Thesis (MScEng)-- Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Most of the parameters involved in the design and analysis of structures are of stochastic nature. This is, therefore, of paramount importance to be able to perform a fully stochastic analysis of structures both in component and system level to take into account the uncertainties involved in structural analysis and design. To the contrary, in practice, the (computerised) analysis of structures is based on a deterministic analysis which fails to address the randomness of design and analysis parameters. This means that an investigation on the algorithmic methodologies for a component and system reliability analysis can help pave the way towards the implementation of fully stochastic analysis of structures in a computer environment. This study is focused on algorithm development for component and system reliability analysis based on the various proposed methodologies. Truss structures were selected for this purpose due to their simplicity as well as their wide use in the industry. Nevertheless, the algorithms developed in this study can be used for other types of structures such as moment-resisting frames with some simple modi cations. For a component level reliability analysis of structures different methods such as First Order Reliability Methods (FORM) and simulation methods are proposed. However, implementation of these methods for the statistically indeterminate structures is complex due to the implicit relation between the response of the structural system and the load effect. As a result, the algorithm developed for the purpose of component reliability analysis should be based on the concepts of Stochastic Finite Element Methods (SFEM) where a proper link between the finite element analysis of the structure and the reliability analysis methodology is ensured. In this study various algorithms are developed based on the FORM method, Monte Carlo simulation, and the Response Surface Method (RSM). Using the FORM method, two methodologies are considered: one is based on the development of a finite element code where required alterations are made to the FEM code and the other is based on the usage of a commercial FEM package. Different simulation methods are also implemented: Direct Monte Carlo Simulation (DMCS), Latin Hypercube Sampling Monte Carlo (LHCSMC), and Updated Latin Hypercube Sampling Monte Carlo (ULHCSMC). Moreover, RSM is used together with simulation methods. Throughout the thesis, the effciency of these methods was investigated. A Fully Stochastic Finite Element Method (FSFEM) with alterations to the finite element code seems the fastest approach since the linking between the FEM package and reliability analysis is avoided. Simulation methods can also be effectively used for the reliability evaluation where ULHCSMC seemed to be the most efficient method followed by LHCSMC and DMCS. The response surface method is the least straight forward method for an algorithmic component reliability analysis; however, it is useful for the system reliability evaluation. For a system level reliability analysis two methods were considered: the ß-unzipping method and the branch and bound method. The ß-unzipping method is based on a level-wise system reliability evaluation where the structure is modelled at different damaged levels according to its degree of redundancy. In each level, the so-called unzipping intervals are defined for the identification of the critical elements. The branch and bound method is based on the identification of different failure paths of the structure by the expansion of the structural failure tree. The evaluation of the damaged states for both of the methods is the same. Furthermore, both of the methods lead to the development of a parallel-series model for the structural system. The only difference between the two methods is in the search approach used for the failure sequence identification. It was shown that the ß-unzipping method provides a better algorithmic approach for evaluating the system reliability compared to the branch and bound method. Nevertheless, the branch and bound method is a more robust method in the identification of structural failure sequences. One possible way to increase the efficiency of the ß-unzipping method is to define bigger unzipping intervals in each level which can be possible through a computerised analysis. For such an analysis four major modules are required: a general intact structure module, a damaged structure module, a reliability analysis module, and a system reliability module. In this thesis different computer programs were developed for both system and component reliability analysis based on the developed algorithms. The computer programs are presented in the appendices of the thesis. