The response of steel-framed structures to applied loading depends to a large degree on the behaviour of the joints between the columns and beams. Traditionally designers have assumed that these joints act either as 'pinned', with no ability to transmit moments from beam to column, or as 'rigid', providing perfect continuity between the connected members. Advances in analysis, and developments in modem codes of practice, permit designers to account for the real behaviour of steel joints where this is known or can be predicted. Even though experimental studies of joints conducted at many research centres around the world have provided a large bank of test data, the vast number of variables in joints (beam and column sizes, plate thicknesses, bolt sizes and spacing, etc.) often means that data for a specific joint arrangement does not exist. As a result, researchers have turned their attention to ways of predicting the behaviour of such joints. One approach which has gained acceptance is based on the "Component Method" in which overall joint behaviour is assumed to be produced by the responses of its various simpler components. To date, data on the response of joints at elevated temperatures has been gathered from full-scale furnace tests on cruciform arrangements, which have concentrated exclusively on moment-rotation behaviour in the absence of axial thrusts. However, when steel-framed structures are subjected to fire, the behaviour of the joints within the overall frame response is greatly affected by the high axial forces which are created by restraint to the thermal expansion of unprotected beams. If momentrotation- thrust surfaces were to be generated this process would require prohibitive numbers of complex and expensive furnace tests for each joint configuration. The alternative, and more practical, method is to extend the Component Method to the elevated-temperature situation. The basic theme of the Component Method is to consider any joint as an assembly of individual simple components. Each of these components is simply a non-linear spring, possessing its own level of strength and stiffness in tension, compression or shear, and these will degrade as its temperature rises. The main objective of this study was to investigate experimentally and analytically the behaviour of tension and compression zones of end-plate connections at elevated temperatures. A series of experiments has been carried out and a simplified analytical model has been developed, and this has been validated against the tests and against detailed finite element simulations. The simplified model is shown to be very reliable for this very common type of joint, although similar methods will need to be developed for other configurations. The principles of the Component Method can be used directly in either simplified or finite element modelling, without attempting to predict of the overall joint behaviour in fire, to enable semi-rigid behaviour to be taken into account in the analytical fire engineering design of steel-framed and composite buildings.

No description available.

The heterogeneous and anisotropic nature of wood material creates additional design challenges not present with the use of other structural materials such as steel and aluminum. The natural variation in the physical properties of wood members requires that the specified strengths and resistances used for design calculations be based on the quantities measured for the fifth percentile of all wood materials tested. The result is that design may be unnecessarily conservative and subsequently inefficient. The same properties that cause uncertainty surrounding the physical properties of biological materials also create difficulty in applying non-destructive evaluation techniques. Strain measurement is one particular technique that is extremely valuable for materials of known and consistent stress-strain relationships, but whose usefulness is diminished when applied to biological materials. To demonstrate the need for more accurate strain measurement in light-framed structures, the predictive calculations and structural modelling of a post-framed building was compared to its demonstrated performance. The analysis did not adequately reflect the actual performance of the building, and it was determined that additional monitoring of light-framed buildings through systems such as strain measurement was required to gain a better understanding of the performance characteristics in order to optimize evaluation techniques. This project aimed to develop a system that accurately measures strain in dimensional lumber of different types, which in turn will enable researchers to enhance monitoring the performance of light-frame structures and optimize design analysis and structural modelling techniques. The development of a methodology that provides a practical means by which to perform in-situ testing of post-frame buildings and decreases the complexity of post-frame building monitoring will contribute to the advancement of design and analysis techniques. In the calibration phase of the project, metal foil resistance strain gages were mounted onto wooden specimens with dimensions of 5 x 13 x 40 mm, 5 x 40 x 100 mm, and 2 x 20 x 50 mm, and acrylic specimens with dimensions of 3 x 25 x 75 mm. These specimens were then subjected to loading in an ATS universal testing machine in the Physical Properties Lab at the University of Manitoba. Stress-strain curves were developed based upon the observed stress and strain levels. These calibrated gages were then mounted on to a 38 x 89 mm specimen of S-P-F dimensional lumber which represented a typical light-framed building material. This assembly was then subjected to a similar loading procedure as the calibrated gage and stress-strain curves were generated once again. The slopes of the stress-strain curves developed from the two phases of the project were compared to determine if a consistent correlation existed. The three sizes of wood specimens did not demonstrate a consistent correlation. However, the acrylic specimen demonstrated consistent correlation amongst two groups of three with correlation coefficients within a forty percent range in one group and within a nine percent range in the other group. This suggests that further experimental refinements could produce the desired results. / October 2007

