Advances in Testing and Computation Methods for Disaster Mitigation of Engineering Structures

A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Building Structures".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 7153

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
School of Civil Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
Interests: polymer-based building materials; structural engineering; steel structures; testing technique; earthquake engineering; artificial intelligence methoduction
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
School of Civil Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
Interests: structural engineering; steel-concrete composite structures; earthquake engineering; wind engineering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Civil Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
Interests: structural engineering; steel-concrete composite structures; earthquake engineering; prefabricated construction
School of Civil Engineering, Central South University of Forestry & Technology, Changsha 410004, China
Interests: structural engineering; prefabricated building construction; steel–concrete composite structures; earthquake engineering; testing technique
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The safety of engineering structures against natural hazards (e.g., earthquakes, winds, fires, and tsunamis) is a subject of great interest to researchers and is important for protecting human life and reducing economic losses. In the last few decades, with advancing knowledge and technological development on understanding and interpreting the mechanisms of natural hazards, new components, connections, devices, and structural systems have been proposed for mitigating the damages of engineering structures. New testing and computation methods are being developed to analyze and design them.

This Special Issue is dedicated but not limited to current research on experimental, theoretical, computational, and relevant research works on advanced methods in disaster mitigation of engineering structures, including the following: analyzing and simulating natural hazards; damage assessment of engineering structures under natural hazards; modeling and applications of new construction materials for structural engineering; design methodologies of newly developed structural components and systems; advanced testing and modeling technologies; maintenance, repair and retrofit of existing structures; vulnerability, risk and reliability assessment of engineering structures under earthquakes, winds, fires, and tsunami; and advanced methods for the evaluation and design of resistance and resilience of structural systems.

Dr. Liqiang Jiang
Dr. Fengqi Guo
Dr. Linli Duan
Dr. Yi Hu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • structural engineering
  • natural hazard
  • testing technique
  • computation technique
  • AI-aimed simulation
  • construction material
  • structural design method
  • retrofit and repair
  • vulnerability and risk
  • damage assessment
  • performance-based design

