Precast prestressed concrete piles are widely used in deep foundation construction. Due to unexpected site soil conditions and difficulties associated with transportation and handling long precast piles, splicing is sometimes necessary at the construction site. Available splicing methods utilize steel type connections that are more suitable for reinforced concrete construction and result in limited tensile capacity at the splice. This dissertation describes studies associated with the development of a new post-tensioned splicing system using staggered, embedded anchorages. The new system has the potential to provide the same tensile capacity as a one piece prestressed pile. To develop the post-tensioned splicing system it was necessary to conduct varied numerical analyses to solve immediate technical problems associated with the design, fabrication and testing of a prototype. This included the design of a self-stressing prestressing bed, optimization of the shape of the embedded anchorages and their layout within the piles being spliced. The focus of the dissertation is on non-linear finite element studies conducted to model the flexure behavior of prototype laboratory and full-sized spliced piles in comparison to their identical non-spliced counterpart. Though finite element analysis of prestressed elements is not new, issues relating to modeling post-tensioned, spliced elements with embedded, staggered anchorages have not been the subject of any previous investigation and constitute the principal contribution of this study. Nonlinear finite element analysis was conducted using ANSYS. The William-Warnke failure criterion used to establish concrete failure. A three-dimensional analysis was conducted in which SOLID65 element was used for modeling concrete and LINK8 for the prestressing strands. The post-tensioning ducts were modeled using PIPE20 elements. Perfect bond was assumed between the concrete and the ducts. Embedded anchorages were modeled as fixed locations within the concrete. Epoxy used to join the two splicing surfaces was modeled using contact elements. Since the layout of the post-tensioning ducts was staggered, a full model was required. In contrast, advantage was taken of symmetry for the analysis of the one piece controls. The finite element model was able to accurately capture the flexural behavior of both the control and the spliced piles. The results suggested that tensile separation at the splice interface acted as a pivot about which the section rotated. As a result, the compression failure zone in the spliced pile was confined to a smaller region compared to the control. The stress distribution in the spliced pile indicated that the concrete in the cover above the splice was crushed at the ultimate stage before the steel had yielded. As a result, the ultimate capacity of the spliced pile was controlled by concrete failure. The results also indicated that, among the multiple layers of post-tensioning strands, only one approached yield while others remained in the elastic range. As a result, when the applied load was released, the spliced pile rebounded back to a large degree, which resulted in a much smaller residual permanent deformation. This behavior of a spliced pile can be beneficial for structures in a seismic zone because it will induce smaller secondary moments. This study helped to refine and improve the new post-tensioned splicing system. Its availability makes it possible to extend and further improve the concept without the need for costly prototype fabrication and testing.

The first part of the diploma thesis with name „Evaluation of dynamic damage of composite structure“ focuses on designing device for impact experiments and suitable laminate samples made from prepregs. The conditions and problems of impact tests are also demonstrated here. The second part of the thesis deals with non-destructive control of damaged specimens based on thermography. This is mainly the extent of defects in the impaired area and the evaluation of results using the pulse infrared thermography method. Finally, the relative deviation in the crack size comparison between the visual method and thermographic are compared. Consequently, the residual strength of the damaged samples against undamaged specimens are compared using bending tests.

