Steel Structures Research Articles

Optimizing Fatigue Performance in Gradient Structural Steels by Manipulating the Grain Size Gradient Rate.

As a new type of high-performance material, gradient structural steel is widely used in engineering fields due to its unique microstructure and excellent mechanical properties. For the prevalent fatigue failure problem, the rate of change in the local grain size gradients along the structure (referred to as the gradient rate) is a key parameter in the design of gradient structures, which significantly affects the fatigue performance of gradient structural steel. In this study, a new method of 'Voronoi primary + secondary modeling' is adopted to successfully establish three typical high-strength steel models corresponding to the convex-, linear-, and concave-type gradient rates for gradient structures, focusing on the stress-strain response and crack propagation in structural steel with different gradient rates under cyclic loading. It was found that the concave gradient rate structural model is dominated by finer grains with larger volume fraction, which is conducive to hindering fatigue crack propagation and has the longest fatigue life, which is 16.16% longer than that of the linear gradient rate structure and 23.66% longer than that of the convex gradient rate structure. The simulation results in this study are consistent with the relevant experimental phenomena. Therefore, when regulating the gradient rate, priority should be given to increasing the volume fraction of fine grains and designing a gradient rate structure dominated by fine grains to improve the fatigue life of the material. This study presents a new strategy for designing engineering materials with better service performance.

Tensile Coupon Testing and Residual Stress Measurements of High-Strength Steel Built-Up I-Shaped Sections

High strength structural steels (with yield stresses greater than 65 ksi) may have notably different material characteristics when compared to structural steels conventionally used in building construction [i.e., ASTM A992/A992M (2022) or A572/A572M Gr. 50 (2021)]. This paper presents findings from an experimental program that investigated the material characterization of ASTM A656/A656M Gr. 80 (2024) plate steel. The results obtained were compared to conventional ASTM A572/A572M Gr. 50 steel. Two types of testing were performed for this work: tensile coupon testing and residual stress testing. The tensile coupon testing was carried out for both the A656/A656M Gr. 80 and A572/A572M Gr. 50 plate material. The A656/A656M Gr. 80 plate material showed more variation between the two different plate thicknesses in both mechanical behavior and microstructure due to differences in steel production. The 0.375 in. thick plate exhibited a clear yield plateau with an ultimate/yield stress ratio similar to the Gr. 50 material. In contrast, the 0.5 in. plate did not have a yield plateau and reached lower ultimate strain. The residual stress testing was performed using a sectioning technique for one A572/A572M Gr. 50 and five A656/A656M Gr. 80 built-up sections that were fabricated from 0.5 in. and 0.375 in. plate material. Residual stresses obtained from measurements were compared to previously published predictive models. The ECCS model and BSK99 models were found to be reasonable predictors of residual stresses for all specimens except the one section fabricated from 0.5 in. thick Gr. 80 plate. When comparing the Gr. 50 and Gr. 80 specimens of the same cross-sectional geometry, the residual stresses were similar, implying that cross-sectional geometry is more prevalent than the nominal yield stress in determining residual stresses in built-up I-sections.

Numerical Analysis of Stainless Steel of Crevice Corrosion Initiation Behavior with Varying External Potentials and Initial Crevice Gaps

The potential, current density, pH, and crevice profile distribution within the crevice structure of stainless steel in seawater were numerically analyzed. The crevice corrosion phenomena were mathematically modeled with the initial boundary value problem of diffusion and static electrical field, respectively. This initial boundary value problem was discretized using a finite difference method. The predicts of the crevice corrosion behaviors, set for various external potentials and initial crevice gaps, were classified into three categories: the pitting type, the active type, and no corrosion. The pitting type crevice corrosion was predicted to occur in conditions where the external potentials were noble and the initial crevice gaps were narrow. The active type crevice corrosion was predicted to occur in conditions where the external potentials were less noble and the initial crevice gaps were narrow. The range of external potential conditions where crevice corrosion was predicted not to occur increased in conditions with wide initial crevice gaps. Crevice corrosion was predicted to occur at all external potentials in conditions where the initial crevice gaps were 2 μm or less.

The Role of Dislocation Type in the Thermal Stability of Cellular Structures in Additively Manufactured Austenitic Stainless Steel.

