Structural deformation and failure mechanism, implications, consequence and remedies
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2016-10
Authors
Afolabi, O
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
NIGERIA INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS
Abstract
Structures are usually made of materials with known engineering characteristics and behavior, with regards to the anticipated loading and other environmental requirements. Common engineering materials applicable, includes structural steel, reinforced concrete, timber, plastics, glass, etc. Material’s strength are considered as the main criterion in determining specific functional application and the design considerations, the effects of loads/forces on physical structures are determined through structural analysis which is an important procedure in structural design and construction processes. Structures are load bearing substance and arrangements of interactive and interrelated elements for that purpose, therefore structural stability entails the ability of the supporting situation (the reactive forces), that can assure and ensure, the structure is rigidly held in a static position of rest, since stability depends on the resistance against undesirable movement like collapsing, deflection, buckling, sliding and overturning etc. Deformation occurs when the action of external forces are beyond the available internal resistance of the structure or component part, and as defined in continuum mechanics, it is the transformation from a stable configuration to an unstable or current state, and it is measured by the amount of straining the body had undergone and the possibility of sustaining the new equilibrium state, which if not possible, could lead to fracture and collapse of the structure in parts/components or the whole. Structural failure is the loss of the load-carrying capacity of a component, structural members, or the structure. Structural failure is initiated when the material is stressed to its strength limit, thereby causing excessive and/or irreversible deformation and fracture, which leads to an ultimate collapse, ie, when the permissible strength limit of a material is exceeded by the applied stress ( eg, σp<σa ). Therefore, it is advisable that the residual strength of structures be determined after reasonable period of use, to ensure safety and allow for the confidence of structural use and public utilization thereafter.
Description
Staff publications
Keywords
Deformation , Equilibrum state , materials strength , Structures , Research Subject Categories::TECHNOLOGY::Civil engineering and architecture
Citation
Afolabi, O (2016). Structural deformation and failure mechanism, implications, consequence and remedies.