Among semi-destructive methods of measuring residual stresses in elastic materials, the blind hole-drilling strain-gage method is one of the best because it is simple, economical and accurate. It is based on the measurement of strains disturbed by machining a small diameter shallow hole in the test piece. The strains measured in three known directions permit the determination of the direction and magnitude of principal stresses and subsequently of any stress in any direction. This thesis presents the investigation of residual stresses in the longitudinal direction of a welded fabricated steel tube of 22 inch diameter, relating to a series of holes drilled in one half of a circular section of the tube. An initial assumption, substantiated later, was the existence of a uniform field of residual stresses through the thickness of the tube. Several methods for determining calibration coefficients are documented. The values of longitudinal stresses once computed are presented in a smooth curve. A straight line approximation is reconnnended for use in further studies of the effects of residual stresses on failure loads.

Using data for the longitudinal residual stress distribution in welded steel tubes, curves describing these distributions are selected for study. Each of these curves are checked for static balance across the tube cross section. The curves that exhibit an imbalance are adjusted by a combination of a simplified model for each and the use of a computer program that is developed to calculate the resulting forces and moments on the cross section. The residual stress in the area of the tube wall opposite the longitudinal weld is found to be the most important in the adjustment to obtain exact equilibrium. The method of adjustment is rational and based on maintaining a smooth curve shape that matches the raw data the closest and producing a curve that is balanced within the accuracy limits required.

This work was primarily motivated by the industrial need for control of problems associated with the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) of small bore titanium and austenitic stainless steel tubes. These include: pore creation and entrapment in the weld zone, and variability of the fusion zone geometry. The primary aim of this study was the development of a low current orbital plasma welding capability using a structured approach which could lead to defect minimisation. The methodology should also have the potential to be used in a number of different conditions, extending the use of plasma welding in both melt-in and keyhole modes for the orbital welding of small bore tubes. The project originally involved the modification of a totally enclosed orbital GTAW welding head for low current welding operations. It was established that for the current range required for small bore and small to medium thickness tubes, the use of a solid copper torch was sufficient to provide the required heat absorption. A stable arc was produced even for very low current values (down to 7A) while arc voltages were within the operating range of a standard GTA welding power source. Procedural (i.e. off line) control was adopted for identification and optimisation of welding parameters. Since no procedure was available for the proposed welds it was necessary to generate the parameters required for the production of consistent weld profiles. Simultaneously, an expert system has been developed for the determination of optimum process parameters based on empirical models, developed using statistical techniques. Parameter combinations were selected based on physical as well as statistical relevance, providing a measure of confidence when predicting the required weld bead output characteristics. The approach also indicates the influence of the major input parameters on weld bead geometry and defect formation, such as undercut. Two quality acceptance criteria were employed during this investigation, weld bead dimensional accuracy, and the type and seriousness of defects present (penetration / burn-through, porosity and undercut). Off line programming was utilised to control heat build up and to ensure welds were obtained with the desired geometry and minimal defect levels. The end result was the development of a prototype system for low current orbital plasma welding (in both melt-in and keyhole mode) of small bore tubes in a totally enclosed head. Tolerant procedures for low current orbital melt-in and particularly keyhole welding have been generated and a systematic methodology for the prediction and optimisation of welding procedures based on predetermined criteria has been developed.

In many instances the predominant factor contributing to structural failure in welded parts is the residual stress which exists before the part is put into service. In this investigation an attempt is made to study the changes in residual stresses caused by vibrational stress relief (VSR). VSR is a fairly new idea in stress relief and there is no substantial evidence of its success in reducing residual stresses. This thesis documents the residual stress distributions found in 5/16 inch thick, 22 inch diameter welded fabricated tubes after VSR.

