosslinks and entanglements affect the synthesis-property relation of a polymer network under cyclic load? Here we study the relation of synthesis and fatigue property of elastic soft materials without precut cracks. We prepare polyacrylamide hydrogels by free radical polymerization as a model system, and swell the hydrogels in water to equilibrium or to a certain amount of polymer content. The synthesis parameters include the crosslinker-to-monomer molar ratio and the water-to-monomer molar ratio in the precursor, as well as the polymer content in the hydrogel. Three series of hydrogels are prepared. For each hydrogel, the stress-stretch curve under cyclic stretch of various amplitudes and the number of cycles to rupture are measured, giving four properties: fatigue life, endurance stretch, endurance stress, and endurance work. When the crosslinker-to-monomer molar ratio in the precursor is high, the degree of network imperfection on average is low. When the water-to-monomer molar ratio in the precursor is low, the number of entanglements per polymer segment on average is large. We show that crosslinks decrease the susceptibility to fatigue and entanglements increase the endurance stress. By contrast, both crosslinks and entanglements negligibly affect the endurance stretch and the endurance work.

Parametric optimization of SIP connection geometry in CFS-MRF structures: A finite element study

The structural buildings should be designed to resist both static and dynamic loads. There are different types of structural systems that can support seismic loads. Moment-resisting frames (MRFs) are widely used for seismic purposes, relying on the plastic deformations occurring between the beam and column. The main problems of cold-formed steel sections in MRFs during seismic loads are premature local and distortional buckling, which cause severe damage under strong earthquakes, such as early loss of connection strength, low ductility, and low energy dissipation. This paper clarifies the performance of the CFS section with steel interconnected part (SIP) in moment-resisting frames (MRFs) in many aspects using finite element (FE) procedures. The study summarizes the required dimensions of SIP to achieve optimal behavior for the beam-column connection. Additionally, an advanced connection consisting of SIP and four pairs of out-of-plane stiffeners has been examined. The locations of the out-of-plane stiffeners have been carefully selected to stabilize the connection. A cantilever beam connection has been used to represent an MRF in an advanced way. The connection consists of 2 C channel back-to-back beams connected with a through plate with sixteen bolts. Numerical models have been developed and verified with experimental tests under both monotonic and cyclic loading. The characteristics and creation of the numerical model are well illustrated in this paper. Cyclic loading has been applied according to AISC protocol, which is used to test the performance of the steel connections, as well as to classify the connection according to different design codes. The results show that increasing the plastic moment capacity of the CFS section decreases the required SIP dimensions to achieve optimal behavior by the connection. Additionally, it has been found that using out-of-plane stiffeners in particular locations with SIP increases energy dissipation on average by 74 %. Using stiffeners with SIP can upgrade the classification of the connection from an ordinary or intermediate moment connection to a special moment connection without the need to increase the CFS cross-section area or reduce the slenderness ratio, which in turn reduces the overall costs of construction.

Behavior of zero cement reinforced concrete slabs under monotonic and impact loads: Experimental and numerical investigations

Currently, there is a shift toward the use of low-carbon construction materials to reduce global carbon dioxide emissions. Zero-cement concrete (ZCC) synthesized from alkaline activated fly ash (FA) is a promising alternative for Portland cement in the construction industry to reduce global CO2 emissions, increase the consumption of waste materials, and save energy. A substantial amount of research on the impact load behavior of ordinary reinforced concrete (RC) structural components has been conducted. However, investigations on the behavior of zero cement concrete (ZCC) slabs under impact loads have not been reported. In this work, twenty simply supported two-way flat reinforced fly ash ZCC slabs (including two normal concrete (NC) slabs as reference samples) were tested under monotonic and impact loads. The test samples were categorized into eight groups on the basis of various parameters. Twelve RC slabs (1 NC and 11 ZCCs) were prepared for repeated impact tests, and eight slabs (1 NC and 7 ZCCs) were prepared for monotonic loading tests. Various parameters were investigated herein, including slab thickness, bar spacing, molarity concentration of alkali activators, hammer height, and hammer mass. Nonlinear finite element models were also developed and validated by using ABAQUS software for additional parametric study purposes. The results revealed that the behavior of ZCC slabs is approximately similar to that of NC slabs. The results also revealed that an increase in the ZCC slab thickness, reinforcement ratio, hammer height, and hammer mass has a noticeable effect on the dynamic response of the slab. However, increasing the molarity concentration of alkali activators has clearly a slight influence on the impact loadtime history. When the slab thickness was increased or the bar spacing was reduced, the static and impact energy absorption capacities were increased by 1.5 and 2.0 times, respectively. For impact load tests, the damage degree, penetration, and cracking pattern at failure were approximately typical for all test samples at the first hit except when the hammer mass and impact height were changed. For the samples subjected to monotonic loading, a flexural response was observed for almost all the slab samples at the first loading stage, and cracking started from the midpoint of the slab and propagated toward the slab edges; ultimately, punching shear failure was observed.

