This paper presents an investigation into the fire resistance of external light gauge steel framed (LSF) walls clad with autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) panels exposed to fire on the external side. Past research has been limited to the fire resistance of internal LSF walls clad with gypsum plasterboard on both sides. A series of experimental studies including thermal material property tests, a full-scale

Novelly-designed thin-wall TRC shells are tested simulating service loads. The study tracks the main damage modes (cracking/interfacial delamination) using the Acoustic emission (AE) wave parameter trends and based on it, a novel multi-sensing and multi-input (experiments/simulations) methodology is built. It is shown that stronger shell curvature influences the stress field and the damage mode towards

The in-plane mechanics of two-dimensional heterogeneous hexagonal lattices are investigated. The heterogeneity originates from two physically realistic considerations: different constituent materials and different wall thicknesses. Through the combination of multi-material and multi-thickness elements, the most general form of 2D heterogeneous hexagonal lattices is proposed in this paper. By exploiting

This study examined the hysteretic behaviour of commercial Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) plates to promote their seismic applications in beam-to-column energy dissipation connections, and the research focus was given to the cyclic tension-release behaviour. Based on a series of SMA plate specimens, the investigation was commenced by examining the thermal characteristics, and the phase transformation behaviour

The dynamic stability of an axially moving graphene reinforced laminated composite plate is studied. The graphene nanoplatelets (GPLs) are distributed in each polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) layer uniformly and in the whole plate symmetrically. The volume fraction of the first layer is used as the control variable to determine the distribution pattern of the GPLs. Halpin–Tsai’s model is used to predict

The behavior of Steel–concrete Composite Beams (SCCB) under the action of hogging moment is not yet fully understood. In this condition, these structural elements may be subjected to local buckling or Lateral Distortional Buckling (LDB). LDB is a mode of stability in which the web must distort in order for the compression flange to displace and twist during buckling. The classic LDB standard procedures

This paper details the experimental assessment and nonlinear finite-element analysis of the flexural behavior of inflated drop-stitch panels. Coupon-level fabric tests as well as panel inflation and panel torsion tests were performed to determine the effective orthotropic moduli of the panel fabric skin. Large displacement bending tests were conducted for a range of inflation pressures and two different

This paper extends the approach previously proposed by the authors Manta et al. (2020, 2021) to the dynamic case, more precisely to the calculation of natural frequencies (including pre-loaded members) and the linear time-history response of thin-walled members and frames with complex geometry, undergoing global–local–distortional deformation. This approach relies on a combination of standard shell

This research investigates a concept for cut-out resonators that exploit a small area of active mass of a host plate structure for sake of tuned, low frequency vibration attenuation. Integrated computational and experimental studies reveal that embedding the resonators at locations offering high bending moment gradient and arranging the central resonator beam along a nodal line of bending moment best

Steel housing solutions made of thin-walled cold-formed steel profiles (CFS) appear to be competitive in seismic areas because of their light weight and the associated reduced mass. This non-negligible advantage on top of their competitive costs and the ease with which they are built have made this type of building popular. In addition, several in-depth studies into the lateral response of shear walls

The concept of a novel origami energy dissipation brace (OEDB) was proposed in this paper based on the folding pattern of Miura and Tachi unit cell. Creases introduced can induce OEDBs to deform in a predetermined manner Then, three low-carbon steel specimens were designed to examine how folding angle influences the brace hysteretic behavior. Experimental results showed that the failure of three specimens

Second-generation trapezoidal sheeting, characterised by longitudinal stiffeners in webs and flanges, is loaded near a support by a concentrated force and a bending moment. Currently, design codes predict related failure by: (a) determining the ultimate bending moment via the effective width approach or the Direct Strength Method (DSM); (b) finding the web crippling load via a curve-fitted formula;

The micropolar continuum theory (MPT) is able to describe the influence of micro-structures on the mechanical behavior of materials where the classical theories of elasticity are unable to interpret. In this paper, the free vibration analysis of three-dimensional (3D) micropolar structures with different geometries is presented. To this aim, first, based on the 3D linear elasticity, MPT is formulated

In this study, experimental investigations are implemented to evaluate the effect of incorporation of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) on the low-velocity impact behavior of composites and fiber metal laminates (FMLs). The hand layup technique is employed to fabricate composite specimens and FML panels with 2/1 configuration. Impact response and damage patterns of unmodified and modified specimens subjected

