Seismic performance of steel reinforced ultra high-strength concrete composite frame joints

To investigate the seismic performance of a composite frame comprised of steel reinforced ultra high-strength concrete （SRUHSC） columns and steel reinforced concrete （SRC） beams, six interior frame joint specimens were designed and tested under low cyclically lateral load. The effects of the axial load ratio and volumetric stirrup ratio were studied on the characteristics of the frame joint performance including crack pattern, failure mode, ductility, energy dissipation capacity, strength degradation and rigidity degradation. It was found that all joint specimens behaved in a ductile manner with flexural-shear failure in the joint core region while plastic hinges appeared at the beam ends. The ductility and energy absorption capacity of joints increased as the axial load ratio decreased and the volumetric stirIup ratio increased. The displacement ductility coefficient and equivalent damping coefficient of the joints fell between the corresponding coefficients of the steel reinforced concrete （SRC） frame joint and RC frame joint. The axial load ratio and volumetric stirrup ratio have less influence on the strength degradation and more influence on the stiffness degradation. The stiffness of the joint degrades more significantly for a low volumetric stirrup ratio and high axial load ratio. The characteristics obtained from the SRUHSC composite frame joint specimens with better seismic performance may be a useful reference in future engineering applications.

Comparative study on bearing mechanism and design parameters of confined concrete arch joints in deep soft rock roadway

Square confined concrete arch is increasingly used in deep soft rock roadway support because of its advantages of high strength and construction convenience.However,the design of confined concrete arch in underground engineering still remains in experience-based method and lacks quantitative analysis.As a connecting component between arch sections,the connection joints have an important influence on the internal force distribution and failure mechanism of support arch.Therefore,a reasonable design of arch joints is the premise of rational support design.Taking Liangjia Coal Mine,a typical deep soft rock mine in China,as research background,this paper fully compared the most widely used joint types of confined concrete arch as analytical objects:flange joints and casing joints.The main failure modes of these two kinds of joints under bending moment are defined.Laboratory and numerical tests are carried out to study the mechanical characteristics of joints.Based on the M-θ curve,the influence law of different design parameters is analyzed,and the design principles of joints are proposed.The research results could provide a theoretical basis for the design and application of confined concrete arch in related projects.

Incremental dynamic analysis of concrete gravity dams including base and lift joints

The growth in computer processing power has made it possible to use time-consuming analysis methods such as incremental dynamic analysis（IDA） with higher accuracy in less time.In an IDA study,a series of earthquake records are applied to a structure at successively increasing intensity levels,which causes the structure to shift from the elastic state into the inelastic state and finally into collapse.In this way,the limit-states and capacity of a structure can be determined.In the present research,the IDA of a concrete gravity dam considering a nonlinear concrete behavior,and sliding planes within the dam body and at the dam-foundation interface,is performed.The influence of the friction angle and lift joint slope on the response parameters are investigated and the various limit-states of the dam are recognized.It is observed that by introducing a lift joint,the tensile damage can be avoided for the dam structure.The lift joint sliding is essentially independent of the base joint friction angle and the upper ligament over the inclined lift joint slides into the upstream direction in strong earthquakes.

Seismic Behaviour of Beam-Column Joints of Precast and Partial Steel Reinforced Concrete

A beam-column joint of precast and partial steel reinforced concrete( PPSRC) is proposed for precast reinforced concrete frames. The PPSRC consists of partial steel and reinforced concrete. The partial steel is located in the core joint region and the connections between concrete members. This paper presents an experimental study of a series of PPSRC specimens. These specimens are tested under low cyclic loading.Experimental results demonstrate that the bearing capacity of the PPSRC specimens is 3 times that of the ordinary reinforced concrete( RC) beam-column joints. The strength and stiffness degradation rates are slower compared with that of the RC beam-column joints. In addition,the strength of the core joint region and the connections is higher than other parts of the PPSRC specimens. Beam failure occurs firstly for the PPSRC specimens,followed by column failure and connections failure. The failure of the core joint region occurs finally.Test results show that the seismic performance of the PPSRC is better than that of the ordinary RC beam-column joints.

