The design of metal building roof and wall systems under uplift and suction wind loading is complicated because the laterally unbraced purlin and girt's free flange is compressed, and the cross-section rotates due to the shear flow. The objective of this thesis is to introduce a Direct Strength Method (DSM) prediction approach for simple span purlins and girts with one flange through-fastened under uplift or suction loading. This prediction method is also applicable for the case when rigid board insulation is placed between the metal panel and through-fastened flange. The prediction method is validated with a database of 62 simple span tests. To evaluate the prediction for the case when rigid board is used, 50 full-scale tests with rigid board insulation are conducted by the author of this thesis. In the experimental study panel failure, connection failure and member (purlin and girt) failure are observed, and they all limit the system's capacity. Another important contribution of this thesis is that it builds the foundation for future study of a general, mechanics-based limit state design approach for metal building roof and wall systems that can accommodate uplift and gravity loads, simple and continuous spans, and through-fastened and standing seam roofs. / Ph. D.

This thesis introduces an approach for modeling the monotonic and cyclic response of cold-formed steel framing screw-fastened connections in commercial finite element programs. The model proposed and verified herein lays the groundwork for seismic modeling of cold-formed steel (CFS) framing including shear walls, gravity walls, floor and roof diaphragms, and eventually whole building seismic analysis considering individual fastener behavior and CFS structural components modeled with thin-shell elements. An ABAQUS user element (UEL) is written and verified for a nonlinear hysteretic model that can simulate pinching and strength and stiffness degradation consistent with CFS screw-fastened connections. The user element is verified at the connection level, including complex cyclic deformation paths, by comparing to OpenSees connection simulation results. The connection model is employed in ABAQUS shear wall simulations of recent monotonic and cyclic experiments where each screw-fastened connection is represented as a UEL. The experimental and simulation results are consistent for shear wall load-deformation response and cyclic strength and stiffness degradation, confirming the validity of the UEL element and demonstrating that light steel framing performance can be directly studied with simulations as an alternative to experiments. / Master of Science

This thesis presents a study about the determination of the stress intensity factors in cracked sheets with riveted stiffeners. Stress intensity factors are determined with both analytical method and finite element method for different combination of rivet/stringer spacing and stringer to sheet stiffness ratio. Analytical part of the thesis is a replication of the original study of Poe which assumes rigid rivet connections with no stringer offset. In the analytical part, the whole systems of equations of Poe are re-derived, and it is shown that there are two typographical errors in the expressions for the calculation of the influence coefficients of the cracked sheet and the stringer. Major objective of the analytical part is to develop a computer code which calculates the variation of the normalized stress intensity factor with the crack length for any combination of rivet/stringer spacing and stringer to sheet stiffness ratio. Analytical part of the study also covers the effect of broken stiffener on the stress intensity factor of the cracked sheet. The stress intensity factors of stiffened cracked sheets are calculated by the finite element method by incorporating fastener flexibility and stringer offset. Finite element solutions are performed by Franc2D/L and Abaqus, and comparisons are made. The effect of geometry, fastener flexibility, and stringer offset on the stress intensity factors are studied by presenting normalized stress intensity factor versus crack length curves. Finally, as a case study a sample damage tolerant stiffened panel is designed according to FAR 25 safety criteria. Experiments are performed for determining mechanical and crack growth properties of Al 2124 which is used as the material in the case study. Present study showed that the most significant effect on the stress intensity factor is seen when stringer-cracked sheet offset is included in the analysis model.

Cold-formed steel connections are commonly fastened using self-tapping self-drilling screws. The behavior of these connections can differ based on the screw manufacturer or the cold-formed steel product used, both of which have a large selection available for use in industry. Because of their popularity and the many possible variations of these connections, researchers have frequently tested screw connections to characterize their behavior. However, repeatedly conducting this type of experiment is time consuming and expensive. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to create finite element models that can successfully predict the behavior of single lap shear screw connections, a common connection type used in cold-formed steel framing. These models were created using the finite element program Abaqus/CAE. To validate these models, test results from Pham and Moen (2015) were used to compare the stiffness, strength, and failure mode of multiple connections. A parametric study is also conducted to determine the influence of contact parameters on the behavior of the model. The results showed that all models consistently had good agreement with the connection stiffness and that most of the models also had good agreement with the peak load and failure mode of the v tests. These results were also compared to the design equations available for screw connections from the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). This comparison revealed that the models are more successful at predicting screw connection behavior than AISI, and thus work is required to improve the accuracy of AISI’s design equations. The eventual goal of this work is to develop a procedure to build and validate models without requiring test data. This work continuing in the future can lead to recommendations to improve AISI’s design equations and to implement the behavior of the connections into large cold-formed steel framing models such as diaphragms or shear walls.