The ultrafine cellular structure promotes the extraordinary mechanical performance of metals manufactured by laser powder-bed-fusion (L-PBF). An in-depth understanding of the mechanisms governing the thermal stability of such structures is crucial for designing reliable L-PBF components for high-temperature applications. Here, characterizations and 3D discrete dislocation dynamics simulations are performed to comprehensively understand the evolution of cellular structures in 316L stainless steel during annealing. The dominance of screw-type dislocation dipoles in the dislocation cells is reported. However, the majority of dislocations in sub-grain boundaries (SGBs) are geometrically necessary dislocations (GNDs) with varying types. The disparity in dislocation types can be attributed to the variation in local stacking fault energy (SFE) arising from chemical heterogeneity. The presence of screw-type dislocations facilitates the unpinning of dislocations from dislocation cells/SGBs, resulting in a high dislocation mobility. In contrast, the migration of SGBs with dominating edge-type GNDs requires collaborative motion of dislocations, leading to a sluggish migration rate and an enhanced thermal stability. This work emphasizes the significant role of dislocation type in the thermal stability of cellular structures. Furthermore, it sheds light on how to locally tune dislocation structures with desired dislocation types by adjusting local chemistry-dependent SFE and heat treatment.

Application of a new method for probabilistic fatigue analysis from strain measurements on bridges

Increasing loads, ageing of materials as well as environmental change make the issue of fatigue damage critical on bridges, especially in the case of old steel or iron structures. The assessment of the fatigue loads on specific elements of these assets can be carried out from on-field strain measurements with the application of classical methods involving rainflow cycle counting and the use of Palmgren-Miner's rule. However, such a fatigue assessment suffers of significant uncertainties about the real fatigue damage ratio and the consecutive residual fatigue life. A new probabilistic method for the fatigue assessment is proposed, as the result of a joint research by OSMOS Group and the Ecole des Ponts. The theoretical background of the method is described, involving a probabilistic formulation of Miner's rule and the use of a Weibull-Basquin model to describe the health of structural elements. Real field case studies are presented, on two historical iron truss road bridges in France, with a dataset of more than 18 months of continuous strain measurements used for the fitting of the probabilistic model of fatigue loads. The incidence of the quantity of data and of the number of sensors used for the analysis is discussed, along with the conclusive results concerning the probabilistic description of the residual fatigue life.

Anti-Corrosion SiOx-Doped DLC Coating for Raster Steel Linear Scales

In this study, we investigated the efficacy of SiOx-doped diamond-like carbon (DLC) films for enhancing the corrosion resistance of raster steel linear scales. The research work highlights the significant role of DLC film materials in enhancing corrosion resistance, making them a promising solution for various industrial applications. The Raman spectroscopy analysis of SiOx-doped DLC films, synthesized via a direct ion beam technique with HMDSO vapor, revealed prominent D and G bands characteristic of amorphous carbon materials, with a high degree of disorder indicated by an ID/IG ratio of 1.85. X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed the amorphous nature of the SiOx-doped DLC films and the minimal impact of the DLC deposition process on the underlying crystalline structure of steel. UV–Vis-NIR reflectance spectra of SiOx-doped DLC on stainless steel demonstrated improvements in the blue wavelength region compared to stainless steel with ripples alone, which is beneficial for applications utilizing blue light. Corrosion tests, including immersion in a 5% salt solution and salt spray testing, showed that SiOx-doped DLC-coated stainless steel exhibited superior corrosion resistance compared to uncoated steel, with no significant signs of corrosion observed after extended exposure. These findings underscore the potential of SiOx-doped DLC coatings to provide long-term corrosion protection and maintain the structural integrity and surface quality of steel components in harsh environments.

