Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Buckling (Mechanics) Lateral loads'

The research summarized in this thesis is comprised of an experimental analysis of the mechanical behavior of a wood composite I-joist with different bracing configurations exposed dynamic walking loads. Three 16 in. deep GPI® 65 I-joists were simply supported and laid parallel to each other, while the bracing was attached to the top flange. Five different brace stiffnesses were used: zero stiffness (control), 1.2 lb/in., 8.5 lb/in., 14.0 lb/in. and infinitely stiff. Two different brace configurations were used: one-quarter of the span length (60 in.) and one third the span length (80 in.). The dynamic walking loads consisted of human test subjects attached to a safety platform walking across the I-joist at a designated pace.

Experimental results for this research consisted of the I-joistâ s lateral accelerations, lateral displacements and twist. An Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used for the statistical analysis of the results and was performed for each measurement. The statistical analysis determined the effects of different bracing configurations, stiffnesses, measurement locations as well as test subjectsâ weight and occupation.

Test results and observed trends are provided for all test configurations. Lateral displacement and twist experienced the same trend throughout the experiment: as brace stiffness increased, lateral displacement and twist decreased. This correlated with basic beam theory and bracing fundamentals. It should be noted that as the stiffness increased, the effect on lateral displacement and twist response decreased.

However, the trend for lateral displacement and twist was not observed for the lateral accelerations. The 1.2 lb/in. brace stiffness had much larger lateral accelerations for the 60 in. brace configuration throughout the span and were also larger at the bracing point for the 80 in. brace configuration. This could have been due to the energy applied from the springs or a natural frequency of the I-joist system could have been reached during testing. However, the other four brace stiffnesses followed the same trend as the lateral displacements and twist.

In addition, this research demonstrates a method for the measurement of lateral buckling due to worker loads. The mitigation of lateral buckling can use appropriate bracing systems. The measurements of the change in lateral buckling behavior can be used to develop safety devices and ultimately ensure the protection of construction workers.
Master of Science

Thesis (Ph.D)--Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2010.
Committee Chair: Zureick Abdul-Hamid; Committee Member: Ellingwood, Bruce R.; Committee Member: Kahn, Lawrence F.; Committee Member: Kardomateas, George A.; Committee Member: Will, Kenneth M. Part of the SMARTech Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Collection.

The research summarized the experimental analysis and finite element modeling of the lateral and rotational response of unbraced wood composite I-joists to worker loads. All experimentation and modeling was conducted on simply supported I-joists varying from 11-7/8 inches to 14 inches in depth and 20 feet to 24 feet in length. I-joists were subjected to static and dynamic loads. The deflections of the top and bottom flanges, as well as the rotation, were measured or calculated at both one-half and one-quarter the span length. The overall goal of this project is to accurately model the lateral and rotational displacements caused by human load effects. I-joists were first tested statically by subjecting each joist to a three point bending test, free from all lateral restraints. This test was necessary to prove that the performance of the joists was repeatable. Lateral and rotational stiffness of the joist were calculated at one-half and one-quarter of the span length. The static experimental tests results were statistically analyzed using an analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. The results from this analysis indicated no difference between repetitions of the same joist; however, the test did indicate that there was a significant difference between joists of the same manufacture and size. Dynamic testing was then conducted. Dynamic loads were induced by having test subjects traverse each I-joist. The resulting loads induced at the top and bottom flanges were recorded for use in the finite element model. The lateral deflections and induced loads were compared to the static weight of the test subject and analyzed with an ANOVA test. The results indicated an increase in both the induced load and resulting deflection with an increase in weight. The analysis also indicated an increase in load and deflection with a decrease in lateral and rotational joist stiffness. The recorded load values from the dynamic test were used as inputs into a finite element model. The resulting lateral deflections of the midpoint and quarter point were generated. The rotation of the beam was calculated from the difference between the top and bottom flange. Experimental results and finite element model results were compared by calculating a running average of the error between the acquired data and the finite element model. The model was said to be valid until the average model error reached 10 percent of the maximum acquired test value. All six deflection readings were analyzed in this manner. The percent of beam at which the model no long represented the test data was determined for each data set. This point was averaged across all deflection readings of similar joists and across all data sets of the same joist type. The model predicted the 20 foot long 11-7/8 and 14 inch deep joists until 54.5 percent and 51.2 percent, respectively, of the beam completed by the test subject. However, the 24 foot long 11-7/8 inch deep joist was only accurate to 31.2 percent of the beam completed by the test subject. Differences in peak values, and the time at which the peak values occurred were also analyzed using an ANOVA test. There was a significant difference between the peak values of the acquired test data and the deflections generated with the finite element model. However, there was no significance within the time that the peak values occurred between the model and experimental results. A simplified pseudo dynamic analysis was conducted using a constant percentage of the test subject's static weight applied to the top and bottom flange. This approximation proved adequate for the lateral displacement and rotation of the 11-7/8 inch and 14 inch deep and 20 foot long I-joists. However, the model became un-conservative for the 11-7/8 inch deep and 24 foot I-joists.
Master of Science

