Engineering › Civil and Structural Engineering

Structural Response to Dynamic Loads

Description

This cluster of papers focuses on the progressive collapse of structures, particularly in relation to blast loading, reinforced concrete behavior, and building design. It covers topics such as dynamic behavior under impact, evaluation of robustness, and the use of polyurea coatings for blast resistance. The research also includes investigations into bridge collapses and the response of structures to column removal scenarios.

Keywords

Progressive Collapse; Blast Loading; Reinforced Concrete; Structural Response; Building Design; Column Removal; Dynamic Behavior; Polyurea Coatings; Robustness Evaluation; Bridge Collapse

The investigation has been carried out in two parts: (1) a study of concrete specimens loaded in compression in one, in two, or in three directions at right angles to … The investigation has been carried out in two parts: (1) a study of concrete specimens loaded in compression in one, in two, or in three directions at right angles to each other by means of fluid pressures, and (2) a study of plain and spirally reinforced concrete compression specimens loaded in one direction in the usual manner. The bulletin contains the results of the first group of tests (series nos. 2, 3A, and 3B) ... It is planned to report the second group of tests (series no. 1) in a later bulletin [i.e. Bulletin no. 190].
Analytical results are discussed for the chain-of-bundles probability model for the strength of fibrous materials. Two load sharing rules are considered for failed and nonfailed fibers in a bundle. The … Analytical results are discussed for the chain-of-bundles probability model for the strength of fibrous materials. Two load sharing rules are considered for failed and nonfailed fibers in a bundle. The first is the equal load sharing rule of classical analysis, and the second is a local load sharing rule which is more realistic for composite materials. A rather detailed discussion of past statistical analysis is given. From a careful study of previous results, several conjectures and key questions about the behavior of the strength are generated. Also, an exact analysis of failure is per formed so that the properties of the strength distribution can be studied. Difficulties of a general analysis are discussed in detail. The sequel will contain a thorough numerical investigation of the model with emphasis on studying the convergence of certain transformed distributions and on answering key questions raised in this study.
Reliable collapse assessment of structural systems under earthquake loading requires analytical models that are able to capture component deterioration in strength and stiffness. For calibration and validation of these models, … Reliable collapse assessment of structural systems under earthquake loading requires analytical models that are able to capture component deterioration in strength and stiffness. For calibration and validation of these models, a large set of experimental data is needed. This paper discusses the development of a database of experimental data of steel components and the use of this database for quantification of important parameters that affect the cyclic moment-rotation relationship at plastic hinge regions in beams. On the basis of information deduced from the steel component database, empirical relationships for modeling of precapping plastic rotation, postcapping rotation, and cyclic deterioration for beams with reduced beam section (RBS) and other-than-RBS beams are proposed. Quantitative information is also provided for modeling of the effective yield strength, postyield strength ratio, residual strength, and ductile tearing of steel components subjected to cyclic loading.
New path-independent integrals recently discovered by Knowles and Sternberg are related to energy-release rates associated with cavity or crack rotation and expansion. Complex-variable forms are presented for the conservation laws … New path-independent integrals recently discovered by Knowles and Sternberg are related to energy-release rates associated with cavity or crack rotation and expansion. Complex-variable forms are presented for the conservation laws in the cases of linear, isotropic, plane elasticity. A special point concerning plastic stress distributions around cracks is discussed briefly.
The simple relation OmegaOmega-alpha = 0, where Omega is a measurable quantity such as strain and A and alpha are empirical constants, describes the behavior of materials in terminal stages … The simple relation OmegaOmega-alpha = 0, where Omega is a measurable quantity such as strain and A and alpha are empirical constants, describes the behavior of materials in terminal stages of failure under conditions of approximately constant stress and temperature. Applicable to metals and alloys, ice, concrete, polymers, rock, and soil, the relation may be extended to conditions of variable and multiaxial stress and may be used to predict time to failure.