INVESTIGATION OF STRUCTURAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF TUBING STEELS

The study of the structural and mechanical properties of tubing steels used in wells at oil and gas condensate fields is of particular interest due to the resource intensity of these systems and the high cost of their repair and restoration. Tubing is operated under conditions of increased loads under the influence of its own weight, internal pressure and constant contact with highly aggressive media. As a result of simultaneous exposure to corrosive media and operational loads, tubing is the most consumable downhole material. The destruction and, as a result, the breakage of the tubing suspension occurs as a result of mechanical abrasion and cracking of the pipe body, the development of fatigue cracks in the thread, etc. Contact with aggressive agents of the extracted fluid and reservoir waters leads to various types of corrosion damage: ulcerative, pitting, corrosion fatigue, corrosion cracking, meza corrosion, biocorrosion, etc. Corrosion foci are localized on the inner and outer surfaces of pipes. The problem is complicated by the increased content of carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), as well as the presence of various bacteria in oil and gas fields.This article is devoted to the study of the mechanical characteristics and microstructure of tubing steels that were in operation under conditions of complicating factors and highly aggressive corrosive environment. Tubing pipes Ø73x5.5 of strength group E. were tested. The following research methods were carried out: visual inspection; determination of the chemical composition of steel; determination of hardness; uniaxial tensile test; optical microscopy.As a result of the tests, quantitative characteristics of the mechanical properties of the steels were obtained. A significant decrease in the hardness, tensile strength and yield strength of steel has been established under prolonged exposure to complicated operating conditions. Metallographic studies have established the contamination of steels with silicates of various shapes, amounting to 3 and 2 points according to GOST 1778. Microstructural studies have been carried out. The fine-grained ferrite-carbide structure of steels has been revealed. This structure corresponds to the heat treatment mode: quenching followed by tempering.

OPTIMIZATION OF STEEL PROFILE DIMENSIONS AND BOLT CONNECTIONS IN INTAKE STRUCTURES FOR ENHANCED STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY

Intake structures are facilities for clean water supply situated along riverbanks. These structures are reinforced concrete with pile foundations, and the intake structure comprises a profiled steel frame serving as the upper column-beam framework. The implementation of steel structures demands a high level of precision, particularly in designing connections between sectional steel beams and columns. This study, therefore, aims to determine the optimal dimensions for steel profiles by referring to the design of bolt connections as specified in SNI 1729-2020, particularly for steel beam columns subjected to pump loads and load combinations. The analysis concludes that all three material types meet the safety criteria, with a structural ratio value of ≤ 1 and structural deflection within the allowable limits. Additionally, after assessing the steel column and beam sections' capacity to bear pump loads, it was determined that the optimal bolt connection involved 8 bolts of 24 mm diameter. The ideal supplementary steel plate connection required a plate thickness of 13 mm.

Recovery and utilization of zinc dross for sacrificial anode cathodic protection of steel structures

Zinc dross is highly zinc-rich industrial waste produced during galvanization of steel. It is a byproduct of the reaction between molten zinc and loose iron particles in a molten zinc bath. Generally, 10–20% of galvanized zinc is converted into zinc dross. This work proposes a unique way of recycling of dross into a high value sustainable resource material leading to development of sacrificial anode used in cathodic protection of steel. The electrochemical behavior was studied in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. The anode performance test was performed as per the standard DNV-RP-B401 in an artificial seawater solution. The performance parameters, (closed circuit potential (CCP), anode efficiency, and consumption rate) of the recovered zinc anode from dross, are close to the commercial zinc anodes. It satisfies the required anode criteria. Hence, the recovered zinc anode from dross could be used as a sacrificial anode for the cathodic protection of steel structures.

Design parameter optimization method for a prestressed steel structure driven by multi-factor coupling

Design parameter optimization method for a prestressed steel structure driven by multi-factor coupling

Research on simulation calculation method of local strength of swath ship stabilizing fins based on sub-model method

Abstract At present, there is little research on the strength simulation calculation method of local steel structure at the joint between the fin stabilizer and hull of SWATH at home and abroad. Aiming at the problems of high-stress levels and difficult local strength of the local structure at the joint of SWATH submersible and stable fin, this paper, based on APDL language, takes a SWATH ship as an example, establishes a whole ship simulation model, analyses and studies the modeling scope, modeling requirements, boundary conditions, and loading methods of the local calculation model of stable fin, and puts forward an efficient simulation calculation and analysis method, namely sub-model method, which is suitable for the local strength calculation of stable fin, and provides guidance for the structural design method of the stable fin of SWATH catamaran.

