Independent continuous mapping for topological optimization of frame structures

Based on the Independent Continuous Mapping method （ICM）, a topological optimization model with continuous topological variables is built by introducing three filter functions for element weight, element allowable stress and element stiffness, which transform the 0-1 type discrete topological variables into continuous topological variables between 0 and 1. Two methods for the filter functions are adopted to avoid the structural singularity and recover falsely deleted elements： the weak material element method and the tiny section element method. Three criteria （no structural singularity, no violated constraints and no change of structural weight） are introduced to judge iteration convergence. These criteria allow finding an appropriate threshold by adjusting a discount factor in the iteration procedure. To improve the efficiency, the original optimization model is transformed into a dual problem according to the dual theory and solved in its dual space. By using MSC/Nastran as the structural solver and MSC/Patran as the developing platform, a topological optimization software of frame structures is accomplished. Numerical examples show that the ICM method is very efficient for the topological optimization of frame structures.

Evaluation of collapse resistance of RC frame structures for Chinese schools in seismic design categories B and C

According to the Code for Seismic Design of Buildings （GB50011-2001）, ten typical reinforced concrete （RC） frame structures, used as school classroom buildings, are designed with different seismic fortification intensities （SFIs） （SFI=6 to 8.5） and different seismic design categories （SDCs） （SDC=B and C）. The collapse resistance of the frames with SDC=B and C in terms of collapse fragility curves are quantitatively evaluated and compared via incremental dynamic analysis （IDA）. The results show that the collapse resistance of structures should be evaluated based on both the absolute seismic resistance and the corresponding design seismic intensity. For the frames with SFI from 6 to 7.5, because they have relatively low absolute seismic resistance, their collapse resistance is insufficient even when their corresponding SDCs are upgraded from B to C. Thus, further measures are needed to enhance these structures, and some suggestions are proposed.

Numerical Simulation of Dynamic Response and Collapse for Steel Frame Structures Subjected to Blast Load

The progressive collapse of steel frame structures under the blast load was investigated using LS-DYNA. The multi-material Eulerian and Lagrangian coupling algorithm was adopted. A flu-id-structure coupling finite element model was established which consists of Lagrange element for simulating steel frame structures and concrete ground, multiple ALE element for simulating air and TNT explosive material. Numerical simulations of the blast pressure wave propagation, struc-tural dynamic responses and deformation, and progressive collapse of a five-story steel frame structure in the event of an explosion near above ground were performed. The numerical analysis showed that the Lagrangian and Eulerian coupling algorithm gave good simulations of the shock wave propagation in the mediums and blast load effects on the structure. The columns subjected to blast load may collapse by shear yielding rather than by flexural deformation. The columns and joints of steel beam to column in the front steel frame structure generated enormous plastic defor-mation subjected to intensive blast waves, and columns lost carrying capacity, subsequently lead-ing to the collapse of the whole structure. The approach coupling influence between struc-tural deformation and fluid load well simulated the progressive collapse process of structures, and provided an effective tool for analyzing the collapse mechanism of the steel frame structure under blast load.

Improved modal truncation error in the directly analytical method for damage identification of frame structures

The damage identification is made by the numerical simulation analysis of a five-storey-and-two-span RC frame structure, using improved and unimproved direct analytical method respectively; and the fundamental equations were solved by the minimal least square method （viz. general inverse method）. It demonstrates that the feasibility and the accuracy of the present approach were impoved significantly, compared with the result of unimproved damage identification.

Research on the direct damage-based seismic design method of RC frame structures

Based on the existing research, this paper presents an innovative methodology to realize direct damage-based seismic design for RC frame structures by mobilizing ESDOF theory and the damage-based strength reduction factor（RD factor）. A design example is then followed to verify this method.