A new plastic-damage model for concrete subjected to cyclic loading is developed using the concepts of fracture-energy-based damage and stiffness degradation in continuum damage mechanics. Two damage variables, one for … A new plastic-damage model for concrete subjected to cyclic loading is developed using the concepts of fracture-energy-based damage and stiffness degradation in continuum damage mechanics. Two damage variables, one for tensile damage and the other for compressive damage, and a yield function with multiple-hardening variables are introduced to account for different damage states. The uniaxial strength functions are factored into two parts, corresponding to the effective stress and the degradation of elastic stiffness. The constitutive relations for elastoplastic responses are decoupled from the degradation damage response, which provides advantages in the numerical implementation. In the present model, the strength function for the effective stress is used to control the evolution of the yield surface, so that calibration with experimental results is convenient. A simple and thermodynamically consistent scalar degradation model is introduced to simulate the effect of damage on elastic stiffness and its recovery during crack opening and closing. The performance of the plastic-damage model is demonstrated with several numerical examples of simulating monotonically and cyclically loaded concrete specimens.
A progressive collapse initiates as a result of local structural damage and develops, in a chain reaction mechanism, into a failure that is disproportionate to the initiating local damage. Such … A progressive collapse initiates as a result of local structural damage and develops, in a chain reaction mechanism, into a failure that is disproportionate to the initiating local damage. Such collapses can be initiated by many causes. Changes in building practices to address low probability/high consequence events and to lessen building vulnerability to progressive collapse currently are receiving considerable attention in the professional engineering community and in standard-writing groups in the United States, Canada, and Western Europe. Procedures for identifying and screening specific threat scenarios, for assessing the capability of a building to withstand local damage without a general structural collapse developing, and for assessing and mitigating the risk of progressive collapse can be developed using concepts of probabilistic risk assessment. This paper provides a framework for addressing issues related to low probability/high consequence events in building practice, summarizes strategies for progressive collapse risk mitigation, and identifies challenges for implementing general provisions in national standards such as ASCE Standard 7, Minimum design loads for buildings and other structures.
This paper was written early in 1941 and circulated to the Civil Defence Research Committee of the Ministry of Home Security in June of that year. The present writer had … This paper was written early in 1941 and circulated to the Civil Defence Research Committee of the Ministry of Home Security in June of that year. The present writer had been told that it might be possible to produce a bomb in which a very large amount of energy would be released by nuclear fission—the name atomic bomb had not then been used—and the work here described represents his first attempt to form an idea of what mechanical effects might be expected if such an explosion could occur. In the then common explosive bomb mechanical effects were produced by the sudden generation of a large amount of gas at a high temperature in a confined space. The practical question which required an answer was: Would similar effects be produced if energy could be released in a highly concentrated form unaccompanied by the generation of gas? This paper has now been declassified, and though it has been superseded by more complete calculations, it seems appropriate to publish it as it was first written, without alteration, except for the omission of a few lines, the addition of this summary, and a comparison with some more recent experimental work, so that the writings of later workers in this field may be appreciated. An ideal problem is here discussed. A finite amount of energy is suddenly released in an infinitely concentrated form. The motion and pressure of the surrounding air is calculated. It is found that a spherical shock wave is propagated outwards whose radius R is related to the time t since the explosion started by the equation R = S (γ)t t E t ρ 0 -t , where ρ o is the atmospheric density, E is the energy released and S (γ) a calculated function of of γ, the ratio of the specific heats of air.
An improved theory is proposed for the crack-growth analysis of cyclic-loaded structures. The theory assumes that the crack tip stress-intensity-factor range, Ī”K, is the controlling variable for analyzing crack-extension rates. … An improved theory is proposed for the crack-growth analysis of cyclic-loaded structures. The theory assumes that the crack tip stress-intensity-factor range, Ī”K, is the controlling variable for analyzing crack-extension rates. The new theory, however, takes into account the load ratio, R, and the instability when the stress-intensity factor approaches the fracture toughness of the material, Kc. Excellent correlation is found between the theory and extensive experimental data. A computer program has been developed using the new theory to analyze the crack propagation and time to failure for cyclic-loaded structures.
