Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Portal frame structures'

A number of recent fires in single-storey warehouses have drawn attention to a current lack of understanding about the structural response of industrial portal frame structures to elevated temperatures. This research project has investigated the subject by conducting fire tests on a scaled model and by computer modelling using the non-linear finite element program VULCAN. This program has been developed in-house by the University of Sheffield and is capable of modelling the behaviour of three-dimensional steel and composite frames at elevated temperatures. It has been validated throughout its development. An initial investigation was conducted to validate the program for analysing inclined members, which form part of a pitched- roof portal frame, but for which it was not initially developed. Additional features were implemented into the program where necessary. A series of indicative fire tests was conducted at the Health and Safety Laboratories, Buxton. A scaled portal frame model was designed and built, and three major fire tests were conducted in this structure. In the third of these tests the heated rafters experienced a snap-through failure mechanism, in which fire hinges could clearly be identified. The experimental results were then used for validating the numerical results produced by VULCAN analyses. The correlations were relatively close, both for predictions of displacements and failure temperatures. This gave increased confidence in using VULCAN to conduct a series of parametric studies. The parametric studies included two- and three-dimensional analyses, and a number of parameters were investigated, including the effects of vertical and horizontal load, frame geometry, heating profiles and base rotational stiffness. The influence of secondary members was investigated in the three-dimensional studies using different fire scenarios. A simplified calculation method has been developed for estimating the critical temperatures of portal frames in fire. The results compare well with predictions from VULCAN. The current guidance document for portal frames in boundary conditions has been reviewed, and the concept of performance-based design for portal frame structures has been discussed.

Thesis (MScEng (Civil Engineering))--Stellenbosch University, 2008.
Doubly symmetric I-section columns are often utilised in portal frame construction. The sheeting (or cladding) is carried by sheeting rails connected to the outer flange of these columns. Although it is common practice to include the sheeting rails in the longitudinal bracing system, by connecting the sheeting rail to the cross-bracing, designers must be wary because the connection between column and sheeting rail will not prevent twisting of the columns cross-section. It has been shown ([11], [12], [17]), that by including this eccentric restraint into the bracing of the column, that a torsional-flexural buckling mode of failure can occur when the column is subjected to axial load only. It was seen that this phenomenon is provided for in BS 5950 [18], but is not present in many other design codes of practice, in spite of this phenomenon being relatively well known. In some cases the compression resistance of a column can be significantly reduced when compared to that of a flexural buckled configuration. Previous work performed by Helwig and Yura [15] proposed specific column to sheeting rail connections which would allow for the sheeting rails to be used as elastic torsional braces and effectively rigid lateral braces. However, it is the objective of this investigation to determine if it is possible to include the eccentric sheeting rails into the bracing system, even when using a relatively simple cleat connection with only two bolts onto the sheeting rail. The objective of the research was investigated by conducting experimental tests coupled with a series of detailed finite element analyses. The purpose of the experimental set-up was to investigate the behaviour of a column laterally supported on one flange by a continuous sheeting rail and to compare it to the behaviour of a column laterally supported on both flanges by means of fly-braces (“kneebraces”). The behaviour of the columns, as determined by the experimental tests, was validated by the finite element analyses. The evident conclusion that can be drawn is that, for the case of a continuous sheeting rail, connected to column simply by two bolts and a cleat, that sufficient torsional restraint is provided to the column to prevent torsional-flexural buckling from being critical. This result is helpful, as it means that the buckling capacity of a column can be increased four-fold by enforcing the second flexural buckling mode instead of the first mode through utilising a continuous sheeting rail connected to a cross-bracing system as longitudinal bracing on the columns. This can be achieved without the need to provide any specific detailing to the column to sheeting rail connection. It is however, recommended that further experimental work be conducted on varying lengths of column in order to further validate the results of this work.

Joints are the most critical elements in a steel framed structure. In most design guides or codes, the joints are assumed to a have higher fire resistance than the connected structural members because of the lower temperatures in the joints. However, in severe fire conditions, a connected beam's temperature may be higher than its limiting temperature and the beam may develop catenary action when the beam’s axial shortening from large deflections becomes greater than the beam’s thermal expansion. This beam catenary action force could fracture the joints, increasing the risk of progressive collapse. This research focuses on the interaction between joints and the connected steel beams and columns in steel framed structures in fire, including how the behaviour of a joint-beam assembly may be efficiently analyzed and how the joints may be constructed to achieve high degrees of catenary action. Three methods of simulating the joint behaviour in fire have been developed and implemented in the commercial finite element software ABAQUS. In the first modelling method, all structural members, including the connections, were simulated using detailed solid elements to enable detailed behaviour of the structure to be faithfully represented. In the second method, the columns were represented by conventional line (beam) elements, the joints were represented using springs (Connector Elements) based on the component based method, and the beam was modelled using solid elements. In the third method, the joints were modelled using springs as in the second method and the beam and columns were simulated using line (beam) elements. As expected, the detailed simulation method was extremely time-consuming, but was able to produce detailed and accurate results. The simulation results from the second and third methods contained some inaccuracies, but depending on the simulation objective, their simulation results may be acceptable. In particular, the third simulation method was very efficient, suitable for simulating complete frame structures under very large deflections in fire. The first method (detailed finite element method) was then used to investigate how to change the joint details to increase the survivability of restrained steel beams and beam-column assemblies at high temperatures since it enables detailed behaviour of the structure to be faithfully represented. It is found that by improving joint deformation capacity, in particular, using extended endplate connection with fire resistant bolts, very high temperatures can be resisted. The frame robustness in fire was investigated using the third simulation method to save computation time. The simulation structure was three-bay by three-floor and different scenarios of fire location, fire spread and initial structural damage were considered. The simulation results show that once failure of a column occurs, progressive collapse of the structure could be easily triggered and it would be rather futile to only enhance the joint capacity. Therefore, in addition to the measures of improving joint capacities (both rotation and strength), design of the affected columns should include consideration of the additional catenary forces from the connected beams and the increased effective lengths. Furthermore, the lateral bracing system should be ensured to provide the structure with lateral restraint.

