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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. .

Damping characteristics of friction damped braced frame and its effectiveness in the mega-sub controlled structure system

Based on energy dissipation and structural control principle, a new structural configuration, called the megasub controlled structure （MSCS） with friction damped braces （FDBs）, is first presented. Meanwhile, to calculate the damping coefficient in the slipping state a new analytical method is proposed. The damping characteristics of one-storey friction damped braced frame （FDBF） are investigated, and the influence of the structural parameters on the energy dissipation and the practical engineering design are discussed. The nonlinear dynamic equations and the analytical model of the MSCS with FDBs are established. Three building structures with different structural configurations, which were designed with reference to the conventional mega-sub structures such as used in Tokyo City Hall, are comparatively investigated. The results illustrate that the structure presented in the paper has excellent dynamic properties and satisfactory control effectiveness.

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.

Response of a 2-story test-bed structure for the seismic evaluation of nonstructural systems

A full-scale, two-story, two-by-one bay, steel braced-frame was subjected to a number of unidirectional ground motions using three shake tables at the UNR-NEES site. The test-bed frame was designed to study the seismic performance of nonstructural systems including steel-framed gypsum partition walls, suspended ceilings and fire sprinkler systems. The frame can be configured to perform as an elastic or inelastic system to generate large floor accelerations or large inter story drift, respectively. In this study, the dynamic performance of the linear and nonlinear test-beds was comprehensively studied. The seismic performance of nonstructural systems installed in the linear and nonlinear test-beds were assessed during extreme excitations. In addition, the dynamic interactions of the test-bed and installed nonstructural systems are investigated.

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.

Internal brace与带线锚钉通过改良Broström术治疗慢性踝关节不稳的疗效对比

目的比较internal brace(IB)与带线锚钉通过改良Broström术治疗慢性踝关节不稳的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析2019年5月至2022年2月在桂林市人民医院本院关节骨科行手术治疗的42例慢性踝关节外侧不稳患者资料,根据距腓前韧带修补所用材料的不同将患者分为IB组(19例)和带线锚钉组(23例)。比较两组患者一般资料、手术时间、并发症发生率、术后完全负重行走时间、术后恢复跑步的时间、美国足踝外科协会(American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society,AOFAS)踝-后足功能评分、视觉模拟评分法(visual analog scale,VAS)评分。结果所有患者术后均获得随访,随访时间12~18个月,平均(13.8±5.3)个月。两组患者基线资料差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);两组各有1例术口拆线后再出现渗液,换药后愈合;两组各有2例术口区域感觉障碍,除IB组有1例术后半年仍未完全恢复外,其余3例术后2~3个月恢复;IB组患者术后6周随访时AOFAS评分优于带线锚钉组,差异有统计学意义(t=2.239,P=0.025),但术后6周时VAS评分比较差异无统计学意义(t=0.308,P=0.760);末次随访时AOFAS评分和VAS评分比较,两组之间差异无统计学意义(t=0.045,P=0.965;t=0.203,P=0.840);IB组术后完全负重行走时间、术后恢复跑步的时间显著早于带线锚钉组,差异有统计学意义(t=26.566,P<0.01;t=4.838,P<0.01)。结论IB与带线锚钉通过改良Broström术开放治疗慢性踝关节不稳的临床疗效满意,且使用IB在早期康复和重返运动方面优于带线锚钉。

Inelastic displacement ratio of low-to mid-rise BRBFs designed under variable levels of seismicity

Buckling-restrained braces(BRBs)have shown their capability to provide building structures with stiffness,strength,and ductility.Estimating the seismic drifts of buckling-restrained braced frames(BRBFs)is an important design step to control structural and non-structural damage.In current practice of seismic design,the estimation of seismic drifts of BRBFs is performed by using empirical calculations that are independent upon either the type of the structural system or the design level of seismicity.In these empirical calculations,the seismic drifts are estimated by amplifying the reduced elastic drifts obtained under design lateral loading with a displacement amplification factor(DAF).The value of DAF is considered equal to the product of the response modification factor R and the inelastic displacement ratioρ.The goal of the current research is to assess the value ofρfor low-to mid-rise BRBFs designed under low and high levels of seismicity.This goal has been achieved by conducting a series of elastic and inelastic time-history analyses pertaining to an ensemble of earthquake records on 3-,6-and 9-story BRBFs.The results indicate that theρ-ratio increases with an increase in design seismic intensity and an increase in experienced inelasticity.The range ofρfor low seismicity designs ranges from 0.63 to 0.9,while for high seismicity designs this range stretches from 0.83 to 1.29.It has been found that the consideration of a generalρ-ratio of 1.0 is a reasonable estimation for the design of the BRBFs considered in this study.