Preface. 1 . An Overview of Semidiscretization and Time Integration Procedures (T. Belytschko). 2 . Analysis of Transient Algorithms with Particular Reference to Stability Behavior (T.J.R. Hughes). 3 . Partitioned … Preface. 1 . An Overview of Semidiscretization and Time Integration Procedures (T. Belytschko). 2 . Analysis of Transient Algorithms with Particular Reference to Stability Behavior (T.J.R. Hughes). 3 . Partitioned Analysis of Coupled Systems (K.C. Park and C.A. Felippa). 4 . Boundary-Element Methods for Transient Response Analysis (T.L. Geers). 5 . Dynamic Relaxation (P. Underwood). 6 . Dispersion of Semidiscretized and Fully Discretized Systems (H.L. Schreyer). 7 . Silent Boundary Methods for Transient Analysis (M. Cohen and P.C. Jennings). 8 . Explicit Lagrangian Finite-Difference Methods (W. Hermann and L.D. Bertholf). 9 . Implicit Finite Element Methods (M. Geradin, M. Hogge and S. Idelsohn). 10 . Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian Finite Element Methods (J. Donea). Indices.
Keywords: Tremblement de terre ; Danger naturel ; Propagation des ondes ; Probleme dynamique Reference Record created on 2004-09-07, modified on 2016-08-08 Keywords: Tremblement de terre ; Danger naturel ; Propagation des ondes ; Probleme dynamique Reference Record created on 2004-09-07, modified on 2016-08-08
Abstract Lead‐rubber hysteretic bearings provide in a single unit the combined features of vertical load support, horizontal flexibility and energy absorbing capacity required for the base isolation of structures from … Abstract Lead‐rubber hysteretic bearings provide in a single unit the combined features of vertical load support, horizontal flexibility and energy absorbing capacity required for the base isolation of structures from earthquake attack. The lead‐rubber hysteretic bearing is a laminated elastomeric bearing of the type used in bridge structures, with a lead plug down its centre. Since the invention of the lead‐rubber bearing, a total of eleven bearings up to a diameter of 650mm, with lead plugs ranging from 50 to 170mm in diameter, have been tested under various conditions, including vertical loads to 3Ā·15 MN, strokes to ρ 110 mm, rates from 1 mm/h to 100 mm/s, and temperatures of āˆ’35°C to + 45°C. In all of these tests, the lead‐rubber bearings behaved satisfactorily and the hysteresis loops could be described reasonably well by assuming that the lead behaved as an elastic‐plastic solid with a yield stress in shear of 10Ā·55 MPa. The bearings showed little rate dependence at ∼100 mm/s, though at creep rates of ∼1 mm/h the force due to the lead dropped to 30 per cent of that at typical earthquake frequencies. The effect of many small displacements has been tested with 11000 cycles at ±3 mm. A total of 92 lead‐rubber bearings have been used in New Zealand to base isolate one building and three bridges. They have yet to be used overseas. This paper describes the tests on the lead‐rubber bearings, the results and a design procedure for selecting the size of the lead plug.
A weakest link theory for macroscopically homogeneous isotropic materials containing randomly oriented microcracks uniformly distributed in location is developed under the assumption that fracture depends only on the macroscopic stress … A weakest link theory for macroscopically homogeneous isotropic materials containing randomly oriented microcracks uniformly distributed in location is developed under the assumption that fracture depends only on the macroscopic stress normal to a crack plane. The function representing the number of cracks per unit volume failing at each value of normal stress is expanded as a Taylor series with coefficients determined from tensile test data. This function is used without additional assumptions to determine the probability of fracture under arbitrary (but not predominantly compressive) stress conditions. The results can be readily incorporated into a finite-element code to predict the failure probability of any structure to which the code applies.
The use of vehicle bombs to attack city centers has been a feature of campaigns by terrorist organizations around the world. A bomb explosion within or immediately nearby a building … The use of vehicle bombs to attack city centers has been a feature of campaigns by terrorist organizations around the world. A bomb explosion within or immediately nearby a building can cause catastrophic damage on the building's external and internal structural frames, collapsing of walls, blowing out of large expanses of windows, and shutting down of critical life-safety systems. Loss of life and injuries to occupants can result from many causes, including direct blast-effects, structural collapse, debris impact, fire, and smoke.The indirect effects can combine to inhibit or prevent timely evacuation, thereby contributing to additional casualties. In addition, major catastrophes resulting from gas-chemical explosions result in large dynamic loads, greater than the original design loads, of many structures. Due to the threat from such extreme loading conditions, efforts have been made during the past three decades to develop methods of structural analysis and design to resist blast loads. The analysis and design of structures subjected to blast loads require a detailed understanding of blast phenomena and the dynamic response of various structural elements. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the effects of explosion on structures. An explanation of the nature of explosions and the mechanism of blast waves in free air is given. This paper also introduces different methods to estimate blast loads and structural response.
