In this research, monotonic and cyclic tests on cold-formed steel shear walls sheathed with steel sheets on one side were conducted to (1) verify the published nominal shear strength for 18-mil and 27-mil steel sheets; and (2) investigate the behavior of 6-ft. wide shear walls with multiple steel sheets. In objective 1: this research confirms the discrepancy existed in the published nominal strength of 27-mil sheets discovered by the previous project and verified the published nominal strength of 18 mil sheet for the wind design in AISI S213. The project also finds disagreement on the nominal strength of 18-mil sheets for seismic design, which is 29.0% higher than the published values. The research investigated 6-ft. wide shear wall with four framing and sheathing configurations. Configuration C, which used detailing, could provide the highest shear strength, compared to Configurations A and B. Meanwhile, the shear strength and stiffness of 2-ft. wide and 4-ft. wide wall can be improved by using the seismic detailing.

In cold-formed steel (CFS) construction, bolted connections without washers for either oversized or slotted holes may significantly expedite the installation process and lower the cost. However, the North American Specification (AISI S100, 2007) for the Design of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members requires washers to be installed in bolted connections with oversized or slotted holes. A research project (Phase 1) sponsored by American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) was recently completed at the University of North Texas (UNT) that investigated the performance and strength of bolted CFS connections with oversized and slotted holes without using washers. The research presented in this thesis is the Phase 2 project in which the bolted CFS connections were studied in a broader respect in terms of the failure mechanism, the material thickness, and the hole configurations. Single shear and double shear connections without washers using oversized holes, oversized combined with standard or slotted holes were experimentally examined. Combined with Phase 1 results, the Phase 2 gives a comprehensive evaluation of the behavior and strength of bolted CFS connections with oversized and slotted holes without using washers. Revisions to the existing AISI North American Specification requirements for bolted connections are proposed to account for the reduction in the connection strength caused by the oversized and slotted hole configurations without washers. Specific LRFD and LSD resistance factors and ASD safety factors for different hole configurations in terms of the new proposed methods were presented.

This thesis presents a research effort aimed at developing a stronger, lighter, and more economic shelter using rigid wall panels. Reported herein is insulation research, wall and roof panel design and testing, floor section modeling and strength calculations, and cost and weight calculations. Beginning stages focus on developing solid wall and roof panels using cold-formed steel corrugated sheathing and members, as well as polyurethane spray foam for insulation. This research includes calculating uniform load density, to determine the overall strength of the panel. The next stage focuses on the flexural strength of the wall and roof panels, as well as finalizing the floor design for the shelter. This includes determining maximum flexural strength required to meet the standards set by the project goal. Direct strength method determined the correct thickness of members to use based on the dimension selected for the design. All Phases incorporated different connection methods, with varied stud spacing, to determine the safest design for the new shelters. Previous research has shown that cold-formed steel corrugated sheathing performs better than thicker flat sheathing of various construction materials, with screw and spot weld connections. Full scale shear wall tests on this type of shear wall system have been conducted, and it was found that the corrugated sheathing had rigid board behavior before it failed in shear buckling in sheathing and sometimes simultaneously in screw connection failures. Another aspect of the research is on the insulation of the wall panels. Research was conducted on many different insulation options for the mobile facilities. Specifically, insulation made of lightweight material, is non-combustible, added rigidity to the structure, and has high thermal properties. Closed cell polyurethane spray foam was selected for full-scale testing in this research. Closed cell polyurethane adds extra rigidity, is lighter than common honeycomb insulation, and has a higher R-value. Several polyurethane foam companies were studied for this research, and promising products were identified. The research focuses on the impacts of the polyurethane foam to the structural performance of the wall panels. Both shear and 4-point bending tests were completed to investigate the strength and behavior of the cold-formed steel framed wall panels with polyurethane foam insulation. Comparing the cost and weight of the current shelter, and the new design is reported herein. The material studies, specimen details, and test results are reported in this thesis.