Avanços nas pesquisas em Veículos Agrícolas Autônomos (VAA\'s) e de Robôs Agrícolas Móveis (RAM\'s) têm sido conquistados nos últimos anos. Entretanto, um número limitado de trabalhos foca o desenvolvimento das estruturas destes veículos. O presente trabalho apresenta uma revisão de materiais encontrados na literatura e no mercado. Estudou-se modelagem cinemática de veículos autônomos que possuem configurações de suas estruturas projetadas para ter mobilidade melhorada. Estudaram-se estruturas mecânicas de máquinas que atuam em vários estádios de desenvolvimento de lavouras típicas brasileiras. Baseado no levantamento e esse estudo, foi projetado e construído um veículo com conceito modular e de pórtico para ser uma plataforma robótica no qual é utilizado para o sensoriamento em área agrícola. Uma modelagem cinemática simplificada do veículo foi realizada, fundamentada nos conceitos básicos de cinemáticas em robôs móveis. Por fim é apresentado o desenvolvimento da estrutura em pórtico do veículo. Pretende-se que o resultado auxilie no desenvolvimento de projeto de VAA\'s.
Advance on AAV (Autonomous Agriculture Vehicle) and MAR (Mobile Agriculture Robots) research are noticed in the recent years. However, a limited number of works focus in the structure development of such vehicles. This work introduces a review of the materials found in literature and market. Kinematics models of Autonomous Vehicles that have its structures designed to have mobility improved have been studied. It was studied mechanical structures of machines that act in various stages of typical brazilians crops. Based on this study and survey, a vehicle has been built with a modular concept and portal frame structure format to be used as a robotic platform in which it performs remote sensing in agricultural areas. A simplified Kinematic model have been done using basics concepts of mobile robots kinematics. At the end of this work is presented the portal frame structure development. The results obtained may assist in the design development of AAV\'s.

For certain bridge types, the influence of soil-structure interaction (SSI) may have an important contribution to the stiffness and damping of the structural system. From a design point of view, this influence may be both conservative and non-conservative and therefore, an increased knowledge within this field could lead to better design assumptions. In terms of maintenance, assessment and upgrading of existing structures, an increased knowledge of the phenomena and parameters which govern the soil-structure interaction, may lead to more realistic models and thereby, to more precise information for the decision makers and railway system owners and administrators.

SSI appears to be most important for short and relatively stiff structures such as portal frame bridges. Dynamic analyzes of this bridge type have shown a large sensitivity in the choice of boundary conditions, where applying elastic constraints on the vertical degree of freedom at the support, compared to fixing this degree of freedom, may increase the maximum vertical bridge deck acceleration by as much as a factor of three.

In this thesis, numerical analysis procedures for the computation of dynamic stiffness functions describing the frequency dependency of the foundation-soil interface have been explored under the assumption that the analysis can be performed using linear theories alone. The numerical solution of the equations of motion of structural systems, including such frequency dependent parameters, is performed using an integration scheme based on the discrete Fourier transform. Furthermore, preliminary experimental work on a newly built portal frame bridge is described. This portal frame bridge is subject to a case study in which the the computational techniques mentioned above are applied on a two dimensional model of the bridge. Theoretically, the damping of the SSI is shown to give a large contribution to those modes of vibration which excite the foundations much. These structural modal damping ratios may be much larger than those prescribed by the design codes. Those modes of vibration which do not excite the foundations much are similar to those obtained using clamped or constant elastic boundary conditions and in these cases, the contribution to the modal damping ratio of the structure is only a fraction of that prescribed by the design codes. A very rough analysis of measurements taken from the bridge indicate a similar behavior, but the amplitudes of vibration in many of the estimated modes are quite small (in the order of the quantization error of the measurement system) and therefore, the errors in the damping ratio estimates may be substantial. The work with this thesis have raised many questions, the answers to which are believed to substantially improve our understanding of resonance phenomena and also our possibilities to update numerical models of existing railway bridges using dynamic measurements.

From the simplified analysis of a portal frame bridge performed within this project, it has been concluded that when the elastic modulus of the soil is increased, the total structural damping ratio when dynamic SSI is included decreases. Furthermore, with respect to vertical bridge deck accelerations, clamped boundary conditions are certainly not conservative as compared with static and dynamic SSI.

This research work develops a design methodology for improving the earthquake resistance of slender portal frame structures and evaluates the performance of this kind of light gauge steel portal frame structures in earthquake prone areas through the study of designed building using a finite element approach. The design of the building was carried out for a site in Sudan for peak ground acceleration 0.23g according to the Eurocodes 3 and 8 for ductility class "Low". Two analytical techniques (i.e. Static displacement pushover and dynamic time-history), were employed to assess the behaviour of the light gauge steel portal frame structure. A new cyclic column link dissipation device is introduced to protect the structure under seismic loads and prevent buckling of frame rafter components. This link is made of back to back lipped channel cold formed steel section and dissipates energy in cyclic bending. It has a yield strength value less than the frame members, and moment resistance about 2/3 the buckling moment of resistance of the frame rafter members. The column link section is stockier than the rafters; the limiting slenderness of the columns was that for compact section. To accomplish the main objective, the potential benefits (of lightness) of utilising light gauge, steel, slender steel for the construction of portal frame buildings in earthquake prone areas, preliminary analyses of the frame with different types of links were performed using the commercially available finite element software ANSYS. The frame was analysed by nonlinear static horizontal displacements. The inelastic behaviour of the steel elements was considered using the von Mises yielding criterion and the nonlinear gemoetry were considered as large displacement and P-δ effects in the analyses.