This conference is the first in a series of conferences dedicated to Fracture Mechanics of Concrete Structures. Due to the recent explosion of interest in research on fracture in concrete, … This conference is the first in a series of conferences dedicated to Fracture Mechanics of Concrete Structures. Due to the recent explosion of interest in research on fracture in concrete, the conference has brought together the world's leading researchers in fracture of concrete and this book contains the proceedings.
Currently in the field of civil engineering the requirement regarding knowledge blast loads are essential.Every country in the world are having terrorist threats.As the scenario of terrorist attacks are unpredictable … Currently in the field of civil engineering the requirement regarding knowledge blast loads are essential.Every country in the world are having terrorist threats.As the scenario of terrorist attacks are unpredictable neither location nor blast material used.This provides an outline to analysis and design to resist blast loads.We have taken an example model to illustrate evaluation of blast parameters which are used in the analysis.The analysis and design of structures to resist blast/explosive loads is having utmost importance compared to the conventional type of structures.Where Loading is actually independent of time variation.From past few decades terrorist attacks are becoming a new threat to people lives material used, its quantity, and distance from structure etc.Since we don't know when the blasting activity is going to be happened and type of charge material is used, depends on importance of structure we have to make sure the design of structure should be such that it should resist the failure against blasting activities and to property also.The amount of damage caused to structure is depends upon type of charge.Blast loads, its contribution to structures and other required provisions are opted from Technical Manual 5-1300 and IS 4991-1968.The design method used is Equivalent Static Approach.Analysis of frames of structure is done with software package.
This book brings together, in a concise format, the key elements of the loads produced from explosive sources, and how they interact with structures. Explosive sources include gas, high explosives, … This book brings together, in a concise format, the key elements of the loads produced from explosive sources, and how they interact with structures. Explosive sources include gas, high explosives, dust and nuclear materials.It presents quantitative information and design methods in a useable form without recourse to extensive mathematical ana
This study provides a comprehensive analysis of earthing systems as defined by international standards. It involves the calculation of fault currents and contact voltages, the selection of suitable electrical protection … This study provides a comprehensive analysis of earthing systems as defined by international standards. It involves the calculation of fault currents and contact voltages, the selection of suitable electrical protection for each system type, and an evaluation of the currently implemented systems. The research highlights the distinctions in system performance, focusing on supply continuity and the corresponding protection mechanisms. It also addresses methods for defining neutral points in both high and low voltage networks. Furthermore, the study examines the effectiveness of protective devices during ground faults, including the implications of unearthed neutral systems. Both existing and proposed methods of protection are discussed, with particular emphasis on the utilization of derivatives of transient waves for safeguarding against atmospheric disturbances. The role of earthing in ensuring public safety during work on electrical equipment is explored, addressing the prevention of direct and indirect contact, protection against overcurrent and overvoltage, mitigation of electric shock risks, and safeguarding of both personnel and equipment from electrical discharges. This research incorporates international standards and measurements, applying them to grounding systems used globally. The findings lead to scientific, economic, and safety-related conclusions, culminating in recommendations for the optimal use of grounding devices across various settings.
H-section steel members, as a commonly used load-bearing receiving member in building structures, may be subjected to the impact of accidental loads during their service life, and therefore, the impact … H-section steel members, as a commonly used load-bearing receiving member in building structures, may be subjected to the impact of accidental loads during their service life, and therefore, the impact loads need to be considered when carrying out the design. In this paper, based on experimental testing, the particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO) is used to optimize the hyperparameters of the multilayer perceptron (MLP), and a combined prediction model PSO-MLP for H-section steel members subjected to lateral impact loads is proposed to predict the damage of the H-section steel members after impact. The results show that the prediction model based on PSO-MLP can predict the damage of the H-beam columns more accurately, and compared to the random forest model (RF) and the support vector machine (SVM), the PSO-MLP model has better prediction accuracy and robustness. In addition, the effects of different features on the impact performance of the members were analyzed, in which the weakest impact location is 0.57 L away from the fixed end and the effects of axial compression ratio, flange, and web thickness were similar to the results of previous studies; the impact angle showed a strong nonlinear relationship with the critical impact velocity, which the weakest impact angle is around 50° from the strong axle; and the height and width of the cross-section showed a linear enhancement of the impact performance.
