bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stress Concentration Factors of Tubular Joints in Offshore Jacket Structure: A comparative study
Authors: Maheswaran Jeron , Siriwardane Sudath C.
Published: March 2016

The stress concentration factors of tubular joints have taken great attention among engineers. The DNV/GL-RP-0005 is covering this topic quite well for simple and clear joint cases. For complex joint and geometry, where joint classification isn’t available and limitation on validity range of non- dimensional geometric parameters, the challenges become a fact among engineers. The classification of joint is important for the fatigue analysis. These joint configurations are identified by the connectivity and the load distribution of tubular joints. To overcome these problems to some extent, this paper compares the SCFs which were obtained by parametric equations given in DNV/GL-RP-0005, finite element analysis and full scale experimental test results of four different types of tubular joints in offshore jackets. Finally, the validity and limitation of each method are discussed.
Control of wind-induced vibration by combined tuned damper for super tall buildings
Authors: Wang Lilin , Zheng Yimin , Zhao Xin
Published: March 2016

The wind-induced vibrations of super tall buildings become excessive due to strong wind loads, super building height and high flexibility. Tuned mass dampers (TMD) and tuned liquid column dampers (TLCD) have been widely used to control the vibration for super tall buildings for decades. As an economical vibration control option, the fire protection water tanks installed in super tall buildings are commonly utilized as TLCD to control the structural vibrations. There are however many cases that the TLCD system alone can hardly meet the human comfort criteria due to the storage limit of water tank, and additional TMD system can be installed to further reduce the structural vibration. The wind-induced vibration mitigation effects of super tall buildings equipped with both tuned mass dampers and tuned liquid dampers (CTD, combined tuned damper) are investigated in this study. To assess the effectiveness of the CTD system, a comparison study is conducted amongst the TLCD, TMD and CTD systems installed in a real super tall building project. The results show that the CTD system is cost-effective and has sound vibration mitigation capacity. Considering both the economical advantage of the TLCD system and the high efficiency of the TMD system, the CTD system is a competitive option for wind-induced vibration control of super tall buildings.
Design and application of anti-seismic active vibration control systems
Authors: Guendel Max , Schott Dominik , Block Carsten
Published: March 2016

Building structures subjected to earthquakes undergo deformations, which may damage structural and non-structural elements. Vibration control systems are an interesting solution to reduce the dynamic response of structures. However, even if this technique is on the research agenda for several decades, there is only a limited number of anti-seismic applications in buildings in Europe. In this paper active, passive and hybrid vibration control systems are designed and analysed numerically in 9 case studies to assess their effectiveness to reduce the inter-storey drift. The investigations are carried out by linear time history analysis at damage limitation state. The results show clearly the advantages and limitations of different vibration control systems for anti-seismic purposes. In the next step the effectiveness and robustness of the most favourable solution will be tested experimentally in a full scale shaking table test of a two storey lightweight steel structure.
Digital Design & Semi-Automatic Fabrication: Digital Craftsmanship
Authors: Lucas Tim
Published: March 2016

Structurally informed Digital Craftsmanship has the potential to transform how the built environment is made and built using exactly crafted, locally sourced materials to create attractive and robust structures that require minimal material resources, site skill and time to construct.

Digital design tools can to improve the quality and engineering efficiency of many types of building through the digital fabrication of common building materials. Computer controlled fabrication machinery driven by digital design information can create structurally and thermally efficient building envelopes from closely fitting bespoke parts.
Experimental study on precast segmental box girders with corru- gated steel webs
Authors: Zheng Hehui , Wu Xingfa , Wang Min , Zhang Yongtao
Published: March 2016

Precast segmental bridge with corrugated steel webs has good popularization value, for the ad- vantages of precast segmental construction and box girder with corrugated steel webs. In order to study the mechanical behavior of this structure,6 simply-supported scale model beams with cor- rugated steel webs were tested with the forming process, ratio of internal tendons to external tendons, shear-span ratio, number of joint, connection type of corrugated steel web,etc.,as the parameters. Stress variations in the concrete, web and tendon and deflection during loading are described, the crack generation and failure mode are also explained, the effects of parameters on the mechanical behavior of beams are analyzed. The study indicates that segmental beams have equal stiffness with monolithic beam in elastic stage, the joint affects the failure mode and causes decrease in the flexural bearing capacity, segmental beams with mixed post-tensioning or flange connector show better mechanical behavior than other segmental beams.
Experimental Study on the Behavior of Single Bolted Joints for UHPC Panels
Authors: Hong Sung-Gul , Chung Su-Hyung.
Published: March 2016

