bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Probability of detection curve for the automatic visual inspection of steel bridges
Authors: Kompanets Andrii , Leonetti Davide , Duits Remco , Maljaars Johan , Snijder H.H. (Bert) 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe damage tolerant design philosophy is based on periodical inspections and provides safe bridge operation preventing fatigue cracks from growing up to a critical size. It is possible to optimize the management costs of a bridge throughout its life by designing the inspection frequency, which depends on the capabilities of the inspection method. However, such optimization requires knowledge about the performance of inspections that are envisioned to take place during the use of the bridge. Regular visual inspections is the most frequently applied type of inspection of bridge structures. Recent advances in computer vision technologies provide a strong basis for the development of automatic damage detection systems that can support regular visual inspection, thus increasing the reliability of the inspection. Several automatic crack detection systems have been developed in the past years. However, the performances of such systems have not been evaluated in the way as for traditional non‐destructive inspection methods, i.e. in terms of probability of detection curves and detectability limits. This restricts the applicability of automatic visual inspections for inspection planning and damage tolerant design. This paper proposes an encoder‐decoder neural network for segmentation of cracks on images of steel bridges. A probability of detection curve is calculated for this neural network.
A framework for multi‐element hybrid simulation of steel braced frames using model updating
Authors: Hosseini Anahita Sadat , Mokhtari Fardad , Imanpour Ali 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis paper presents a framework for seismic response assessment of steel buckling‐restrained braced frames (BRBFs) by integrating data‐driven techniques into the conventional hybrid simulation to facilitate multi‐element hybrid simulation for structural systems with several potential critical components. The data‐driven brace model incorporates Prandtl‐Ishlinskii hysteresis model into a prediction algorithm to reproduce cyclic nonlinear response of the brace under random earthquake excitations. A two‐storey steel BRBF is selected to illustrate and verify the proposed framework using a set of virtual hybrid simulations. In the BRBF, the first‐storey BRB is virtually simulated, representing the test specimen, while the second‐storey BRB enjoys the data‐driven model trained based on past experimental data. The model parameters are updated in real‐time during hybrid simulation using the data received from the virtual test specimen. The results confirm that the proposed hybrid simulation technique can offer a viable solution to address the shortcomings of conventional seismic hybrid simulation by taking advantage of model updating and multi‐element simulation platforms.
Developed numerical Analysis of Residual Stress caused by Welding and Cutting in Steel Structures
Authors: Li Zheng , Xu Siying , Geißler Karsten , Wang Jian , Pasternak Hartmut 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe welding and flame‐cutting process in the steel construction are commonly used, especially for the bridge structure. Some experiments about welding and cutting have been done separately by some researchers. The results from the experiments were also compared with the results from the numerical simulation under 3D or 2D models. The agreements between those results are as good as they predicted. Therefore, the numerical simulation is a better way to analyze the quality of the steel construction after welding and cutting without time‐consuming and a large amount of cost. But there are only a few research about the numerical simulation and the some of them are aimed to verify the experiments. In this study, the calculation about the residual stresses after welding and thermo‐cutting are considered from 3D‐model into 2D‐Model. The heat source model is simply regarded as curves of time and welding energy with the algorithm methods. And no matter the change of the parameters of the model and the heat source, the heat transfer and the residual stresses can be calculated with the 2D models as fast as possible. By the means of the finite element software Abaqus, the I‐profiles are easy to receive the job results with the input parameters. The influence of the welding and cutting process are visual and direct.
An innovative I‐shaped low‐yield steel shear damper directly connected to the concentrically braced frame
Authors: Kontoni Denise‐Penelope N. , Ghamari Ali , Kheiri Javad , Ilia Georgios 
Published: September 2023

AbstractShear dampers are known as famous seismic passive energy devices due to their suitable performance against seismic loading to improve the behavior of Concentrically Braced Frames (CBFs). The CBF system suffers from low ductility due to its compression member's susceptibility to buckling. By adding the shear dampers directly to the diagonal element members of the CBF, the dampers prevent the bucking of the CBF and improve the behavior of the system. Although the dampers pertain to high energy dissipation capacity, they reduce the ultimate strength and elastic stiffness of the system. To overcome the shortcoming, in this paper, utilizing low‐yield point steel to create an I‐shaped damper is proposed and investigated parametrically and numerically by the Finite Element Method (FEM). This damper is directly connected to the CBF's diagonal member. The results indicated that by using the proposed I‐shaped damper, the ultimate strength, elastic stiffness, and energy dissipation of the system are enhanced. Also, the damper prevents the bucking of the CBF, which causes the damages to be limited in the damper, and the CBF to remain in the elastic zone. Also, required equations were suggested to design the system.