In the last few decades, there has been a shift to using more lightweight materials for the potential of fuel consumption reduction. In the Aerospace Industry, conventional metal structures are being replaced by advanced composite structures. The major advantage of an advanced composite structure is the huge reduction in the number of parts and joints required. Also composite materials provide better resistance to creep, corrosion, and fatigue. However, one cannot eliminate all the joints and attachments in an aircraft’s structure. Eliminating structural joints is impractical in present-day aircraft because of the requirements for inspection, manufacturing breaks, assembly and equipment access, and replacement of damaged structures. Currently, composite joints are overdesigned which leads to weight penalties. Understanding how to optimize the ultimate bearing strength of a composite joint by altering the cure cycle might be beneficial to the composite joint design process. This study investigates, through numerical and experimental analysis, the mechanical behavior of double shear joints. The first task is to test Aluminum double shear joint specimens inside the double shear joint fixture at a loading rate of 0.05 in./min. (quasi-static). The second task is to numerically model and validate the aluminum double shear joint specimen. The third task is to test the Unidirectional MTM 49 carbon fiber pre-preg double shear composite joint specimens with two different cure cycles and five different loading rates (0.05 in./min., 0.1 in./min., 1 in./min., 2 in./min. and 6 in./min.). The double shear composite joint specimens are made, using a heat press, with a quasi-isotropic laminate orientation of [0 0 +45 -45 +45 -45 90 90]s. The first cure cycle used is called the alternate cure cycle, which is Cytec’s MTM 49 Unidirectional Carbon Fiber pre-preg material cure cycle, and the second cure cycle used is called the datasheet cure cycle, which is Umeco's MTM 49 Unidirectional Carbon Fiber pre-preg material cure cycle. The recommended datasheet cure cycle and an alternate cure cycle are both compared to see how they affect the mechanical characteristics of the matrix along with the bearing stress. The fourth task is to adjust the Aluminum double shear joint numerical model for the double shear composite joint specimen. The numerical results for both the Aluminum and the composite specimens are in agreement with the experimental results. The theoretical in-plane material properties of the quasi-isotropic laminate were in agreement with the experimental results. One can see that at 0.05 in./min. and 0.1 in./min. (for both cure cycles) the composite double shear specimens carried more load compared to the higher loading rates of 1 in./min., 2 in./min. and 6 in./min. The tensile modulus of elasticity of an Aluminum sample is measured using a crosshead displacement, a strain gage and an extensometer. The crosshead displacement yielded very inaccurate results when compared to the strain gage and the extensometer.

Z-sections are widely used as secondary members in metal building roof systems. Lateral restraints are required to maintain the stability of a Z-section roof system and provide resistance to the lateral forces generated by the slope of the roof and the effects due to the rotation of the principal axes of the Z-section relative to the plane of the roof sheathing. The behavior of Z-sections in roof systems is complex as they act in conjunction with the roof sheathing as a system and as a light gage cold formed member, is subject to local cross section deformations. The goal of this research program was to provide a means of predicting lateral restraint forces in Z-section supported roof systems. The research program began with laboratory tests to measure lateral restraint forces in single and multiple span sloped roof systems. A description of the test apparatus and procedure as well as the results of the 40 tests performed is provided in Appendix II. To better understand the need for lateral restraints and to provide a means of testing different variables of the roof system, two types of finite element models were developed and are discussed in detail in appended Paper I. The first finite element model is simplified model that uses frame stiffness elements to represent the purlin and sheathing. This model has been used extensively by previous researchers and modifications were made to improve correlation with test results. The second model is more rigorous and uses shell finite elements to represent the Z-section and sheathing. The shell finite element model was used to develop a calculation procedure referred to as the Component Stiffness Method for predicting the lateral restraint forces in Z-section roof systems. The method uses flexural and torsional mechanics to describe the behavior of the Z-section subject to uniform gravity loads. The forces generated by the system of Z-sections are resisted by the "components" of the system: the lateral restraints, the sheathing and Z-section-to-rafter connection. The mechanics of purlin behavior providing the basis for this method are discussed in appended Paper II. The development of the method and the application of the method to supports restraints and interior restraints are provided in appended papers III, IV and V. / Ph. D.