Yes / This paper presents the bending tests of four ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) frame beams and one normal strength concrete (NSC) frame beam, all reinforced with steel-FRP composite bars (SFCBs). A comprehensive analysis was carried out, encompassing evaluation of the failure mode, crack propagation, bearing capacity, deformation, strain response, and plastic rotational capacity of the frame beams. Investigating the effects of concrete type, reinforcement type, and beam-end reinforcement ratio on the flexural performance of the frame beams was a key aspect of this study. A three-dimensional finite element (FE) model of the frame beam was established and rigorously verified. The developed model enabled a detailed parametric analysis involving the steel ratio, the yield strength of the inner core steel bar, the elastic modulus of the FRP, and the ultimate tensile strength of the SFCB. The results indicated a consistent failure mode of all frame beams: crushing of concrete at the beam-end, initiating a sequence of plastic hinge occurrence starting at the beam-end and then progressing to mid-span. The substitution of normal strength concrete with UHPC significantly enhanced various aspects of the frame beams, including the flexural capacity, deformation, ductility, ultimate energy dissipation, and plastic rotational capacity, while inhibiting the generation and expansion of cracks. Notably, the plastic rotation angle of SFCB-UHPC frame beams was 4.9 times greater than those of steel-UHPC frame beams, emphasizing the effectiveness of SFCB in enhancing the beam-end plastic rotational capacity. A decrease in the beam-end reinforcement ratio significantly reduced the flexural capacity, ultimate energy dissipation, and beam-end plastic rotational capacity, while improving ductility. Additionally, the study established a formula for calculating the equivalent plastic hinge length, utilizing the relative compressive zone height and effective section height of the beam-end controlling section as variables, which demonstrated good alignment between predicted and experimental results. / The authors would like to acknowledge the financial support from the High-End Foreign Experts Project of Ministry of Science and Technology, China (G2022014054L), the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province, China (BK20201436), the Science and Technology Project of Jiangsu Construction System (2023ZD104, 2023ZD105), the Science and Technology Project of Gansu Construction System (JK2021-19), the Science and Technology Cooperation Fund Project of Yangzhou City and Yangzhou University (YZ2022194) and the Science and Technology Project of Yangzhou Construction System (202309, 202312), Graduate Research and Innovation Projects of Jiangsu Province (KYCX24_3750), Jiangsu Provincial Government Scholarship Project (2024), Excellent Doctoral Dissertation Fund of Yangzhou University (2024). / The full-text of this article will be released for public view at the end of the publisher embargo on 22 Sep 2025.

Presented in this work are the results of twelve flexural tests conducted on small-scale coupons to establish the load-deflection behavior of UNS S32003 (ATI 2003®) hot-rolled duplex stainless steel flat plates. All specimens were tested as simply supported beams loaded at the midspan. Test specimens had nominal width and thickness of 1 in. and 0.25 in., respectively. Four different span lengths of 4 in., 6 in., 9 in., and 12 in. were investigated. Analysis of the results showed that the non-linear deflection behavior can be estimated reasonably well by adopting the conventional deflection equation pertaining to an assumed linear elastic material, but after replacing the modulus of elasticity with a secant modulus corresponding to the maximum tension strain resulting from the applied load.

Os pisos industriais são elementos que estão presentes em muitas obras da construção civil. Devido a isso, estudos devem ser procedidos para melhorar seu desempenho. Concretos reforçados com fibras metálicas são alternativas para a produção de pisos, pois as fibras melhoram o comportamento do concreto transformando-o de um material quase-frágil em um material com comportamento pseudo-ductil. Diversas manifestações patológicas vêm sendo constatadas em pisos, como fissuras, e o emprego destas fibras visa minimizar estas deficiências. Assim, nesta pesquisa, foi estudado o traço 1: 2,5: 3,1 a/c 0,55, com adição de três teores diferentes de fibras: 0,25%; 0,35% e 0,60%, em volume de concreto, e dois fatores de forma FF/65 e FF/80. Para avaliar características do concreto foram realizados ensaios de flexão a quatro pontos, flexão a três pontos, módulo de elasticidade e resistência à compressão axial. A partir destes ensaios pode-se verificar o