Papers by Keyword: Connections

Abstract: Bamboo construction is often related to traditional and vernacular architecture, which is found mostly in rural areas, where, for the construction, local people apply diverse techniques learned in an empirical way and passed on from generation to generation. However, in the last years, many modern constructions with bamboo have been developed around the world. At the same time, many connections have been designed for permanent and ephemerals lightweight structures. However, most of them do not have standardization and mechanical testing, because it is expensive or there are no means to do it. Therefore, it is required to create a technology classification for the most used existing connections, starting with the traditional way to join canes until the contemporary connections developed with high technology. In this context, connections are a challenge to be developed, as currently there is no normative in bamboo to follow and create standardization.

Abstract: In this paper, the behavior of steel plate shear wall (SPSW) in the reinforced concrete frame (RCF) has been studied numerically. Three different connections have been proposed to connect SPSW to RCF. In the first connection, fish plates, while in the second one, combination of fish plates and studs transfer forces between SPSW and RCF. In the third connection, there is no direct connection between the infill plate and RCF, and additional steel frame has been used for connecting of the infill plate. The results demonstrate that, load carrying capacity increases in all the specimens comparing the reference RCF. Investigating the formation sequence of plastic hinges in different specimens demonstrates that there is different sequence in the specimens with different connections.

Abstract: Partially restrained beam-column connections can be used in the gravity load system of building structures to develop moment frame action to enhance collapse prevention for low-ductility steel lateral systems. The benefit from such reserve lateral strength and stiffness is illustrated for a low-rise building with steel braced frames designed in accordance with Canadian provisions for seismic force resisting systems of the Conventional Construction category. Preliminary results from a comprehensive cyclic test program recently completed on beam-to-column joints with bolted double web angle acting with top and seat angles are presented. The test program included 23 full-scale beam-to-column sub-assemblages subjected to combined gravity shear forces and cyclic rotational demands. Experimental observations on the deformation patterns and failure modes are presented together with representative hysteretic moment-rotation responses of bolted double web angles without and with top and seat angles.

Abstract: Gusset plate connections between the steel braces and the supporting frame members play an important role in the performance of special concentrically braced frames (SCBFs) under earthquake loading conditions. Extensive studies have been conducted on SCBFs in which the gusset plate connections are designed to ensure the out-of-plane buckling of steel braces. However, research on the cyclic behavior of gusset plate connections allowing the in-plane buckling of braces is very limited. An experimental investigation has been carried out in this study to investigate the cyclic performance of the in-plane buckling of gusset-brace assemblies. Tests showed that the gusset plate connections detailed for in-plane buckling of braces provided performance at par with those detailed for the out-of-plane deformation arrangement. A numerical comparative study on three types of connection arrangements has also been conducted, namely, a) out-of-plane buckling of braces using gusset plates, b) in-plane buckling of braces using knife plates, and c) direct connection of braces without using any gusset plates. Braces made of hollow steel sections having constant slenderness ratio and width-to-thickness ratio are used in all the numerical models. The main parameters compared are the energy dissipation capacity, displacement ductility, patterns of failure, and the sequence of yielding in the components. Both test and analysis results are used to quantify the performances of gusset plate connections in order to achieve an efficient and reliable concentrically braced frame systems.

Abstract: The need to simplify the construction issues of complex structures leads to definition of SmartNodes project as a research which aims to confine the complexity of structure to a limited area (nodes) in order to decrease processing steps and labor intensity by application of additive manufacturing (AM) techniques. Bi-Directional Evolutionary Structural Optimization (BESO) is used to design efficient and elegant nodal connections of large scale spatial structures and minimise the volume of nodes to be printed and to ultimately replace welded, forged and cast connections by 3D printed connections. The prototypes discussed in this paper demonstrate BESO design process through two generic cases.

Abstract: The structural integrity of precast concrete structures depends mainly on the connections between the precast structural elements. The purpose of a connection is to transfer loads, restrain movement, and/or to provide stability to a component or an entire structure. Therefore, the design of connections is one of the most important aspects in the design of precast concrete structures. All connections should design with valid codes. Every precasters have developed connection details over the years that suit their particular production and erection preferences. It is common, that the structural engineer to show loads and connection locations and allow the successful manufacturer’s engineering department to provide the final design and details of the connections.

Abstract: Oil transport is used mainly by pipeline networks to transport oil from refineries and distributions points to the consumers. This is the main way to transport oils especially in areas of difficult access, ensuring efficiency, lowest cost and safety. In the chemical and petroleum industry it is possible to observe the presence of leak in the pipes, which has stimulated the development of reliable techniques for the rapid and accurate detection of leaks along the pipe in order to eliminate or minimize loss and environmental damage. In this context, this study aims to evaluate the effect of the numerical presence of leakage of two-phase flow (oil-water) pipe connections using the commercial software ANSYS CFX. The results from the fields of pressure, velocity and volume fraction are presented and assessed for illustrating the effect of the presence of the leak in the dynamic flow in the pipe with a curved connection.

Abstract: This work presents a comparison of different possibilities of flange design of an aeolian tower structure, focusing the thickness determination, the critical connection parameter. The dimensioned structure is a fifteen-meter length tubular arm under bend stresses caused by wind loads and by gravitational loads, since the tubular arm might be horizontal or vertically positioned. The tubular sections connected by the flanges are all circular with external diameter varying from 270 to 360 mm and the flange modules are also circular shaped. Since the tubular diameters are relatively large, the lever effect plays a definitive role in the design. Most of the fluid conduits flange design criteria are not applicable for such diameters sizes and have a load case different from those of an aeolian tower. Two different approaches are presented and their flange thickness results compared.

Abstract: Sustainable architecture design is a kind of system design, which helps to solve all the economic，social and environmental issues simultaneously as a single system. It is directed by the system theory and has changed the traditional linear thinking into system thinking. Because of the poor city planning, solving the energy crisis has becoming a most important consideration of modern sustainable architecture design. About 50% of all the poisonous substances generate from the transportation and construction of the building materials. It is time to reflect on the relationship of all the components in the ecology system. In order to understand the theory well under the complex ecosystem，the paper integrates with the practical case to help analyze the sustainable architecture. Directed by the system thinking in the architecture design, we hope to obtain the goal of minimum consumption, maximum effectiveness.

Abstract: The building environment and the building roof structure of buildings are different from each other. This causes the different combination methods of solar collectors and building roof. The outlook of solar collectors and the methods of waterproof and insulation are various. These factors will contribute to the diversification of forms of solar water heaters. This paper describes several combination methods of solar collectors and building roof and the corresponding waterproof and insulation methods. Based on existing combination methods and in the premise to ensure the safety and functionality, a more simple and economical combination method was put forward - combination structure of industrial aluminum and its accessories. It can meet the requirements of the industrialization of constructional installation and building integrate in our social.