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

Este trabalho apresenta o estudo do comportamento das estruturas tridimensionais de edifícios altos, sujeitos às ações verticais e laterais, considerando-se a rigidez transversal à flexão das lajes. A análise é feita pelo processo dos deslocamentos para todos elementos, onde emprega-se o Método dos Elementos Finitos na discretização das lajes e vigas em cada pavimento. O sistema estrutural não considera a presença dos núcleos estruturais, pilares ou pilares-parede submetidos à flexo-torção. As lajes também funcionam como diafragmas infinitamente rígidos em seu plano, sendo responsável pela compatibilidade dos deslocamentos correspondentes e pela transmissão das forças do vento aos pilares. Elaborou-se um programa de computador que automatiza o processo utilizado, e alguns exemplos são apresentados para comprovar sua validade. / This work presents a study about the behavior of three dimensional structures of tall buildings, subjected to vertical and lateral loads, considering the transverse bending stiffness of slabs. The analysis is done by stiffness method for all elements, and Finite Element Method is used in the discretization of slabs and beams of each floor. The structural system does not consider cores, columns or shearwalls that are subjected to warping effects. The slabs also act as diaphragms with an infinite stiffness in their plane, responsible displacements, for compatibility of the horizontal and so transmit the wind forces to the columns. A computer program is developed to get automatic the process utilized in the analysis, and some examples are presented to check its validity.

Este trabalho apresenta o estudo do comportamento das estruturas tridimensionais de edifícios altos, sujeitos às ações verticais e laterais, considerando-se a rigidez transversal à flexão das lajes. A análise é feita pelo processo dos deslocamentos para todos elementos, onde emprega-se o Método dos Elementos Finitos na discretização das lajes e vigas em cada pavimento. O sistema estrutural não considera a presença dos núcleos estruturais, pilares ou pilares-parede submetidos à flexo-torção. As lajes também funcionam como diafragmas infinitamente rígidos em seu plano, sendo responsável pela compatibilidade dos deslocamentos correspondentes e pela transmissão das forças do vento aos pilares. Elaborou-se um programa de computador que automatiza o processo utilizado, e alguns exemplos são apresentados para comprovar sua validade. / This work presents a study about the behavior of three dimensional structures of tall buildings, subjected to vertical and lateral loads, considering the transverse bending stiffness of slabs. The analysis is done by stiffness method for all elements, and Finite Element Method is used in the discretization of slabs and beams of each floor. The structural system does not consider cores, columns or shearwalls that are subjected to warping effects. The slabs also act as diaphragms with an infinite stiffness in their plane, responsible displacements, for compatibility of the horizontal and so transmit the wind forces to the columns. A computer program is developed to get automatic the process utilized in the analysis, and some examples are presented to check its validity.

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.

Measuring acoustic pressure gradients is critical in many applications such as directional microphones for hearing aids and sound intensity probes. This measurement is especially challenging with decreasing microphone size, which reduces the sensitivity due to small spacing between the pressure ports. Novel, micromachined biomimetic microphone diaphragms are shown to provide high sensitivity to pressure gradients on one side of the diaphragm with low thermal mechanical noise. These structures have a dominant mode shape with see-saw like motion in the audio band, responding to pressure gradients as well as spurious higher order modes sensitive to pressure. In this dissertation, integration of a diffraction based optical detection method with these novel diaphragm structures to implement a low noise optical pressure gradient microphone is described and experimental characterization results are presented, showing 36 dBA noise level with 1mm port spacing, nearly an order of magnitude better than the current gradient microphones. The optical detection scheme also provides electrostatic actuation capability from both sides of the diaphragm separately which can be used for active force feedback. A 4-port electromechanical equivalent circuit model of this microphone with optical readout is developed to predict the overall response of the device to different acoustic and electrostatic excitations. The model includes the damping due to complex motion of air around the microphone diaphragm, and it calculates the detected optical signal on each side of the diaphragm as a combination of two separate dominant vibration modes. This equivalent circuit model is verified by experiments and used to predict the microphone response with different force feedback schemes. Single sided force feedback is used for active damping to improve the linearity and the frequency response of the microphone. Furthermore, it is shown that using two sided force feedback one can significantly suppress or enhance the desired vibration modes of the diaphragm. This approach provides an electronic means to tailor the directional response of the microphones, with significant implications in device performance for various applications. As an example, the use of this device as a particle velocity sensor for sound intensity and sound power measurements is investigated. Without force feedback, the gradient microphone provides accurate particle velocity measurement for frequencies below 2 kHz, after which the pressure response of the second order mode becomes significant. With two-sided force feedback, the calculations show that this upper frequency limit may be increased to 10 kHz. This improves the pressure residual intensity index by more than 15 dB in the 50 Hz-10 kHz range, matching the Class I requirements of IEC 1043 standards for intensity probes without any need for multiple spacers.