A significant number of reinforced concrete structures are constructed without taking into account their susceptibility to explosive events, which can result in severe structural damage and widespread loss of life. … A significant number of reinforced concrete structures are constructed without taking into account their susceptibility to explosive events, which can result in severe structural damage and widespread loss of life. Explosions can apparently have various pressure–time histories, referred to as pulse shapes, and these shapes are anticipated to have a significant impact on the dynamic response of structures. This research explores the response and extent of damage experienced by reinforced concrete framed buildings when exposed to predominant blast load pulse shapes of both detonation and deflagration explosion types. Through a series of blast non-linear time history analyses, damage propagation, extent of damage and the most affected structural elements, by way of demand capacity ratio (DCR) at the front facade, are assessed in this study. In addition, the evaluation of building response takes into consideration the effects of infill masonry struts in the in-plane direction of blast loading. The findings reveal a higher demand in structural elements under detonation type blast pulse load, emphasising that the building’s dynamic response, including DCR, is highly sensitive to the chosen pulse shape.
Abstract Reinforced Concrete (RC) slabs are widely used in structural applications due to their ability to withstand heavy loads. However, under impact loading conditions such as falling objects or debris, … Abstract Reinforced Concrete (RC) slabs are widely used in structural applications due to their ability to withstand heavy loads. However, under impact loading conditions such as falling objects or debris, their brittle nature makes them prone to cracking and damage. To address this, Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) has been explored as an energy-absorbing material capable of reducing the severity of impact forces. Traditionally used as an insulating material, EPS possesses favorable mechanical properties—lightweight, high deformability, and cushioning capacity—that have led to its application in civil infrastructure as geofoam and lightweight fill. Despite its growing use, the potential of EPS as a protective surface layer for RC slabs under impact loading remains underexplored. This study investigates the effectiveness of a surface-mounted EPS layer in reducing the impact response of RC slabs. Six full-scale RC slab specimens were tested under vertical impact from a 90 kg steel ball dropped from a height of 1 m. Half of the specimens were cast as control slabs, while the other half included a 5 cm thick EPS layer atop the concrete. Accelerometers were used to capture dynamic responses, and a detailed finite element model was developed in ABAQUS, incorporating experimentally measured material properties and contact interaction at the EPS–concrete interface. The model accounted for separation and frictional behavior between the two materials. Experimental and numerical results showed that the EPS layer significantly reduced the maximum acceleration, displacement, and energy dissipation within the concrete slab compared to the control specimens. While control slabs absorbed more energy through cracking and damage, the EPS slabs exhibited reduced structural deterioration, indicating more efficient impact mitigation. These findings highlight the potential of EPS as a cost-effective solution to enhance the impact resistance of RC slabs. Future work will focus on parametric studies involving EPS thickness, EPS density, steel reinforcement ratio, intensity of impact load and concrete material properties to generalize the results for broader applications.
This research explores how RC columns respond to blast-induced dynamic effects, with a novel focus on partially submerged scenarios, bridging a gap between air blast and underwater explosion (UNDEX) research. … This research explores how RC columns respond to blast-induced dynamic effects, with a novel focus on partially submerged scenarios, bridging a gap between air blast and underwater explosion (UNDEX) research. Using advanced finite element modeling in LS-DYNA, the study captures the unique behavior of RC columns under mixed-media conditions, where shockwaves propagate through water and air interfaces. Comprehensive parametric analyses explore the influence of charge size, blast stand-off, and depth of water, revealing distinct dampening mechanisms and structural responses. Key findings include a measurable reduction in peak displacement of partially submerged explosions compared to fully submerged explosions, attributed to the moderating effects of the water–air interface. A total of 60 simulation cases were conducted to systematically analyze partially submerged scenarios, providing robust insights into energy transmission and damage mechanisms. The numerical models, validated against published experimental data by others, demonstrate the accuracy of computational modeling in simulating damage profiles, displacement histories, and energy dissipation trends. This research offers practical implications for designing resilient RC structures in coastal and maritime environments. The results contribute significantly to the field of blast mechanics, advancing our understanding of mixed-media shockwave dynamics and their impact on critical infrastructure.