comportamento de cada teor em relação: à tenacidade, às variações na carga de pico, à capacidade de manter a resistência residual pós-ruptura e à abertura da fissura. Também foram avaliadas as diferenças do comportamento em relação à moldagem dos CPs, devido ao fato que foram moldados CPs cilíndricos convencionais e extraídos de blocos. Verificou-se que a inserção de fibras não causa significativas alterações na resistência à compressão axial e também no módulo de elasticidade. Quando a análise é realizada para o tipo de moldagem verificou-se que os CPs cilíndricos convencionais obtiveram melhor desempenho, em comparação aos extraídos. Na avaliação dos ensaios de flexão observou-se que o teor exerce maior influência no desempenho se comparado com a mudança no fator de forma. padrão de fissuração nas vigas foi o esperado para teores abaixo do volume crítico. Verificou-se uma menor variabilidade dos resultados de flexão a três pontos em relação ao ensaio de flexão a quatro pontos. Constatou-se um aumento da energia de fratura com o aumento do teor de fibras. Com as propriedades estimadas experimentalmente foi dimensionado um piso industrial para uma aplicação específica, ressaltando que o teor de 0,35% seria a melhor alternativa. Concluindo que nesta pesquisa a variação no FF não causou impactos no desempenho final ressaltando que o teor de 0,35% seria a melhor alternativa, para o dimensionamento. / Industrial floors are elements that are present in many works of construction. Because of this, studies should be proceeded to improve their performance. Concrete reinforced with steel fibers are alternatives for the production of floors, because the fibers improve the concrete behavior making it a quasi-brittle material in a material with pseudo-ductile behavior. Several pathological manifestations have been observed in floors, such as cracks, and the use of these fibers is to minimize these deficiencies. Thus, in this research, we studied the trace 1: 2.5: 3.1 a / c 0.55, with addition of three different levels of fiber: 0.25%; 0.35% and 0.60% in volume of concrete, and two form factors FF / 65 and FF / 80. To evaluate specific characteristics of flexure tests were conducted at four points, the three points bending, modulus of elasticity and resistance to axial compression. From these tests can verify the behavior of each content regarding: the tenacity, to changes in peak load, the ability to maintain the post-break residual strength and the opening of the crack. They were also evaluated behavioral differences in relation to the molding of CPs due to the fact that were shaped conventional cylindrical CPs and extracted blocks. It was found that the fiber insertion does not cause significant changes in compressive strength and also the modulus of elasticity. When the analysis is performed for the type of molding it found that conventional cylindrical CPs performed better in comparison to extracted. In the evaluation of bending tests it was observed that the content has the most influence on performance compared with the change in form factor. The pattern of cracks on the beams was expected to levels below the critical volume. There was less variation of bending results at three points over the flexure test at four points. It was found an increased fracture energy with increased fiber content. With the properties estimated experimentally has been designed an industrial floor for a specific application, pointing out that the 0.35% level would be the best alternative. Concluding that this research variation in FF caused no impact on final performance pointing out that the 0.35% level would be the best alternative for the design.

Os pisos industriais são elementos que estão presentes em muitas obras da construção civil. Devido a isso, estudos devem ser procedidos para melhorar seu desempenho. Concretos reforçados com fibras metálicas são alternativas para a produção de pisos, pois as fibras melhoram o comportamento do concreto transformando-o de um material quase-frágil em um material com comportamento pseudo-ductil. Diversas manifestações patológicas vêm sendo constatadas em pisos, como fissuras, e o emprego destas fibras visa minimizar estas deficiências. Assim, nesta pesquisa, foi estudado o traço 1: 2,5: 3,1 a/c 0,55, com adição de três teores diferentes de fibras: 0,25%; 0,35% e 0,60%, em volume de concreto, e dois fatores de forma FF/65 e FF/80. Para avaliar características do concreto foram realizados ensaios de flexão a quatro pontos, flexão a três pontos, módulo de elasticidade e resistência à compressão axial. A partir destes ensaios pode-se verificar o comportamento de cada teor em relação: à tenacidade, às variações na carga de pico, à capacidade de manter a resistência residual pós-ruptura e à abertura da fissura. Também foram avaliadas as