Structural Engineering Commons^™

The Subject Librarian Newsletter, Engineering And Computer Science, Fall 2017, Buenaventura "Ven" Basco

Buenaventura "Ven" Basco

No abstract provided.

The Girl Scout Climbing Wall Multidisciplinary Service-Learning Project, Margaret Pinnell, Corinne M. Daprano, Gabrielle Williamson

Corinne M. Daprano

The Girl Scout Wall (GS Wall) project was implemented in two classes at the University of Dayton (UD): a Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) course, and a Health and Sports Science (HSS) course, and Sport Facility Management. The MAE course, Introduction to Materials, is a three-credit, third-year required course where students learn about the basic structure and properties of materials as well as the principles of material selection. The Sport Facility Management course is a three-semester hour, required HSS course where students are introduced to the processes of planning, constructing, equipping, maintaining, and managing sport facilities.

Soft Elastomeric Capacitor Network For Strain Sensing Over Large Surfaces, Simon Laflamme, Husaam S. Saleem, Bharath K. Vasan, Randall L. Geiger, Degang J. Chen, Michael R. Kessler, Krishna Rajan

Randall Geiger

Field applications of existing sensing solutions to structural health monitoring (SHM) of civil structures are limited. This is due to economical and/or technical challenges in deploying existing sensing solutions to monitor geometrically large systems. To realize the full potential of SHM solutions, it is imperative to develop scalable cost-effective sensing strategies. We present a novel sensor network specifically designed for strain sensing over large surfaces. The network consists of soft elastomeric capacitors (SECs) deployed in an array form. Each SEC acts as a surface strain gage transducing local strain into changes in capacitance. Results show that the sensor network can …

Smart Sensing Skin For Detection And Localization Of Fatigue Cracks, Sari Kharroub, Simon Laflamme, Chunhui Song, Daji Qiao, Brent M. Phares, Jian Li

Daji Qiao

Fatigue cracks on steel components may have strong consequences on the structure's serviceability and strength. Their detection and localization is a difficult task. Existing technologies enabling structural health monitoring have a complex link signal-to-damage or have economic barriers impeding large-scale deployment. A solution is to develop sensing methods that are inexpensive, scalable, with signals that can directly relate to damage. The authors have recently proposed a smart sensing skin for structural health monitoring applications to mesosystems. The sensor is a thin film soft elastomeric capacitor (SEC) that transduces strain into a measurable change in capacitance. Arranged in a network configuration, …

Mathematical Model Of The Shell With The Infill For Retaining Structures, Alexander T. Bekker, Nikita Ya. Tsimbelman, Dmitriy A. Potyanikhin, Andrey I. Mamontov, Ömer Bilgin, Tatiana I. Chernova

Ömer Bilgin

A description of finite element model and analysis of a shell with an infill is performed. A large diameter thin cylindrical shell structure with the edge leaning against compressible foundation soil is analyzed. Different materials are considered individually for the models of each structure shell and infill component (metal or reinforced concrete shell, and granular or elastic infill in a shell and foundation soil loaded by the structure). Contact conditions between 1) the infill and the shell’s inner surface and 2) between the foundation material and the shell edge are analyzed. An example of calculating strain conditions in the shell …

Impact Of Building Vibrations On Vibrocardiographic Signal Collection, Bolivar Perez

Bolivar Perez

In-Plane Loading Of Brick Veneer Over Wood Shear Walls, Elias Anis Toubia, James M. Lintz

Elias Toubia

In the design of wood stud walls with brick veneer, current design building codes specify that the wood stud wall should resist all in-plane and out-of-plane loads (IBC 2009). For out-of-plane loads, this assumption is entirely justified as the brittle brick veneer will crack and lose its capacity to resist bending. For in-plane loads, the brick veneer is significantly stiffer than the wood shear wall, and the veneer is unlikely to crack before the wood shear wall reaches its allowable capacity. The assumption that the wood shear wall resists the entire load is based on the further assumption that the …

Recent Progress In Wide-Area Surveillance: Protecting Our Pipeline Infrastructure, Vijayan K. Asari, Paheding Sidike, Chen Cui, Varun Santhaseelan