Single bolted joints for UHPC panels are essential components in prefabrication of precast construction. The bolt connection method can be one of possible options for UHPC structural system, particularly architectural design. To identify the economic and safe use of bolted joints of UHPC panels, a clear understanding of their mechanical behavior is necessary. This paper investigates the tensile behavior of bolted joints for UHPC panels through direct tensile tests, especially focused in identifying the failure modes, strengths and stress distribution, the variables of the experiments including the specimen thickness, width and edge distance..
Design and Behaviour of Prestressed Ultra-High Performance Concrete Channel Girders Using Local Materials
Authors: Manning Mark P. , Weldon Brad D. , Jáuregui David V. , Newtson Craig M.
Published: March 2016

Two full-scale prestressed bridge girders were designed, cast, and tested in flexure. The first utilizes non-proprietary ultra-high performance concrete (138 MPa, UHPC) mixture proportions developed using materials local to the state of New Mexico, USA. Steel fibres were added to the UHPC at 1.5% by volume. The second was designed using high performance concrete (66 MPa) mixture proportions common to New Mexico bridge design. Through comparative analyses of varied design parameters including material properties, reduction of section geometry, reduced mild steel reinforcement, and the use of high strength steel fibres, this investigation provides evidence of the improved strength and ductility characteristics of UHPC and demonstrates the contribution of steel fibre reinforcement to flexural and tensile capacity. The results will aid development of design tools and recommendations for implementation of UHPC into local bridge design.
Summary of the test results of short-term and long-term loading of prestressed I-beams made of ultra-high performance concrete
Authors: Tej Petr , Kolísko Jiří , Bouska Petr , Vokáč Miroslav , Čech Jindřich
Published: March 2016

This paper presents a summary of the test results of a short-term and long-term loading of a prestressed I- beams made of ultra-high performance concrete. The prestressed beams are intended and designed to replace a steel HEB beams in construction of railway bridges with fully concreted height of the beams. The advantage of these types of structures lies in their having a low construction height. The prestressed I- beams are made of UHPC with dispersed steel fibres and reinforced by prestressing cables in the bottom flange. This paper presents a computer and experimental analysis of the loading of UHPC prestressed I- beams. For the purpose of the short-term loading, three specimens of 7 m span and two specimens of 12 m span were made. The specimens were subsequently tested in the laboratory in four-point bending tests. The paper presents the process and results of the experiments and a comparison of failure modes of the beams of different spans. The paper presents also long-term monitoring of two specimens of 12 m span beams. Simultaneously with the experiments, computer analyses were created in which optimization of the material and geometric parameters of the beams were carried out. The paper demonstrates the correspondence of the experimental and computer-simulated load test results.
Performance in Transverse Direction of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Bridge Decks
Authors: Yanes Sonia , De Castro Julia , Keller Thomas
Published: March 2016

Pultruded glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bridge decks distribute punctual vehicular loads to the underlying superstructure and can also act as the upper chord of hybrid main girders. The deck’s structural performance in both cases is influenced by its transverse behavior. The static bending behavior in the transverse-to-pultrusion direction of two GFRP bridge deck systems with trapezoidal (DS) and triangular (AS) cell cross-sectional geometry was experimentally studied. Different load transfer mechanisms were found inDS(frame-dominated) andAS(truss-governed) depending on the cell geometry. TheDSdeck exhibited a lower apparent bending stiffness and degree of composite action between the face sheets than theASdeck, which was attributed to the lower transverse in-plane shear stiffness provided by the trapezoidal core than by the triangular core. The system in-plane shear moduli were estimated from the experimental deflection results.
Long-term effects of wet and outdoor conditions on GFRP
Authors: Klamer Ernst , Tromp Liesbeth , Boer Ane , Nijssen Rogier
Published: March 2016

This paper gives the results of a study into the (semi) long-term effects of wet and outdoor condition on the material properties of Glass Fibre Reinforced Polyester (GFRP). In 2001, 6 GFRP test panels have been placed above, below and on the water level at the lock-heads of the “Spieringsluis” lock in the Netherlands. After 13 years of being exposed to these outdoor conditions, the panels were removed and material tests were carried out to determine the remaining strength and stiffness. In this paper, test results are compared to test results from panels that have been stored indoors during the same period and to test results from tests that were carried out in 1999. The reduction of strength and stiffness properties is compared to the reduction factors for temperature and humidity effects according to the Dutch CUR Recommendation 96 for the design of FRP structures.
Pin-Fuse Seismic Systems - Friction Joints that Limit Damage
Authors: Sarkisian Mark , Mathias Neville , Garai Rupa , Horiuchi Christopher
Published: March 2016

Inspired by nature, Pin-Fuse systems such as steel beam-column joints, link elements, and braced frame assemblages have been developed. Inelastic deformation associated with drift levels of 3% or more is replaced with frictional deformation that does not damage the base materials involved. Connections slip in major events but remain fixed under wind and minor seismic loads. These systems lock elastic strain energy into the structure that can be recovered to re-centre the structure following a seismic event. Significant analytical studies and testing programs over several years have been performed on three systems—the Pin-Fuse Joint®, the Pin-Fuse Frame™ and the Link-Fuse Joint™—with US patents awarded. Since the behaviour of the friction material within the joints is crucial in providing appropriate system performance, major research and testing is currently underway on materials that are both predictable and durable.
Smart expansion joints of long-span bridges: self-evaluating by advanced monitoring system
Authors: Islami Kleidi , Meng Niculin
Published: March 2016

