Performance-based seismic design of nonstructural building components:The next frontier of earthquake engineering

With the development and implementation of performance-based earthquake engineering,harmonization of performance levels between structural and nonstructural components becomes vital. Even if the structural components of a building achieve a continuous or immediate occupancy performance level after a seismic event,failure of architectural,mechanical or electrical components can lower the performance level of the entire building system. This reduction in performance caused by the vulnerability of nonstructural components has been observed during recent earthquakes worldwide. Moreover,nonstructural damage has limited the functionality of critical facilities,such as hospitals,following major seismic events. The investment in nonstructural components and building contents is far greater than that of structural components and framing. Therefore,it is not surprising that in many past earthquakes,losses from damage to nonstructural components have exceeded losses from structural damage. Furthermore,the failure of nonstructural components can become a safety hazard or can hamper the safe movement of occupants evacuating buildings,or of rescue workers entering buildings. In comparison to structural components and systems,there is relatively limited information on the seismic design of nonstructural components. Basic research work in this area has been sparse,and the available codes and guidelines are usually,for the most part,based on past experiences,engineering judgment and intuition,rather than on objective experimental and analytical results. Often,design engineers are forced to start almost from square one after each earthquake event: to observe what went wrong and to try to prevent repetitions. This is a consequence of the empirical nature of current seismic regulations and guidelines for nonstructural components. This review paper summarizes current knowledge on the seismic design and analysis of nonstructural building components,identifying major knowledge gaps that will need to be filled by future research. Furthermore,considering recent trends in earthquake engineering,the paper explores how performance-based seismic design might be conceived for nonstructural components,drawing on recent developments made in the field of seismic design and hinting at the specific considerations required for nonstructural components.

Design Mode for Component-based Virtual Plant Software

According to the morphological structure characteristics of plants, the de- velopment mode for component-based virtual plants software was put forward, and the internal structure of plant organs component under this mode were analyzed, thereby, the overall design mode for virtual plants software was given out, and its characteristics were estimated. Compared with traditional development modes of virtual plants software, component-based virtual plants software had significant advantages in code reusing, development efficiency and expansion of software functions.

Design, Analysis and R&D of the EAST In-Vessel Components

In-vessel components are important parts of the EAST superconducting tokamak. They include the plasma facing components, passive plates, cryo-pumps, in-vessel coils, etc. The structural design, analysis and related R＆D have been completed. The divertor is designed in an up-down symmetric configuration to accommodate both double null and single null plasma operation. Passive plates are used for plasma movement control. In-vessel coils are used for the active control of plasma vertical movements. Each cryo-pump can provide an approximately 45 m^3/s pumping rate at a pressure of 10^-1 Pa for particle exhaust. Analysis shows that, when a plasma current of 1 MA disrupts in 3 ms, the EM loads caused by the eddy current and the halo current in a vertical displacement event （VDE） will not generate an unacceptable stress on the divertor structure. The bolted divertor thermal structure with an active cooling system can sustain a load of 2 MW/m^2 up to a 60 s operation if the plasma facing surface temperature is limited to 1500 ℃. Thermal testing and structural optimization testing were conducted to demonstrate the analysis results.

Peak displacement patterns for the performance-based seismic design of steel eccentrically braced frames

Performance-based seismic design(PBSD) aims to assess structures at different damage states. Since damage can be directly associated to displacements, seismic design with consideration of displacement seems to be logical. In this study, simple formulae to estimate the peak floor displacement patterns of eccentrically braced frames(EBFs) at different performance levels subjected to earthquake ground motions are proposed. These formulae are applicable in a PBSD and especially in direct displacement-based design(DDBD). Parametric study is conducted on a group of 30 EBFs under a set of 15 far field and near field accelerograms which they scaled to different amplitudes to adapt various performance levels. The results of thousands of nonlinear dynamic analyses of EBFs have been post-processed by nonlinear regression analysis in order to recognize the major parameters that influence the peak displacement pattern of these frames. Results show that suggested displacement patterns have relatively good agreement with those acquired by an exact nonlinear dynamic analysis.