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

29 pages, 6722 KiB  
Article
Experimental Investigation of the Flexural Bearing Capacity of Pull-Up Cantilever Scaffolds with Adjustable Steel Tie Rods
by Zhanbo Huang, Jianjun Yang, Shizhong Zhou, Chenyang Zhang and Jintao Yang
Buildings 2025, 15(6), 861; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15060861 - 10 Mar 2025
Viewed by 496
Abstract
This study presents experimental investigations of the flexural bearing capacity of the lower load-bearing structures of pull-up cantilever scaffolds with adjustable steel tie rods. First, load-bearing structures with three different specifications are tested to analyze their primary failure modes and failure mechanisms. The [...] Read more.
This study presents experimental investigations of the flexural bearing capacity of the lower load-bearing structures of pull-up cantilever scaffolds with adjustable steel tie rods. First, load-bearing structures with three different specifications are tested to analyze their primary failure modes and failure mechanisms. The experimental results are then simulated and validated using a finite element analysis (FEA) method. Subsequently, an extended parametric analysis is performed numerically, and a simplified calculation formula is derived through nonlinear curve fitting to evaluate the load-bearing capacity. Finally, the effects of the transverse spacing of the vertical rods, the length of the cantilever beams, and the spacing of the hanging ears on the flexural bearing capacity of the structures are analyzed. Full article
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16 pages, 10739 KiB  
Article
Investigation of the Hysteresis Performance of Multi-Story Y-Shaped Eccentrically Bare Braced Steel Frame with Block Slit Damper (BSD)
by Chen Zhou, Haibo Wen, Jing Zhao, Lizhong Jiang, Xiaodong Xu, Hong Zheng, Yuxiao Tian, Muhua Liang, Xiyao Wang and Hai Zhang
Buildings 2025, 15(3), 451; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15030451 - 31 Jan 2025
Viewed by 653
Abstract
This paper investigated the hysteresis performance of multi-story Y-shaped eccentrically bare braced steel frames with block slit dampers (BSDs). After validating existing models through finite element (FE) analysis, an FE model of Y-shaped eccentrically bare braced steel frames (YEBFs) with BSD (BSD-YEBFs) was [...] Read more.
This paper investigated the hysteresis performance of multi-story Y-shaped eccentrically bare braced steel frames with block slit dampers (BSDs). After validating existing models through finite element (FE) analysis, an FE model of Y-shaped eccentrically bare braced steel frames (YEBFs) with BSD (BSD-YEBFs) was established. The influences of different types of BSDs on the hysteresis performance of YEBFs were subsequently analysed, as were the seismic performances of YEBFs with BSD (BSDF) and traditional Y-shaped eccentrically bare braced steel frames (TEBF) under cyclic loading, including the stress failure mode, hysteresis curve, stiffness, strength, and energy dissipation capacity. The results showed that: (1) compared with those of BASE-Y, the ductility coefficients of YEBFs with one level BSD (BSD-1) and two level BSD (BSD-2) increased by 59.57% and 39.47%, respectively, and the lateral bearing capacity decreased by 3.26% and 2.78%, respectively. (2) Compared with those of TEBF, the yield bearing capacity and ultimate bearing capacity of BSDF increased by 3.13% and 11.12%, respectively, and the ductility coefficient increased by 56.7%. Moreover, BSDF possesses higher initial stiffness and more sustained energy dissipation capabilities. Full article
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18 pages, 5386 KiB  
Article
Numerical Study on the Sensitive Wavelength and Amplitude Management of Track Irregularities in Monorail Systems
by Hong Zhang, Pengjiao Wang, Chen Chen, Yanqiang Ji, Shiqi Wei, Boyou Guan, Zhiqiang Liu and Jie Zhang
Buildings 2024, 14(12), 4041; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14124041 - 19 Dec 2024
Viewed by 740
Abstract
Track irregularity is one of the principal excitations that induces coupled vibrations in vehicle–bridge systems. Understanding the sensitive wavelength of track irregularities is critical for the evaluation and management of track conditions. Notably, existing studies generally focus on railway systems, but the characteristics [...] Read more.
Track irregularity is one of the principal excitations that induces coupled vibrations in vehicle–bridge systems. Understanding the sensitive wavelength of track irregularities is critical for the evaluation and management of track conditions. Notably, existing studies generally focus on railway systems, but the characteristics of sensitive wavelengths in monorail systems are insufficiently understood. This study aims to investigate the influence of longitudinal level irregularity (LLI) on the dynamic response of the monorail tour transit system (MTTS), as well as the sensitive wavelength of LLI. First, a joint model was developed by integrating multi-body dynamics with the finite element method. The LLI utilized in the numerical mode was simulated by trigonometric functions with various frequencies (i.e., wavelengths) and amplitudes. The dynamic responses of monorail vehicles, including the wheel load reduction rate and vertical acceleration, were obtained and then used to evaluate track conditions. Results indicate that the dynamic responses of MTTS are mainly affected by the LLI with a wavelength of less than 5 m. In addition, it was found that, in the studied ranges, the sensitivity wavelength grows as the vehicle speed increases. Finally, the recommended value of LLI control under various track conditions was evaluated. Full article
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21 pages, 5887 KiB  
Article
Stability Analysis of Curved Beams Based on First-Order Shear Deformation Theory and Moving Least-Squares Approximation
by Yuxiao Li, Yajing Liao, Zhen Xie and Linxin Peng
Buildings 2024, 14(12), 3887; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123887 - 4 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1184
Abstract
Based on the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) and moving least-squares approximation (MLS), a new meshfree method that considers the effects of geometric nonlinearity and the pre- and post-buckling behaviors of curved beams is proposed. An incremental equilibrium equation is established with the [...] Read more.