Yes / Extensive experimental and theoretical studies have been conducted on the compressive strength of concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) columns, but little attention has been paid to their compressive stiffness and deformation capacity. Despite this, strength prediction approaches in existing design codes still have various limitations. A finite element model, which was previously proposed by the authors and verified using a large amount of experimental data, is used in this paper to generate simulation data covering a wide range of parameters for circular and rectangular CFST stub columns under axial compression. Regression analysis is conducted to propose simplified models to predict the compressive strength, the compressive stiffness, and the compressive strain corresponding to the compressive strength (ductility) for the composite columns. Based on the new strength prediction model, the capacity reduction factors for the steel and concrete materials are recalibrated to achieve a target reliability index of 3.04 when considering resistance effect only.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-08T17:19:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Cap 9 .pdf: 34438 bytes, checksum: 74e72b9773d5bd61697450a6994d08cc (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008-02-27 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The use of steel tubes with seam in the industry is growing every year. Advantages as the low cost and the reduced weight of the tubular pieces do the first option of this product in the moment of the conception of the projects. But the competition in the automotive industry submits the manufacturers of steel tubes to new challenges, once the demand of characteristics as high conformability and mechanical resistance is becoming more and more common for this product, which already was considered a commodity. In this context, the processes of thermal treatment and the drawing it has been efficient methods to modify the mechanical properties, consolidating as important tools of technology aggregation and value to the steel tubes with seam. The search of great properties picks on continuous improvement in the production processes and improvement of steel tubes with seam, and this study evaluates the main variables of control of the process, welding and thermal treatment of these products. Those variables include the type of used steel, the microstructure of the heat affected zone (HAZ), mechanical properties, austenitizing temperature and the time of thermal treatment. This work also exposes the state of art and relative concepts to production of steel tubes with seam, beyond a detailed description of the methods, materials and processes involved in the research. / O emprego de tubos de aço com costura na indústria vem crescendo a cada ano. Vantagens como o baixo custo e o peso reduzido das peças tubulares fazem deste produto a primeira opção no momento da concepção dos projetos. Mas a concorrência acirrada na indústria automotiva submete os fabricantes de tubos de aço a novos desafios, uma vez que a exigência de características como elevadas conformabilidade e resistência mecânica estão se tornando cada vez mais comuns para este produto, que já foi considerado um commodity. Neste contexto, os processos de tratamento térmico e a trefilação tem sido métodos eficientes para modificar as propriedades mecânicas, consolidando-se como importantes ferramentas de agregação de tecnologia e valor aos tubos de aço com costura. A busca de propriedades ótimas implica em melhoria contínua nos processos de fabricação e beneficiamento de tubos de aço com costura, e este estudo avalia as principais variáveis de controle do processo de conformação, solda e tratamento térmico destes produtos. Essas variáveis incluem o tipo de aço utilizado, a microestrutura da zona afetada pela temperatura da solda (ZAT), propriedades mecânicas, temperatura de austenitização e o tempo de tratamento térmico. Este trabalho também expõe o estado da arte e conceitos relativos à fabricação de tubos de aço com costura, além uma detalhada descrição dos métodos, materiais e processos envolvidos na pesquisa.

This paper presents the behaviour and design of axially loaded concrete-filled steel tube circular stub columns. The study was conducted over a wide range of concrete cube strengths ranging from 30 to 110 MPa. The external diameter of the steel tube-to-plate thickness (D/t) ratio ranged from 15 to 80 covering compact steel tube sections. An accurate finite element model was developed to carry out the analysis. Accurate nonlinear material models for confined concrete and steel tubes were used. The column strengths and load¿axial shortening curves were evaluated. The results obtained from the finite element analysis were verified against experimental results. An extensive parametric study was conducted to investigate the effects of different concrete strengths and cross-section geometries on the strength and behaviour of concrete-filled compact steel tube circular stub columns. The column strengths predicted from the finite element analysis were compared with the design strengths calculated using the American, Australian and European specifications. Based on the results of the parametric study, it is found that the design strengths given by the American Specifications and Australian Standards are conservative, while those of the European Code are generally unconservative. Reliability analysis was performed to evaluate the current composite column design rules.

A key factor regarding fire safety of timber buildings is the performance of connections between the structural elements, since this determines the load-carrying capacity of the structure. Traditional timber connections do generally perform poorly in a fire compared to surrounding parts since the joints often consist of exposed metal parts and cavities which locally decreases the fire resistance. This weakness does often lead to the appliance of gypsum which removes the aesthetic appearance of timber. Through an innovative timber connection design, the hope is that the failings at elevated temperature are changed from the connection itself to surrounding parts thus increasing the fire resistance to the limits of the connected components. Two types of glue-laminated timber connections have been built and tested at RISE facilities in Borås with the purpose to determine if these could withstand fire exposure for 90 minutes under load. The connections are assembled by expanding hollow steel tubes that clinches the members together and at the same time makes the steel tube yield against the inside of the pre-drilled hole. Pre-stresses are created in the connection during this process that avoids an initial slip if the connection is loaded, which is one of the reasons that this type of connections is suitable in earthquake-prone areas. The joint design results in a significantly increased rotational stiffness, moment capacity and embedded energy of the joint in comparison with conventional timber connections. One of the connections is designed to withstand moment forces. The specimen is built as a beam to beam connection that is subjected to a four-point bending test at both ambient and elevated temperature. The connection withstood 39.5 kNm in ambient temperature and failed after 87 minutes and 6 seconds of fire exposure under load. However, failure in elevated temperature did not occur within the connection, and visual inspection after the test indicated that the steel tubes still were in excellent condition. The connection is therefore expected to have been able to withstand 90 minutes of fire exposure. The other connection is designed to withstand shear-forces and is built as a column to beam connection that is tested at both room temperature and elevated temperature. The connection endured a maximum shear-force of 181.4 kN in ambient temperature, approximately 30 kN higher than previously performed test with identical setup, and failed after 113 minutes of fire exposure under load. The failure in elevated temperature did however not occur inside the connection. The testing is limited to unprotected connections consisting of glue-laminated timber which are tested in accordance with ISO 834. / En nyckelfaktor för brandsäkerheten i träbyggnader är prestandan hos förbanden mellan konstruktionselementen eftersom dessa bestämmer konstruktionens lastbärande kapacitet. Traditionella träförband har i allmänhet dåligt brandmotstånd i förhållande till omgivande delar, detta eftersom förbanden ofta består av exponerade metalldelar och kaviteter som lokalt försvagar brandmotståndet. Dessa svagheter motverkas ofta genom att montera gips vilket negativt påverkar träets estetiska utseende. Genom en innovativ konstruktion av träförband är hoppet att den svaga punkten vid förhöjd temperatur flyttas från själva anslutningen till omgivande delar, vilket ökar konstruktionens brandmotstånd genom att brandmotståndet då begränsas av prestandan hos de anslutna komponenterna. Två typer av limträförband har byggts och testats vid RISE-anläggningen i Borås med syfte att bestämma om dessa under belastning skulle kunna stå emot brandexponering under 90 minuter. Förbanden monteras genom att expandera ihåliga stålrör som klämmer samman elementen och samtidigt deformeras mot insidan av det förborrade hålet. Förspänningar skapas i förbandet under denna process som förhindrar en primär förskjutning om förbandet är lastat, vilket är en av anledningarna till att denna typ av anslutningar är lämpliga i jordbävningsbenägna områden. Denna konstruktion resulterar i en betydligt ökad rotationsstyvhet, momentkapacitet och inbäddad energi i jämförelse med konventionella träförband. En av anslutningarna är konstruerad för att motstå momentkrafter. Provkroppen är byggd som en balk-balkanslutning som utsätts för ett fyrapunkts böjningstest vid både rumstemperatur och förhöjd temperatur. Anslutningen klarade 39.5 kNm vid rumstemperatur och fallerade efter 87 minuter och 6 sekunder av belastning i förhöjda temperaturer. Brottet i förhöjd temperatur inträffade emellertid inte i anslutningen och den visuella inspektionen som utfördes efter testet indikerade att stålrören fortfarande var i utmärkt skick. Anslutningen bedöms därför ha kunnat motstå 90 minuters brandexponering. Det andra förbandet är konstruerat för att motstå tvärkrafter och är byggt som en pelare-balkanslutning som testas vid både rumstemperatur och förhöjd temperatur. Anslutningen klarade en maximal skjuvkraft på 181.4 kN vid rumstemperatur, cirka 30 kN högre än tidigare utfört test med identisk uppställning, och fallerade efter 113 minuters belastning i förhöjd temperatur. Brottet i förhöjd temperatur inträffade emellertid inte i själva anslutningen. Testerna är begränsade till oskyddade förband bestående av limträ som under brandpåverkan testas enligt ISO 834.