diferenças do comportamento em relação à moldagem dos CPs, devido ao fato que foram moldados CPs cilíndricos convencionais e extraídos de blocos. Verificou-se que a inserção de fibras não causa significativas alterações na resistência à compressão axial e também no módulo de elasticidade. Quando a análise é realizada para o tipo de moldagem verificou-se que os CPs cilíndricos convencionais obtiveram melhor desempenho, em comparação aos extraídos. Na avaliação dos ensaios de flexão observou-se que o teor exerce maior influência no desempenho se comparado com a mudança no fator de forma. padrão de fissuração nas vigas foi o esperado para teores abaixo do volume crítico. Verificou-se uma menor variabilidade dos resultados de flexão a três pontos em relação ao ensaio de flexão a quatro pontos. Constatou-se um aumento da energia de fratura com o aumento do teor de fibras. Com as propriedades estimadas experimentalmente foi dimensionado um piso industrial para uma aplicação específica, ressaltando que o teor de 0,35% seria a melhor alternativa. Concluindo que nesta pesquisa a variação no FF não causou impactos no desempenho final ressaltando que o teor de 0,35% seria a melhor alternativa, para o dimensionamento. / Industrial floors are elements that are present in many works of construction. Because of this, studies should be proceeded to improve their performance. Concrete reinforced with steel fibers are alternatives for the production of floors, because the fibers improve the concrete behavior making it a quasi-brittle material in a material with pseudo-ductile behavior. Several pathological manifestations have been observed in floors, such as cracks, and the use of these fibers is to minimize these deficiencies. Thus, in this research, we studied the trace 1: 2.5: 3.1 a / c 0.55, with addition of three different levels of fiber: 0.25%; 0.35% and 0.60% in volume of concrete, and two form factors FF / 65 and FF / 80. To evaluate specific characteristics of flexure tests were conducted at four points, the three points bending, modulus of elasticity and resistance to axial compression. From these tests can verify the behavior of each content regarding: the tenacity, to changes in peak load, the ability to maintain the post-break residual strength and the opening of the crack. They were also evaluated behavioral differences in relation to the molding of CPs due to the fact that were shaped conventional cylindrical CPs and extracted blocks. It was found that the fiber insertion does not cause significant changes in compressive strength and also the modulus of elasticity. When the analysis is performed for the type of molding it found that conventional cylindrical CPs performed better in comparison to extracted. In the evaluation of bending tests it was observed that the content has the most influence on performance compared with the change in form factor. The pattern of cracks on the beams was expected to levels below the critical volume. There was less variation of bending results at three points over the flexure test at four points. It was found an increased fracture energy with increased fiber content. With the properties estimated experimentally has been designed an industrial floor for a specific application, pointing out that the 0.35% level would be the best alternative. Concluding that this research variation in FF caused no impact on final performance pointing out that the 0.35% level would be the best alternative for the design.

Os pisos industriais são elementos que estão presentes em muitas obras da construção civil. Devido a isso, estudos devem ser procedidos para melhorar seu desempenho. Concretos reforçados com fibras metálicas são alternativas para a produção de pisos, pois as fibras melhoram o comportamento do concreto transformando-o de um material quase-frágil em um material com comportamento pseudo-ductil. Diversas manifestações patológicas vêm sendo constatadas em pisos, como fissuras, e o emprego destas fibras visa minimizar estas deficiências. Assim, nesta pesquisa, foi estudado o traço 1: 2,5: 3,1 a/c 0,55, com adição de três teores diferentes de fibras: 0,25%; 0,35% e 0,60%, em volume de concreto, e dois fatores de forma FF/65 e FF/80. Para avaliar características do concreto foram realizados ensaios de flexão a quatro pontos, flexão a três pontos, módulo de elasticidade e resistência à compressão axial. A partir destes ensaios pode-se verificar o comportamento de cada teor em relação: à tenacidade, às variações na carga de pico, à capacidade de manter a resistência residual pós-ruptura e à abertura da fissura. Também foram avaliadas as diferenças do comportamento em relação à moldagem dos CPs, devido ao fato que foram moldados CPs cilíndricos convencionais e extraídos de blocos. Verificou-se que a inserção de fibras não