Fatigue delamination damage analysis in composite materials through a rule of mixtures approach

The present study investigates delamination damage initiation and propagation within a homogenization theory of mixtures, using the concept of virtual layers and virtual interfaces. It eliminates spatial discretization of layers, introducing a resultant damage variable to capture structure’s bulk response under both monotonic and cyclic loads. Fatigue-induced deterioration is classified into sub-critical, critical, and over-critical stages based on interfacial stresses. Calibration is conducted employing the widely-available Wöhler curves for each loading mode independently. An advance-in-time strategy is included in the model to enhance the simulation speed. The reliability of the approach is assessed for crack initiation and propagation separately through standard test coupons, showing good correlation with experimental data in mode I, mode II, and mixed-mode loading conditions. Depending on the calibration procedure adopted, the model is applicable to a wide range of stress ratios. In addition, it could be integrated into any standard finite element framework using the desired number of elements through the thickness regardless of the physical amount of layers. This allows easy modification of stacking sequences or the number of layers within the constitutive law without mesh structure changes, facilitating simulation of large-scale composite laminates with minimal accuracy loss and reduced computational costs.

Experimental investigation on lateral performance of southern pine nailed connections under monotonic and cyclic loading

Connections are responsible for maintaining the integrity and safety of wood structures when subjected to lateral force induced by wind or seismic event. The aim of this study is to provide a better understanding of monotonic and cyclic response of timber-to-timber nailed connections. A total of 48 groups of double-shear nailed connections were tested to investigate the effect of different variables on the lateral resistance performance of connections. Representative parameters derived from practical nailed timber connections were considered, including nail diameter, nail type, and load-to-grain angle. It is found that the failure modes of the specimens loaded monotonically are attributed to bending yield of nails. Conversely, under cyclic loading, the majority of nail failures occur as a result of fatigue fracture, which is caused by the repetitive bending stress. A reduction in ductility ranging from 76.9 % to 92.7 % is observed in specimens subjected to cyclic loading, as compared to those under monotonic loading. Utilizing larger-diameter nails as connectors can markedly improve the load-bearing capacity, ductility, and energy-dissipation capabilities of connections subjected to cyclic loading. Helically threaded nails (HTN) have a 29.4 % higher lateral capacity than smooth shank nails (SSN), but a 29.9 % lower stiffness and 22.9 % lower ductility. Experimental load capacities were compared with existing calculation models, and Eurocode 5 was identified as the most suitable design code for predicting the lateral performance of nailed timber joints. Two analytical models were proposed to better simulate the load-slip behavior of nailed connections under monotonic and cyclic loading conditions, respectively.

Cyclic bond behavior and bond stress – slip model of steel strands in steel fiber reinforced concrete

To study the bond performance of steel strands in steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC), bonding tests under monotonic and cyclic loads were performed on the specimens with different steel fiber volume fractions (SFVFs), bond lengths, nominal diameters of steel strands and SFRC strengths. The results showed that the relative rotation between the steel strand and SFRC occurred when the steel strands were vertically pulled out from SFRC due to the smooth and continuous helical shape of the steel strands. For the specimens with the same parameters, the maximum bond stress under cyclic load decreased by 1.67–22.88 % than that under monotonic load. The maximum bond stress under cyclic load increased with the increasing SFVFs or SFRC strength. Notably, the maximum bond stress under cyclic load also increased with the increasing bond length or diameter of steel strands, significantly different from that of ordinary ribbed steel bars and FRP bars. The cumulative energy dissipation (CED) of bond specimens increased with the diameter of steel strands and SFRC strength. Besides, the SFVFs had a positive effect on the CED, but simultaneously increasing diameter of steel strands would weaken the positive effect of SFVFs, and simultaneously increasing bond length had no obvious on the CED. Finally, a bond stress – slip model of steel strands in SFRC was established, suitable for calculating bond stress – slip curves under random and complicated loading schemes. By comparing the calculation and test results of bond stress – slip curves, it was proved that the proposed model had an acceptable accuracy and could describe the influence laws of SFVF, bond length, nominal diameter of steel strand and SFRC strength well.