The columns of steel parking structures are prone to collision while parking vehicles. The current design codes offer limited guidance for designing built-in columns with sufficient impact resistance to transverse impacts. In this study, we performed a series of numerical studies to comprehensively understand the behaviour and failure modes of the impacted column. First, a simplified analysis method

The application of skewed hypar shell as civil engineering roofing unit is an established fact. Such use has gained a greater momentum when this shell is fabricated with advanced materials like the laminated composites. Research attempts in studying the first ply failure behaviour of laminated composite structural units are common now among engineers and the novelty of this paper lies in continuation

Fiber metal laminates (FMLs) comprised of metal alloy and composite materials have been extensively applied in a broad range of engineering structures in virtue of their outstanding functional characteristics and cost benefits. This paper provides a comprehensive review on the state-of-the-art of the impact characteristics of fiber metal laminates through experimental, numerical and analytical methods

Pedestrian lower-leg protection and lower-speed crashworthiness often present two important yet competing criteria on the design of front-bumper structures. Conventional design optimization is largely focused on a single loading condition without considering multiple impact cases. Furthermore, design of front-bumper structures is usually discrete in engineering practice and impacting conditions are

Emerging glass structures, which frequently use laminated glass (LG) as load bearing elements, see a significant rise in recent decade. Existing analytical solutions for LG under impact present limitation when introduced into structural LG products, as structural LG having more glass plies and soft polymeric interlayers requires more accurate nonlinear analytical model. In this study, a nonlinear analytical

This research experimentally addresses the seismic response of a cylindrical liquid storage tank in terms of six factors, i.e., acceleration, displacement, hoop and axial stresses in the tank wall, sloshing and uplift. Both material and geometrical nonlinear interaction due to sloshing and uplift are considered. The simultaneous effects of the fixity condition, the supporting base flexibility and the

This paper proposes a new hybrid composite tubular beam system that consists of an exterior high-density polyethylene (HDPE) tube with interior steel tube and self-compacting geopolymer concrete (SCGC). The flexural behavior of composite tubular beams with SCGC encased in HDPE tubes was investigated experimentally and theoretically. A total of twenty-two specimens was tested, including twelve confined

The pure mode-II fracture behavior of an adhesively bonded glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP)/steel joint was experimentally investigated using a four-point end-notched flexure (4ENF) test. Cracking of the 4ENF specimen initiated and propagated in the adhesive-steel surface. The dominant failure mode observed in all specimens was adhesive-steel interface failure. The compliance of the 4ENF specimen

The Yoshida buckling test (YBT) is a commonly used method to evaluate the wrinkling behavior of sheet metals; however, it is difficult to reflect the actual in-plane stresses in many sheet forming processes owing to the limited variation in the stress state. Furthermore, the test is impracticable for some low-ductility materials because fracture typically occurs before wrinkling. This paper proposes

As a widely used structural form, doubly-curved composite shells have been applied in aviation and other engineering fields. With a refined mechanical model, structural performances can be accurately predicted to help designers choosing best geometrical and material parameters. This work introduces a novel rectangular finite element for doubly-curved laminated composite shells based on a new set of

The present study investigates the elasto-plastic buckling behaviour of semi-cylindrical shells with elastic edge restraints under the action of a central radial load, both numerically and experimentally. Several design parameters are expressed to characterize the influence of elastic edge restraints on load-bearing capacity. A reduction factor equation is developed as a multivariate function of the

Thin-walled structures are extensively used in aerospace, automotive and mechanical engineering applications due to their high strength- and stiffness-to-weight ratios. However, the performance of these structures tends to be heavily influenced by localised features such as manufacturing defects or design details included for non-structural reasons, e.g. inspection cut-outs. Understanding the sensitivity

Even though disk springs with non-uniform thickness have the advantages of improving the load capacity, optimizing the stress distribution, and adjusting the stiffness characteristics, their exploration remains sparse. Prior analytical models for non-uniform disk springs were based on the Almen–Laszlo theory, and the model verifications lacked the support of experiments. A mechanical model of linearly

A test programme looking into the stress concentration factors (SCF) of cold-formed high strength steel (CFHSS) traditional (without brace and/or chord rotation) and member-rotated tubular T-joints is described in this paper. The brace members of traditional T-joints were made of square, rectangular and circular hollow sections (SHS, RHS and CHS), while the brace members of member-rotated T-joints

