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Dr. Xihong zhang
School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Curtin University, Perth, Australia

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Research Keywords & Expertise

0 Engineering Mechanics
0 Advanced engineering materials
0 Dynamic material properties and constitutive modeling
0 Structural protections to hazards (impact, blast and earthquake loads)
0 RC structure, masonry structure, prefabricated structure and steel structure

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Dynamic material properties and constitutive modeling

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Journal article
Published: 04 August 2021 in Sustainability
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Effectively consumed plastic waste is an emerging technical and social issue for Australia. Adding plastic waste into construction material and ensuring minimised impact to the mechanical performance of the construction material could bring significant benefits. In this study, plastic waste material was mixed into cement-stabilised rammed earth (RE) material for brick manufacture. Techno framework consisting of compressive strength test and split tensile strength derivation for structural performance assessment and life cycle assessment for determining EE(EE) performance was applied to compare recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) added RE with conventional bricks. The compressive properties of different mixtures were studied. The replacement of conventional rock aggregates in stabilised RE brick with recycled plastic waste was found to improve the structural mechanical performance with the developed composition. Following this, an EE analysis was important to assess whether these waste-based bricks can improve environmental performance in a cost-competitive manner while maintaining structural performance. The increase of recycled HDPE in RE was found to likely affect the EE performance of RE, which could possibly be overcome by using less energy-intensive cementitious materials and recycled HDPE.

ACS Style

Wahidul Biswas; Xihong Zhang. Techno-Assessment of the Use of Recycled Plastic Waste in RE. Sustainability 2021, 13, 8678 .

AMA Style

Wahidul Biswas, Xihong Zhang. Techno-Assessment of the Use of Recycled Plastic Waste in RE. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (16):8678.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Wahidul Biswas; Xihong Zhang. 2021. "Techno-Assessment of the Use of Recycled Plastic Waste in RE." Sustainability 13, no. 16: 8678.

Journal article
Published: 24 July 2021 in Composite Structures
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Plasterboard is one of the most-commonly used construction materials because of its low cost and easy installation characteristics. Although the low strength and fragility make plasterboard functioned as non-load-bearing components. Plasterboard walls are always required to satisfy impact resistance against impact from accidental body strike, hard-body impact from wheelchair, etc. during its usage. This study investigates the impact resistance capacity of plasterboards being subjected to soft-body impact load. Laboratory sandbag impact tests are conducted to examine the responses of plasterboard and PP fibre strengthened plasterboard system at different velocities. Detailed numerical models of plasterboards are also generated to assist the analysis. Different damage and failure modes are observed on the plasterboards when subjected to impactor strike at different velocities. It is found that the coupled deformation of plasterboard and sandbag leads to different impact load time histories from sandbag soft impact, which results in the different failure modes. The PP fibre strengthened board exhibits better impact resistance than conventional plasterboard. Parametric study is then conducted to quantify the peak central deflections under different strength and thickness variances on plasterboard. An empirical formula is then derived based on the parametric results for preliminary assessment of the plasterboard impact resistance capacity.

ACS Style

Qingfei Meng; Xihong Zhang; Hong Hao; Ian James; Martin Beel. An investigation of impact resistance capacity of polypropylene (PP) added plasterboard subjected to soft-body impact. Composite Structures 2021, 275, 114370 .

AMA Style

Qingfei Meng, Xihong Zhang, Hong Hao, Ian James, Martin Beel. An investigation of impact resistance capacity of polypropylene (PP) added plasterboard subjected to soft-body impact. Composite Structures. 2021; 275 ():114370.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Qingfei Meng; Xihong Zhang; Hong Hao; Ian James; Martin Beel. 2021. "An investigation of impact resistance capacity of polypropylene (PP) added plasterboard subjected to soft-body impact." Composite Structures 275, no. : 114370.

Journal article
Published: 24 April 2021 in Ocean Engineering
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This paper carries out a numerical study to investigate the bearing capacities of caissons in stiff-over-soft clay under combined V–H-M loadings. A finite element model is generated and validated with available data in open literature, where a good agreement is obtained. A parametric study is then performed to explore the effects of the upper clay thickness, skirt length, the mobilization of vertical loading and different soil properties on the failure mechanism and corresponding bearing capacity of caissons in stiff-over-soft clay under combined V–H-M loads. The results show that the failure mechanisms of caissons in stiff-over-soft clay are significantly different from those in uniform clay; hence a dramatical distinction between the failure envelopes in stiff-over-soft clay and uniform clay can be found. Last but not the least, based on the numerical results, an empirical design approach is proposed to predict the failure envelopes of caissons under various loading situations.

ACS Style

Huxi Xia; Xiaowen Zhou; Mi Zhou; Fujun Niu; Xihong Zhang. Capacity of caissons in stiff-over-soft clay under combined V–H-M loadings. Ocean Engineering 2021, 229, 109007 .