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Meeste van die veranderlikes betrokke by die ontwerp en analise van strukture is stogasties in hul aard. Om die onsekerhede betrokke in ontwerp en analise in ag te neem is dit dus van groot belang om 'n ten volle stogastiese analise te kan uitvoer op beide komponent asook stelsel vlak. In teenstelling hiermee is die gerekenariseerde analise van strukture in praktyk gebaseer op deterministiese analise wat nie suksesvol is om die stogastiese aard van ontwerp veranderlikes in ag te neem nie. Dit beteken dat die ondersoek na die algoritmiese metodiek vir komponent en stelsel betroubaarheid analise kan help om die weg te baan na die implementering van ten volle rekenaarmatige stogastiese analise van strukture. Di e studie se fokus is op die ontwikkeling van algoritmes vir komponent en stelsel betroubaarheid analise soos gegrond op verskeie voorgestelde metodes. Vakwerk strukture is gekies vir die doeleinde as gevolg van hulle eenvoud asook hulle wydverspreide gebruik in industrie. Die algoritmes wat in die studie ontwikkel is kan nietemin ook vir ander tipes strukture soos moment-vaste raamwerke gebruik word, gegewe eenvoudige aanpassings. Vir 'n komponent vlak betroubaarheid analise van strukture word verskeie metodes soos die "First Order Reliability Methods" (FORM) en simulasie metodes voorgestel. Die implementering van die metodes vir staties onbepaalbare strukture is ingewikkeld as gevolg van die implisiete verband tussen die gedrag van die struktuur stelsel en die las effek. As 'n gevolg, moet die algoritme wat ontwikkel word vir die doel van komponent betroubaarheid analise gebaseer word op die konsepte van stogastiese eindige element metodes ("SFEM") waar 'n duidelike verband tussen die eindige element analise van die struktuur en die betroubaarheid analise verseker is. In hierdie studie word verskeie algoritmes ontwikkel wat gebaseer is op die FORM metode, Monte Carlo simulasie, en die sogenaamde "Response Surface Method" (RSM). Vir die gebruik van die FORM metode word twee verdere metodologieë ondersoek: een gebaseer op die ontwikkeling van 'n eindige element kode waar nodige verandering aan die eindige element kode self gemaak word en die ander waar 'n kommersiële eindige element pakket gebruik word. Verskillende simulasie metodes word ook geïmplimenteer naamlik Direkte Monte Carlo Simulasie (DMCS), "Latin Hypercube Sampling Monte Carlo" (LHCSMC) en sogenaamde "Updated Latin Hypercube Sampling Monte Carlo" (ULHCSMC). Verder, word RSM tesame met die simulasie metodes gebruik. In die tesis word die doeltreffendheid van die bostaande metodes deurgaans ondersoek. 'n Ten volle stogastiese eindige element metode ("FSFEM") met verandering aan die eindige element kode blyk die vinnigste benadering te wees omdat die koppeling tussen die eindige element metode pakket en die betroubaarheid analise verhoed word. Simulasie metodes kan ook effektief aangewend word vir die betroubaarheid evaluasie waar ULHCSMC as die mees doeltre end voorgekom het, gevolg deur LHCSMC en DMCS. The RSM metode is die mees komplekse metode vir algoritmiese komponent betroubaarheid analise. Die metode is egter nuttig vir sisteem betroubaarheid analise. Vir sisteem-vlak betroubaarheid analise is twee metodes oorweeg naamlik die "ß-unzipping" metode and die "branch-and-bound" metode. Die "ß-unzipping" metode is gebaseer op 'n sisteem-vlak betroubaarheid ontleding waar die struktuur op verskillende skade vlakke gemodelleer word soos toepaslik vir die hoeveelheid addisionele las paaie. In elke vlak word die sogenaamde "unzipping" intervalle gedefinieer vir die identifikasie van die kritiese elemente. Die "branch-and-bound" metode is gebaseer op die identifikasie van verskillende faling roetes van die struktuur deur uitbreiding van die falingsboom. The ondersoek van die skade toestande vir beide metodes is dieselfde. Verder kan beide metodes lei tot die ontwikkeling van 'n parallelserie model van die strukturele stelsel. Die enigste verskil tussen die twee metodes is in die soek-benadering vir die uitkenning van falingsmodus volgorde. Dit word getoon dat die "ß-unzipping" metode 'n beter algoritmiese benadering is vir die ontleding van sisteem betroubaarheid vergeleke met die "branch-and-bound" metode. Die "branch-and- bound" metode word nietemin as 'n meer robuuste metode vir die uitkenning van die falings volgorde beskou. Een moontlike manier om die doeltre endheid van die "ß-unzipping" metode te verhoog is om groter "unzipping" intervalle te gebruik, wat moontlik is vir rekenaarmatige analise. Vir so 'n analise word vier hoof modules benodig naamlik 'n algemene heel-struktuur module, 'n beskadigde-struktuur module, 'n betroubaarheid analise module en 'n sisteem betroubaarheid analise module. In die tesis word verskillende rekenaar programme ontwikkel vir beide sisteem en komponent betroubaarheid analise. Die rekenaar programme word in die aanhangsels van die tesis aangebied.

