DEM Algorithm for Progressive Collapse Simulation of Single-Layer Reticulated Domes under Multi-Support Excitation

In this paper, the Member Discrete Element Method (MDEM) is modified and perfected for three aspects: the algorithm itself, loading and computational efficiency, and to accurately and quantitatively simulate the progressive collapse for large-span spatial steel structures. In addition, the corresponding computational programs are compiled. First, from the perspective of the method, a meshing principle for discrete element models is determined, a treatment for material nonlinearity and strain rate effect is proposed, and a damping model is established. Next, the Displacement Method is introduced to determine the multi-support excitation for the MDEM, and then motion equations of particles under multi-support excitation are derived. On this basis, the specific process of gravitational field loading is presented. Furthermore, parallel implementation strategies for the MDEM based on OpenMP are constructed. Finally, the collapse simulation of a 1/3.5-scaled single-layer reticulated dome shaking table test model under multi-support excitation is carried out. The comparison demonstrates that the ultimate load and failure mode as well as the complete collapse time of the numerical results are consistent with the experimentally measured responses, and the configuration variations from member buckling and local depression until collapse failure are fully captured. Moreover, the displacement time-history curves obtained using MDEM are almost identical to the experimental measurements, and there is a nuance only in the amplitude. It is verified that MDEM is capable of precisely addressing the collapse failure for large-span spatial steel structures. Additionally, the failure mechanism for structures of this type is naturally revealed.     

Bayesian Parameter Identification and Model Selection for Normalized Modulus Reduction Curves of Soils

This work develops a procedure that involves the use of Bayesian approach to quantify data scatterness, estimates the optimal values of model parameters, and selects the most appropriate model for the construction of normalized modulus reduction curves of soils. The proposed procedure is then demonstrated using real observation data based on a set of comprehensive resonant column tests on coarse-grained soils conducted in the study.     

罗隐“凡十上不中第”之说辩正

“十年”一词在罗隐诗中频繁出现,其含义往往乃近十年或十数年之谓,说成十年仅是取其整数。罗隐以诗自述科名蹭蹬时所说的“十年”,用法正是如此。《吴越备史》一书首创罗隐“凡十上不中第”之说的时候,或者是误解了罗隐诗“十年”的含义,或者如罗隐一样,也是取其整数。此后的学者谈及罗隐时一直因袭《吴越备史》之说,从无异议,从而使今日的研究者在罗隐应举的次数上总是认识不清。罗隐一生应举的次数,如罗隐自己所说,是十二三次,今日引用“凡十上不中第”之说的时候,需要仔细辨正。     

Cyclic Response of Concrete Beams Reinforced by Plain Bars

There are many reinforced concrete structures throughout the world that have been built in the past decades that lack appropriate seismic details and reinforced by plain bars. To study the behavior of such buildings, seven beams have been tested under cyclic and monotonic load. The specimens include substandard specimens, with deficient seismic details and reinforced by plain bars, specimens designed in accordance with ACI-318-99 but reinforced by plain bars, and standard specimens reinforced by deformed bars. The tests indicate that the substandard specimens sustain relatively large slip of longitudinal bars, separation of specimen relative to foundation and sliding at large deformation phase, low initial stiffness ratio, limited lateral displacement capacity, and loss of nominal yield strength. The specimens reinforced by plain bars in accordance with ACI-318-99 perform almost similar to standard specimens with deformed bars, in terms of elastic stiffness and lateral displacement ductility; but, they sustain larger slip, and smaller yield strength. Failure of all specimens reinforced by plain bars is characterized by flexural cracks without visible shear failure. Residual shear strength of substandard specimens is modeled by dowel action of longitudinal bars to predict a lower limit for lateral strength of the specimens.     

Impact Stiffness of the Contact-Element Models for the Pounding Analysis of Highway Bridges: Experimental Evaluation

For the requirement of pounding analysis of highway bridges, how to properly choose the impact stiffness has become a primary issue for an achieving accurate result. This article presents an evaluation test of the impact stiffness of four types of contact-element models based on the shaking table test results of a steel highway bridge model. The analytical results indicate that the theoretical impact parameters are significantly larger than the identified values because the assumptions for deriving those models cannot match the actual impact conditions. The possible reasons causing those differences are discussed at the end of this study.     

Study on a Simplified Calculation Method for Hydrodynamic Pressure to Slender Structures Under Earthquakes

Based on Morison hydrodynamic force theory, a simplified calculation method for hydrodynamic force to slender structures is proposed. A typical cylindrical deep water pile was chosen for study and the simplified method was used to analyze the influence of hydrodynamic pressure on the pile. Then the finite element method was used to study the dynamic characteristics of the model, and the results from both methods were compared. A comparison was also made between the shaking table test on the south tower of the Nanjing Yangtze 3rd River Bridge and the results from the simplified method.     

Full-Scale Experimental Verification of Soft-Story-Only Retrofits of Wood-Frame Buildings using Hybrid Testing

The FEMA P-807 Guidelines were developed for retrofitting soft-story wood-frame buildings based on existing data, and the method had not been verified through full-scale experimental testing. This article presents two different retrofit designs based directly on the FEMA P-807 Guidelines that were examined at several different seismic intensity levels. The effects of the retrofits on damage to the upper stories were investigated. The results from the hybrid testing verify that designs following the FEMA P-807 Guidelines meet specified performance levels and appear to successfully prevent collapse at significantly higher seismic intensity levels well beyond for which they were designed. Based on the test results presented in this article, it is recommended that the soft-story-only retrofit procedure can be followed when financial or other constraints limit the retrofit from bringing the soft-story building up to current code or applying performance-based procedures.     

Dynamic Characteristic Analysis of Two Adjacent Multi-grid Composite Wall Structures with a Seismic Joint by a Bayesian Approach

Field ambient vibration tests and modal identification using a Bayesian approach are conducted for a building made of multi-grid composite wall structure and divided into two adjacent parts by a seismic joint, to investigate the dynamic characteristics of the special structural type and the effects of the infilled seismic joint. It is found that dynamic interactions between the two structural parts exist possibly induced by the infill of the building separation. Natural frequencies obtained from other two modal parameter identification methods and modal analysis results of finite element models considering dynamic interactions agree with those identified by the Bayesian approach.     

Can we share an us-feeling with a digital machine? Emotional sharing and the recognition of one as another*

ABSTRACT

To share an us-feeling means to acknowledge one another. Can we share such a feeling with an extreme form of the other, for instance with a digital machine? The answer that is given in this article is ‘no’. Relevant tests like the Turing Test are based on a third-person perspective, whereas a second-person perspective would be needed.