A relatively simple nonlinear method for the seismic analysis of structures (the N2 method) is presented. It combines the pushover analysis of a multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) model with the response ...spectrum analysis of an equivalent single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) system. The method is formulated in the acceleration-displacement format, which enables the visual interpretation of the procedure and of the relations between the basic quantities controlling the seismic response. Inelastic spectra, rather than elastic spectra with equivalent damping and period, are applied. This feature represents the major difference with respect to the capacity spectrum method. Moreover, demand quantities can be obtained without iteration. Generally, the results of the N2 method are reasonably accurate, provided that the structure oscillates predominantly in the first mode. Some additional limitations apply. In the paper, the method is described and discussed, and it basic derivations are given. The similarities and differences between the proposed method and the FEMA 273 and ATC 40 nonlinear static analysis procedures are discussed. Application of the method is illustrated by means of an example.
Floor response spectra, which are used for the seismic design of equipment, are often based on the assumption that the behaviour of a structure and its equipment is linearly elastic. Significant ...reductions in the peak values of floor acceleration spectra can be achieved if inelastic behaviour of the structure is taken into account. This paper presents the most important results of an extensive parametric study of floor acceleration spectra, taking into account inelastic behaviour of the structure, and linear elastic behaviour of the equipment. The structure and the equipment were modelled as single-degree-of-freedom systems. The influences of the input ground motion, ductility, hysteretic behaviour and the natural period of the structure, as well as that of damping of the equipment, have been studied. A simple practice-oriented method for direct determination of floor acceleration spectra from an inelastic spectrum for the structure and an elastic spectrum for the equipment is proposed and validated. In this method, the floor response spectra in the resonance region, where the natural period of the equipment is close to the natural period of the structure, are based on the empirical values obtained in the parametric study, whereas the spectra in the pre- and post-resonance regions are based on the principles of dynamics of structures. The method is intended for a quick estimation of approximate floor acceleration spectra.
The analysis of structures is a fundamental part of seismic design and assessment. It began more than a 100 years ago, when static analysis with lateral loads of about 10% of the weight of the ...structure was adopted in seismic regulations. For a long time seismic loads of this size remained in the majority of seismic codes worldwide. In the course of time, more advanced analysis procedures were implemented, taking into account the dynamics and nonlinear response of structures. In the future methods with explicit probabilistic considerations may be adopted as an option. In this paper, the development of seismic provisions as related to analysis is summarized, the present state is discussed, and possible further developments are envisaged.
The analysis of structures is a fundamental part of seismic design and assessment. It began more than a 100 years ago, when static analysis with lateral loads of about 10% of the weight of the ...structure was adopted in seismic regulations. For a long time seismic loads of this size remained in the majority of seismic codes worldwide. In the course of time, more advanced analysis procedures were implemented, taking into account the dynamics and nonlinear response of structures. In the future methods with explicit probabilistic considerations may be adopted as an option. In this paper, the development of seismic provisions as related to analysis is summarized, the present state is discussed, and possible further developments are envisaged.
Grain size distribution after the completion of a phase transformation was studied through the laboratory-controlled hot-plastic deformation of dual phase 600 (DP 600) steel using a specially ...prepared asymmetric single-pass hot-rolling wedge test with a refined reheating grain size instead of the usual coarse-grained starting microstructure observed in practice. The experiment was performed to reduce generally needed experimental trials to observe the microstructure development at elevated temperatures, where stable and unstable conditions could be observed as in the industrial hot-rolling practice. For this purpose, experimental stress–strain curves and softening behaviors were used concerning FEM simulations to reproduce in situ hot-rolling conditions to interpret the grain size distribution. The presented study revealed that the usual approach found in the literature for microstructure investigation and evolution with a hot-rolling wedge test was deficient concerning the observed field of interest. The degree of potential error concerning the implemented deformation per notch position, as well as the stress–strain rate and related mean flow stresses, were highly related to the geometry of the specimen and the material behavior itself, which could be defined by the actual hardening and softening kinetics (recrystallization and grain growth at elevated temperatures and longer interpass times). The grain size distribution at 1100–1070 °C was observed up to a 3.45 s−1 strain rate and, based on its stable forming behavior according to the FEM simulations and the optimal refined grain size, the optimal deformation was positioned between e = 0.2 and e = 0.5.
The impact of asymmetric cold rolling was quantitatively assessed for an industrial aluminum alloy AA 5454. The asymmetric rolling resulted in lower rolling forces and higher strains compared to ...conventional symmetric rolling. In order to demonstrate the positive effect on the mechanical properties with asymmetric rolling, tensile tests, plastic-strain-ratio tests and hardness measurements were conducted. The improvements to the microstructure and the texture were observed with a light and scanning electron microscope; the latter making use of electron-backscatter diffraction. The result of the asymmetric rolling was a much lower planar anisotropy and a more homogeneous metal sheet with finer grains after annealing to the soft condition. The increased isotropy of the deformed and annealed aluminum sheet is a product of the texture heterogeneity and reduced volume fractions of separate texture components.
Thermal fatigue tests were carried out to study the influence of oxidation behavior on the degradation progress of a surface layer of high chromium steel. Specimens cut out from the roll shell were ...subjected to thermal fatigue at temperatures in the range between 500 and 700 °C by using a thermo-mechanical simulator Gleeble 1500D. Our observation was focused on the impact of oxidation as a principal mechanism of degradation of the roll's surface layer, mainly on the characteristics of oxidation propagation (penetration) related to microstructural characteristics and test temperature. Oxidation is considerably accelerated by certain characteristics of eutectic carbides (i.e., their size, composition, their successive arrangement and orientation to the water-cooled surface, etc.) that are essential for the degradation progress which could lead to spalling of parts.
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