The finite element analysis (FEA) is a numerical technique to find solutions of field problems. A field problem is approximated by differential equations or integral expressions. In a finite element, the field quantity is allowed to have a simple spatial variation in terms of linear or polynomial functions. This paper represents a review and an accuracy-study of the finite element method comparing the FEA results with the exact solution. The exact solutions were calculated by solid mechanics and FEA using matrix stiffness method. For this study, simple bar and cantilever models were considered to evaluate four types of basic elements - constant strain triangle (CST), linear strain triangle (LST), bi-linear-rectangle(Q4),and quadratic-rectangle(Q8). The bar model was subjected to uniaxial loading whereas in case of the cantilever model moment loading was used. In the uniaxial loading case, all basic element results of the displacement and stress in x-direction agreed well with the exact solutions. In the moment loading case, the displacement in y-direction using LST and Q8 elements were acceptable compared to the exact solution, but CST and Q4 elements had to be improved by the mesh refinement.
The dynamic analysis of poles made of advanced composite materials is carried out for different length-thickness ratios and layup sequences. The numerical results using ABAQUS obtained for plates and shells are in good agreement with those reported by other investigators. The new results for laminated composite pole structures in this study mainly show the effect of the interactions between the radius-length ratio and other various parameters. The effect of fiber angles of long composite poles also investigated. Key observation points are discussed and a brief design guideline is given.
This project investigated the use of two types of thermoplastic pipes, High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Poly-vinyl Chloride (PVC), as cross-drains under highways. Pipes ranging from 0.3 m (12 in.) to 1.5 m (60 in.) in diameter were evaluated under deep fills, minimum cover, and construction loads. In addition to a comprehensive literature review, an analytical study into the allowable fill heights for thermoplastic pipes and a field study to observe the installation and performance of the pipe in service conditions were conducted. Based on the study findings, recommendations regarding how and when thermoplastic pipe should be installed are provided.
In real world applications, the response of structures may be dependent on the rate of loading and thus can be affected by transient loading, especially when the rate of loading is significant. In such situations, the rate of loading may become a major issue to understand structures during earthquake excitation or under blast or high velocity impact. In some cases, the rate effect on structures under strong earthquake excitation cannot be ignored when attempting to understand inelastic behavior of structures. M any researchers developed the constitutive theories in cyclic plasticity and viscoplasticity. In this study, numerical simulation by cyclic visocoplasticity models is introduced and analyzed. Finally, the analytical results are compared with experimental results as a means to evaluate and verify the model.
Structural insulated panels, structurally performed panels consisting of a plastic insulation bonded between two structural panel facings, are one of emerging products with a viewpoint of its energy and construction efficiencies. These components are applicable to fabricated wood structures. In Korea, there are few technical documents regulated structural performance and engineering criteria in domestic market. This study was conducted to identify fundamental performance of both monotonic load and quasi static cyclic load for SIPs in shear wall application. Static test results showed that maximum load was 44.3kN, allowable shear load was 6.1kN/m, shear stiffness was 1.23 M N/m, and ductility ratio was 3.6. Cyclic test was conducted by two kinds of specimens : single panel and double panels. Cyclic test results, which were equivalent to static test results, showed that maximum load was 45.42kN, allowable shear load was 6.3kN/m. Furthermore the accumulated energy dissipation capability for double panels was as 2.3 times as that for single panel. From performance of structural tests, it was recommended that the allowable shear load for panels was at least 6.1kN/m.
This paper presents the design, fabrication and performance of a reinforced concrete beam strengthened by GFRP box plate and its possibility for structural rehabilitations. The load capacity, ductility and failure mode of reinforced concrete structures strengthened by FRP box plate were investigated and compared with traditional FRP plate strengthening method. This is intended to assess the feasibility of using FRP box plate for repair and strengthening of damaged RC beams. A series of four-point bending tests were conducted on RC beams with or without strengthening FRP systems the influence of concrete cover thickness on the performance of overall stiffness of the structure. The parameters obtained by the experimental studies were the stiffness, strength, crack width and pattern, failure mode, respectively. The test yielded complete load-deflection curves from which the increase in load capacity and the failure mode was evaluated.