Thesis (MEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Lateral-torsional buckling (LTB) is an important failure mode that needs to be taken into account during the design of steel beams. The fundamental equation for determining the elastic critical moment of a beam was derived with the assumption that the beam is subjected to a uniform bending moment distribution. Loads on steel structures generate a great variety of bending moment distributions. The effect of the bending moment distribution is taken into account by a parameter known as the equivalent moment factor. The procedure outlined in the South African National Standard for limit-states design of hot-rolled steel work, SANS 10162-1:2011, for determining the equivalent moment factor was originally developed for a bending moment that is uniformly or linearly distributed, however it is currently used for all bending moment distributions. A Finite Element (FE) model was developed in this investigation for determining the equivalent moment factor. The numerical model included residual stresses and initial geometric imperfections commonly found in hot-rolled steel beams. To validate the assumptions made during the development of the FE model an in-depth experimental investigation was conducted on simply supported beams. Three different load configurations were considered in the experimental study in order to simulate various bending moment distributions. A comparison of the equivalent moment factor between the numerical results and the results obtained from various steel specifications, including SANS 10162-1:2011, was carried out in an attempt to quantify the positive and negative attributes of the various methods employed by steel design specifications. The experimental investigation concluded that the FE model is able to successfully represent a simply supported beam with realistic characteristics that include residual stresses and imperfections. The comparative study illustrated that for a bending moment distribution with a constant moment gradient, SANS 10162-1:2011 provides excellent results. However, for the other distributions considered in this investigation highly conservative results were obtained for the equivalent moment factor. The relevance of these findings were made clear by considering three design cases found in steel structures. The resistance moment of the beams in each of these cases was calculated according to each of the steel specifications. It was found that the use of a highly conservative procedure for determining the equivalent moment factor can lead to the uneconomical design of a structure. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Laterale-torsie knik is ’n belangrike falings modus wat in ag geneem moet word tydens die ontwerp van staal balke. Die fundamentele vergelyking vir die bepaling van die elastiese kritieke moment van ’n balk is afgelei met die aanname dat die balk onderworpe is aan ’n eenvormige buigmoment verdeling. Belastings op staalstrukture genereer ’n groot verskeidenheid van buigmoment verdelings. Die effek van hierdie buigmoment verdelings word in ag geneem deur ’n parameter wat bekend staan as die ekwivalente moment faktor. Die prosedure uiteengesit in die Suid-Afrikaanse Nasionale Standaard vir die ontwerp van warm-gewalste staalwerk, SANS 10162-1:2011, vir die bepaling van hierdie faktor is oorspronklik ontwikkel vir ’n buigmoment wat uniform of linieêr verdeel is oor die lengte van die balk, maar dit word tans gebruik vir alle buigmoment verdelings. ’n Eindige Element (FE) model is ontwikkel in hierdie ondersoek vir die bepaling van die ekwivalente moment faktor. Die numeriese model sluit die residuele spannings en aanvanklike geometriese imperfeksies wat in die algemeen teenwoordig is in warm-gewalste profiele in. Die aannames wat gemaak is tydens die ontwikkeling van die FE model is bevestig met ’n in diepte eksperimentele ondersoek oor die gedrag van eenvoudig opgelegde balke. Drie verskillende las konfigurasies is oorweeg in die eksperimentele studie om verskeie buigmoment verspreidings na te boots. ’n Vergelyking van die ekwivalente moment faktor tussen die numeriese resultate en die resultate verkry van verskeie staal spesifikasies, insluitend SANS 10162-1:2011, is uitgevoer in ’n poging om die positiewe en negatiewe eienskappe van die verskillende metodes wat gebruik word in verskillende staal ontwerp spesifikasies, te kwantifiseer. Die eksperimentele ondersoek het tot die gevolgtrekking gelei dat die FE model in staat is om ’n eenvoudige opgelegte balk te verteenwoordig, met realistiese eienskappe wat residuele spannings en imperfekies insluit. Die vergelykende studie toon dat SANS 10162-1:2011 uitstekende resultate bied vir ’n buigmoment verdeling met ’n konstante moment gradiënt. Dit was egter gevind dat vir ander verdelings wat in hierdie ondersoek oorweeg is, SANS 10162-1:2011 hoogs konserwatiewe resultate bied. Die toepaslikheid van hierdie bevindinge is duidelik gemaak deur drie ontwerp gevalle wat algemeen in staalstrukture gevind word te bestudeer. Die weerstandsmoment is in elk van die gevalle bereken volgens elke staal spesifikasies. Daar is gevind dat die gebruik van ’n hoogs konserwatiewe prosedure vir die bepaling van die ekwivalente moment faktor kan lei tot die ontwerp van ’n onekonomiese struktuur.

University of Macau / Faculty of Science and Technology / Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

This research investigates the strength behavior of horizontally curved composite I-girder bridge structural systems, and the representation of this behavior by the AASHTO (2004b) LRFD provisions. The primary focus is on the design of a representative curved composite I-girder bridge tested at the FHWA Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center, interpretation of the results from the testing of this bridge, including correlation with extensive linear and nonlinear finite element analysis solutions, and parametric extension of the test results using finite element models similar to those validated against the physical tests. These studies support the potential liberalization of the AASHTO (2004b) provisions by the use of a plastic moment based resistance, reduced by flange lateral bending effects, for composite I-girders in positive bending.

Current research on thermal effects on guideways has addressed many aspects of the behavior of guideways using two-dimensional models. The two-dimensional models are acceptable for existing guideway designs, in which cross sectional shapes are uniform along the length of the guideway. However, three-dimensional models are necessary for a modular design, in which the track structures that interact with Maglev vehicles are made separately and are assembled into the support structure, and in which the cross sectional shapes are not uniform. A three-dimensional numerical model of the thermal environment, in which the effect of partial shading is taken into account, is implemented for the study of guideway behavior under various thermal environments. The numerical model of the thermal environment is calibrated to the experimental results under the thermal environment at Austin, Texas, and is extrapolated to predict the behaviors of guideways under the thermal environment in Las Vegas, Nevada, which is one of the candidate sites for the implementation and deployment of the high speed Maglev transportation system. This study addresses the suitability of a modular steel guideway design under such a thermal environment. Characteristics of the behavior of guideways under various thermal environments are identified, and the behavior of guideways under the effect of partial shading is summarized. / text