Vijayan K. Asari

The pipeline industry has millions of miles of pipes buried along the length and breadth of the country. Since none of the areas through which pipelines run are to be used for other activities, it needs to be monitored so as to know whether the right-of-way (RoW) of the pipeline is encroached upon at any point in time. Rapid advances made in the area of sensor technology have enabled the use of high end video acquisition systems to monitor the RoW of pipelines. The images captured by aerial data acquisition systems are affected by a host of factors that include …

Use Of Coconut Shell As An Aggregate In Concrete: A Review, Sourav Ghosal, S. C. Moulik

Innovative Research Publications IRP India

Now-a-days, the rising cost of building materials for construction purposes is a factor of great concern. The price of building materials is rising day by day. Now, most of the researchers are paying much attention on the suitable materials which can reduce the cost of construction as well as increase the strength properties of concrete. Mainly gravel and sand are used in the preparation of conventional concrete. While the use of an agricultural by-product i.e. coconut shell as a partial replacement with conventional coarse aggregates is expected to serve the purpose of encouraging housing developers in building construction. Environmental impact …

A Computer Program For Optimal Control Of Water Supply Pump Stations: Development And Testing, Donald V. Chase

Donald V. Chase

This report presents an optimal control methodology designed to reduce the electrical consumption and operating costs at Army water supply pumping stations. The methodology, contained in a computer program called Optimal Control of Pumping Stations (OCOPS), enables water utility managers and operators to reduce the electrical consumption at pumping stations while maintaining adequate storage and system pressures for fire protection. OCOPS can be applied to any water distribution system and is not limited to any number of pumps, pump stations, or storage tanks within the system. The optimal control strategy developed is based on electricity unit charges, but can be …

Water Distribution Modeling, Thomas M. Walski, Donald V. Chase, Dragan A. Savic

Donald V. Chase

To effectively use water distribution models, the engineer must be able to link knowledge of basic hydraulic theory and the mechanics of the program with that of the operation of real-world systems. Water Distribution Modeling does just that. Written by industry experts, it provides a practical resource for engineers and modelers that goes well beyond being a how-to guide for typing data into a computer program. It contains straightforward answers to common questions related both to modeling and to distribution systems in general. This textbook walks the practicing engineer or student through the modeling process from start to finish — …

Local Buckling In Curved Box Members, Issam E. Harik, Raghuram Ekambaram

Issam E. Harik

No abstract provided.

Performance Comparison Of A Roundabout Versus Two-Way Stop Controlled (Twsc) Intersections, Deogratias Eustace

Deogratias Eustace

The superior safety record of modern roundabouts is well known in Western Europe, Australia and in most British-influenced countries around the world. The experience from a single modern roundabout installed in the City of Manhattan, Kansas, some three years ago, also shares the same experience. A major study of the performance of Manhattan, Kansas, modern roundabout was conducted at Kansas State University (KSU) and was co-sponsored by Mac-Blackwell National Rural Transportation Study Center, Kansas State University, and the City of Manhattan. The study examined three intersections, one modern roundabout and two Two-Way Stop Controlled (TWSC) intersections with similar traffic conditions. …

A Simplified Method For Analyzing Factors Contributing To Motorcyclists’ Fatal Injuries In Ohio, Deogratias Eustace, Vamsi Krishna Indupuru

Deogratias Eustace

The aim of this paper was to analyze traffic crash data by using a simplified method in determining significant factors that increase the risk of a motorcyclist being fatally injured once involved in a motorcycle crash in Ohio. The concept of overrepresentation, which is similar to relative risk, was used in identifying significant variables associated with the elevated risk of a motorcycle crash resulting into a fatality. The overrepresentation factor (ORF) was calculated for each variable of interest. The ORF offers a simple but powerful procedure of determining whether a certain factor significantly occurs more or less frequently in one …

Structural Performance Of Heavy Duty Composite Railway Sleeper, Wahid Ferdous, Allan Manalo, Thiru Aravinthan, Gerard Van Erp

Wahid Ferdous

This study investigated the performance of sandwich composites coated with polymer concrete and determine their suitability for heavy duty sleeper application.