Optimization for performance-based design under seismic demands, including social costs

Performance-based design in earthquake engineering is a structural optimization problem that has, as the objective, the determination of design parameters for the minimization of total costs, while at the same time satisfying minimum reliability levels for the specifi ed performance criteria. Total costs include those for construction and structural damage repairs, those associated with non-structural components and the social costs of economic losses, injuries and fatalities. This paper presents a general framework to approach this problem, using a numerical optimization strategy and incorporating the use of neural networks for the evaluation of dynamic responses and the reliability levels achieved for a given set of design parameters. The strategy is applied to an example of a three-story offi ce building. The results show the importance of considering the social costs, and the optimum failure probabilities when minimum reliability constraints are not taken into account.

USING LOGIC COMPONENTS FOR CONCEPTUAL DIE DESIGN

Logic components are used to support the conceptual design Taking the stamping die structure as the research object,several logic components are defined for the conceptual die construction design A new method logic assembly modeling is presented to satisfy the characteristic of the top down die design process Representing shapes and spatial relations in logic can provide a natural,intuitive method of developing complete computer systems for reasoning about die construction design at the conceptual stage This method can reflect the designer's thought clearly and provide the designer with a test bed for generating alternatives and performing reasoning work at the conceptual die design stage

Effects of granulation process variables on the physical properties of dosage forms by combination of experimental design and principal component analysis

The current study was to understand how process variables of high shear wet granulations affect physical properties of granules and tablets. The knowledge gained was intended to be used for Quality-by-Design based process design and optimization. The variables were selected based on the risk assessment as impeller speed, liquid addition rate, and wet massing time. Formulation compositions were kept constant to minimize their influence on granules properties. Multiple linear regression models were built providing understanding of the impact of each variable on granule hardness, Carr’s index, tablet tensile strength, surface mean diameter of granules, and compression behavior. The experimental results showed that the impact of impeller speed was more dominant compared to wet massing time and water addition rate. The results also revealed that quality of granules and tablets could be optimized by adjusting specific process variables(impeller speed 1193 rpm, water spray rate 3.7 ml/min, and wet massing time 2.84 min). Overall desirability was 0.84 suggesting that the response values were closer to the target one. The SEM image of granules showed that spherical and smooth granules produced at higher impeller speed, whereas rough and irregular shape granules at lower speed. Moreover, multivariate data analysis demonstrated that impeller speed and massing time had strong correlation with the granule and tablet properties. In overall, the combined experimental design and principal component analysis approach allowed to better understand the correlation between process variables and granules and tablet attributes.

Research on Optimal Design for Reliability of Fuze Components

Reliability optimal design is an integrated approach widely adopted in engineering. The fuze components are designed by a BP neural network combined with an optimal design approach based on their multi-failure modes. Their reliability probabilities in multi-failure modes are transformed into deterministic design parameters. The designed results by an example of optimizing the fuze spring under a certain reliability show that the integrated approach is practical and efficient.

Probabilistic Performance-Based Optimum Seismic Design Framework: Illustration and Validation

In the field of earthquake engineering,the advent of the performance-based design philosophy,together with the highly uncertain nature of earthquake ground excitations to structures,has brought probabilistic performance-based design to the forefront of seismic design.In order to design structures that explicitly satisfy probabilistic performance criteria,a probabilistic performance-based optimum seismic design(PPBOSD)framework is proposed in this paper by extending the state-of-the-art performance-based earthquake engineering(PBEE)methodology.PBEE is traditionally used for risk evaluation of existing or newly designed structural systems,thus referred to herein as forward PBEE analysis.In contrast,its use for design purposes is limited because design is essentially a more challenging inverse problem.To address this challenge,a decision-making layer is wrapped around the forward PBEE analysis procedure for computer-aided optimum structural design/retrofit accounting for various sources of uncertainty.In this paper,the framework is illustrated and validated using a proof-of-concept problem,namely tuning a simplified nonlinear inelastic single-degreeof-freedom(SDOF)model of a bridge to achieve a target probabilistic loss hazard curve.For this purpose,first the forward PBEE analysis is presented in conjunction with the multilayer Monte Carlo simulation method to estimate the total loss hazard curve efficiently,followed by a sensitivity study to investigate the effects of system(design)parameters on the probabilistic seismic performance of the bridge.The proposed PPBOSD framework is validated by successfully tuning the system parameters of the structure rated for a target probabilistic seismic loss hazard curve.The PPBOSD framework provides a tool that is essential to develop,calibrate and validate simplified probabilistic performance-based design procedures.