The heterogeneous and anisotropic nature of wood material creates additional design challenges not present with the use of other structural materials such as steel and aluminum. The natural variation in the physical properties of wood members requires that the specified strengths and resistances used for design calculations be based on the quantities measured for the fifth percentile of all wood materials tested. The result is that design may be unnecessarily conservative and subsequently inefficient. The same properties that cause uncertainty surrounding the physical properties of biological materials also create difficulty in applying non-destructive evaluation techniques. Strain measurement is one particular technique that is extremely valuable for materials of known and consistent stress-strain relationships, but whose usefulness is diminished when applied to biological materials. To demonstrate the need for more accurate strain measurement in light-framed structures, the predictive calculations and structural modelling of a post-framed building was compared to its demonstrated performance. The analysis did not adequately reflect the actual performance of the building, and it was determined that additional monitoring of light-framed buildings through systems such as strain measurement was required to gain a better understanding of the performance characteristics in order to optimize evaluation techniques. This project aimed to develop a system that accurately measures strain in dimensional lumber of different types, which in turn will enable researchers to enhance monitoring the performance of light-frame structures and optimize design analysis and structural modelling techniques. The development of a methodology that provides a practical means by which to perform in-situ testing of post-frame buildings and decreases the complexity of post-frame building monitoring will contribute to the advancement of design and analysis techniques. In the calibration phase of the project, metal foil resistance strain gages were mounted onto wooden specimens with dimensions of 5 x 13 x 40 mm, 5 x 40 x 100 mm, and 2 x 20 x 50 mm, and acrylic specimens with dimensions of 3 x 25 x 75 mm. These specimens were then subjected to loading in an ATS universal testing machine in the Physical Properties Lab at the University of Manitoba. Stress-strain curves were developed based upon the observed stress and strain levels. These calibrated gages were then mounted on to a 38 x 89 mm specimen of S-P-F dimensional lumber which represented a typical light-framed building material. This assembly was then subjected to a similar loading procedure as the calibrated gage and stress-strain curves were generated once again. The slopes of the stress-strain curves developed from the two phases of the project were compared to determine if a consistent correlation existed. The three sizes of wood specimens did not demonstrate a consistent correlation. However, the acrylic specimen demonstrated consistent correlation amongst two groups of three with correlation coefficients within a forty percent range in one group and within a nine percent range in the other group. This suggests that further experimental refinements could produce the desired results.