Research on stress concentration at tubular joints in concrete filled steel tubular truss arch bridge

In this paper stresses at joints forming by hollow steel tube and concrete filled steel tube （CFST） are calculated, analyzed and compared. It is founded that the stress concentration at joints of CFST is a quite different from that of hollow steel tube. A conclusion can be made that analysis of fatigue at the joints of CFST truss arch bridge can not apply the results developed from analyzing at joints of hollow steel tube in marine structure.

Behaviour of a Moment Resisting Composite Steel and Concrete Joint Under Alternate Loading

The authors show the results of a study conducted on a joint connecting a concrete column to a composite steel concrete floor,subjected to tension on the beams as a result of the decomposition of sagging bending moment.The beam to column connection is achieved by means of headed studs welded to the beam and embedded in the concrete cast.Five different configurations have been tested at failure and the results are compared to formulae proposed in literature.Different degrees of ductility,reliability and strength have been obtained varying geometry and reinforcement ratio on the joints tested.

Seepage Mitigation in Hydropower Dams by Optimization in Roller Compacted Concrete Interlayer (Monoliths) Joint Bonding Technology

Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) has gained favorable recognition in hydropower and water resource dam construction. With optimization in construction technology and materials used for RCC Dams, cost is no longer a major disadvantage as compared to environmental impact, that is, wildlife habitat disruption. In as much as it has become optimal for investment in hydropower dam construction, the scourge for dam failure is still eminent, which is as a result of excessive seepage compromising the integrity of the mechanical properties of the dam. The aim of the paper is to highlight successful application methods in joint bonding to avoid excessive seepage and reduce the autogenous healing to a few years of operation. In view of optimization, this paper presents a comprehensive study on the influences of interlayer joints bonding quality from RCC mix performances and how it consolidates the RCC layers to withstand the shear strength along the interface, especially on the high dams. The case study is the RCC dam at the 750 MW Kafue Gorge Lower Hydropower Station. The scope of the study reviews the joint type judged by Modified Maturity Factor (MMF) with joint surface long time exposed in regions with dry and high temperature, technical measures of layer bonding quality control under condition of long time joint surface exposure, effects of joints shear strength and impermeability of the RCC layers when under the conditions of plastic and elasticity. The subtle observations made during the dam construction phases were with respect to the optimal use of materials in relation to RCC mix designs and the basis for equipment calibration for monitoring important data that can be referenced during analysis of shear forces acting on the RCC dam over time.

Strength&Conduct of Reinforced Concrete Corner Joint under Negative Moment Effect

The aim of our study is to reveal the effect of steel reinforcement details,tensile steel reinforcement ratio,compressed reinforcing steel ratio,reinforcing steel size,corner joint shape on the strength of reinforced concrete Fc'and delve into it for the most accurate details and concrete connections about the behavior and resistance of the corner joint of reinforced concrete,Depending on the available studies and sources in addition to our study,we concluded that each of these effects had a clear role in the behavior and resistance of the corner joint of reinforced concrete under the influence of the negative moment and yield stress.A study of the types of faults that can be reinforced angle joints obtains details and conditions of crushing that are almost identical for all types of steel reinforcement details and the basic requirements for the acceptable behavior of reinforced concrete joints in the installations and the efficiency of the joint and this may help us to prepare for disasters,whether natural or other,as happens with tremors The floor and failure that may occur due to wrong designs or old buildings and the possibility of using those connections to treat those joints and sections in reinforced or unarmed concrete facilities to preserve the safety of humans and buildings from sudden disasters and reduce and reduce risks,as well as qualitative control over the production of concrete connections and sections free from defects to the extreme.

Static behavior of semi-rigid thin-walled steel-concrete composite beam-to-column joints with bolted partial-depth flush end plate:experimental study

A new type of semi-rigid thin-walled steel-concrete composite beam-to-column joint has been proposed in this paper.Five semi-rigid composite beam-to-column joint specimens subjected to hogging moments under monotonic loading were tested to study the static behavior of this new type of joint.The main variable parameters for the five joint specimens were the longitudinal reinforcement ratio and the joint type.The experimental results designated that the magnitude of extension of the longitudinal reinforcement is the most important factor that influenced the moment-rotation characteristic of the new type of joint.The concrete slabs could resist 3.8%-19.1% of the total shear load applied to the cross-sections near the beam-to-column connection.The edge stiffened elements,such as the flange of the lipped I-section thin-walled steel beam,were capable of having considerable inelastic deformation capacity although they had comparatively large width-to-thickness ratios.The shear failure of the concrete cantilever edge strip must be taken into account in practical design because it has significant influence on the anchorage of the longitudinal reinforcement in the new type of external joints.

