bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design and analysis of steel‐concrete hybrid coupled walls with hinged base and corner components
Authors: Scozzese Fabrizio , Ceccolini Nicola , Zona Alessandro , Dall'Asta Andrea , Leoni Graziano , Degeé Hervé 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe seismic performance of hybrid coupled walls (HCWs) made of a single reinforced concrete (RC) wall connected to two steel side columns by means of steel links is studied in this article. Steel links are designed as dissipative elements while the RC wall and the steel side columns should remain elastic. Given that previous studies highlighted the difficulties in avoiding damage at the base of the RC wall due to the concentration of bending moment, the scheme with fixed base is modified in this study with the adoption of a hinged connection and vertical steel elements called corner components. A ductile design methodology is proposed and applied to the design of case studies with different building heights (three and six stories) and different base conditions (fixed base and hinged base with corner components). Moreover, the influence of uniform and variable distributions of links along the building height is assessed. Results of pushover analyses are presented to validate the design methodology and provide insight into the structural response of the proposed solution, showing the benefits of a hinged base with corner components.
Shear connector design using data analytics approaches
Authors: Koh Hyeyoung , Blum Hannah B. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe field of structural engineering can be augmented with advanced data analysis techniques. Structural engineering applications consist of datasets which may include experimental or/and computational data, and can be used to derive design provisions based on the measured data. Cluster analysis is a data exploration technique that involves identifying groups in a dataset and providing relationships between input parameters, which could supplement existing engineering intuition and knowledge. As a test case, this paper reanalyzes the existing test data for shear connectors using a cluster analysis. A database of push‐out tests was established from the literature, which was then sorted into subsets using two methods: (1) manual grouping based on engineering judgment and (2) Gaussian mixture models that detect clusters based on relationships between parameters in the data. The recommended data groupings based on the two methods were compared. Reliability analyses were conducted on each data subset to determine the recommended resistance factors. The results were compared to the resistance factors prescribed in the AISC 360‐22 Specification, which now permits a performance‐based alternative for the shear connector design.
Testing of a Novel Induction Heat Treated Steel Brace with Enhanced Buckling Behaviour
Authors: Jamshiyas Shadiya , Skalomenos Konstantinos 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSteel braces are widely used to stabilize steel structures forming horizontal or vertical truss structures; however, their relatively poor buckling behaviour is often lead to overdesigned structures. Induction Heat (IH) treatment technology is a novel contactless material transformation process to effectively strengthen local areas of steel sections. Utilizing IH to increase the strength of the middle length of steel brace sections, buckling behaviour can be improved. The present study experimentally investigates the compression behaviour of the novel braces fabricated by IH‐treated circular hollow steel sections. A Digital Image Correlation (DIC) system is used to measure the experimental deformation quantities, such as axial displacements, out‐of‐plane deformations, and strain distributions along the brace length. Four specimens were tested with two set of different slenderness ratios (λ). Each set includes one conventional steel brace (CSB) and one IH‐treated steel brace (IHSB) with a stronger section at its mid‐length. The specimens were subjected to a monotonic displacement‐controlled loading history until reaching an axial compressive strain of 2.5%. It was found that buckling load can increase up to 20% in IHSBs. IH treatment was also beneficial in improving the post‐buckling behaviour of the brace. The compression strength was found to be more than double in IHSBs than in CSBs at a ductility level of 5 (ductility is defined as the ratio of the target axial displacement to the yielding axial displacement). Moreover, out‐of‐plane displacements were reduced by 28% for the IHSBs at an axial strain of 1% showing a more evenly distribution of strain demands along the brace length.
Further development of detail categories for bolt‐assemblies subjected to normal stress in steel constructions
Authors: Glienke Ralf , Schwarz Mathias , Meyer Melanie Hagemann née , Seidel Marc , Dörre Maik 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe fatigue strength of bolts is determined not only by the geometric design but also by production‐related influences such as rolled before heat treatment, rolled after heat treatment or even hot‐dip galvanising. For the bolts of steel constructions considered in this paper, these production‐related influencing factors are considered very differently in the evaluation of the fatigue resistance, depending on the used respective standards. This is for example done according to the still valid version of EN 1993‐1‐9 in the unified form of detail category 50, taking into account the size effect, but independent of the other influencing factors mentioned before. This is not least due to the very limited available experimental database and test documentation. The authors address this topic in this paper, especially for large‐size bolts used in large quantities in wind turbines. This article presents an evaluation of results from 22 fatigue test series (n = 411 tests) on 3 different high‐strength bolt assembly systems with varying manufacturing conditions. The data base is covering a diameter range between M12 and M72 and focusses on test series with high mean stress in a representative order of magnitude for practical application of the bolts. For their further evaluation, the findings described in the technical literature are considered in relation to the different tested manufacturing conditions. The additional comparison of the test results with the current design codes serves to a better classification of the results. The authors give a proposal for the adjustment of detail categories of bolt assemblies subjected to normal stress.
