Analysis on column-bracing forces considering random initial imperfections

A large number of column-bracing systems were modeled and analyzed by second-order analysis using finite element program ANSYS,in which the random combination of the initial imperfections between columns and horizontal braces was well considered by Monte Carlo Method.According to the analysis results,four kinds of instability modes of column-bracing systems were found,the probability density function of the mid-height horizontal bracing forces was established based on probability statistics,and the design bracing forces were also obtained.The results indicated that the above design bracing forces are smaller than that proposed by the "Code for design of steel structures"(GB50017-2003) when the top axial compressions on the braced columns are equal,and much smaller than the latter when the top axial compressions on the braced columns are unequal.The results also indicated that the random combination of the initial imperfections between columns and horizontal braces leads to the randomness of the mid-height horizontal bracing forces in compression or in tension,so that the design bracing forces can be reduced.

Effects of bottom bracings on torsional dynamic characteristics of horizontally curved twin I-girder bridges with different curvatures

Curved twin I-girder bridges (CTIGBs) have low torsional stiffness that makes them vulnerable to dynamic loads. This study investigates the effects of bottom bracings on the torsional dynamic characteristics of CTIGBs. Five types of bottom bracings are designed to investigate their effects on the dynamic characteristics of CTIGBs with different curvatures under free and forced vibrations. To perform numerical investigations, three-dimensional (3-D) finite element (FE) bridge and vehicle models are established using commercial ANSYS code, and then a vehicle-bridge interaction analysis approach is proposed. Road roughness profiles generated from power spectral density and cross spectral functions are also taken into account in the analyses. The numerical results show that torsional frequencies increase significantly after providing bottom bracings, and the increasing rate depends on the type of bottom bracings and their locations of installation. Bottom bracings can act as load transmitting members from one main girder to the others. Large negative bearing forces that have occurred in bridges with small radii of curvatures can be remarkably reduced by providing bottom bracing systems. It is found that the performances of several bottom bracing systems are effective in improving the torsional dynamic characteristics of the bridges in this study.

Mechanical compression release device in steel bracing system for retrofitting RC frames

The development of an innovative structural system with satisfactory seismic performance of braced systems is an important and challenging area of interest in structural engineering. In this paper, a device that can release the compressive force in the bracing members is developed, and its performance is evaluated. For comparison, four steel braced RC frames were constructed and tested under reverse cyclic loads. Two of them had different amounts of bracing and the other two had the same amount of bracing but incorporated different type of device, called compression release device, which is developed and described in this paper. It can be concluded from the test results that the newly developed device can effectively be used in steel braced systems to prevent buckling failure of the bracing members. Therefore, the device enhances the ductility of brace-framed systems by allowing an adequate capacity for energy dissipation.

Elastoplastic analysis of knee bracing frame

The knee bracing steel frame (KBF) is a new kind of energy dissipating frame, which combines excellent ductility and lateral stiffness. As the structural fuse of the frame, the knee element will yield first during a severe earthquake so that no damage occurs to the major structural members and the rehabilitation is easy and economical. To help fully understand the relations be- tween its seismic performance and the structural parameters, systematic elastoplastic analysis of the KBF structure with finite element method was conducted in this work. Finally, general design recommendations were made according to the results of the analysis.

Determination Method on Initial Pretension of Cables in Steel Mega Frame and Prestressed Composite Bracing Structure

Determining initial pretension values of pre-stressed cables is one of the key problems for a steel mega frame and pre-stressed composite bracing structure.Through the mechanical analysis of the composite bracing under vertical loading,the critical factors deciding the initial pretention value were found.According to these factors,a rule for the initial pretension value was put forward.The determination equations were acquired based on the principle of force equilibrium at nodes.The numerical results indicate that the internal force disequilibrium in composite bracings resulted from symmetrical load can be eliminated only in a symmetrical way,so that initial pretention values are decided only by vertical loads.The influencing coefficient leveling method,taking into account interactions between story and story,is accurate and feasible.

