Out-of-plane laterally loaded masonry wall panels are still much used in modem structures. However due to their anisotropic and highly composite nature, it is extremely difficult to understand their behaviour and to date there is no analytical method that is capable of accurately predicting the response of masonry panels to the applied loadings. This is one of the major obstacles in analysing and designing masonry structures. This research studied a new method that accurately predicts the response of laterally loaded masonry wall panels. In this dissertation, the method of using corrector factors developed by previous researchers was further studied using model updating and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques based on previous experimental results of full scale wall panels tested in the University of Plymouth. A specialised non-linear finite element analysis (FEA) program was used to implement the method developed in this study. The analytical response was compared with other experimental results from different laboratories. Initially, it was found that there was some obvious noise in the experimental load deflection data, which made comparison between FEA and the experimental results very difficult. The research therefore proposed a methodology for minimising the experimental noise based on 3D surface fitting and regression analyses applied to lateral deflection experimental data. The next step was the detailed study of corrector factors using the numerical model updating procedure. Corrector factors were determined for various zones within a masonry panel (the Base Panel) by minimising the discrepancy between the experimental load deflection data and those obtained from non-linear FE analysis. A detailed model updating procedure was studied including the model analysis, the objective function and the constraint function for the genetic algorithm (GA). A uniqueness study to corrector factors was also carried out. The following step was undertaken to analyse general masonry wall panels using the findings of this study. The concept of zone similarities proposed by previous researcher, which was based on the relative distance of each zone from similar boundaries, was used for applying correctors from the base panel to the new panel to be analysed. A modified cellular automata (CA) model was used to match the similar zones between the new panel and the base panel. The generality and robustness of this method was validated using a number of masonry wall panels tested by various organizations. These walls were single leaf masonry wall panels of clay bricks with different boundary types, dimensions, with and without openings. The main finding in this research are that the boundary effects have a major influence on the response of masonry panels subjected to lateral loading, improperly defined boundary conditions in FEA are the main source of error in the past numerical analysis. Using the corrector factors that are able to properly quantify the actual boundary effects and make appropriate revisions, more accurate analysis is achieved and the predicted response of masonry walls match with their experimental results very well.

With technology changing at a dramatic pace, entrepreneurs may assume that acquiring the newest production equipment available is the best option. But that is not always the case. It is important to first assess the needs in order to decide whether new or remanufactured production equipment is the best alternative. Investment on production equipment can be initiated due to existing equipment cannot handle capacity; products evolve and changes needed to meet market requirement; to continuously improve production system; or the general requirements for quality, environment, economy and safety. However, the study reveals that it has received only limited attention from academics and practitioners regarding to whether decide to remanufacture or new acquire production equipment. Further, the framework visualizes the complexity of managing decision-making between production equipment remanufacturing and new acquisition. The study employs qualitative method by conducting literature review, interviews, brainstorming sessions, benchmarking, and observation to build the theoretical framework and collect empirical data. The thesis identifies the differences between production equipment remanufacturing and new acquisition; distinguishes the different levels of production equipment, proposes a new definition of production equipment remanufacturing; and analyses factors should be considered for the decision-making process. Altogether, the findings provide strong evidence to propose a decision-making checklist in decisions between production equipment remanufacturing and new acquisition.

京都大学 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(工学) / 甲第23858号 / 工博第4945号 / 新制||工||1772(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院工学研究科社会基盤工学専攻 / (主査)教授 KIM Chul-Woo, 教授 高橋 良和, 准教授 北根 安雄 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering) / Kyoto University / DFAM

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Miami University, Dept. of Psychology, 2009. / Title from second page of PDF document. Includes bibliographical references (p. 42-49).

Thesis (M.A.)--Miami University, Dept. of Psychology, 2005. / Title from first page of PDF document. Document formatted into pages; contains [1], iv, 35 p. : ill. Includes bibliographical references (p. 32-35).