Postbuckling behavior of stiffened laminated composite plates is investigated using a simplified spline finite strip method. The base plate and stiffeners are formulated by the first-order shear deformation plate theory and the Timoshenko beam theory, respectively. According to the compatibility condition between the base plate and stiffener, the beam displacements are expressed by the fundamental

Lite Steel Beams (LSB) are innovative cold-formed formed steel sections, made of two rectangular hollow flanges with a web, and introduced in Australia claiming of flexural capacity enhancement. However, these sections are vulnerable to web crippling under concentrated loads and support reactions because of their slender webs when used as bearers and joists in floor systems. Limited research studies

In this paper, theoretical and experimental studies are carried out to investigate the damping characteristics of carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced epoxy nanocomposite beams. A modified Biot model is proposed to simulate the frequency-dependent damping characteristics of CNT reinforced epoxy nanocomposites and implemented into the finite element model for composite beams. The natural frequencies and

In this paper primary and secondary resonance of carbon nanotube conveying magnetic nanofluid and subjected to a longitudinal magnetic field resting on viscoelastic foundation with different boundary conditions is investigated. To investigate the small scale effects, stress driven nonlocal integral model has been used and to show the more correctness of stress driven nonlocal integral model response

The composite lattice sandwich structures with crushable foam core have exhibited outstanding potential in lightweight structures for underwater blast resistance. In this paper, the dynamic failure, energy absorption and associated mechanisms of the composite sandwich structures against the underwater impulsive loading are investigated experimentally and numerically. The underwater impulsive resistance

Pipeline systems in aircraft are connected to the airframe through numerous clamps. There are multiple excitation points and the excitation frequency range is wide, being influenced by accessories such as valves and flanges. To analyse this situation, the method of reverberation ray matrix (MRRM) is extended by random vibration theory to the steady-state random response analysis of a three-dimensional

A three-dimensional numerical model of a mechanically bonded lined pipe is developed, simulating its structural response during the reeling installation method. An installation/failure–repair scenario is considered with five winding–unwinding cycles, accounting for the straightening process. The cyclic deformation of a lined pipe is presented, monitoring ovalization, local curvature and liner detachment

Thin-walled cylindrical shell structure not only shows the highly efficient load carrying capacity but also is vulnerable to buckling instability failure. In practical application, these structures are usually subjected to localized axial compression load, which is a common but complex non-uniform loading case. Until now, the buckling behaviors of thin-walled cylindrical shells under this kind of compression

Reissner’s Mixed Variational Theorem (RMVT) presents both displacements and transverse stresses as primary variables. This property allows the a-priori fulfillment of both interlaminar compatibility and equilibrium with potentially excellent numerical performance. However, the triangular finite element based on RMVT has never been assessed from an energetic perspective. This aspect is investigated

In this study, a distortional buckling behavior of cold-formed steel (CFS) built-up closed section columns was revealed and investigated. A total of 12 C-section, 12 U-section, and 24 built-up closed section columns assembled using self-drilling screws at their flanges were tested under concentric axial compression. The distortional buckling behavior and mechanical properties of the experimental members

In this paper, a new modified micromechanical model is proposed to obtain the mechanical and thermal properties of a reinforced functionally graded (FG) multilayer hybrid nanocomposite cylinder for thermoelastic wave propagation analysis with energy dissipation using Green–Naghdi theory. The FG multilayer hybrid nanocomposite cylinder is assumed to be under Gaussian thermal shock loading and also it

The present study aims to propose a computational package for analyzing the geometrically nonlinear large-amplitude vibrations of nanoplates having arbitrary shapes with variable thickness in the presence of surface stress type of size effect. Accordingly, isogeometric analysis (IGA) is employed to achieve exact geometrical description as well as higher-order efficient smoothness with no meshing difficulty

Microresonators have recently emerged as ubiquitous devices in various fields. Frequency and quality factor play, respectively, a very important role in the sensitivity and resolution of a microresonator and have, however, a competitive relation. A thermodynamic design methodology is proposed herein for optimizing the overall performance (frequency–quality product) of microresonators in the framework

In this paper, an effective theoretical method is developed and experimentally validated for investigating the vibration behaviors of the simply supported sandwich plates with a pyramidal truss core on elastic foundation. An adjustable sliding support frame that can adapt to variations in the plate length and width is designed to realize the simply supported boundary conditions. The kinematic relations