Curve evolution during bracing in children with scoliosis secondary to early-onset neurofibromatosis type 1:indicators of rapid curve progression

Background:Scoliosis secondary to neurofibromatosis type 1(NF1)in children aged<10 years is an important etiology of earlyonset scoliosis(EOS).This study was performed to investigate the curve evolution of patients with EOS secondary to NF1 undergoing bracing treatment and to analyze high-risk indicators of rapid curve progression.Methods:Children with EOS due to NF1 who underwent bracing treatment from 2010 to 2017 were retrospectively reviewed.The angle velocity(AV)at each visit was calculated,and patients with rapid curve progression(AV of>10°/year)were identified.The age at modulation and the AV before and after modulation were obtained.Patients with(n=18)and without rapid curve progression(n=10)were statistically compared.Results:Twenty-eight patients with a mean age of 6.5±1.9 years at the initial visit were reviewed.The mean Cobb angle of the main curve was 41.7°±2.4°at the initial visit and increased to 67.1°±8.6°during a mean follow-up of 44.1±8.5 months.The overall AV was 6.6°±2.4°/year for all patients.At the last follow-up,all patients presented curve progression of>5°,and 20(71%)patients had progressed by>20°.Rapid curve progression was observed in 18(64%)patients and was associated with younger age at the initial visit and a higher incidence of modulation change during follow-up(t=2.868,P=0.008 and<0.001,respectively).The mean AV was 4.4°±1.2°/year before modulation and 11.8°±2.7°/year after modulation(t=11.477,P<0.010).Conclusions:Curve progression of>10°/year is associated with younger age at the initial visit,and modulation change indicated the occurrence of the rapid curve progression phase.

余交换Hopf代数上Yang-Baxter方程的解

研究了Hopf brace的一些性质,并利用Rota-Baxter算子和Hopf brace探索了在余交换Hopf代数上Yang-Baxter方程的解,并给出了解在余交换Hopf代数k[G]上的具体形式.

A spatiotemporal deep learning method for excavation-induced wall deflections

Data-driven approaches such as neural networks are increasingly used for deep excavations due to the growing amount of available monitoring data in practical projects.However,most neural network models only use the data from a single monitoring point and neglect the spatial relationships between multiple monitoring points.Besides,most models lack flexibility in providing predictions for multiple days after monitoring activity.This study proposes a sequence-to-sequence(seq2seq)two-dimensional(2D)convolutional long short-term memory neural network(S2SCL2D)for predicting the spatiotemporal wall deflections induced by deep excavations.The model utilizes the data from all monitoring points on the entire wall and extracts spatiotemporal features from data by combining the 2D convolutional layers and long short-term memory(LSTM)layers.The S2SCL2D model achieves a long-term prediction of wall deflections through a recursive seq2seq structure.The excavation depth,which has a significant impact on wall deflections,is also considered using a feature fusion method.An excavation project in Hangzhou,China,is used to illustrate the proposed model.The results demonstrate that the S2SCL2D model has superior prediction accuracy and robustness than that of the LSTM and S2SCL1D(one-dimensional)models.The prediction model demonstrates a strong generalizability when applied to an adjacent excavation.Based on the long-term prediction results,practitioners can plan and allocate resources in advance to address the potential engineering issues.

Experimental and numerical study of buckling-restrained braces configured with out-of-plane eccentricity under cyclic loading

This study focuses on variations in the hysteretic behavior of buckling-restrained braces(BRBs)configured with or without out-of-plane eccentricity under cyclic loading.Quasi-static experiments and numerical simulations were carried out on concentrically and eccentrically loaded BRB specimens to investigate the mechanical properties,energy dissipation performance,stress distribution,and high-order deformation pattern.The experimental and numerical results showed that compared to the concentrically loaded BRBs,the stiffness,yield force,cumulated plastic ductility(CPD)coefficient,equivalent viscous damping coefficient and energy dissipation decreased,and the yield displacement and compression strength adjustment factor increased for the eccentrically loaded BRBs.With the existence of the out-of-plane eccentricity,the initial yield position changes from the yield segment to the junction between the yield segment and transition segment under a tensile load,while the initial high-order buckling pattern changes from a first-order C-shape to a secondorder S-shape under a compressive load.