Study on prefabricated composite shear wall cladding anti-shedding connection structure

Fabricated steel structure systems have undergone significant advancements. However, problems associated with exterior wall panel systems have become increasingly prominent, particularly the issue of exterior wall panel shedding. Three full-scale fabricated composite shear wall exterior panel components were designed and tested under quasi-static conditions. The failure sequence and characteristics of the exterior wall panels at different displacement angles, including their out-of-plane displacement and stiffness degradation, were evaluated to assess their seismic and connection performance in different building construction methods. The results indicated that drilling holes near the centre of autoclaved lightweight concrete (ALC) boards improved the seismic performance of wall panels. Long round holes in the ALC boards allowed the dissipation of sliding energy during the initial deformation of wall panels. Furthermore, wall panels with bonded anchorage connections for rockwool boards exhibited better seismic performance than those with pure anchorage connections. To verify the accuracy of the findings, a structural finite element model was established, and the influences of various parameters, such as the position of ALC board connecting bolts, length of ALC board holes, and bonding rate of rockwool boards, on the stress and deformation of the exterior wall panel system were analyzed. Based on the test results and finite element simulation analysis, an anti-shedding connection construction method was proposed.

Determination of Transformation Plasticity Coefficient of Structural Steel Sheet by Oil Quenching and Improvement in Prediction Accuracy of Distortion in Heat Treatment

Determination of Transformation Plasticity Coefficient of Structural Steel Sheet by Oil Quenching and Improvement in Prediction Accuracy of Distortion in Heat Treatment

Experimental behaviour and design model of FRP-UHPC-steel tubular columns under monotonic axial compression

By integrating structural steel with Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) and Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC), FRP-UHPC-steel tubular columns (FUSTs) emerge as innovative composite members that offer exceptional corrosion resistance and lightweight properties. FUSTs hold significant potential for use as thin-walled tubular columns working in harsh environments, such as wind turbines and high-voltage transmission towers. To obtain in-depth understanding of key parameters including the steel fiber ratio of UHPC, the specimen void ratio and the FRP thickness, this paper tested 24 specimens to evaluate their compressive behaviour, including 18 FUSTs and 6 UHPC-filled FRP tubes (UCFFTs). Experimental results showed that: (1) FUSTs demonstrated ductile behavior with significant strain enhancement and notable strength improvement; (2) the steel fibers in UHPC had marginal influences on the ultimate condition of FUSTs; (3) a larger inner void had a general effect to lead to more localized rupture for the FRP tube; (4) the FRP thickness was the predominant influencing factor on both the general shape and the ultimate point of the normalized axial stress–strain curves. Finally, a design model was proposed, which was able to capture the general shape of the axial load–strain curves, and could generate reasonably accurate predictions for the peak load.

Surface microstructuring of hot-rolled carbon structural steels under complex exposure to laser radiation

The purpose of the work was to study the effect of laser microstructuring modes of the cutting edge on changes in the structure and mechanical properties of the surface layer of parts made of hot-rolled structural carbon steels grades 20, 35, 45. Methods. Structural carbon steels of grades 20, 35, 45 were selected as objects of research. To study the effect of laser modification on changing the structure and mechanical properties of machine parts using laser cutting, special samples were made in the form of square plates (35×35 mm) with a thickness of 2 mm (St20 and St45) and 4 mm (St35). After laser cutting according to the modes, one of the sides of the sample was subjected to mechanical grinding in order to remove a layer with a modified structure of the material obtained during laser cutting. Next, laser microstructuring of the sample surfaces was performed using a continuous fiber laser. Metallographic and durometric studies were carried out to study the effect of laser microstructuring on changes in the structure and properties of the surface layer. Results. The regularities of the structure of the zone of laser action of structural carbon steels after laser microstructuring have been revealed, which consists of two layers: a non-etching (slightly etching) white layer, which is a finely dispersed martensite of a needle structure and immediately following it a zone of thermal influence, which, depending on the carbon content in the steel, has a different structure: ferrite-pearlite, martensitic, troostomartensitic, martensiticpearlitic. It has been established that laser microstructuring of a pre-polished surface in some cases leads to an increase in the values of microhardness and the length of the laser exposure zone, which may be associated with an increase in the absorption capacity of the material of the polished surface and, accordingly, a decrease in its reflectivity. Conclusion. The results obtained can be used in the creation of resource-saving material processing processes.