Thesis (MEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Construction of structural concrete frames may take place by using either cast in-situ or precast methods. With the cast in-situ method, these elements are constructed on the construction site as needed. Precast construction on the other hand is more resembles a line. The elements are constructed in a precast yard in a systematic fashion and once completed, they are taken to the construction site where they are to be erected. This study identifies the aspects and attributes which influence the quality of concrete during the construction phase of these two construction methods. The study is independent from the conceptual or design phase. Information regarding these aspects and attributes were obtained from literature and from contractors in industry through interviews and site visits. The literature review also focuses on quality management techniques and factors that influence quality in the construction environment. The information obtained from the site visits and literature was used to design a survey which was sent out to a number of respondents. A comparison between in-situ and precast construction was made based on the results of the survey. The synthesis of the research findings can be used by project teams to help them decide on the choice between in-situ and precast construction. It was found that precast construction is better for durability, and fitness for purpose is less complex for the in-situ solution. Recommendations for future studies are provided at the end of the document. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Konstruksie van beton struktuurrame kan plaasvind deur die gebruik van in-situ of voorafvervaardigde metodes. Met die in-situ metode, word hierdie elemente op die terrein gebou soos benodig. Tydens voorafvervaardigde konstruksie aan die ander kant is die konstruksie soortgelyk aan 'n produksielyn. Die elemente word gegiet in 'n voorafvervaardingsterrein in 'n sistematiese wyse, en sodra dit voltooi is, word dit na die konstruksie terrein geneem waar dit opgerig word. Hierdie studie identifiseer die aspekte en eienskappe wat 'n invloed op die kwaliteit van beton het tydens die konstruksiefase van hierdie twee konstruksie metodes. Die studie is onafhanklike van die konseptuele of ontwerp fases. Inligting rakende hierdie aspekte en eienskappe is verkry uit die literatuur en van kontrakteurs in die bedryf deur middel van onderhoude en besoeke. Die literatuur fokus ook op die gehalte, bestuurs-tegnieke en faktore van gehalte in die bou-omgewing. Die inligting is verkry deur ‘n vraelys wat aan 'n aantal respondente gestuur is. 'n Vergelyking tussen in-situ en voorafvervaardigde konstruksie is vervolgens gemaak op grond van die resultate van die opname. Die sintese van die bevindinge kan gebruik word deur projek spanne om hulle te help besluit oor die keuse tussen in-situ en voorafvervaardigde konstruksie. Die resultate dui daarop dat voorafvervaardigde konstruksie beter is vir duursaamheid, maar passing op terrein is minder kompleks vir die in-situ oplossing. Aanbevelings vir toekomstige ondersoeke word aan die einde van die studie gemaak.

