[pt] Em décadas recentes, renovou-se o interesse no campo da estabilidade estrutural em função das novas aplicações envolvendo estruturas inteligentes e ajustáveis, micro e nano componentes e a mecânica dos metamateriais. Em muito destas estruturas deseja-se um comportamento multiestável, que pode ser obtido por materiais tradicionais ou novos materiais capazes de sofrer grandes deformações elásticas. Neste trabalho o comportamento não linear, estabilidade e vibrações de uma treliça neo-Hookeana que exibe comportamento multiestável é investigada. Neste caso, a teoria de grandes deformações é essencial para modelar as barras da treliça. Muitos trabalhos na literatura investigam a estabilidade de treliças, porém são restritos ao comportamento linear dos materiais. No presente trabalho uma análise paramétrica detalhada de treliças abatidas e não abatidas submetidas à carga estática vertical ou horizontal é realizada, considerando a elasticidade em seu domínio não linear completo para derivar as equações não lineares de equilíbrio e movimento. Imperfeições de carga e geométricas são consideradas. Assim, os caminhos de equilíbrio são obtidos, sua estabilidade é investigada utilizando o princípio da energia potencial mínima, frequências naturais e conceito de bacias de atração. Os resultados demonstram que a presença simultânea da não linearidade do material e geométrica dá origem a novos caminhos de equilíbrio que não são esperados para os materiais elásticos lineares, resultando em várias soluções estáveis e instáveis coexistentes e em uma complexa superfície de energia potencial, esclarecendo a influência do modelo neo-Hookeano nos resultados. Os presentes resultados poderão ajudar no desenvolvimento de novas aplicações na engenharia onde a multiestabilidade é desejada. / [en] Recent decades have seen a renewed interest in the field of structural stability due to new applications involving smart and deployable structures, micro- and nanocomponents and mechanical metamaterials, among others. In many of these structures multistable behaviour is desirable, which can be accomplished by traditional and new materials capable of undergoing large elastic deformations. In this paper the nonlinear behaviour, stability and vibrations of a hyperelastic neo-Hookean truss exhibiting multistable behaviour is investigated. In such case, the large deformation theory is essential to model the truss members. Most papers in the literature dealing with this problem is however restricted to linear material behaviour. In the present work a detailed parametric analysis of shallow and steep trusses under horizontal or vertical loads, considering elasticity in the fully non-linear range is employed to derive the nonlinear equilibrium and motion equations. Then, all equilibrium paths are obtained and their stability is investigated using the minimum energy principle, natural frequencies and the basins of attraction concept. Load and geometric imperfections are considered. The results show that the simultaneous presence of geometric and materials nonlinearities lead to new equilibrium paths which are not expected for linear elastic materials, resulting in several coexisting stable and unstable solutions and a complex potential energy landscape, clarifying the influence of the constitutive hyperelastic model on the results. The present results may help the development of new engineering applications where multistability is wanted.