This paper presents a proposal for slabs reinforced with 3D steel reinforcements. Two configurations of 3D steel reinforcement, manually fabricated using 4 mm diameter rods, were investigated: cubic and square … This paper presents a proposal for slabs reinforced with 3D steel reinforcements. Two configurations of 3D steel reinforcement, manually fabricated using 4 mm diameter rods, were investigated: cubic and square pyramid truss lattices. Two control groups were produced: a non-reinforced slab and a linear steel rod-reinforced slab. Three-point bending tests were conducted to assess the flexural behavior of the slabs. The results were analyzed in terms of flexural strength, peak load, mid-span displacement, energy absorption, crack formation, and ductility. The digital image correlation (DIC) technique was employed to capture the full-field principal strain and determine the mid-span displacement at the point of crack initiation. Furthermore, the compression capacity of each slab was evaluated. The results were compared with those of the non-reinforced and linear reinforced slabs, revealing that the slab with the cubic truss lattice configuration exhibited the highest bending moment capacity. While the square pyramid truss slab demonstrated relatively low bending strength, it exhibited exceptional energy absorption characteristics. In terms of ductility, the cubic truss-reinforced slab showed superior performance. When compared to the slabs with linear rod reinforcement, the 3D-reinforced slabs with cubic and square pyramid configurations enhanced the bending strength by approximately 51.19% and 47.32%, respectively. Overall, this study shows that the oblique connectors in the pyramidal reinforcement, compared to the vertical connectors in the cubic reinforcement, provide greater ductility and promote a more uniform distribution of smaller cracks, thereby enhancing energy absorption.
Steel box girder bridges are widely used in bridge structures due to their lightweight design, high strength, and rapid construction characteristics. However, during their service life, they may face the … Steel box girder bridges are widely used in bridge structures due to their lightweight design, high strength, and rapid construction characteristics. However, during their service life, they may face the threat of long-duration, high-impact far-field blast waves caused by explosions in large-scale chemical industries, which can directly affect the structural safety performance. This study investigates the dynamic response and damage assessment of steel box girder bridges under far-field blast loads. To achieve this, a numerical simulation method combining Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Explicit Dynamics is proposed. The CFD method accurately simulates the complex interactions between far-field blast waves and bridge components, including diffraction and clearing effects, providing high-precision blast loads for dynamic response analysis. Research has found that the failure mode of steel box girder bridges is closely related to the incidence angle of detonation waves. When the incidence angle of the detonation wave is 0°, the damage to piers is primarily attributed to the impact force generated as the girder is uplifted and subsequently falls. At non-zero incidence angles, the primary failure mode of the bridge shifts to bending-shear damage of the girder. Furthermore, for a fixed incidence angle, the extent of bridge damage intensifies significantly with the increasing intensity of the far-field blast loads. This paper also assesses the damage caused by far-field explosions to steel box girder bridges based on probabilistic methods. The assessment results indicate that the failure probability of bridge piers decreases as the incident angle increases, whereas the failure probability of main girders rises with increasing incident angles. Moreover, the overall failure probability of the bridge system also shows an upward trend as the incident angle grows. The findings provide a theoretical foundation for analyzing dynamic responses, conducting damage evaluations, and formulating post-disaster strengthening measures.
