Structural Stress Monitoring and FEM Analysis of the Cutting Operation of the Main Bracket of A Semi-Submersible Platform

For a semi-submersible platform in repair, the eight old main brackets which connect columns with pontoons need to be replaced by new ones. In order to ensure the safety of the cutting operation of the old main bracket and calculate the initial stress condition of new main bracket, the structural stress monitoring of eight key spots is carried out, and then the calibrated finite element model is established according to the field monitoring results. Before cutting the main bracket and all associated structures, eight rectangular rosettes were installed, and a tailored cutting scheme was proposed to release the initial stress, in which the main bracket and associated column and pontoon plates were partly cut. During the cutting procedure, the strains of the monitoring spots were measured, and then the structural stress of the monitored spots were obtained. The stress variation characteristics at different spots during the initial cutting operation were shown and the initial stress condition of the monitored spots was figured out. The loading and support conditions of the semi-submersible platform were calibrated based on the measured initial stress condition, which made the finite element model more credible. The stress condition with the main bracket and associated structures being entirely cut out is analyzed by the Finite Element Method (FEM), which demonstrates the cutting operation to be safe and feasible. In addition, the calibrated finite element model can be used to calculate the initial stress condition of the new main bracket, which will be very helpful for the long-term stress monitoring on the main bracket.

Finite Element Simulations of the Localized Failure and Fracture Propagation in Cohesive Materials with Friction

Strain localization frequently occurs in cohesive materials with friction(e.g.,composites,soils,rocks)and is widely recognized as a fundamental cause of progressive structural failure.Nonetheless,achieving high-fidelity simulation for this issue,particularly concerning strong discontinuities and tension-compression-shear behaviors within localized zones,remains significantly constrained.In response,this study introduces an integrated algorithmwithin the finite element framework,merging a coupled cohesive zone model(CZM)with the nonlinear augmented finite elementmethod(N-AFEM).The coupledCZMcomprehensively describes tension-compression and compressionshear failure behaviors in cohesive,frictional materials,while the N-AFEM allows nonlinear coupled intraelement discontinuities without necessitating extra nodes or nodal DoFs.Following CZM validation using existing experimental data,this integrated algorithm was utilized to analyze soil slope failure mechanisms involving a specific tensile strength and to assess the impact of mechanical parameters(e.g.,tensile strength,weighting factor,modulus)in soils.

Two-and three-dimensional stability analysis of underground storage caverns in soft rock(Cappadocia, Turkey) by finite element method

Engineering design in soft rocks and its stability analysis exerts many challenges to rock engineers. Many engineering works in Turkey’s Cappadocia region must face and tackle the existing sites covered by the soft rocks. This study is aimed to examine the stability condition of a typical underground storage cavern(USC) excavated in a soft rock in this region. For this purpose, two-and threedimensional stability analyses of the USCs were performed using the finite element method(FEM).Because of the inherent difficulty in characterizing soft/weak rock masses in the region using traditional classification systems, the stability of a typical USC was evaluated by representing the rock mass condition with two distinct scenarios in FEM analysis.While these structures were unstable according to the 2D analysis conducted in RS2 software in the worstcase scenario, they were stable in the 3D analysis using RS3 software in both scenarios. Besides,feasible cover depths were examined to assess their possible effects on the factor of safety and deformation measurements. It was found that 15 m seems to be an optimal depth for excavating a typical USC in the soft rocks exposed in the region. The 3D FEM results provide valuable information to optimize the future planning and preliminary design of USCs.

Comparative analysis on dynamic behavior of two HMA railway substructures

A numerical analysis using a finite element program was performed on three structures： hot mix asphalt （HMA） reinforced trackbed （RACS-1）, HMA directly supported trackbed （RACS-2）, and traditional Portland Cement Concrete （PCC） slab track （SlabTrack）. Although the comprehensive dynamic responses of RACS-1 were similar with SlabTrack, HMA layer can positively affect the stress distributions. In particular, the horizontal stresses indicate that the resilience of RACS-1 was improved relative to SlabTrack. In addition, HMA reinforced substructure has the capacity to recover the residual vertical deformation. The effective depth for weakening dynamic loadings is mainly from 0 to 2 m, this being especially true at 0.5 m. The results from the analysis show that HMA is a suitable material for the railway substructure to enhance resilient performance, improve the stress distribution, weaken dynamic loading, and lower the vibration, especially at the effective depth of 2 m. The HMA constructed at the top of the stone subbase layer allows the vertical modulus a smooth transition. In terms of the comprehensive dynamic behaviors, RACS-1 is better than SlabTrack, while the results for RACS-2 are inconclusive and require further research.