With the development of high-speed railroads the dynamic behaviour of railroad bridges is increasingly important to explore. Deeper knowledge about the influence of different factors and what should be included in a model is essential if the designer shall be able to make reliable estimates of responses in existing and new structures. One factor is the soil-structure interaction (SSI), describing how the foundation of the bridge and the soil properties affect the behavior of the bridge under dynamic loading. In this thesis, the influence of including SSI in a model of a portal frame railway bridge is studied, and an analysis procedure in the frequency domain for models with frequency-dependent boundary conditions is described. A 3D finite element model of an e isting bridge has been built up, based on the theory of linear elasticity. The model has been given three different types of boundary conditions: clamped, static stiffness and frequency-dependent stiffness from SSI. Results from simulated train passages, with a train set consisting of two wagons, were compared for the different boundary conditions. The models have also been compared with measurement data from the bridge, which has given indications about which model describes reality in the best way. The results show that the model in which SSI is included by frequency dependent boundary conditions is in slightly better agreement with measurement data than the clamped model and the model with static stiffness. The model gives a slightly better damping of the free vibrations and the natural frequencies correspond better with experimental data. The difference in maximum acceleration from a train passage is very small between the different models, even if it is found that the clamped model generally has lower accelerations and hence is non-conservative. It appears that the train speed affects the maximum acceleration, the size of the free vibrations and the natural frequencies that are present in the free vibrations in the models. Further studies are suggested where it is emphasized that an analysis with longer trains, which give resonance phenomena, should be made to see how the different eigenfrequencies in the models affect the accelerations at different speeds. It is also noted that more measurements would be needed in order to draw more general conclusions about the degree of correspondence between the measurements and the models, and to calibrate the parameters of the model against measurement data.

This thesis concerns dynamic Soil-Structure Interaction (SSI) analysis of portal framerailway bridges. Dynamic problems are common for bridges used for high speedrailway traffic. The passing trains induce harmonic loads on the bridges causingvibration amplitudes that may cause damage to the bridge structures and userdiscomfort.Previous studies have shown that the effects of SSI are substantial for short spanportal frame bridges. The damping ratio of the system is greatly increased due to theenergy dissipation properties of the surrounding soil causing significant changes in thedynamic response of the structure. Therefore, it is of interest to investigate the effectsof SSI for portal frame bridges with longer spans.Two case study bridges with span lengths of approximately 16m have been investigatedin detail in this study. Dynamic analyses of the bridges and train passage simulationshave been performed. The results show that SSI significantly increases the dampingratio which leads to lower vibration amplitudes. It is also possible to draw theconclusion that more accurate results are achieved when modeling fixed foundationsrather than using static spring foundations to replicate the stiffness of the subsoil.Moreover, a simplified modeling approach accounting for the effects of SSI is proposed.The proposed method provides satisfactory results, but more future work may increasethe quality of the results further. To validate the conclusions from this study, a proposalfor experimental validation is presented. Performing full-scale dynamic tests on thestudied bridges would enable further comparison and validation of the results.

Developpement d'un modele elasto-plastique geometriquement non lineaire, permettant d'evaluer les efforts internes et les deplacements d'une structure aussi pour les grandes deformations (rotules plastiques, instabilite). Comparaison de l'influence sur un indice conventionnel de la securite de divers types d'imperfections, avec application au cas d'un poteau bi-articule susceptible de flamber et au cas d'un portique a deux etages; etude de l'homogeneite des regles europeennes, britanniques et francaises en particulier, canadiennes et americaines

In the field of structural dynamics, a broader knowledge about relevant phenomena that affect the dynamic behavior of railway bridges is vital for structural engineers and design code administrators. The knowledge might benefit in an increased understanding of e.g. the resonance phenomena, and in improvements of the existing design codes. A phenomenon that has received more attention in recent times is the so called soil-structure interaction (SSI), as it may significantly contribute to the stiffness and damping of a structural system. Previous investigations have suggested that the influence of SSI might be crucial for short and relatively stiff structures such as portal frame bridges. Yet, this effect is usually neglected due to the lack of simple models and guidelines. Dynamic analyses have been performed on a short-span closed portal frame railway bridge, situated on the Bothnia Line, where the effect of the surrounding and underlying soil and the ballasted track, has been investigated. This has been accomplished through the adoption of multiple boundary conditions to consider different forms of soil-structure interactions. The vertical bridge response has been studied by numerical three-dimensional models, both with full FE-models and simplified models appropriate for practical design purposes. More specifically the natural frequencies and damping ratios have been scrutinized. Theoretically, it has been identified that the contribution of the soil on the global damping is largely influential, as it has been indicated that the damping ratio of the fundamental bending mode is seven times greater than the, in this case, significantly conservative recommended design value. Furthermore, SSI has shown to increase the natural frequencies which consequently shifts the critical resonant speed, allowing for higher speeds. The bridge response is predominantly affected by the backfill soil, yet the modal damping contribution is equally substantial from the backfill and the subsoil. Moreover, it has been established that the proposed simplified model is promising and in good agreement with the full model. It has also been resolved that train passages on the surrounding soil play an important role on the dynamic bridge response. Unfortunately, the simplified model has proven to be incapable of considering these train loads, implying that further development is needed to attain an adequate model that may be implemented for portal frame bridges of short span. Applying only elastic constraints on the vertical degree of freedom at the foundation is a simplified modeling approach that fails to capture the soil behavior in an accurate manner, and is therefore not recommended for future research projects. While on the subject of future investigations, the effect of SSI should be studied on other bridges to externally validate the obtained results.
Inom strukturdynamik är det essentiellt att erhålla en bredare kunskap om relevanta fenomen som kan påverka det dynamiska beteendet av järnvägsbroar. Detta gäller för både yrkesverksamma ingenjörer och administratörer av normer och standarder för att få en ökad förståelse av exempelvis resonansfenomen samt för revidering och förbättring av befintliga normer. Ett fenomen som på senare tid har fått mer uppmärksamhet är den så kallade jord-struktur interaktionen eftersom den kan ha en signifikant inverkan på styvheten och dämpningen av ett system. Tidigare undersökningar har tytt på att effekten av jord-struktur interaktionen kan vara avgörande för korta och relativt styva broar som exempelvis plattrambroar. På grund av bristen på enkla modeller och riktlinjer är denna effekt ofta försummad. Dynamiska analyser har utförts på en kort sluten plattrambro belägen på Botniabanan, där påverkan av motfyllningen, underliggande jorden och det ballasterade spåret har utretts. Detta har åstadkommits genom att beakta olika randvillkor för att ta hänsyn till diverse former av jord-struktur interaktioner. Den vertikala responsen i bron har studerats genom tredimensionella numeriska modeller både med detaljerade FE-modeller och med praktiskt lämpade förenklade modeller, där i synnerhet egenfrekvensen och dämpningskvoten har analyserats. Bidraget från jorden har påvisat sig ha en avsevärd inverkan på den globala dämpningen då det framgick att dämpningskvoten för den fundamentala böjmoden är sju gånger större än det, i denna fallstudie, betydligt konservativa rekommenderade dimensioneringsvärdet. Dessutom har jord-struktur interaktionen lett till ökade egenfrekvenser som följaktligen skiftat den kritiska resonanshastigheten vilket tillåter högre hastigheter. Motfyllningen har haft en avsevärd effekt på responsen av bron, medan bidraget till ökningen i modala dämpningen har fördelats lika mellan motfyllningen och underliggande jorden. Vidare är den föreslagna förenklade modellen lovande och i god överenstämmelse med den detaljerade modellen. Det har även konstaterats att tågpassager på motfyllningen spelar en viktig roll för den dynamiska responsen. Dessvärre har den förenklade modellen misslyckats med att ta hänsyn till dessa tåglaster, vilket indikerar att en vidareutveckling krävs för en implementerbar adekvat modell för plattrambroar av korta spännvidder. Ett förenklat modelleringsalternativ är applicering av enbart elastiska randvillkor i den vertikala frihetsgraden av bottenplattan. Detta alternativ har visat sig vara otillräckligt för att efterlikna den underliggande jordens beteende och undanbedes för framtida studier. På tal om framtida projekt bör jord-struktur interaktionen utredas på andra broar för att externt validera resultaten.

