Optimization and performance evaluation of heat storage-transfer structures in asphalt pavements based on material layer adaptation

Natural hazards continue to demonstrate the vulnerability of civil infrastructure worldwide. Engineers are dedicated to improving structural performance against natural hazards with improved design codes and computational tools. These improvements are often driven by experiments. Experimental testing not only enables the prediction of structural responses under those dynamic loads but also provide a reliable way to investigate new solutions for hazard mitigation. Common experimental techniques in structural engineering include quasi-static testing, shake table testing, and hybrid simulation. In recent years, real-time hybrid simulation (RTHS) has emerged as a powerful alternative to drive improvements in civil infrastructure as the entire structure’s dynamic performance is captured with reduced experimental requirements. In addition, RTHS provides an attractive opportunity to investigate the optimal performance of complex structures or components against multi-hazards by embedding it in an optimization framework. RTHS stands to accelerate advancements in civil engineering, in particular for designing new structural systems or devices in a performance-based design environment. This dissertation focuses on the use of cyber-physical systems (CPS) to evaluate structural performance and achieve optimal designs for seismic protection. This dissertation presents systematic studies on the development and validation of the dynamic substructuring RTHS technique using shake tables, novel techniques in increasing RTHS stability by introducing artificial damping to an under-actuated physical specimen, and the optimal design of the structure or supplemental control devices for seismic protection through a cyber-physical substructure optimization (CPSO) framework using substructure RTHS.

Hierarchical model updating strategy of complex assembled structures with uncorrelated dynamic modes

Aiming to address the limitations associated with conventional cut-and-cover metro stations that utilize cast-in-situ reinforced concrete structures, this study proposes an optimized design method for a semi-prefabricated UHPC-RC metro station structure, which integrates ultra-high performance reinforced concrete (UHPC) as permanent formwork with conventional cast-in-situ reinforced concrete (RC). The optimization scheme and construction method of the semi-prefabricated UHPC-RC metro station are elaborated. Finite element analysis (FEA) was employed to evaluate the stress, damage, and deformation of the longitudinal beams, floor slabs, and sidewalls of the prefabricated UHPC-RC structure under various loading conditions. Furthermore, bending and shear capacity, as well as crack resistance, were verified for the longitudinal beams, slabs, and side walls. The results demonstrate that, compared to conventional cast-in-situ RC metro stations, the proposed semi-prefabricated UHPC-RC metro station features reduced structural dimensions, the thickness of the roof and the middle plate is reduced by 11.8% and 12.5% respectively, the overall project scale is reduced by 1.8%, and the space utilization rate is increased by 0.8%. In the finite element calculation of the design load in the construction stage and operational stage, the UHPC-RC shell structure exhibits minimal plastic damage, and the maximum settlement is 4.62 mm. The main structural components meet the requirements of the specification, and the structural safety reserve is about 1.2 ~ 1.8 times that of the conventional cast-in-situ RC station structure. The proposed semi-prefabricated UHPC-RC metro station offers an innovative and viable solution for metro station construction.

Reinforced concrete (RC) frames are extensively used in construction of buildings worldwide. The conventional design of these buildings typically relies on a "trial and error" method, starting with initial dimensioning followed by validation of the preliminary design. This approach makes it difficult to calculate potential cost savings in materials, while maintaining structural safety. In recent decades, the need for more efficient, safe and rational seismic design procedures has led to an increasing interest in structural optimisation of RC frames. However, due to the complex non-linear behaviour of RC frames, arriving at their optimum design under earthquake excitations is challenging. Even at serviceability limit state, concrete cracking can lead to significant stiffness changes and redistribution of inertial forces, phenomena that are normally expected after steel yielding. To mitigate these drawbacks, numerous combinations of section dimensions and reinforcement arrangements can be considered as design variables during a structural size optimisation process. However, this is seldom done for RC frames, as it requires seismic analyses with a high level of accuracy, which can be computationally expensive. Meanwhile, design optimisation has been identified as a feasible way to reduced embodied carbon emissions in construction, and therefore, a change of design paradigms is necessary. The article aims to critically review the major developments in recent seismic design optimisation studies on RC buildings, focusing on structural size optimisation, with the goal of identifying the main achievements and limitations. Different design objectives in current seismic design optimisation procedures are first summarised. The key steps in structural optimisation are then discussed, including design variables, design constraints, application of optimization methodologies, and evaluation of seismic performance. Finally, the research gaps in this field are identified, and suggestions are provided for future research directions. This article contributes towards the development of more efficient seismic design methods for RC structures, which in turn can lead to more sustainable construction.

In this study we developed an integrated precast concrete decks for a rapid construction. The structural performance in the integrated precast bridge decks is evaluated by real-scale test bed and detailed finite element analyses. The numerical analysis results were compared with the experimental data from a real-scaled single-span precast/prestressed concrete bridge decks under truck loading. Parametric studies are focused on the various effects of external loads on the structural behavior for different locations and measuring points on the precast bridge decks. The assessment in this study indicates that the integrated precast bridge decks show an excellent structural performance as expected.

Ignatius Christiawan, in this paper explain that In effort fulfill requirement the well building infrastructure, safety of building user such as building avalanche damage as result of earthquake is principal priority. Due to user safety to building avalanche as result of earthquake then it was issued the Procedure of Earthquake Endurance Planning SNI 03-1726-2003 that regulates of planning, build or operates a building. Problem emerge at the building which have the old regulation plan, so it was need evaluation based on the new regulation. Evaluation is conducted at the 3 floor laboratory and lecturing building. Research was focused on performance evaluation of structure on existing condition relate at regulation of the Procedure of Concrete Structure Calculation for the SNI 2847-2002, application for earthquake based on SNI-1726-2002. SAP 2000 is used to analyze the pushover to obtain the building ductility value and the reduction factor value (R) from the building. The result of material test was obtained fo’ existing 17 Mpa and fy existing 390 Mpa. The result of structure performance evaluation was obtained the service limit performance and the building unlimited performance fulfilling condition SNI – 1726 – 2002. Keywords: plan earthquake, evaluation, safety.

