The design and analysis of infrastructure and structures, including bridges, buildings, dams, transportation systems, earthquake engineering, and the development of resilient civil infrastructure
5 papersThis paper compared two discontinuous numerical modeling approaches (Non-Smooth Contact Dynamics and Discrete Element Method) to simulate the dynamic behavior of a historic masonry tower under earthquake loading. Both methods predicted similar failure mechanisms and cumulative damage patterns consistent with observed damage, though the multi-leaf masonry model provided the most accurate representation.
This research used terrestrial laser scanning and Building Information Modeling (BIM) to create a digital twin of an 18th-century portico, analyzing structural deviations. By comparing the BIM model to the point cloud data, they found deviations generally within an acceptable range (0.5-1.7cm), suggesting the combined approach is suitable for assessing the condition of historical structures.
Clay minerals can be used as precursors for alkali-activated materials (AAMs), alongside more established materials such as fly ash and slag. A variety of different clay minerals can be used, including kaolinite, halloysite, montmorillonite, and illite, either individually or in combination - but a "one size fits all" approach to activation will not work, as reactivity and phase formation depends on the clay's chemistry and mineralogy.
This paper explores a new design concept for suspension bridge girders using computational morphogenesis, a method that allows for unrestricted design freedom. The results show potential weight savings of 28.4% and a corresponding reduction in CO2 emissions compared to conventional designs, potentially impacting the future of super-long bridge construction.
This paper describes the design and construction of D1244, an experimental high-rise building designed to test adaptive structural and facade systems. The building uses hydraulic actuators and sensors to respond to external loads and vibrations, aiming to reduce material use and energy consumption. Preliminary tests on prototypes have shown promising results, and the full-scale testing phase is planned to validate the effectiveness of the adaptive technologies.