AMA Style

Huxi Xia, Xiaowen Zhou, Mi Zhou, Fujun Niu, Xihong Zhang. Capacity of caissons in stiff-over-soft clay under combined V–H-M loadings. Ocean Engineering. 2021; 229 ():109007.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Huxi Xia; Xiaowen Zhou; Mi Zhou; Fujun Niu; Xihong Zhang. 2021. "Capacity of caissons in stiff-over-soft clay under combined V–H-M loadings." Ocean Engineering 229, no. : 109007.

Research article
Published: 12 April 2021 in Advances in Structural Engineering
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In analysis and design of structures subjected to blast loading, equivalent Single-Degree-of-Freedom (SDOF) method is commonly recommended in design guides. In this paper, improved analysis method based on SDOF models is proposed. Both flexural and direct shear behaviors of structures subjected to blast load are studied using equivalent SDOF systems. Methods of deriving flexural and direct shear resistance functions are introduced, of which strain hardening and softening effects are considered. To collocate with the improved SDOF models, the improved design charts accounting for strain hardening and softening are developed through systematical analysis of SDOF systems. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed analysis method, a model validation is made through comparing the predictions with laboratory shock tube testing results on reinforced concrete (RC) columns. It is found that compared to the conventional approach with elastic and elastic-perfectly-plastic model, the elastic-plastic-hardening model provides more accurate predictions. Additional non-dimensional design charts considering various levels of elastic-plastic-hardening/softening resistance functions are developed to supplement those available in the design guides with elastic-perfectly-plastic resistance function only, which provide engineers with options to choose more appropriate resistance functions in design analysis.

ACS Style

LiuLiang Cui; Xihong Zhang; Hong Hao. Improved analysis method for structural members subjected to blast loads considering strain hardening and softening effects. Advances in Structural Engineering 2021, 1 .

AMA Style

LiuLiang Cui, Xihong Zhang, Hong Hao. Improved analysis method for structural members subjected to blast loads considering strain hardening and softening effects. Advances in Structural Engineering. 2021; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

LiuLiang Cui; Xihong Zhang; Hong Hao. 2021. "Improved analysis method for structural members subjected to blast loads considering strain hardening and softening effects." Advances in Structural Engineering , no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 19 February 2021 in Ocean Engineering
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This paper presents the results of a series of laboratory studies to explore the effects of water flow on the bearing capacity of monopiles in sand. The load-displacement relationship, axial force, normalized bending moment of the pile shaft, the p–y curves and the bearing envelope are obtained to quantify the effect of water flow on the bearing capacity of the monopile. The results demonstrate that water flow can result in a maximum scouring depth of 0.7 D (pile diameter), which reduces the lateral bearing capacity by about 4–10%. It is also found that the bearing capacity of the pile for resisting eccentric lateral load (equals to moment and horizontal loads at mudline) slightly increases at the initial stage with the rise of the applied vertical load. Finally, the bearing capacity envelopes of pile with and without water flow are proposed, which can provide guidance for the design of monopiles.

ACS Style

Xinjun Zou; Xiong Cao; Changlin Zhou; Mi Zhou; Xihong Zhang. Experimental study on the bearing capacity of large-diameter monopile in sand under water flow condition. Ocean Engineering 2021, 224, 108708 .

AMA Style

Xinjun Zou, Xiong Cao, Changlin Zhou, Mi Zhou, Xihong Zhang. Experimental study on the bearing capacity of large-diameter monopile in sand under water flow condition. Ocean Engineering. 2021; 224 ():108708.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Xinjun Zou; Xiong Cao; Changlin Zhou; Mi Zhou; Xihong Zhang. 2021. "Experimental study on the bearing capacity of large-diameter monopile in sand under water flow condition." Ocean Engineering 224, no. : 108708.

Journal article
Published: 11 January 2021 in Cement and Concrete Composites
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This paper investigates the effect of free water on the dynamic compressive properties of mortar. Total-dried and full-saturated specimens are prepared through oven drying and water soaking processes. Common and high-porosity mortars are studied to examine the influence of porosity. Compression tests are carried out, covering strain rates between 1 × 10−6/s and 280/s. The test results show both dry and saturated mortar specimens are strain-rate sensitive. Free water results in softening effect in both common and high-porosity mortars at quasi-static and dynamic states. Retarding effect by pore water in the mortar is observed, which leads to lower longitudinal wave velocities in the saturated specimens. Water saturation increases the hydrostatic-pressure and leads to more severe water bursting; consequentially reduces the compressive strength. The experimental results demonstrate the free water deteriorates the compressive properties of mortars as a result of hydric expansion, which induces new cracks, especially in the high-porosity mortar.

ACS Style

Xihong Zhang; Yu-Wen Chiu; Hong Hao; Jian Cui. Free water effect on the dynamic compressive properties of mortar. Cement and Concrete Composites 2021, 118, 103933 .

AMA Style

Xihong Zhang, Yu-Wen Chiu, Hong Hao, Jian Cui. Free water effect on the dynamic compressive properties of mortar. Cement and Concrete Composites. 2021; 118 ():103933.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Xihong Zhang; Yu-Wen Chiu; Hong Hao; Jian Cui. 2021. "Free water effect on the dynamic compressive properties of mortar." Cement and Concrete Composites 118, no. : 103933.