Optimization of Quality Consistency Problem of Electromechanical Component due to Manufacturing Uncertainties with a Novel Tolerance Design Method

The consistency problem caused by uncertainties in manufacturing process is a significant factor influencing the quality of electromechanical components. Currently, there are two approaches for reducing the influence of uncertainties. The first one is to improve the resistance capability of design scheme by using robust parameter design( RPD) method with nonlinear feature of controllable factors. The second one is to control the influence of uncertainties by using robust tolerance design( RTD) method with quality loss function,setting the optimal tolerance with the minimum total product loss as the objective. However, as for the electromechanical component, it is difficult to achieve nonlinear region owing to the restrictions of design parameters. In addition,the establishment of cost function in manufacturing process is also confronted by practical difficulties. In order to solve the quality consistency problem under the influence of manufacturing uncertainties,a novel tolerance design method was proposed for the electromechanical components. Through the experiment design and contribution rate analysis, key factors influencing the quality consistency were determined,and the tolerance allocation scheme was confirmed according to the consistency objective of quality.Then, quality distribution characteristics before and after the consistency optimization were analyzed and verified through the Monte Carlo stochastic simulation. The application result of electromagnetic relay proves the effectiveness of the method proposed in this paper.

Research on performance-based seismic design criteria

The seismic design criterion adopted in the existing seismic design codes is reviewed. It is pointed out that the presently used seismic design criterion is not satisfied with the requirements of nowadays social and economic development. A new performance-based seismic design criterion that is composed of three components is presented in this paper. It can not only effectively control the economic losses and casualty, but also ensure the building's function in proper operation during earthquakes. The three components are: classification of seismic design for buildings, determination of seismic design intensity and/or seismic design ground motion for controlling seismic economic losses and casualties, and determination of the importance factors in terms of service periods of buildings. For controlling the seismic human losses, the idea of socially acceptable casualty level is presented and the 'Optimal Economic Decision Model' and 'Optimal Safe Decision Model' are established. Finally, a new method is recommended for calculating the importance factors of structures by adjusting structures service period on the base of more important structure with longer service period than the conventional ones. Therefore, the more important structure with longer service periods will be designed for higher seismic loads, in case the exceedance probability of seismic hazard in different service period is same.

Application Strategies of the Bracket Set in Modern Architectural Design

The Bracket Set(dougong)is an important aspect of traditional Chinese architecture known for its exquisite structure,complexity,and rich variations.This design element has been used since the Qin and Han Dynasties and is still prevalent today.It highlights hierarchy and spiritual connotations in the design of a building.This article explores the application of Bracket Set elements in modern architectural design.It analyzes the specific application strategies of this design element,highlighting its value in modern architecture.The goal is to provide modern architectural designers with multiple perspectives and strategies to fully utilize the advantages of Bracket Set elements in architectural design and enhance the artistic value of their work.

Structural Analysis and Design of Steel Connections Using Component-Based Finite Element Model

This paper introduces CBFEM （component-based finite element model） which is a new method to analyze and design connections of steel structures. Design focused CM （component model） is compared to FEM （finite elements models）. Procedure for composition of a model based on usual production process is used in CBFEM. Its results are compared to those obtained by component method for portal frame eaves moment connection with good agreement. Design of moment resistant column base is demonstrated by a case loaded by two directional bending moments and normal force. Interaction of several connections in one complex joint is explained in the last example. This paper aims to provide structural engineers with a new tool to effectively analyze and design various joints of steel structures.

Discussion on Reverse Design of Components with Complex Curved Surface and Computer Numerical Control Machining

With the continuous development and advancement of science and technology,the work of tool path planning has received extensive attention.Among them,curved surface generation and data processing are the focus of management and design,which necessitate the full application of reverse design of complex curved surface components to complete numerical control processing,effective optimization and upgrading,integration the tasks of point cloud data collection,and point cloud data processing to ensure that the corresponding computer numerical control machining model can exert its actual value.This paper briefly analyzes the basic principles of curved surface reconstruction as well as discusses the reverse design of complex curved components and the experimental processes and results that involved computer numerical control machining,which serves the purpose as reference only.

