Seismic Retrofit of Defective RC Beam-Column Joints

Strong earthquakes always occur in countries with seismic risk and can potentially cause multiple deaths. This study investigates the seismic vulnerability of RC beam-column connections. Generally, it is impractical to simultaneously set up the molds of the concrete beam, ceiling and column and achieve a uniform concrete and this can cause numerous constructional deficiencies. Usually, these deficiencies can be instrumental in the failure of RC frames. Therefore, this study investigates the performance of a defective RC beam-column connection and provides a method to improve the behavior of the connection. The defective connection studied herein belongs to a high school in the city of Kermanshah, Iran. Many factors that affect the performance of the retrofitting designs are studied. Also, all of the parameters used in the analyses were obtained based upon the actual behavior of the material through core extraction and tensile tests. Finally, an optimal design is proposed

In-plane Failure Analysis of URM Structures Based on Strain Hardening and Softening in the Multilaminate Framework

This paper presents a macro model to predict unreinforced masonry structures in plane behavior. The model is based on the concept of multilaminate theory. In the past, the method has been used to model behavior of soil, disregarding the cohesion and the tensile strength. Regarding its mathematical base, and the possibility of applying in other cases, this method is used to predict the ultimate failur load in URM structures in present study. This model is intrinsically capable of spotting induced anisotropy of brittle material such as concrete, rocks and masonry, develponig as a result of cracking. Here, the yield surface applied, consists an generalized mohr-coulomb yield surface, along with a cap model and a cut-off tensile. Comparing numerical results predicted to be obtained in non-linear analysis of masonry structures unreinforced against lateral load, with the results of ther experimental data shows capability of the model in failure analysis of URM structures

Modified equations for displacement-based method of steel braced reinforced concrete structures

For reinforced concrete (RC) structures located in earthquake prone areas, inherent brittle behavior of concrete may have adverse effects on their seismic performance. Buckling-restrained braces (BRBs) are commonly employed as ductile bracing components located in seismic areas where configuring these elements in RC frames can develop a ductile steel braced reinforced concrete structures. By evaluating key limit states governing dual frame design, this study aims to present a direct displacement-based design (DDBD) method as an alternative approach to the seismic design of steel braced reinforced concrete structures. The force–deformation expression of the steel braced reinforced concrete structures was developed. The new approach for numerical modeling was proposed and validated to simulate the nonlinear behavior of dual system. Then, a number of steel braced reinforced concrete structures considering different height and bracing configurations were designed to perform nonlinear time-history (NTH) analysis under real earthquakes. The seismic response including the maximum displacement profile of all models was acquired. The maximum value of least mean square error was calculated 11% for high-rise sample models that the predicted displacements can be reliably matched with the demanded displacements of the steel braced reinforced concrete structures. The analytical results of the current study indicate that DDBD approach can be used to design ductile steel braced reinforced concrete structures in seismic zones

Large-Scale Experimental and Numerical Study of Blast Acceleration Created by Close-In Buried Explosion on Underground Tunnel Lining

Despite growing demands for structures in water transportation tunnels, underground installations, subsurface dams, and subterranean channels, there is limited field knowledge about the dynamic behavior of these structures in the face of near-fault earthquakes or impulse excitations. This study conducted a large-scale test on underground tunnel excited by two close-in subsurface explosions. The horizontal and vertical acceleration were recorded on the vertical wall of the tunnel and the free field data including the acceleration on the ground surface at 11-meter distance from the tunnel. The frequency domain analysis of recorded results determined the frequency 961 Hz and 968 Hz for 1.69 kg and 2.76 kg equivalent T.N.T., respectively. Then, finite element analysis results were compared with the test data. The comparisons demonstrated a good correlation and satisfied the field data. Finally, based on numerical modeling, a parametric study was applied to determine the effects of shear wave velocity distance of the crater with respect to the tunnel on impulse response of the tunnel