Composite Railway Sleepers - New Developments And Opportunities, Wahid Ferdous, Allan Manalo, Thiru Aravinthan, Gerard Van Erp

Wahid Ferdous

Composite sleeper is becoming a suitable alternative for replacing the existing concrete, steel and particularly timber sleeper in both mainline and heavy haul rail network. Composite sleeper technologies are already available in the last 20 years but they have gained limited acceptance by the railway industry. For better understanding of the reasons for their slow uptake in the market, a comparative study was conducted among the existing composite sleepers. Firstly, this paper accumulated information on the performance of commercially available composite sleepers. Secondly, issues on the application and developments of composite sleepers are identified. Thirdly, the ongoing research on the …

Geopolymer Concrete-Filled Pultruded Composite Beams – Concrete Mix Design And Application, Wahid Ferdous, Allan Manalo, Amar Khennane, Obada Kayali

Wahid Ferdous

The limited research on the geopolymer concrete mix design for targeting a specific strength is identified an obstacle for their effective design and wide use. In this paper, a mix design procedure has been proposed for fly-ash based geopolymer concrete and its use as infill hybrid composite beam is investigated. Then, the structural performance of geopolymer concrete filled hybrid composite beam is investigated to determine their possible application in civil infrastructure. Firstly, a detailed procedure of mix design for fly-ash based geopolymer concrete is presented. Secondly, three hybrid beams filled with geopolymer concrete were prepared and tested in a four-point …

Effect Of Beam-Column Joint Stiffness On The Design Of Beams, Wahid Ferdous

Wahid Ferdous

The infrastructure should be design in such a way that ensures safe, serviceable, durable and economic construction. For the beam design, the joints between beam and column is traditionally considered a rigid connection which actually not fully rigid and therefore accounted an extra moment leading to structural over-design and subsequently higher cost of beam construction. This paper proposed a theoretical model for moment and deflection considering the actual stiffness of beam-column joint rather than traditional concept of rigid connection. A concentrated moving load is applied on the beam with three different support conditions such as fixed both end, simply supported …

Failures Of Mainline Railway Sleepers And Suggested Remedies - Review Of Current Practice, Wahid Ferdous, Allan Manalo

Wahid Ferdous

Over the last two decades, the premature failures of traditional railway sleepers have significantly increased the track maintenance costs. The primary obstacle to minimising this problem is the lack of understanding of the mechanism of sleeper degradation. This paper discusses the different deterioration mechanisms for traditional timber, concrete and steel sleepers and the potential protective measures to minimise these problems. This paper exhaustively reviews the failure mechanisms of these three commonly used sleeper materials with suggested solutions. Fungal decay, end splitting and termite attacks has been identified as the principal causes of timber sleeper failures. On the other hand, concrete …

International Conference On Short And Medium Span Bridges, Calgary, July 15-18, 2014, Barry A. Palynchuk Phd, Christophe Deniaud Phd

Barry A. Palynchuk PhD

The Jean River near Wabush, Labrador is crossed by two railways and an access road by twin 6m diameter culverts . They are heavily strutted inside their barrels to counteract some significant shape deformation, and are deemed not suitable to sustain the increased volume of rail traffic serving the development of the Bloom Lake mines. The owner requested the design and construction of a replacement scheme for an additional design life of 20 years with a time sensitive schedule for completion of the work during the 2013 construction season. This VE concept for the design of live load relief spans …

Review Of Failures Of Railway Sleepers And Its Consequences, Wahid Ferdous, Allan Manalo, Thiru Aravinthan, Alex Remennikov

Wahid Ferdous

Railway sleeper is one of the important structure that having problems with high maintenance and replacement costs owing to its early failure. This paper presents the causes of failures of the traditional railway sleepers particularly timber, concrete and steel, and discussed its effect on the railway industry. The review of literature indicates fungal decay, end splitting and termite attack are the typical causes of timber sleeper failure. In case of concrete sleeper, deteriorations are observed because of rail seat abrasion, longitudinal cracking, high impact force and chemical attack. Failures in steel sleepers are mainly due to corrosion and fatigue cracking …

No Admixture, Sustainable, Self-Consolidating Grout, Craig V. Baltimore Dr

Craig V. Baltimore

ABSTRACT: The consolidation of grout in concrete masonry unit (CMU) walls is labor-intensive. Also, the grout’s Portland cement content has a high embodied energy demand – a non-sustainable characteristic. For the labor-intensive issue, chemical admixture self-consolidating grouts have been used in walls 12.67 ft. (3.86 m) tall, however the chemical additive can impose new limitations on the grout (non-robust characteristics). No admixture self-consolidating grout with high percentage Portland cement replacement have potential for robust and sustainable application.