L’utilisation des matériaux composites dans les structures assemblées a permis d’atteindre des niveaux de performance très élevés grâce aux propriétés spécifiques de ces matériaux. Cependant, pour garantir ces performances, les industriels s’appuient sur des gammes d’assemblage complexes afin de réduire les incertitudes et ainsi maitriser les chemins d’effort. Par exemple pour les assemblages par fixations, le contreperçage est privilégié pour limiter les défauts de positionnement des alésages et limiter les jeux. Ces gammes d’assemblage, incompatibles avec le principe d’interchangeabilité, augmentent considérablement les coûts de production.Aujourd’hui aucun outil ne permet de justifier, de remettre en cause ou d’optimiser les gammes d’assemblage en terme de compromis coût performance.Ce manuscrit propose donc une démarche de tolérancement fiabiliste des paramètres incertains pilotant le comportement des assemblages métal-composite par fixation. L’approche développée a pour but d’étudier l’effet des variabilités géométriques et matériaux sur la tenue des assemblages et de proposer une démarche pour les tolérancer. Le caractère probabiliste de la démarche, a nécessité le développement d’un modèle simplifié de comportement des assemblages par fixations afin de maitriser les temps de calcul. Ce modèle, construit à partir de surfaces rigides connectées et des éléments plaque 3-D, permet de représenter finement les phénomènes prépondérants dans le comportement des assemblages(jeu alésage fixation, contact, adhérence induit par la précharge des fixations). Il a été validé à la fois numériquement et expérimentalement. La réponse numérique de la propagation des incertitudes sur un critère de tenue mécanique est ensuite formalisée par une loi de densité de probabilité analytique. Les paramètres de cette loi sont identifiés par une stratégie combinant la méthode de Monte Carlo et la recherche des pire-cas avec un Algorithme Génétique. Cette approche permet alors de calculer les tolérances associées à un niveau de fiabilité visé. / The use of composite materials in joined structures allowed reaching highperformance level thanks to its specific material properties. However, to ensure theseperformances, a complex flow-process grid is needed in order to reduce uncertaintiesand to control therefore load distribution between fasteners. For example, with largeaeronautical structures, holes are drilled in a single operation in order to reduce holelocationerrors and clearance which increase considerably manufacturing cost.Today, no robust tool is available to allow justifying or optimizing joining process interms of both cost and joint performance.This thesis proposes therefore a reliability-based approach for the tolerancing ofuncertain parameters which could affect the behavior of fastened metal-compositejoints. The aim through the developed approach is to study the effect of geometricaland material variabilities on the performance of joints and to propose a method toprovide the optimal tolerances. The probabilistic character of the approach requiredthe development of a simplified model of fastened joint in order to reduce calculationtime. This model, based on connected rigid surfaces and continuum shell elements,allows representing finely physical phenomena in multi-material fastened joints(clearance, contact, adherence induced by tightening). This model was validatedexperimentally and numerically. The output distribution of the performance criteria,calculated after running a propagation of uncertainties, is then formalized by ananalytical probability density law. The parameters of this law are identified usingMonte Carlo method and worst-case approach based on a Genetic Algorithm. Thedeveloped approach allows therefore providing the appropriate tolerance associatedto an admissible performance criteria for the required reliability of the joint.