This paper presents on the structural behavior of the the methyl methacrylate monomer (MMA) double wide flanged the glass fiber-reinforced polymer(GFRP) pipe composite structures for the manhole raise. The evaluation of structural performance on this composite structure was conducted by the axial load, fatigue load, and ultimate load test. The assessment indicates that the MMA double wide flanged GFRP pipe composite structures was confirmed safety, durability and reliability in result as expected. It was found that this composite structure was able to short working times to around 30-50% and construction costs to around 10-23% with compare other construction methods. Also, environmental pollution and civil complaints will be prevented because there will be no longer any noises, vibrations, dust, or construction wastes.

Objective: The objective of this article is to explore the role of management control in enhancing the resilience of public hospitals during crises, particularly the Covid-19 pandemic through a literature review. It underscores the growing significance of management control in hospitals, especially in response to rising healthcare costs and the complex challenges of managing institutions that involve stakeholders with diverse, and at times, conflicting objectives. Theoretical Framework: By examining how hospitals have adapted their management practices to better navigate emergency situations, the article provides a conceptual and theoretical framework to analyze how these practices influence hospital management and resilience. Method: This article conducts a literature review to examine the role of management control in enhancing the resilience of public hospitals during crises, particularly the Covid-19 pandemic. A comprehensive search for scientific articles was conducted across specialized academic databases, including Scopus, and Google Scholar. The selected articles, published between 1963 and 2021, were filtered based on their relevance to themes such as management control, organizational resilience, and crisis management in hospitals. Based on thematic analysis of selected articles, this research identifies best management practices and proposes a theoretical framework that emphasizes the critical role of agility and structured performance evaluation in strengthening institutional resilience within complex environments. Results and Discussion: The findings emphasize the need for clear objectives and comprehensive performance evaluation to effectively apply management control concepts in this context. This literature review proposes a framework for studying how hospitals can balance agility and performance during crises, ultimately bolstering their resilience. Research Implications: The research has both theoretical and practical implications. It broadens the understanding of how management control systems enhance resilience in public hospitals during crises, offering a comprehensive framework integrating agility and performance evaluation. Originality/Value: This research stands out by integrating management control, organizational agility, and performance evaluation to explore public hospital resilience during crises, especially the Covid-19 pandemic. It offers a comprehensive theoretical framework, unlike previous studies that focus on isolated aspects of crisis management, highlighting adaptive practices and contributing to future crisis-resilience strategies in healthcare.

Fragility analysis and probabilistic safety performance evaluation of nuclear containment structure under local prestressed tendons fracture conditions

Fragility analysis and probabilistic performance evaluation of nuclear containment structure subjected to internal pressure

Record-based simulation of three-component long-period ground motions: Hybrid of surface wave separation and multivariate empirical mode decomposition

Performance evaluation of structures with reinforced concrete columns retrofitted with steel jacketing

The manuscript proposes to use the elastic-viscous material model to simulate the process of changing the mechanical state of the material during operation time. The proposed model established a link between the mechanical properties of the material and the structure's operation. Material mechanical parameters are represented by two parameters: elastic modulus and viscous drag coefficient. The structure's performance evaluation parameter is represented by two kinetic parameters during vibration, namely natural frequency and forced vibration amplitude. The novel aspect of this study is the inclusion of a viscous drag coefficient in the mechanical properties of materials to compensate for the shortcomings of previous evaluation models that are not consistent with reality. This research allows for a more in-depth examination of the material's mechanical properties as well as its ability to change over the course of the structure's life. The study improved some kinetic characteristics related to the material's operation by increasing the number of parameters of the viscosity coefficient in the mechanical properties of the material.

In bridge pier foundation construction, rapid construction may be necessary in narrow areas, mainly in urban locations. In the previous paper, the authors proposed a new structure to construct bridge pier foundation rapidly in narrow areas by changing the hoop of reinforced concrete foundation to the steel segment. The behavior under the low axial force condition was then evaluated. In this study, the analytical model construction and evaluation are carried out referring to the results of the reversed cyclic loading test using scale test specimens of the proposed mixed structural foundation. Then, it was confirmed that the mixed structural foundation in the high axial force condition has the same structural performance as that of the general reinforced concrete foundation. In addition, the behavior of steel segments consisting of multiple bodies when the lateral restraint effect are exerted was clarified for the construction of a practical design formula in the future.

Bridge influence line has an important application in structural performance evaluation, damage identification, model correction and bridge weigh-in-motion. Influence line identification method based on dynamic testing is often interfered by the vehicle-bridge coupling vibration and the measurement noise. A deflection influence line identification method based on VMD and B-spline basis function was proposed in this article. The VMD was introduced to eliminate the dynamic fluctuation component, and then the quasi-static response could be extracted. The optimal decomposition parameters of VMD were determined by permutation entropy and GWO algorithm. The B-spline basis function was used to expand the influence line, and the identification of influence line was transformed to solve the weight coefficients of the basis function, which would greatly reduce the number of unknown variables and smooth the local fluctuations caused by noise. Finally, the feasibility and accuracy of the proposed method were verified by a numerical simulating and experimental testing, and the influence of various parameters such as vehicle speed, vehicle weight and road roughness were investigated. The results showed that the proposed method could effectively eliminate the fluctuation disturbance, and the deflection influence line could be identified with accuracy acceptable for engineering applications.