Deterministic and probabilistic analysis of great-depth braced excavations:A 32 m excavation case study in Paris

The Fort d’Issy-Vanves-Clamart(FIVC)braced excavation in France is analyzed to provide insights into the geotechnical serviceability assessment of excavations at great depth within deterministic and probabilistic frameworks.The FIVC excavation is excavated at 32 m below the ground surface in Parisian sedimentary basin and a plane-strain finite element analysis is implemented to examine the wall deflections and ground surface settlements.A stochastic finite element method based on the polynomial chaos Kriging metamodel(MSFEM)is then proposed for the probabilistic analyses.Comparisons with field measurements and former studies are carried out.Several academic cases are then conducted to investigate the great-depth excavation stability regarding the maximum horizontal wall deflection and maximum ground surface settlement.The results indicate that the proposed MSFEM is effective for probabilistic analyses and can provide useful insights for the excavation design and construction.A sensitivity analysis for seven considered random parameters is then implemented.The soil friction angle at the excavation bottom layer is the most significant one for design.The soil-wall interaction effects on the excavation stability are also given.

Clinical effect of operative vs nonoperative treatment on humeral shaft fractures:Systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials

BACKGROUND Whether operation is superior to non-operation for humeral shaft fracture remains debatable.We hypothesized that operation could decrease the nonunion and reintervention rates and increase the functional outcomes.AIM To compare the clinical efficacy between operative and nonoperative approaches for humeral shaft fractures.METHODS We searched the PubMed,Web of Science,ScienceDirect,and Cochrane databases from 1990 to December 2023 for clinical trials and cohort studies comparing the effects of operative and conservative methods on humeral shaft fractures.Two investigators independently extracted data from the eligible studies,and the other two assessed the methodological quality of each study.The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk bias or Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.The nonunion,reintervention and the overall complications and functional scores were pooled and analyzed using Review Manager software(version 5.3).RESULTS A total of four randomized control trials and 13 cohort studies were included,with 1285 and 1346 patients in the operative and nonoperative groups,respectively.Patients in the operative group were treated with a plate or nail,whereas those in the conservative group were managed with splint or functional bracing.Four studies were assessed as having a high risk of bias,and the other 13 were of a low risk of bias according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale or Cochrane risk bias tool.The operative group had a significantly decreased rate of nonunion[odds ratio(OR)0.30;95%CI:0.23 to 0.40,reintervention(OR:0.33;95%CI:0.24 to 0.47),and overall complications(OR:0.62;95%CI:0.49 to 0.78)].The pooled effect of the Disabilities of Arm,Shoulder,and Hand score showed a significant difference at 3[mean difference(MD)-8.26;95%CI:-13.60 to-2.92],6(MD:-6.72;95%CI:-11.34 to-2.10),and 12 months(MD:-2.55;95%CI:-4.36 to-0.74).The pooled effect of Visual Analog Scale scores and the Constant-Murley score did not significantly differ between the two groups.CONCLUSION This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed a trend of rapid functional recovery and decreased rates of nonunion and reintervention after operation for humeral shaft fracture compared to conservative treatment.

Effect of Variable Concrete Strength on the Behavior of Buckling Restrained Braced Frames under Blast Load

BRBF(buckling restrained braced frame)is a relatively new lateral force resisting system for building structures.BRBFs are used mostly to resist seismic force due to their high ductility after yielding and the ability to absorb higher strain energy.ASCE(American Society of Civil Engineers)first permits the use of BRBFs as a single seismic force-resisting system by quantifying the seismic parameters such as response modification coefficient(R),over-strength factor(Ωo)and deflection amplification factor(Cd)for a structure built with BRBF,in their 2010 code(ASCE 7-10).But it has not been investigated how a structure built with BRBF,which is primarily designed to resist seismic force,and behaves under sudden occurrence of a blast load.This research investigates the performance of a BRBF subjected to blast loading.In other words,this paper focuses on the effect of blast loading on BRBF.The architype for this investigation is a chevron type braced frame.The frame is subjected to a short duration blast load that lasts only 21.7 mili-second(ms).Blast loading effects on the braced frame are assessed by identifying the weakest plane of failure,deformation characteristics and out of plane bending.The research investigates how the properties of the surrounding concrete,especially compressive strength,affect the overall strength of the BRBF on resisting blast loading.It is observed that the compressive strength of the surrounding concrete plays a significant role in reducing the deformation characteristics,both in-plane and out-of-plane.

