Experimental Investigations on Behaviour of Steel Structure Buildings

In this study, a comprehensive procedure for design, building and commissioning of scale steel structure building models has been developed and presented for practical applications in shaking table test programmes. To validate the model, shaking table tests and numerical time history dynamic analyses were performed under the influence of different scaled earthquake acceleration records. Comparing the numerical predictions and experimental values of maximum lateral displacements, it became apparent that the numerical predictions and laboratory measurements are in a good agreement. As a result, the scale structural model can replicate the behaviour of real steel structure buildings with acceptable accuracy. It is concluded that the physical model is a valid and qualified model which can be employed for experimental shaking table tests

Mechanical properties of sandwich panels constructed from polystyrene/cement mixed cores and thin cement sheet facings

© 2015, © The Author(s) 2015. Sandwich panels are made of two materials that are relatively weak in their separated state, but are improved when they are constructed together in a sandwich panel. Sandwich panels can be used for almost any section of a building including roofs, walls and floors. These building components are regularly required to provide insulation properties, weatherproofing properties and durability in addition to providing structural load bearing characteristics. Polystyrene/cement mixed cores and thin cement sheet facings sandwich panels are Australian products made of cement-polystyrene beaded mixture encapsulated between two thick cement board sheets. The structural properties of sandwich panels constructed of polystyrene/cement cores and thin cement sheet facings are relatively unknown. Therefore, in this study, to understand the mechanical behaviour and properties of those sandwich panels, a series of experimental tests have been performed and the outcomes have been explained and discussed. Based on the results of this study, values for modulus of elasticity and ultimate strength of the sandwich panels in dry and saturated conditions have been determined and proposed for practical applications