Rate-dependent effects introduced during rapid and/or dynamic events have typically been oversimplified to compensate for deficiencies in present analyses. As load test results are generally considered as the basis of performance from which foundations can be designed, it is imperative that the analyzed load test data be as accurate as possible. In an attempt to progress the state of load test data regression, this dissertation addresses two common assumptions made during the regression process: (1) the statnamic damping coefficient is constant throughout the entire load test and (2) the concrete stress-strain relationship is linear-elastic. Also presented is a case study where the inherent features of a rapid load test proved useful in identifying the occurrence and proximity of a structural failure within a drilled shaft.

O ensaio SPT (Standard Penetration Test), é o ensaio de campo geotécnico mais usado no Brasil e grande parte do mundo. A ampla utilização deste ensaio no âmbito da engenharia geotécnica deve-se à sua simplicidade, baixo custo, grande experiência prática e facilidade de aplicação dos seus resultados. Os principais objetivos do ensaio são a determinação do índice de resistência do solo (NSPT) e amostragem. Apesar de ser muito utilizado na estimativa da capacidade de carga de fundações, o ensaio SPT tem sido questionado pelo fato de que o índice NSPT é utilizado em correlações empíricas baseadas em observações práticas, sem nenhum fundamento científico. Além do mais, seus resultados apresentam significativas dispersões. Para analisar racionalmente os resultados do ensaio e de possibilitar a comparação dos diferentes resultados de distintas equipes, é necessário conhecer as quantidades de energia envolvidas na penetração do amostrador no solo. Tais análises requerem o conhecimento da eficiência do equipamento (η) e a força de reação dinâmica do solo à cravação do amostrador (RD). Neste cenário, o presente trabalho aborda a interpretação racional dos resultados de ensaios SPT a partir de simulações numéricas realizadas com o software Abaqus/Explicit®. Esse programa fornece os deslocamentos do amostrador (Δρ), força de reação dinâmica do solo (RD), e as forças de reação nas paredes laterais externa e interna do amostrador (R1 e R2). Baseando-se nos resultados dos modelos numéricos, foi possível calcular a eficiência do equipamento, a partir da força de reação dinâmica do solo, as resistências unitárias de atrito atuantes nas paredes e a resistência unitária na ponta do amostrador. Também foi possível determinar a relação entre as resistências unitárias de atrito desenvolvidas no interior e exterior do amostrador (fator de atrito a). Os resultados obtidos foram comparados com resultados de trabalhos experimentais e valores teóricos determinados com base no Princípio de Hamilton da conservação da energia. Também foi possível simular uma prova de carga dinâmica com energia crescente no amostrador, variando a altura de queda do martelo. Isso confirmou que a resistência mobilizada do solo para certa energia aplicada pode estar bem abaixo da ruptura e apenas representar um ponto na curva de resistência mobilizada versus deslocamento. / The Standard Penetration Test (SPT) is one of the most used geotechnical tests in the world. The wide use of this test in the context of geotechnical engineering is due to its simplicity, low cost, large practical experience and its ease of application of results. The main objectives of the test are the determination of soil resistance index (NSPT) and sampling. Despite being widely used in estimating the bearing capacity of foundations, the SPT test has been questioned by the fact that the NSPT index is used in empirical correlations based on practical observations, with no scientific basis. Furthermore, its results show significant dispersions. To analyze rationally the test results and to make possible to compare different results obtained from different equipment, it is necessary to know the amounts of energy existing during the penetration of the sampler into soil. Such analyses require information about the equipment efficiency (η) and the dynamic soil reaction force during the sampler penetration (RD). In this scenario, this work addresses the rational interpretation of SPT test results from numerical simulations performed with the Abaqus/Explicit software. This program provides the sampler displacements (Δρ), the dynamic soil reaction force (RD) and the external and internal reaction forces acting on the sampler walls (R1 e R2). Based on the results of the numerical models, it was possible to calculate the efficiency of the equipment, from the dynamic soil reaction force, the unit friction resistance acting on the sampler walls and the unit resistance at the sampler tip. In addition, it was possible to estimate the relationship between the unit friction resistance acting on the internal and external walls of the sampler (friction factor a). The numerical results were compared with experimental results and theoretical values, obtained using the Hamilton\'s principle of conservation of energy. Furthermore, it was possible to simulate a dynamic load test with increasing energy applied to the sampler, by varying the height of fall of the hammer. It was obtained the confirmation that resistance mobilized for a certain level of energy applied to the sampler may be below the failure load and represent only a point on the graph curve mobilized resistance versus displacement.