In Sweden, the railway sector currently faces the challenge of developing its first high-speed railway line, in response to the need to provide faster domestic and international transport alternatives. High-speed train passages on railway bridges can cause resonance in the bridge superstructure, which induce high accelerations that should not exceed the limits stipulated in the current design code. The most common bridge type adopted in Sweden is the portal frame bridge, an integral abutment bridge confined by surrounding soil. The soil possesses inherent material damping and radiation damping that allows energy dissipation of train-induced vibrations. Both the damping and the natural frequency of the soil-structure system influence the acceleration response of the bridge superstructure. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the effect of soil-structure interaction on portal frame bridges. Within this thesis, a numerical parametric study was performed to gain knowledge of the dynamic effect of the relative deck-abutment stiffness on the soil-structure interaction of portal frame bridges. For four span lengths, three different boundary conditions were analyzed in the form of i) no soil, ii) backfill, and iii) half-space. The analysis was performed on two- and three-dimensional finite element models. The backfill and subsoil were modeled with both direct finite element approach, and with a simplified approach using Kelvin-Voigt models and frequency-dependent impedance functions. Furthermore, time was devoted to investigating the nonlinear compression-only behavior of the interaction between the backfill and the abutments to allow separation. The results presented in the thesis illuminate the essence of including soil-structure interaction in the dynamic analysis as both the modal damping ratio and the natural frequency increased drastically. The effect of backfill on short span bridges has shown to be more prominent on the reduction of the train-induced vibrations. For longer spans, the subsoil proved to be more significant. For the simplified models the modal damping ratios of the different span lengths have been quantified as a logarithmic trend of the first vertical bending mode. Two-dimensional models have been problematic when using plane stress elements due to the sensitivity of the element thickness on the response. Thus, such models are only recommended if validation with corresponding three-dimensional models and/or field measurements are possible. By allowing separation of the soil-structure interface, the effect of contact nonlinearity on the acceleration response has been more suitable with direct finite element approach - in which static effects of the soil are accounted for - contrary to the simplified nonlinear models with compression springs.
Järnvägssektorn i Sverige står inför utmaningen att utveckla den första höghastighetsbanan med syftet att erbjuda snabbare inhemska och internationella transportalternativ. Passager av höghastighetståg på järnvägsbroar kan orsaka resonans i brons överbyggnad vilket resulterar i höga accelerationer som inte får överskrida begränsningarna i dimensioneringsnormen. I plattrambroar, vilka är främst förekommande i Sverige, utförs broplattan inspänt i rambenen omslutna av jord. Jorden bidrar utöver styvhet, även med material- och strålningsdämpning där vibrationer i jorden inducerade av tågpassager tillåts dissipera. Accelerationerna i brons överbyggnad påverkas av dämpningen och egenfrekvensen av jord-struktur systemet. Med anledning av detta är det väsentligt att undersöka effeken av jord-struktur interaktionen på plattrambroar. I detta examensarbete har en numerisk parametrisk studie utförts för att erhålla kunskap om effekten av den relativa styvheten av broplattan och rambenen på jord-struktur interaktionen av plattrambroar. Fyra spännvidder har undersökts för tre olika randvillkor där i) ingen jord, ii) motfyllning samt iii) halvrymd har beaktats. Analysen utfördes på två- och tredimensionella finita element modeller. Motfyllningen respektive underliggande jord modellerades med finita element på ett direkt- samt förenklat tillvägagångssätt där Kelvin-Voigt modeller och frekvensberoende impedansfunktioner användes. Mellan motfyllningen och rambenen har separation tillåtits där det icke-linjära förhållandet av interaktionen undersöktes med tryckbeteenden för fjädrarna. Resultaten belyser vikten av att inkludera jord-struktur interaktionen i dynamiska analyser p.g.a. ökningen den medför för den modala dämpningen och egenfrekvensen. För korta spännvidder, påvisades det att effekten av motfyllningen var mer framstående för reduktionen av vibrationerna orsakade av tåg. För längre spännvidder framgick det däremot att underjorden hade en större påverkan. Effekten av jord-struktur interaktionen på spännvidderna kvantifierades som ett logaritmiskt samband för den modala dämpningen av första vertikala böjmoden. Tvådimensionella modeller har varit problematiska när plana spänningselement användes p.g.a. känsligheten i responsen orsakad av variationer i elementtjockleken. Därav rekommenderas tvådimensionella modeller endast om validering mot tredimensionella eller fältmätningar är möjliga. När separation tilläts i gränsytan av jord-struktur interaktionen, visade det sig att direkt tillvägagångssätt med finita element var mer lämplig med hänsyn till det icke-linjära kontaktbeteendet. Detta eftersom de statiska effekterna av jorden påverkade accelerationsresponsen markant. De statiska effekterna har inte varit möjliga att simulera i dem förenklade icke-linjära modeller med tryckfjädrar.