causa significativas alterações na resistência à compressão axial e também no módulo de elasticidade. Quando a análise é realizada para o tipo de moldagem verificou-se que os CPs cilíndricos convencionais obtiveram melhor desempenho, em comparação aos extraídos. Na avaliação dos ensaios de flexão observou-se que o teor exerce maior influência no desempenho se comparado com a mudança no fator de forma. padrão de fissuração nas vigas foi o esperado para teores abaixo do volume crítico. Verificou-se uma menor variabilidade dos resultados de flexão a três pontos em relação ao ensaio de flexão a quatro pontos. Constatou-se um aumento da energia de fratura com o aumento do teor de fibras. Com as propriedades estimadas experimentalmente foi dimensionado um piso industrial para uma aplicação específica, ressaltando que o teor de 0,35% seria a melhor alternativa. Concluindo que nesta pesquisa a variação no FF não causou impactos no desempenho final ressaltando que o teor de 0,35% seria a melhor alternativa, para o dimensionamento. / Industrial floors are elements that are present in many works of construction. Because of this, studies should be proceeded to improve their performance. Concrete reinforced with steel fibers are alternatives for the production of floors, because the fibers improve the concrete behavior making it a quasi-brittle material in a material with pseudo-ductile behavior. Several pathological manifestations have been observed in floors, such as cracks, and the use of these fibers is to minimize these deficiencies. Thus, in this research, we studied the trace 1: 2.5: 3.1 a / c 0.55, with addition of three different levels of fiber: 0.25%; 0.35% and 0.60% in volume of concrete, and two form factors FF / 65 and FF / 80. To evaluate specific characteristics of flexure tests were conducted at four points, the three points bending, modulus of elasticity and resistance to axial compression. From these tests can verify the behavior of each content regarding: the tenacity, to changes in peak load, the ability to maintain the post-break residual strength and the opening of the crack. They were also evaluated behavioral differences in relation to the molding of CPs due to the fact that were shaped conventional cylindrical CPs and extracted blocks. It was found that the fiber insertion does not cause significant changes in compressive strength and also the modulus of elasticity. When the analysis is performed for the type of molding it found that conventional cylindrical CPs performed better in comparison to extracted. In the evaluation of bending tests it was observed that the content has the most influence on performance compared with the change in form factor. The pattern of cracks on the beams was expected to levels below the critical volume. There was less variation of bending results at three points over the flexure test at four points. It was found an increased fracture energy with increased fiber content. With the properties estimated experimentally has been designed an industrial floor for a specific application, pointing out that the 0.35% level would be the best alternative. Concluding that this research variation in FF caused no impact on final performance pointing out that the 0.35% level would be the best alternative for the design.

Syfte Syftet med föreliggande studie var att undersöka böjhållfastheten hos IPS e.max CAD före och efter termocykling med 10 000 respektive 15 000 cykler. Material och metod Trettio provkroppar framställdes från fem stycken IPS e.max CAD LT-block. Provkropparna var indelade i två testgrupper (GT10 och GT15), och en kontrollgrupp (GK), á 10 provkroppar i varje. Provkropparna utformades enligt måtten L 17,9 ± 0,03 mm x B 2,5 ± 0,03 mm x H 2,5 ± 0,03 mm. Samtliga provkroppar kristalliserades och grupp GK förvarades i rumstemperatur, resterande två grupper, GT10 och GT15 termocyklades i 10 000 respektive 15 000 cykler.Därefter utfördes ett trepunkts böjhållfasthetstest. Resultaten analyserades med One-way ANOVA, Tukey’s test med signifikansnivån α= 0,05 i statistikprogrammet SPSS. Resultat Resultaten visade att det inte fanns någon signifikant skillnad mellan grupp GK och GT10 (p>0,05) respektive mellan grupp GT10 och GT15 (p>0,05). Grupp GT15 hade högst medelvärde (516 MPa) och grupp GK hade lägst medelvärde (450 MPa). Signifikant skillnad fanns mellan grupp GK och GT15 (p<0,05). Grupp GT15 hade en signifikant högre böjhållfasthet (~470-637 MPa) jämfört med grupp GK (~406-494 MPa). Slutsats Inom föreliggande studies begränsningar kan följande slutsatser dras: Termocykling med 10 000 cykler påverkar inte böjhållfastheten, däremot ger ökat antal cykler (15 000) högre böjhållfasthet. / Purpose  The purpose of the present study was to investigate the flexural strength of IPS e.max CAD beforeand after thermal cycling with 10,000 and 15,000 cycles, respectively.  