Search Results (8)

The purpose of this paper is to study the shear performance of reinforced concrete corbels under a synergistic change in the main stirrup inclination angle to explore the synergistic mechanism of the main reinforcement and the stirrup inclination angle, and to evaluate the applicability of existing design specifications. The shear performance test was carried out by designing RC corbel specimens with an inclination angle of the main reinforcement and stirrup. The test results show that a 15° inclination scheme significantly improves the shear performance: the yield load is increased by 28.3%, the ultimate load is increased by 23.6%, the strain of the main reinforcement of the 15° specimen is reduced by 51.3%, the stirrup shows a delayed yield (the yield load is increased by 11.6%) and lower strain level (250 kN is reduced by 23.7%), and the oblique reinforcement optimizes the internal force transfer path and delays the reinforcement yield. A CDP finite element model was established for verification, and the failure mode and crack propagation process of the corbel were accurately reproduced. The prediction error of ultimate load was less than 2.27%. Based on the test data, the existing standard method is tested and a modified formula of the triangular truss model based on the horizontal inclination angle of the tie rod is proposed. The prediction ratio of the bearing capacity is highly consistent with the test value. A function correlation model between the inclination angle of the steel bar and the bearing capacity is constructed, which provides a quantitative theoretical tool for the optimal design of RC corbel inclination parameters. Full article

A straightforward and versatile numerical approach is proposed for the nonlinear analysis of single and double-curvature masonry structures. The method is designed to broaden accessibility to both experienced and less specialized users. Masonry units are discretized with elastic quadrilateral elements, while mortar joints are modeled with a combination of elastic orthotropic plate elements or shear panels and elastic perfectly brittle trusses (cutoff bars). This method employs the simplest inelastic finite element available in any commercial software to lump nonlinearities exclusively within the mortar joints. It effectively captures the failure of curved structures under Mode 1 deformation, reproducing the typical collapse mechanism of unreinforced arches and vaults via flexural plastic hinges. The proposed method is benchmarked through three case studies drawn from the literature, each supported by experimental data and numerical results of varying complexity. A comprehensive evaluation of the global force–displacement curves, along with the analysis of the thrust line and the evolution of nonlinearities within the model, demonstrates the effectiveness, reliability, and simplicity of the approach proposed. By bridging the gap between advanced simulation and practical application, the approach provides a robust tool suitable for a wide range of users. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the behavior of unreinforced curved masonry structures and lays a base for future advancements in the analysis and conservation of historical heritage. Full article

This study comprehensively examines the impact of various tensile and shear reinforcement arrangements on the ultimate capacity and failure mode of reinforced concrete (RC) beams. This study encompasses theoretical, experimental, and numerical approaches. The experiment consisted of six beams (three 2.0 m long beams and three beams measuring 1 m in length) and had unique shear and tensile reinforcement setups. Truss bars and stirrups were used as shear reinforcement, while steel plates and bars were used as tensile reinforcement. The objective was to assess and compare the impact of the arrangement of tensile and shear reinforcement on the bending and shear strength of beams. The findings suggest that concrete beams reinforced with steel plates and stirrups had the highest load-carrying capacity when compared with conventional beams. Furthermore, a beam using truss bars with only 51.1% of the shear reinforcement area provided by stirrups achieved approximately 87% of the load capacity of its stirrup-reinforced counterpart. Additionally, increasing the yield strength of the steel plates from 420 MPa to 520 MPa enhanced beam stiffness and resulted in a 6% increase in ultimate load capacity. Full article

The main building of Zone II of Zhanjiang Bay Laboratory R&D Building adopts a steel frame–core tube shear wall structure system, with a 53.4 m large-span and heavy-load-transfer truss on the fourth floor. In order to propose the optimal construction and installation scheme for the large-span and heavy-load-transfer truss, the simplified model, single model, and 3D model are utilized to compare Scheme 1 with rigid connection and Scheme 2 with elastic connection and rigid connection. After completing the construction of the underground layer and towers on both sides, in Scheme 1, the fourth-floor transfer truss is directly connected to the towers on both sides in a rigid manner. Subsequently, the support at the bottom of the transfer truss is removed, allowing for layer-by-layer construction. The transfer truss remains rigidly connected to both side towers throughout. On the other hand, in Scheme 2, initially, the transfer truss is connected to both side towers through upper chords and diagonal bars before being constructed upwards until reaching the sixth floor. Once formed as a whole with two floors above using large diagonal tie rods, lower chords of the large-span and heavy-load-transfer truss are then connected with another diagonal bar to establish a rigid connection between the transfer truss and towers; thereafter, upward construction continues. Following completion of constructing a seven-story large diagonal tie rod, whereupon removal of support at the bottom of the conversion truss occurs, subsequent layer-by-layer construction takes place accordingly. It has been observed that employing Scheme 2 can enhance stress distribution within core barrel shear walls as well as transfer trusses while ensuring deflection and stress levels meet requirements for the large-span and heavy-load-transfer truss, thereby rendering structural stress more rationalized, leading to significantly improved overall safety. Full article