A lightweight carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) sandwich panel has been developed for floor use in commercial office building construction. CFRP laminate skins were combined with low-density rigid polyurethane foam to create a composite sandwich panel suitable for floor use. The CFRP sandwich panel was optimized to withstand code prescribed office-building live loads using a 3D finite element computer program called SolidWorks. The thickness of the polyurethane foam was optimized to meet both strength and serviceability requirements for gravity loading. Deflection ultimately was the controlling factor in the design, as the stresses in the composite materials remained relatively low. The CFRP sandwich panel was then subjected to combined gravity and lateral loading, which included seismic loads from a fictitious 5-story office building located in a region of high seismic risk. The results showed that CFRP sandwich panels are a viable option for use with floors, possessing sufficient strength and stiffness for meeting code prescribed design loads, while providing significant benefits over traditional construction materials.

Deformation and fracture behaviour of the slender diaphragm with cross incisions is simulated by the developed finite element model. The influence of incisions geometry on the critical pressure of diaphragms was examined by applying deformation and fracture criteria. Original experiments of diaphragms with incisions were performed. / Išnagrinėjus ir palyginus įvairius skaičiuojamuosius baigtinių elementų modelius buvo ištirta ir nustatyta įpjovos geometrijos įtaka smūginio dujų vamzdžio liaunos diafragmos su kryžmine įpjova kritiniam slėgiui pagal ribinius deformavimo ir irimo kriterijus. Atlikti originalūs eksperimentiniai diafragmų deformavimo ir irimo tyrimai.

Išnagrinėjus ir palyginus įvairius skaičiuojamuosius baigtinių elementų modelius buvo ištirta ir nustatyta įpjovos geometrijos įtaka smūginio dujų vamzdžio liaunos diafragmos su kryžmine įpjova kritiniam slėgiui pagal ribinius deformavimo ir irimo kriterijus. Atlikti originalūs eksperimentiniai diafragmų deformavimo ir irimo tyrimai. / Deformation and fracture behaviour of the slender diaphragm with cross incisions is simulated by the developed finite element model. The influence of incisions geometry on the critical pressure of diaphragms was examined by applying deformation and fracture criteria. Original experiments of diaphragms with incisions were performed.

