SPACE Approach to Concrete's Space Structure and its Mechanical Properties

Structural properties of particulate materials can be described in densities of the particle packing, more generally denoted as particle composition. Obviously, this global measure does not offer information on the way particles are mutually arranged in space. This is associated with particle configuration. This terminology and the associated...

Analysis of the dynamic response of layered, elastic media by means of the Fast Fourier Transform

A straightforward method is presented to calculate the three-dimensional response of layered, elastic half-spaces to a dynamic surface loading. The derivation of the method is performed in the wavenumber-frequency domain. Space-frequency domain results are subsequently obtained through the application of the Fast Fourier Transform. The results...

Discrete elements in structural concrete design

In the sixties Prof. J. Witteveen introduced a discrete model for the elastic analysis of slabs (Heron 1966). This article presents a similar approach for the design of reinforced concrete walls and deep beams, with holes or otherwise. The model – which is called stringer-panel model – combines the advantages of the popular strut-and-tie method...

Finite element modelling of fibre-reinforced brittle materials

The tensile constitutive behaviour of fibre-reinforced brittle materials can be extended to two or three dimensions by using the finite element method with crack models. The three approaches in this study include the smeared and discrete crack concepts and a multi-surface plasticity model. The tensile relation represents the crack normal stress...

Finite elements simulation of reflective cracking in asphaltic overlays

Overlaying is one of the most popular and cost effective techniques of rehabilitation of cracked pavements. The placing of reinforcement between the overlay and the top layer of the cracked pavement is currently being utilised as a possible technique for delaying the development of cracks into the overlay. In order to assist the road designer...

Two approaches for the analysis of masonry structures: Micro and macro-modeling

Two models for the micro- and macro-analysis of masonry structures are presented. For the micromodeling of masonry, an interface failure criterion that includes a straight tension cut-off, the Coulomb friction law and an elliptical cap is proposed. The inelastic behavior includes tensile strength softening, cohesion softening, compressive...

The Fatigue Behaviour of Multiplanar Tubular Joints

Circular hollow sections are frequently used in structures subjected to fatigue loading such as bridges, offshore structures and cranes. These sections are generally connected by direct welding of the sections to each other. For the design of these welded connections, information is required on the fatigue behaviour. Especially for multiplanar...

Probabilistic calibration procedure for the derivation of partial safety factors for the Netherlands building codes

Reliability Analysis for the Fatigue Limit State of the ASTRID Offshore Platform

A reliability analysis with respect to fatigue failure was performed for a concrete gravity platform designed for the Troll field. The reliability analysis was incorporated in the practical design-loop to gain more insight into the complex fatigue problem. In the analysis several parameters relating to wave excitation, structural response and...

Stereology of concrete reinforced with short steel fibres

Mechanical tests on steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) can only be interpreted on the basis of a structural analysis. Stereological tools are available for that purpose. Results of recent investigations will be presented, revealing quite complex characteristics of the fibre dispersion in the matrix. Stereological reasoning can additionally...

Smeared Crack Approach and Fracture Localization in Concrete

The possibilities of the smeared crack concept for simulating crack propagation and fracture in concrete is investigated. A smeared crack formulation is proposed which treats concrete constitutive behaviour separately from crack interface behaviour. In this study concrete is in most cases modelled as having linearly elastic characteristics. For...

Micro- and Macromechanical Behaviour of Steel Fibre Reinforced Mortar in Tension

Lower Bound Approximation for Elastic Buckling Loads

An approximate method for the elastic buckling analysis of two-dimensional frames is introduced. The method can conveniently be explained with reference to a physical interpretation: In the frame every member is replaced by two new members: - a flexural member without extensional rigidity to transmit the shear force and the bending moments; - a...