Self-centering seismic retrofit scheme for reinforced concrete frame structures:SDOF system study

This paper presents the results of a parametric study of self-centering seismic retrofit schemes for reinforced concrete (RC) frame buildings. The self-centering retrofit system features flag-shaped hysteresis and minimal residual deformation. For comparison purpose,an alternate seismic retrofit scheme that uses a bilinear-hysteresis retrofit system such as buckling-restrained braces (BRB) is also considered in this paper. The parametric study was carried out in a single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) system framework since a multi-story building structure may be idealized as an equivalent SDOF system and investigation of the performance of this equivalent SDOF system can provide insight into the seismic response of the multi-story building. A peak-oriented hysteresis model which can consider the strength and stiffness degradation is used to describe the hysteretic behavior of RC structures. The parametric study involves two key parameters -the strength ratio and elastic stiffness ratio between the seismic retrofit system and the original RC frame. An ensemble of 172 earthquake ground motion records scaled to the design basis earthquake in California with a probability of exceedance of 10% in 50 years was constructed for the simulation-based parametric study. The effectiveness of the two seismic retrofit schemes considered in this study is evaluated in terms of peak displacement ratio,peak acceleration ratio,energy dissipation demand ratio and residual displacement ratio between the SDOF systems with and without retrofit. It is found from this parametric study that RC structures retrofitted with the self-centering retrofit scheme (SCRS) can achieve a seismic performance level comparable to the bilinear-hysteresis retrofit scheme (BHRS) in terms of peak displacement and energy dissipation demand ratio while having negligible residual displacement after earthquake.

Concurrent multi-scale design optimization of composite frame structures using the Heaviside penalization of discrete material model

This paper deals with the concurrent multi-scale optimization design of frame structure composed of glass or carbon fiber reinforced polymer laminates. In the composite frame structure, the fiber winding angle at the micro-material scale and the geometrical parameter of components of the frame in the macro-structural scale are introduced as the independent variables on the two geometrical scales. Considering manufacturing requirements, discrete fiber winding angles are specified for the micro design variable. The improved Heaviside penalization discrete material optimization interpolation scheme has been applied to achieve the discrete optimization design of the fiber winding angle. An optimization model based on the minimum structural compliance and the specified fiber material volume constraint has been established. The sensitivity information about the two geometrical scales design variables are also deduced considering the characteristics of discrete fiber winding angles. The optimization results of the fiber winding angle or the macro structural topology on the two single geometrical scales, together with the concurrent two-scale optimization, is separately studied and compared in the paper. Numerical examples in the paper show that the concurrent multi-scale optimization can further explore the coupling effect between the macro-structure and micro-material of the composite to achieve an ultralight design of the composite frame structure. The novel two geometrical scales optimization model provides a new opportunity for the design of composite structure in aerospace and other industries.

New Factor to Characterize Mechanism of “Strong Column-Weak Beam” of RC Frame Structures

Most reinforced concrete(RC)frame structures did not achieve the "strong column-weak beam" failure mode in recent big earthquakes, resulting in a large number of casualties and significant property loss. To deal with this serious problem, a new column-beam relative factor was proposed to characterize the relative yield situation of column ends and beam ends. By limiting the column-beam relative factor, RC frame structures could achieve the "strong column-weak beam" failure mode under the excitation of strong ground motions. The limit values of column-beam relative factor were calculated, analyzed and verified by using structural simulation models for corner columns in the bottom story of structures, which are destroyed most seriously in earthquakes. The results show that the limit values should be analyzed under bi-directional ground motion and with different axial compression ratios of columns. The peak ground acceleration(PGA)of ground motions has no significant effect on the limit values, while the type of strong ground motions has a significant effect on the limit values.

Estimation of Aleatory Randomness by S_(a)(T_(1))-Based Intensity Measures in Fragility Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Frame Structures

Based on the multiple stripes analysis method,an investigation of the estimation of aleatory randomness by S_(a)(T_(1))-based intensity measures(IMs)in the fragility analysis is carried out for two typical low-and mediumrise reinforced concrete(RC)frame structures with 4 and 8 stories,respectively.The sensitivity of the aleatory randomness estimated in fragility curves to various S_(a)(T_(1))-based IMs is analyzed at three damage limit states,i.e.,immediate occupancy,life safety,and collapse prevention.In addition,the effect of characterization methods of bidirectional ground motion intensity on the record-to-record variability is investigated.It is found that the damage limit state of the structure has an important influence on the applicability of the ground motion IM.The S_(a)(T_(1))-based IMs,considering the effect of softened period,can maintain lower record-to-record variability in the three limit states,and the S_(a)(T_(1))-based IMs,considering the effect of higher modes,do not show their advantage over S_(a)(T_(1)).Furthermore,the optimal multiplier C and exponentαin the dual-parameter ground motion IM are proposed to obtain a lower record-to-record variability in the fragility analysis of different damage limit state.Finally,the improved dual-parameter ground motion IM is applied in the risk assessment of the 8-story frame structure.