Baigiamajame magistro darbe atliekami eksperimentiniai gelžbetoninių sijų, sustiprintų pneumatiniu montažiniu pistoletu mechaniškai tvirtinama anglies pluošto juosta, elgsenos tyrimai, nagrinėjama jungių skaičiaus ir išdėstymo įtaka sijos elgsenai. Darbą sudaro: įvadas, trys pagrindiniai skyriai, pasiūlymai ir išvados, literatūros sąrašas. Įvade aptariama tiriamoji problema, darbo aktualumas ir naujumas, pristatomas darbo objektas, formuluojami tikslai ir uždaviniai, pateikiama tyrimų metodika. Pirmajame skyriuje pateikiamos bendros žinios apie sijų stiprinimą, apžvelgiama stiprinimo metodų raida, aptariamos statybiniams kompozitams gaminti naudojamos medžiagos ir aprašomi populiariausi metodai, naudojami statybiniais kompozitais sustiprintų sijų skaičiavimui. Antrajame skyriuje plačiau aptariamas sluoksnių skaičiavimo metodas, atliekama jo parametrinė analizė. Trečiajame skyriuje plačiai aprašomas bandinių paruošimas ir jų bandymo metodika, pateikiami eksperimentinių tyrimų rezultatai, jie palyginami su teoriniais skaičiavimais bei kitų autorių gautais rezultatais. Darbo pabaigoje pateikiami sijų stiprinimo pneumatiniu montažiniu pistoletu mechaniškai tvirtinama anglies pluošto juosta pasiūlymai, formuluojamos išvados. Darbo apimtis – 69 p. teksto be priedų, 33 paveikslai, 5 lentelės, 32 bibliografiniai šaltiniai. / This thesis presents the analysis based on experimental testing of reinforced concrete beams, strengthened by mechanically fastened fiber reinforced polymer strips, when high pressure air powered pinner was used to fasten the strips. The influence of the number and arrangement of fasteners is investigated. Thesis consists of introduction, three main chapters, recommendations and conclusions, literature list. The introduction presents an overview, objectives, scope, methodology and significance of thesis. The first chapter shows the development of beam strengthening, introduces composite materials and methods used for calculating beams strengthened using FRP strips. In the second chapter the chosen calculation method is described in detail and its parametric analysis is performed. Third chapter gives a detailed description on the test specimen preparation and the methodology of testing. Experimental results and their comparison with theoretically obtained values and values obtained by other researchers are given here. The recommendations on the technology of strengthening the beams using mechanically fastened fiber reinforced polymer strips are given and the conclusions are drawn. Thesis contains 69 pages. There are 33 pictures, 5 tables and 32 references in the thesis.

Este trabalho trata das falhas que podem ocorrer em uniões e juntas de materiais compósitos unidas mecanicamente por parafusos. O compósito de fibra de carbono (tecido) embutido em resina epoxy foi estudado neste trabalho devido ao amplo uso em estruturas de vários segmentos da indústria. O trabalho apresenta vários critérios de falha, demonstrando as vantagens e desvantagens de cada um para materiais compósitos. A fabricação dos corpos de provas e os ensaios necessários para obtenção de parâmetros e validação de estruturas são descritos. A resistência da junta mostrou-se muito menor do que a da estrutura de compósito, demonstrando a importância de estudos assim. Criou-se um modelo numérico utilizando critérios de falhas como o critério de Hashin e o de máxima tensão. Os resultados da simulação de elementos finitos tiveram uma boa relação com os ensaios experimentais e o modelo foi então validado e considerado representativo. / This work shows failures that can occur in composite mechanically fastened joints. The composite carbon fiber embedded in epoxy resin, used in this study, was chosen due to it\'s wide use in structures of any segment of the industry. Many failure criteria, showing the advantages and disadvantages for each, regarding composite structures are presented in this work. Test specimens\' manufacturing is described along with required tests for parameter definition and structures validation. The countersunk fastened joint strength is much lower than the composite structure itself, demonstrating the necessity of studies like this. A numerical model using criteria like Hashin and maximum stress was created. The finite elements\' simulation results had a close response to the experimental results and the model was validated and considered representative.

Este trabalho trata das falhas que podem ocorrer em uniões e juntas de materiais compósitos unidas mecanicamente por parafusos. O compósito de fibra de carbono (tecido) embutido em resina epoxy foi estudado neste trabalho devido ao amplo uso em estruturas de vários segmentos da indústria. O trabalho apresenta vários critérios de falha, demonstrando as vantagens e desvantagens de cada um para materiais compósitos. A fabricação dos corpos de provas e os ensaios necessários para obtenção de parâmetros e validação de estruturas são descritos. A resistência da junta mostrou-se muito menor do que a da estrutura de compósito, demonstrando a importância de estudos assim. Criou-se um modelo numérico utilizando critérios de falhas como o critério de Hashin e o de máxima tensão. Os resultados da simulação de elementos finitos tiveram uma boa relação com os ensaios experimentais e o modelo foi então validado e considerado representativo. / This work shows failures that can occur in composite mechanically fastened joints. The composite carbon fiber embedded in epoxy resin, used in this study, was chosen due to it\'s wide use in structures of any segment of the industry. Many failure criteria, showing the advantages and disadvantages for each, regarding composite structures are presented in this work. Test specimens\' manufacturing is described along with required tests for parameter definition and structures validation. The countersunk fastened joint strength is much lower than the composite structure itself, demonstrating the necessity of studies like this. A numerical model using criteria like Hashin and maximum stress was created. The finite elements\' simulation results had a close response to the experimental results and the model was validated and considered representative.