Stresses and deformations of an osteosynthesis plate in a lateral tibia plateau fracture

This study has the aim to investigate the strain and stress in an anterolateral locking plate applied for the fixation of a lateral split fracture. To simulate a complex fracture situation, three segments were separated. With a FEM analysis, representative places for strain and stress measurement were determined. A locked osteosynthesis plate was instrumented with strain gauges and tested on a fractured and a non-fractured Saw Bone model. To simulate different loading situations, four different points of force application, from the center of the condyles to a 15 mm posterior position, were used with a medial-lateral load distribution of 60:40. The simulations as well as the biomechanical tests demonstrated that two deformations dominate the load on the plate: a bending into posterior direction and a bulging of the plate head. Shifting the point of application to the posterior direction resulted in increasing maximum stress, from 1.16 to 6.32 MPa (FEM analysis) and from 3.04 to 7.00 MPa (biomechanical study), respectively. Furthermore, the comparison of the non-fractured and fractured models showed an increase in maximum stress by the factor 2.06–2.2 (biomechanical investigation) and 1.5–3.3 (FEM analysis), respectively.

Mathematical modeling of physically nonlinear 3D beams and plates made of multimodulus materials

In this work, mathematical models of physically nonlinear plates and beams made from multimodulus materials are constructed. Our considerations are based on the 3D deformation theory of plasticity, the von Mises plasticity criterion and the method of variable parameters of the theory of elasticity developed by Birger. The proposed theory and computational algorithm enable for solving problems of three types of boundary conditions, edge conditions and arbitrary lateral load distribution. The problem is solved by the finite element method (FEM), and its convergence and the reliability of the results are investigated. Based on numerical experiments, the influence of multimodulus characteristics of the material of the beam and the plate on their stress–strain states under the action of transverse loads is illustrated and discussed.

An Investigation on the Influence of Modeling Approach and Load Pattern on Seismic Performance of RC Structures

Non-linear Static Analysis serves as a suitable measure to evaluate the performance of a structural system. The careful selection of modelling approach and the load pattern is critical to arrive at an adequate performance evaluation. The present study seeks to evaluate and compare the response of an existing eight story reinforced concrete structure, through the application of different modeling approaches and load patterns prescribed by FEMA 356. The results indicates that, with extreme clarity, that in all cases, the shape of the lateral load distribution is what the response of the buildings is finely accustomed to. This is especially true when different patterns of load are considered. It can also be observed that there is a very small difference between various load patterns.

Seismic Performance and Cost Comparison of Concentrically Braced Frames Designed By Performance-Based Plastic Design and Force-Based Design Method

Comparative study of 5, 10 and 15 storied steel Concentrically Braced Frames (CBF) designed by Performance Based Plastic Design (PBPD) method and Force Based Design (FBD) method is presented here. The parameters selected for comparison of the frames are (a) Lateral load distribution (b) Design sections of members (c) Seismic performance and (d) Cost. It is observed that the lateral load's distribution in case of PBPD frames is found more factual. The column sections of PBPD frames are heavier, and brace sections are lighter compared to FBD frames given the fact that PBPD is designed for higher ductility factor. The PBPD method gives a better seismic performance by achieving the predetermined failure mechanism and avoiding total collapse. Taller structures offer cost-effectiveness for PBPD method.

Experimental evaluation of the lateral load distribution in the elastic-plastic phase of timber-steel hybrid structures with a novel light timber-steel diaphragm

A cyclic loading experiment involving a timber-steel hybrid structure consisting of a steel frame and a novel light timber-steel diaphragm is presented to quantify the flexibility of the diaphragm and its ability to distribute lateral loads in the elastic-plastic phase of the structure. A lateral load-distribution factor was proposed, and its relationship to the ratio of the stiffness of the diaphragm to that of the lateral load-resisting elements was investigated. The diaphragm was classified based on these variables. The results indicated that the failure modes of the structure were associated with the forms of damage experienced by the lateral load-resisting elements, whereas little damage was observed for the diaphragm. The diaphragm exhibited the ability to continuously adjust the distribution of lateral loads to each lateral load-resisting element; accordingly, each lateral load-resisting element had approximately the same shear force, the same lateral stiffness, and the same lateral displacement during the loading process. As the lateral displacement increased, the stiffness ratio and load-distribution factor both gradually increased, and the diaphragm correspondingly changed from semi-rigid to rigid. At times, as the lateral displacement increased, the diaphragm rapidly became rigid, and it was unnecessarily rigid during the initial loading phase when the in-plane stiffness reached a certain threshold.