Evaluation of the Surgical Treatment of Patella Fractures in 17 Cases in the Orthopedic-Traumatology Department of the University Hospital Center of Donka, Republic of Guinea

Objectives: To determine the epidemiological, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects. Methodology: This was a retrospective study, from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2018, on the files of patients aged 16 and over, admitted for patella fractures, treated surgically and followed up in our service. Results: The study involved 17 patients including 15 men (88.24%) and 02 women (11.76%) with an average age of 36.65 years. Workers were the most represented (29.42%);AVP were the leading cause of these fractures (52.94%). The fractures were open in 70.58% of cases. Associated lesions were dominated by femur fractures in 29.42%. Duparc type II was the most encountered bone lesion with 47.06% of cases. All our patients benefited from regional anesthesia. Bracing was the most used surgical treatment in 58.83%;the anterior approach was performed in all our patients. Four (04) cases of knee stiffness, two (02) postoperative infections and skin necrosis complicated the short and medium term consequences. After a two-year follow-up, radiologically one case of pseudarthrosis and one case of patellofemoral osteoarthritis were noted. According to the Bosman score, we found 17.65% excellent, 47.06% good and 35.29% poor functional results. Conclusion: Patella fractures are relatively rare. Treatment is primarily surgical for transverse and/or displaced fractures;Bracing is the osteosynthesis technique of choice. However, knee stiffness, pseudarthrosis and patellofemoral osteoarthritis are not uncommon.

一类brace中的thin边

证明若一个brace含有一个四圈C_(4),且该四圈中包含两个相邻的三度点,则该brace至少有一条thin边在该C_(4)中.

Efficiency of the motion amplification device with viscous dampers and its application in high-rise buildings

After nearly a decade of application and investigation, a motion amplification device with viscous dampers for energy dissipation has been recognized as an effective solution to mitigate wind or seismic excitation, especially for stiff structural systems. As a result of compensation of amplified motion, it has been proved that the efficiency of viscous damper largely depends on the motion amplification device configuration, particularly for device stiflhess. In this paper, a ＂scissor-jack＂ type of motion amplification device, called a ＂toggle brace damper＂ system, is studied. It is demonstrated that the efficiency of such a device reflected by its amplification factor is not merely a function of its geometric configuration, but is highly dependent on the support elements＇ stiffness as well, similar to the mechanism of a leverage arm. Accordingly, a mathematical model in terms of complex modulus of the viscous damper with consideration of the support brace＇s stiffness is established. The results indicate that the efficiency of the motion amplification device with viscous dampers significantly depends on the stiffness of the support elements. Other parameters, such as toggle brace configuration and damping values of the viscous damper, are studied and compared. As an application example, numerical analyses are conducted to study the dynamic performance of a 39-story office tower installed with toggle brace dampers constructed on soft soil in a reclaimed area, under a combined effect of the vortex shedding of an adjacent existing 52-story building and earthquakes. The results show that viscous dampers with a motion amplification system using a properly designed toggle brace device proved to be an effective solution to alleviate the external excitations.

Ductility demands on buckling-restrained braced frames under earthquake loading

Accurate estimates of ductility demands on buckling-restrained braced frames(BRBFs)are crucial to performance-based design of BRBFs.An analytical study on the seismic behavior of BRBFs has been conducted at the ATLSS Center,Lehigh University to prepare for an upcoming experimental program.The analysis program DRAIN-2DX was used to model a one-bay,four-story prototype BRBF including material and geometric nonlinearities.The buckling- restrained brace(BRB)model incorporates both isotropic and kinematic hardening.Nonlinear static pushover and time- history analyses were performed on the prototype BRBF.Performance objectives for the BRBs were defined and used to evaluate the time-history analysis results.Particular emphasis was placed on global ductility demands and ductility demands on the BRBs.These demands were compared with anticipated ductility capacities.The analysis results,along with results from similar previous studies,are used to evaluate the BRBF design provisions that have been recommended for codification in the United States.The results show that BRB maximum ductility demands can be as high as 20 to 25.These demands significantly exceed those anticipated by the BRBF recommended provisions.Results from the static pushover and time- history analyses are used to demonstrate why the ductility demands exceed those anticipated by the recommended provisions. The BRB qualification testing protocol contained in the BRBF recommended provisions is shown to be inadequate because it requires only a maximum ductility demand of at most 7.5.Modifications to the testing protocol are recommended.

Mathematical modeling and full-scale shaking table tests for multi-curve buckling restrained braces

Buckling restrained braces （BRBs） have been widely applied in seismic mitigation since they were introduced in the 1970s. However, traditional BRBs have several disadvantages caused by using a steel tube to envelope the mortar to prevent the core plate from buckling, such as： complex interfaces between the materials used, uncertain precision, and time consumption during the manufacturing processes. In this study, a new device called the multi-curve buckling restrained brace （MC-BRB） is proposed to overcome these disadvantages. The new device consists of a core plate with multiple neck portions assembled to form multiple energy dissipation segments, and the enlarged segment, lateral support elements and constraining elements to prevent the BRB from buckling. The enlarged segment located in the middle of the core plate can be welded to the lateral support and constraining elements to increase buckling resistance and to prevent them from sliding during earthquakes. Component tests and a series of shaking table tests on a full-scale steel structure equipped with MC-BRBs were carried out to investigate the behavior and capability of this new BRB design for seismic mitigation. The experimental results illustrate that the MC-BRB possesses a stable mechanical behavior under cyclic loadings and provides good protection to structures during earthquakes. Also, a mathematical model has been developed to simulate the mechanical characteristics of BRBs.