Experimental Validation of a Probabilistic Fracture Mechanics Model
A method is developed for validating a probabilistic fracture analysis code (PROFRANC). The method is based on classical statistical techniques and experimental data. It is shown that...
On a Procedure to Estimate the Reliability of Mechanical Components
A procedure, based on the response surface concept is suggested to estimate the failure probability of mechanical components and structures under static as well as dynamic loading conditions....
A Non-Gaussian Fatigue Model for Offshore Structures
Fatigue damage accumulation in members of offshore structures can be affected by various aspects of the non-Gaussian response stress time history induced by the nonlinear/non-Gaussian...
Construction Loads on Floors: Results of a Survey
A survey of post-shorting construction loads on floors of multi-storey buildings is described. The estimated parameters of a probabilistic model of the peak (transient) loads are reported....
Floor Live Load Models and Pattern Load Effects
Probabilistic models of sustained live loads and equivalent uniformly distributed loads are discussed with regard to pattern load effects. A simple equivalent pattern load is identified...
Reliability-Based Specification of Design Load-Effect for Penetrating Fragments and Debris
This paper presents the derivation and application of a simplified reliability-based approach for selecting design fragments/debris particles for use in protective design. Using this approach,...
Risk Based Optimal Fatigue Testing
Optimal fatigue life testing of materials is considered. Based on minimization of the total expected costs of a mechanical component a strategy is suggested to determine the optimal stress...
Time-Variant System Reliability Analysis Using Response Surface Methodology and Fast Integration
An approximate method is presented to solve the structural reliability problem of complex structural systems subjected to time-variant loads where the parameters of the structural system...
First-Excursion Probability of Uncertain Structures
The first-order reliability method (FORM) is used to estimate the first-excursion probability of uncertain structures subjected to deterministic dynamic loads. An algorithm is developed...
Critical Buckling Load Statistics of an Uncertain Column
The objective of this paper is to examine the statistics of the buckling load of a column with uncertain material properties. The elastic modulus is assumed to be a random process that...
Bridge Overloading Criteria
Considerable concern is being expressed by the public and government agencies over the deteriorating state of the country's infrastructure. At the same time, there is a general feedling...
A Multiple Presence Load Model for Bridges
This paper utilises weigh-in-motion data to simulate multi-lane traffic crossing short span multiple-lane bridges. In this manner the reduction factors for a multiple lane bridge are derived....
On the Fatigue Loading for Local Components
Fatigue provisions in the North American Codes for design of highway bridges may not be applicable to the design of local components which are subjected to high axle overloads and dynamic...
Live Load Models Based on WIM Data
The objective of the paper is to present the results of weigh-in-motion (WIM) measurements carried out in Michigan. Selected bridges were instrumented and truck weights and axle configurations...
Environmental Impacts of Agricultural Drainage
Research has shown that improved drainage increases peak runoff rates and pollutant loads compared to natural conditions. However improved drainage on agricultural lands may reduce outflow...
Design and Maintenance Factors Affecting Application Uniformity of Low Pressure Center-Pivot Irrigation Systems
Uniformity tests were conducted on 30 center-pivot sprinkler systems installed with one of six different low pressure nozzle types or high pressure impact sprinklers. Well designed and...
Aldicarb Transport in the Coastal Plain of N. C.
The pesticide aldicarb is extremely soluble in water which causes it to be mobile in ground water. A field study was conducted to monitor the fate of the pesticide aldicarb in a poorly...
Darcy-Weisbach Roughness Coefficients for Selected Residue Materials
A laboratory study is conducted to measure Darcy-Weisbach roughness coefficients for corn, cotton, peanut, pine needles, sorghum, soybeans, sunflower, and wheat residue. Varying rates...
The Present Status of Precipitation Enhancement by Cloud Seeding
Atmospheric water in the form of precipitation, is one of the primary sources of fresh water in the world. However, a large amount of water present in clouds never gets transformed into...
Pile Installation and Testing at Ningbo Port, China
As part of an ambitious development program at the Port of Ningbo, the People's Republic of China constructed a 694 m (2277 ft) long offshore pier structure to provide a container berth...
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