Pour les structures en bois comme pour les autres techniques de construction, les planchers jouent un rôle important dans le comportement global d’un bâtiment soumis à une sollicitation sismique. En plus de la reprise des efforts verticaux, ces planchers assurent le transfert des efforts horizontaux vers les murs de contreventement (fonction diaphragme). Pour cette fonction, le plancher peut être assimilé à une poutre courte disposée horizontalement et supportée par plusieurs appuis semi-rigides (murs de contreventement). En conséquence, la distribution des efforts sur les murs de contreventement est directement liée au rapport entre leurs raideurs et celle du plancher dans son plan.Les planchers en bois traditionnels sont généralement composés par une poutraison (des solives, des entretoises et des poutres de chaînage) et une surface plane composée d’une juxtaposition de panneaux. La connexion panneaux-poutraison est généralement réalisée par des clous. Le dimensionnement de ces planchers est souvent piloté par les charges verticales et les caractéristiques mécaniques dans le plan sont rarement contrôlées.Le comportement mécanique des planchers diaphragmes en bois est peu étudié dans la littérature. La présente thèse aborde ce comportement en s’appuyant sur trois approches : analytique, numérique (M.E.F.) et expérimentale. L’approche analytique s’inspire de celle utilisée par les codes de calcul sismique nord-américains. La modélisation numérique prend en compte la configuration géométrique réelle des diaphragmes ainsi que les effets non-linéaires matériels et géométriques. Deux types de modèles numériques sont proposés : « détaillé » et « simplifié ». Le modèle détaillé, utilisant des éléments de poutres et de coques, permet d’étudier la distribution des contraintes internes au sein du plancher. Le modèle simplifié, moins coûteux, s’appuie sur des éléments poutres et barres. Il permet de réaliser des analyses de sensibilité et il peut être utilisé dans des analyses de structures avec géométries complexes.Une campagne expérimentale est conduite sur des planchers en bois. Deux planchers (2,4x7,2m2), avec et sans entretoises, sont testés en flexion dans leur plan. Une instrumentation riche composée de capteurs de déplacement, d’inclinomètres et d’un système de mesure sans contact, sont utilisés pour suivre le comportement de ces planchers aux niveaux global et local. Les observations expérimentales montrent un comportement fortement non-linéaire avec une influence importante des entretoises sur la raideur et la résistance. La rupture des panneaux est due à la flexion à mi portée ou à la compression près des angles en contact. La comparaison avec les résultats expérimentaux a permis de valider les modèles numériques développés. Ces modèles révèlent une forte participation de la connexion panneaux-poutraison aux comportements mécaniques des planchers aux niveaux global et local.Le modèle numérique simplifié est utilisé pour mener une étude de sensibilité des planchers avec trémies. Ainsi, treize configurations de planchers sont analysées en vue d’identifier les positionnements les plus défavorables des trémies. Par ailleurs, l’application du modèle analytique montre qu’il représente correctement la phase linéaire du comportement des planchers qui est un paramètre utilisable dans les analyses à l’état limite de service. Les résultats numériques et expérimentaux obtenus constituent une bonne base pour étendre le domaine d’application du modèle analytique. / In timber structures as other, floors play an important role in the overall behaviour of a building subjected to seismic loading. In addition to the vertical forces, these floors transfer horizontal forces to the shear walls (diaphragm function). For this function, the floor can be considered as a short beam placed horizontally and supported by semi-rigid supports (shear walls). Therefore, the force distribution on the shear walls is directly related to the in-plane stiffness ratio between floors and shear walls.Traditional wooden floors are usually composed by joists framing (joist, struts, chords beams) and a surface made by juxtaposed panels. The panel-joist framing connection is usually made by nails. Size of the floors elements is often driven by the vertical loads, thus mechanical properties in the plane are rarely checked.The in-plane behaviour of timber floor is poorly studied in the literature. This thesis studies this behaviour using three approaches: analytical, numerical (FEM) and experimental. The analytical approach is based on that used in North American codes of seismic design. Numerical models take into account the actual geometry of the timber diaphragms and nonlinear effects (material and geometric). Two types of numerical models are proposed: "detailed" and "simplified". The detailed model, based on beams and shell elements, allows studying the distribution of internal stresses in the floor. The simplified model uses beams and bar elements. It allows carrying out sensitivity analysis and can be used to study complex geometries of floors.An experimental campaign is conducted on timber floors. Two floors (2,4 x7,2m2), in blocked or unblocked configuration, are tested in bending in their plane. Displacement transducers, inclinometers and a camera measuring system are used for monitoring the behaviour of floors at global and local levels. The experimental observations show a highly nonlinear behaviour with a significant influence of struts on the stiffness and strength. Panels failure due to bending and compression in the corners were observed. The comparison between experimental and numerical results allows validating the numerical models. These models show a significant participation of the panels-joist framing connection on the global and local mechanical behaviour of floors.The simplified model is used to conduct a sensitivity analysis of floors with hoppers. Thirteen floors configurations are analyzed to identify the most unfavourable configurations of hoppers position. Furthermore, the analytical model represents well the linear phase of floors behaviour. The numerical and experimental results obtained provide a good basis to expand the scope of the analytical model. / Tanto en las estructuras de madera como en otras técnicas de construcción, las losas juegan un importante rol en el comportamiento global de un edificio sometido a una solicitación sísmica. Además de las cargas verticales, las losas deben transmitir las cargas horizontales hacia los muros de corte (función diafragma). En esta función, la losa puede ser tratada como una viga corta puesta horizontalmente y apoyada sobre soportes semi-rígidos (muros de corte). En consecuencia, la distribución de fuerzas entre los distintos muros de corte es determinada por la relación de rigidez entre estos muros y la losa.Las losas tradicionales de madera son generalmente compuestas por un envigado (vigas transversales, canes o separadores, vigas periféricas) y una superficie construida con paneles yuxtapuestos. La conexión entre los paneles y el envigado es generalmente realizada con clavos. El dimensionamiento de estos elementos es habitualmente determinado por las cargas verticales, de esta manera las propiedades mecánicas en el plano de estas losas, son raramente controladas.El comportamiento mecánico de los diafragmas de madera ha sido poco estudiado en la literatura. Esta tesis aborda este comportamiento a partir de tres enfoques: analítico, numérico (Elementos Finitos) y experimental. El método analítico considerado se basa en las ecuaciones propuestas por los códigos de diseño sísmico norteamericanos. La modelización numérica tiene en cuenta la configuración geométrica real de las losas y los efectos no-lineares de origen material y geométrico. Dos tipos de modelos numéricos son propuestos: "detallado" y "simplificado". El modelo detallado, es construido a partir de elementos finitos de tipo vigas y planos. Este modelo es utilizado principalmente para estudiar la distribución de esfuerzos internos en las losas. El modelo simplificado, construido a partir de elementos de vigas y barras, es utilizado para conducir análisis de sensibilidad.Un estudio experimental sobre losas de madera es presentado. Dos losas (2,4 x7, 2m2) con y sin separadores son testeadas en flexión en su plano. Un sistema de instrumentación compuesto por transductores de desplazamiento, inclinómetros y videocámaras, fueron utilizados para monitorear el comportamiento global y local de las losas. Las observaciones experimentales muestran un comportamiento altamente no-lineal con una fuerte influencia de los separadores sobre la rigidez y resistencia de la estructura. Los modos de ruptura observados corresponden a la ruptura de paneles en flexión y a la compresión local debido a transmisión de esfuerzos por contacto. La comparación de resultados experimentales y numéricos permite validar los modelos propuestos. Estos modelos muestran una fuerte participación de la conexión paneles-envigado sobre el comportamiento mecánico global y local de las losas.El modelo numérico simplificado es utilizado para llevar a cabo un análisis de sensibilidad de losas con aberturas de escalera. Trece configuraciones de losas son analizadas para identificar la posición de abertura más desfavorable. Por otra parte, el modelo analítico representa correctamente el comportamiento de las losas en fase lineal. Los resultados numéricos y experimentales obtenidos proporcionan una buena base para ampliar el dominio de aplicación de este modelo analítico.

