Search results for "Structural engineering"

Numerical and experimental study of hydrostatic displacement machine

2012

This paper presents a simulation tool to determine the structural deflections and corresponding leakage flow in a hydrostatic displacement motor. The simulation tool is applied to a new motor principle that is categorized as an extreme low-speed high-torque motor with dimensions that calls for attention to the volumetric efficiency. To counteract structural deflections the motor is equipped with compensation pressure volumes that may be used to limit the leakage flow across the end faces of the circular rotor. This leakage flow is investigated by solving Reynolds equation for the pressure distribution across both end faces. The fluid pressure is combined with structural calculations in a fl…

Symplectic analysis of thin-walled curved box girders with torsion, distortion and shear lag warping effects

2022

Shear lag effect and torsional and distortional warping can significantly affect the performance of thin-walled curved box girders used in modern bridge engineering. The structural behaviour of these bridges exhibits complexity due to coupled bending and torsion together with warping effects of non-uniform torsion, distortion and shear lag. A practical method of analysis, based on the symplectic approach, with the same perspective as the Higher Order Beam Theories, is presented for overcoming the difficulties of numerical approaches via the Finite Element Method. In this paper, the Hamiltonian Structural Analysis method implements the analysis of the shear lag effect together with non-unifo…

Analysis of non-uniform torsion in curved incrementally launched bridges

2014

Abstract Incremental launching is a common and convenient methodology to build continuous girder bridges on several piers. Although it has mainly been applied to straight bridges with box sections, today it is also used for construction of horizontally curved bridges with concrete and composite steel–concrete closed or open sections like I-girders. In these cases the contribution of torsion to the stress state becomes of primary importance when the construction stages of these bridges are analysed. Moreover, the presence of thin-walled cross-sections, makes the analysis of non-uniform torsion fundamental when the angle of twist per unit length is not constant or warping is prevented in thos…

Stochastic debt sustainability analysis for sovereigns and the scope for optimization modeling

2017

We argue that sovereign debt sustainability analysis must be augmented by stochastic correlated risk factors and a risk measure to capture tail effects. Crisis situations can thus be adequately specified and analyzed with sufficient accuracy to warrant the relevance of policy decisions. In this context there is significant scope for optimization modeling for both strategic planning and operational management. We discuss diverse aspects of the problem of debt sustainability and highlight modeling approaches that can be brought to bear on the problem. Results with the fictitious, but nor unrealistic, Kingdom of Atlantis, which is sinking under excessive debt, illustrate the proposed models.

Improvement of high modulus asphalt mixtures with average quality aggregate and bitumen by application of polymeric additives

2018

Abstract The paper deals with the development of asphalt mixtures for high performing binder and base courses, modified with both commercial and waste polymeric additives, via dry process. The focus was on the mix design of high performing mixtures making use of average quality aggregate and average penetration grade bitumen (as locally available) instead of the usually required high quality components, manly very hard bitumen, thus aiming to improve the reference mixture as made possible by suitable polymers. Mixtures were subjected not only to conventional tests for mix design purposes, but also to advanced tests for performance evaluation such as rutting resistance and fatigue resistance…

Three-dimensional numerical simulation of wind-driven flows in closed channels and basins

2005

In the paper, a fully 3D finite-volume numerical model is developed and employed for the prediction of wind-induced flows in a regular channel and in a square basin with a complex bathymetry. Numerical results are compared with laboratory experiments. Numerical tests are then performed to investigate whether simplifying assumptions about the pressure distribution and the turbulente stresses representation can be employed in the simulation of wind-driven flows. The hydrostatic pressure assumption, resulting in the use of "quasi-3D" models, proved to be reasonably acceptable in order to obtain the vertical profile of the streamwise velocity component away from the boundaries. The quasi-3D mod…

New-stage discharge relationship for weirs of finite crest lenght

2014

AbstractThe flow process of weirs of finite crest length is analyzed on the basis of the dimensional analysis and incomplete self-similarity theory. The crest length is incorporated in the functional stage-discharge relationship for weirs of finite crest length. The theoretically deduced stage-discharge formula was then calibrated using the experimental data compiled in this research. According to the current experimental data it is also concluded that the performance of the proposed stage-discharge formula is better than the previous dimensional stage-discharge formulae. Also, the proposed stage-discharge formula is applicable for all types of the weirs, i.e., long-crested, broad-crested, …

Closure to “Theoretical End‐Depth‐Discharge Relationship for Free Overfall” by Vito Ferro

2000

Analytical Solution of the Richards Equation under Gravity-Driven Infiltration and Constant Rainfall Intensity

2020

In the field of soil hydrology, the Richards equation is commonly used to model water flow in unsaturated soils. The high nonlinearity of the Richards equation makes it very challenging to solve analytically for situations that are meaningful in practical applications. In this paper, an exact and simple analytical solution of the Richards equation under gravity-driven infiltration and constant rainfall intensity is derived. First, the solution is presented under Torricelli's law, which mimics the soil hydraulic conductivity function and describes the emptying or filling process of a nonlinear water reservoir. Then, following a similar approach, the solution is extended to the Brooks and Cor…

Investigation into water retention behaviour of deformable soils

2013

The paper presents an experimental and modelling approach for the soil-water retention behaviour of two deformable soils. The objective is to investigate the physical mechanisms that govern the soil-water retention properties and to propose a constitutive framework for the soil-water retention curve accounting for the initial state of compaction and deformability of soils. A granular soil and a clayey soil were subjected to drying over a wide range of suctions so that the residual state of saturation could be attained. Different initial densities were tested for each material. The soil-water retention curves (SWRCs) obtained are synthesized and compared in terms of water content, void rati…