Enhancing Energy Efficiency of Cold‐formed Steel Framed Walls with Vacuum Insulation Panels
Authors: Rajanayagam Heshachanaa , Upasiri Irindu , Poologanathan Keerthan , Gatheeshgar Perampalam , Nagaratnam Brabha , Kanthasamy Elilarasi 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn the current evolving building construction sector, the use of cold‐formed steel frames (CSF) has gained popularity due to their fast, clean, and flexible constructability. On the other side, in terms of the energy efficiency of a building, the use of CSF has raised concerns due to their high thermal conductivity, especially in the case of external wall panels. Hence, it is crucial to examine the thermal performance of such wall configurations and find solutions to reduce heat loss through walls by lowering the thermal transmittance, which would ultimately enhance the energy efficiency of the buildings. Accordingly, this study focuses on analysing the thermal performance of external wall panels made of cold‐formed and thin‐walled steel‐lipped channel studs with plasterboard linings and vacuum insulation panels (VIP). 2D and 3D finite element models developed in ABAQUS were used to analyse the effect of using VIP, oriented strand board and plasterboard, and their positions on the thermal transmittance of the CSF walls. 70 numerical analyses were conducted on 35 wall configurations and the results obtained were checked against the U‐value requirements set by UK building standards. It was found that replacing oriented strand boards with plasterboards does not substantially affect the thermal transmittance of the wall. However, adopting VIP as an insulation material has shown a U‐value reduction of up to 77%. But again, the change in position of VIP in the wall cross section has no notable effect on the U‐value.
Design of aluminium Sigma sections for web crippling behaviour under Interior Two Flange (ITF) load case
Authors: Thirunavukkarasu Kajaharan , Alsanat Husam , Poologanathan Keerthan , Shanmuganathan Gunalan , Perampalam Gatheeshgar , Kanthsamy Elilarasi , Higgins Craig 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAluminium sections have been emerged in the industry due to the advantages such as light weight, resistance to corrosion, recyclability, and flexibility. While the construction industry is moving towards to modular construction trend, aluminium sections are considered as a vital key to achieve the desirable outputs of modular industry. Modular industry needs high performing structural elements as well as light weight elements to reduce the overall weight of the modules which directly affects the transport cost, flexibility of the modular connections, construction duration, capacity of the equipment or machineries and required numbers of construction workers for assemble. Hence, the requirement of light weight elements is evident, and the aluminium sections have been considered to replace the conventional sections. However, the structural performance of aluminium sections has to be analysed to check the appropriateness of utilization though it is reasonable. Hence, aluminium sigma sections were selected in this study to check their performance in the web crippling scenario under Interior‐Two‐Flange (ITF) loading case. Sigma sections were opted based on the merits including high torsional rigidity and resistance towards local and distortional buckling. Appropriate numerical approach was selected, and the procedure was validated with experimental results. Accordingly, comprehensive numerical investigation was carried out by including different parameters such as depth, thickness, yield, and ultimate strength and bearing length. Subsequently, the results were compared with all critical parameters and the results were provided. Suggestions and recommendations were stated to utilise the aluminium sigma sections in the industry.
Load transfer of circular reinforced composite dowel connector: a comparison of existing analytical equations
Authors: Paoletti Maxence , Schäfer Markus 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe effectiveness of headed studs for shear transfer in the steel‐concrete interface of composite columns is questionable when important load needs to be transferred. Circular reinforced composite dowel (CRCD) connectors are known for their high initial stiffness and significant load‐bearing capacity. This paper presents the different types of CRCD connectors and the available analytical equations to determine their shear resistance, as well as a database of 52 experimental specimens to study their performance. The results show that the equations developed by Wang et al. 2014, He et al. 2016 and Zhao et al. 2016 provided the best performance, with 76% of the predictions falling within the error bounds of +/−15%. Further research is recommended to understand the behaviour of CRCD connectors on H‐shaped steel profiles and to develop analytical equations to calculate their resistance.