Seismic responses of high concrete face rockfill dams:A case study

Seismic responses of the Zipingpu concrete face rockfill dam were analyzed using the finite element method. The dynamic behavior of rockfill materials was modeled with a viscoelastic model and an empirical permanent strain model. The relevant parameters were obtained either by back analysis using the field observations or by reference to parameters of similar rockfill materials. The acceleration responses of the dam,the distribution of earthquake-induced settlement, and the gap propagation under the concrete slabs caused by the settlement of the dam were analyzed and compared with site investigations or relevant studies. The mechanism of failure of horizontal construction joints was also analyzed based on numerical results and site observations. Numerical results show that the input accelerations were considerably amplified near the top of the dam, and the strong shaking resulted in considerable settlement of the rockfill materials, with a maximum value exceeding 90 cm at the crest.As a result of the settlement of rockfill materials, the third-stage concrete slabs were separated from the cushion layer. The rotation of the cantilever slabs about the contacting regions, under the combined action of gravity and seismic inertial forces, led to the failure of the construction joints and tensile cracks appeared above the construction joints. The effectiveness and limitations of the so-called equivalent linear method are also discussed.

Experimental seismic behavior of squat shear walls with precast concrete hollow moulds

This study proposes an innovative precast shear wall system, called an EVE precast hollow shear wall structure (EVE-PHSW). Precast panels in EVE-PHSW are simultaneously precast with vertical and horizontal holes. Noncontact lap splices of rebars are used in vertical joints connecting adjacent precast panels for automated prefabrication and easy in situ erection. The seismic behavior of EVE walls was examined through a series of tests on six wall specimens with aspect ratios of 1.0~1.3. Test results showed that EVE wall specimens with inside cast-in situ concrete achieved the desired “strong bending and weak shear” and failed in shear mode. Common main diagonal cracks and brittle shear failure in squat cast-in situ walls were prevented. Inside cast-in situ concrete could signifi cantly improve the shear strength and stiff ness of EVE walls. The details of boundary elements (cast-in situ or prefabricated) and vertical joints (contiguous or spaced) had little eff ect on the global behavior of EVE walls. Noncontact lap splices in vertical joints could enable EVE walls to exhibit stable load-carrying capacity through extensive deformations. Evaluation on design codes revealed that both JGJ 3-2010 and ACI 318-14 provide conservative estimation of shear strength of EVE walls, and EVE walls achieved shear strength reserves comparative to cast-in situ walls. The recommended eff ective stiff ness for cast-in situ walls in ASCE 41-17 appeared to be appropriate for EVE walls.

Seismic stability analysis of concrete gravity dams with penetrated cracks

The seismic stability of a cracked dam was examined in this study. Geometric nonlinearity and large deformations, as well as the contact condition at the crack site, were taken into consideration. The location of penetrated cracks was first identified using the concrete plastic-damage model based on the nonlinear finite element method （FEM）. Then, the hard contact algorithm was used to simulate the crack interaction in the normal direction, and the Coloumb friction model was used to simulate the crack interaction in the tangential direction. After verification of numerical models through a case study, the seismic stability of the Koyna Dam with two types of penetrated cracks is discussed in detail with different seismic peak accelerations, and the collapse processes of the cracked dam are also presented. The results show that the stability of the dam with two types of penetrated cracks can be ensured in an earthquake with a magnitude of the original Koyna earthquake, and the cracked dam has a large earthquake-resistant margin. The failure processes of the cracked dam in strong earthquakes can be divided into two stages： the sliding stage and the overturning stage. The sliding stage ends near the peak acceleration, and the top block slides a long distance along the crack before the collapse occurs. The maximum sliding displacement of the top block will decrease with an increasing friction coefficient at the crack site.