Experimental Study of the Influence of Supplementary Reinforcement on Tensile Breakout Capacity of Headed Anchors in Nuclear Power Plant Equipment Foundations

Anchor bolts are often used in nuclear power plants to connect equipment and equipment foundations. Under a severe earthquake, tensile breakout failure is prone to occur in the anchor bolts. As the total amount of installed machines rises, the inertial forces transferred to the anchor bolts under seismic loads also increase significantly. Therefore, the capacity is no longer satisfied by concrete alone, and specialized supplementary reinforcement needs to be installed around the bolts. The study analyzed the tensile behavior of anchor bolts in foundations with supplementary reinforcement experimentally. A total of 16 single-headed anchors in RC foundations with various diameters, yield strengths, and forms of supplementary reinforcement were tested under monotonic tensile loading. The results show that supplemental tie bars and supplemental U-shaped bars, respectively, rely on the bond with the concrete and their own tensile strength to increase the tensile breakout capacity. Furthermore, based on the failure mechanism, a new model considering the terms of concrete resistance and reinforcement resistance for the tensile breakout capacity of headed anchors around with supplementary reinforcement was proposed. Compared with the strut–tie model by EN 1992-4:2018, the predicted results of the model proposed by this study are relatively consistent with the experimental results, while the results by EN 1992-4:2018 are overly conservative.

Mesostructural Model for the Fatigue Analysis of Open-Cell Metal Foams

Metallic foams exhibit unique properties that make them suitable for diverse engineering applications. Accurate mechanical characterization is essential for assessing their performance under both monotonic and cyclic loading conditions. However, despite the advancements, the understanding of cyclic load responses in metallic foams has been limited. This study aims to propose a mesostructural model to assess the fatigue behavior of open-cell metal foams subjected to cyclic loading conditions. The proposed model considers the previous load history and is based on the analogy of progressive collapse, integrating a finite element model, a fatigue analysis model, an equivalent number of cycles model, and a failure criterion model. Validation against experimental data shows that the proposed model can reliably predict the fatigue life of the metallic foams for specific strain amplitudes.

The Behavior of Post-installed Rebar Connectors in Steel Frame Retrofitted Concrete Structures Under Combined Shear and Tension

To investigate the response of post-installed rebar connectors in steel frame retrofitted concrete structures under combined shear and tension, seven shear-and-tensile tests were conducted. The bearing capacity, stiffness, and hysteresis behavior of the connectors were investigated during the tests. Both Monotonic and cyclic load regimes were applied in the loading process. The results show that with the increase of the loading angle, the deformation capacity, the yield force, ultimate tensile force, and tensile stiffness of the specimen decrease, while the maximum shear force and shear stiffness of the specimen increase. The bearing capacity, stiffness, and energy dissipation performance of the specimen under a monotonic load is greater than that under the coupled shear-and-pull load. The bearing capacity, stiffness, hysteresis curve, and failure status of the specimens are not affected by different loading regimes. At the end, the design formula of anchor bolt for this type of connectors from the design code of China, United States, and Japan were compared. Formulas to calculate the shear strength under combined shear and tension is developed.

Performance of channel shear connectors in steel frame with reinforced concrete infill walls

To examine the mechanical properties of channel shear connectors employed in steel frame with reinforced concrete infill wall (SRCW) structures, the improved push-out tests were performed on three specimens of channel shear connectors subjected to the monotonic and cyclic loading. This study investigated the influences of loading protocol and concrete strength on the mechanical behavior of channel shear connectors. After the refined finite element (EF) models of channel shear connectors were validated based on the push-out tests, a systematical parametric analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of RC infill wall thickness, concrete strength, and channel dimensions on its shear strength of the channel shear connectors. In addition, this study also compared the accuracy of the CSA S16, AISC 360 and GB50017 design code in predicting the shear capacity of channel shear connectors in SRCW structures. The experimental results and parametric studies indicated that the current design equations inaccurately evaluate the shear capacity of channel shear connectors used in SRCW structures. Consequently, an alternative equation was developed to estimate the shear-resistant capacity of channel shear connectors in SRCW structures, which provided the desirable calculation precision for engineering design.