The loads applied to pile foundations installed offshore vary greatly from those encountered onshore, with more substantial lateral and torsional loads. For combined axial and lateral loading the current design practice involves applying an axial load to a deep foundation and assessing the pile behaviour and then considering a lateral load separately. For the problem of an altering directions of lateral loads (e.g. due to changes in the wind directions acting on offshore wind turbines) a clear design procedure is not available. There is thus a need for a clearly established methodology to effectively introduce the interaction between the four different loading directions (two lateral, one axial and one torsional). In this thesis, a model is presented that introduces a series of Winkler elasto-plastic elements coupled between the different directions via local interaction yield surfaces along the pile. The energy based method that is used allows the soil-pile system to be defined explicitly using two equations: the energy potential and the dissipation potential. One of the most interesting applications of this model is to piles subjected to a change in lateral loading direction, where the loading history can significantly influence the pile behaviour. This effect was verified by a series of experimental tests, undertaken using the Geotechnical Centrifuge at UWA. The same theory was then applied to cyclic loading in two dimensions, leading to some very useful conclusions regarding shakedown behaviour. A theoretically based relationship was applied to the local yielding behaviour for a pile subjected to a combination of lateral and axial loading, allowing predictions to be made of the influence of load inclination on the pile behaviour. The ability of this model to represent interaction between four degrees of freedom allows a more realistic approach to be taken to this problem than that considered in current design practice.

Effective-stress nonlinear dynamic analyses (NDA) were performed for piles in liquefiable sloped ground to assess how inertia and liquefaction-induced lateral spreading combine in long-duration vs. short-duration earthquakes. A parametric study was performed using input motions from subduction and crustal earthquakes covering a wide range of earthquake durations. The NDA results were used to evaluate the accuracy of the equivalent static analysis (ESA) recommended by Caltrans/ODOT for estimating pile demands. Finally, the NDA results were used to develop new ESA methods to combine inertial and lateral spreading loads for estimating elastic and inelastic pile demands. The NDA results showed that pile demands increase in liquefied conditions compared to nonliquefied conditions due to the interaction of inertia (from superstructure) and kinematics (from liquefaction-induced lateral spreading). Comparing pile demands estimated from ESA recommended by Caltrans/ODOT with those computed from NDA showed that the guidelines by Caltrans/ODOT (100% kinematic combined with 50% inertia) slightly underestimates demands for subduction earthquakes with long durations. A revised ESA method was developed to extend the application of the Caltrans/ODOT method to subduction earthquakes. The inertia multiplier was back-calculated from the NDA results and new multipliers were proposed: 100% Kinematic + 60% Inertia for crustal earthquakes and 100% Kinematic + 75% Inertia for subduction earthquakes. The proposed ESA compared reasonably well against the NDA results for elastic piles. The revised method also made it possible to estimate demands in piles that performed well in the dynamic analyses but could not be analyzed using Caltrans/ODOT method (i.e. inelastic piles that remained below Fult on the liq pushover curve). However, it was observed that the pile demands became unpredictable for cases where the pile head displacement exceeded the displacement corresponding to the ultimate pushover force in liquefied conditions. Nonlinear dynamic analysis is required for these cases to adequately estimate pile demands.