Reinforced concrete (RC) moment frame structures make up a notable proportion of buildings in earthquake-prone regions in the United States and throughout the world. The beam-column (BC) joints are the most crucial regions in a RC moment frame structure as any deterioration of strength and/or stiffness in these areas can lead to global collapse of the structure. Thus, accurate simulations of the joint behavior are important for assessment of the local and global performance of both one-way and two-way interior BC joints. Such simulations can be used to study the flexural-shear-bond interaction, the failure modes, and sensitivity of various parameters of structural elements. Most of the existing analytical approaches for interior BC joints have either failed to account for the cyclic bond-slip behavior and the triaxial compressive state of confined concrete in the joint correctly or require so many calibrations on parameters as to render them impractical. The core motivation for this study is the need to develop robust models to test current design recommendations for 3D beam-column-slab subassemblies subjected to large drifts. The present study aims to first evaluate the flexural-shear-bond interactive behavior of two-way beam-column-slab interior connections by both finite element and nonlinear truss methodologies. The local performance such as bond-slip and strain history of reinforcing steel are compared with the experimental results for the first time. The reliability of applied finite element approach is evaluated against a series of one-way interior BC joints and a two-way interior beam-column-slab joint. The accuracy and efficiency of the nonlinear truss methodology is also evaluated by the same series of joints. Results show good agreement for finite element method against both global and local response, including hysteretic curve, local bond-slip development and beam longitudinal bar stress/strain distributions. The nonlinear truss model is also capable in obtaining satisfactory global response, especially in capturing large shear cracks. A parametric study is exhibited for a prototype two-way interior beam-column-slab joint described in an example to ACI 352R-02, to quantify several non-consensus topics in the design of interior BC connections, such as the joint shear force subjected to bidirectional cyclic loading, the development of bond-slip behavior, and the failure modes of two-way interior joints with slab. Results from connections with different levels of joint shear force subjected to unidirectional loading show that meeting the requirements from ACI 352 is essential to maintain the force transfer mechanism and the integrity of the joint. The connections achieved satisfactory performance under unidirectional loading, while the bidirectional monotonic loading decreases the joint shear force calculated by ACI 352 by 10%~26% based on current results. Poorer performance is obtained for wider beams and connections fail by shear in the joint rather than bond-slip behavior when subjected to bidirectional cyclic loading. In general, the study indicates that the ACI352-02 design methodology generally results in satisfactory performance when applied to 2D joints (planar) under monotonic and cyclic loads. Less satisfactory performance was found for cases of 3D joints with slabs. / Doctor of Philosophy / Reinforced concrete (RC) moment frames are one of the most popular structure types because of their economical construction and adaptable spaces. Moment frames consist of grid-like assemblages of vertical columns and horizontal beams joined by cruciform connections commonly labelled as beam-column joints. Because of the regularity of the grid and the ability to have long column spacing, moment frames are easy to form and cast and result in wide open bays that can be adapted and readapted to many uses. In RC structures, steel bars embedded in the concrete are used to take tensile forces, as concrete is relatively weak when loaded in tension. Forces are transferred between the steel and concrete components by so-called “bond” forces at the perimeter of the bars. The proper modeling of the behavior of bond forces inside the beam-column joints of reinforced concrete moment frames is the primary objective of this dissertation. Reinforced concrete moment frames constitute a notable proportion of the existing buildings in earthquake-prone regions in the United States and throughout the world. The beam-column joints are the most crucial elements in a RC moment frame structure as any deterioration of strength and/or stiffness in these areas can lead to global collapse of the structure. Physical experimentation is the most reliable means of studying the performance of beam-column joints. However, experimental tests are expensive and time-consuming. This is why computational simulation must always be used as a supplemental tool. Accurate simulations of the behavior of beam-column joints is important for assessment of the local and global behavior of beam-column joints. However, most of the existing analytical approaches for interior beam-column joints have either failed to account for the bond-slip behavior and the triaxial compressive state of confined concrete in the joint correctly or require so many calibration parameters as to render them impractical. The present study aims to provide reliable numerical methods for evaluating the behavior of two-way beam-column-slab interior joints. Two methods are developed. The v first method is a complex finite element model in which the beam-column joint is subdivided into many small 3D parts with the geometrical and material characteristics of each part carefully defined. Since the number of parts may be in the hundreds of thousands and the geometry and material behavior highly non-linear, setting up the problem and its solution of this problem requires large effort on the part of the structural engineer and long computation times in supercomputers. Finite element models of this type are generally accurate and are used to calibrate simpler models. The second method developed herein is a nonlinear truss analogy model. In this case the structure is modelled as nonlinear truss elements, or elements carrying only axial forces. When properly calibrated, this method can produce excellent results especially in capturing large shear cracks. To evaluate the accuracy and to quantify the current seismic design procedure for beam-column joints, a prototype two-way interior beam-column-slab joint described in an example to ACI 352R-02, the current design guide used for these elements in the USA, is analytically studied by the finite element methodology. The study indicates that the ACI352-02 design methodology generally results in satisfactory performance when applied to one-way (planar) joints under monotonic and cyclic loads. Less satisfactory performance was found for cases of three-dimensional (3D) joints with slabs.