A comparative experimental study on blind‐bolted beam connections to square steel tubular columns filled with polyurethane foam or concrete
Authors: Skalomenos Konstantinos , Gunes Sahin , Taleb Farzad , Theofanous Marios 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn the last two decades blind‐bolted connections have been developed to allow bolting of open section beams (e.g, I‐beam) to steel hollow section (SHS) columns where access from all sides of the column is not possible. Filling the tubular column with concrete in the vicinity of the beam‐to‐column connection has been shown to improve the anchoring mechanism of the blind‐bolted connection thereby increasing the strength and stiffness of the connection and reducing the column face deformation, however it adversely affects the joint ductility. This study introduces polyurethane foam filled steel tubular columns in combination with a new anchoring arrangement employing hollo‐bolts to develop a novel connection between the SHS columns and open section beams that provides a better combination of stiffness, strength and ductility. To investigate the behaviour of the proposed arrangement, monotonic pull‐out tests of blind bolted T‐stub connections anchored to foam‐filled steel tubular (FFT) and concrete‐filled steel tubular (CFT) columns using holloBolts were conducted. Benchmark tests on unfilled SHS columns were also conducted for comparison. The FFT in conjunction with the proposed anchoring mechanism was shown to provide a good stiffness as the CFT columns, and almost similar ductility to that of the unfilled steel tube blind‐bolted connection. Hence it is concluded that employing foam instead of concrete as an infill leads to favourable combination of strength and ductility, thus rendering FFT an attractive light alternative to CFT sections when ductility of the joint is an important design consideration.
Seismic performance assessment of self‐centering hybrid coupled walls: an 8‐story case study structure
Authors: Farahi Mojtaba , Freddi Fabio , Latour Massimo 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn response to the demand for resilient structures, a variety of innovative structural solutions have been recently introduced to reduce residual deformations and expedite the repair of structures subjected to earthquakes. This paper discusses the seismic performance of a self‐centering lateral load‐resisting system developed with the intent of diminishing earthquake‐induced damage and residual deformations. The proposed solution is composed of a reinforced concrete (RC) shear wall coupled to two steel side columns with coupling beams featuring a friction‐damped self‐centering mechanism. The intended system is referred as Self‐Centering Hybrid Coupled Wall (SC‐HCW). The applied self‐centering mechanism is aimed at reducing earthquake‐induced residual deformations. Limited residual deformations facilitate the repair of SC‐HWs after severe earthquakes, which improves the seismic resilience of the structure. The seismic performance of a SC‐HCW is examined and compared with that of a conventional hybrid coupled wall (HCW). Nonlinear static and Incremental Dynamic Analyses (IDAs) are conducted on these archetypes. The outcomes elaborate the efficiency of the SC‐HCW in minimizing earthquake‐induced residual deformations.
Innovative bio‐based steel envelope systems
Authors: Izabel David , Renaux Thibault , Gelders Tommy , Eizaguirre‐Iribar Arritokieta , Lange Jörg , Pradhan Eric Man , Gervásio Helena , Soares José Hector , Martins Claudio , Spagni Daniel , Brutin Alexis , Chi André , Huet Valérie , Palisson Anna , Olano‐Azkhune Xabier , Prudor Valérie 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe INCSEB project is aimed at developing 5 ultra‐low carbon envelope systems made in steel and that incorporate innovative use of wood fiber insulation. The systems under development are: 3 sandwich panels (cladding, pitch & flat roofing), 2 claddings (double skin & façade with plank). INCSEB includes tests to study various behaviors: mechanical, fire, thermal calculation, acoustic insulation, air/water/vapor permeability. Interpretation and classification reports will be done for each type of test. 2 full scale prototypes will allow to estimate the durability in real life conditions. LCA indicators and comparison of carbon footprint (GWP) to conventional systems based on a real office building will be provided. An economic study of the projected price of the 5 systems compared to existing conventional systems is also planned. Besides, as far as the production of innovative panels is concerned, it appears that they can be integrated in current production lines. Finally, actions to facilitate the dissemination of results and industrial application will be organized: drafts of design and installation guides, publications, submission of 3 amendments to relevant EN standardization committees, workshop, BIM objects. Lastly, the manufacturers plan to apply for patents protection.