Numerical Analysis and Centrifuge Modeling of Shallow Foundations

The influence of non-coaxial constitutive model on predictions of dense sand behavior is investigated in this paper. The non-coaxial model with strain softening plasticity is applied into finite-element program ABAQUS, which is first used to predict the stress-strain behavior and the non-coaxial characteristic between the orientations of the principal stress and principal plastic strain rate in simple shear tests. The model is also used to predict load settlement responses and bearing capacity factors of shallow foundations. A series of centrifuge tests for shallow foundations on saturated dense sand are performed under drained conditions and the test results are compared with the corresponding numerical results. Various footing dimensions, depths of embedment, and footing shapes are considered in these tests. In view of the load settlement relationships, the stiffness of the load-displacement curves is significantly affected by the non-coaxial model compared with those predicted by the coaxial model, and a lower value of non-coaxial modulus gives a softer response. Considering the soil behavior at failure, the coaxial model predictions of bearing capacity factors are more advanced than those of centrifuge test results and the non-coaxial model results;besides, the non-coaxial model gives better predictions. The non-coaxial model predictions are closer to those of the centrifuge results when a proper non-coaxial plastic modulus is chosen.

EFFECT OF DENTIN TUBULES ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF DENTIN PART Ⅲ: NUMERICAL ANALYSIS

Imitating a real tooth and the periodontal supporting tissues, we have established a 2D finite element model and carried out a numerical analysis based on the inhomogeneous and anisotropic (IA) stress-strain relation and strength model of dentin proposed in the preceding Parts Ⅰ and Ⅱ, and the conventional homogeneous and isotropic (HI) model, respectively. Quite a few cases of loadings for a non-defected and a defected tooth are considered. The numerical results show that the stress level predicted by the IA model is remarkably higher than that by the HI model, revealing that the effect of the dentin tubules should be taken into a serious consideration from the viewpoint of biomechanics.

Seismic performance analysis of underground structures based on random field model of soil mechanical parameters

Soils with spatial variability are the product of natural history.The mechanical properties tested by soil samples from boreholes in the same soil layer may be different.Underground structure service in surrounding soils,their seismic response is controlled by the deformation of the surrounding soils.The variability of soil mechanical parameters was not considered in the current research on the seismic response of underground structures.Therefore,a random field model was established to describe the spatial variability of surrounding soils based on the random field theory.Then the seismic response of underground structures in the random field was simulated based on the time-domain explicit global FEM analysis,and the soil mechanical parameters and earthquake intensity influencing the seismic response of surrounding soils and underground structures were studied.Numerical results presented that,the randomness of soil parameters does not change the plastic deformation mode of surrounding soils significantly.The variation coefficients of inter-story deformation of structures and lateral deformation of columns are much smaller than that of mechanical parameters,and the randomness of soil parameters has no obvious effect on the structural deformation response.

Characteristics of an Axial-flux Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine with Contra-rotating Rotors under Unbalanced Load Condition from 3-D Finite Element Analysis

During recent years,the axial-flus PMSM with contra-rotating rotors has become a hot topic in academic research due to its high efficiency and simple structure.However,its back-EMF may be distorted under the condition of different angular positions.This paper investigates characteristics of the novel motor used for contra-propeller driving.Considering the torque ripple and current oscillation under unbalanced load condition,this paper analyzes the distorted back-EMF of the machine when its two rotors get different angular positions during rotating.The analysis results are validated by transient-magnetic 3-D FEA method,which the 3-D FEA software is used to model this motor and transient simulations are carried out to obtain its magnetic characteristic and main performances.A main focus is put on the back-EMF characteristic with different angular positions between the two rotors.Furthermore,the characteristic of torque production under unbalanced load is investigated.Finally,a prototype motor is fabricated to validate the analyses of this paper.

Prototype Engineering Test Platform of ITER Magnet Gravity Support

ITER magnet gravity support （GS） has been redesigned as a structure of pre- assembled nmlti-flexible plates instead of the original welded structure. In the past several years, engineering tests of the new structure have been proposed. A prototype engineering test plat- form is being developed. In order to apply the loads/load combinations onto the test mock-up, seven hydraulic bolt tensioners in three directions have been applied to simulate various loads （forces and moments）, through which the deformation of bolts, flexible plates and clamp blocks, the stress distribution in the flexible plates, the friction between the contact surface, etc. can be monitored/tested. The measurement and control system includes seven sets of synchronization controller, a 16-channel strain gauge, 25 sets of displacement sensors, etc. Principles of EDC220 digital controller and development of multi-channel control software are also demonstrated.