This paper reports on the consolidation of no admixture self-consolidating grout made by substituting high percentages of Portland cement with Type-F fly ash …

Composite Railway Sleeper: A Cost Effective And Eco-Friendly Alternative, Wahid Ferdous, Allan Manalo, Thiru Aravinthan, Gerard Van Erp

Wahid Ferdous

High maintenance cost, huge carbon-dioxide emission from cement and steel industries and early failures of the traditional timber, concrete and steel sleepers motivated the composite sleepers as an alternative to replace those in the existing rail track. This poster presented the optimised composite railway sleeper concept and their static performance in laboratory scale. Results found that the optimised shape can reduce two-third volume of materials from the traditional rectangular shape and their behaviour is comparable with timber sleeper.

Benefits Of Geopolymer Concrete-Filled Frp Beams And Its Flexural Behavior, Wahid Ferdous, Allan Manalo, Amar Khennane, Obada Kayali

Wahid Ferdous

Structural Optimisation Of Composite Railway Sleeper, Wahid Ferdous, Allan Manalo, Gerard Van Erp

Wahid Ferdous

Cable Connected Active Tuned Mass Dampers For Control Of In-Plane Vibrations Of Wind Turbine Blades, Breiffni Fitzgerald

Breiffni Fitzgerald

In-plane vibrations of wind turbine blades are of concern in modern multi-megawatt wind turbines. Today׳s turbines with capacities of up to 7.5 MW have very large, flexible blades. As blades have grown longer the increasing flexibility has led to vibration problems. Vibration of blades can reduce the power produced by the turbine and decrease the fatigue life of the turbine. In this paper a new active control strategy is designed and implemented to control the in-plane vibration of large wind turbine blades which in general is not aerodynamically damped. A cable connected active tuned mass damper (CCATMD) system is proposed …

Finite Element Modelling Of Railway Turnout Systems, Sakdirat Kaewunruen

Sakdirat Kaewunruen

Finite Element Modelling of Railway Turnout System, RMS Annual Bridge Conference, Bridge and Structural Engineering, Bridge Journey through Partnerships, 04 - 05 December 2013, Sydney

Bridge-Track Interaction Under Elevated Temperatures, Sakdirat Kaewunruen

Sakdirat Kaewunruen

This paper presents the adaptability to short-term climate variability and extreme events of existing infrastructures in Australia, especially railway track bridges. The main objective of this research was to analyse the interaction between the track and bridge under elevated temperatures. The scope of work was to evaluate the behaviour of the track and bridge interaction throughout temperature ranges experienced in summer periods whereas the expansion and contraction of materials are different in nature. This investigation was emphasised on the differential longitudinal behaviours of railway track and bridge structure. A nonlinear 3D finite element model of a railway bridge (ballast top) …

Advances In Rail Track Infrastructure Research And Practice, Manicka Dhanasekar, Alex M. Remennikov, Sakdirat Kaewunruen, Nannan Zong

Sakdirat Kaewunruen

Railway infrastructure plays a critical role in urban development, mobility, and economic growth of society. This focus issue of the Electronic Journal of Structural Engineering is devoted to a special theme, “Advances in Rail Track Infrastructure and Practice - ARTRP”. It contains articles, which were rigorously peer reviewed and accepted from a list of invited manuscripts that demonstrate significant innovation in the area of the structural engineering aspects of the rail track infrastructure. Over the past century or two, rail industry slowly but steadily evolved through significant innovations in the industry; academic research in rail is relatively new. Rail is …

Railway Bridge-Track Interaction Under Elevated Temperatures, Sakdirat Kaewunruen

Sakdirat Kaewunruen

This paper presents the adaptability to short-term climate variability and extreme events of existing infrastructures in Australia, especially railway track bridges. The main objective of this research was to analyse the interaction between the track and bridge under elevated temperatures. The scope of work was to evaluate the behaviour of the track and bridge interaction throughout temperature ranges experienced in summer periods whereas the expansion and contraction of materials are different in nature. This investigation was emphasised on the differential longitudinal behaviours of railway track and bridge structure. A nonlinear 3D finite element model of a railway bridge (ballast top) …