Sharif Digital Repository

Different types of macro-elements have been proposed to simulate the behavior of unreinforced masonry (URM) structures under seismic loads. In many of these, macro-elements URM walls are replaced with beam elements with different hysteretic behaviors. The effect of out-of-plane loading or change of gravity load due to the overturning moment is usually not considered in the behavior of these macro-elements. This article presents interaction curves for bidirectional loadings of unreinforced masonry walls to investigate the importance of these factors. Two parameters are systematically changed to derive the interaction curves for a wall with specific dimensions, including compressive traction... 

Traditionally, the effects of seismic forces on structures have been mitigated by installing supplemental energy dissipation systems. In this paper, a new approach is explored for the mitigation of earthquake-induced vibrations by obstructing the entrance of seismic energy to the structure through the insertion of some concrete wave barriers within the soil domain. To do so, genetic algorithm (GA) based adaptive optimization methodology is utilized that is capable of finding the efficient layout of the concrete barriers in a manipulated soil zone around the structure. The optimization methodology is coupled with finite element (FE) method for analyzing the complex wave propagation phenomenon... 

This in-water experimental study deals with the effects of the after-body on the FIV response of round and sharp edge cylinders. Different circular, square, diamond, and right-angle isosceles triangular cross-sections are investigated. The triangular cylinder is examined in four different symmetrical and unsymmetrical configurations with respect to the incident flow. The current towing tank experiments form a basis for the feasibility study of the isosceles triangular cylinders for FIV energy converters. The results indicate that the cylinders with a flat side perpendicular to the flow have a galloping type of response. In contrast, the cylinders with a sharp vertex pointing the flow show a... 

This in-water experimental study deals with the effects of the after-body on the FIV response of round and sharp edge cylinders. Different circular, square, diamond, and right-angle isosceles triangular cross-sections are investigated. The triangular cylinder is examined in four different symmetrical and unsymmetrical configurations with respect to the incident flow. The current towing tank experiments form a basis for the feasibility study of the isosceles triangular cylinders for FIV energy converters. The results indicate that the cylinders with a flat side perpendicular to the flow have a galloping type of response. In contrast, the cylinders with a sharp vertex pointing the flow show a... 

Despite the promise of hydrogel-based stem cell therapies in orthopedics, a significant need still exists for the development of injectable microenvironments capable of utilizing the regenerative potential of donor cells. Indeed, the quest for biomaterials that can direct stem cells into bone without the need of external factors has been the "Holy Grail" in orthopedic stem cell therapy for decades. To address this challenge, we have utilized a combinatorial approach to screen over 63 nanoengineered hydrogels made from alginate, hyaluronic acid, and two-dimensional nanoclays. Out of these combinations, we have identified a biomaterial that can promote osteogenesis in the absence of... 

Great advantages bestowed by mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) including high surface area, tailorable pore diameter and surface chemistry, and large pore volume render them as efficient tools in biomedical applications. Herein, MSNs with different surface chemistries were synthesized and investigated in terms of biocompatibility and their impact on the morphology of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells both in 2D and 3D culture systems. Bare MSNs (BMSNs) were synthesized by template removing method using tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) as a precursor. The as-prepared BMSNs were then used to prepare amine-functionalized (AMSNs), carboxyl-functionalized (CMSNs) and polymeric... 

This paper presents the results of three tests to evaluate cyclic behavior of Special Moment Resisting Frames (SMRF) with Slitted web section (SW-MRF). Typically, in SMRFs energy is dissipated by formation of plastic hinges at the beam ends. Nevertheless, based on the recent seismic codes, the span-to-depth ratio of beams in SMRFs should be larger than a minimum value to assure the development of plastic hinges with sufficient length at beam ends, reducing application of short span beams. In this paper, a new approach is proposed for short and medium span beams to transmit the flexural plastic hinges from the beam ends to the beam center by slitting a portion of the beam web at the mid-span... 

Vertical vibration of structures due to strong near-field earthquakes could culminate in catastrophic consequences. In this article, the optimum patterns of two types of wave barriers with different geometry configurations, buried in the soil domain, are obtained in order to reduce the vertical acceleration of the top of a circular foundation placed on the soil surface. In order to look into the influence of various soil deposits, six soil deposits with diverse material properties and bedrock depths are examined. The topology optimization procedure for finding the optimum position of the wave barriers has been conducted using coupled finite element-genetic algorithm methodology. First, the...