Submitted by Emanuel Varela Cardoso (emanuel.varela@ufcg.edu.br) on 2018-09-27T18:51:38Z No. of bitstreams: 1 KALINE MELO DE SOUTO VIANA – TESE (PPGEP) 2006.pdf: 3746935 bytes, checksum: 4a030ab6637f715855808519f3e7825e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-09-27T18:51:38Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 KALINE MELO DE SOUTO VIANA – TESE (PPGEP) 2006.pdf: 3746935 bytes, checksum: 4a030ab6637f715855808519f3e7825e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-02-06 / Para a avaliação de diafragmas alternativos ao de amianto para produção de cloro e soda cáustica a partir da eletrólise da salmoura, foi utilizada uma célula eletroquímica em escala de bancada pelo processo diafragma. O objetivo foi investigar a possível substituição dos diafragmas de amianto por diafragmas de PEUAPM. Desta forma, este trabalho foi dividido em duas etapas. Na primeira etapa, foi realizada a investigação da resistência química do PEUAPM na forma de fibras, em meio ácido, básico e salino, numa temperatura de 90ºC, simulando-se as condições de operação das células eletroquímicas para produção cloro-soda. Para isto, foram utilizados os ensaios de infravermelho (FTIR), calorimetria diferencial exploratória (DSC), tração e microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). Na segunda etapa, foram realizadas eletrólises e para isto foram confeccionados diafragmas com diferentes composições, variando de 100% amianto (diafragma utilizado como referência), passando pelo balanço de 5:95 a 90:10% de PEUAPM:amianto, até 100% PEUAPM. Para caracterização eletroquímica utilizou-se a determinação do número de MacMullim, bem como determinação dos parâmetros operacionais após 72 horas de eletrólise, numa temperatura de aproximadamente 85ºC, onde foram quantificados os seguintes parâmetros: eficiência de corrente, eficiência de energia, teor de cloretos e teor de cloratos, com o objetivo de correlacionar os dados obtidos com o novo diafragma aos dados obtidos com o diafragma de amianto (utilizado industrialmente). As condições operacionais utilizadas foram: diafragma de amianto, PEUAPM: amianto e PEUAPM, alimentação contínua de uma salmoura ácida (pH entre 3,5 e 4,0) na concentração de 320 g/L, densidade de corrente anódica de 2,63 KA/m2 com um tempo total de operação da célula eletrolítica na intensidade de corrente de 13,1 A de aproximadamente 72 horas, até atingir a concentração de 12% de NaOH (de acordo com os parâmetros industriais). Os resultados obtidos na etapa I, evidenciaram que as fibras de PEUAPM apresentam boa resistência ao ataque químico das soluções de NaCl, HCl e salmoura na temperatura de 90ºC, durante as 96 horas de exposição, apresentando apenas um início de oxidação, detectada pela presença de carbonilas, além de uma redução de 15% na cristalinidade das fibras de PEUAPM. Já por meio dos resultados obtidos na etapa II, observou-se que os diafragmas amianto/PEUAPM estudados não apresentaram bom empacotamento de fibras e que há uma tendência de redução da eficiência de corrente (E.C.) e eficiência de energia (E.E.) com o aumento do percentual de PEUAPM. Assim, conclui-se que as fibras de PEUAPM são um substituto em potencial para as fibras de amianto na produção cloro-soda. / To evaluate the alternatives diaphragm in relation to the asbestos in the chloro-alkali production from the electrolysis of brine, it was used an electrochemical cell in a laboratory scale by diaphragm process. The aim of this work is to study the substitution of asbestos diaphragm by UHMWPE. So, this work was divided in two steps. Firstly, it was done an investigation related to the chemical resistance of the UHMWPE in a fiber shape and in acid, base and salty solutions and 90oC of temperature. This condition was similar to the electrochemical cell operation in the chloro-alkali industry. It was used test of infrared (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), tensile strength and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to evaluate the UHMWPE fibers. In the second step it was done the electrolysis with different compositions of diaphragm, changing from 100% of asbestos (used as reference) to 5:95, 90:10% of UHMWPE, until 100% of UHMWPE. To chemical characterization it was estimated the MacMullin number, as well the operational cell parameters, such as, current and energy efficiency, amounts of chlorates and chlorides. The aim of to study these parameters is the correlate the new diaphragm with the asbestos (used currently in the industry). The operational conditions used in this study were: continue feed of acid brine (pH from 3.5 to 4.0), concentration of 320 g/L, anodic current density of 2.63 KA/m2, and total time operation in the electrolytic cell of approximately 74 ho urs (current intensity of 13.1A) until reach 12% of NaOH concentration (similar to the industrial conditions). The results obtained in the first step showed that the UHMWPE fibers presented good resistance to the chemical attack of NaCl, HCl and brine solution at 90oC and in the period of 96 hours of exposition. It was observed only an start of oxidation, with presence of carbonyl groups, also it was observed an decrease in 15% in the crystallinity of the UHMWPE fibers. From the results of the second step it was observed that the asbestos/UHMWPE diaphragms studied presented good fiber packing and a tendency to decrease current and energy efficiencies with the increase of the UHMWPE content. So, it was concluded that with the conditions of preparation of asbestos/UHMWPE diaphragm done in this study the use of these in the choro-alkali production still limited due to the low surface energy and physical interaction presented by the UHMWPE fibers and it was necessary an previous surface treatment of the fibers.