Search results for " Structural"
showing 10 items of 1751 documents
Flexural Response of RC Beams Failing in Shear
2020
In this paper, an analytical model to determine the flexural response of simply supported RC beams under four-point bending tests failing in flexure and shear is presented. The model is able to provide load-deflection curves, including also the shear contributions, which are determined assuming a kinematic rigid plastic model able to consider different strength contributions such as the concrete, the dowel action, and transverse reinforcement with progressive yielding. For each contribution, a physical explanation is provided to link the strength evaluation with a specific kinematic evolution for the determination of the overall response of RC beams under combined shear and flexural loads. …
Estimation of the effective diffusivity of blowing agents in closed-cell low-density polyurethane foams based on thermal aging data
2021
Abstract Low-density closed-cell polyurethane (PU) foams are applied as thermal insulation materials due to their low thermal conductivity imparted by that of the physical blowing agent (PBA) used in foam production. However, foam conductivity tends to gradually increase with time, primarily due to changes in the gas composition in foam cells brought about by gas diffusion. To enable predicting the variation of conductivity during the service life of foam insulation, gas diffusivities are usually determined by measuring the gas composition in foams at different aging times. This study considers an alternative approach of estimating the effective diffusivities of gases in PU foams, which is …
Steel fiber-reinforced concrete corbels:experimental behavior and shear strength prediction
2007
Corbels are structural members often used in reinforced concrete structures to transfer vertical and horizontal forces to principal members. This paper presents experimental research regarding the flexural behavior of corbels in plain and fibrous concrete and in the presence of steel bars. The study considers the influence of the type of concrete grade (normal- and high-strength concretes), of the fiber percentage and of the arrangement and percentage of the steel bars on the flexural behavior of the corbels. The results in terms of load-deflection curves and crack patterns show the effectiveness in using fibrous reinforced concrete corbels as well as in the presence of stirrups ensuring ad…
Tensile behaviour of patch-repaired CFRP laminates
2011
The present study examines the tensile behaviour of composite structures repaired by bonding external patches. Various patches of different stacking sequences placed on both sides of the parent plate were considered. Damage development and the failure process of the repaired plates were analyzed and a parent plate fracture model has been proposed. Optimised patch repairs were calculated by finite element modelling. It was found that high stress concentration along the longitudinal edges of circular patches and/or at the transverse edges of the hole leads to early damage initiation in the parent plate. However, the position of damage initiation and the process of damage progression depend pa…
Analytical Prediction of the Flexural Response of External RC Joints with Smooth Rebars
2018
Nel presente lavoro viene presentato un modello analitico in forma chiusa in grado di riprodurre la risposta flessionale monotonica di nodi esterni trave-colonna in c.a. con armature lisce. La colonna viene sottoposta a carico verti-cale costante e la trave ad una forza laterale crescente monotonicamente applicata all’estremità. Il modello si basa sul comportamen-to flessionale di trave e colonna adottando un modello di cerniera plasticità concentrata che include lo scorrimento delle armature della trave. Si assume un dominio sforzo normale-momento bilineare semplificato da cui viene derivato il momento ultimo associato alla forza assiale di progetto. Per il nodo viene adottato un modello c…
Quality control of manufacturing and hot storage of crumb rubber modified binders
2020
The ultimate performance of crumb rubber modified (CRM) binders is linked to the accurate control of the properties during manufacturing and hot storage. However, due to their complexity, asphalt technologists find the characterisation of these materials still challenging. In this study, the adoption of a Dual Helical Ribbon (DHR), a novel mixing/measuring device for rotational viscometers, is proposed for the real-time monitoring of CRM binders during manufacturing and hot storage. According to the laboratory results, manufacturing periods of 45-60 min at 195 degrees, as well as storage temperatures not exceeding 150 degrees C, are recommended for this type of modified binders. (C) 2019 El…
Considerations on factors affecting biochar densification behavior based on a multiparameter model
2021
The optimization of upscaled biochar pelleting is limited by lack of knowledge regarding the effects of process parameters. A multiparameter model, coupled to a single pellet press unit, was for the first time applied to biochar production to predict the upscaled biochar pelleting process behavior. The model permits to estimate in a time and cost-effective way how the die friction forces, quantified through the pellet exiting pressure, are affected by the key process parameters. It was observed that to achieve acceptably low exiting pressures (in the order of 100 MPa), it was critical to produce biochar at high temperatures (e.g. 600 °C). Addition of water as a binder is also beneficial, wh…
Experimental investigation on compressive behavior of bottle-shaped struts
2011
The goal of this investigation was the experimental verification of the dispersion of compression in bottle-shaped struts. Two typical bottle shapes were generated under load in compression concrete—both drilled and undrilled—and were reinforced concrete prismatic members with loading steel plate having a reduced area with respect to the entire cross section of the members. Axial load, and axial and lateral strains were recorded during the tests to evaluate the effects of key parameters. The comparative analysis of the experimental results showed that: 1) the presence of a hole produces a variation on the stress and strain distribution and a reduction in the load-carrying capacity; 2) the r…
Multi-Module vs. Single-Module concept: Comparison of thermomechanical performances for the DEMO Water-Cooled Lithium Lead breeding blanket
2018
Abstract Within the framework of EUROfusion R&D activity an intense research campaign has been performed at the University of Palermo, in close cooperation with ENEA labs and KIT, in order to compare the thermomechanical performances of the Back Supporting Structure (BSS) of Multi-Module and Single-Module concepts of DEMO Water-Cooled Lithium Lead breeding blanket (WCLL). To this purpose, detailed 3D models of the DEMO WCLL right inboard and central outboard segments, including detailed BSS and simplified First Wall and structures according to the two concepts, have been set-up. The study has been performed considering the Normal Operation and Central Major Disruption steady state loading s…
Fibrous reinforced concrete beams in flexure: Experimental investigation, analytical modelling and design considerations
2008
Abstract The flexural behavior of plain and fibrous reinforced concrete (FRC) beams under monotonic and cyclic actions was analysed. Twelve beams were reinforced with top and bottom longitudinal deformed steel bars and transverse steel stirrups. Concrete, having 30 MPa cylindrical strength, was reinforced with hooked steel fibres at a volume percentage of 1%. Beams, 600 mm in length and with a square side cross-section of 150 mm, were tested in flexure using a three point bending test, adopting three different cover thicknesses of 5, 15 and 25 mm, respectively. The results obtained show that the addition of fibers increases the bearing capacity of the beams and ensures more ductile behaviou…