A comparative study on steel‐concrete composite columns for use in RC Tall Buildings in Seismic Areas
Authors: Mert Hazal , Celik Oguz C. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractUsable/rentable floor areas are crucial for the building owners in reinforced concrete (RC) tall buildings. To address this issue, concrete‐encased (CE) or concrete‐filled (CF) composite columns are proposed as alternative vertical load carrying elements by providing the required strength and ductility, but with smaller dimensions. Comparing the performance of columns with different configurations can be done using moment (M)‐axial load (N) interaction curves. This paper summarizes the approaches proposed by Eurocode 4 and AISC 360‐16 for both types of composite columns, presenting simplified and true curves for a specific class of sections. Two case studies involving hybrid RC tall buildings in Istanbul, which utilized composite columns, are presented along with a comparison with steel‐concrete composite and RC solutions. Numerical results indicate that employing steel‐concrete composite columns resulted in approximately 24% reduction in total cross‐sectional areas for one of the case studies, leading to increased usable/rentable areas. Additionally, concrete‐encased and concrete‐filled composite columns exhibited similar performance in terms of axial load‐moment capacities. The impact of longitudinal rebar ratios is also investigated, revealing that the AISC 360‐16 approach yields smaller bending moments and compression capacities compared to Eurocode 4 due to the significant strength reduction factor considered in calculating the concrete contribution in composite sections.
Application of machine learning approaches for modelling crack growth rates
Authors: Ben Seghier Mohamed El Amine , Plevris Vagelis 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe scientific community has widely accepted the use of machine learning techniques to tackle complex engineering problems. Among the most intriguing problems is finding the correlation between alloy steel properties and cyclic fatigue and crack growth rate. Employing machine‐learning models can provide more robust and accurate predictive models to address such challenges. This paper presents the application of four machine learning models, namely decision trees (DT), random forest (RF), adoptive boosting (AdaBoost), and gradient boosting regression tree (GBRT) to predict the crack growth rate of steel/alloys. The study utilizes a large database gathered from literature to construct the predictive models and compares the results using various statistical metrics and graphical representation. The study's findings demonstrate the effectiveness and suitability of machine learning techniques to handle complex databases related to fatigue problems.
Numerical Fatigue Strength curve for the C1 Wedge Connection
Authors: Mohabeddine Anis , Malschaert David , Creusen Koen , Winkes Jasper , Veljkovic Milan 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis paper presents an investigation on the fatigue life prediction of the C1 Wedge Connection based on advanced finite element analysis. Recently developed, this connection links tubular sections of wind turbine towers using small horizontally placed bolts to slide two wedges, which pull the fork‐shaped upper flange and shaft‐shaped lower flange of the tower together. The fork‐shaped upper flange is manufactured using electron beam welding. A 3D finite element model is developed in ABAQUS software to simulate the behavior of the connection. A sequential thermal‐mechanical analysis is performed to simulate the electron beam welding process and estimate the residual stresses and distortions. The crack initiation at the lower flange, where the largest stress range is observed, governs the fatigue resistance of the connection. Fatigue crack initiation is assessed using the strain‐based local approach and code‐based methods such as the EN1993:1‐9 and DNV‐RP C2003. A comparison of the predictions from these methods is presented.
I‐Twin. Computational twin connectors for I‐profiles. Towards unforeseen interoperability of digital tools
Authors: Posada Hector , Chacón Rolando , Ramonell Carlos 
Published: September 2023

AbstractStandard BIM data‐exchange format requirements are permeating Building Construction. This is due to the increasing digital communication between Stakeholders of complex projects. All steps of development (conception, design, procurement, construction and operation) are pushing towards integration of data schemas. Desirably, knowledge and value generated by one stakeholder may then be leveraged by other stakeholders. 3D models, simulations, measurements, logbooks, schedules, as‐built conditions and other information constructs are on the verge of interoperable communication. Structural Analysis must play a significant role within those more digitized data exchanges. This paper presents recent developments of frameworks, connectors and tools for the integration of structural I‐shaped beam entities into Digital Twins. The information construct I‐Twin encompasses information loads for geometries (IFC‐Based), sensors (IoT) and simulations (FEM).