This paper presents the installed structural health monitoring (SHM) systems of three long suspension bridges, which measure high-frequency movements, inclinations, temperature and vibrations and thus enable a proper understanding of the bridges’ behaviour to be developed. These case studies, based on both static and dynamic approaches, demonstrate the usefulness and ease of use of such systems, and the enormous gains in efficiency they offer over alternative manual monitoring methods. The availability of such systems has now led to the development of smart expansion joints: expansion joints that feature an integrated advanced monitoring system, already when fabricated.
Joints and bearings – European State of the Art of sustainable solutions
Authors: Braun Christian , Benicke Oliver
Published: March 2016

To guarantee the required working life for structural bearings and expansion joints, appropriate European regulations were developed. The European standard EN 1337 regulates the design of structural bearings with state-of-the-art materials. For Road Bridge Expansion Joints a European Assessment Document (EAD) has been established, based on the former European Guideline for Technical Approval ETAG 032. For new and high performance materials, a European Technical Assessment (ETA) becomes necessary.

For products according to EN 1337 and the EAD’s for High Performance Structural Bearings as well as Expansion Joints distinction is made between different performance classes. In the sense of sustainable structures the level of performance is decisive.

The presentation will highlight the requests for sustainable solutions of bearings and expansion joints with low maintenance and long life expectance.
Innovative Fiber Reinforced Elastomeric Isolation Devices
Authors: Castillo Pablo , Pürgstaller Andreas , Apostolidi Eftychia , Bergmeister Konrad , Strauss Alfred
Published: March 2016

In the last years fiber reinforced elastomeric bearings (FREBs) acting as isolation devices have begun to replace bearings with steel reinforcement. To understand the behaviour of FREBs under seismic loads it is essential to investigate their relevant mechanical properties, effective shear modulus and equivalent damping ratio. The experimental investigation yielded some discrepancies between collected data and expected behaviour of the bearings. In order to investigate that disagreement, a numerical simulation approach focusing on capturing the visco- hyperelastic behaviour of the elastomeric material has been investigated. In addition, a method for the calibration of the material model is presented and validated. Moreover, the influence of vertical load, horizontal deflection, number of elastomeric and reinforcement layers and support type on the mechanical properties will be discussed.
Early Age Cracks of Concrete Casted in Different Stages
Authors: Embaby Rana , Embaby Ayman , Malek Charles
Published: March 2016

Massive concrete elements are occasionally casted in different stages. Along with accounting for the safe transmission of shear flow between the different casted stages, the constraint imposed by the hardened concrete to the newly casted concrete is to be considered. This may require special reinforcement to avoid propagated cracks due to shrinkage as well as thermal effects. The demand of adding shrinkage reinforcement was revealed through parametric study accounting for geometrical, construction, material, and environmental parameters. For this purpose finite element analysis was incorporated in which time-dependent material characteristic is accounted for. Moreover, heat of hydration as well as shrinkage is modeled. The prediction of the tensile stresses is carried out and accordingly the reinforcement demand is highlighted.
Structural Optimization of Composite Structures using an Energy Method
Authors: Kavrakov Igor , Timmler Hans-Georg , Morgenthal Guido
Published: March 2016

The potential of structural optimization in the design of structures is growing rapidly with the advancement of the computer technology. In this paper, a formulation of structural optimization problem using an energy method is presented, for which solution a nested bilevel optimization is utilized. The method is applied on two practical examples, namely a nonlinear sizing problem for a two span girder and a discrete shape optimization of a truss bridge. These demonstrate the applicability of the method.
Parametric Seismic Study on Concrete Shear Keys for Small to Medium-Span Highway Bridges
Authors: Xiang Nailiang , Li Jianzhong , Wang Yi
Published: March 2016

The damage investigation of small to medium-span highway bridges after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake has shown that the sliding between girder and laminated-rubber bearings was a common phenomenon, which caused excessive girder displacement and damages to concrete shear keys, expansion joints, and abutments. The bearing sliding can actually act as isolation for the piers. In this research, experimental works were firstly conducted to investigate the seismic performances of bearing sliding and shear keys. Then the effect of shear keys on the seismic performance of the bridge was investigated through parametric study. It is concluded that if the shear keys are properly designed, the bearing displacement can be greatly reduced and the piers can remain essentially elastic. Further, the obtained design parameters of shear keys were validated when the ground motion intensity and the pier height vary.
Proposal and application of the Incremental Modal Pushover Analysis (IMPA)
Authors: Bergami Alessandro Vittorio , Liu Xu , Nuti Camillo
Published: March 2016