This thesis presents the results of a research study to investigate the behaviour of axially restrained composite beams at ambient and elevated temperatures, and how composite beams and their connections contribute to the robustness of composite framed structures in fire. The commercial finite element analysis package (ABAQUS, 2010) was used to develop the numerical simulation models. This research includes the following four main parts: (1) validation of the simulation model; (2) behaviour of axially restrained composite beams with partial shear interaction at ambient and elevated temperatures; (3) behaviour of composite beams with realistic connections at elevated temperatures and methods of increasing composite beam survival temperatures; and (4) response and robustness of composite frame structures with different extents of damage at elevated temperatures. Based on the results of composite beams, it was found that the survival of axially restrained beams is dominated by the development of catenary action. By utilising catenary action, it is possible for composite beams to develop load carrying capacity significantly above that based on bending resistance. During the development of catenary action, the compression force in the concrete flange of the composite beam decreases, thus reducing the forces in the shear connectors. As a result, the behaviour of shear connector failures ceases to be an issue during the catenary action stage. The results further show that, the load carrying capacities/survival temperatures of composite beams increase by increasing the level of axial restraint up to a certain limit and then decrease at higher levels. Typical realistic composite structures can provide composite beams with sufficient axial restraint to develop catenary action. For detailed composite beams with composite connections, three different beam sizes were investigated using flushed and extended end plate connections with different amounts of slab reinforcement, different load ratios and different bolt sizes. It has been found that the most important method to increase the survival time of composite beams is to use extended end plate connections with sufficient top and bottom reinforcement meshes in the concrete slab, i.e. increasing the amount of slab reinforcement is more beneficial than increasing the bolt size or the number of bolts. Based on the results of modelling a four bay (9 m each, two storey, 4 m high) composite frame with different extents of fire damage to different members, it was found that whenever any of the columns failed, progressive collapse of the frame would occur. Therefore, damages to columns should be prevented or the columns should be designed and constructed to allow for possible damage. If the beams are damaged, it is still possible for the damaged frame to achieve the reference fire resistance time of the undamaged structure (which is used as the criterion to accept that the damaged frame has sufficient robustness) by developing catenary action in the damaged beam. For this to happen, the columns should be designed to resist the catenary tensile force (tying force) in the beams, in addition to the compressive force.

This thesis focuses on fire resistance of 19th century cast iron framed structures. Based on material property data obtained from a comprehensive literature review, upper and lower bound relationships of the thermal and mechanical properties of 19th century fireproof floor construction materials have been derived. Because these materials have large variability, a sensitivity analysis has been undertaken to investigate the most effective ways of representing such variability. The sensitivity analysis has indicated that the elevated mechanical properties of cast iron should be reliably quantified. The thermal expansion of cast iron can be taken as equal to that of steel as in EN1993-1-2. Variabilities in other material properties have modest effects on fire resistance of cast iron structures and can be safely modeled according the Eurocode material models for similar modern materials (using thermal properties of modern steel for cast iron, using thermal properties of modern concrete for the insulation materials of cast iron structures). In order to resolve some of the uncertainties in mechanical properties of cast iron at elevated temperatures, a total of 135 elevated temperature tests have been performed, including tension and compression tests, transient state and steady state tests, tests after cooling down and thermal expansion tests. These test results have been used to establish the elevated temperature stress-strain-temperature relationships in tension and compression. Afterwards, calculation methods are developed to calculate the bending resistance of cast iron beams and compression resistance of cast iron columns at elevated temperatures. For cast iron beams, a fibre model has been developed to calculate elevated temperature moment capacity of cast iron beams in jack arch construction, taking into consideration non-uniform temperature distributions in the cross-section. The fibre model divides the cross section into a large number of fine layers and for a given curvature and neutral axis position calculates the strain, the temperature, the stress and the force of each layer. It has been found that under historically applied load, the fire resistance of such beams can be 60 minutes or higher. The Monte Carlo simulation method has been used to take into account the variabilities of important mechanical properties of cast iron at elevated temperatures; Young’s modulus, 0.2% proof stress, ultimate strength, corresponding strain at ultimate strength and failure strain in tension and Young’s modulus, proportional limit and 0.2% proof stress in compression. This has enabled material safety factors of 1.50, 2.50, 4.50 and 5.50 to be proposed for target failure probabilities of 10-1, 10-2, 10-3 and 10-4 respectively. For cast iron columns, a finite element model, built using the commercial software ABAQUS, has been used to examine the effects of changing different design parameters (column slenderness, member imperfection, cross section imperfection, degree of axial restraint, load factor and load eccentricity) on fire resistance of cast iron columns. Validation of the finite element model was by comparison of the simulation results against six fire resistance tests, three on unprotected and three on protected cast iron columns. The results of this numerical parametric study indicate that the fire resistance of cast iron columns is generally higher than that of modern steel columns because the applied loads on cast iron columns are lower and cast iron columns have thicker sections than modern steel columns. Comparison of the numerical parametric study results with the calculation results using the steel column design method in EN1993-1-2 has found that the EN 1993-1-2 calculation results are generally on the safe side.