Experiment and prediction of the strain-range dependent ultra-low-cycle fatigue based on micromechanical cyclic void growth model

Under severe seismic action, the local stress concentration region in steel structures is prone to the ultra-low-cycle fatigue (ULCF) under high triaxiality and irregular cyclic deformation with intensively varying strain amplitudes. It emphasizes the necessity of the jointed effects of the stress triaxiality and strain range incorporated in the ULCF life prediction. Given the limited relevant studies in terms of the underlying micro-mechanisms, this paper focuses on experimental and modeling studies of the combined effects of stress triaxiality and strain range on the ULCF failure, based on Gurson-Tvergaard-Needleman (GTN) microvoid evolution theories. Monotonic tensile tests on three types of notched round bars suggest that fracture strain decreases with increasing triaxiality. Cyclic tests on two types of notched bars under various strain ranges confirm the combined effects of stress triaxiality and strain range. Given a specific triaxiality, the ULCF damage accumulation rate increases linearly as the tensile plastic strain range ramps up. For the same tensile plastic strain range, higher triaxiality results in a greater damage accumulation rate. In the modeling studies, the consistency of the GTN and uncoupled damage models has been proven in terms of ULCF failure of structural steel. Based on GTN theories, a new micromechanical cyclic void growth model (GCVGM) is proposed, considering the detailed processes of void nucleation, growth, and coalescence under monotonic and cyclic loadings. Moreover, the joint effects of stress triaxiality and strain range can be explicitly described within a unified framework, without additional empirical assumptions. Based on experimental and simulation results, the proposed GCVGM shows significant advantages over conventional models in accurately predicting ULCF failure under various loading protocols, with low average errors of 2.73 % and −0.91 % for two types of notched bar specimens, respectively.

Experimental study on the compressive behavior of UHPC filled stainless steel tubes subjected to monotonic and cyclic loading

Ultra-High Performance Concrete Filled Stainless Steel Tubular (UHPCFSST) column is a novel type of composite columns appealing to be adopted in corrosive and marine environment. To explore the axial performance of UHPCFSST columns, this paper initiates an experimental program containing 14 UHPCFSST columns subjected to either monotonic or cyclical axial compressive loading. The test variables in this program mainly include the column dimension, tube thickness and the loading schemes. Based on the test results, the damage evolution process, ultimate failure mode, load-deformation response and the typical mechanical performance indexes inclusive of loading-carrying capacity, stiffness degradation, as well as ductility coefficient are thoroughly examined. After that, theoretical analysis is carried out to explore the interaction behavior between UHPC and stainless-steel tube and hence judge the degree of confinement effect. To assess the applicability of the code equations stipulated in current international design guidelines and the empirical formulas proposed by other researchers, a small-scale dataset containing 41 UHPCFSST columns was compiled to make comparison of axial capacity between test results and analytical predictions. In view of the limited accuracy or the burdensome calculation process, a new formula considering actual loading carrying mechanism was proposed to calculate the axial capacity of UHPCFSST columns, which exhibits enhanced accuracy and efficiency than the current formulas.

Mechanical Performance of a Hot Mix Asphalt Modified with Biochar Obtained from Oil Palm Mesocarp Fiber