In recent years, many research activities were undertaken to develop a reliable and practical analysis procedure to identify the safety level of existing structures: Incremental Dynamic Analysis (IDA) is considered to be one of the most accurate methods to estimate the seismic demand and capacity of structures. However, the executions of many complex and computationally heavy nonlinear response history analyses (NL_RHA) are required. This paper deals with the proposal of an efficient Incremental Modal Pushover Analysis (IMPA) to obtain capacity curves by replacing the nonlinear response history analysis of the IDA procedure with Modal Pushover Analysis (MPA). In this work, the MPA is extended and applied to three-dimensional asymmetric structures and finally it is used in order to obtain a “multimodal” capacity curve: therefore MPA method is used to evaluate both displacements, as in the standard method, and base shear (this is a novelty). According to this approach the proposed procedure (IMPA) is defined and applied to estimate the structure’s seismic response and capacity for given seismic actions. This new procedure is finalized to obtain a capacity curve, as commonly done performing pushover, but it accounts also higher modes effects. Finally IMPA is applied to an existing irregular framed building and compared with NL_RHA.
Whipping Effect of the Seismic Response of Unbraced Tied Arch Bridges
Authors: Cao Yinghong , He Eddie , Furrer Martin
Published: March 2016

When a light roof structure is built atop a multi-story building, the roof structure will get much larger seismic forces than as if it is built directly on the ground. This is the so called whipping (or whip) effect, which has been well investigated and considered in building engineering. In bridge engineering, it is somewhat unnoticed because most bridges don’t have important light structure members above deck level. However, when an unbraced arch is designed on a flexible substructure, the whipping effect on the arch could be very significant. This paper investigated this effect of two arch bridges on a High Speed Train (HST) project. The results showed the whipping factor is as high as 2.3 on these two bridges. Four design solutions to eliminate the whipping effect are analyzed and discussed. The findings of this paper call for attention of bridge engineers to the whipping effect during the design of this type of bridges.
Ductility of Reinforced Concrete Frame Buildings Subjected to the Recent New Zealand Earthquakes
Authors: Mantawy Ahmed , Anderson James
Published: March 2016

The city of Christchurch in New Zealand suffered from a series of earthquakes between September 2010 and December 2011 that led to significant structural damage mainly in the RC buildings where most of them were demolished later. This paper presents the analysis results of two RC frame buildings when they were subjected to earthquake sequences from New Zealand earthquakes. The buildings are four and six story buildings that were designed to provide ductile response during earthquake loading. Nonlinear time history analyses were conducted on the numerical models for these buildings using PERFORM-3D to evaluate their behavior. The ductility demands and the hysteretic behavior at plastic hinges were investigated. The results showed increases in the ductility demands and the hysteretic behavior at plastic hinges was significantly affected which led to changes in the stiffness of the RC components.
Improvements in the performance index of self-centering capability of column
Authors: Liu Xiaoxian , Li Jianzhong
Published: March 2016

The self-centering capability of columns after earthquakes is a focused topic of current seismic research. Present indices of self-centering capability of columns mainly rely on the relative values of the self-centering force offered by elastic elements and energy dissipation force offered by elastoplastic elements. These indices demand simple and clear relations among elements, so it is difficult to extend them to realistic structures. This paper simplifies a concrete column with unbonded prestressing strands into a single degree of freedom model in which a bilinear elastic spring and a bilinear elastoplastic spring are in parallel. A practical performance index of the self-centering capability is put forward. It takes into account the contribution of post-yield stiffness of the elastoplastic spring to self-centering capability. The index can be obtained by analyzing force-displacement hysteresis of the column. Through theoretical analysis and numerical calculation, the relation between the new index and static residual displacement of self-centering structures is built. This paper adopts the new self-centering index and the static residual displacement to measure the self-centering capability of a single degree of freedom system. The result shows that increasing the restoring force and post-yield stiffness of elastoplastic elements, decreasing the energy dissipation force are beneficial to the self-centering capability of the system.
Influence of Steel and Concrete Strength on Seismic Performance of Concrete Columns
Authors: Su Junsheng , Wang Junjie , Wang Wenbiao , Mei Shilong , Shi Dawei
Published: March 2016

Tests of rectangular and circular reinforced concrete (RC) columns were conducted under constant axial load and reverse horizontal load. The test parameters included the steel strength, stirrups spacing and concrete strength when equal volume and equal strength steel replacement were employed. The results shows that, under equal volume steel replacement, the strength of longitudinal bar influence the flexural capacity and drift ratio of columns obviously while stirrup strength has little influence on the seismic performance of columns. The columns reinforced with different strength steel show similar seismic performance under equal strength steel replacement. With increase of stirrup spacing, the deformability and energy dissipation capacity of RC columns decrease. The yield displacement decrease while displacement ductility and normalized energy dissipation increase with increase of concrete strength.
Evaluating seismic retrofitting efficiency through ambient vibration tests and analytical models
Authors: Reuland Yves , Garofano Angelo , Lestuzzi Pierino , Smith Ian F. C.
Published: March 2016