Civil infrastructure throughout the world serves as main arteries for commerce and transportation, commonly forming the backbone of many societies. Bridges have been and remain a crucial part of the success of these civil networks. However, the crucial elements have been built over centuries and have been subject to generations of use. Many current bridges have outlived their intended service life or have been retrofitted to carry additional loads over their original design. A large number of these historic bridges are still in everyday use and their condition needs to be monitored for public safety. Transportation infrastructure authorities have implemented various inspection and management programs throughout the world, mainly visual inspections. However, careful visual inspections can provide valuable information but it has limitations in that it provides no actual stress-strain information to determine structural soundness. Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) has been a growing area of research as officials need to asses and triage the aging infrastructure with methods that provide measurable response information to determine the health of the structure. A rapid improvement in technology has allowed researchers to start using new sensors and algorithms to understand the structural parameters of tested structures due to known and unknown loading scenarios. One of the most promising methods involves the use of wireless sensor nodes to measure structural responses to loads in real time. The structural responses can be processed to help understand the modal parameters, determine the health of the structure, and potentially identify damage. For example, modal parameters of structures are typically used when designing the lateral system of a structure. A better understanding of these parameters can lead to better and more efficient designs. Usually engineers rely on a finite element analysis to identify these parameters. By observing the actual parameters displayed during field testing, the theoretical FE models can be validated for accuracy. This paper will present the field testing of a historic wrought iron truss bridge, in a case study, to establish a repeatable procedure to be used as reference for the testing of other similar structures.

Master thesis is focused on design of steel roofing structure of sports hall. Construction is located in town of Jihlava. Proportions and disposition are in accordance of assignment of master thesis. The proportions are 40m x 60m, the height of structure is approximately 15m. Two versions of roof structure were designed – truss beam with shape of lentil and double reverse truss girders (girland truss). These versions were tentatively analyzed and designed for the main bearing members. Afterwards both of the versions were appraised and one of the versions was chosen for detailed treatment. It means there was attention focused on design of important details, creating of drawing documentation and technical report, all in the range of thesis supervisor. The valid Eurocodes were used.

<p align="justify">Many different active control techniques can be used to control the vibrations of a mechanical structure: they however require at least a sensitive signal amplifier (for the sensor), a power amplifier (for the actuator) and an analog or digital filter (for the controller). The use of all these electronic devices may be impractical in many applications and has motivated the use of the so-called shunt circuits, in which an electrical circuit is directly connected to a transducer embedded in the structure. The transducer acts as an energy converter: it transforms mechanical (vibrational) energy into electrical energy, which is in turn dissipated in the shunt circuit. No separate sensor is required, and only one, generally simple electronic circuit is used. The stability of the shunted structure is guaranteed if the electric circuit is passive, i.e., if it is made of passive components such as resistors and inductors.</p> <p align="justify">This thesis compares the performances of the electric shunt circuits with those of classical active control systems. It successively considers the use of piezoelectric transducers and that of electromagnetic (moving-coil) transducers.</p> <p align="justify">In a first part, the different damping techniques are applied on a benchmark truss structure equipped with a piezoelectric stack transducer. A unified formulation is found and experimentally verified for an active control law, the Integral Force Feedback (IFF), and for various passive shunt circuits (resistive and resistive-inductive). The use of an active shunt, namely the negative capacitance, is also investigated in detail. Two different implementations are discussed: they are shown to have very different stability limits and performances.</p> <p align="justify">In a second part, vibration isolation with electromagnetic (moving-coil) transducers is introduced. The effects of an inductive-resistive shunt circuit are studied in detail; an equivalent mechanical representation is found. The performances are compared with that of resonant shunts and with that of active isolation with IFF. Next, the construction of a six-axis isolator based on a Stewart Platform is presented: the key parameters and the main limitations of the system are highlighted.</p>