Finite Element Analysis of Tubular KK Joint under Compressive Loading

KK tubular joints are used to build jacket-type offshore structures. These joints are mostly made up of structural steel. These joints can withstand yield, buckling, and lateral loads depending on the structure’s design and environment. In this study, the Finite Element Model of the KK-type tubular joint has been created, and analysis has been performed under static loading using the Static Structural analysis system of ANSYS 19.2 commercial software and structural mechanics module of COMSOL Multiphysics. The KK tubular model is analyzed under compressive load conditions, and the resulting stress, strain, and deformation values are tabulated in both graphical and tabular form. This study includes a comparison of the outcomes from both commercial software. The results highlight that maximum stress, strain, and deformation values decrease as joint thickness increases. This study holds significant relevance in advancing the understanding of tubular KK joints and their response to compressive loading. The insights derived from the analysis have the potential to contribute to the development of more robust and reliable tubular KK joints in various engineering and structural applications. .

Shaking table experimental study of recycled concrete frame-shear wall structures

In this study, four 1/5 scaled shaking table tests were conducted to investigate the seismic performance of recycled concrete frame-shear wall structures with different recycled aggregates replacement rates and concealed bracing detail. The four tested structures included one normal concrete model, one recycled coarse aggregate concrete model, and two recycled coarse and fi ne aggregate concrete models with or without concealed bracings inside the shear walls. The dynamic characteristics, dynamic response and failure mode of each model were compared and analyzed. Finite element models were also developed and nonlinear time-history response analysis was conducted. The test and analysis results show that the seismic performance of the recycled coarse aggregate concrete frame-shear wall structure is slightly worse than the normal concrete structure. The seismic resistance capacity of the recycled concrete frame-shear wall structure can be greatly improved by setting up concealed bracings inside the walls. With appropriate design, the recycled coarse aggregate concrete frame-shear wall structure and recycled concrete structure with concealed bracings inside the walls can be applied in buildings.

Effectiveness of two conventional methods for seismic retrofit of steel and RC moment resisting frames based on damage control criteria

This study investigates the efficiency of two types of rehabilitation methods based on economic justification that can lead to logical decision making between the retrofitting schemes. Among various rehabilitation methods, concentric chevron bracing（CCB） and cylindrical friction damper（CFD） were selected. The performance assessment procedure of the frames is divided into two distinct phases. First, the limit state probabilities of the structures before and after rehabilitation are investigated. In the second phase, the seismic risk of structures in terms of life safety and financial losses（decision variables） using the recently published FEMA P58 methodology is evaluated. The results show that the proposed retrofitting methods improve the serviceability and life safety performance levels of steel and RC structures at different rates when subjected to earthquake loads. Moreover, these procedures reveal that financial losses are greatly decreased, and were more tangible by the application of CFD rather than using CCB. Although using both retrofitting methods reduced damage state probabilities, incorporation of a site-specific seismic hazard curve to evaluate mean annual occurrence frequency at the collapse prevention limit state caused unexpected results to be obtained. Contrary to CFD, the collapse probability of the structures retrofitted with CCB increased when compared with the primary structures.