Seismic performance and resilience of composite damping self-centering braced frame structures

A magnetorheological self-centering brace(MR–SCB)has been proposed to improve the energy dissipation capability of the brace.In this paper,a 15-story MR–SCB braced frame is numerically analyzed to examine its seismic performance and resilience.The MR–SCB provides higher lateral stiffness than the buckling restrained brace and greater energy dissipation capability than the existing self-centering brace.The brace also exhibits a reliable recentering capacity.Under rare earthquakes,the maximum average residual deformation ratio of the structure is less than the 0.5%limit.Under mega earthquakes,the maximum average interstory drift ratio of the structure does not exceed the 2.0%elastoplastic limit,and its maximum average floor acceleration ratio is 1.57.The effects of mainshock and aftershock on the structural behavior are also investigated.The interstory drift and residual deformation of the structure increase with the increase of the intensity of the aftershock.Under aftershocks with the same intensity as the mainshocks,the maximum increment of the residual deformation ratio of the structure is 81.8%,and the average interstory drift ratios of the 12^(th),7^(th),and 3^(rd)stories of the structure are increased by 13.4%,9.2%and 7.5%,respectively.The strong aftershock may significantly cause increased damage to the structure,and increase its collapse risk and residual deformation.

Realization of the global yield mechanism of RC frame structures by redesigning the columns using column tree method

Global failure mechanism, i.e., the strong-column weak-beam mechanism, can provide higher total energy dissipation capacity with less ductility demand on components than other failure modes, and results in a more uniform story drift distribution and higher resistance to earthquake loads at the system level. However, the current code-based elastic design method cannot guarantee the global failure mechanism of frame structures under severe earthquakes. In this paper, a simple, but practical design procedure is proposed to ensure the global failure mechanism of reinforced concrete(RC) frame structures by redesigning the columns using the column tree method(CTM). CTM considers the yield limit state of all beams and column bases. The code-based design is firstly carried out to determine the section information of all beams and base columns. Then, the internal force demands applied on the column tree can be derived. Lastly, the column moments, shear forces and axial forces are determined according to the free-body diagram of CTM to finish the column redesign. Two RC frame structures with 6 and 12 stories are illustrated to verify the design procedure. The analytical results demonstrate the proposed approach can realize the global failure mechanism.

Method of reverberation ray matrix for static analysis of planar framed structures composed of anisotropic Timoshenko beam members

Based on the method of reverberation ray matrix（MRRM）, a reverberation matrix for planar framed structures composed of anisotropic Timoshenko（T） beam members containing completely hinged joints is developed for static analysis of such structures.In the MRRM for dynamic analysis, amplitudes of arriving and departing waves for joints are chosen as unknown quantities. However, for the present case of static analysis, displacements and rotational angles at the ends of each beam member are directly considered as unknown quantities. The expressions for stiffness matrices for anisotropic beam members are developed. A corresponding reverberation matrix is derived analytically for exact and unified determination on the displacements and internal forces at both ends of each member and arbitrary cross sectional locations in the structure. Numerical examples are given and compared with the finite element method（FEM） results to validate the present model. The characteristic parameter analysis is performed to demonstrate accuracy of the present model with the T beam theory in contrast with errors in the usual model based on the Euler-Bernoulli（EB） beam theory. The resulting reverberation matrix can be used for exact calculation of anisotropic framed structures as well as for parameter analysis of geometrical and material properties of the framed structures.