A recently used material that shows environmental and technical advantages for use as an asphalt binder modifier is biochar (BC). Different biomasses can be converted into BC by pyrolysis. One agro-industrial biomass that is abundant in copious quantities is oil palm mesocarp fiber (OPMF) obtained from African palm cultivation. In the present study, the use of a BC obtained from OPMF (BC-OPMF) as a modifier of asphalt binder (AC type) to produce a hot mix asphalt (HMA) was evaluated. This type of BC has not been investigated or reported in the reference literature as a binder and/or asphalt mix modifier. Initially, AC was modified with BC in three ratios (BC/AC = 5, 10, and 15%, with respect to mass) to perform penetration, softening point, and rotational viscosity tests; rheological characterization at high and intermediate temperatures; and scanning electron microscope (SEM) visualization. Based on this experimental phase, BC/AC = 10% was chosen to manufacture the modified HMA. Resistance parameters under monotonic loading (stability—S, flow—F, S/F ratio of the Marshall test, and indirect tensile strength in dry—ITSD and wet—ITSC conditions) and cyclic loading (resilient modulus, permanent deformation, and fatigue resistance under stress-controlled conditions) were evaluated on the control HMA (AC unmodified) and the modified HMA. Additionally, the tensile strength ratio (TSR) was calculated to evaluate the resistance to moisture damage. Abrasion and raveling resistance were evaluated by performing Cantabro tests. BC-OPMF is shown to be a sustainable and promising material for modifying asphalt binders for those seeking to increase stiffness and rutting resistance in high-temperature climates, resistance to moisture damage, raveling, and fatigue without increasing the optimum asphalt binder content (OAC), changing the volumetric composition of the HMA or increasing the manufacturing and construction temperatures.

Finite Element Modeling of Beam-to-Column Steel Timber Composite Joints with Different Parameters

This study presents a comprehensive three-dimensional finite element modeling and parametric analysis of composite beam-to-column joints in steel–timber composite structures. The investigation encompassed a variety of shear connector configurations, end plate designs, and bolt dimensions, aiming to elucidate their respective influences on the structural performance and behavior of these joints. Through meticulous numerical simulation, this research sought to enhance the understanding of the interactions and load transfer mechanisms within composite connections, thereby contributing to the optimization of design practices in the field of structural engineering. The load–displacement relationship for timber–steel composite joints subjected to monotonic loading was investigated using ABAQUS 6.14 software. This study systematically analyzed the effects of various parameters, including different configurations of shear connectors, end plate thicknesses, and bolt dimensions, on the overall performance of the joints. Through this comprehensive numerical analysis, the research aimed to provide deeper insights into the mechanical behavior and structural integrity of these composite connections under the applied loading conditions. A non-linear finite element model of timber was developed and verified with the results of the experiment in this study. The findings are discussed in detail, highlighting the intricate relationships between the selected parameters and their respective effects on the performance and overall stability of the composite connections. This thorough evaluation aimed to enhance the understanding of how these variables interact within the context of composite joint design and behavior. Finally, design recommendations for composite structures, such as the dimensions of the bolt, end plate thickness, and different sizes of shear connectors are provided.

Experimental study on the flexural performance of concrete hollow composite slabs with tightly connected panel sides

The performance of joint connections in composite slabs is crucial for ensuring their bidirectional load-bearing capacity and overall structural integrity. To effectively address the challenge of protruding rebar in precast components, a new structural form of a tightly connected hollow concrete composite slab without protruding rebar on the slab side is proposed. To investigate the mechanical performance and failure modes of this slab-side tight-joint connected hollow concrete composite slab, bending performance tests under monotonic load were conducted on three tightly connected hollow composite slabs and one seamless hollow composite slab. The analysis focused on the failure modes, crack distribution, bending capacity, and bending stiffness of additional steel bars at the joints of the slabs. The results indicate that, under normal operating conditions, the flexural performance development of concrete hollow composite slabs with tightly connected slab sides is generally consistent with that of the non-spliced cast hollow composite slab. Under ultimate conditions, tearing or brittle fracture failure at the joint interface is likely to occur in the composite slabs, leading to a reduction in flexural bearing capacity. With an increase in joints, the bending capacity of the hollow composite slab decreases by 17.1%, Conversely, when joints are positioned away from the most stressed section, the flexural stiffness of the section increases by 13.5%. A comparison of experimental data and theoretical calculations indicates that the additional rebar at the joints effectively contributes to the lateral load transfer in the hollow composite slab, achieving bidirectional load-bearing capacity. This further validates that the design of the single-joint, tight-joint connected hollow concrete composite slab without protruding rebar meets the requirements for bidirectional load-bearing performance.