Quantitative approach for damage detection of reinforced concrete frames

The objective of this paper is to provide an analytical basis for the quantitative evaluation of damage to a reinforced concrete structure based on the vibration data obtained by using the damage detection technique. A partial reinforced concrete system of a weak beam/strong column moment frame is chosen as an example. A pushover analysis is carried out in order to numerically examine both the story shear-relative displacement characteristics and the associated damage level. In the analysis, a two dimensional nonlinear finite element analysis is employed considering several constitutive models. As a result, the degradation of the stiffness at the damaged story is characterized in association with the story relative displacement. It is also pointed out that the rotation angle of the column-base is highly correlated with the story relative displacement. Based on the analytical findings, quantitative approaches for a structural health monitoring system are suggested considering both the current sensor technologies and those available in the future. Keywords nonlinear FEM analysis - structural health monitoring - reinforced concrete structure - story stiffness - rotation angle of column-base Supported by: Ministry of Education, Science, Sports and Culture, Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (Base Research (c) (1), Research No. 14550555)

Seismic assessment of two multi-tiered pagodas damaged by the 2015 Nepal earthquake

A seismic assessment of two multi-tier pagodas by numerical analysis is presented herein.The Changu Narayan temple and the Kumbeshwar temple in Nepal are used as the case studies.Both pagodas are built of brick masonry in earthen mortar,with timber columns and crossbeams.The Changu Narayan temple is a two-tier pagoda,and was seriously damaged during the 2015 Gorkha earthquake.The Kumbeshwar temple is a five-tier pagoda,and its top-tier collapsed due to the Gorkha earthquake.A seismic assessment was carried out using finite element(FE)analysis.The FE models were prepared,and dynamic identification tests and penetrometer tests were conducted.Pushover analysis and nonlinear dynamic analysis were performed as part of the seismic assessment.The main shock of the 2015 Gorkha earthquake was considered as the input accelerograms.The behavior between the two pagodas was compared with the collapse mechanisms and damage patterns observed in the actual structures.The comparison suggested common structural features of multi-tier pagodas.This study is dedicated to providing a better understanding of the seismic behavior of multi-tier pagoda-type structures and provides suggestions for their effective analysis.

Analytical and Numerical Modelling of FRP Debonding from Concrete Substrate under Pure Shearing

External bonding of fiber reinforced polymer （FRP） composites on the concrete structures has been proved to be an effective and efficient way to strengthen concrete structures. For a FRP strengthened concrete beam, it is usually observed that the failure occurs in the concrete and a thin layer of concrete is attached on the surface of the debonded FRP plate. To study the debond behavior between concrete and FRP composites, an analytical model based on the three-parameter model is developed to study the debonding behavior for the FRP-to-concrete joint under pure shearing. Then, nonlinear FEM analysis is conducted to verify the PrOposed analytical model. The FEM results shows good agreement with the results from the model. Finally, with the analytical model, sensitivity analyses are performed to study the effect of the interracial parameters or the ~eometric parameters on the debondin~ behavior.

Numerical determination for optimal location of sub-track asphalt layer in high-speed rails

Well-graded asphalt mix with the merits of high sound absorption, low water permeability, excellent strength, and easy construction is an important option for high-speed railway substructures. On the basis of finite element method, a model with conventional ballasted trackbed （To） and four ballasted trackbeds models with different positions of asphalt layer were analyzed, in which 15 cm thick asphalt layer was used to replace the different sub-track layers, the bottom and the top of upper subgrade and of ballasted trackbed, named as Tb T2, T3, and T4, respectively. The results showed that the range of peak vertical accelerations on the top of subgrade surface of T2 and T4 were smaller than T1 and T3; T1 and T2 perform better in decreasing the maximum vertical deformation of subgrade than T3 and T4; the maximum transversal tensile strain of T4 is almost twice than the other three. The trackbed bears more stress when the asphalt layer is located at the lower part of railway trackbed.

Effect of cutting speed on residual stress of special coating during remanufacturing

To study the residual stress of the special coating at different cutting speeds, the cutting of FeA1CrBSiNb coating is analyzed with the finite element method （FEM） and experiment according to the coating characteristics. The CNC machine tool is used to cut the coating and the X-ray stress equipment is used to measure the residual stress of coating. The experimental and FEM results agree with each other. Also, the residual-stress coating depth is deeper and the residual stress of the coating surface is larger with increasing cutting speed. In addition, the residual stress of the coating surface is in the suppression state affected by axial residual stress and circumferential residual stress, and the residual stress of the deeper coating is in the tensile state based on the original state of arc spraying and cutting process.