Multi-gene genetic programming extension of AASHTO M-E for design oflow-volume concrete pavements

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement DesignGuide (AASHTO M-E) offers an opportunity to design more economical and sustainable high-volume rigid pavementscompared to conventional design guidelines. It is achieved through optimizing pavement structural andthickness design under specified climate and traffic conditions using advanced M-E principles, thereby minimizingeconomic costs and environmental impact. However, the implementation of AASHTO M-E design for low-volumeconcrete pavements using AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design (Pavement ME) software is often overly conservative.This is because Pavement ME specifies the minimum design thickness of concrete slab as 152.4 mm (6 in.). Thispaper introduces a novel extension of the AASHTO M-E framework for the design of low-volume joint plain concretepavements (JPCPs) without modification of Pavement ME. It utilizes multi-gene genetic programming (MGGP)-based computational models to obtain rapid solutions for JPCP damage accumulation and long-term performanceanalyses. The developed MGGP models simulate the fatigue damage and differential energy accumulations. Thispermits the prediction of transverse cracking and joint faulting for a wide range of design input parameters and axlespectrum. The developed MGGP-based models match Pavement ME-predicted cracking and faulting for rigidpavements with conventional concrete slab thicknesses and enable rational extrapolation of performance predictionfor thinner JPCPs. This paper demonstrates how the developed computational model enables sustainable lowvolumepavement design using optimized ME solutions for Pittsburgh, PA, conditions.

Earthquake safety assessment of concrete arch and gravity dams

Based on research studies currently being carried out at Dalian University of Technology, some important aspects for the earthquake safety assessmcnt of concrete dams are reviewed and discussed. First, the rate-dependent behavior of concrcte subjected to earthquake loading is examined, emphasizing the properties of concrete under cyclic and biaxial loading conditions. Second, a modified four-parameter Hsieh-Ting-Chen viscoplastic consistency model is developed to simulate the rate-dependent behavior of concrete. The earthquake response of a 278m high arch dam is analyzed, and the results show that the strain-rate effects become noticeable in the inelastic range, Third, a more accurate non-smooth Newton algorithm for the solution of three-dimensional frictional contact problems is developed to study the joint opening effects of arch dams during strong earthquakes. Such effects on two nearly 300m high arch dams have been studied. It was found that the canyon shape has great influence on the magnitude and distribution of the joint opening along the dam axis. Fourth, the scaled boundary finite element method presented by Song and Wolf is employed to study the dam-reservoir-foundation interaction effects of concrete dams. Particular emphases were placed on the variation of foundation stiffness and the anisotropic behavior of the foundation material on the dynamic response of concrete dams. Finally, nonlinear modeling of concrete to study the damage evolution of concrete dams during strong earthquakes is discussed. An elastic-damage mechanics approach for damage prediction of concrete gravity dams is described as an example. These findings are helpful in understanding the dynamic behavior of concrete dams and promoting the improvement of seismic safety assessment methods.

Mechanical Behavior of Concrete Block Masonry

The main objective of this study is to verify, through compression tests on different prisms, the vertical and horizontal deformability and the failure modes of the components of concrete blocks under compression. In this study two mortar mixes were tested, along with two types of prism, with and without the presence of a vertical joint. The conclusions were： the appearance of non-linearities of the masonry corresponds to an increase in the lateral strain due to extensive cracking of the material and a progressive increase in the Poisson ratio, the cracks in the three-block prisms built with the mortar type I were vertical, occurring symmetrically on both sides; the prisms built with mortar type II had, as a consequence of localized crushing, an association with vertical cracks due to the concentrations of stresses at some points, the presence of a vertical joint led to the appearance of separation cracks between the middle block and the vertical mortar joint, when the stress reached approximately 30% of the compressive strength of the set; the prisms with two whole blocks and one vertical joint （B） built with the mortars of mixes I and II had a compressive strength of the order of 42% and 66% of the prisms with three whole blocks （A）, respectively.