The steel–concrete composite truss adopts a new type of steel-concrete composite joint with high rigidity and load-carrying capacity. In order to more conveniently and clearly grasp the working mechanism of Perfobond Leiste (PBL) shear keys in the core area of new composite structures such as steel–concrete composite trusses, the lack of strong theoretical support for the theoretical formula of load–slip relationships in the entire loading process of single PBL shear keys is solved. By proposing a straight–curved–straight three-stage simplified load–slip curve with respect to the PBL shear key, the stress process of the PBL shear key is divided into three stages—the elastic stage, plastic stage, and strengthening stage—based on the compressive yield and failure critical point of tenon concrete in the shear key. With reference to the calculation method of the bearing capacity of the order pile under horizontal loads and by calculating the shear stiffness of the shear key, a theoretical formula suitable for separating the load–slip relationship of a single PBL shear key in the entire loading process of the ear plate composite joint is proposed. The results show that, in the elastic section, the slope of the curve is related to the concrete reaction coefficient and the material parameters of the penetrating steel bar; moreover, in the strengthened section, the coefficient is related to the shear modulus of the penetrating steel bar, and a more uniform length distribution of the penetrating steel bar between the two joint plates will improve the initial stiffness of the PBL shear key to a certain extent. The results of the proposed method are in good agreement with the finite element results and experimental values. This research study’s results can provide a convenient design method for the design of the internal PBL shear keys of new composite structure joints, promoting the promotion and application of new composite structures and advancing the development of the engineering field. Full article

To make the construction of assembled steel-reinforced truss concrete laminated plate composite structure faster, safer, and more efficient, this paper proposes an H-shaped steel-reinforced truss concrete laminated plate composite structure with new angle connectors embedded in the precast bottom panel. Through experimental studies on the H-shaped steel-concrete laminated plate composite beams with precast bottom panels protruding from the bent-up bars, precast bottom panels with embedded new angle connectors and laminated whole cast slab, the similarities and differences of load-deflection, deflection distribution, interface slip, crack distribution and cross-section strain distribution of three groups of composite beams under negative bending moment were analyzed and compared. Using ABAQUS finite element software, we established a finite element model and found the numerical simulation results were in good agreement with the experimental results. Based on this, five groups of finite element models were established for parametric analysis to investigate the effect of concrete strength on the flexural load capacity and flexural stiffness of the steel-laminated plate composite beams with embedded angle connectors. The results of the study show that the combined performance of the H-shaped steel-concrete laminated plate composite beams with the new angle connection embedded in the precast bottom panel was better and the flexural stiffness was greater. The slippage of the H-shaped steel-concrete laminated plate composite beams with embedded new angle connectors in the precast bottom panel was less than the slippage of the precast bottom slab bent-up bars protruding and the laminated cast plate, with the maximum slippage being only 1/2 of the precast bottom panel bent-up bars protruding. In the composite structure of H-shaped steel-concrete composite slabs under negative bending moment, shear angle connectors can replace the bent-up bars protruding from the laminated bottom panel to achieve without extending the reinforcement of the laminated bottom panel. Full article

The areas of Central and Eastern Europe and, thus, Poland are not exposed to the effects of seismic actions. Any possible tremors can be caused by coal or copper mining. Wind, rheological effects, the impact of other objects, or a nonuniform substrate are the predominant types of loading included in the calculations for stiffening walls. The majority of buildings in Poland, as in most other European countries, are low, medium-high brick buildings. Some traditional materials, like solid brick (>10% of construction materials market) are still used, but autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) and cement-sand calcium-silicate (Ca-Si) elements with thin joints are prevailing (>70% of the market) on the Polish market. Adding reinforcement only to bed joints in a wall is a satisfactory solution (in addition to confining) for seismic actions occurring in Poland that improves ULS (ultimate limit state) and SLS (serviceability limit state). This paper presents results from our own tests on testing horizontal shear walls without reinforcement and with different types of reinforcement. This discussion includes 51 walls made of solid brick (CB) reinforced with steel bars and steel trusses and results from tests on 15 walls made of calcium-silicate (Ca-Si) and AAC masonry units reinforced with steel trusses and plastic meshes. Taking into account our own tests and those conducted by other authors, empirical relationships were determined on the basis of more than 90 walls. They are applicable to the design and construction phases to determine the likely effect of reinforcements on cracking stress that damage shear deformation and wall stiffness. Full article

This work aims to investigate the seismic behavior and shear bearing capacity of Ultra-High Performance, Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC) beam-column joints. Quasi-static tests were conducted on five exterior and four interior reinforced UHPFRC beam-column joints; the behavior of specimens was examined in terms of failure processes, shear deformation angle, load transfer, and loadbearing capacity. The influences of the joint types, axial compression load level, and stirrup ratio in joint cores on the failure modes and shear carrying capacity of joints were analyzed. The shear resistance mechanism of a reinforced UHPFRC beam-column joint consists of the diagonal strut and truss mechanisms. The role of steel fiber through cracks is similar to reinforcement bars in the truss mechanism; based on these mechanisms and the test results, a formula was proposed to predict the shear carrying capacity of reinforced UHPFRC joints. The formula can reflect the effects of axial compression load level, steel fiber content, and stirrup ratio in the joint core on the shear carrying capacity of the beam-column joint, which can be used not only for UHPFRC beam-column joint design, but also steel fiber high-strength concrete joints. Full article