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Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)
Recentemente, o interesse e a pesquisa de coleta de energia têm aumentado substancialmente no meio técnico-científico. Com a grande demanda mundial por energia elétrica, muitos pesquisadores, no Brasil e no Mundo, têm concentrado seus esforços na busca de novas fontes de energia. Além disso, com os avanços da tecnologia, é possível utilizar dispositivos de baixo consumo de energia, que são, na maioria das vezes, alimentados por uma bateria, que são fontes de energia finita havendo a necessidade da recarga ou troca periodicamente, das mesmas. No processo de coleta de energia, a energia elétrica é obtida através da conversão de energia mecânica criada por uma fonte de vibração do meio ambiente através de um transdutor. Entre os mais comuns meios de transdução de energia, o uso de materiais piezoelétricos vêm sendo de grande interesse em meio a coleta de energia devido sua facilidade de aplicação e seu uso para coleta de energia em um amplo intervalo de frequências. Fontes de vibração do meio ambiente podem ser causadas em estruturas através do movimento de veículos, um trêm, ondas do mar e até o deslocamento de pessoas. Com isso, este trabalho tem como objetivo estudar a coleta de energia utilizando uma plataforma aporticada não-linear de dois graus de liberdade contendo um material piezoelétrico não-linear acoplado a uma de suas colunas e excitado externamente em sua base. A plataforma não-linear possui ressonância interna 2:1 entre seus modos de vibrar. A não-linearidade do material é considerada através de uma relação matemática não-linear. Além disso, este trabalho será separado em duas partes para a análise das excitações externas. Em sua primeira parte, considera-se uma força harmonica excitando sua base. Na segunda parte, será considerando um vibrador eletrodinâmico com saída harmônica. A metologia empregada para a realização das análises deste trabalho foram: utilizar o método de múltiplas escalas para buscar as melhores configurações dos parâmetros e encontrar fenômenos devido à ressonancia interna 2:1; em seguida foram realizadas excessivas simulações numéricas utilizando o método de Runge-Kutta de quarta e quinta ordem com passo variável buscando otimizar a coleta de energia através da variação de parâmetros, diagramas de bifurcação, expoente de lyapunov, FFTs e históricos no tempo e outros tipos de simulações. Em geral serão feitas duas comparações muito importantes. A influência da não-linearidade do material piezoelétrico e do uso da força harmonica e do vibrador eletrodinâmico na coleta de energia. Os resultados mostraram grande influência da não-linearidade do material piezoelétrico, e utilizando o vibrador foi possível ter um ganho considerável na estabilidade do sistema.
Recently, the interest and research about energy harvesting has been increasing substantially in the technical-scientific community. With the great world demand for electrical energy, many researchers, in Brazil and in the World, have concentrated their efforts to seek new energy sources. In addition, with the technological advances is possible to use low-power consumption devices, that are, most of time, powered by a battery, which are limited energy sources having the necessity of recharging or substituting them periodically. In the energy harvesting process, the electrical energy is obtained through the conversion of mechanical energy created by a vibrating source in the environment using a transducer. Among the most common energy transduction mean, the use of piezoelectric materials has been of great interest in the energy harvesting matter due to its ease of application and its use to harvest energy in a wide range of frequencies. Vibration sources in the environment may occur in structures by vehicle traffics, a train movement, sea waves and even people. With that, the objective of this work is to study the energy harvesting using a nonlinear two-degrees-of-freedom portal frame platform with a nonlinear piezoelectric material coupled to one of its columns and externally base-excited. The nonlinear platform possesses two-to-one internal resonance between its two vibration modes. The nonlinearities of the piezoelectric material is considered as a nonlinear mathematical relation. Moreover, this work is separated in two parts to the analysis of the external excitations. In the first part, a harmonic force base-exciting the system is considered. In the second part is considered an electro-dynamical shaker with harmonic output. The employed methodology to carry out the analysis of this work was: the application of the method of multiple scales to find the best configuration of the parameters, and to find some kind of phenomena due to the two-to-one internal resonance; in the following were carried out several numerical simulations using the method of Runge-Kutta of 4th and 5th order with variable step seeking to optimize the energy harvesting through parametrical variations, bifurcation diagrams, FFTs, time histories and other typos of simulations. In general, it will be done two much important comparisons: the influence of the nonlinearity of the piezoelectric material and the use of the harmonic force and the shaker to the energy harvesting. The results showed great influence of the nonlinearity of the material, and using the electro-dynamical device it was possible to have a considerably gain in the system stability.

Os galpões de concreto pré-moldado, formados por pórticos atirantados, são muito utilizados, no Brasil. Porém, para o projeto dessas estruturas, a bibliografia é limitada. Além disso, vários critérios de projeto são adaptados dos relativos a estruturas de concreto moldado no local e de múltiplos pavimentos. O objetivo deste trabalho é contribuir para a análise desse tipo de estrutura, introduzindo conceitos que dificilmente são considerados na prática, tais como: rigidez da ligação viga-pilar, análise não-linear física e geométrica, deformação excessiva e fluência. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida por meio de análises estruturais, usando modelos de galpões comuns na prática. Cada conceito citado anteriormente foi analisado em exemplos. A rigidez da ligação viga-pilar foi avaliada com base no parâmetro de restrição à rotação, \'alfa\'R. A não-linearidade física (NLF) do concreto foi considerada pelo método de Branson. Para a não-linearidade geométrica (NLG), foram utilizados os parâmetros \'alfa\' e o processo P.\'delta\'. A deformação excessiva, incluindo a fluência, foi discutida tendo em conta os aspectos normativos. Constatou-se que a ligação viga-pilar pode ter comportamento semi-rígido em alguns casos, mas, se corretamente dimensionada, apresenta, de fato, comportamento rígido. A consideração da NLF apresentou resultados melhores que a análise elástica linear, sendo possível, para o exemplo estudado, utilizar um coeficiente redutor de inércia igual a 0,5, para as vigas e para os pilares do pórtico. Concluiu-se, também, que a consideração da NLG deve ser feita sistematicamente para esse tipo de estrutura, uma vez que alguns exemplos apresentaram acréscimos de momentos superiores a 10% e \'alfa\' > \'alfa\' lim. Além disso, observou-se que a verificação do estado limite de deformação excessiva (ELS-DEF) pode ser determinante na escolha das seções transversais do pórtico, sendo obrigatória a consideração da fluência. Nesse sentido, o presente trabalho contribui para a literatura técnica sobre a análise estrutural dos galpões atirantados, auxiliando projetistas no cálculo dessas estruturas e servindo de referência nos cursos sobre esse assunto.
Sheds of precast concrete formed by tied portal frames are widely used in Brazil. However, there are few works on the design of these structures. In addition, several design criteria are adapted from those relative to the structures of cast in place concrete and multi-storey buildings. The objective of this work is to contribute to the analysis of this type of structure, introducing concepts that are hardly seen in practice, such as: rigidity of beam-column connection, physics and geometric nonlinear analysis, excessive deformation, and creep. The research was developed by mean of structural analysis, using models of sheds common in practice. Each concept previously mentioned was analyzed in examples. The stiffness of the beam-column connection was evaluated with base on the restriction parameter of the rotation, \'alfa\'R. The physics non-linearity (PNL) of concrete was considered by the method of Branson. For the geometric non-linearity (GNL) the parameter \'alfa\' and the process P.\'delta\' were used. The excessive deformation including creep was discussed taking in account the aspects of brazilian codes. It was found that the beam-column connection may have semi-rigid behavior in some cases, but, if properly designed, it has in fact rigid behavior. The consideration of the PNL had better results than the linear elastic analysis, and, for the sample studied, was possible to use a reduction coefficient of inertia equal to 0.5 for the beams and columns of the portal frame. It was also concluded that the consideration of GNL should be done systematically for this type of structure, since as some examples showed increase of moments above 10% and \'alfa\' > \'alfa\' lim. Furthermore, it was observed that the verification of deflection serviceability can be decisive in the choice of the portal frame cross sections, being obligatory the consideration of creep. In this sense, the present work contributes to the technical literature on the structural analysis of the tied portal frame sheds, helping engineers in the design of these structures and serving as reference in courses about this subject.

