Search results for " Structural"
showing 10 items of 1751 documents
Assessing individual differences in driving inattention: Adaptation and validation of the Attention-Related Driving Errors Scale to Spain
2013
The Attention-Related Driving Errors Scale (ARDES) is a self-reported questionnaire to assess individual differences in the proneness to make attentional errors while driving. The aims of the current work are to adapt the original Argentinean version of the ARDES to the culture, language, traffic regulations and driving habits of Spain and provide new validity evidence of the cross-cultural equivalence of the scale. In the first step of the validation process, five external independent experts reviewed the original ARDES-Argentina and proposed modifications, adapted to the culture, language, traffic regulations and driving habits in Spain. Secondly, a sample of 320 drivers completed the ada…
Shear capacity in concrete beams reinforced by stirrups with two different inclinations
2014
Abstract A model for the estimation of shear capacity in Reinforced Concrete (RC) beams with web reinforcement is provided by introducing a generalization of classical plastic Nielsen’s model, which is based on the variable-inclination stress-field approach. The proposed model is able to predict the shear capacity in RC beams reinforced by means of stirrups having two different inclinations and longitudinal web bars. A numerical comparison with the results of experimental tests and those provided by a Finite Element Model (FEM) based on the well known theory of Modified Compression Field Theory (MCFT) is carried out for validating the robustness of the proposed model. Finally, a set of para…
Stochastic dynamics of nonlinear systems with a fractional power-law nonlinear term: The fractional calculus approach
2011
Fractional power-law nonlinear drift arises in many applications of engineering interest, as in structures with nonlinear fluid viscous–elastic dampers. The probabilistic characterization of such structures under external Gaussian white noise excitation is still an open problem. This paper addresses the solution of such a nonlinear system providing the equation governing the evolution of the characteristic function, which involves the Riesz fractional operator. An efficient numerical procedure to handle the problem is also proposed.
Gaussian and non-Gaussian stochastic sensitivity analysis of discrete structural systems
2000
Abstract The derivatives of the response of a structural system with respect to the system parameters are termed sensitivities. They play an important role in assessing the effect of uncertainties in the mathematical model of the system and in predicting changes of the response due to changes of the design parameters. In this paper, a time domain approach for evaluating the sensitivity of discrete structural systems to deterministic, as well as to Gaussian or non-Gaussian stochastic input is presented. In particular, in the latter case, the stochastic input has been assumed to be a delta-correlated process and, by using Kronecker algebra extensively, cumulant sensitivities of order higher t…
Pseudo-force method for a stochastic analysis of nonlinear systems
1996
Nonlinear systems, driven by external white noise input processes and handled by means of pseudo-force theory, are transformed through simple coordinate transformation to quasi-linear systems. By means of Itô stochastic differential calculus for parametric processes, a finite hierarchy for the moment equations of these systems can be exactly obtained. Applications of this procedure to the first-order differential equation with cubic nonlinearity and to the Duffing oscillator show the versatility of the proposed method. The accuracy of the proposed procedure improves by making use of the classical equivalent linearization technique.
Structural characterization of Nigerian coals by X-ray diffraction, Raman and FTIR spectroscopy
2010
Abstract The structural parameters of six Nigerian coals were determined by X-ray diffraction, Raman and FTIR spectroscopy. This study reveals that the coals contain crystalline carbon of turbostratic structure with some amount of highly disordered amorphous carbon. The average lateral sizes ( L a ), stacking heights ( L c ) and interlayer spacing ( d 002 ) of the crystallite structures calculated from the X-ray intensities range from 16.47 to 25.70, 8.12 to 13.25 and 3.48 to 3.58 A, respectively. The L a values derived from the Raman spectra analyses using the classical linear relationship between 1/ L a and the D/G band ratio are higher (27.53–34.67 A) than values obtained from X-ray diff…
A Digital Twin predictive maintenance framework of air handling units based on automatic fault detection and diagnostics
2022
The building industry consumes the most energy globally, making it a priority in energy efficiency initiatives. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems create the heart of buildings. Stable air handling unit (AHU) functioning is vital to ensuring high efficiency and extending the life of HVAC systems. This research proposes a Digital Twin predictive maintenance framework of AHU to overcome the limitations of facility maintenance management (FMM) systems now in use in buildings. Digital Twin technology, which is still at an initial stage in the facility management industry, use Building Information Modeling (BIM), Internet of things (IoT) and semantic technologies to create…
On the use of Digital Image Correlation (DIC) for evaluating the tensile behaviour of BFRCM strips
2019
Abstract. Fibre Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) composites are becoming largely adopted for retrofitting masonry structures. These materials offer several advantages in comparison to Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites, such as good resistance to fire and high temperatures, vapour permeability, possibility to be applied on wet surfaces, higher compatibility with the masonry substrate. However, the tensile behavior of FRCM materials is more complex compared to FRP composites, due to the limited tensile strength of the cement-based matrix. For this reason, FRCM materials require appropriate tensile characterization and, in this context, the use of non-conventional measurement syst…
Experimental application of digital image correlation for the tensile characterization of basalt FRCM composites
2021
Abstract Composites made with inorganic matrix, namely fabric reinforced cementitious mortar (FRCM) composites are becoming widespread as strengthening materials for existing masonry structures. These composites are made of a dry grid of fibres embedded in an inorganic matrix. FRCMs can be considered a valid alternative to traditional organic composites such as fibre reinforced polymers (FRPs) because of their better compatibility with the masonry support. This work presents an experimental study for the tensile characterization of a basalt fabric reinforced cementitious mortar (BFRCM) composite. Tensile tests were carried out on coupons reinforced with one, two or three layers of grid to i…
A DIC-based study of flexural behaviour of roving/mat/roving pultruded composites
2015
Abstract This paper reports a study of the flexural behaviour and resultant failure modes in E-glass/polyester pultruded composites. The digital image correlation (DIC) method is used to estimate the effect of fibre orientation on failure behaviour in thick beams, taking into account the presence of continuous filament mat layer (CFM) in the stacking sequence. In particular, the tests were carried out for specimens with off-axis angle of 0°, 7.5°, 15°, 30°, 45° and 90°. The crack initiation and the failure mechanisms depend on the mutual interaction between the stiffness properties of different areas in the stacking sequence. An influence index (I) was introduced to evaluate the magnitude o…