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Many environments require the storage of XML data (eXtensible Markup Language) in RDB (Relational Databases). In such cases, in addition to mapping the XML schema and data to tables in the RDB, it is also necessary to update the RDB once the XML data are modified. To perform the updating process, this work proposes the DBUpdater (Database Updater), a component that detects and propagates XML changes to a RDB. The content change propagation from XML documents to the RDB is not a task whose execution is straightforward. Due to the absence of a means to track the XML data, a mechanism is needed to generate XML keys which allows the XML data relate to the tuples in the relational tables. The main contributions of this work are: the change detection based on diff algorithms; the generation and assignment of identifiers for the XML nodes; the generation of keys for the XML data based on the identifiers assigned to the nodes; and the definition of equivalence between the detected change operations in relation to the database update operations. This proposal is part of X2Rel (XML to Relational) framework, an environment for storing, maintaining and querying heterogeneous XML data in RDB. / Muitos ambientes requerem o armazenamento de dados XML (eXtensible Markup Language) em BDR (Bancos de Dados Relacionais). Nesses casos, além da mapear o esquema e os dados XML para tabelas no BDR, é necessária a atualização do BDR na medida em que os dados XML sofrem modificações. Para realizar a atualização, este trabalho propõe o DBUpdater (Database Updater), um componente que detecta e propaga modificações de dados XML para BDR. A propagação de modificações no conteúdo dos documentos XML para o BDR não é uma tarefa cuja execução é direta. Devida à ausência de um meio para rastrear os dados XML, é necessário um mecanismo para gerar chaves XML que permitem que os dados XML se relacionem com as tuplas nas tabelas relacionais. As principais contribuições deste trabalho são: a detecção de modificações com base em algoritmos de Diff; a geração e atribuição de identificadores para os nodos XML; a geração de chaves para os dados XML com base nos identificadores atribuídos aos nodos; e a definição de equivalência entre as operações de modificação detectadas em relação às operações de atualização do banco de dados. Esta proposta está inserida no framework X2Rel (XML to Relational), um ambiente de armazenamento, atualização e consulta a dados XML heterogêneos em BDR.

La préoccupation théologique et pastorale portant sur l’incisive question de la disjonction entre le message du mystère chrétien et la réalité de la vie humaine trouve une prise en compte favorable dans le concept de « théologie actuelle » émis par le jésuite Henri Bouillard depuis le siècle dernier. Ce concept concentre en effet toute une herméneutique théologique orientant sur un discours qui soit justement « ‘’à la gloire de Dieu’’ parce que défendant l’Humanum ». Comme une expression du combat contre « l’extrincésisme » en théologie, le concept bouillardien engage sur la voie d’une réflexion qui n’est pas un ‘’effet de mode’’, mais plutôt qui allie « sens et fait » dans une « logique de la foi ». Celle-ci, comprenant les « dogmes non pas (seulement) comme révélés, mais (surtout) comme révélateurs », fait de l’existentiel un « lieu théologique ». L’épistémologie connexe au concept de « théologie actuelle » induit donc la recherche de la « consubstantialité » entre le message chrétien et le contexte historique et culturel de l’existence humaine ; celle-ci étant considérée comme « la sphère aurorale du dévoilement » de celui-là. Le concept de « théologie actuelle » honore la vocation théologique comme « production d’un langage inédit, parce qu’elle ne peut redire (… son) origine qu’historiquement et selon une interprétation créatrice. » tel que le dit Cl. Geffré. C’est pourquoi de la pertinence de ce concept bouillardien découle son actualité au moyen d’une actualisation exigeante. / The theological and pastoral issue of the possible disjunction of the message of the Christian mystery from human life finds a favorable consideration through the concept of "actual theology" issued by the Jesuit Henri Bouillard during the last century. This concept concentrates in itself a whole theological hermeneutics inducing a discourse that is precisely "to the glory of God" because it defends the Humanum.As an expression of the struggle against "extrinsicism" in theology, the Bouillardian concept engages us into a reflection that does not follow the "latest fad" but rather combines "meaning and fact" according to the "logic of faith". The latter, including "dogmas not (only) as revealed, but (especially) as revealing," considers the existential reality a "theological place." Thus, the epistemology connected with the concept of "actual theology" leads to the search for the "consubstantiality" between the Christian message and the historical and cultural context of human existence, the latter being considered the "dawn sphere of the unveiling" of the former.The concept of "actual theology" honors the vocation of the theological science as the “production of an unprecedented language, because it can repeat (... its) origin only historically and according to a creative interpretation”, as Cl. Geffre says. That is why the relevance of this Bouillardian concept implicates its validity for today, by means of a demanding update.