Knowledge-based System Prototype in Structural Component Design Based on FM

A knowledge-based system in structural component design based on fracture mechanics is developed in this paper. The system consists of several functional parts: a general inference engine, a set of knowledge bases and data-bases, an interpretation engine, a bases administration system and the interface. It can simulate a human expert to make analysis and design scheme mainly for four kinds of typical structural components widely used in shipbuilding industry: pressure vessels, huge rotation constructions, pump-rod and welded structures. It is an open system which may be broadened and perfected to cover a wider range of engineering application through the modification and enlargement of knowledge bases and data-bases. It has a natural and friendly interface that may be easily operated. An on-line help service is also provided.

Analysis of Optimization for Preliminary Design of Multi-Component Mooring Systems

Multi-component mooring systems become widely used in deep water position-keeping of drilling and production platforms. However, versatile materials make it difficult to design appropriate mooring lines made of several segments. Based on catenary equations of a multi-component mooring line at a specific water depth, this paper establishes a minimum model for designing this kind of lines. The model is solved by Genetic Algorithm and Multi-Objective Planning respectively. The model is verified by its application to a practical mooring design assignment—a quasi-static analysis for a large semi-submersible. The optimal result is finally obtained with the aid of design graphs.

Performance-based global reliability assessment of a high-rise frame-core tube structure subjected to multi-dimensional stochastic earthquakes

When evaluating the seismic safety and reliability of complex engineering structures,it is a critical problem to reasonably consider the randomness and multi-dimensional nature of ground motions.To this end,a proposed modeling strategy of multi-dimensional stochastic earthquakes is addressed in this study.This improved seismic model has several merits that enable it to better provide seismic analyses of structures.Specifically,at first,the ground motion model is compatible with the design response spectrum.Secondly,the evolutionary power spectrum involved in the model and the design response spectrum are constructed accordingly with sufficient consideration of the correlation between different seismic components.Thirdly,the random function-based dimension-reduction representation is applied,by which seismic modeling is established,with three elementary random variables.Numerical simulations of multi-dimensional stochastic ground motions in a specific design scenario indicate the effectiveness of the proposed modeling strategy.Moreover,the multi-dimensional seismic response and the global reliability of a high-rise frame-core tube structure is discussed in detail to further illustrate the engineering applicability of the proposed method.The analytical investigations demonstrate that the suggested stochastic model of multi-dimensional ground motion is available for accurate seismic response analysis and dynamic reliability assessment of complex engineering structures for performance-based seismic resistance design.

Predicting configuration performance of modular product family using principal component analysis and support vector machine

A novel configuration performance prediction approach with combination of principal component analysis(PCA) and support vector machine(SVM) was proposed.This method can estimate the performance parameter values of a newly configured product through soft computing technique instead of practical test experiments,which helps to evaluate whether or not the product variant can satisfy the customers' individual requirements.The PCA technique was used to reduce and orthogonalize the module parameters that affect the product performance.Then,these extracted features were used as new input variables in SVM model to mine knowledge from the limited existing product data.The performance values of a newly configured product can be predicted by means of the trained SVM models.This PCA-SVM method can ensure that the performance prediction is executed rapidly and accurately,even under the small sample conditions.The applicability of the proposed method was verified on a family of plate electrostatic precipitators.

Optimization of Culture Components for Laccase Activity from Pleurotus Ostreatus P40 Using Response Surface Methodology

High enzymatic activity is required for laccase applications.Central composite design （CCD）-based response surface methodology （RSM） can effectively increase the enzymatic activity of Pleurotus ostreatus P40 in liquid substrate fermentation.Initial screening of the nutritional components was performed using a Plackett-Burman design.The variables,namely,bran,bagasse,Tween 80,and yeast extract,were found to have statistically significant effects on laccase activity.These variables were further optimized using CCD-based RSM.Optimal concentrations for the maximum laccase activity were 8.144 2 g/L bran,50 g/L bagasse,0.424 1 mL/L Tween 80,and 2.832 5 g/L yeast extract.Under optimized conditions,the maximum measured laccase activity reached 96 480 U/L,which was close to the predicted value （104 830 U/L） by RSM.Therefore,RSM can be used to optimize culture components for laccase activity from Pieurotus ostreatus P40.

Application of Genetic Algorithm in the Layout of Fixture Components

Automation in the layout of fixture components is important to achieve efficiency and flexibility in computer aided fixture design. Based on basic genetic algorithm and particulars of different fixture components, a method of layout space division is presented. Such techniques as suitable crossover rate, mutation rate and selection arithmetic element are adopted in the genetic operation. The results show that genetic algorithm can effectively be applied in the automatic layout of fixture components.