The vibration of and wave propagation in periodic cellular structures are analyzed. Cellular structures exhibit a number of desirable multifunctional properties, which make them attractive in a variety of engineering applications. These include ultra-light structures, thermal and acoustic insulators, and impact amelioration systems, among others. Cellular structures with deterministic architecture can be considered as example of periodic structures. Periodic structures feature unique wave propagation characteristics, whereby elastic waves propagate only in specific frequency bands, known as "pass band", while they are attenuated in all other frequency bands, known as "stop bands". Such dynamic properties are here exploited to provide cellular structures with the capability of behaving as directional, pass-band mechanical filters, thus complementing their well documented multifunctional characteristics. This work presents a methodology for the analysis of the dynamic behavior of periodic cellular structures, which allows the evaluation of location and spectral width of propagation and attenuation regions. The filtering characteristics are tested and demonstrated for structures of various geometry and topology, including cylindrical grid-like structures, Kagom and eacute; and tetrhedral truss core lattices. Experimental investigations is done on a 2-D lattice manufactured out of aluminum. The complete wave field of the specimen at various frequencies is measured using a Scanning Laser Doppler Vibrometer (SLDV). Experimental results show good agreement with the methodology and computational tools developed in this work. The results demonstrate how wave propagation characteristics are defined by cell geometry and configuration. Numerical and experimental results show the potential of periodic cellular structures as mechanical filters and/or isolators of vibrations.

Aging bridges in the United States demand effective, efficient, and economical strengthening techniques to meet future traffic requirements. One such technique is to bond steel or fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) plates to the tension faces of reinforced concrete bridge beams with adhesives to strengthen them in flexure. However, beams that have been flexurally strengthened in this manner often fail prematurely, in particular by plate end peeling. The benefits of flexural strengthening by externally bonded reinforcement can only be fully realized by preventing premature failure modes so as to allow the development of composite action between the beam and the external reinforcement. With this goal in mind, several critical limit states of externally reinforced beams are examined in this thesis. Models developed by Roberts (1989) and by Colotti, Spadea, and Swamy (2004) that predict premature plate end debonding are examined in depth using data from previously conducted experimental programs that employed both steel and FRP external reinforcement. In addition, various parameters of the concrete beam, adhesive, and external reinforcement are analyzed in each model to determine the role of each parameter in failure prediction. A critical appraisal of the performance of the models using existing experimental data leads to the selection of the Roberts (1989) model. This model is used to develop recommended design guidelines for flexurally strengthening reinforced concrete bridge beams with externally bonded FRP plates and for preventing premature plate peeling.

Thesis (M.S.) -- Mississippi State University. Department of Civil Engineering. / Title from title screen. Includes bibliographical references.

Apresenta-se neste trabalho a análise numérica de um edifício de 32 pavimentos, em concreto armado, situado na cidade do Recife. Primeiramente foi realizada a modelagem pelo método dos elementos finitos apenas para a estrutura em concreto. Em seguida realizou-se a modelagem considerando o efeito dos painéis de alvenaria de vedação no comportamento estrutural do edifício, através do modelo de barras diagonais equivalentes. E, depois, a modelagem mais refinada de alguns desses painéis, submetidos ao carregamento proveniente dos pórticos. Os resultados obtidos nos processamentos dos modelos com barras equivalentes e sem elas foram comparados entre si, a fim de se analisarem as reações de apoio e deslocamentos no topo do edifício para os dois modelos. Constatou-se um aumento na rigidez do edifício, bem como a redistribuição dos esforços. Foram analisados também os esforços nos painéis de alvenaria a fim de se verificar em que pavimentos e em que geometria de pórticos as alvenarias estavam sujeitas a maiores tensões / The work