Material and method  Thirty specimens were prepared from five IPS e.max CAD LT blocks, divided into two test groups (GT10 and GT15), and one control group (group GK) (n=10). The specimens were designed with the dimensions L 17.9 ± 0,03 mm x W 2.5 ± 0,03 mm x H 2.5 ± 0,03 mm. All specimens were crystallized and group GK was kept in room temperature, the remaining two groups, GT10 and GT15 were thermocycled with 10,000 and 15,000 cycles respectively. A three-point flexural strength test was performed. The results were analyzed with One-way ANOVA, Tukey's test with a significance level α = 0.05 in the statistical program SPSS.  Results  The results showed that there was no significant difference between groups GK and GT10 (p> 0.05), and between groups GT10 and GT15 (p> 0.05). It was also observed that group GT15 had the highest average (516 MPa) and group GK had the lowest average (450 MPa). There was a significant difference between groups GK and GT15 (p <0.05). Group GT15 had a significantly higher flexural strength (~ 470-637 MPa) compared to group GK (~406-494 MPa).  Conclusion  Within the limitations of the present study, the following conclusions can be drawn:Thermal cycling comprising 10,000 cycles do not affect the flexural strength, however, increasing the number of cycles (15,000) will give higher flexural strength.

Cold-formed steel roof truss systems that use complex stiffener patterns in existing hat shape members for both top and bottom chord elements are a growing trend in the North American steel framing industry. When designing cold-formed steel sections, a structural engineer typically tries to improve the local buckling behavior of the cold-formed steel elements. The complex hat shape has proved to limit the negative influence of local buckling, however, distortional buckling can be the controlling mode of failure in the design of chord members with intermediate unbraced lengths. The chord member may be subjected to both bending and compression because of the continuity of the top and bottom chords. These members are not typically braced between panel points in a truss. Current 2001 North American Specifications (NAS 2001) do not provide an explicit check for distortional buckling. This dissertation focuses on the behavior of complex hat shape members commonly used for both the top and bottom chord elements of a cold-formed steel truss. The results of flexural tests of complex hat shape members are described. In addition, stub column tests of nested C-sections used as web members and full scale cold-formed steel roof truss tests are reported. Numerical analyses using finite strip and finite element procedures were developed for the complex hat shape chord member in bending to compare with experimental results. Both elastic buckling and inelastic postbuckling finite element analyses were performed. A parametric study was also conducted to investigate the factors that affect the ultimate strength behavior of a particular complex hat shape. The experimental results and numerical analyses confirmed that modifications to the 2001 North American Specification are necessary to better predict the flexural strength of complex hat shape members, especially those members subjected to distortional buckling. Either finite strip or finite element analysis can be used to better predict the flexural strength of complex hat shape members. Better understanding of the flexural behavior of these complex hat shapes is necessary to obtain efficient, safe design of a truss system. The results of these analyses will be presented in the dissertation. / Ph. D.

The aim of this research was to analyze the mechanical and thermal properties of composites andhybrid composites prepared with four types of jute fibers and two different resins; biobased thermosetresins acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (AESO) and mathacrylated anhydride modified soybean oil(MMSO). The processing technique used was vacuum injection molding (VIM). Tensile and, flexuraltestings and dynamic mechanical and thermal analysis (DMTA) were used to characterize thecomposites’ properties. The results showed that the AESO composites have better tensile and flexuralproperties. This may be due to the fact that the curing conditions were quite the same for both AESOand MMSO composites but MMSO composites showed different behavior during curing step. Theywere completely cured in a shorter time compared to AESO composites. Having equal curing time forboth resins’ composites can damage the structure of MMSO composites and hybrids. Tan delta peak forthe MMSO reinforced composites occurs at higher temperatures, compared to AESO reinforcedcomposites, which means better thermal properties for MMSO reinforced composites.