Dynamic Impact Factor Induced by Idling Vehicle-Bridge Coupling Vibration

To analyze the impact effect induced by vehicle-bridge coupling vibration during traffic congesting, hundreds and thousands of congestion scenarios consisting of various vehicle platoons were collected and used to develop vehicle models as well as traffic congestion load models. Furthermore, the idling vehicle-bridge coupling model was established by the finite element method and the congestion models were applied to calculate dynamic impact factors. Compared with the value specified in Chinese codes, the calculated values were 1.15-2.67 times as large as the latter, which indicates the impact factors caused by idling vehicle-bridge coupling under congestion situations were much larger than those in normal traffic conditions. As a result, a calibration factor of 1.7 was recommended for bridge design or evaluation when considering vehicle-bridge coupling vibration under heavy traffic congestion. The proposed analytical model, analysis method, and results could also be beneficial references to further investigation in this field.

Finite element modeling assumptions impact on seismic response demands of MRF-buildings

Recent seismic events have raised concerns over the safety and vulnerability of reinforced concrete moment resisting frame ＂RC-MRF＂ buildings. The seismic response of such buildings is greatly dependent on the computational tools used and the inherent assumptions in the modelling process. Thus, it is essential to investigate the sensitivity of the response demands to the corresponding modelling assumption. Many parameters and assumptions are justified to generate effective structural finite element（FE） models of buildings to simulate lateral behaviour and evaluate seismic design demands. As such, the present study focuses on the development of reliable FE models with various levels of refinement. The effects of the FE modelling assumptions on the seismic response demands on the design of buildings are investigated. the predictive ability of a FE model is tied to the accuracy of numerical analysis; a numerical analysis is performed for a series of symmetric buildings in active seismic zones. The results of the seismic response demands are presented in a comparative format to confirm drift and strength limits requirements. A proposed model is formulated based on a simplified modeling approach, where the most refined model is used to calibrate the simplified model.

A GIS-based methodology for safe site selection of a building in a hilly region

Worker safety during construction is widety accepted, but the selection of safe sites for a building is generally not considered. Safe site selection （SSS） largely depends upon compiling, analyzing , and refining the information of an area where a building is tikety to be tocated. The locationat and topographical aspects of an area located in hilly regions pray a major rote in SSS, but are generally neglected in traditional and CAD-based systems used for site setection. Architects and engineers select a site based on their judgment, knowledge, and experience, but issues related to site safety are generally ignored. This study reviewed the existing literature on site selection techniques, building codes, and approaches of existing standards to identify various aspects cruciat for SSS in hilly regions. A questionnaire survey was conducted to identify various aspects that construction professionats consider critical for SSS. This study exptored the apptication of geographic information systems （GIS） in modeting the locational and topographical aspects to identify areas of suitabitity. A GIS-based methodotogy for locating a safe site that satisfies various spatial safety aspects was devetoped.