Economic and environmental imperatives lead to an ever growing need to extend the service life of the existing building stock without putting the users at risk. In zones prone to moderate seismic hazard, many buildings were built without considering seismic actions. The design and assessment of efficient seismic retrofitting rely on physical models of the buildings. However, model errors resulting from simplifications and other assumptions might lead to a biased and thus unreliable diagnosis. Therefore, structural measurements are interpreted to reduce the uncertainty related to the ambiguous task of inferring the real structural response of existing buildings, even in the linear elastic range.

This contribution includes the assessment of the retrofitting of an existing masonry building through ambient vibration field measurements. Measured frequencies and mode shapes are interpreted using an error-domain model-falsification framework that allows explicit representation of uncertainties related to modelling and measurement errors. A simple continuous Timoshenko cantilever beam, characterizing the linear elastic dynamic response of the building, is used to model the building. It is concluded that such interpretation of ambient vibration data is useful to assess the efficiency of seismic retrofitting.
A Novel Multilevel Energy Dissipative Device as an Alternative for Seismic Protection of Structures
Authors: Zhu Qiyun , Lu Xilin
Published: March 2016

Multilevel energy dissipative technique has been developed in the field of structure vibration control. This paper presents a new type of multilevel energy dissipation device characterized by stiffness variable and multilevel energy dissipative in order to achieve different vibration control demands. The proposed device is mainly composed of viscoelastic damping layer and steel damper, a covering plate was adopted being placed at the top of viscoelastic damper to limit its displacement aiming at alternating energy dissipation patterns. The viscoelastic damping layer can provide damping effect during wind vibration or small earthquake, and the steel damper will work together with viscoelastic damper to dissipate earthquake input energy when experience strong seismic event. Hysteretic behavior of the proposed device was investigated by Cyclic loading test under sinusoidal excitations. The obtained hysteretic curves show that the device behaves viscoelastic damping effect under small excitation, and the contribution of stiffening effect to the primary structures can be negligible, with the displacement increased, the steel damper initiated to exhibit both stiffness contribution and energy dissipation capacity. The configuration of the proposed device is feasible for achieving multilevel energy dissipation, proving the special device can be usefully employed as an alternative for passive seismic protection of new and existing structures.
Experimental analysis of steel panel dampers in replaceable coupling beams
Authors: Chen Cong , Lu Xilin
Published: March 2016

This paper introduces the theory and design method of replaceable coupling beams on the basis of a real engineering project including five 29-storey residential buildings. Based on the original structure, several configurations of the replaceable dampers located in the center part of the replaceable coupling beams were designed. To study their inelastic seismic performance, full-scale low-cyclic loading tests were conducted in State Key Laboratory of Disaster Reduction in Civil Engineering at Tongji University, while finite element models were built using the general finite element program ABAQUS. The results of the experiments and analysis demonstrate the excellent energy dissipation capacities of the replaceable devices. Good correlations were achieved between the analytical and experimental results of the energy dissipation devices.
Development of a New Seismic Retrofit Method Reinforcing only Two-sides of RC Bridge Pier with Bar Cut-off Sections
Authors: Watanabe Taichiro , Kobayashi Kaoru , Kanno Takahiro , Saito Shigehiko
Published: March 2016

The new seismic retrofitting method in which reinforcing members were placed only on two-sides of pier structure in order to improve bending moment capacity at termination of main reinforcements was developed, which enables to avoid replacement of machine room under viaduct. In this paper, beam tests were carried out and it was clarified that bending moment carried by reinforcing members were proportional to flexural rigidity of reinforcing members and reinforced length within shear span. Then cyclic loading tests for model specimen of existing pier structures were carried out and it was also clarified that bending moment capacity at longitudinal bar cut-off points in which moment capacity are smaller than base of the pier could be improved by proposed retrofitting method and damage at the cut-off points can be avoided under seismic loading.
An innovative isolation system for lateral seismic control of a cable- stayed bridge with heavy deck
Authors: Guan Zhongguo , Li Xiaobo , Li Jianzhong
Published: March 2016

In this work, an innovative isolation system was proposed for the seismic control in the transverse direction in a long-span cable stayed bridge with heavy concrete girder. The isolation at the tower location is comprised of two elastic cables and a viscous damper, where the cables provide both the essential constraint required by the service loadings and also a large lateral deformation capacity in case of earthquakes, while the viscous damper provides the complimentary damping. At the pier locations, BRBs (Bucking Restrained Brace) is used for the vibration control and energy dissipation in the transverse direction. A three dimensional finite element model was developed and nonlinear time-history analysis was conducted for the bridge. The results show that the base bending moment in the tower column and the axial force in the piles are reduced by 40% and 30%, respectively and the base moments in the piers are reduced by 70% to 80%.
Seismic Response and Cushioning Research of Long-span Railway Continuous Beam-arch Composite Bridge
Authors: Wang Yu , Dai Gonglian
Published: March 2016

