Numerical experiments on smart beams and plates

Summarization: Smart composite beams and plates with embedded piezoelectric sensors and actuators are considered. After a short presentation of the mechanical models and their discretization, we focus on problems of active structural control and identification. In particular we solve, using various algorithms, robust optimal control problems and damage identification tasks.Παρουσιάστηκε στο: European Conference on Smart Systems , Volume: Topics on Mathematics for Smart Systems, World Scientifi

On the buckling of fiber-bundle type beams

Summarization: Euler was the first who studied for engineering applications important problem of buckling arising in a simple, monolithic beam loaded axially by a concentrated load. As it has been shown from two solutions of the problem due to Timosenko theory, the elastic foundation increases the critical buckling load of the beam. Starting from the previous classical results, a mechanism to enhance the buckling strength of a cantilevered beam is investigated. In the place of a single, one-element, monolithic cross-section, the use of a bundle of more than one, similar or not, single cross-sections, placed with parallel axes, and staying in free (unilateral) contact along their adjacent boundaries, is proposed.Presented on

Quantification of the influence of life cycle parameters on the total environmental impact of steel-framed buildings

Summarization: Due to the increased urgency with which environmental issues are currently being prioritized, business sectors such as construction, that have been identified as one of the largest consumers of raw materials and energy, are actively involved in research aiming to optimize construction processes and products in terms of environmental impact. Although researchers have pointed out various issues and aspects of a construction project’s delivery process that can significantly affect its environmental impact, the extent to which these issues can influence the total environmental impact of the project is unclear. The current research aims to investigate and eventually quantify the influence of a number of such parameters, utilizing an existing steel-framed building as the basis for the necessary calculations. The conclusions drawn illustrate the actual extent of the influence of the examined life cycle parameters, while also offering specific insight in regard to the determination of criteria that can be used as the basis for recommendations for similar projects.Presented on: International Journal of Sustainable Engineerin

LCA of timber and steel buildings with fuzzy variables uncertainty quantification

Summarization: Steel and timber structures constitute a construction technology which holds significant potential in terms of sustainability and are therefore selected as sustainable solutions for the construction of housing, commercial or other types of building projects. This paper consists of two parts. Firstly, to quantify the sustainability potential of timber and steel construction by calculating the environmental impact caused throughout the life cycle of a steel-framed residential building and a timber building. The calculation has been extended with the usage of fuzzy variables that represent uncertainty of the various parameters involved.Presented on: European Journal of Environmental and Civil Engineerin