This study was undertaken in order to determine analytically the magnitude of the secondary (i.e., joint deflection induced) moments in the continuous glued-laminated chords of bowstring timber trusses. Traditionally, these moments have been assumed to be small and therefore neglected. The American Institute of Timber Construction makes no mention of these moments in their recommended design procedure.

The objective of this research is to develop the relationship between starting steps and post newels attached by different connection systems. This research focuses on analyzing solid and box posts connection performance under monotonic and reversed cyclic loads by following European standards EN 26891:1991 and EN 12512:2001, respectively. Moment carrying capacity, stiffness, energy dissipation, and ductility were calculated. Four connection systems were tested, two for solid posts (Sure-Tite™ and Fas-N-Fast™) and two for box posts (L-brackets and wood block with lag bolt). Connections had higher load capacity during the monotonic loading protocol than in the reversed cyclic loading protocol. No strength difference was observed between the solid post connection systems. However, Sure-Tite™ presented a more ductile behavior. For box posts, the L-brackets connection system was superior in strength, while the wood block with lag bolt system had a greater ductile behavior.

No description available.

No description available.

No description available.

No description available.

A set of second-moment closure turbulence models are implemented for the study of wake evolution in an oceanic environment. The effects of density stratification are considered, and the models are validated against laboratory experiments mimicking the stratified ocean environment, and against previous experimental study of wakes subjected to a density stratification. The turbulence models are found to reproduce a number of important behaviors which differentiate stratified wakes from those in a homogeneous environment, including the appropriate decay rates in turbulence quantities, buoyant suppression of turbulence length scales, and canonical stages in wake evolution. The existence of background turbulence is considered both through the introduction of production terms to the turbulence model equations and the replication of scale-resolved simulations of wakes embedded in turbulence. It is found that the freestream turbulence causes accelerated wake growth and faster decay of wake momentum. Wakes are then simulated at a variety of Re and Fr representative of full-scale vehicles operating in an ocean environment, to downstream distances several orders of magnitude greater than existing RANS studies. The models are used to make some general predictions concerning the dependence of late-wake behavior on these parameters, and specific insights into expected behavior are gained. The wake turbulence is classified using "fossil turbulence" and stratification strength criteria from the literature. In keeping with experimentally observed behavior, the stratification is predicted to increase wake persistence. It is also predicted that, regardless of initial Re or F r, the wake turbulence quickly becomes a mixture of overturning eddies and internal waves. It is found that the high Re wakes eventually become strongly affected by the stratification, and enter the strongly-stratified or LAST regime. Additional model improvements are proposed based on the predicted late wake behavior. / Doctor of Philosophy / A set of advanced turbulence models are implemented and used to study ship wakes in an oceanic environment. The flows in the ocean are subject to a density stratification due to changes in temperature and salinity; the associated effects are included in the turbulence models. The models are validated against laboratory experiments mimicking the stratified ocean environment, and against previous experimental study of wakes subjected to a density stratification. The turbulence models are found to reproduce a number of important behaviors expected under such conditions based on experimental study. Additional modifications are made to the models to include the effect of pre-existing freestream turbulence. Wakes are then simulated under conditions representative of full-scale vehicles operating in an ocean environment. The models are used to make some general predictions concerning late-wake behavior. Specific insights into expected behavior are gained. The wake turbulence is classified using ``fossil turbulence'' and stratification strength criteria from the literature. In keeping with experimentally observed behavior, the stratification is predicted to increase wake persistence. Additional model improvements are proposed based on the predicted late wake behavior.

This research document focuses on prestressed PCBT girders made composite with a cast-in-place concrete deck and continuous over several spans through the use of continuity diaphragms. The current design procedure in AASHTO states that a continuity diaphragm is considered to be fully effective if a compressive stress develops in the bottom of the diaphragm when the superimposed permanent load, settlement, creep, shrinkage, 50 percent live load, and temperature gradient are summed, or if the girders are stored at least 90 days when continuity is established. It is more economical to store girders for fewer days, so it is important to know the minimum number of days that girders must be stored to satisfy AASHTO requirements. In 2005, Charles Newhouse developed the positive moment diaphragm reinforcement detail that is currently being adopted by VDOT. This thesis concludes that Newhouse's detail, four No. 6 bars bent 180° and extended into the diaphragm, is adequate for all girders except for the PCBT-77, PCBT-85, and the PCBT-93 when the girders are stored for a minimum of 90 days. It is recommended that two additional bent strands be extended into the continuity diaphragm for these three girder sizes. It was also concluded that about half of the cases result in a significant reduction in the minimum number of storage days if the designer is willing to perform a detailed analysis. The other half of the cases must be stored for 90 days because the total moment in the diaphragm will never become negative and satisfy the AASHTO requirement. In general, narrower girder spacing and higher concrete compressive strength results in shorter required storage duration. The PCA Method was used in this analysis with the updated AASHTO LRFD creep, shrinkage, and prestress loss models. A recommended quick check is to sum the thermal, composite dead load, and half of the live load restraint moments. The girder must be stored 90 days if that sum is positive, and a more detailed time-dependent analysis would result in a shorter than 90 day storage period if that sum is negative. / Master of Science

An experimental investigation was conducted to study the inelastic rotation capability of flush end-plate moment connections. Seven specimens representing two-bolt and four-bolt flush end-plate configurations were tested under cyclic loading. "Quasi-static" or "slow-cyclic" loading histories suggested by SAC and the Applied Technology Council were used to load the specimens. Experimental results for maximum moment resisted by the connections were compared with analytical predictions. Moment strengths of the connections were calculated using yield-line theory to predict end-plate yielding and maximum bolt force calculations including prying action. Experimental results were also compared to previous research with regards to strength and stiffness. The inelastic rotation of connections was calculated and conclusions were drawn on the compliance of these connections with current AISC specifications. / Master of Science

Shoulder injuries are a focus of work related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) research due to rising healthcare costs, an aging workforce, and long recovery times. Substantial research has been performed in the area of shoulder WMSDs and a number of risk factors have been implicated in their development; including static loads, repetition, and deviated posture. However, knowledge of underlying pathophysiological mechanisms is limited. Thermography provides a non-invasive technique that may offer clues to unknown physiological markers associated with injury development during job task performance. The objective of this study was to quantify anterior deltoid surface temperature changes as function of changing task demands. Skin surface temperature changes of the anterior deltoid, modified Borg CR-10 ratings, and endurance time during overhead static exertions until exhaustion for two work loads (15 and 30% MVC) and shoulder angles (90o and 115o) were quantified. Ten participants (5 males and 5 females) participated in the study and were free of confounding conditions (such as chronic or acute shoulder injury) and were required to meet body fat percentile requirements. Thermography showed that the higher shoulder angle had a reduced blood flow while there were no differences in temperature for exertion. Modified Borg ratings were not found to be well correlated with temperature values. The findings suggest that workers performing overhead work should minimize their deviated posture when available to prevent a high risk of developing a shoulder WMSD. / Master of Science