Search results for "strength"
showing 10 items of 2415 documents
A full body musculoskeletal model based on flexible multibody simulation approach utilised in bone strain analysis during human locomotion
2011
Load-induced strains applied to bone can stimulate its development and adaptation. In order to quantify the incident strains within the skeleton, in vivo implementation of strain gauges on the surfaces of bone is typically used. However, in vivo strain measurements require invasive methodology that is challenging and limited to certain regions of superficial bones only such as the anterior surface of the tibia. Based on our previous study [Al Nazer et al. (2008) J Biomech. 41:1036-1043], an alternative numerical approach to analyse in vivo strains based on the flexible multibody simulation approach was proposed. The purpose of this study was to extend the idea of using the flexible multibod…
Conceptual design of prestressed slab bridges through one-way flexural load balancing
2013
In this paper a study on prestressed concrete slab bridges is presented. A design philosophy based on the concept of load balancing through prestressing is proposed in order to minimize the effects of delayed deformations due to creep. Aspects related to the stress redistribution inside these bridges for time-dependent phenomena are analyzed and discussed, by applying the principles of aging linear visco-elasticity. Prestressing is seen as an equivalent external load which counterbalances the permanent loads applied to the bridge, nullifying the elastic deflections due to sustained loads, and thus avoiding the related delayed deformations. An optimization of the structural behavior through …
Analytical prediction of load deflection curves of external steel fibers R/C beam–column joints under monotonic loading
2015
Abstract In this paper a simplified analytical model able to reproduce the flexural behavior of external beam–column joints under monotonic loading is presented, to be used for pushover analysis. The subassemblage (beam, column and joint) is subjected to a constant vertical load acting on the column and to a monotonically increasing lateral force applied at the tip of the beam. The model is specific for hooked steel fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) and is designed to calculate the flexural response in the form of a load–deflection curve, of beam–column subassemblages. No bond failure and shear deformations are considered in the present paper. The model includes shear-to-moment interaction fo…
Load carrying capacity of RC compressed columns strengthened with steel angles and strips
2012
Abstract In this paper a comparison between the analytical expressions for the prediction of the load carrying capacity of strengthened reinforced concrete (RC) columns with steel angles and strips is made. Expressions examined consider: the strength contribution due to the confinement effects induced by transverse strips; the composite action due to steel angles and unconfined concrete core; the strength contribution due to the composite actions of angles and concrete core taking into account that steel angles are subjected to axial force and bending moment and concrete core is confined by transverse strips. Design rules given by recent codes for the design of the strengthened columns are …
Multi-objective optimization of nitinol stent design.
2017
Nitinol stents continuously experience loadings due to pulsatile pressure, thus a given stent design should possess an adequate fatigue strength and, at the same time, it should guarantee a sufficient vessel scaffolding. The present study proposes an optimization framework aiming at increasing the fatigue life reducing the maximum strut strain along the structure through a local modification of the strut profile.The adopted computational framework relies on nonlinear structural finite element analysis combined with a Multi Objective Genetic Algorithm, based on Kriging response surfaces. In particular, such an approach is used to investigate the design optimization of planar stent cell.The r…
Modeling of out-of-plane behavior of masonry walls
2009
The flexural behavior of rectangular masonry sections is investigated by considering nonlinear stress-strain in compression and limited-tension material. A preliminary analysis shows that, with variation in the parameters specializing with the adopted conventional constitutive law, the experimentally observed behavior of different kinds of masonry materials can be approximated. Subsequently, moment-curvature dimensionless curves are derived numerically by satisfying the equilibrium equations of the section. In the case of negligible tensile strength these curves exhibit a typical shape that can be approximated by analytical expressions; consequently, suitable functions are proposed that are…
Cyclic behavior of composite truss beam-to-RC column joints in MRFS
2016
In the present paper, the cyclic behavior of beam-to-column joints made up of Hybrid Steel Trussed Concrete Beams (HSTCBs) connected to Reinforced Concrete (RC) piers is investigated. HSTCBs are a typology of composite beam generally constituted by a steel truss with end zone added rebars embedded within a block of concrete cast in place. HSTCBs represent a structural solution for light industrialization in the civil constructions; the main advantages in their use are the higher construction speed with the minimum site labor, the possibility of covering wide spans with low depths and a final economical convenience. For these reasons, they are also increasingly adopted within seismic framed …
RF-based node system for blind navigation in running activities
2008
The system presented is oriented for use by blind adults or children in running activities at a stadium or an analogical large space. The system dynamically provides a blind person with navigation related information. Radio signal strength measurements are used in localization task. The system makes a blind person more independent in sport, eliminating the need in explicit human assistance.
The effectiveness of the Finnish EIA system — What works, what doesn't, and what could be improved?
2011
Abstract The article summarises the results of a multidisciplinary research project on the effectiveness of the Finnish EIA system. It examines the main strengths and weaknesses of EIA as a preventive and participatory environmental management tool. The study concludes that EIA has achieved a meaningful role in the environmental policy toolbox in Finland and has clearly enhanced the possibilities for high-quality environmental decision making. The research cites the liaison authority system as a clear strength of the Finnish EIA system in its enabling a single regional authority to specialise in and gain wide experience on EIA issues. In examining potential weaknesses of the regime, the art…
The Transverse Crack Tension test revisited
2016
Several problems arise when measuring the mode II interlaminar fracture toughness using a Transverse Crack Tension specimen; in particular, the fracture toughness depends on the geometry of the specimen and cannot be considered a material parameter. A preliminary experimental campaign was conducted on TCTs of different sizes but no fracture toughness was measured because the TCTs failed in an unacceptable way, invalidating the tests. A comprehensive numerical and experimental investigation is conducted to identify the main causes of this behaviour and a modification of the geometry of the specimen is proposed. It is believed that the obtained results represent a significant contribution in …