Structural fire design and optimisation of a building

in Structural Engineering International (2012), 22(4), 541-544

The "Maison de la Paix" building will be built for the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva (IHEID). At its heart will be a library, numerous auditoriums and seminar rooms ... [more ▼]

The "Maison de la Paix" building will be built for the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva (IHEID). At its heart will be a library, numerous auditoriums and seminar rooms, and a cafeteria. A complete fire analysis has been performed to optimise the steel structures. [less ▲]

Structural Fire Engineering of Building Assemblies and Frames

in DiNenno, Philip J.; Drysdale, Douglas; Beyler, Craig L. (Eds.) et al The SFPE Handbook of Fire Protection Engineering (Fourth Edition) (2009)

Use of the temperature-dependent, thermophysical material properties, shape geometry, and fundamental heat transfer and structural principles, in combination with available fire test data, can enable ... [more ▼]

Use of the temperature-dependent, thermophysical material properties, shape geometry, and fundamental heat transfer and structural principles, in combination with available fire test data, can enable several distinct levels of engineering/calculation methods of fire resistance. The simpler computational methods, such as those in ASCE/SFPE 29-99,1 are semi-empirically based on standard fire test results. They provide an efficient and generally conservative way to provide fire resistance ratings for members and assemblies that do not directly match listed assemblies to meet prescriptive code requirements. Higher order fire simulations and structural analyses can also be used as performance-based design alternatives to achieve a more accurate solution to overall fire safety. Substantial fire-induced damage is expected after a severe (fully developed or postflashover) fire exposure, not only to the building contents and finish but also to the structural elements. It is not uncommon for well-designed, ductile, and properly functioning fire-resistive framing systems to experience visible distortions, cracking, permanent damage, and deflections in floor, walls, or columns than can be on the order of 12 to 24 inches (300 to 600 mm), or more, without collapse. In the following sections, several computational approaches to the determination of the fire resistance of building construction are summarized, independent of any requirements of a particular building code or design standard. These can be considered generally applicable to any structural material. The specific provisions of the governing building code and design standard(s) for a given project must be consulted for any engineering applications. [less ▲]

Structural Fire Modelling. Where is the Frontier Nowadays?

Scientific conference (2002, July 11)

Structural integral monitoring by vibration measurements

in FM2003 - Structural Integrity and Materials Aging (2003)

This paper presents a comparative study on several approaches of structural damage diagnosis based on vibration measurements. Stochastic subspace identification method is used to identify modal parameters ... [more ▼]

This paper presents a comparative study on several approaches of structural damage diagnosis based on vibration measurements. Stochastic subspace identification method is used to identify modal parameters and to generate a Kalman prediction model, which are taken as damage-sensitive features for structural damage detection. A statistical process control technique based on principal component analysis (PCA) is also presented. An improvement and enhancement of PCA are proposed. It is assumed that without damage, structural responses should remain approximately in a hyperplane defined by the principal directions of data. Damage localization is explored with these methods. As only the measured output signals are needed, the methods are convenient for an on-line monitoring. The efficiency and limitation of the proposed methods are illustrated by a practical application. [less ▲]

Structural investigation of reconstituted high density lipoproteins by scanning tunnelling microscopy

in Applied Surface Science (2004), 203

Being able to participate in the reverse cholesterol transport (RCT), high density lipoproteins (HDL) are known to be anti-atherogenic. In order to understand such a process, it is thus essential to have ... [more ▼]

Being able to participate in the reverse cholesterol transport (RCT), high density lipoproteins (HDL) are known to be anti-atherogenic. In order to understand such a process, it is thus essential to have a detailed knowledge of the structure and molecular organisation of HDL. Reconstituted nascent high density lipoproteins (r-HDL), consisting of synthetic phospholipids together with different apolipoproteins (apo A-I, A-IV and E), were thus analysed by scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM). Both shape and dimensions of the discoidal HDL particles measured by this technique were found in good agreement with the data available from the literature. The accuracy of the STM pictures presented in this paper enables for the first time the visualisation of the molecular organisation of such macromolecules. The arrangement of the protein as antiparallel helical segments, is consistent with the general mode of organisation of apolipoprotein/phospholipid discoidal particles previously reported. [less ▲]

Structural investigations of HSS rolls for hot strip mill

in Proceedings of the 41st Rolling Seminar Processes, Rolled and Coated Product (2004)

High Speed Steel (HSS) cast rolls are used in front finishing stands of hot strip mills (HSM). Good wear resistance and hardness at high temperatures, are defining features of HSS. Previous experience has ... [more ▼]

High Speed Steel (HSS) cast rolls are used in front finishing stands of hot strip mills (HSM). Good wear resistance and hardness at high temperatures, are defining features of HSS. Previous experience has shown that HSS rolls containing mainly hard MC carbides have a high friction coefficient, which is detrimental for the rolling power consumption and for the strip surface quality. On the other hand, HSS rolls containing eutectic rod shaped carbides are brittle and more susceptible to spalling. To overcome these problems, a suitable grade, called HSS7, that gives the best compromise between a low friction coefficient and a high crack propagation and wear resistance was developed. That alloy contains well-dispersed hard VC carbides improving wear, and non-interconnected eutectic carbides of the M2C and M7C3 type, hindering crack propagation. All the metallurgical factors affecting the performance and damage of under rolling condition in front finishing stands are reviewed: wear resistance, friction coefficient, resistance to rolling incident, and oxide film formation. The effect of nature, morphology and amount was for each of the carbides studied and connected to the factor affecting the behaviour of the new grade developed. Different techniques are used such as: differential thermal analysis, optical and electron scanning microscopy and image analysis. A correlation with mechanical properties was also performed. [less ▲]

Structural member behaviour and analysis in case of fire

in Mazzolani, Federico (Ed.) Proceedings of Urban Habitat Constructions under Catastrophic Events (COST Action C26) (2008)

A Structural Model for Early Exit of Older Men in Belgium

in Empirical Economics (2012), 43(1), 379-398

In this paper we propose a structural model of the retirement decision for older workers in Belgium. We model the exit paths available through the various available schemes. Our framework allows ... [more ▼]

In this paper we propose a structural model of the retirement decision for older workers in Belgium. We model the exit paths available through the various available schemes. Our framework allows exploiting all information on possible exit paths and also better identifying preferences and constraints. Results based upon Belgian microsimulation data from 2001 for private sector workers fits rather well observed behavior. Simulations of hypothetical reforms illustrate the potential effects of changing social security rules. [less ▲]

structural model of the mitral valve included in a cardiovascular closed loop model. Static and dynamic validation

Conference (2012, August 31)

Structural objects: formal definitions and constructive requirements in Hilbert, Husserl and Carnap

Conference (2005, November 14)