Thesis (M.S.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1993. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 133-138). Also available via the Internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2004. / Supervisor: Richard E. Klingner. Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Not available / text

No description available.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2006. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Not available / text

Composite diaphragm strength and behavior were studied using non-linear finite element analysis. A total of 57 three panel diaphragm models were analyzed to failure. Parameters studied included beam size and orientation, panel dimension, connector type and distance, slab opening, yield plateau, and beam connection flexibility. Shear connector, deck-to-concrete interface, and beam connection were the components modeled non-linearly. Orthotropic behavior was used for the deck elements. 2-D and 3-D contours of concrete slab, steel deck and deck-to-concrete interfacial stresses and connector forces are presented to clearly show the behavior of the diaphragm in relation with the component behavior. Complete and incomplete connector force redistributions were observed and an expression of yield plateau length required to develop a complete connector force redistribution was developed. Expressions for diaphragm strength based on beam, beam connection and connector strength for both the complete and incomplete connector force redistribution cases were presented. The diaphragm strength predicted by the expression compared favorably with the finite element results. / Master of Science

Unreinforced masonry (URM) construction, which has been widely used in the United States, presents a large threat to life safety and regional economic development because of its poor seismic resistance. In this research, the nonlinear seismic properties of URM structures were investigated via a quasi-static test of a full-scale two-story URM building and associated analytical and numerical studies. The tests of the 24ft. by 24ft. in plan 22ft. high URM building revealed that the damage was characterized by (1) the formation of large discrete cracks in the masonry walls and (2) the rocking and sliding of URM piers. Both of these results were consistent with the predictions based on individual component properties obtained in previous research. However, the tests also revealed significant global behavior phenomena, including flange effects, overturning moment effects, and the formation of different effective piers in a perforated wall. This global behavior greatly affected the response of the URM building tested. In order to understand the nonlinear behavior of the test structure, a series of analytical studies were conducted. First, at the material level, a mechanical key model was proposed to describe the failure of URM assemblages under a biaxial state of stress. Second, at the component level, an effective pier model was developed to illustrate the mixed failure modes of a URM pier and its nonlinear force-deformation relationship. Third, at the structure level, a nonlinear pushover model was built using the mechanical models at the material and component levels to describe the nonlinear properties of a URM building. This nonlinear pushover model and a three-dimensional finite element model were employed to analyze the test structure. Both gave results in good agreement with the test data. Improvements to current provisions for the evaluation of existing masonry structures were proposed.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2007. / Title from PDF title page (viewed Feb. 4, 2010). Additional advisors: James S. Davidson, Robert J. Dinan, Alan E. Eberhardt, Jason T. Kirby, Talat Salama, Houssam A. Toutanji. Includes bibliographical references (p. 139-146).