presents results from numerical analyses performed in a 32-storey reinforced concrete building in Recife. Numerical finite element analyses were performed taking into account the modeling of reinforced concrete members only as well as the masonry infill panels, considered as equivalent diagonal struts. It was also analyzed a more refined model consisting of isolated infill masonry panels subjected to frame loading from 3-D finite element analyses. Support reaction, stress resultants and displacements on the top of the buildings, obtained from performed analyses, were compared. An increase in building stiffness was observed as well as stress resultant redistribution. Infill masonry panel stresses were also investigated in order to find out the places where it is most stressed

O emergente Paradigma Orientado a Notificações (PON) está materializado em um Framework desenvolvido na linguagem de programação C++. Este foi projetado para fornecer uma Application Programming Interface (API) e estruturas de alto nível que facilitasse o desenvolvimento de software segundo sua orientação. Entretanto, isto induz a uma sobrecarga de processamento computacional em cada aplicação PON. Ainda, uma embrionária interface amigável denominada Wizard foi concebida para prover recursos de alto nível para o desenvolvimento de certas aplicações PON. Assim, este trabalho propõe uma nova materialização do Framework PON e a evolução de sua interface Wizard. Ao final, estes são validados por meio de comparações quantitativas e qualitativas em relação aos seus artefatos precedentes. A comparação quantitativa diz respeito a desempenho de instâncias de Framework, enquanto que a qualitativa sobre facilidades de suas composições em relação ao conjunto interface e Framework PON. / The Emerging Notification Oriented Paradigm (NOP) is materialized in a Framework developed in the C++ language programming. The NOP Framework was designed to provide an Application Programming Interface (API) and high-level structures that would facilitate the development of software according to their orientation. However, this implies to a computational processing overhead of each NOP application. Still, an embryonic friendly Interface called Wizard was designed to provide high-level resource for the development of certain NOP applications. Thus, this work proposes a new version of materialization of NOP Framework and the evolution of its Wizard Interface. At the end, these are validated by quantitative and qualitative comparisons, in a relation to its previous artifacts. The quantitative comparisons are referent of the performance to the Framework instances, whereas the qualitative comparisons are about the facilities of yours compositions.

O emergente Paradigma Orientado a Notificações (PON) está materializado em um Framework desenvolvido na linguagem de programação C++. Este foi projetado para fornecer uma Application Programming Interface (API) e estruturas de alto nível que facilitasse o desenvolvimento de software segundo sua orientação. Entretanto, isto induz a uma sobrecarga de processamento computacional em cada aplicação PON. Ainda, uma embrionária interface amigável denominada Wizard foi concebida para prover recursos de alto nível para o desenvolvimento de certas aplicações PON. Assim, este trabalho propõe uma nova materialização do Framework PON e a evolução de sua interface Wizard. Ao final, estes são validados por meio de comparações quantitativas e qualitativas em relação aos seus artefatos precedentes. A comparação quantitativa diz respeito a desempenho de instâncias de Framework, enquanto que a qualitativa sobre facilidades de suas composições em relação ao conjunto interface e Framework PON. / The Emerging Notification Oriented Paradigm (NOP) is materialized in a Framework developed in the C++ language programming. The NOP Framework was designed to provide an Application Programming Interface (API) and high-level structures that would facilitate the development of software according to their orientation. However, this implies to a computational processing overhead of each NOP application. Still, an embryonic friendly Interface called Wizard was designed to provide high-level resource for the development of certain NOP applications. Thus, this work proposes a new version of materialization of NOP Framework and the evolution of its Wizard Interface. At the end, these are validated by quantitative and qualitative comparisons, in a relation to its previous artifacts. The quantitative comparisons are referent of the performance to the Framework instances, whereas the qualitative comparisons are about the facilities of yours compositions.