This study focused on the advanced analysis of the crack resistance of reinforced concrete structures and provides proposals for improvement of the theory of calculation of reinforced concrete structures for … This study focused on the advanced analysis of the crack resistance of reinforced concrete structures and provides proposals for improvement of the theory of calculation of reinforced concrete structures for serviceability and ultimate limit state. Despite the fact that the crack opening is a key parameter of reinforced concrete structures that frequently determines the reinforcement area, the design models and theory of calculation of this parameter are still not sufficiently perfect. The recent studies performed worldwide with the use of more advanced instrumentation have shown that the accuracy of theoretical prediction of crack opening in structures experiencing a complex stress–strain state, and especially structures made of high-strength concrete, fiber-reinforced concrete, lightweight concrete, and etc., remains unsatisfactory. This study analyzed and summarizes experimental studies of crack resistance of reinforced concrete structures and reveals new physical regularities in the deformation of concrete and steel reinforcement in zones adjacent to the crack. It introduces hypotheses that account for these regularities and proposes a general block model for calculating the width of irregular and single cracks in reinforced concrete structures under different stress states. In this model, crack opening is modeled by the double-cantilever element (DCE), which allows incorporation of the corresponding experimentally revealed effects and at the same time combines deformation parameters of both the theory of reinforced concrete and fracture mechanics. The DCE is two conventionally separated rigid cantilevers that include the crack surfaces, and are embedded on one side in the concrete at the neutral axis. On the other side, they are connected with reinforced steel bars crossing the crack. Using this model, a method for calculating the crack opening width in reinforced concrete structures with different types of cracks is proposed. The paper demonstrates the results of experimental investigations of crack resistance of simply supported and cantilever beams made of ordinary, light, and high-strength concrete. These results confirm the effects considered in the calculation model and the hypotheses accepted in the theory. The study also provides a physical explanation of the phenomena under consideration and shows acceptable agreement between theoretical and experimental values of crack opening calculated according to the proposed theory.
The displacement response of a cylindrical and an apsidal shaped structural unit under blast loading is compared in this study using the finite element code LS-DYNA utilizing two different concrete … The displacement response of a cylindrical and an apsidal shaped structural unit under blast loading is compared in this study using the finite element code LS-DYNA utilizing two different concrete constitutive models, namely the Riedel–Hiermaier–Thoma (RHT) model and the Continuous Surface Cap Model (CSCM). The blast load generated by an emulsion explosive corresponding to six scaled distances is used for the study. The validation of the displacement response is carried out by utilizing the Newmark numerical integration procedure using the linear acceleration method. The unique apsidal shape in its displacement response performs better across all the simulations indicating superior blast resistance. CSCM model returns conservative values of displacements in the study. The study finds that the RHT model requires higher stress levels for consideration of dynamic strengths and hence returns lower displacement values for the instances considered in this simulation. This study recommends the use of an apsidal unit and the use of RHT constitutive model in the simulations.
The paper presents the methodology for determination the numerical prognosis of the dynamic response of the rectangular steel slab subjected to an explosive load, aimed at thorough preparation of experimental … The paper presents the methodology for determination the numerical prognosis of the dynamic response of the rectangular steel slab subjected to an explosive load, aimed at thorough preparation of experimental tests. In the presented work, in order to fully describe the parameters of the shock wave impact on the steel slab, an appropriate combination of formulas known in the literature was used. In order to describe the dynamic behavior of the rectangular steel slab, the resources of the ABAQUS computing software were used. The Johnson–Cook constitutive model was used to describe the dynamic behavior of the structural material. An explicit procedure has been used to solve the equations of motion for the slab. The parameters of the shock wave from the explosion of the TNT charge with the assumed mass and the distance of its location from the slab were determined. As a result of the numerical analysis, the results of changes in displacement and acceleration in time were presented, indicating the nature of the very intense and fast-varying dynamic behavior of the slab. Conclusions were also formulated regarding the requirements for the selection of parameters of the sensors recording both the function of real explosion pressure in time and the function of acceleration in time of the slab model during experimental tests.
The roof slab, as a critical component for partitioning the vertical space within RC frame structures, can effectively mitigate the propagation of shock waves and reduce damage levels in adjacent … The roof slab, as a critical component for partitioning the vertical space within RC frame structures, can effectively mitigate the propagation of shock waves and reduce damage levels in adjacent rooms. This study employed finite element (FE) modeling to investigate the vertical propagation of blast waves and roof ejection velocity in RC frames. The model’s reliability was verified by reconstructing internal explosion tests on RC frames and close-in explosion tests on masonry walls. On this basis, two typical single-room RC frame structures that are vertically adjacent were designed, and numerical simulations of the internal explosion were conducted under four explosive equivalents and four venting coefficients. The propagation of shock waves, load characteristics in the vertically adjacent room, and the dynamic response of roof slabs were examined. The results show that shock waves propagated to the vertically adjacent room decreased by approximately two orders of magnitude for peak overpressure and one order of magnitude for impulse due to the obstruction of shock waves by roof slabs, respectively, compared to the source explosion room. For larger venting coefficients, abundant energy was released through the venting openings, making it difficult to form a quasi-static pressure with a long duration inside the source explosion room. In addition to the shock wave, the explosive ejection of roof slabs in the explosion source room will further exacerbate the damage to the vertically adjacent room. Peak overpressure and impulse propagated to the vertically adjacent room were reduced significantly by the increase in the venting coefficient, resulting in an attenuation of structural damage. Finally, empirical models incorporating the venting coefficient were established to characterize the attenuation coefficients of power parameters, demonstrating the predictive capability for peak overpressure, impulse, and roof ejection velocity in both the explosion source room and the vertically adjacent room.