Finite Element Analyses of Demountable Shear Connection in Cold‐Formed Steel‐Concrete Composite Beam Based on Experimental Data
Authors: Žuvelek Vlaho , Ćurković Ivan , Lukačević Ivan , Rajić Andrea 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThere is a surging demand for innovations that would increase the value of construction elements and materials in their life cycle. Therefore, the subject of this research is the shear connection in the floor composite system of cold‐formed steel and concrete slab. Composite systems can be further improved by a demountable type of shear connection, which shows good performance compared to traditional solutions but also allow for system demountability, fulfilling some sustainability policy aspects. Here, two configurations of CFS‐concrete composite systems with bolted shear connections were considered. The first configuration considers two directly connected back‐to‐back CFS profiles, while the second considers two back‐to‐back CFS profiles spaced apart simulating the presence of a corrugated web in between. Based on the experimental results of the second configuration, the numerical model in ABAQUS was developed and calibrated. A detailed comparison of the two configurations has been carried out. Additionally, the behaviour of considered configurations was also analysed regarding the number of bolts within the rib of the concrete slab. The obtained results show that close spacing of the shear connectors can prevent the development of their full bearing capacity.
Experimental test setup design for ultimate limit state evaluation of ductile wrapped composite KK‐joints
Authors: Koetsier Mathieu , de Vries Peter , Peeters Tjeu , Pavlović Marko 
Published: September 2023

AbstractComplex circular hollow section double KK‐joints are widely used in, e.g. offshore wind turbine jackets. As an alternative to conventional welded joints of the CHS multi‐membered structures, wrapped composite joints have shown superior structural performance in previous pilot tests. Experimentally characterizing the joint behaviour under uniplanar loading can be complicated, because of the ductile failure mechanisms of wrapped composite joints and second‐order bending moments. This paper presents the design of a test frame in combination with a conventional tensile 2.5 MN test rig. Ductile joint failure, joint imperfections and second‐order effects are considered in the design. Structural finite element software SOFiSTiK is used to analyse the effects of wrapped joint behaviour and imperfections on the test system and interaction of joint, frame and loading rig behaviours. Non‐linear joint behaviour and misalignments of the braces increased the second‐order effects significantly. Mitigation strategies have been explored to reduce additional bending moments in the KK‐joint. A complete test setup is proposed to perform static experiments on double KK‐joints in uniplanar axial loading conditions.
Experimental investigation of wrapped composite X‐joints under uniaxial and multi‐axial loading conditions
Authors: Koetsier Mathieu , Yang Jincheng , Wolters Mees , van Leengoed Berend , Pavlović Marko 
Published: September 2023

AbstractCircular hollow section (CHS) multi‐membered structures, such as off‐shore wind turbine jackets and floating wind structures, face significant challenges under multiaxial loads. Wrapped composite joints have emerged as a promising alternative to conventional welded joints, offering superior structural and fatigue performance in previous pilot tests. This paper presents an experimental study on the failure mechanisms and load‐bearing capacity of wrapped composite joints under multi‐axial monotonic loading, using the Hexapod a six‐degree‐of‐freedom testing machine. The research question addressed in this study is to investigate the effectiveness of wrapped composite joints in resisting multi‐axial loads, and to understand the underlying failure modes. The experimental results demonstrate that the joints exhibit excellent resistance to uniaxial tension, uniaxial bending, and multi‐axial tension + bending loading, with failure modes including interfacial debonding, delamination, composite fracture, and steel yielding. Digital Image Correlation (DIC) and embedded optical fibers were used to monitor surface and interface strain. These findings suggest that wrapped composite joints offer significant resistance to multi‐axial loading.
Fatigue Life Prediction of S235 Details Based on Dislocation Density
Authors: Pedrosa Bruno , Correia José , Gripp Iara , Fernandes Lisete , Rebelo Carlos 
Published: September 2023

AbstractGlobal approaches have been the main procedure to design structural details and components under fatigue loading. This procedure is easy to apply but it disregards not only the effect of the material type but also the influence of the geometry in complex components. On the other hand, local approaches rely on the specific local damage parameters that can be assessed for each type of material and detail geometry. The parameters derived from low cycle fatigue (LCF) tests are the most common damage parameters used to predict the fatigue life and establish reliable fatigue design approaches. Recently, Huffman proposed a fatigue damage model based on strain energy density and on the dislocation density of the material. In this regard, S235 was selected to perform a metallographic and mechanical assessment aiming to define the dislocation density of the material and to describe the fatigue behavior using the Huffman damage model. Additionally, fatigue tests on structural details (plate with hole) were conducted and results were compared with fatigue life predictions based on Huffman local approach. It was found that Huffman model based on dislocation density is a reliable approach to predict the fatigue life of structural steel details.
