self-centering pier (scp) has been viewed as a remarkable accomplishment which is able to sustain major lateral loading with reduced structure damage in seismic engineering. stiffness deterioration observed in experiment is vital for the seismic performance of self-centering concrete pier. in this contribution, the associated stiffness deterioration with respect to the structural damage is mode...

nonlinear static procedure (nsp) is a common technique to predict seismic demands on various building structures by subjecting a monotonically increasing horizontal loading (pushover) to the structure. therefore, the pushover analysis is an important part of each nsp. accordingly, the current paper aims at investigating the efficiencyof various algorithms of lateral load patterns applied to the...

The use of empirically calibrated moment-rotation models that account for strength and stiffness deterioration of steel frame members is paramount in evaluating the performance of steel structures prone to collapse under seismic loading. These deterioration models are typically used as zero-length springs in a concentrated plasticity formulation; however, a calibration procedure is required whe...

the track stiffness experienced by a train will vary along the track. sometimes the stiffness variation may be very large within a short distance. one example is when an unsupported sleeper is hanging in the rail. track stiffness is then, locally at that sleeper, very low. at insulated joints the bending stiffness of the rail has a discontinuity implying a discontinuity also of the track stiffn...

The roles of the several parameters that influences railway track deterioration most, are examined in this research with a view to make railway track maintenance more effective and cost efficient. The results presented are based on a comprehensive study of railway track degradation on super structure, sub-structure and geometrical aspects. The changes in TQI (Track Quality Index), the track set...

Brain Microbleeds, Amyloid Plaques, Intellectual Deterioration, and Arterial Stiffness To the Editor: The article by Henskens et al1 on brain microbleeds supports a view2 that cerebral microvascular disease in hypertensive patients is responsible for intellectual deterioration and is caused by abnormal flow pulsations extending into the small cerebral vessels as a consequence of aortic stiffeni...

Health monitoring of engineering structures has gained a lot of interest over the last few years. Many engineering structures suffer damage and deterioration when exposed to various loading and environmental changes during their lifetime. This seriously affects structural performance and may even lead to catastrophic structural failures. Thus, inspection and testing of structural components for...