Made available in DSpace on 2017-06-01T17:57:20Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Elilde Medeiros.pdf: 1143833 bytes, checksum: 753821a53256142f318470c59cb69f82 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-08-17 / The work presents results from numerical analyses performed in a 32-storey reinforced concrete building in Recife. Numerical finite element analyses were performed taking into account the modeling of reinforced concrete members only as well as the masonry infill panels, considered as equivalent diagonal struts. It was also analyzed a more refined model consisting of isolated infill masonry panels subjected to frame loading from 3-D finite element analyses. Support reaction, stress resultants and displacements on the top of the buildings, obtained from performed analyses, were compared. An increase in building stiffness was observed as well as stress resultant redistribution. Infill masonry panel stresses were also investigated in order to find out the places where it is most stressed / Apresenta-se neste trabalho a análise numérica de um edifício de 32 pavimentos, em concreto armado, situado na cidade do Recife. Primeiramente foi realizada a modelagem pelo método dos elementos finitos apenas para a estrutura em concreto. Em seguida realizou-se a modelagem considerando o efeito dos painéis de alvenaria de vedação no comportamento estrutural do edifício, através do modelo de barras diagonais equivalentes. E, depois, a modelagem mais refinada de alguns desses painéis, submetidos ao carregamento proveniente dos pórticos. Os resultados obtidos nos processamentos dos modelos com barras equivalentes e sem elas foram comparados entre si, a fim de se analisarem as reações de apoio e deslocamentos no topo do edifício para os dois modelos. Constatou-se um aumento na rigidez do edifício, bem como a redistribuição dos esforços. Foram analisados também os esforços nos painéis de alvenaria a fim de se verificar em que pavimentos e em que geometria de pórticos as alvenarias estavam sujeitas a maiores tensões

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is a non-destructive evaluation tool that assesses the functionality of structural systems that are used in the civil, mechanical and aerospace engineering practices. A much desirable objective of a SHM system is to provide a continuous monitoring service at a minimal cost with ability to identify problems even in inaccessible structural components. In this dissertation, several such approaches that utilize the measured dynamic response of structural systems are presented to detect, locate, and quantify the damages that are likely to occur in structures. In this study, the structural damage is identified as a reduction in the stiffness characteristics of the structural elements. The primary focus of this study is on the utilization of measured dynamic strains for damage identification in the framed structures which are composed of interconnected beam elements. Although linear accelerations, being more convenient to measure, are commonly used in most SHM practices, herein the strains being more sensitive to elemental damage are considered. Two different approaches are investigated and proposed to identify the structural element stiffness properties. Both approaches are mode-based, requiring first the identification of system modes from the measured strain responses followed by the identification of the element stiffness coefficients. The first approach utilizes the Eigen equation of the finite element model of the structure, while the second approach utilizes the changes caused by the damage in the structural curvature flexibilities. To reduce size of the system which is primarily determined by the number of sensors deployed for the dynamic data collection, measurement sensitivity-based sensor selection criterion is observed to be effective and thus used. The mean square values of the measurements with respect to the stiffness coefficients of the structural elements are used as the effective measures of the measurement sensitivities at different sensor locations. Numerical simulations are used to evaluate the proposed identification approaches as well as to validate the sensitivity-based optimal sensor deployment approach. / Ph. D. / All modern societies depend heavily on civil infrastructure systems such as transportation systems, power generation and transmission systems, and data communication systems for their day-to-day activities and survival. It has become extremely important that these systems are constantly watched and maintained to ensure their functionality. All these infrastructure systems utilize structural systems of different forms such as buildings, bridges, airplanes, data communication towers, etc. that carry the service and environmental loads that are imposed on them. These structural systems deteriorate over time because of natural material degradation. They can also get damaged due to excessive load demands and unknown construction deficiencies. It is necessary that condition of these structural systems is known at all times to maintain their functionality and to avoid sudden breakdowns and associated ensuing problems. This condition assessment of structural systems, now commonly known as structural health monitoring, is commonly done by visual onsite inspections manually performed at pre-decided time intervals such as on monthly and yearly basis. The length of this inspection time interval usually depends on the relative importance of the structure towards the functionality of the larger infrastructure system. This manual inspection can be highly time and resource consuming, and often ineffective in catching structural defects that are inaccessible and those that occur in between the scheduled inspection times and dates. However, the development of new sensors, new instrumentation techniques, and large data transfer and processing methods now make it possible to do this structural health monitoring on a continuous basis. The primary objective of this study is to utilize the measured dynamic or time varying strains on structural components such as beams, columns and other structural members to detect the location and level of a damage in one or more structural elements before they become serious. This detection can be done on a continuous basis by analyzing the available strain response data. This approach is expected to be especially helpful in alerting the owner of a structure by identifying the iv occurrence of a damage, if any, immediately after an unanticipated occurrence of a natural event such as a strong earthquake or a damaging wind storm.