We will create a class of generalized ellipses and explore their ability to define a distance on a space and generate continuous, periodic functions. Connections between these continuous, periodic functions and the generalizations of trigonometric functions known in the literature shall be established along with connections between these generalized ellipses and some spectrahedral projections onto the plane, more specifically the well-known multifocal ellipses. The superellipse, or Lam\'{e} curve, will be a special case of the generalized ellipse. Applications of these generalized ellipses shall be explored with regards to some one-dimensional systems of classical mechanics. We will adopt the Ramberg-Osgood relation for stress and strain ubiquitous in engineering mechanics and define a general internal bending moment for which this expression, and several others, are special cases. We will then apply this general bending moment to some one-dimensional Euler beam-columns along with the continuous, periodic functions we developed with regard to the generalized ellipse. This will allow us to construct new solutions for critical buckling loads of Euler columns and deflections of beam-columns under very general engineering material requirements without some of the usual assumptions associated with the Ramberg-Osgood relation.

This thesis presents a theoretical study into the behaviour of thin-walled metal tubes that are filled with elastic material. The study has considered the behaviour and design of concrete-filled steel columns by analysing the effect of the combined actions of axial compression and bending on closed stainless steel cross-sections with a concrete infill as well as the elastic buckling of square, circular and elliptical thin-walled steel tubes, when filled with elastic material. The elastic local buckling of a rectangular plate having four edges clamped and subjected to in-plane linearly varying uniaxial loading with and without juxtaposition with a rigid infill has also been studied. Concrete-filled composite columns find widespread use globally in engineering structures because of their optimal strength and ease of construction. Enhancing the strength of filled columns by utilising newer materials such as stainless steel or shape memory alloys for the skin of the cross-section of the column will increase the construction cost of the column. In order to circumvent this increased construction cost, or to minimise it, the metal skin should be as thin as possible. Members with thin-walled cross-section are prone to lateral torsional buckling, and in particular they are prone to local buckling, with the latter buckling mode playing an important role in the strength of a composite column with a concrete infill. The local buckling coefficient is enhanced by the provision of a rigid concrete infill, and efficient design must make use of this fact to minimise the cost of the skin. The initial portions of this thesis demonstrate the beneficial effects that the rigid concrete core has on the overall strength, and also on the local buckling behaviour of thin-walled metal tubes. The local buckling of the metal skin has been modelled in this thesis by using a Ritz-based energy method. In bi-lateral and uni-lateral buckling studies of rectangular plates, a more general trigonometric function has been selected by application of boundary conditions to the chosen shape function, with these boundary conditions being implemented to make the chosen shape function satisfy the edge conditions for the problem under consideration. The restraining medium is modelled as a tensionless foundation and this restraint condition is introduced through a penalty method formulation. Extensive comparative, convergence, and parametric studies have been carried out by considering a wide range of uni-laterally constrained plates. Following a concise review of the available literature, techniques for analysing the elastic local buckling of thin-walled square tubes, fully filled with elastic materials and subjected to concentric uni-axial compression, are formulated by means of a simple stiffness approach and a proper Ritz-based technique. This method is then extended to account for the local buckling of thin-walled circular and elliptical cylinders with elastic infill. By representation of a proper trigonometric displacement function in the formulation which is capable of incorporating the effects of the penetration zone in a harmonic form, in addition to satisfying all the necessary boundary conditions, it is shown that the buckling solution reduces to a dimensionless representation for which the relevant geometrical and material properties that govern the local buckling coefficient can be identified. It was found that the provision of lightweight and low density infill is functional and attractive with respect to an increase in the efficacy of the restraint. A comparison was made, and good agreement was found to exist, between the results obtained from this study and results that are available in the literature. Finally, a strength to weight index is introduced that quantifies the enhancement in the local buckling coefficient for a number of materials with a wide range of stiffness and density. This index has potential applications for optimal design in aerospace and other specialized engineering applications.