Les premières charpentes à chevrons formant fermes dont on a gardé en France des traces datent du XIème siècle. Ce principe va se maintenir jusqu'au XVIIème siècle, pour disparaître ensuite totalement. Leur dispositif morphologique change progressivement avec le temps. L'objectif de ce travail est de contribuer à comprendre les déterminants de cette évolution. Nous proposons deux explications à ces transformations : l'une repose sur l'évolution des connaissances en mécanique des structures. En sélectionnant des spécimens représentatifs des jalons identifiés par nos prédécesseurs, nous utilisons une modélisation numérique de ces structures hyperstatiques pour mieux comprendre le rôle précis jouée par les différentes pièces de la charpente. Les études comparées mettent ainsi en évidence un lent processus d'innovation où alternent des phases d'adaptation morphologiques conjoncturelles et la prise en compte d'une nouvelle connaissance mécanique induite par ces évolutions. L'autre prend en compte la problématique du levage de ces charpentes. En reconstituant certains spécimens remarquables et en étudiant leur mise en place, à l'aide de dispositifs de levage représentatifs de ceux utilisés à cette époque, nous cherchons à préciser la plausibilité de certains scénarios et les séquences opérationnelles associées. Les résultats invalident certaines hypothèses et en particulier, celle d'un assemblage des fermes au niveau du sol avant de les hisser sur les murs. Les premiers dispositifs longitudinaux reliant deux fermes principales apparaissent aussi comme une aide au levage : ils facilitent le travail en hauteur et permettent une mise en place simplifiée des chevrons / The earliest wooden rafter trusses in France can be traced back from the 11th century. Their morphology progressively changes in time until the 17th century, after which it disappears completely. This research is meant to be a contribution towards the understanding of the possible origins of such an evolution. Two explanations are proposed :the first one is based on the accumulation of knowledge in structural mechanics of the carpenters. Considering a selection of specimens that are representative of major milestones identified by previous authors, a numerical modelling of these hyperstatic structures is implemented so as to understand better the precise role played by the different elements of the framework. Comparative studies highlight a slow evolutionary process in which phases of situational shape adaptation alternate with periods of implementation of new knowledge extracted from these experimentations. The second explanation takes into account the problems related to the erection of the frames. Through reconstructions of remarkable specimens and the simulation of the assembly process using representative lifting devices, the credibility of a number of scenarios and operational sequences are evaluated. The results invalidate several assumptions and in particular, that of an assembly at ground level preceding the lifting into place. Furthermore, the first longitudinal systems connecting two principal trusses appear as an aid to the construction process: these facilitate safer in-situ operations and allow an easier assembly of the rafters

Master thesis deals with static analysis of construction of hall type for waste treatment. Thesis includes design and structural assessment of main support elements of construction. This is two-aisled combined skeleton object. The roof system is composed of steel truss structure.