This paper presents a simplified methodology to take perforations in rack columns into account by means of a geometrically nonlinear Generalized Beam Theory (GBT) analysis. A new GBT formulation, which considers perforation effects through the addition of supplementary terms in the finite element internal force and tangent stiffness matrices during the member analysis, is developed and evaluated. The

As composite structures develop, polyurea coating has been applied to improve the protective performance of multi-layered composite structures subjected to blast or impact loading. In order to investigate the ballistic resistance of polyurea coated Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics (CFRP) composites, impact experiments were conducted using a 14.5 mm ballistic gun with cylindrical projectile. The effect

The present paper reports a thorough experimental and numerical investigation into the local–flexural interactive buckling behaviour and resistances of S690 high strength steel slender welded I-section columns. A testing programme, adopting two S690 high strength steel slender welded I-sections, was firstly conducted and included initial geometric imperfection measurements and ten pin-ended column

Modern construction projects such as high-rise buildings require increasingly lighter and stronger wood frame shear walls. The stress level of the edge zone in the sheathing panel is generally larger than that of the middle zone under lateral loading, and the mechanical properties of wood-based panels are positively related with density. A series of fast-growing poplar plywood with a marginal or overall

A round hollow steel section (HSS) is generally used in a wind turbine tower column. Experimental studies on the cyclic flexural behavior of round HSS columns with large diameter-to-thickness (D/t) ratios are very limited. Three steel round HSS column specimens with a D/t ratio of 240 were planned for tests. The specimens, made from ASTM A36 steel, had a clear height of 4390 mm, diameter of 1440 mm

The present work investigates the elasto-visco-plastic buckling of thick plate structures. Methods to estimate the buckling of thin elasto-visco-plastic shells and plates are proposed in literature. To the knowledge of the authors, only few works present experimental results, and none treat the experimental elasto-visco-plastic buckling of thick plate. Thick rectangular plates are chosen as a structure

It is recognized that nanoscale structures exhibit strong surface effects. This article studies axisymmetric bending and free vibration of circular nanoplates with consideration of surface stresses. Using the Gurtin–Murdoch surface elasticity theory and the well-known first-order shear deformation plate theory, a single fourth-order partial differential equation governing axisymmetric bending and free

Despite routine usages of finite element (FE) analysis on designing piezoceramic transducers, building FE models for these transducers unfortunately might involve significant errors because the required piezoceramic material values provided by the manufacturers are often inaccurate. Using only a few characteristic quantities extracted from a measured impedance function of the transducer, this study

This paper presents a dynamic buckling analysis for a rotationally restrained functionally graded (FG) graphene nanoplatelets (GPLs) reinforced composite (FG-GPLRC) porous arch under a uniform step load where GPL nanofillers are uniformly dispersed while the porosity coefficient varies along the thickness direction of the arch. The effective material properties of the FG-GPLRC porous arch are determined

The cross-sectional configuration is one of the factors influencing the energy absorption performance of composite tubes under axial compression. Flat sides and corners are basic elements for the configuration. However, their contributions to the energy absorption have not been systematically compared. This paper presents a “press and cut” approach which allows to investigate the energy absorption

The thin-walled grid plate is one of the passive aerodynamic measures for suppressing vortex-induced vibration (VIV) of twin-box girder bridges. However, the effectiveness of the grid plate in aerodynamic stabilization is not fully known. In this study, we compared the flutter performance and aerostatic performance, as well as VIV performance, of a twin-box girder suspension bridge with four different

This paper proposes a framework of deep belief network (DBN) for studying the structural performance of cold-formed steel (CFS) channel sections with edge-stiffened/un-stiffened web holes, under axial compression. A total of 50,000 data points for training the DBN are generated from elasto plastic finite element analysis, which incorporates both initial geometric imperfections and residual stresses

Experimental and numerical studies have been performed to investigate the blast responses of a stiffened panel under plane shock waves from air blast loading. The experiments were conducted in a novel explosion-proof tank testing system. Two trial tests were first conducted to validate the accuracy of the pressure sensors. After validation, a real blast test was performed to investigate the dynamic

In this paper, an extensive study on the web crippling behaviour of GFRP wide-flange (WF) section profiles with centred web perforation under interior-two-flange (ITF) loading is reported. Experimental investigation included material characterization tests and full scale web crippling experiments performed on 14 specimens with and without web perforations under ITF loading configuration. To examine