The research was focused on the three major structural elements of a typical cold-formed steel building - shear wall, floor joist, and column. Part 1 of the thesis explored wider options in the steel sheet sheathing for shear walls. An experimental research was conducted on 0.030 in and 0.033 in. (2:1 and 4:1 aspect ratios) and 0.027 in. (2:1 aspect ratio) steel sheet shear walls and the results provided nominal shear strengths for the American Iron and Steel Institute Lateral Design Standard. Part 2 of this thesis optimized the web hole profile for a new generation C-joist, and the web crippling strength was analyzed by finite element analysis. The results indicated an average 43% increase of web crippling strength for the new C-joist compared to the normal C-joist without web hole. To improve the structural efficiency of a cold-formed steel column, a new generation sigma (NGS) shaped column section was developed in Part 3 of this thesis. The geometry of NGS was optimized by the elastic and inelastic analysis using finite strip and finite element analysis. The results showed an average increment in axial compression strength for a single NGS section over a C-section was 117% for a 2 ft. long section and 135% for an 8 ft. long section; and for a double NGS section over a C-section was 75% for a 2 ft. long section and 103% for an 8 ft. long section.

Made available in DSpace on 2017-06-01T17:57:30Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 dissertacao_adelmo_siqueira.pdf: 4077806 bytes, checksum: ca805c61a0f188f3cccb3e4d045ee770 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-12-01 / One can estimate that there are approximately six thousand four storey residential box-type buildings in Recife Metropolitan Region which presents structures in risk situation. Among those buildings, twelve collapsed spontaneously, thirteen were demolished and in many others it was observed serious pathologies that demanded restrictions to their occupation. This work presents a methodology to deal with this problem, contemplating technical aspect as well as risks issues. One expects to eliminate the stigma of these buildings and to contribute to give dignity and security back to their inhabitants through a work that must be done based on technical and scientific concepts accepted worldwide in structural engineering. The solution to the problem consists of a proposal to create a steel structure to be installed in such building that, in case of collapse of their support walls, should carry all loads that act on them. This solution was modeled and designed using a software called Metálica 3D, showing results that assure security to all load cases that usually act in this type of structure. One expects that the proposed solution can generate significant social impact, due to the occurrence of several accidents with this type of buildings constructed with non structural bricks carrying loads beyond its own weight / Estima-se que existam cerca de seis mil edifícios tipo caixão na região metropolitana do Recife que apresentam estrutura em situação de risco. Cerca de doze edifícios colapsaram espontaneamente, treze foram demolidos e dezenas de outros foram constatadas manifestações patológicas graves, motivando suas interdições. Este trabalho apresenta uma metodologia para o enfrentamento do problema, contemplando não apenas os aspectos técnicos, mas questões referentes aos riscos. Com isso se espera eliminar o estigma dessas edificações e resgatar a dignidade e segurança dos moradores dos prédios, através de um trabalho que tenham como base conceitos técnicos e científicos consagrados na Engenharia. A solução para o problema trata-se de uma proposta de criação de uma estrutura metálica a ser implantada nos prédios construídos em alvenaria resistente, em casos de falência das alvenarias que originalmente serviram de suporte para cargas que atuam na referida obra. Esta estrutura foi modelada e dimensionada pelo programa computacional Metálica 3D, apresentando resultados que responderam com total segurança todas as ações de carregamento que atuam nesse tipo de edificação para a modelagem adotada. Espera-se que a solução aqui proposta tenha um impacto social bastante significativo, dado a ocorrência de diversos acidentes com edifícios desta natureza, construídos em alvenaria resistente com a utilização de tijolos de vedação, vulgarmente conhecidos como prédios caixão

This thesis presents experiments and numerical analysis of a novel cold-formed steel framed shear wall sheathed with corrugated steel sheets. The objective of this newly designed shear wall is to meet the growing demand of mid-rise buildings and the combustibility requirement in the International Building Code. The strength of the novel shear wall is higher than currently code certified shear wall in AISI S400-15 so that it could be more favorable for mid-rise building in areas that are prone to earthquakes and hurricanes. Full-scale monotonic and cyclic tests were conducted on bearing walls and shear walls under combined lateral and gravity loads. Though the gravity loads had negative effects on the strength and stiffness of the shear wall due to the buckling of the chord framing members, it still shows promise to be used in mid-rise buildings. The objective of numerical analysis is to quantify the seismic performance factors of the newly design shear wall lateral-force resisting system by using the recommended methodology in FEMA P695. Two groups of building archetypes, story varied from two to five, were simulated in OpenSees program. Nonlinear static and dynamic analysis were performed in both horizontal directions of each building archetype. Finally, the results of the performance evaluation verified the seismic performance factors(R=Cd=6.5 and Ω =3.0) were appropriate for the novel shear wall system.