A hybrid artificial bee colony algorithm and support vector machine for predicting blast-induced ground vibration

Because nearby construction has harmful effects,precisely predicting blast-induced ground vibration is critical.In this paper,a hybrid artificial bee colony(ABC)and support vector machine(SVM)model was proposed for predicting the value of peak particle velocity(PPV),which is used to describe blast-induced ground vibration.To construct the model,5 potentially relevant factors,including controllable and uncontrollable parameters,were considered as input parameters,and PPV was set as the output parameter.Forty-five samples were recorded from the Hongling lead-zinc mine.An ABC-SVM model was developed and trained on 35 samples via 5-fold cross-validation(CV).A testing set(10 samples)was used to evaluate the prediction performance of the ABC-SVM model.SVM and four empirical models(United States Bureau of Mines(USBM),Amraseys-Hendron(A-H),Langefors-Kihstrom(L-K),and Central Mining Research Institute(CMRI))also were introduced for comparison.Next,the performances of the models were analyzed by using 3 statistical parameters:the correlation coefficient(R2),root-mean-square error(RMSE),and variance accounted for(VAF).ABC-SVM had the highest R2 and VAF values followed by the SVM,A-H,USBM,CMRI,and L-K methods.The results demonstrated that ABC-SVM outperformed SVM and the empirical predictors for predicting PPV.Moreover,the best results from the R2,RMSE,and VAF indices were 0.9628,0.2737,and 96.05%for the ABC-SVM model.The sensitivities of the parameters also were investigated,and the height difference between the blast point and the monitoring station was found to be the parameter that had the most influence on PPV.

Seismic risk assessment for developing countries: Pakistan as a case study

Modern Earthquake Risk Assessment（ERA） methods usually require seismo-tectonic information for Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment（PSHA） that may not be readily available in developing countries. To bypass this drawback, this paper presents a practical event-based PSHA method that uses instrumental seismicity, available historical seismicity, as well as limited information on geology and tectonic setting. Historical seismicity is integrated with instrumental seismicity to determine the long-term hazard. The tectonic setting is included by assigning seismic source zones associated with known major faults. Monte Carlo simulations are used to generate earthquake catalogues with randomized key hazard parameters. A case study region in Pakistan is selected to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method. The results indicate that the proposed method produces seismic hazard maps consistent with previous studies, thus being suitable for generating such maps in regions where limited data are available. The PSHA procedure is developed as an integral part of an ERA framework named EQRAM. The framework is also used to determine seismic risk in terms of annual losses for the study region.

A study on the seismic behavior of a retrofitted building based on nonlinear static and dynamic analyses

This study describes the seismic performance of an existing five storey reinforced concrete building which represents the typical properties of low-rise non-ductile buildings in Turkey. The effectiveness of shear walls and the steel bracings in retrofitting the building was examined through nonlinear static and dynamic analyses. By using the nonlinear static analysis, retrofitted buildings seismic performances under lateral seismic load were compared with each other. Moreover, the performance points and response levels of the existing and retrofitting cases were determined by way of the capacity-spectrum method described in ATC-40 (1996). For the nonlinear dynamic analysis the records were selected to represent wide ranges of duration and frequency content. Considering the change in the stiffness and the energy dissipation capacities, the performance of the existing and retrofitted buildings were evaluated in terms of story drifts and damage states. It was found that each earthquake record exhibited its own peculiarities, dictated by frequency content, duration, sequence of peaks and their amplitude. The seismic performance of retrofitted buildings resulted in lower displacements and higher energy dissipation capacity depending mainly on the properties of the ground motions and the retrofitting strategies. Moreover, severe structural damage (irreparable or collapse) was observed for the existing building. However, buildings with retrofit alternatives exhibited lower damage levels changing from no damage to irreparable damage states.

Location Results for Brace Spacing in Gap Tubular “K” Joints Using FEM

The 8-node iso-parametric thin shell element was employed in the study of stress concentrations in the welded tubular “K” joint. Element equilibrium equations were derived using isoparametric formulation based on thin shell theory. After assembly, the resulting system equations were solved using existing fortran programs. Numerical experiments were conducted to isolate and locate ideal gap (positions) for the two braces of the “K” joint. The nominal stresses were calculated from which stress concentration factors were obtained. The resulting stress concentration factors were presented both as tables and as figures. A good agreement between our solutions and those for model joints in the literature is good and acceptable. It was found that the wider apart the brace spacing is, the weaker the strength of the joint. It was also found that the best location for the braces occurs when the stress level changes sign either from positive to negative or vice versa at a critical sampling point.