Selection and modification of ground motion records using Newmark-Hall spectrum as target spectrum for long-period structures

Input ground motions have significant impacts on the uncertainty of structural responses in time-history analysis.In this study,records were selected and scaled for the evaluation of mean structural responses according to the target spectrum.The Newmark-Hall spectrum is closely related to seismic response of short,medium and long-period structures,so it was taken as the target spectrum here.The nonlinear time-history analyses of 9-story and 20-story steel moment-resisting frame structures were carried out as examples.They represent medium and long-period buildings,respectively.Three target spectra with risk of 50%,10%and 2%probabilities for exceedance in 50 years were calculated by the average Newmark-Hall spectrum method for three ground motion sets developed in the SAC Steel Project.The predicted structural mean responses of these Newmark-Hall spectra were compared with those calculated by the average spectral acceleration method for the same record set.It is found that both methods have similar accuracy for estimating the structural mean response.However,the method proposed herein is more effective in reducing the variability of the structural responses.Also,the proposed method is more advantageous for the time-history analysis of long-period structures or structures with more severe nonlinear responses under strong seismic excitations.

A New Non-uniform Beam Element and Its Application to Buckling Analysis for Framed Structures

The non-uniform beam components are commonly used in engineering,while the method to analyze such component is not too satisfactory yet. A new non-uniform beam element with high precision was developed based on the non-linear analysis and the static condensation. Based on the interpolation theory, the displacement fields of the three-node non-uniform Euler-Bernoulli beam element were constructed at first: the quintic Hermite interpolation polynomial was used for the lateral displacement field and the quadratic Lagrange interpolation polynomial for the axial displacement field. Then,based on the basic assumptions of non-uniform Euler-Bernoulli beam whose section properties were continuously varying along its centroidal axis, the linear and geometric stiffness matrices of the three-node non-uniform beam element were derived according to the nonlinear finite element theory. Finally,the degrees of freedom ( DOFs) of the middle node of the element were eliminated using the static condensation method, and a new two-node non-uniform beam element including axial-force effect was obtained. The results indicate that each bar needs to be meshed with only one element could get a fairly accurate solution when it is applied to the stability analyses.

Experimental and Numerical Study on Progressive Collapse Analysis of a Glulam Frame Structure:I.Side Column Exposed to Fire

This paper presents experimental and numerical investigations on progressive collapse behavior of a two-story glulam frame when the side column is exposed to ISO834 standard fire.The collapse mechanism initiated by fire is identified.The experimental results show that the progressive collapse of a glulam frame could be described for three stages,namely bending effect stage,catenary effect stage and failure stage,respectively.These stages are discussed in detail to understand the structural behavior before and during collapse.It is demonstrated that the entire frame slopes towards the side of the heated column,and the“overturning”collapse occurs eventually.The catenary effect of beams is the main reason for the progressive collapse of the frame.In addition,a finite element model of a glulam frame is established to simulate the progressive collapse behavior.The effects of axial loads on the columns are summarized.The numerical simulation results agree well with the experimental results,which could verify the effectiveness and practicability of finite element simulation.Furthermore,the progressive collapse resistance of the frame in practical design were proposed.

Response Spectrum Analysis of 7-story Assembled Frame Structure with Energy Dissipation System

Viscoelastic damper is an effective passive damping device,which can reduce the seismic response of the structure by increasing the damping and dissipating the vibration energy of structures.It has a wide application prospect in actual structural vibration control because of simple device and economical material.In view of the poor seismic behaviors of assembled frame structure connections,various energy dissipation devices are proposed to improve the seismic performance.The finite element numerical analysis method is adopted to analyze relevant energy dissipation structural parameters.The response spectrum of a 7-story assembled frame structure combined the ordinary steel support,ordinary viscoelastic damper,and viscoelastic damper with displacement amplification device is analyzed.The analysis results show that the mechanical behavior of assembled frame structure with ordinary steel supports are not significantly different from those without energy dissipation devices.The assembled frame structure with viscoelastic damper has better seismic performance and energy dissipation,especially for the viscoelastic damper with displacement amplification devices.The maximum value of inter-story displacement angle decreases by 32.24%;the maximum floor displacement decreases by 31.91%,and the base shear decreases by 13.62%compared with the assembled frame structures without energy dissipation devices.The results show that the seismic fortification ability of the structure is significantly improved,and the overall structure is more uniformly stressed.The damping structure with viscoelastic damper mainly reduces the dynamic response of the structure by increasing the damping coefficient,rather than by changing the natural vibration period of the structure.This paper provides an effective theoretical basis and reference for improving the energy dissipation system and the seismic performance of assembled frame structures.