This study reports an experimental investigation on the applicability of the net cross-sectional resistance rules of Eurocode 3 for steel plates with different bolt-hole configurations and steel grades, when relatively … This study reports an experimental investigation on the applicability of the net cross-sectional resistance rules of Eurocode 3 for steel plates with different bolt-hole configurations and steel grades, when relatively small fatigue cracks are present at the edge(s) of the holes. Previous studies have confirmed that the considered design rule is on the safe side. Moreover, part of this safety margin accounts for the potential occurrence of relatively small fatigue cracks. Two steel grades are considered, namely S275JR and S700MC. Therefore, in addition to previous studies, a relatively high steel grade is considered. Moreover, some tests were carried out on cooled specimens to get an impression of the effect of low temperatures on the failure mechanism. The experimental results demonstrate that relatively small cracks (<1 mm) have a negligible practical influence on the measured ultimate resistance of the plates. Furthermore, the failure assessment diagram is found to be suitable to predict the critical condition in the presence of cracks with length and shape as found in the experiments, also for relatively high steel grades.
In open-pit bench pre-splitting blasting, the interaction of explosion-induced stress waves between blast holes is essential for safeguarding the rear rock mass. This study utilizes the caustic method to examine … In open-pit bench pre-splitting blasting, the interaction of explosion-induced stress waves between blast holes is essential for safeguarding the rear rock mass. This study utilizes the caustic method to examine the propagation velocity of explosion-induced cracks, the stress intensity factor at the crack tip, and the final morphology of cracks between adjacent blast holes with varying delay times. Field pre-splitting blasting experiments were carried out to validate these effects. The experimental results reveal that, for short inter-hole delay times (0–12 μs), a ā€œhook-likeā€ crack intersection zone emerges between blast holes. Changes in delay time influence the patterns of crack propagation, leading to deviations in the propagation direction of cracks in subsequent blast holes due to the combined effects of stress waves and cracks from preceding holes. The fracture mechanism evolves from pure Mode I (tensile) to a mixed Mode I-II (tensile-shear). Vibration signals from the field blasting tests were analyzed using the variational mode decomposition (VMD) method. The findings indicate that optimized inter-hole delay times can reduce peak particle velocity (PPV) by 18.7–23.4% compared to simultaneous initiation, thereby significantly minimizing damage to the rear rock mass, a crucial factor for maintaining slope stability.
ABSTRACT For nonrigid floor systems, collapse occurs if the in‐plane deformation exceeds the length of the end support. Structural collapses typically result in numerous fatalities, substantial property losses, and significant … ABSTRACT For nonrigid floor systems, collapse occurs if the in‐plane deformation exceeds the length of the end support. Structural collapses typically result in numerous fatalities, substantial property losses, and significant societal impacts. Preventing progressive collapse necessitates thorough analysis and improvement of the structures' impact resistance, as well as a study of their load resistance mechanisms. This paper analyzed the internal forces and bearing capacity of structures, examining the effects of connection stiffness and impact velocity on impact resistance under end impact and mid‐span impact scenarios. An analytical technique for evaluating the bearing capacity of floor systems under falling impact was developed, along with recommendations for the impact resistance design of large‐span precast parking structures. The results demonstrate that the stiffness of the floor‐to‐floor connections is crucial for maintaining the stability of the impacted floor and preventing progressive collapse. With increased impact velocity, the flexural and shear deformation of the impacted double‐tees significantly increases, often resulting in penetrating shear cracks. These cracks cause the impacted double‐tees to become unstable and fall, along with the upper falling double‐tees, continuing to impact the lower double‐tees at higher speed and mass, leading to progressive collapse of the structure.