Structural Performance Evaluation of Triangular Rebar Through FEA-Based Topology Optimisation under Multi-Load Scenarios

A Combined Numerical and Experimental Evaluation of the Flexural Performance of Wire Mesh-Strengthened RC Beam

Optimizing Boundary Element Layouts for Blast-Resistant Reinforced Concrete Walls: A Parametric and Fragility-Based Study

This study investigates the blast response of reinforced concrete (RC) walls with varying boundary element (BE) configurations using a validated macro-model implemented in OpenSees. The model, based on embedded layered-shell elements, was verified against independent experimental and numerical benchmarks, demonstrating its ability to capture out-of-plane wall response and BE-specific behavior under blast loading. A systematic parametric investigation was conducted to evaluate the effects of BE placement and thickness, boundary conditions, reinforcement ratios, axial loading, and wall aspect ratios. Results show that a single central BE can enhance blast resistance by approximately 20%, while configurations with two BEs placed at 0.2 times the wall length (BW2) offer the highest efficiency among multi-BE layouts. Increasing the BE thickness to 35 cm provided the best balance of performance and material demand. Vertical web reinforcement significantly improved behavior, while horizontal reinforcement had a limited effect. Higher BE reinforcement ratios further reduced displacements, whereas axial loads reduced global displacement but led to increased localized compressive damage. Fragility curves revealed variations of up to 33.9% in collapse probability across configurations, particularly under moderate impulse levels. Pressure–impulse (P–I) diagrams were developed to enable rapid identification of performance thresholds for different BE arrangements. The findings offer design-oriented guidance for optimizing BE configurations in the blast design of RC walls, with direct implications for improving structural resilience in critical infrastructure.

Comparative Analysis and Design of Tapered Section Used in Pre-Engineered Building

Pre-Engineered Buildings (PEBs) have emerged as an efficient alternative to conventional steel structures due to their optimized material usage, reduced self-weight, and faster construction. This study presents a comparative analysis and design of tapered sections used in PEB portal frames to evaluate the influence of rafter break point location on structural behaviour. Five different structural models were developed using STAAD.Pro with identical geometry, loading conditions, and design criteria in accordance with ARE 800:2007, IS 875, and ARE 1893:2016. Among the five models, Model I was designed strictly based on bending moment requirements, while the remaining models were configured with varying rafter break points without strict adherence to moment-based design. The analysis includes evaluation of key parameters such as frame weight, bending moment, and support reactions under dead, live, wind, and seismic loads. The results indicate that Model I achieves the minimum structural weight, demonstrating efficient material utilization, whereas Model IV provides improved overall structural performance with better force distribution. It is observed that variation in rafter break point significantly affects bending moment distribution and structural efficiency, while support reactions remain nearly constant across all models. The study concludes that bending moment-based design is essential for achieving economical and optimized PEB structures, while intermediate tapering configurations can enhance overall performance.

Optimal Design of Geometrically Nonlinear Steel Structures Using Advanced Analysis

Advanced analysis has been shown to improve material efficiency in statically indeterminate steel-framed structures compared with member-based linear elastic design methods. However, limited research has investigated its applicability to geometrically nonlinear steel structures where residual stresses are induced by the bending process. In this study, the material optimization potential of advanced analysis has been quantified for two arch-based structures by comparing the volume of steel required to satisfy the criteria of both the system and member-based analysis methods in accordance with AS 4100:2020. The two structures were analyzed using the finite element analysis software Strand7 (R3.1.6) and subjected to combined gravity and wind loading in alignment with the serviceability and ultimate limit states specified in AS 1170.0:2002. System behavior was analyzed through the Arc-length plastic zone method. The results indicate that in one of the arch-based structures, advanced analysis can improve material utilization by 8.1%. Provided that future research both validates the use of the reduced stiffness method for treatment of initial geometric imperfections and verifies system reliability factors for structures with curved geometries, advanced analysis presents a practical design method for this structure. Comparison of the two case studies found that advanced analysis has the potential to improve material efficiency only when linear elastic failure is governed by ultimate limit state criteria. It is therefore evident that the material optimization findings of this research cannot be generalized to all arch-based structures, as they are contingent upon the geometry of the model analyzed, the loading scenarios considered, and the deflection limits adopted.

Parametric Study of FRP–Steel Hybrid RC Beams Through Finite Element Simulation

This paper presents a parametric study of concrete beams reinforced with both steel and fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) bars based on finite element (FE) ABAQUS software. To ensure the reliability of the FE prediction in terms of moment-deflection curves, cracking pattern, and failure mode of the FRP–steel hybrid reinforced concrete (RC) beams, the numerical FE results were compared against the published test data for FRP–steel hybrid RC beams with different types of FRP bars (G/C/A/BFRP) and their arrangements. The numerical results confirmed with reported test results that FRP bars increase the beam's stiffness and its ultimate bending capacity, although they may have an impact on ductility. Based on the validated FE model, the following cases were investigated: (i) altering the position of lower longitudinal FRP bars from outer corners to the mid-span center; (ii) substituting top and bottom longitudinal steel bars with FRP; (iii) replacing all steel reinforcement, including stirrups, with FRP. The findings contribute to the development of optimized hybrid reinforcement layouts, balancing stiffness, strength, and ductility, leading to more efficient hybrid reinforcement strategies in corrosion-resistant structural design.

Structural optimization of a Vibrocat carriage using Finite Element Analysis

Structural failures caused by fatigue represent one of the main challenges in heavy industrial equipment operating under severe loading conditions. This study evaluates the structural performance of a Vibrocat head carriage subjected to a critical load of 200 kN through Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The original geometry was reconstructed and numerically analyzed using SolidWorks Simulation, considering ASTM A36 structural steel and linear elastic material behavior. The initial results revealed a maximum Von Mises stress of 617.86 MPa and a safety factor of 0.40, confirming the occurrence of localized yielding and explaining the recurrent fatigue failures observed during operation. Based on these findings, the head mounting plate was redesigned and validated under identical boundary conditions. The optimized configuration reduced the maximum stress to 126.63 MPa and increased the safety factor to 1.97, maintaining the component entirely within the elastic regime. The proposed reinforcement proved technically feasible, economically viable, and capable of significantly improving structural reliability and operational safety.