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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 system is modeled as a cantilevered beam with box cross section. The effect of outrigger and shear core systems on framed tube’s response under lateral loading is modeled by a rotational spring placed at the location of belt truss and outrigger system. Optimum location of this spring is obtained when energy absorbed by the spring is maximized. For this purpose, first derivative of the energy equation with respect to spring location as measured from base of the structure, is set to zero. Optimum location for outrigger and belt truss system is calculated for three types of lateral loadings, i.e. uniformly and triangularly distributed loads along structure’s height, and concentrated load at top of the structure. Accuracy of the proposed method is verified through numerical examples. The results show that the proposed method is reasonably accurate. In addition, for different stiffness of shear core and outrigger system, several figures are presented that can be used to determine the optimum location of belt truss and outrigger system.

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The purpose of this study is to evaluate the long-term vertical deformations of segmented pre-tensioned concrete bridges by a new approach. It provides a practical and reliable method for calculating the amount of long-term deformation based on creep and shrinkage in segmented prestress bridges. There are various relationships for estimating the creep and shrinkage of concrete. The analytical results of existing models can be very different, and the results are not reliable. In this paper, the different existing relationships are written in MATLAB software. After calculation, the values of the creep and shrinkage are stored. Then a sample bridge is simulated in the CSI-Bridge software, and different values of creep and shrinkage are allocated separately. Therefore, the data are analyzed, and its maximum deformation value is extracted at a critical span (D_v-max). Assigning different amount of creep and shrinkage to the model results in different values  of D_v-max. In the next step, all D_v-max values  resulting from the change in creep and shrinkage contents should be re-introduced to MATLAB code to perform the calculation of the failure curve, and extract the corresponding D_v-max values at 95% probability. In a new approach, fragility curves are used to obtain the corresponding creep and shrinkage values corresponding to the desired probability percentage. Thus, instead of simulating several models, only one model is simulated. The results of the analysis of a bridge sample in this study indicate acceptable accuracy of the proposed solution for the 95% probability.

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The utilization of passive energy dissipation systems has been created a revolution in the structural engineering industry due to their advantages. Fluid Viscous Damper (FVD) is one of these control systems. It has been used in many different industries, such as the army, aerospace, bridge, and building structures. One of the essential questions about this system is how it can combine with the bracing system to enhance its abilities. In this paper, a comparison between the responses of a twelve-story steel building retrofitted by four layouts of bracings systems (i.e., chevron, diagonal, toggle, and X-brace) is studied. These bracing systems are equipped by FVD to find the optimum layout for these systems. Buildings are modeled nonlinearity and excited by an earthquake (Manjil earthquake). For this purpose, the Fast Nonlinear Analysis (FNA) is performed using the SAP2000 software. The results show that FVD alters some of the structural behaviors such as inter-story drift when combining with a chevron-bracing system. As a result, it can decrease the motion induced by the earthquake significantly. Besides, the results show that the chevron model has the best performance for the high-rise building in comparison with the other studied systems. As a result, for toggle, chevron, and diagonal bracing systems, the formation of link damper could absorb 66%, 72%, and 79% of input energy instead of modal damping energy, respectively.