No / The behaviour of circular concrete-filled steel tubes (CFT) with various concrete strengths under axial load is presented. The effects of steel tube thickness, the bond strength between the concrete and the steel tube, and the confinement of concrete are examined. Measured column strengths are compared with the values predicted by Eurocode 4, Australian Standards and American Codes. 15 specimens were tested with 30, 60 and 100 N/mm2 concrete strength, with a D/t ratio from 22.9 to 30.5. All the columns were 114 mm in diameter and 300 mm in length. The effect due to concrete shrinkage is critical for high-strength concrete and negligible for normal strength concrete. All three codes predicted lower values than that measured during the experiments. Eurocode 4 gives the best estimation for both CFT with normal and high-strength concrete.

Este trabalho aborda o estudo da aderência aço-concreto em pilares mistos preenchidos através de revisão bibliográfica e de investigação experimental. De modo esquemático, a aderência é dividida em três parcelas: adesão, aderência mecânica e atrito, que em conjunto compõem a aderência natural. Adicionalmente, podem ser empregados conectores de cisalhamento, que são dispositivos mecânicos fixados nas superfícies internas dos tubos, como meio de ampliar a resistência ao escorregamento. Foram realizados ensaios do tipo pushout em alguns tipos de modelos de pilar preenchido: modelos simples, com adição de conectores tipo pino com cabeça, com cantoneiras na interface aço-concreto e semelhantes aos anteriores mais elementos de ligação. Com os resultados obtidos traçaram-se comportamentos força x escorregamento do concreto, força x deformações axiais nos materiais e curvas de distribuição de força ao longo do comprimento dos modelos. Concluiu-se que conectores tipo pino com cabeça e cantoneiras são uma excelente alternativa como dispositivos auxiliares na transferência de tensões de cisalhamento na interface aço-concreto. Entretanto, é necessário garantir resistência à ligação para que esses mecanismos sejam mobilizados / This research presents a study of influence of bond on concrete-filled steel tubes by means of a bibliography review and an experimental investigation. The bond strength counts on three mechanisms: adhesion of the concrete to the steel surface, friction and wedging of the concrete core. In order to improve the shear resistance of the steel-concrete interface, shear connectors can be used. A series of push-out tests of rectangular concrete-filled steel tubes was conducted in the specimens without mechanical shear connectors, specimens with stud bolt shear connectors and specimens with angles. They were also tested the corresponding beam-column connections. The results are shown in curves force x slip of concrete, force x axial strain of materials and distribution of axial load to the steel and to the concrete. The results of the tests permitted identify the mechanisms of natural bond and indicated that the stud bolts and the angles are excellent alternatives as auxiliary mechanisms to transfer shear between the concrete and steel in the concrete filled composite column. However, it is necessary to guarantee the connection enough strength in order to permit these resistance be developed