[pt] A metodologia da Manutenção Centrada em Confiabilidade (MCC) reúne um conjunto de práticas que possibilita a criação, de modo sistemático e racional, de programas de manutenção focados na preservação das funções de sistemas dos quais as máquinas são componentes, o que tem levado a um crescente interesse em sua aplicação aos mais diversos contextos industriais. São apresentados aqui os fundamentos da metodologia e é feita uma aplicação de seus princípios à revisão do programa de manutenção preventiva atualmente adotado por FURNAS Centrais Elétricas S.A. para secionadores de alta tensão. Pretendeu-se, com isto, verificar a aplicabilidade e exercitar a adaptação da MCC a equipamentos de subestações elétricas, obtendo-se resultados que indicam não haver empecidos para a aplicação da metodologia a subestações de energia elétrica, mas apontam para a necessidade de se avaliar a eficiência de tal aplicação, através de uma análise e custos e benefícios. / [en] The methodology of Reliability-Centered Maintenance combine practices and theoretical finds from the Field of Reliability Engineering to design, in a systematic and rational way, maintenance programs focused on the functions of the systems instead of their components. This dissertation presents an application of the basic principles of RCM methodology to the revision of FURNAS Centrais Elétricas’s switchs’ maintenance program. The aim of this application is to verify the adaptation of RCM methodology to high voltage electrical equipaments. The results achieved suggests that RCM is a universally applicable methodology but management must be sure that benefits are greater than costs before to decide to apply this methodology to a particular installation.

[pt] Com o aumento da demanda por minério no mundo, a complexidade, o tamanho e o preço dos equipamentos de extração mineral aumentaram consideravelmente. Como estas máquinas possuem uma tecnologia de monitoramento embarcada no equipamento, a utilização desses dados para o aumento da confiabilidade e da disponibilidade do equipamento tornou-se fundamental, de modo a reduzir os custos de manutenção. O objetivo desta dissertação foi desenvolver um modelo de apoio à decisão de parada de equipamento, baseado na classificação por Redes Neurais Artificiais de padrões pré-falha de caminhões fora de estrada. O modelo proposto tem como objetivo identificar o estado de falha, ou padrão pré-falha de um equipamento, utilizando os dados armazenados nos equipamentos e seus respectivos registros de falha, para que seja possível avaliar o risco de falha deste equipamento e decidir se o mesmo deve ser parado ou aguardar uma nova parada programada. Essa dissertação foi desenvolvida em quatro partes: estudo dos principais modelos de manutenção atualmente utilizados; definição e desenvolvimento do modelo para abordar o problema, baseado em redes neurais artificiais; avaliação de desempenho do modelo proposto; e simulação do downtime da máquina utilizando o modelo de decisão proposto. No estudo dos principais modelos foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica sobre a evolução da manutenção, passando por modelos de manutenção corretiva, manutenção preventiva e, por fim, chegando ao modelo de manutenção baseada no monitoramento de condições. Para os dois últimos tipos de manutenção, foram apresentados os principais modelos utilizados na abordagem do problema, seus benefícios e deficiências. O desenvolvimento do modelo foi segmentado em três etapas principais: tratamento das bases de dados, tanto de dados obtidos diretamente do equipamento quanto das bases de registro de falha dos equipamentos; seleção de variáveis, baseada no cálculo da influência de cada sensor do equipamento na determinação de seu estado de falha, assim como na definição do intervalo ideal para se agrupar os dados; e definição da topologia das redes. Na etapa de avaliação do desempenho do modelo proposto foram utilizados dados de falhas corretivas mais recorrentes para os dois componentes específicos de caminhões fora de estrada: motor e transmissão, sendo que o monitoramento eletrônico do motor é mais extenso do que o de transmissão, no que diz respeito ao número de sensores empregados no monitoramento. Para a comparação de desempenho entre os diferentes modelos avaliados, dois fatores tiveram maior relevância: melhor desempenho na classificação e maior intervalo entre a identificação do padrão pré-falha e a ocorrência da falha. Os resultados de classificação dos padrões pré-falha foram bastante satisfatórios para a maioria dos casos de estudos, com as taxas de acerto variando entre 85% e 95%. A partir do modelo de classificação determinado na etapa anterior, passou-se à simulação de diferentes cenários de falhas, calculando-se os tempos de máquina parada (downtimes) que teriam sido evitados se as intervenções definidas pelo modelo tivessem sido executadas, analisando-se, assim, o aumento de disponibilidade proporcionado pelo uso do modelo proposto. / [en] With the increasing demand for ore in the world, the complexity, size and price of mining equipment have increased considerably. As these machines have embedded monitoring technology, the use of such data to increase the reliability and availability of the equipment has become essential in order to reduce maintenance costs. The objective of this work is developing a model that supports the decision of stopping an equipment, based on its actual state, using pattern recognition by neural networks. The proposed model aims to identify the state of equipment failure or pre-failure based on the data stored in the equipment and on the records of failure, so as to assess the risk of failure of equipment and to decide whether it should be stopped or wait for a new programmed shutdown. This dissertation was developed in four parts: study of the main models currently used for maintenance; design and implementation of the model to address this problem, based on artificial neural networks; performance evaluation of the proposed model; and simulation of equipment downtime using the proposed model. In the study of the main models a research was made about the evolution of maintenance techniques, through models of corrective maintenance, preventive maintenance and, finally, reaching the maintenance model based on condition monitoring. For the last two types of maintenance, it is presented the main models used in addressing the problem, its benefits and shortcomings. The development of the model was segmented into three main stages: processing of databases, from the data obtained directly from the equipment to the base of record of equipment failure; variable selection, based on the calculation of the influence of each equipment sensor to determine its failure state, as well as the definition of the ideal range of group data, and definition of the topology of networks. In the stage of assessing the performance of the proposed model we used data from corrective failures more often of two specific components of off-highway trucks: engine and transmission. To compare the performance between the different models evaluated, two factors were more important: classification performance and the longest interval between the identification of a pre-failure pattern and the occurrence of the failure. The results of classification of pre-failure patterns were quite satisfactory for most case studies, with hit rates ranging between 85% and 96%. From the classification model given in the previous step, we moved on to simulate different failure scenarios, calculating the equipment downtime that would have been avoided if the interventions defined by the model had been implemented, thus analyzing the increased availability provided by the use of the proposed model.