Study on ultra‐low cycle fatigue fracture of thick‐walled steel bridge piers
Authors: Li Shuailing , Zhuge Hanqing , Xie Xu 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSteel structures with thick‐walled section tend to have local fracture before the occurrence of instability under strong earthquakes, which is termed as ultra‐low cycle fatigue (ULCF). In this study, a series of specimens made with structural steel Q345qC for bridge in China were firstly tested to investigate the ULCF fracture behaviour in material level. Based on the test data, three models for ULCF fracture were calibrated. Subsequently, the fracture behaviour of thick‐walled square section steel bridge piers were also investigated in component level. Moreover, the finite element global and submodels of steel bridge piers were established, and ULCF fracture initiation life was predicted by calibrated models and validated against test results. The research results showed that the crack firstly occurred at the bottom of piers under cyclic oblique loading, which was at the junction between base plate and bottom weld, and then, cracks propagated along the bottom weld metal which did not cause a decrease in strength capacity. Finally, the strength capacity of steel bridge piers began to rapidly declined as cracks propagated into base metal. The presented finite element global model can accurately simulate the cyclic behaviour of steel bridge piers, and the submodel has the ability of capturing the local stress and plastic strain. The fracture models accurately predicted ULCF fracture initiation life of steel bridge piers with the average discrepancy of 7.14%. The developed finite element analysis method considering ULCF fracture provides a solution for the further parametric analysis on ULCF fracture performance of steel bridge piers.
Experimental study on open core hybrid buckling restrained braces with different debonding layer geometries
Authors: Das Pallab Jyoti , Deb Sajal Kanti 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis study evaluates performances of newly developed open core hybrid buckling restrained braces (OC‐HyBRB) with debonding layers of two geometries. OC‐HyBRB has an axial load‐carrying steel core, two steel restrainers and two 3‐mm‐thick highly deformable rubber debonding layers. Debonding layer is continuous in first specimen and discontinuous in second specimen. OC‐HyBRB is designed to dissipate energy at lower strain levels through shear deformation of debonding layers. However, restrained local buckling of core first about weak axis and then about strong axis after threshold axial strain (∼2%) contributes to energy dissipation at higher strain levels. Thus, OC‐HyBRB is capable of dissipating energy in a wide range of core strain levels. Both types of OC‐HyBRBs are investigated using a specially designed test setup under a cyclic loading protocol, applied using a servo‐hydraulic actuator. Experimental force‐displacement hysteretic behaviour are found to be stable for both the specimens with enhanced stiffness at higher axial strain. This would reduce the residual deformation of the OC‐HyBRB. Thus, newly developed OC‐HyBRB would provide a simple yet efficient energy‐dissipation device for seismic response control of structures.
Recent progress in computational predictions on fatigue and fracture resistance of steel connection joints
Authors: Xin Haohui 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSteel structures are often subjected to cyclic loads, and sometimes to monotonic overloads, during the technical lifetime, which causes their performance degradation. Incidentally, they undergo progressive collapse, especially due to local failure of connections or joints. To ensure the overall integrity of the steel structures and to make sure the efficient transfer of the load between different components, it is necessary to evaluate the ultimate capacity and fatigue resistance of steel connections. Advances in material modelling and well‐controlled experiments at various scales in recent years have increased confidence in the finite element method as an effective way to predict the ultimate resistance and fatigue life. On examples of two common steel connections: bolted connection and welded connection, the recent progress will be presented in ductile fracture and fatigue crack initiation and propagation simulation.
Determination of overall factor for the application of the General Method based on plastic and strain‐limited N‐M interaction for composite compression members
Authors: ZOGU Pëllumb , SCHÄFER Markus 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe design of composite compression members can be realized based on the General Method in accordance with Eurocode 4. This method represents a more sophisticated design based on advanced numerical analysis. It may be applied for any type of composite column. The General Method contains two steps; the first step is defined as the global nonlinear finite element analysis (GMNIA) accounting for all geometrical and physical nonlinear effect and considering geometrical and structural imperfection; while the second step represents the analysis on the cross‐section level, by N‐M interaction diagram to determine the overall safety factor γ0. EN1994‐1‐1 requires the N‐M‐Interaction based on the plastic resistance. However, often the General Method is provided for those section, where the plastic resistance is not representing the real behavior. Therefore, the question is discussed why the N‐M‐Interaction should not be developed based on the strain‐limited resistance considering the approaches for concrete stress‐strain curve in accordance with EN 1992‐1‐1 and for structural steel in accordance with prEN1993‐1‐14.In this paper, the application of general method is investigated for different type of composite columns with N‐M interaction diagram evaluated with plastic and strain‐limited resistance. Results are compared and discussed in terms of overall safety factor γ0. Conclusions are provided for the further development of the General Method in Eurocode 4.