Constitutive Relationship of New Steel 33Mn2V and Its Application in Piercing Process by FEM Simulation

Based on test data from the hot forge experiments on Gleeble 1500, a Kumar type constitutive equation for 33Mn2V steel is established. Applying this constitutive equation in commercial FEM software of MSC/SuperForm 2005, the piercing process of 33Mn2V steel in Mannesmann mill is then simulated. The modeling results visualized the dynamic evolution of equivalent stress, especially inside the workpieee. It is shown that the non-uniform distribu- tion of stress on the internal and external surface of the workpiece is a distinct characteristic of processing tube pierc- ing. The numerical model was verified by comparing the values of calculated force parameters of the piercing process with those measured in laboratory eonditions. And it shows that the Kumar-type constitutive relationship meets the practical needs.

Seismic response reduction of a three-story building by an MR grease damper

This paper describes an application of mag- neto-rheological （MR） grease dampers as seismic dampers for a three-story steel structure. MR fluid is widely known as a smart material with rheological properties that can be varied by magnetic field strength. This material has been applied to various types of devices, such as dampers, clutches, and engine mounts. However, the ferromagnetic particles dispersed in MR fluid settle out of the suspension after a certain interval because of the density difference between the particles and their carrier fluid. To overcome this defect, we developed a new type of controllable working fluid using grease as the carrier of magnetic particles. MR grease was introduced into a cylindrical damper, and the seismic performance of the damper was subsequently studied via numerical analysis. The analysis results of the MR grease damper were compared with those of other seismic dampers. We confirmed that the MR grease damper is an effective seismic damper.

Confined masonry as practical seismic construction alternative-the experience from the 2014 Cephalonia Earthquake

During August 1953 three strong earthquakes of magnitude ranging from 6.3 to 7.2 shook the Ionian Island of Cephalonia （Kefalonia）, Greece, and destroyed almost the entire building stock of the Island which consisted primarily of traditional unreinforced masonry （URM） houses. The authorities went on to restructuring of the building stock, using a structural system that is most like what is known today as confined masonry. They designed about 14 types of one- to two-storey buildings providing the engineers with detailed construction plans. These buildings are known as ＂Arogi＂ buildings （Arogi in Greek meaning Aid）. On the 24th of January and 3rd of February 2014, two earthquakes of magnitude 6.1 and 6.0 struck the island, causing significant soil damages, developing excessively high ground accelerations. Surprisingly, no damage was reported in the ＂Arogi＂ buildings. The seismic behavior of the buildings is examined by FEM linear analysis and it is compared to that of URM structures. Computed results illustrate that the displacements of identical URM buildings would be about twice the magnitudes observed in the corresponding ＂Arogi＂ ones, with the implication that the earthquake sequence of 2014 would have caused critical damage should the type of structure be of the URM type. Furthermore, it is illustrated that this low cost alternative method of construction is a very effective means of producing earthquake resilient structures, whereas further reduction of seismic displacement may be achieved in the order of 50% with commensurate effects on damage potential, when reinforced slabs are used to replace the timber roofs.

Comparison of diaphragm wall movement prediction and field performance for different construction techniques

The demand for deep excavation for basement construction is growing rapidly in Bangkok due to the limited availability of land.Recently,the maximum depth of excavation has increased up to approximately25 m.Deep excavation in Bangkok subsoils requires consideration of the soil conditions and the real piezometric level of ground water.In general,Bangkok subsoil consists of 13~16 m of thick,dark grey soft-to-medium clay,followed by stiff,silty clay,before the first sand layer at 21~30 m.The piezometric level of ground water has risen to13 m from its previous level of23 m due to the control of deep well pumping for twenty years by the Thai Government.A diaphragm wall is normally used as a soil retaining structure.The behavior and performance of a diaphragm wall is usually predicted by the finite element method(FEM)using Mohr-Coulomb soil modeling as failure criteria,with the soil modulus parameters for soft and stiff Bangkok clay from the self-boring pressuremeter test.This paper presents a comparison between the diaphragm wall movements from FEM analysis predictions and field measurements for two projects,the new Bank of Thailand head office and the Rosewood Hotel,which were constructed with different techniques.The predicted movement agreed well with the field measurements.