For analyzing the seismic response and cushioning rules of long-span continuous arch-beam bridge, taking a (82+172+82)m long-span continuous beam-arch bridge on the Lanzhou-Chongqing railway as an example, the pile-pier-beam-arch finite element model considering the interaction between pile and soil was established. It was discussed that the higher modal shape, geometrical non-linearity, travelling wave effect and so on had impact on the seismic response. The results show that the largest internal forces happen on the arch feet. The sectional internal force mostly depends on lower modal shapes(the first 30 modal shapes). With the increase of travelling wave speed, internal forces of the arch bridge vary in different positions. The speed lock-up devices can significantly reduce the displacement and seismic forces of the fixed bearing piers, whose seismic damping rate can reach 18%.
Spatial variability effects of the seismic action in Cable-Stayed Bridges and modelling techniques
Authors: Efthymiou Elina , Camara Alfredo
Published: March 2016

This paper presents different modelling techniques to account for important interaction effects between the deck, the cable and the towers in cable-stayed bridges with different configurations and main span lengths under strong ground shaking. The model of the connection between the deck and the tower is optimised in terms of accuracy and computational cost, proposing a link that allows for both mode-based and direct integration analysis. The importance of the cable-structure interaction is discussed from the point of view of the vibrational properties and the nonlinear seismic response. The discussion is extended to the influence of the lack of synchronism of the seismic excitation in three cable-stayed bridges with 200, 400 and 600m main span, presenting an extensive study on the seismic demand of the towers for different wave-front propagation velocities.
Static and Seismic Characteristics of Cable-Stayed Bridges with New Stay Systems
Authors: Samim Fatema , Nakamura Shunichi
Published: March 2016

This paper presents static and seismic structural behaviours of cable-stayed bridges with two new cable systems: the overlapping stay system and the hybrid cable system. First, static analysis is carried out for four cable-stayed bridge models with three different patterns of live load consisting

/of the train and vehicle loads. The live load distributed in the mid-span gives larger deflection for all four models. The overlapping stay system and the hybrid cable system can significantly reduce the displacements of the girder and bending moment of the towers due to live loads. The deflection of the girder with the overlapping stay system due to the train loads decreases by 9.5% and the hybrid cable system decreases by 10% in comparison with the conventional cable system. The deflection of the new cable systems are within the allowable value specified for the Japanese bullet train, confirming that serviceability limit is satisfied. Second, seismic response of the four cable-stayed bridge models was investigated for the ultra-large seismic waves. The longitudinal displacement of the girder and the tower top and bending moment at the tower base was smallest for the overlapping stay system among the four bridge models, showing better seismic performance than the conventional cable-stayed bridge. In conclusion, the cable-stayed bridges with the overlapping stay system and that with the hybrid cable system provide better serviceability and better seismic performance as well, which validates the superiority of these structures.
Control of the Dynamic Response of Cable-stayed Bridge with Highway and Railway under Multiple Loading by a Viscous Damper
Authors: Lu Long , Li Jianzhong , Jia Leying
Published: March 2016

In China, a fluid viscous damper (FVD) is often used at deck-tower connections for a cable stayed bridge as a passive supplemental energy dissipation device to mitigate the structure seismic response. This presentation discusses the effect of a fluid viscous damper on a cable stayed bridge with highway and railway subject to seismic, train braking and running loads. The rational parameters of viscous dampers were firstly determined by the sensitivity analysis of parameters based on the structural seismic response. Then, the mitigation effect of viscous dampers on longitudinal vibration of the main beam induced by train braking and running was investigated. The results show that structural seismic responses are reduced effectively by a viscous damper; the longitudinal vibration of the main beam induced by train braking and train running are controlled and dynamic responses of towers are improved.
Shake Table Test of a Cable-stayed Bridge Model Using Passive Energy Dissipation Devices
Authors: Wang Ruilong , Li Jianzhong , Xu Yan , Jia Leying
Published: March 2016

To investigate the seismic performance of the cable-stayed bridge with passive energy dissipation devices, a 1/20-scale full bridge model from a typical medium span concrete cable-stayed bridge was designed, constructed and tested on the shake tables at Tongji University, Shanghai, China. Viscous fluid damper and yielding steel damper were used as passive energy dissipation devices in the longitudinal and transverse directions, respectively. The seismic responses of the bridge models with and without passive devices were compared. Test results show that these passive energy dissipation devices applied in the cable-stayed bridge can significantly reduce the strains at the bottom of tower legs and the displacement at the tower top, thus can achieve a better seismic performance.
CANOPEE research program: covering large transport infrastructures in dense urban environment
Authors: Moussard Michel , Appéré François , Mérand Pierre
Published: March 2016

Structures covering large roadway and railway infrastructures in urban environments respond to multiple objectives and stakes: environmental and social (reducing noise and environmental pollution, restoring urban flows, offering an opportunity for urban renewal), legal and contractual, financial, public safety and comfort. These structures are therefore important equipment, conceived to last (“long living town”). Further, they are also essential contributors to cities’ sustainability (“sustainable town”) and this, in its three different meanings: energetic, economic and societal.

