Full-scale structures

In order to maximize the return on the investment required to conduct physical dynamic tests on full-scale structures, system identification methods must be used to allow the data collected during the tests to yield a maximum amount of useful information about the properties of the tested structures. System identification is the inverse problem of using the measured dynamic properties of full-scale or model structures to identify indirectly their important structural characteristics. The system identification literature is quite extensive. Bekey (1970) published an introduction to system identification and Rodeman and Yao (1973) have prepared a bibliography of the literature prior to 1973. Hard and Yao (1977) have also prepared a recent... 

Hudson, D.E.(1977) Dynamic Tests of Full-Scale Structures. Journal of the Engineering Mechanics Division, ASCE, Vol.103, N0.EM6, Proc.Paper 134446, pp.1141-1157. 

Short of building a full scale structure and setting it alight, it can be difficult to define a material s fire performance. In practice we rely on small-scale... 

Use of full scale structure low - zero limit states - unclear medium - high low... 

In an actual structure all the limit states are potential final states of the system which, of course, the designer tries to avoid. It is not possible to test full scale structures to failure many times to ascertain the chances of occurrence of each of these limit states, but it is possible to test serviceability conditions. Now if this were to be done under a given set of loads, then the response of the structure would probably be very similar each time, if time dependent phenomena are not significant. (Theoretically, of course, it will be identical if time dependent phenomena are not included). In other words, the repeatability of the state of the system will be high. However, when the structure is put into use the problem is different. In this case the experiment in which we are interested is the continuous sampling of the loads and other parameters of the system throughout the life of the structure, and the consequent response state of the structure. The possible result states in this experiment are, therefore, the limit states of the structure and it is the calculation of the chances that these... 

Where a suitable computation model is not easily available, empirical procedures are often employed. A rational empirical method is nonetheless based on observed physical processes that realistically describe the problem. The empirical methods are closely related to load testing, measurement and monitoring of full-scale structures in what is known as observational methods. In geotechnical engineering, observational methods not only serve the design review process, but also provide the database to be applied to similar site problems in the future as well as for further development of theoretical methods. 

In this book, it is intended to provide the reader with useful and comprehensive experimental data and models for the design and application of FRP composites at elevated temperatures and fire conditions. The progressive changes that occur in material states and the corresponding progressive changes in the thermophysical and thermomechanical properties of FRP composites due to thermal exposure will be discussed. It will be demonstrated how thermophysical and thermomechanical properties can be incorporated into heat transfer theory and structural theory. The thermal and mechanical responses of FRP composites and structures subjected to hours of reahstic fire conditions will be described and validated on the full-scale structural level. Concepts and methods to determine the time-to-failure of polymer composites and structures in fire will be presented, as well as the post-fire behavior and fire protection techniques. 

The full scale structure is a big steel bquid storage tank typically installed in petrochemical plants. The dimensional characteristics of the tank are the following radius R=27.5m, height Hs=15.60 m, liquid level H=13.7 m, liquid density p=900 kg/m3, and wall thickness variable from 17 to 33 mm. The scale model has radius R=2 m, height Hs=1.45 m and wall thickness s=l mm (Figure 12a). Thus, the scale ratio is about 13.7. 

Tests on pultruded GFRP sub- and full-scale structures... 

In this sub-section on testing of pultruded GFRP structures and materials, attention is focused on testing of sub-structures and full-scale structures. Two examples of each are presented briefly to give the reader some idea of the range and scope of the tests that have been undertaken. 

In-situ exposures using actual structures, full-scale structural elements, or subscale structural elements exposed to the appropriate zones at the specific site for the actual... 

Zhu, W., Gibbs, J. C., Bartos, P. J. M. (2001) Uniformity of in situ properties of self-compacting concrete in full-scale structural elements . Cement and Concrete Composites, 23 57-64. 

It has been reported that thermal stresses may cause failures or even a collapse of grain silo structures [2]. Some results of earlier investigations on a steel storage silo in the USA have showed that a drop of ambient temperature over 4 °C per day accompanied by low external temperature (tg < -9°C) may cause a serious catastrophe [3]. Effects of temperature on a steel silo model [4] and also full-scale structures [5], [6] have been studied both in theory and experimentally. It has been stated that thermal actions on cylindrical reinforced concrete silo bin produce the following forces [7] ... 

---