This paper presented a new joint core strengthened with multi-layer steel meshes for connecting the PVC-FRP Confined Concrete (PFCC) column and Reinforce Concrete (RC) beam. Seven specimens were tested under concentric compression and the effects of several parameters including the height, diameter of specimen and volume ratio of steel mesh on the compressive behaviors were investigated. Test results showed that all the reinforcement yielded successively and eventually the crushing of the concrete dominated the failures of specimens. The ultimate bearing capacity and ultimate equivalent axial strain decreased as the height of specimen increased, while they increased as the diameter of specimen or the volume ratio of steel mesh increased. The ultimate strains of all the reinforcement and concrete increased as the height of specimen increased while they decreased as the diameter of specimen or the volume ratio of steel mesh increased. Considering the influence of height of specimen, a modified formula for conveniently predicting the ultimate bearing capacity of the joint core strengthened with steel meshes was proposed based on the theory of confined concrete and superposition principle of multiple confinement. The predicted results were in good agreement with the experimental data. Additionally, an equivalent stress–strain relationship model of the joint core strengthened with steel meshes was suggested based on the experimental research. The predicted curves agreed well with the measured equivalent stress–strain curves. Moreover, a validated Finite Element (FE) model for the joint core strengthened with steel meshes was developed to conduct parametric studies, which broadened the available experimental results about the mechanical performances of the joint.
A two-step response surface method for multiscale finite element model (FEM) updating and validation is presented with respect to Guanhe Bridge, a composite cable-stayed bridge in the National Highway number G15, in China. Firstly, the state equations of both multiscale and single-scale FEM are established based on the basic equation in structural dynamic mechanics to update the multiscale coupling parameters and structural parameters. Secondly, based on the measured data from the structural health monitoring (SHM) system, a Monte Carlo simulation is employed to analyze the uncertainty quantification and transmission, where the uncertainties of the multiscale FEM and measured data were considered. The results indicate that the relative errors between the calculated and measured frequencies are less than 2%, and the overlap ratio indexes of each modal frequency are larger than 80% without the average absolute value of relative errors. These demonstrate that the proposed method can be applied to validate the multiscale FEM, and the validated FEM can reflect the current conditions of the real bridge; thus it can be used as the basis for bridge health monitoring, damage prognosis (DP), and safety prognosis (SP).
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