Os sistemas pré-fabricados vêm conquistando espaço em todo o Brasil. Dentre eles, os pórticos planos de elementos pré-fabricados de concreto com sistema estrutural para telhado de duas águas, comumente denominados de galpões, tem sido amplamente aplicados. Os galpões, como a matona das estruturas pré-moldadas de concreto, apresentam suas ligações, em maior ou menor grau, deformáveis. Portanto, este trabalho refere-se ao estudo da deformabilidade de uma de suas ligações: a ligação viga-pilar executada através de consolo e chumbador, e da sua influência na distribuição dos esforços solicitantes destas estruturas. Neste sentido, foram realizadas simulações numéricas, com o emprego do Método dos Elementos Finitos e ensaios físicos. Através do ensaio físico realizado no modelo da ligação viga-pilar foi possível determinar sua deformabilidade à flexão e observar seu modo de ruptura. As simulações numéricas foram realizadas tanto para obter teoricamente o valor da deformabilidade à flexão da ligação em análise, como para avaliar sua influência no comportamento estrutural dos galpões pré-moldados. Com base nos resultados obtidos, foram elaboradas algumas recomendações de projeto para os galpões pré-moldados.
The use of precast concrete structures has increased in Brazil. Among them, the precast concrete portal frames with sloping beams have been extensively used in storehouses and commercial and industrial buildings. This type of portal frame, as the most precast concrete structures, has semirigid connections. So, this work deals with the study of the semi-rigid behavior of one beam-column connection type frequently used in these structures. In this kind of connection the beam rests on a corbel which has two projecting bolts connecting it. The aim of this thesis is also to determine the influence of the flexibility connection on the structure behavior. Numerical modeling applying the Finite Element Method and experimental tests were done to analyse these aspects. The test results of a beam-column model allowed the construction of the moment-rotation diagram and the failure mode observation. The numerical modeling was done to get the value of the connection flexibility and to study its influence on the precast concrete portal frame behavior. Based on the results some design recommendations were established.

No presente trabalho foram estudadas duas ligações viga-pilar de estruturas de concreto pré-moldado com ênfase na deformabilidade ao momento fletor. A primeira é muito utilizada em galpões com sistema estrutural de pórticos para telhado com duas águas. A segunda é utilizada em estruturas de edifícios com múltiplos pavimentos. Foram realizados ensaios físicos em dois modelos de cada tipo de ligação. Com base nos resultados experimentais, foram propostos modelos analíticos, baseados no Método dos Componentes, e realizadas simulações numéricas, baseadas no Método dos Elementos Finitos, através dos quais determinou-se a curva momento-rotação das ligações em estudo. As curvas momento rotação teóricas, para as duas ligações estudadas, ficaram bastante próximas das experimentais. De acordo com os resultados, pode-se dizer que a primeira ligação teve um comportamento próximo ao de uma ligação perfeitamente rígida. Isso porque, para uma estrutura típica, ela transmitiu mais de 90% do momento equivalente ao de uma estrutura monolítica. A segunda ligação também garantiu uma boa transferência de momento fletor. Observou-se que, ao considerar a semi-rigidez dessa ligação na análise estrutural, há uma redução significativa no momento na base dos pilares mais solicitados, o que permite uma redução na armadura dos pilares e nas dimensões da fundação
The present research deals with the study of two types of precast beam-to-column connections with emphasis on the deformability analysis. The first one is extensively used in precast concrete portal frames with sloping beams. The second one is used in multi-storey framed structures. Experimental tests on two models of each type of beam-to-column connections were done. Based on the experimental results, analytical models, based on the Component Method, were proposed and numerical simulations, based on the Finite Element Method, were developed, which provide the moment-rotation curves of the studied connections. The theoretical moment-rotation curves, for both studied connections, are in good agreement with the experimental ones. According to the results, the first connection had almost the same behaviour of a rigid one. It transmitted about 90% of the bending moment of an equivalent monolithic structure. The second connection also transmitted a good portion of bending moment. It was observed that when its semi-rigidity is considered on the structural analysis there was a significant reduction on the column base bending moment and on the foundation dimensions