Análises numéricas confiáveis do comportamento mecânico de materiais como borrachas, dependem muito de uma calibração precisa do modelo constitutivo hiperelástico utilizado. Estes modelos são calibrados ajustando as curvas teóricas aos dados experimentais, obtidos por meio de ensaios usuais. Em muitos casos as amostras de matéria prima desses elastômeros já não se encontram disponíveis ou é impossível fabricar os corpos de prova requeridos. O objetivo deste trabalho é verificar a possibilidade de encontrar constantes constitutivas testando o próprio componente, ao invés dos usuais ensaios de tração, compressão e cisalhamento. A abordagem proposta consiste em criar uma rotina de programação associada a uma função custo onde, a partir de uma estimativa inicial de constantes constitutivas, sejam realizados processos iterativos de otimização buscando aproximar as curvas de força × deslocamento teórica e experimental. Um componente automotivo será utilizado nos estudos e dois modelos constitutivos hiperelásticos serão testados. As equações de tensões nominais dos modelos hiperelásticos serão utilizadas para predizer o comportamento teórico dos ensaios usuais, de forma a verificar a qualidade das constantes obtidas. Conclui-se que é possível utilizar o ensaio da própria peça para caracterizar o material hiperelástico, com resultados comparáveis aos que seriam obtidos com os ensaios típicos para esta aplicação. / The reliable numerical analysis of the mechanical behavior of rubber-like materials depends strongly on accurately calibrated hyperelastic constitutive models. Such models are calibrated by fitting theoretical curves against experimental data obtained in well known tests. In many cases samples of the original elastomer are no longer available or it is impossible to manufacture the specimens required by the standard tests. The aim of this work is verify the possibility of finding the constitutive constants by testing the actual component instead of the usual tensile, compression and shear tests. The proposed approach consists in creating a programming routine with a cost function that, starting from an initial estimate of the constitutive constants, iterate through an optimization algorithm in order to fit the theoretical force × displacement curves to the experimental ones. An automotive component will be used during the studies and two hyperelastic constitutive models will be tested. The nominal stress equations for the hyperelastic models are used to predict the standard tests behavior, to assess the quality of the constants obtained. The results shown that is possible to characterize an hyperelastic material by testing the actual component, with results comparable to those which would be obtained with standard tests.