Dynamic Response of Steel Structure with Bracings and Translational Tuned Mass Dampers

In this work the dynamic response of steel structure with Bracings and Translational Tuned Mass Damper (TTMD) are studied. TTMD is a device that consists of a mass which is connected to the structure by means of a spring and a damper. The mass is tuned to vibrate at the different frequency as the structure, which allows it to cancel out the vibrations of the structure. Bracings are added to the structure to provide additional stiffness and strength. G+5, G+15 and G+25 Storeyed steel structure models with the different combinations of bracings and TTMD are considered in this study. Following which the FE Analysis involving the modal, equivalent static and response spectrum analysis are performed and results are obtained in terms of Time period, Base Shear, storey displacement and Storey drift all are discussed.

Basic Experimental Study on the Application of Natural Frequency to Transfer Learning

Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into structural health monitoring systems significantly improves the structural integrity and safety of buildings. This integration necessitates extensive data on various structural damage scenarios; however, acquiring comprehensive damage-state data for real-world buildings is difficult, resulting in data scarcity and imbalances between intact- and damage-state datasets. Transfer learning offers a compelling alternative that enables the utilization of damage-state data acquired from scaled experimental models for real-world building applications. This study explores the use of natural frequency ratios before and after damage to facilitate transfer learning. This study established an equation that describes the relationship between the natural frequency ratio before and after damage, accounting for scaling impacts. The natural frequency ratios for both the prototype and scaled models were experimentally determined and compared, focusing on bolted joints in the steel structure. The results of the experiment were consistent with those of the finite-element analysis. The experimentally obtained natural frequency ratios of the prototype and scaled models under identical damage conditions exhibited high congruence. The experimental and FEA results demonstrated analogous patterns of decreasing natural frequency ratio with increasing damage severity. These results indicate that natural frequency ratio data from various damage conditions in scaled models could mitigate data scarcity issues and train AI models for real-world building applications.

Numerical Analysis Method for Evaluating the Response of Steel Structures Equipped with Different Friction Dampers Configuration: A Case Study

Numerical Analysis Method for Evaluating the Response of Steel Structures Equipped with Different Friction Dampers Configuration: A Case Study

Effects of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Laminate on the Strength of Adhesive Joints

Carbon fiber composites are being widely considered for many classes of heavily loaded components. A common feature of such components is the need to introduce local or global loads into the composite structure. The use of adhesive bonding rather than mechanical fasteners offers the potential for reduced weight and cost. The use of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) for the repair of steel structure is also advantageous, for example to avoid welding or bolting which can weaken structure and add fire risk. This study is based on adhesive bonded double lap shear (DLS) joints where the inner adherend is steel and the outer adherend is cross plies unidirectional (UD) CFRP. Overlap lengths of 25-125 mm with CFRP thickness of 3 and 6 mm were considered and two different orientation angles [0o,90o] and [90o,0o] laminates have been considered. The overall objectives of the paper are to investigate the delamination of the CFRP laminates within the DLS joints under quasi-static loading and both experimental and numerical techniques were used. The numerical study was based on 2-D model using strength-limit method, taking into consideration the UD properties of the plies and the resin layers separating these. As a result, it was concluded that the data obtained from 2-D finite element analysis were coherent with experimental results and additional to that fiber orientation angles of the laminate markedly affected the failure load of joints, failure mode and stress distributions appeared in adhesive and composite

PERENCANAAN STRUKTUR & PONDASI GAS COMPRESSOR SHELTER STASIUN GAS BETUNG PENDOPO FIELD, PT. PERTAMINA EP ASSET 2 SUMATERA SELATAN

Planning for the Structure and Foundation of the Gas Compressor Shelter Betung Gas Station Pendopo Field Pertamina Asset 2 aims to upgrade facilities in order to increase production from the Pendopo Gas Station. This Gas Compressor Shelter Building is designed to be Strong and Rigid using SS400 Steel Structure. H beam structure column 400x400x13x21, WF structure rafter 400x200x9x14. In the Gas Compressor shelter building there is a Hoist Crane mechanical equipment with a capacity of 10 Tons which is based on the Beam WF-700x300x13x24. The foundation of this building uses deep foundations using square piles measuring 250x250 mm as deep as 15 meters. The quality of concrete for the foundation of the Gas Compressor Shelter uses K-350 concrete quality. From the planning above, it can be concluded that it has fulfilled the terms and conditions in Indonesian regulations and standards.