Based on the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) and moving least-squares approximation (MLS), a new meshfree method that considers the effects of geometric nonlinearity and the pre- and post-buckling behaviors of curved beams is proposed. An incremental equilibrium equation is established with the Updated Lagrangian (UL) formulation under the von Karman deflection theory. The proposed method is applied to several numerical examples, and the results are compared with those from previous studies to demonstrate its convergence and accuracy. The pre- and post-buckling behaviors of the curved beam with different parameters, such as vector span ratios, bending forms, inclusion angles, boundary conditions, slenderness ratios, and axial shear stiffness ratios, are also investigated. The effects of the parameters on the buckling response are demonstrated. The proposed method can be extended to the study of double nonlinearities of curved beams in the future. This extension will provide a more scientific reference basis for the structural selection of curved girder structures in practical engineering. Full article
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16 pages, 6269 KiB  
Article
An Experimental and Numerical Study on the Lateral Stiffness Limits of Straddle-Type Monorail Tour-Transit Systems
by Hong Zhang, Pengjiao Wang, Qin Li, Junhui Jin, Shiqi Wei, Fengqi Guo, Cheng Feng and Qun Deng
Buildings 2024, 14(10), 3111; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14103111 - 28 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1017
Abstract
The development of the straddle-type monorail tour-transit system (MTTS) has received keen attention. Regarding the unspecified regulations on the lateral stiffness limit of steel substructures, which is essential for the design of MTTSs, this work presents a comprehensive assessment of the issue. Firstly, [...] Read more.
The development of the straddle-type monorail tour-transit system (MTTS) has received keen attention. Regarding the unspecified regulations on the lateral stiffness limit of steel substructures, which is essential for the design of MTTSs, this work presents a comprehensive assessment of the issue. Firstly, a wind–vehicle–bridge coupling model was established, integrating multibody dynamics and finite element methods. This model was then validated against field test results, considering measured track irregularities and simulated wind loadings as the excitations. Afterwards, a trend analysis and a variance-based sensitivity analysis was performed to investigate the effect of various factors on the dynamic response of the MTTS. Results indicate that the pier height significantly impacts the lateral displacement of the pier top, accounting for 87% of the first-order sensitivity index and 75% of the total sensitivity index. In comparison, the lateral stiffness of track beams contributes over 70% to the maximum responses at the mid-span. Based on this, two responses, the lateral displacement of the pier top and the lateral deflection–span ratio of the track beam, were utilized as evaluation indicators. With the analysis of indicators in terms of lateral acceleration, Sperling index, and lateral wheel force, the limited values for the two indicators were determined as 8.04 mm and L/4200, respectively. These findings can serve as valuable references for future research and designs in this field. Full article
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21 pages, 3307 KiB  
Article
Theoretical Analysis of the Plastic Property for Equal Angle Sections Subjected to Axial Force and Biaxial Bending
by Yun Sun, Da Song, Qi Cai, Yangbing Liu, Shuxuan Sun and Yuting Yang
Buildings 2024, 14(7), 2153; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14072153 - 12 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1196
Abstract
To fully harness the design development potential of plastic angle sections, this study employs a theoretical analysis approach to examine the plastic behavior of equal angle sections subjected to axial force and biaxial bending. Based on the simplified angle section results, the full [...] Read more.
To fully harness the design development potential of plastic angle sections, this study employs a theoretical analysis approach to examine the plastic behavior of equal angle sections subjected to axial force and biaxial bending. Based on the simplified angle section results, the full plasticity correlation equations were derived. Subsequently, section shape coefficients were computed. Finally, a methodology for calculating the plastic development coefficients of angle sections was explored. The findings indicate that the full plasticity correlation equations lack the necessary safety margins in designs. Notably, the angle sections possess a greater plastic development capacity along the weak axis compared with the strong axis. It is advisable, for both regular-size and large-size angle sections, to consistently adopt the plastic development coefficients in designs as follows: γu = 1.05 for the strong axis and γv = 1.15 for the weak axis, thereby addressing the shortcomings of the specification in design. Full article
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21 pages, 6499 KiB  
Article
Lateral Performance Analysis of Trapezoidal Orthogonal Stiffened Steel Plate Shear Walls
by Hong Zheng, Lele Cai, Jiawei Qin, Yuxi Mi, Liqiang Jiang, Xiaoming Ma and Zhiwei Sun
Buildings 2024, 14(6), 1634; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14061634 - 3 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1223
Abstract
This paper introduces a trapezoidal orthogonal stiffener steel plate shear wall (TSW). The finite element model of the TSW was developed following the validation of low-cycle repeated tests conducted on a single-span double-layer steel plate shear wall. The paper studies the effects of [...] Read more.
This paper introduces a trapezoidal orthogonal stiffener steel plate shear wall (TSW). The finite element model of the TSW was developed following the validation of low-cycle repeated tests conducted on a single-span double-layer steel plate shear wall. The paper studies the effects of the flat steel plate thickness, stiffener thickness, stiffener height, and stiffener bottom width on the seismic performance of TSW. Building upon these findings, a theoretical formula for the ultimate shear capacity of TSW was developed. The results prove the following: (1) By changing the flat steel plate thickness, the stiffener thickness, and the stiffener height, the seismic behavior of TSW can be enhanced. It is suggested that the flat steel plate thickness is 4~6 mm, the stiffener thickness is 4~6 mm, and the stiffener height is not more than 60 mm, while the effect of the stiffener bottom width on the seismic behavior of TSW can be neglected. (2) The maximum error is 22.16%, compared to the theoretical value of TSW ultimate shear capacity with the finite element simulation value. However, as the finite element results surpass the test results, it indicates that the formula-derived results are unsafe, necessitating a recommendation for correction. Full article
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