Modelling the interface in concrete-to-concrete connections between precast girders and cast-in-situ top layers

A significant part of composite concrete viaducts was built in the 50s and 60s. This has led to an increasing need for the reassessment of the precast concrete beam bridges in the Netherlands. Many of those bridges are nowadays subjected to higher traffic loads and consequently, have a certain risk of not complying with the currently used design...

Comparisons of implicit and explicit time integration methods in finite element analysis for linear elastic material and quasi-brittle material in dynamic problems

In finite element analysis, nonlinear time-history analysis is a realistic and accurate analysis type for dynamic or seismic analysis due to its solutions contain wealthy data and complete response time-history. The most commonly used method, probably the only practical procedure, in nonlinear time-history analysis is the direct time integration...

A structural concept for a demountable glass column: An explorative design study about interlocking, laminated glass components

The high compressive strength of the material glass in combination with its transparency, make it an attractive material to use for a column. Though different types and configurations of glass columns have been subject of academic research, a demountable glass column made from laminated components remains unexplored. This structural concept...

Crack widths in HSC: A study into crack width prediction methods for slender HSC balconies

This master thesis covers the research into cracking behaviour of slender high strength concrete cantilevering balconies. The research emerged from Pieters Bouwtechniek Delft and Hi-Con Denmark. They cooperatively designed very slender balconies in ultra-high performance fibre reinforced concrete. Other engineering firms tend to recreate these...

New Ways of Representing Finite Element Results of Shell Structures

The Finite Element Method is used in many computer programs to analyse the mechanical behaviour of shell structures. Although this method provides good quantitative insight into the mechanical behaviour of shell structures, it provides little qualitative insight. This master graduation thesis is aimed at expanding Finite Element Analysis (FEA)...