This work is focused on the implementation of functional tests within the software project in the field of energy in the company Unicorn. The theoretical part describes in general the project methodology of software development and the methodology Rational Unified Process (RUP). In addition, the test methods are included, and the quality management model FURPS+. The last section introduces functional tests, including a description of those that are used to test the developed application. The practical part consists of description of the energy project Nemo Link, developed application Nemo Link Dispatch System (NDS), individial application modules, test enviroment, used tools and designed test methodology. Based on this methodology, individual selected tests are performed and evaluated.

This diploma thesis analyses behaviour of reinforced concrete slabs and their strengthened variants. Their comparison is determined by the results from the experimental load test. Outcomes are accompanied by the results gained from the analytical calculation according to valid codes and requirements and also nonlinear finite element method analysis.

This master‘s thesis deals with the behaviour of strengthened reinforced concrete beams. The aim was to evaluate different types of strengthening in comparison not only with each other, but also with the reference beam. Three reinforced concrete beams were fabricated for the purpose of the thesis. The first served as a reference beam, the second was strengthened with carbon lamella glued to the lower edge of the reinforced concrete beam, and the last one was strengthened with unbonded post-tensioning system. Subsequently, they were all loaded by a four-point bending. An evaluation was then carried out which shows that the two strengthened reinforced concreate beams resist the load much better than the reference beam. In the conclusion, different utilization possibilities of both methods are listed, as well as the disadvantages that must be taken into account when designing.

Design and manufacture of test elements for experimental testing laboratory. Testing of selected mechanical characteristics of test elements. Experimental analysis of test elements in the lab, creating a mathematical model in ATENA software and static calculation. Evaluation of experimental analysis and comparison with the values of numerical analysis. Graphic comparing the results of a final overall evaluation.

Subject of the thesis is experimental verification of load capacity of construction for storage coal by using load test. In the first part, the analysis of sorts of load tests is made and its execution in causality with standard regulations. Further possible options of bringing test load are described and also the method of evaluation of static load test. Second part looks into the analysis of means of measurement which can be used to determine required quantity. Final part is dedicated to realization and evaluation of the load test on material construction followed by comparison of experimental values with values established on a model of construction created by using computing program.

There is ussualy used the Masopust's method to assessment the piles in Czech Republic. This method is based on statistical processing of large data set of load piles tests. Due to the using of regression coefficients this method is relatively complicated and not very transparent. Instead, foreign standards ussualy use direct the values of limit stress on the base of piles and unit friction capacity. Procedure for determining the bearing capacity of the piles is thus considerably simplified. In this thesis the Masopust's method is compared with the methods used in Germany and Austria. This comparison provides insight to the safety level that include various approaches.

The aim of this master thesis is to explore and describe behavior of slab in punching shear. In total four concrete slabs were experimentally tested; each being reinforced differently. Using real experiments, there was a possibility to observe different behavior of steel and FRP reinforcement, eventually even the effect of adding FRP stirrups on load-bearing capacity. For the purpose of experimental testing design, currently placed formulas used to determine punching shear capacity were adjusted for application on longitudinal and shear FRP reinforcement. Atena software was used to approximate behavior of specimens by performing a nonlinear analysis. After the results of loading tests were obtained, next step was the comparison of design approaches and comparison of behavior of nonlinear model to a real specimen. In practical part, design of locally supported slab with requirement of non-magnetic reinforcement took place.

This doctoral thesis focuses on the research of the pedestrian bridges formed by the flat arch. To understand the basic static behaviour of the flat arch it was necessary to make a study of the development of the direct flat arch as footbridge with large span and the impact of stiffness on its camber. For the mathematical modeling FEM software ANSYS were used. The calculation has shown that a design of purely concrete flat arch would demand enormous bending stiffness, which can be achieved only through a massive cross-section. The findings gained in this chapter were further used to design a unique pedestrian bridge formed by the curved in plan flat arch, where to transfer of the large bending moments a steel pipe was designed. Several variants with different span and rise of the arch in plan were tested. From the tested variants was then selected footbridge with a span of 45 m and with the rise of the arch 10 m, which seemed to be the best solution according to the calculations and it was further analyzed in detail. The studied structure is formed by curved concrete slab that is stiffened through the steel brackets on the inner side of a steel tube with a graded thickness. The external cables that are situated in the handrail pipe balance the dead load torsional moment. Designed structure and the static analysis procedure were verified on a fully functional 1:6 scale model. The thesis describes the model analogy used for the design of the model, its structural design and its implementation. Load tests on the model confirmed correctness of the design of the proposed curved in plan pedestrian bridge, its high carrying capacity and the accuracy of the developed procedure of static analysis. Results and experiences acquired from the design and the realization of model are the basis for a practical realization of studied structures. The last part of the thesis deals with the possibility of replacement of the steel components with concrete in pedestrian bridges formed