This is an investigation of the buckling characteristics of short, thin-walled cylinders. This study was required as large storage tanks, which were converted from Boating roof to fixed roofed tanks, were found to buckle when severe atmospheric temperature drops and thus pressure differentials occurred. These severe ambient temperature changes are characteristic of the Highveld in South Africa where the tanks in question are situated. Since this modification is an uncommon procedure, codes of practice for storage vessels do not cover this type of cylinder. For the same reason, research performed in this field is limited. Buckling due to axial loading, lateral external pressure, hydrostatic pressure and a combination of axial loading and hydrostatic pressure are explored in this study. To compare with and verify theory, existing research for each case is examined, and the Finite Element Analysis package MSC Nastran used to determine trends. In some cases, to the best of the author's knowledge, no research exists and numerical analysis is performed to establish the relationships present in those cases. The study is extended to include the design of imperfect cylinders, as defined in the tank code AD Merkblatter where it is stated as being dependant on the major and minor diameters of the imperfect section . The study is also extended to the case of variable wall thickness cylinders, where the thickness variation is symmetrical about the axis of the cylinder.
Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2001.

M.Ing.
Type 3CR12 steel is a corrosion resisting steel which is intended to be an alternative structural steel to replace the use of coated mild steel and low alloy steels in mild corrosive environments. This necessitate the experimental verification of the structural behaviour thereof. The purpose of this dissertation is therefore to compare the experimental structural bending behaviour regarding elastic and inelastic lateral torsional buckling of doubly symmetric I-beams and monosymmetric channel sections with the existing theories for carbon steel beams and to modify or develop new applicable theories if necessary. From the theoretical and experimental results it is concluded that the behaviour of heat treated Type 3CR12 beams can be estimated fairly accurate with existing theories and that the tangent modulus approach should be used for more accurate estimates as well as for beams that are not heat treated.

M.Ing. (Civil Engineering)
Cold-formed steel lipped channels are among the most used sections, as framing members in the building construction industry, especially in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. In portal frame, when lipped channels are used as main frame members, they are usually restrained from the top flange through angle-cleat to prevent lateral-torsional buckling. This restraining system works together with an additional restrain system called fly-bracing. Drilling a bolt-hole or welding the angle cleat onto the flange of the main frame weakens its bearing length. Additional disadvantage of this restraining system is the fabrication costs of providing fly bracing. However, past research into lateral-torsional buckling of cold-formed steel lipped channel sections are limited. Therefore this study investigates a restrain that avoids bolt holes and welding in the top flange of the rafter, and the use of fly bracing. In the first phase of this research, tensile coupon tests of the three cross-sections are conducted to obtain the material properties. The elastic modulus and yield strength of the cold-formed steel used are determined from stress-strain relationship. These properties are used to calculate the code-predicted lateral-torsional buckling moment resistance. The second phase of this study involves a series of experiments on the lateral torsional instability of single cold-formed channels. The channels are restrained by a purlin – angle cleat connection and are subjected to a two point loading system in order to simulate a distributed load. Failure of the channels occurred by local buckling of the compression zone of the flange and web and lateral torsional buckling of the channels between points of lateral support. Tests have shown the purlin – angle cleat connection to be capable of restraining the frames from failing due to lateral-torsional buckling. This eliminates the idea of using fly-bracings, as is normally done in practice to restrain torsional instability. The results from the experimental study do agree well with those predict by the South- African code, SANS 10162-2: 2005. This research presents the details and results of the experimental study including a comparison of results with the South-African code SANS 10162-2: 2005 predictions. It also presents the recommendations made regarding the use of a numerical model study in order to compare the results with those from the experiments.

