Volume 6 Issue 1
Authors: Francesco Parrinello; Giuseppe Campione
Abstract: Flexural behavior of laminated glass beams was numerically predicted through an open source finite element code; a cohesive-frictional behaviour of the adhesive and the brittle fracture of the glass were implemented though adequate constitutive laws. Both the processes of de-bonding of interlayer and the failure of glass panels can be captured by a refined finite element analysis. Based on the elastic theory, simple analytical expressions are utilized for the prediction of composite glass beams, including the extreme cases of full composite and layered behaviour. Cases of study refer to glass composite beams having T or I cross-section shapes. Beams consist of laminated glass (LG) flanges and LG web that is assembled together by different kinds of polymer adhesive (semi-rigid i.e., silicones, modified silicones and polyurethanes and rigid i.e., epoxy resins, acrylics). Experimental data given in the literature was utilized to show the effectiveness of numerical model to reproduce experimental results, and to show the effectiveness of the proposed elastic model for preliminary beams in flexure design.
Keywords: Glasses; Adhesion; Mechanical Testing; Assembly
Authors: Emmanouil-Georgios Kouris
Abstract: This investigation deals with the dynamic response of a Byzantine unreinforced masonry tower. The tower is located on Mount Athos and was erected in 1427. It was built to host the bells of Vatopedion Monastery and is 25 m tall. It has suffered several earthquakes during its history, and some restoration interventions have been applied. Firstly, the architectural characteristics are considered in the light of seismic events that hit the monument. Then, the modal characteristics are investigated using a linear analysis. Finally, the limit analysis is adopted to examine the behaviour of the tower up to collapse due to out-of-plane failure. A force-based and a displacement-based method are applied, and the respective capacities are converted into spectral quantities using properties of the first mode. Possible collapse mechanisms are considered in conjunction with the observed after-shock damage. The safety factor is derived comparing the capacity curves with the considered spectra.
Keywords: Byzantine Tower; Modal Analysis; Out-of-Plane Collapse; Limit Analysis; Capacity Curves
Authors: Adel Francis
Abstract: The literature is abundant in terms of research on resource management and optimization methods. Many deterministic, probabilistic and heuristic methods propose how to use resources efficiently. However, this paper discusses allocation techniques, i.e. how to technically allocate resources to activities rather than how to use resources efficiently. Though this subject is thoroughly covered by commercial scheduling software, it is generally absent from the literature. This paper compares the proposed Chronographic Modeling with the methods employed by commercial scheduling software. The new allocation methodology defines three attribute methods: complete attribute, attribute by segment and attribute by scale. Proposing internal divisions, as well as internal, external, vertical and horizontal scales, allows planners to create all kinds of attributes, from bulk allocation to any type of external and internal scale attribute. The links between scales could also show interactions between different measurement units and offer several types of durations, quantities and costs for increased flexibility and resolution of the limitations of existing methods. This paper adds to the body of knowledge by introducing a complete and realistic allocation methodology for construction project scheduling.
Keywords: Chronographic; Precedence, Modeling; Attribute; Resource Scheduling; Resource Assignment; Scheduling Software; Microsoft Project; Primavera; Tilos; Construction Management; Project Planning