CANOPEE research project intention is to offer a state of the art review, a return from experience, a multidisciplinary analysis, along with civil engineering solutions for planning and constructing such structures in dense urban environment (“structural covers”), which, despite their complexity, are not yet the subject of a “doctrine” or any specific rules.

We have gathered around this project a multidisciplinary team including academics (Paris-Est University, EIVP and Tecomah) as well as the City of Paris, IREX, representing the French public works contractors association, and two consultancy and engineering companies: ARCADIS and EGIS. We also had numerous contacts with Dutch academics and professionals and shared with them their approach to these projects. This project started in 2012 and is now in its final phase. A report will be edited and made public at the end of 2015.

This paper presents the results of this research which are directly related to civil engineering, i.e. the state of the art and the response of civil engineering to the challenges of these projects.
Extension of the Train Station of Bern
Authors: Bauer Balz , Mayencourt Paul
Published: March 2016

The new train station of Bern is built in a confined and complex space. Located under a four story office building, a bus station as well as a multiple story parking lot, and 15 meters above a newly built underground train station, a 90 meters wide underground extension has to be constructed while the train service is fully kept up. This paper describes the structures that were designed to fit into this complex space.
The Adaptive Re-Use of Three 1960’s Era Warehouses as Office Space
Authors: Ferran Nicole
Published: March 2016

The City of Rockville, Maryland is in the process of urban renewal, introducing walkable, mixed-use developments after much of the historic city centre was bulldozed in the 1960’s. Related to these efforts, three adjacent 1960’s era warehouse buildings are being converted into the Greencourt Innovation Center, one fully integrated office building. Notable features of the renovated building include a one-story vertical expansion, incorporation of significant areas of glazing to introduce light, and a full-height lobby featuring an elevated walkway reminiscent of a railroad bridge with a suspended conference room. The proposed re-use of the precast concrete double tee roof structure as an occupiable floor required detailed structural analysis to evaluate its feasibility. Increased lateral loads from the vertical addition, in concert with the removal of existing unreinforced masonry shear walls, led to the introduction of a new steel lateral system, designed to meet current building codes.
Urban Planning for the Driverless Car
Authors: Brunner Ueli
Published: March 2016

Driverless cars will change travel and transportation patterns. Demands for roads and rails will change, and a major impact on the built environment can be expected. Urban planners need to think about what roads and rails will be required in the driverless future, and what would be a desirable new layout for cities and human settlements.
An evaluation of the management issues affecting government housing agencies in the delivery of low-income housing in South Africa
Authors: Aigbavboa Clinton Ohis
Published: March 2016

The Republic of South Africa is 62 per cent urbanized, with an annual rate of change of 1.2 per cent, which is way ahead of the least-urbanized nations of the Southern African sub-region. The projected increase in urban populations will lead to an exponential increase in the demand for shelter and services. Already, South African urban areas are inundated with slums and an exponential urban growth of 1.2 per cent of the urban populations which could spell disaster, unless urgent and progressive action is initiated today. Against this backdrop, the demand for shelter and other associated services such as water and electricity will be the major issues that South Africa provincial and local governments will be faced with in the next 10 years or in the future. The present paper presents findings on the management issues affecting the national, provincial and local government housing agencies in the development of low-income housing in South Africa. The primary data used in the study was obtained through a Delphi Study where the views of housing experts were solicited on management issues affecting the national, provincial and local government housing agencies in the development of low-income housing in South Africa. The key findings indicated emanating from the Delphi study revealed that 29 issues were raised as the challenges currently faced by the national, provincial and local government housing departments in the delivery of low-income housing in South Africa. From the listed concerns, government capacities to facilitate development and corruption in provincial and local government were ranked as the highest constraints hindering the development of low-income housing in South Africa. The study contributes to the body of knowledge on the subject where no consensus has been reached pertaining to the management issues affecting the national, provincial and local government housing agencies in the development of housing in South Africa.
Urbanization and Growth in Indian Transportation Scenario
Authors: Roy Bidhan
Published: March 2016