In earlier wood constructions, the method of joining the parts was by the carpenter joint. There are many different kinds of carpenter joints. The kind of carpenter joint that was used was partly due to the type of building, but also to local variations in building tradition.  The industrialization at the end of the 19thcentury led to new construction technology with new types of joints. It gradually became more difficult for the craftsmen to compete with mass-produced standard joints with screws and nails. During the latter half of the 20thcentury, it once again began to become popular with the carpenter joint. New technology in the wood industry began to make carpenter joints competitive.  Modern technology with modeling of geometries has made it possible to analyze and optimize structures and joints in a new way. Verification through tests has also led to increased understanding of wood joints.  Calculation of the load bearing capacity in carpenter joints is possible by applying calculation rules in Eurocode.   The purpose with this study is to verify strength calculations for a traditional carpenter joint.  An analysis of an imagined timber frame and roof truss was made in a calculation program to assess in a rough manner what section forces the structure was subjected to.   A dovetail joint in the roof truss shown in fig. 1 was chosen for further analysis.  Manual calculation of the load bearing capacity in the dovetail joint was made. Verification of the calculations was then done through strength tests in a lab.   The study shows that it is possible to calculate the load bearing capacity in a dovetail joint and that account must be taken to eccentricities in the joint and varying wood quality. / I äldre träbärverk var metoden för sammanfogning av virkesdelar hophuggningen. Det finns en mängd olika typer av hophuggningar. Vilken typ av hophuggning som användes berodde dels på byggnadstypen men även på lokala variationer i byggnadstradition. Industrialiseringen under slutet på 1800-talet bidrog till ny byggteknik med nya typer av förband. Det blev efter hand svårare för timmermännen att konkurrera med massproducerade standardförband med skruv och spik. Under senare halvan av 1900-talet började det åter bli populärt med hophuggningen. Ny teknik inom träindustrin började åter göra timmerförband konkurrenskraftiga. Modern teknik med modellering av geometrier har även gjort det möjligt att på ett nytt sätt analysera och optimera bärverk och förband. Verifiering genom tester har också lett till ökad förståelse av timmerförband. Beräkning av bärförmågan i hophuggningar är möjligt genom tillämpning av beräkningsregler i Eurokod. Syftet med detta arbete är att verifiera hållfasthetsberäkningar för ett traditionellt timmerförband.  En analys av en tänkt timmerram och takstol gjordes i ett beräkningsprogram för att på ett överslagsmässigt sätt bedöma vilka snittkrafter konstruktionen utsattes för. Ett laxförband i takstolen som visas i fig. 1 valdes ut för vidare analys. Manuell beräkning av bärförmågan i laxförbandet gjordes. Verifiering av beräkningarna gjordes därefter genom hållfasthetsprovning av förbandet i laborationslokal. Studien pekar mot att det går att med tillförlitlighet beräkna bärförmågan för ett traditionellt laxförband och att hänsyn skall tas till excentriciteter och varierande virkeskvalitet.

The classical ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) tomato mutant bushy root (brt) was studied using a homozygous near isogenic line (brtNIL) in the Micro-Tom (MT) genetic background. The mutation has a pleiotropic phenotype comprising slow seedling development, which may be a consequence of a maternally-inherited small seed phenotype, and a more compact, smaller but not bushier, root phenotype. The number of lateral roots, total root length and taproot size are all smaller in brtNIL than the WT. The BRT locus was mapped to a 137 kbp region containing 9 candidate genes on chr 12; an InDel in the promoter region of Solyc12g014590 – containing two highly conserved pirin domains (Pirin_C and Pirin), was detected. Different expression patterns were confirmed by transcriptomic results, supporting Solyc12g014590 as the gene responsible for the brt phenotype. A naturally occurring recessive mutant named bifuricate (bif) shows an increase in inflorescence (truss) branching in comparison to the wild type (WT) control line, LAM183. In addition, the number of flowers per truss was 235% higher in bif plants than WT. Low temperature is known to increase truss branching, and so a four day low temperature treatment was applied and it was demonstrated that flowering increased significantly more in bif than in LAM183. The BIF locus was mapped to a 2.01 Mbp interval of chromosome 12 containing 53 genes. All coding region polymorphisms in the interval were surveyed, and two genes Solyc12g019420 (a BTB/TAZ transcription factor) and Solyc12g019460 (a MAP kinase) contained one stop codon predicted to disrupt gene function; both genes are excellent candidates for inflorescence branching control based on literature evidence. A newly developed introgression browser was used to demonstrate that the origin of the bif mutant haplotype is Solanum galapagense.

Fire statistics suggest that there is an urgent need for improved performance of light-weight truss construction in fire scenarios. This thesis proposes the use of Fire Retardant Treated Wood (FRTW). Several floor truss systems were designed for a residential living room using sawn lumber and FRTW. A finite difference, heat transfer model was used to determine time to collapse and to identify modes of failure during a simulated exposure to the standard ASTM E-119 test fire curve. As part of ongoing research at WPI, this is an initial effort to use analytical methods in the study of heat transfer and structural performance of wood construction during fire conditions. Results were examined for important relationships to further advance the understanding of collapse mechanisms in wood trusses. Experimental procedures for further testing have also been developed. Acknowledgment that in-service conditions may alter structural fire performance is made and the implications are discussed. An alternate fire scenario, more representative of residential fire loading, was also developed and compared to the ASTM E-119 fire curve.