Fragility curves represent the probabilities that structural damages, under various levels of seismic excitation, will exceed the specified damage states by means of earthquake intensity damage relations. Conceptual aspects related to seismic vulnerability, damage and risk evaluation are discussed first, together with a short review of the most widely used possibilities for the seismic evaluati...

The goal of this thesis is the development of theoretical methods targeting the implementation of topology optimization in structural engineering applications. In civil engineering applications, structures are typically assemblies of many standardized components, such as bars, where the largest gains in efficiency can be made during the preliminary design of the overall structure [4]. The work ...

recent developments in the area of smart structures indicate that variable geometry / stiffness truss network is of fundamental importance in designing smart transformable structures and systems for space applications. this paper presents the conceptual design and dynamic modeling of a cooperative re-configurabel dual-arm robotic structure called dual-arm cam-lock manipulator. the manipulator i...

The objective of this research was to use a three-dimensional (3D) analysis method to evaluate "system effects" in light-frame roof truss assemblies. The goal of this study was to develop an improved and practical design method for 3D roof truss assemblies used in residential construction. A truss plate manufacturer (TPM) design software was used to layout assemblies and to design individual tr...

The present work intends to introduce a domain-specific sketch method for modeling and analysis of forms and structures concurrently. The approach adopted particularly addresses architects, aiming to provide a natural environment for them to present and appraise structural configurations of different truss systems by means of sketching. This is achieved by developing Sketch-based Modeling and A...

In this paper, based on maximizing the outrigger-belt truss system’s strain energy, a methodology for determining the optimum location of a flexible outrigger system is presented. Tall building structures with combined systems of framed tube, shear core, belt truss and outrigger system are modeled using continuum approach. In this approach, the framed tube sys...

Abstract. The detection of potentially damaged elements in planar truss structures is a challenging task. Among the different methods proposed literature, one promising procedure exploits modal strains structure that are calculated from flexibility matrix, which is, turn, estimated lowest frequencies and corresponding modes vibration. benefit this approach stems possibility using reduced number...