Preliminary Insight Into Torsion of Additively-Manufactured Polylactic Acid (PLA)-Based Polymers

BackgroundPolymers in practical applications often face diverse torsional loads, such as polymeric gears, couplings, scaffolds, etc. Meanwhile, additive manufacturing enables the creation of intricate geometries for specific needs and its application to fabricate various component parts has grown exponentially. Nevertheless, research on cyclic and reversed cyclic torsional loading of additively-manufactured polymers is very limited.ObjectiveMechanical characterization of monotonic, cyclic, and reversed cyclic torsion in polylactic acid (PLA), PLA Premium, and PLA Tough materials.MethodsSpecimens were 3D-printed with a 0° build orientation using an extrusion technique and two infill orientation angles (± 45° and 0°/90°). Specimens were subjected to underwent monotonic, cyclic, and reversed cyclic torsion until failure.ResultsRegardless of material type, ductile fracture governed the behavior under monotonic loading and brittle failure under cyclic and reversed cyclic loadings. Specimens with a ± 45° infill orientation outperformed their 0°/90° counterparts across all materials, with PLA Premium exhibiting superior performance compared to PLA and PLA Tough. Importantly, it was demonstrated that the previously-proposed multilinear idealized shear stress-shear strain curve, developed for monotonic loading of 15 different polymers, also applies to the envelope curves of cyclic and reversed cyclic loading in PLA-based polymers. Thus, it is useful as material model input for numerical simulation purposes.

Experimental study on strengthening steel-truss bridge diagonal members using carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer bonding methods

This study investigated the effectiveness of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) materials in strengthening the diagonal tension members of steel-truss bridges. Monotonic tensile and cyclic loading tests were performed on CFRP-strengthened specimens with variations in the CFRP-bonding range on the flanges. This study focused on the strengthening methods A and B, which were proposed to address insufficient CFRP anchoring near gusset plates by bonding CFRP sheets to both sides of the flanges of the diagonal tension members. The results of the monotonic tensile loading tests indicated a significant increase in tensile stiffness and substantial improvements in yield strength (27%) and ultimate load-bearing capacity (51%) when the strengthening methods A and B were employed. Delamination of the bonded CFRP sheets was effectively delayed, occurring only after the steel yielded, owing to the use of a ductile adhesive (polyurea putty). On the other hand, the cyclic loading tests demonstrated a significant enhancement in the load-bearing capacities (33% for tensile, 32% for compressive) of the strengthened specimens. Moreover, the energy dissipation capacities of the specimens strengthened by methods A and B exhibited linear increases, with 12% and 14% higher values respectively than those of the non-strengthened specimen. Although the stiffnesses (tensile and compressive) of the strengthened specimens decreased in each loading loop, the strengthening methods A and B maintained the stiffness values at approximately 35% higher than those of the non-strengthened specimen.

Crack propagation in TPMS scaffolds under monotonic axial load: Effect of morphology

In this paper, the mechanical behaviour and failure of porous additively manufactured (AM) polylactide (PLA) scaffolds based on the triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS) is investigated using numerical calculations of their unit cells and representative volumes. The strain-amplification factor is chosen as the main parameter, and the most critical locations for failure of different types of scaffold structures are evaluated. The results obtained are presented in comparison with a multiple-crack-growth algorithm using the extended finite element method (XFEM), underpinned by the experimentally obtained fracture properties of PLA. The effect of morphology of TPMS structures on the pre-critical, critical and post-critical behaviours of scaffolds under monotonic loading regimes is assessed. The results provide an understanding of the fracture behaviour and main risk points for crack initiation in structures of AM-PLA scaffolds based on typical commonly used types of TPMS, as well as the influence of structure type and external load on this behaviour.

Seismic Behavior of Cluster-Connected Prefabricated Shear Walls under Different Axial Compression Ratios

This study analyzes the nonlinear seismic behavior of cluster-connected prefabricated shear walls under varying axial compression ratios. The investigation focuses on the connectivity of shear wall segments assembled using cluster connections rather than separate walls connected by beams. Using the finite element software ABAQUS, this study simulates monotonic horizontal displacement loading to evaluate the yield strength, peak strength, and deformation capacity of the shear walls. The results demonstrate that the horizontal load-bearing capacity of the shear wall significantly improves with an increase in axial compression ratio, while the axial compression ratio also influences ductility. The numerical simulations are validated against experimental data, confirming the accuracy of the model. These findings provide essential insights for optimizing the seismic design of precast shear walls.