基于CTM和Beam-Column Joint Element的梁柱节点核心区抗剪仿真

为研究基于CTM和Beam-Column Joint Element单元的钢筋混凝土梁柱节点核心区抗震仿真计算,本文先分析了CTM的计算原理和局限性,并对原计算模型进行调整;之后通过试验数据验证了调整前后模型的正确性,并通过参数分析得出调整前后CTM在不同参数下核心区抗剪强度的变化规律;最后通过对比理论计算与试验下核心区抗剪强度变化规律,证明调整后模型更为准确。

Experimental Studies on Seismic Behavior of Exterior SRUHSC Joints

To investigate the seismic behavior of the joints,six steel reinforced ultra high strength concrete( SRUHSC) frame exterior joints were tested. Three levels of axial compressive ratio varying from 0.25 to 0.45 were investigated to determine how this variable might influence the performance of the joints including failure mode,ductility,energy dissipation capacity,stiffness degradation,shear strength and shear deformation by the quasi-static cyclic test on SRUHSC exterior joints. This research program suggests that the design of joint should make full use of the joint panel deformation to dissipate energy of earthquake. It is tested that the value of 0.38 as a dividing point about the effect of axial compression ratio on the seismic performance of SRUHSC exterior joints should be taken into account in design. In addition,the increase of volumetric ratio of stirrup could possess the ductility for adequate response to unexpected strong earthquakes and a recommended value of minimum volumetric ratio of stirrup with high axial-load level is pointed out.

Rapid Repair of Earthquake Damaged RC Interior Beam-wide Column Joints and Beam-wall Joints Using FRP Composites

This paper studies the seismic performance of FRP-strengthened RC interior non-seismically detailed beam-wide columns and beam-wall joints after limited seismic damage.Four eccentric and concentric beam-wide column joints and two beam-wall joints,initially damaged in a previous study,were repaired and tested under constant axial loads(0.1fc′Ag and 0.35fc′Ag) and lateral cyclic loading.The rapid repair technique developed,aimed to restore the original strength and to provide minimum drift capacity.The repair schemes were characterized by the use of:(a) epoxy injections and polymer modified cementitious mortar to seal the cracks and replace spalled concrete;and(b) glass(GFRP) and carbon(CFRP) sheets to enhance the joint performance.The FRP sheets were effectively prevented against possible debonding through the use of fiber anchors.Comparison between responses of specimens before and after repair clearly indicated reasonable restoration in strength,drift capacity,stiffness and cumulative energy dissipation capacity.All specimens failed with delamination of FRP sheets at beam-column joint interfaces.The rapid repair technique developed in this study is recommended for mass upgrading or repair of earthquake damaged beam-column joints.

Study on Strengthening of RC Beam Column Joint Using Hybrid FRP Composites

Beam-Column joints are critical zones in reinforced concrete structures which are most vulnerable to earthquake forces. Hence strengthening beam-column joint is vital to save the structure and its inhabitants in case of seismic forces. Numerous retrofitting works using fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are being undertaken worldwide. This work aims to investigate the effectiveness of strengthening beam-column joints using natural and artificial fibres. In this study, basalt (natural fibres) as monolithic composite (BFRP) and as hybrid composite along with glass (artificial fibres) were used for strengthening of beam-column joints. Totally six specimens were prepared and tested under monotonic loading. Specimen details used were: two control specimen, two specimens for monolithic wrapping and remaining two specimens for hybrid wrapping. The test results were compared with control and rehabilitated specimens. The performance of the treated joints was studied using the following parameters: initial and ultimate cracking loads, energy absorption, deflection ductility and stiffness at ultimate. From the test results, it was found that the hybrid combination of Basalt and Glass FRPs were found to be more effective in the treatment of beam-column joints. The strong column weak beam concept was achieved by failure in beam portion which helped in preventing the catastrophic failure of the entire structure.

基于转动摩擦铰阻尼器的干式装配梁-柱节点抗震性能试验

基于转动摩擦铰阻尼器(RFHD),提出了转动摩擦耗能干式装配梁-柱节点(DRFDBJ)。为了验证DRFDBJ结构对于实现预期力学性能的可行性和合理性,以施加在摩擦片表面的螺栓预紧力(P_(c))为变量,开展了2个工况下的DRFDBJ试件低周往复拟静力试验研究。结果表明:DRFDBJ结构的力学性能主要由RFHD提供并控制,试验中节点呈现了稳定的承载力和理想的变形、耗能能力,并实现了预期的损伤集中;2个不同P_(c)水准下节点承载力的试验值与理论值误差不超过5%,通过调整P_(c)可实现节点承载力的调控,为DRFDBJ结构承载力的可调控提供了支撑。