Fatigue verification of orthotropic bridge decks with the hot‐spot method – Background to TS 1993‐1‐901
Authors: Maljaars Johan , Pijpers Richard , Veljkovic Milan , van Dooren Frank 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe design of orthotropic bridge decks (OBD) is driven by fatigue. The Eurocode on fatigue of steel structures – prEN 1993‐1‐9:2023 – provides fatigue resistance (S‐N) curves for relevant details in OBD. These curves are to be used with the far field (nominal) stress. However, due to the complex geometry and loading of OBD, the nominal stress is not well defined for many details. In addition, cracks have been found in practice in OBD at locations for which S‐N curves are not provided. In order to overcome these issues, experimental and numerical studies are carried out on the use of local stresses (hot‐spot stresses where possible) for the fatigue design of OBD. The different stress extraction method also implies the use of different S‐N curves. A large number of fatigue tests carried out in the past have been re‐evaluated to determine the hot‐spot stress S‐N curves. Additional fatigue tests have been carried out for details lacking data. The study has resulted in a guideline to design OBD for fatigue with the hot‐spot stress method. This guideline, TS 1993‐1‐901:2023, will be published as a Technical Specification (TS) to the standard prEN 1993‐1‐9:2023.This paper provides a short background to the newly created TS. It demonstrates the derivation of S‐N curves based on available tests for a number of details. It highlights fatigue relevant details that are missing in prEN 1993‐1‐9:2023 and that are added to TS 1993‐1‐901. It explains how to evaluate cracks starting from the root of the weld, for which the hot‐spot stress method is traditionally not applicable. Finally, the paper demonstrates how the method can be applied in the fatigue design, including the application of the load in finite element models.
Calibration of ductile and shear damage models for carbon and stainless steel shear studs
Authors: Presswood Rebecca , Shaheen Mohamed , Afshan Sheida 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSteel‐concrete composite beams are commonly used in bridge construction. The corrosion of the supporting steel beams and the shear connectors are however known as a major cause of premature deterioration of composite bridges. Stainless steel beams and shear connectors offer a viable alternative solution to the steel corrosion problem in composite bridges located in harsh environmental conditions. This paper presents experimental and numerical investigations of the tensile and shear behaviour of stainless steel welded shear connectors. The results of tensile coupon and double shear tests on stainless steel and carbon steel shear connectors to characterise the tensile and shear response are reported. Numerical modelling is carried out using the ABAQUS finite element software to develop calibrated ductile damage and shear damage fracture models for stainless steel shear connectors. The development and validation of the numerical models together with the calibration of the fracture models are presented and comparisons are made with those of carbon steel shear connectors.
Digital‐Image‐Correlation for Simulating Cyclic Local Buckling in Steel Beams
Authors: Ozden Selimcan , de Castro e Sousa Albano , Lignos Dimitrios 
Published: September 2023

AbstractNonlinear continuum finite element (CFE) analyses rely on accurate multiaxial constitutive law formulations along with reliable imperfection patterns for simulating nonlinear geometric instabilities in steel members under mechanical loading. Validations of these models usually rely on conventional measurements of macroscopic parameters (e.g., displacement and strain field). It is common to use global deformation characteristics (e.g., deduced moment versus chord rotation) for model validation purposes of steel members exhibiting inelastic cyclic local buckling. The reason is that measurements from conventional strain gauge readings are not deemed to be reliable well before the onset of local buckling. This is potentially problematic when the accurate prediction of local strain demands is essential. This paper discusses the experimental results from a steel beam instrumented with a digital image correlation (DIC) system and how optical measurements acquired from DIC can be used to benchmark a CFE model representation of this beam. It is shown that while different CFE model types simulate accurately the moment rotation relationship of the steel beam, local strain demand predictions could vary considerably between model types. The results suggest that DIC measurements can inform the selection of proper imperfection patterns to be used in CFE models for the reliable estimation of inelastic strain demands.
Shear Behaviour of Novel U‐connector in CFS Truss‐to‐Column Connection
Authors: Lukačević Lazar , Krolo Paulina , Bakran Antonio , Palijan Ivan 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis research investigates the behaviour of the novel U‐connector used in cold‐formed steel (CFS) truss‐to‐column connection. The novelty is reflected in the specially designed connector geometry and the connection method within the cross‐section of the thin‐walled C‐profile. The U‐connector installed inside the truss‐to‐column connection can be exposed to tensile, compressive and shearing action. The shear behaviour of the U‐connector is thoroughly investigated using laboratory tests. Three different loading scenarios are carried out to evaluate the shear strength of the U‐connector within the C‐profile connection. The detailed analysis is carried out using Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique for measuring the displacement. The failure modes observed during the experiments are described and analysed. DIC technology is used to accurately identify the failure initiation of each component in the connection. In addition, two different methods for calculating the bearing resistance of the U‐connector and the C‐profile connection are proposed according to recommendations given in the standard EN 1993‐1‐3. These methods aim to provide accurate estimates of the connection's bearing capacity.