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Full-Text Articles in Engineering
Historic Bridge Evaluation Using Finite Element Techniques, Helena M. Charron
Historic Bridge Evaluation Using Finite Element Techniques, Helena M. Charron
Masters Theses 1911 - February 2014
The present study examined the application of modern, computer-based analysis methods to two existing historic bridges in Massachusetts. The first bridge featured in this study is the Woronoco Bridge, a reinforced concrete open spandrel arch bridge that was constructed in 1923. It was hoped that a computer-based, parametric study of this bridge would prove it to be deck-stiffened, similar to select bridges of Swiss engineer Robert Maillart. However, the results do not support that there was any intent to reduce bending in the arch as a result of increasing the stiffness of the bridge deck. Instead, the Woronoco Bridge appears …
Investigation Of The Behavior Of Open Cell Aluminum Foam, Patrick J. Veale
Investigation Of The Behavior Of Open Cell Aluminum Foam, Patrick J. Veale
Masters Theses 1911 - February 2014
The study investigates the behavior open cell aluminum foam in scenarios applicable to potential use in structural applications. Behavior was examined through mechanical testing, computer modeling and analytic expressions. Existing assumptions about the foam characteristics that define the elastic properties were expanded to include contributions of axial and shear deformations in addition to bending and were rewritten in terms of the axial and bending stiffness ratios of ligaments. Compressive and tensile tests were performed to gain a measure of the elastic properties of the foam as well as the behavior and failure mechanisms in both loading conditions. The materials used …
Material Characterization And Structural Response Of Historic Truss Bridges, Sean L. Kelton
Material Characterization And Structural Response Of Historic Truss Bridges, Sean L. Kelton
Masters Theses 1911 - February 2014
Historic truss bridges are examined in this thesis through material characterization of wrought iron and structural evaluation of an early 20th century pony truss bridge. The mechanical properties of wrought iron from six 19th century truss bridges were evaluated through mechanical testing that includes hardness and tension tests. The main findings of this work are: 1) That hardness is a poor predictor of yield and ultimate stress but has some ability in screening iron for iron with low ductility, 2) there is a statistically significant difference in the distribution of yield and ultimate stresses between material samples from different bridges, …
Earthquake Engineering Simulation With Flexible Cladding System, Jun Jie Li
Earthquake Engineering Simulation With Flexible Cladding System, Jun Jie Li
Masters Theses 1911 - February 2014
This research investigates the interaction between heavy precast cladding units attached to steel framed buildings. Cladding systems are designed as non-structural components and are not expected to contribute to the energy absorption of the primary structure. However, research has indicated that the cladding system may be designed to reduce the response of the primary structure under seismic excitations. The use of flexible connections between the cladding and primary structural frames may be able to provide beneficial effects to the entire structural response. In this study, a series of earthquake engineering simulations were conducted in OPENSEES to analyze the effects of …