Deep foundations, including driven piles, are used to support vertical loads of structures and applied lateral forces. Many pile supported structures, including bridges, are subjected to large lateral loads in the form of wind, wave, seismic, and traffic impact loads. In many practical situations, structures subjected to lateral loading are located near or in excavated and fill slopes or embankments. Full-scale research to examine the effects of soil slope on lateral pile capacity is limited. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects on lateral capacity of piles located in or near cohesionless soil slopes. A full-scale lateral load testing program was undertaken on pipe piles in a cohesionless soil at Oregon State University. Five piles were tested near a 2H:1V test slope and located between 0D to 8D behind the slope crest, where D is the pile diameter. Two vertical baseline piles and three battered piles were also tested in level ground conditions. The cohesionless backfill soil was a well-graded material with a fines content of less than 10% and a relative compaction of 95%, meeting the Caltrans specification for structural backfill. Data collected from the instrumented piles was used to back calculate p-y curves, load-displacement curves, reduction factors, and load resistance ratios for each pile. The effects of slope on lateral pile capacity are insignificant at displacements of less than 2.0 inches for piles located 2D and further from the crest. For pile located at 4D or greater from the slope crest, the effect of slope is insignificant on p-y curves. A simplified p-multiplier design procedure derived from back-calculated p-y curves is proposed to account for the effects of soil slope. Comparisons of the full-scale results were made using proposed recommendations from the available literature. Lateral resistance ratios obtained by computer, centrifuge, and small scale-models tend to be conservative and overestimate the effects of slope on lateral capacities. Standard cohesionless p-y curve methods slightly over predict the soil resistance at very low displacements but significantly under predict the ultimate soil resistance. Available reduction factors from the literature, or p-multipliers, are slightly conservative and compare well with the back-calculated p-y curves from this study.
Graduation date: 2012

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)
Crashworthiness design is gaining more importance in the automotive industry due to high competition and tight safety norms. Further there is a need for light weight structures in the automotive design. Structural optimization in last two decades have been widely explored to improve existing designs or conceive new designs with better crashworthiness and reduced mass. Although many gradient based and heuristic methods for topology and topometry based crashworthiness design are available these days, most of them result in stiff structures that are suitable only for a set of vehicle components in which maximizing the energy absorption or minimizing the intrusion is the main concern. However, there are some other components in a vehicle structure that should have characteristics of both stiffness and flexibility. Moreover, the load paths within the structure and potential buckle modes also play an important role in efficient functioning of such components. For example, the front bumper, side frame rails, steering column, and occupant protection devices like the knee bolster should all exhibit controlled deformation and collapse behavior. This investigation introduces a methodology to design dynamically crushed thin-walled tubular structures for crashworthiness applications. Due to their low cost, high energy absorption efficiency, and capacity to withstand long strokes, thin-walled tubular structures are extensively used in the automotive industry. Tubular structures subjected to impact loading may undergo three modes of deformation: progressive crushing/buckling, dynamic plastic buckling, and global bending or Euler-type buckling. Of these, progressive buckling is the most desirable mode of collapse because it leads to a desirable deformation characteristic, low peak reaction force, and higher energy absorption efficiency. Progressive buckling is generally observed under pure axial loading; however, during an actual crash event, tubular structures are often subjected to oblique impact loads in which Euler-type buckling is the dominating mode of deformation. This undesired behavior severely reduces the energy absorption capability of the tubular structure. The design methodology presented in this paper relies on the ability of a compliant mechanism to transfer displacement and/or force from an input to desired output port locations. The suitable output port locations are utilized to enforce desired buckle zones, mitigating the natural Euler-type buckling effect. The problem addressed in this investigation is to find the thickness distribution of a thin-walled structure and the output port locations that maximizes the energy absorption while maintaining the peak reaction force at a prescribed limit. The underlying design for thickness distribution follows a uniform mutual potential energy density under a dynamic impact event. Nonlinear explicit finite element code LS-DYNA is used to simulate tubular structures under crash loading. Biologically inspired hybrid cellular automaton (HCA) method is used to drive the design process. Results are demonstrated on long straight and S-rail tubes subject to oblique loading, achieving progressive crushing in most cases.