The heterogeneous and anisotropic nature of wood material creates additional design challenges not present with the use of other structural materials such as steel and aluminum. The natural variation in the physical properties of wood members requires that the specified strengths and resistances used for design calculations be based on the quantities measured for the fifth percentile of all wood materials tested. The result is that design may be unnecessarily conservative and subsequently inefficient. The same properties that cause uncertainty surrounding the physical properties of biological materials also create difficulty in applying non-destructive evaluation techniques. Strain measurement is one particular technique that is extremely valuable for materials of known and consistent stress-strain relationships, but whose usefulness is diminished when applied to biological materials. To demonstrate the need for more accurate strain measurement in light-framed structures, the predictive calculations and structural modelling of a post-framed building was compared to its demonstrated performance. The analysis did not adequately reflect the actual performance of the building, and it was determined that additional monitoring of light-framed buildings through systems such as strain measurement was required to gain a better understanding of the performance characteristics in order to optimize evaluation techniques. This project aimed to develop a system that accurately measures strain in dimensional lumber of different types, which in turn will enable researchers to enhance monitoring the performance of light-frame structures and optimize design analysis and structural modelling techniques. The development of a methodology that provides a practical means by which to perform in-situ testing of post-frame buildings and decreases the complexity of post-frame building monitoring will contribute to the advancement of design and analysis techniques. In the calibration phase of the project, metal foil resistance strain gages were mounted onto wooden specimens with dimensions of 5 x 13 x 40 mm, 5 x 40 x 100 mm, and 2 x 20 x 50 mm, and acrylic specimens with dimensions of 3 x 25 x 75 mm. These specimens were then subjected to loading in an ATS universal testing machine in the Physical Properties Lab at the University of Manitoba. Stress-strain curves were developed based upon the observed stress and strain levels. These calibrated gages were then mounted on to a 38 x 89 mm specimen of S-P-F dimensional lumber which represented a typical light-framed building material. This assembly was then subjected to a similar loading procedure as the calibrated gage and stress-strain curves were generated once again. The slopes of the stress-strain curves developed from the two phases of the project were compared to determine if a consistent correlation existed. The three sizes of wood specimens did not demonstrate a consistent correlation. However, the acrylic specimen demonstrated consistent correlation amongst two groups of three with correlation coefficients within a forty percent range in one group and within a nine percent range in the other group. This suggests that further experimental refinements could produce the desired results.

No description available.

No description available.

No description available.

The purpose of this study is to explore gain and loss framed messages in shaping consumer’s perceptions of eco-friendly activities. In promoting eco-friendly behaviours, the efficacy of gain and loss-framed messages remains a topic of keen interest. Using qualitative methods, this study explores the nuances of how such messages influence consumer perceptions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, offering a flexible yet structured approach to data collection. Thematic analysis was used to unravel recurring patterns and insights, revealing the motivational impact and emotional resonance of these messages. The findings underscore the significance of well-crafted gain and loss-framed messages in motivating eco-friendly behaviours. By striking a balance between positive and negative emotional appeals and offering actionable solutions, effective communication strategies can engage individuals and drive meaningful change. Nonetheless, continual evaluation and refinement of these strategies are imperative to address evolving societal attitudes and environmental challenges.

Orientador: José Antônio Matthiesen / Banca: Renato Bertolino Junior / Banca: Antonio Alves Dias / Resumo: Atualmente no Brasil, há a necessidade de se construir novas pontes, além da grande demanda por pontes de pequenos e médios vãos em novas regiões agrícolas. Com este propósito, a empresa Galvani propôs um sistema estrutural que será utilizado como estrutura principal de uma ponte de madeira, sendo utilizada madeira de reflorestamento da espécie Eucalipto Citriodora. O sistema estrutural estudado consiste em um pórtico pré-tensionado, com duas peças de madeira roliça com 15 metros de altura interligadas por um nó metálico em seu topo, essas peças terão um travamento horizontal efetuado por uma peça de madeira roliça a três quartos da altura da base do pórtico. Este pórtico será a sustentação principal, por tirantes, de um tabuleiro de uma ponte de 5 metros de largura por 30 metros de comprimento. O estudo necessário foi realizado para que este sistema estrutural atenda a todos os requisitos das normas técnicas da ABNT vigentes no país e que satisfaça a expectativa do seu principal idealizador, o engenheiro civil Rodolfo Galvani Júnior / Abstract: Currently in Brazil it's necessary to build new bridges, because there are a large demand for small and medium bridges in new agricultural areas. For this purpose, the company Galvani proposed a new structural system to be used as the principal structure of a wooden bridge, and is used the reforestation wood of species Eucalyptus citriodora. The structural system consists to apply a displacement at the base of the principal structure and will be analyzed its influence in improving the structural behavior when it is loaded. The principal structure have two pieces of roundwood with 15 meters of height and both are connected with the use of metal profiles, these parts will have a lock on a horizontal piece of roundwood to three quarters of the height of base of the structure. This principal structure is used like a support of a main board of a bridge of 5 meters width by 30 meters in length. The objective of this research is study this new structural scheme complies with the requirements of technical standards ABNT and meets the expectation of engineer civil Rodolfo Galvani Junior / Mestre