The goal of this work is to investigate the seismic behaviour of plan-asymmetric structures by considering the least seismic-resistant directions and the spatial features of the seismic event. New tools for the analys...The goal of this work is to investigate the seismic behaviour of plan-asymmetric structures by considering the least seismic-resistant directions and the spatial features of the seismic event. New tools for the analysis of the seismic behaviour of plan-asymmetric structures are herein presented and the concepts of ＂Polar Spectrum＂ and limit domains are discussed. In particular, the capacity of the structure is described by using the limit domains based on the Non Linear Static Procedures, while the seismic demand is analysed by introducing a new representation of the spectral response. This representation is based on the construction of a spectral surface obtained by the spectral seismic response for different in-plan directions and the in-plan projection of this surface is herein defined ＂Polar Spectrum＂. The obtained results for two benchmark structures, verified by means of non-linear incremental dynamic analyses, have pointed out that non-linear static analyses, carried out for different in-plan directions of the incoming seismic action, have allowed us to accurately evaluate the least seismic resistant directions.展开更多
A finite element analysis, including static and buckling analysis is presented for several notable concrete spherical shells around the world. Also, the structural optimization study of these shells was performed for ...A finite element analysis, including static and buckling analysis is presented for several notable concrete spherical shells around the world. Also, the structural optimization study of these shells was performed for thickness distribution and structure shape to reduce overall tensile stress, deflection and reinforcements. The finite element analysis using Sofistik software shows that a distributed concrete thickness reduces shell stresses, deflections and reinforcements. A geometrically non-linear analysis of these structures with and without imperfections was also performed. To take into account the possible plastification of the material an analysis with non-linear material was performed simultaneously with the geometrically non-linear analysis. This helps in developing an understanding of the structural behaviour and helps to identify all potential failure causes using failure analysis.展开更多
Large thin walled cylindrical above ground tanks have become more susceptible to failure by buckling during earthquakes. In this study, three different geometries of tanks with H/D （height to diameter） ratios of 2.0...Large thin walled cylindrical above ground tanks have become more susceptible to failure by buckling during earthquakes. In this study, three different geometries of tanks with H/D （height to diameter） ratios of 2.0, 0.56, 1.0, and D/t （depth to thickness） ratios of 960.0, 1,706.67 and 640.0 respectively were analyzed for stability when subjected to the E1 Centro earthquake at the base. The Budiansky and Roth procedure was used to find the buckling loads when the tanks were empty and when they were filled with liquid up to 90% of their depth. Also, nonlinear time history analysis using ANSYS finite element computer program was performed. Analysis results show that the dynamic buckling occurs for empty tanks at very high PGA （peak ground accelerations） which are unrealistic even for major earthquakes. Furthermore, when the tanks filled with water up to 90% of its height, analysis results show that when the H/D ratio reduced by two times （i.e., from 2 to 1）, the PGA for the buckling increased by six times （increase from 0.25g to 1 .Sg）. Hence, H/D ratio plays an important role in the earthquake stability design of over ground steel tanks.展开更多
This paper is dedicated to the study of the seismic performance of an existing RC （reinforced concrete） bridge localized in a region of moderate seismicity. The bridge has six spans and piers with very different hei...This paper is dedicated to the study of the seismic performance of an existing RC （reinforced concrete） bridge localized in a region of moderate seismicity. The bridge has six spans and piers with very different heights, three of which are monolithically connected to the deck. To understand the roles of the different pier sizes in the overall behavior, several analyses were carried out in the longitudinal direction： （1） linear dynamic approach; （2） non-linear static approach; （3） non-linear dynamic approach. Linear dynamic analysis was made in order to design the bridge for the ultimate limit state considering the largest value of the ductility factor. No safety verification was made for the other loads. Using non-linear static analyses, sensitivity was performed to check the influence of reinforcement quantities of each pier on the overall behavior of the bridge under Lisbon seismic action. For the non-linear dynamic approach, a series of strong motion records compatible with the EC-8 spectrum for Lisbon area were generated. The very same combinations of reinforcement quantities were studied. Comparisons between static and dynamic non-linear analysis were made to confirm the validity of the first one in the case under analysis, where the period of vibration is quite high.展开更多
文摘The goal of this work is to investigate the seismic behaviour of plan-asymmetric structures by considering the least seismic-resistant directions and the spatial features of the seismic event. New tools for the analysis of the seismic behaviour of plan-asymmetric structures are herein presented and the concepts of ＂Polar Spectrum＂ and limit domains are discussed. In particular, the capacity of the structure is described by using the limit domains based on the Non Linear Static Procedures, while the seismic demand is analysed by introducing a new representation of the spectral response. This representation is based on the construction of a spectral surface obtained by the spectral seismic response for different in-plan directions and the in-plan projection of this surface is herein defined ＂Polar Spectrum＂. The obtained results for two benchmark structures, verified by means of non-linear incremental dynamic analyses, have pointed out that non-linear static analyses, carried out for different in-plan directions of the incoming seismic action, have allowed us to accurately evaluate the least seismic resistant directions.
文摘A finite element analysis, including static and buckling analysis is presented for several notable concrete spherical shells around the world. Also, the structural optimization study of these shells was performed for thickness distribution and structure shape to reduce overall tensile stress, deflection and reinforcements. The finite element analysis using Sofistik software shows that a distributed concrete thickness reduces shell stresses, deflections and reinforcements. A geometrically non-linear analysis of these structures with and without imperfections was also performed. To take into account the possible plastification of the material an analysis with non-linear material was performed simultaneously with the geometrically non-linear analysis. This helps in developing an understanding of the structural behaviour and helps to identify all potential failure causes using failure analysis.
文摘Large thin walled cylindrical above ground tanks have become more susceptible to failure by buckling during earthquakes. In this study, three different geometries of tanks with H/D （height to diameter） ratios of 2.0, 0.56, 1.0, and D/t （depth to thickness） ratios of 960.0, 1,706.67 and 640.0 respectively were analyzed for stability when subjected to the E1 Centro earthquake at the base. The Budiansky and Roth procedure was used to find the buckling loads when the tanks were empty and when they were filled with liquid up to 90% of their depth. Also, nonlinear time history analysis using ANSYS finite element computer program was performed. Analysis results show that the dynamic buckling occurs for empty tanks at very high PGA （peak ground accelerations） which are unrealistic even for major earthquakes. Furthermore, when the tanks filled with water up to 90% of its height, analysis results show that when the H/D ratio reduced by two times （i.e., from 2 to 1）, the PGA for the buckling increased by six times （increase from 0.25g to 1 .Sg）. Hence, H/D ratio plays an important role in the earthquake stability design of over ground steel tanks.
文摘This paper is dedicated to the study of the seismic performance of an existing RC （reinforced concrete） bridge localized in a region of moderate seismicity. The bridge has six spans and piers with very different heights, three of which are monolithically connected to the deck. To understand the roles of the different pier sizes in the overall behavior, several analyses were carried out in the longitudinal direction： （1） linear dynamic approach; （2） non-linear static approach; （3） non-linear dynamic approach. Linear dynamic analysis was made in order to design the bridge for the ultimate limit state considering the largest value of the ductility factor. No safety verification was made for the other loads. Using non-linear static analyses, sensitivity was performed to check the influence of reinforcement quantities of each pier on the overall behavior of the bridge under Lisbon seismic action. For the non-linear dynamic approach, a series of strong motion records compatible with the EC-8 spectrum for Lisbon area were generated. The very same combinations of reinforcement quantities were studied. Comparisons between static and dynamic non-linear analysis were made to confirm the validity of the first one in the case under analysis, where the period of vibration is quite high.
