Post-buckling behavior and collapse of Double-Double composite single stringer specimens

This paper presents the work on six single-stringer specimens manufactured using the card-sliding technique with non-crimp fabrics and adopting a Double-Double (DD) stacking sequence. These specimens, representative of sub-structure level components, are used to investigate post-buckling and failure in aerospace structures. Two specimens...

Experimental study of post-buckled single-stringer composite specimens under fatigue loads with different load levels and load ratios

This study aims at better understanding the damage tolerance of stiffened composite panels subjected to fatigue loads in the post-buckling regime. Ten single-stringer hat-stiffened specimens with an initial delamination between the skin and the stringer foot were manufactured, and then tested under quasi-static and fatigue loads in post...

Review on floating wave-wind energy converter plants: Nonlinear dynamic assessment tools

Hybrid wave-wind energy converters are considered an innovative solution to decrease costs in the various phases of installation and operation and lead to a lower Levelized Cost of Energy. Currently, there are different concepts in various Technology Readiness Levels. This paper provides a comprehensive review of existing wave-wind energy...

Structural glass beams with embedded GFRP, CFRP or steel reinforcement rods: Comparative experimental, analytical and numerical investigations

The use of hybrid and composite solutions for structural applications represents a common approach for the development of safe design principles. Consolidated examples exist for concrete, steel and masonry structures. As a general rule, materials are combined so as to obtain an enhanced redundancy, strength and/or (lateral) stiffness for these...

Axial monotonic and cyclic testing of micropiles in loose sand

Micropiles, which are small-diameter deep foundation solutions with diameters that can measure up to 300 mm, are often used to reinforce new and existing foundations. Their use in the foundations of structures with high eccentricity, such as wind towers when subjected to wind loads, may lead to more efficient and economical solutions. As the...

A multiscale experimental characterisation of Dutch unreinforced masonry buildings

In recent years, induced seismicity in the north of the Netherlands significantly increased. As a consequence, the seismic assessment of the built environment, which mainly consists of unreinforced masonry (URM) structures not designed for seismic loads, became of high relevance. Within this context, an extensive multiscale testing program has...

Tests on existing wall ties: shear and axial tests

Characterizing the Material Properties of Dutch Unreinforced Masonry

In the northern part of the Netherlands, The recent seismic activities have raised concerns about the behavior of unreinforced masonry structures which were not designed and constructed to resist seismic loading. The first step towards assessment of seismic behavior of masonry structures is to characterize the material properties. This...

In-plane tests on replicated masonry walls

Out-of-plane tests on replicated masonry walls