Indonesia is a developing country that suffers from earthquakes and windstorms and where at least 60% of houses are non-engineered structures, built by unskilled workers using masonry and timber. The non-engineered housing units developed in urban region are also vulnerable to seismic hazard due to the use of low quality of material and constructions method. Those structures are not resistant to extreme lateral loads or ground movement and their failure during an earthquake or storm can lead to significant loss of life. This thesis is concerned with the structural performance of Indonesian low-rise buildings made of masonry and timber under lateral seismic load. The research presented includes a survey of forms of building structure and experimental, analytical and numerical work to predict the behaviour of masonry wall and traditional timber frame buildings. Experimental testing of both masonry and timber have been carried out in Indonesia to establish the quality of materials and to provide material properties for numerical simulations. The experimental study found that the strength of Indonesia-Bali clay brick masonry are below the minimum standard required for masonry structures built in seismic regions, being at least 50% lower than the requirement specified in British Standard and Eurocode-6 (BS EN 1996-1-1:2005). In contrast, Indonesian timber materials meet the strength classes specified in British Standard/Eurocode- 5 (BS EN 338:2009) in the range of strength grade D35-40 and C35).Structural tests under monotonic and cyclic loading have been conducted on building components in Indonesia, to determine the load-displacement capacity of local hand-made masonry wall panels and timber frames in order to: (1) evaluate the performance of masonry and timber frame structure, (2) investigate the dynamic behaviour of both structures, (3) observe the effect of in-plane stiffness and ductility level, and (4) examine the anchoring joint at the base of timber frame that resists the overturning moment. From these tests, the structural ductility was found to be less than two which is below the requirement of the relevant guidelines from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, USA (FEMA-306). It was also observed that the lateral stiffness of masonry wall is much higher than the equivalent timber frame of the same height and length. The experimental value of stiffness of the masonry wall panel was found to be one-twelfth of the recommended values given in FEMA-356 and the Canadian Building code. The masonry wall provides relatively low displacement compared to the large displacement of the timber frame at the full capacity level of lateral load, with structural framing members of the latter remaining intact. The weak point of the timber frame is the mechanical joint and the capacity of slip joint governs the lateral load capacity of the whole frame. Detailed numerical models of the experimental specimens were setup in Abaqus using three-dimensional solid elements. Cohesive elements were used to simulate the mortar behaviour, exhibiting cracking and the associated physical separation of the elements. Appropriate contact definitions were used where relevant, especially for the timber frame joints. A range of available material plasticity models were reviewed: Drucker-Prager, Crystalline Plasticity, and Cohesive Damage model. It was found that the combination of Crystalline Plasticity model for the brick unit and timber, and the Cohesive Damage model for the mortar is capable of simulating the experimental load-displacement behaviour fairly accurately. The validated numerical models have been used to (1) predict the lateral load capacity, (2) determine the cracking load and patterns, (3) carry out a detailed parametric study by changing the geometric and material properties different to the experimental specimens. The numerical models were used to assess different strengthening measures such as using bamboo as reinforcement in the masonry walls for a complete single storey, and a two-storey houses including openings for doors and windows. The traditional footing of the timber structures was analysed using Abaqus and was found to be an excellent base isolation system which partly explains the survival of those structures in the past earthquakes. The experimental and numerical results have finally been used to develop a design guideline for new construction as well as recommendations for retrofitting of existing structures for improved performance under seismic lateral load.

碩士
國立屏東科技大學
木材科學與設計系所
101
The purpose of the study was to investigate the structural performance of a glulam portal frame constructed with the beams and columns. Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) from domestic plantation was used in the experiment. Full-size structural glulams were made using glulam assembly machine with eight lamina for each glulam. Glue application of 250 g/m2 and assembly pressure of 980 kPa were used for making 140 × 304.8 mm glulam specimens. Beam and column member joint employed the designed metal connectors which were further divided into two different types (I type, L type) and two pin layouts (square, circle). A fixed-supported joint at column base was designed with a metal connector using bolts. A lateral cyclic loading was applied to the portal frame and the procedure of applying different cyclic deformation angles can be divided into seven steps, each steps has three cycles. After the final cyclic load step, a monotonic load was applied until failure or deformation angle of 1/18 rad. The maximum lateral load of glulam portal frame with L-S connections showed a better performance than the other conditions. The excellent allowable load during the cyclic load steps was also found in the portal frame with L-S conditions. And, allowable shear had similar trend. Pin in square layout at the connection showed higher allowable shear than that in circle layout significantly, but not between I type and L type connectors. For the safety factor, the portal frame with the L-S had the lowest value of average 5.9 indicating economic benefits of the L-S conditions for joint. For the joint rigidity, the portal frame with the I-C connection had the lowest, and did not meet the suggested 19% of maximum value, while the L-S connection showed excellent rigidity. For the joint efficiency, the L-S connection was 77 % higher than other joint conditions. Moment distribution of portal frame was obtained from strain gauge measurement subjected to a lateral force. Inflection point of column member moved upward from mid-height member showing a resisting moment occurred at the column-base joint was larger than that at the beam-column member joint. Better performance in the initial stiffness and energy absorbing of glulam portal frames assembled with square layout was found. A lower ductility coefficient value of structure fastened with pin in square layout indicated a rigid connection. Structure performance of Japanese cedar glulam portal frame was simulated with SAP2000 structural analysis software based on parameters of materials and loading conditions. Moment distribution from simulation was close to the calculated values using slope-deflection method indicating the feasibility of using SAP2000 software to the glulam portal frame application.

Recent proposed rafter slenderness limits, to prevent snap-through of plastically designed pitched-roof portal frames, incorporate the elastic snap-through buckling load of such frames. It has been suggested that the elastic snap-through buckling load used in the proposals is over-estimated making these slenderness limits unconservative. This is supported by a more rigorous elastic analysis. To test the proposals, model frames lying on or close to the slenderness limits were tested to failure in the laboratory. Frame dimensions were chosen so that the frames were only susceptible to snap-through instability. Failure loads far lower than the expected plastic collapse loads were measured, showing that the elastic snap-through buckling load is over -estimated . Since plastic analysis is easily applied to portal frames, these slenderness limits are best replaced by a similar limit incorporating a more accurate elastic snap-through buckling load. A new limit is outlined which must still be tested by further research