Indian planners and engineers are working towards vertical expansion by way of elevated or underground transportation facilities. Initiatives in both road and rail based corridors are taken up. The full paper discussed the above aspects in detail
Evolvement of New Precast Retaining Wall Design in Malaysia
Authors: Tan Geem Eng , Ong Tai Boon , Ong Chong Yong , Choong Kok Keong
Published: March 2016

Escalating labour and material costs are the main challenges for the builders in the current competitive construction industry especially for conventional in-situ retaining wall construction. Laborious practices using timber formwork and in-situ reinforced concrete have been proven very wasteful and not sustainable. To alleviate the problems, modularized precast retaining wall panels with efficient structural section and easy-to-construct features were developed and introduced in local market since year 2002. Tee-shape precast panels with specially profiled rib were designed to facilitate single-lift operation and top-down construction with minimal in-situ concreting works. The precast system with speedy construction process has gained popular acceptance for market segments of wall heights of 3m to 9m. Brief outlines of the evolvement and development trends, and projections of further research and development works are presented.
Challenges of engineering design and construction in rurally isolated communities
Authors: Borowiec Philip , Dawoodi Kayin , Bang Avery , Villa Alessandra , Franck Lee
Published: March 2016

This paper shares the experiences of three groups of young engineers, who volunteered their spare time to work with the NGO Bridges to Prosperity in the design and construction of two suspension footbridges, in Rwanda and Panama, and a suspended bridge also in Panama. The purpose of this paper, using the context of the authors’ experiences in Rwanda and Panama, is to describe the processes involved in making a bridge reality and to highlight some of the key challenges of engineering design and construction in developing countries.
The Kamoro Suspension Bridge in Madagascar
Authors: Del Drago Filippo , Tortolini Paolo , Petrangeli Marcello
Published: March 2016

The government of the Republic of Madagascar has been granted a funding by the International Development Association (IDA) for the Projet d’Urgence pour la Préservation des Infrastructures er la Réduction de la Vulnerabilité (PUPIRV). Part of the project consists in renovating the country’s main infrastructures. The Madagscar Roads Authority is in charge of managing the subsequent activities. The Kamoro suspension bridge is the most prominent civil engineering site in Madagascar and has been the subject of an important study realized by the present authors. The study consisted in assessing its state of conservation, its residual capacity and providing solutions for guaranteeing its efficiency. The article synthesizes the conducted studies and the structural choices made. Such decisions must absolutely take into account the territorial context in which they will be carried out.
Temburong Bridge, Brunei – Ground Engineering - Part 1: Engineering Geology
Authors: Bush Thomas , Millis Stuart , Leung Erin , Wyse Eoin
Published: March 2016

The new 30 km Cadangan Projek Jambatan Temburong (Temburong Bridge Project) in Brunei will provide a highway link between the two separated parts of Brunei, by spanning Brunei Bay. The entire project site is underlain by geologically young, deltaic sandstones and mudstones of the Miocene-aged Belait formation. A thick mantle (>90m in places) of recent, late-Quaternary, superficial deposits blankets the upper undulating erosional surface of the Belait formation within the offshore and swamp areas of the alignment, which comprise about 90% of its length. This paper on the Ground Engineering aspects of the project focuses on the interpretation of the complex ground conditions encountered along the alignment and the various challenges such conditions provided to the design.
Temburong Bridge, Brunei – Independent Design Check
Authors: Löhning Thomas , Vejrum Tina , Othman Dato
Published: March 2016

The new 30 km Cadangan Projek Jambatan Temburong (Temburong Bridge Project) in Brunei will connect the relatively isolated district of Temburong with the more developed Brunei-Muara district. For a project of this significance, an independent category 3 design check has been carried out of the tender design. The check includes structural and geotechnical verification of the 13km long marine viaduct, two cable-stayed bridges across the navigation channels, and three tunnels. The paper describes the objective and process of the independent design check. The checker provides comments to the design drawings and the design basis, and the designer provide replies. The checker has to set up completely independent analysis models. As an example, the finite element models of the pile foundation and the deck of the cable-stayed bridges is presented. For the cable-stayed bridges the construction process and the cable rupture analysis is discussed.
Temburong Bridge, Brunei – CC4 Swamp Crossing in Temburong District
Authors: Poon Chi-Ho , Yip Sammy , Vishnoi Paresh , Hussain Naeem , Cain John
Published: March 2016

The new 30 km Cadangan Projek Jambatan Temburong (Temburong Bridge Project) in Brunei will connect the relatively isolated district of Temburong with the more developed Brunei-Muara district. The project includes approximately 12 km of low level piled slab viaduct structure crossing a peat swamp forest in the Temburong District (CC4 Contract).

The peat swamp forest has unique and endangered flora and fauna. The soil conditions consist of soft peat overlying soft marine clay with depths exceeding 70m. In order to permit a fast track construction method with minimal disturbance to the environment, the design required a simple yet innovative solution.

This paper describes the design of the viaducts, focusing on the development, decisions and details adopted to aid the construction method.