Discussion on Construction Technology and Welding Deformation of High-Rise Steel Frame Structure

Because of urbanization,land resources in China’s cities has become increasingly scarce.Therefore,modern buildings are becoming taller,making high-rise steel frame structures the new favorite of the construction industry.However,the construction of high-rise steel frame structures requires advanced technology.If the construction technology is effectively implemented and the welding techniques of the construction personnel align with the requirements for high-rise steel frame structures,it can help mitigate deformations in the steel structure,thus preserving the overall construction quality of high-rise steel frame structures.To enhance the applicability of steel frame structures in high-rise buildings,this paper focuses on analyzing the optimization path for the construction process of high-rise steel frame structures.It introduces a tailored approach to control welding-induced deformations in steel frame structures,aiming to make a valuable contribution to the advancement of China’s construction industry.

METHOD BASED ON DUAL-QUADRATIC PROGRAMMING FOR FRAME STRUCTURAL OPTIMIZATION WITH LARGE SCALE

The optimality criteria （OC） method and mathematical programming （MP） were combined to found the sectional optimization model of frame structures. Different methods were adopted to deal with the different constraints. The stress constraints as local constraints were approached by zero-order approximation and transformed into movable sectional lower limits with the full stress criterion. The displacement constraints as global constraints were transformed into explicit expressions with the unit virtual load method. Thus an approximate explicit model for the sectional optimization of frame structures was built with stress and displacement constraints. To improve the resolution efficiency, the dual-quadratic programming was adopted to transform the original optimization model into a dual problem according to the dual theory and solved iteratively in its dual space. A method called approximate scaling step was adopted to reduce computations and smooth the iterative process. Negative constraints were deleted to reduce the size of the optimization model. With MSC/Nastran software as structural solver and MSC/Patran software as developing platform, the sectional optimization software of frame structures was accomplished, considering stress and displacement constraints. The examples show that the efficiency and accuracy are improved.

Nonlinear Time History Analysis for the Different Column Orientations under Seismic Wave Synthetic Approach

The significant impact of earthquakes on human lives and the built environment underscores the extensive human and economic losses caused by structural collapses. Over the years, researchers have focused on improving seismic design to mitigate earthquake-induced damages and enhance structural performance. In this study, a specific reinforced concrete (RC) frame structure at Kyungpook National University, designed for educational purposes, is analyzed as a representative case. Utilizing SAP 2000, the research conducts a nonlinear time history analysis to assess the structural performance under seismic conditions. The primary objective is to evaluate the influence of different column section designs, while maintaining identical column section areas, on structural behavior. The study employs two distinct seismic waves from Abeno (ABN) and Takatori (TKT) for the analysis, comparing the structural performance under varying seismic conditions. Key aspects examined include displacement, base shear force, base moment, joint radians, and layer displacement angle. This research is anticipated to serve as a valuable reference for seismic restraint reinforcement work on RC buildings, enriching the methods used for evaluating structures through nonlinear time history analysis based on the synthetic seismic wave approach.

Investigation on seismic response of a three-stage soil slope supported by anchor frame structure

Based on a typical prototype of a soil slope in engineering practice, a numerical model of a three-stage soil slope supported by the anchor frame structure was established by means of FLAC3D code. The dynamic responses of three-stage soil slope and frame structure were studied by performing a series of bidirectional Wenchuan motions in terms of the failure mode of three-stage structure, the acceleration of soil slope, the displacement of frame structure, and the anchor stress of frame structure. The response accelerations in both horizontal and vertical directions are the most largely amplified at the slope top of each stage subjected to different shaking cases. The platforms among the stages reduce the amplification effect of response acceleration. The residual displacement of frame structure increases significantly as the intensity of shaking case increases. The frame structure at each stage presents a combined displacement mode consisting of a translation and a rotation around the vertex. The anchor stress of frame structure is mainly increased by the first intense pulse of Wenchuan seismic wave, and it is sensitive to the intensity of shaking case. The anchor stress of frame structure at the first stage is the most considerably enlarged by earthquake loading.