Conference paper
Published: 23 December 2020 in Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering
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Clay brick is widely used as construction material of masonry structures in Australia. Structures in cyclone prone regions in Australia are constantly under threats from windborne debris impacts. It is commonly known that materials behave differently under dynamic loading than that under quasi-static state. There is still a lack of dynamic material properties on clay bricks. This paper presents quasi-static and dynamic testing results on two types of WA clay bricks - Limestone Hues and St Common Solid. Brazilian disc tests are conducted to derive the split-tensile properties. Brick strength, strain, Young’s modulus at strain rates between 1.13 × 10−5/s to about 10/s are determined. The DIF (dynamic increase factor) for the two bricks are derived for easy and accurate engineering analysis and numerical modelling of clay brick response under dynamic loading. The results are compared with existing data on brick, mortar and concrete.

ACS Style

Y. W. Chiu; X. H. Zhang; H. Hao; N. Salter. Dynamic Tensile Properties of Clay Brick at High Strain Rates. Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering 2020, 677 -685.

AMA Style

Y. W. Chiu, X. H. Zhang, H. Hao, N. Salter. Dynamic Tensile Properties of Clay Brick at High Strain Rates. Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering. 2020; ():677-685.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Y. W. Chiu; X. H. Zhang; H. Hao; N. Salter. 2020. "Dynamic Tensile Properties of Clay Brick at High Strain Rates." Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering , no. : 677-685.

Research article
Published: 06 December 2020 in Engineering Structures
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Masonry construction with interlocking bricks could effectively reduce construction time, minimize labour cost and improve construction quality. Existing interlocking bricks are mostly designed to provide easy alignment only, therefore the effect of interlocking mechanism on the mechanical performance of the interlocking block is not well investigated. This paper presents a laboratory and numerical study on the mechanical properties of a new type of interlocking brick featured with large shear keys for better mechanical performance. The theoretical compressive strength of a unit brick prism is derived using fracture mechanics theory, which is validated with laboratory compression test. Then, further tests on prisms with multiple interlocking bricks show the number of bricks strongly influences the performance of prism compressive strength. Detailed 3D numerical models of interlocking brick prisms are generated using ABAQUS. The numerical modelling results are compared with experimental test results. The damage and failure modes of the interlocking blocks are numerically and experimentally studied. Localized stress concentration at block interlocking surfaces is investigated. Parametric study is then carried out to quantify the influences of different design parameters including the number of blocks, brick surface roughness amplitude due to brick manufacturing tolerance and surface unevenness, and material strength. A modified formula based on the analytical solution is derived by fitting the numerical simulation and experimental results to predict the compressive capacity of interlocking brick prisms. A semi-empirical prediction method is also derived to predict the axial stiffness of the interlocking brick prism for use in design analysis of masonry structures made of mortar-less interlocking bricks.

ACS Style

Tingwei Shi; Xihong Zhang; Hong Hao; Chong Chen. Experimental and numerical investigation on the compressive properties of interlocking blocks. Engineering Structures 2020, 228, 111561 .

AMA Style

Tingwei Shi, Xihong Zhang, Hong Hao, Chong Chen. Experimental and numerical investigation on the compressive properties of interlocking blocks. Engineering Structures. 2020; 228 ():111561.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Tingwei Shi; Xihong Zhang; Hong Hao; Chong Chen. 2020. "Experimental and numerical investigation on the compressive properties of interlocking blocks." Engineering Structures 228, no. : 111561.

Research article
Published: 21 August 2020 in Advances in Structural Engineering
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The mechanical performance of concrete connection plays an important role in the response of precast concrete structures. Unlike conventional small concrete shear key which is mainly to help with alignment at installation, large concrete shear keys have been often designed in recent engineering practice to improve joint shear resistance. However, the mechanical properties of large concrete shear keys have not been properly studied. This paper utilizes experimental and numerical methods to investigate both direct shear and flexural bending properties of shear keys. Four types of shear keys comprised of trapezoidal shape, semi-spherical shape, dome shape and wave shape are investigated, which are found to strongly influence the mechanical properties of the keyed joint. Laboratory shear test found unlike conventional shear key, with increased tenon size failure moves to concrete mortise. A detailed numerical model is built to help understand stress developed at the key joint. Flexural bending tests are carried out to evaluate the flexural bending properties of these key joints. Through comparing with theoretical derivation for plain flat joint, similar bending moment resistances from the keyed joints are measured with that of plain flat joint, but larger rotation angles are recorded probably because more damages at the key joint. Among the four different joint patterns, shear key with smoothed pattern could effectively relief concrete damages.

ACS Style

Xihong Zhang; Hong Hao; Jingbin Zheng; Francisco Hernandez. The mechanical performance of concrete shear key for prefabricated structures. Advances in Structural Engineering 2020, 24, 291 -306.

AMA Style

Xihong Zhang, Hong Hao, Jingbin Zheng, Francisco Hernandez. The mechanical performance of concrete shear key for prefabricated structures. Advances in Structural Engineering. 2020; 24 (2):291-306.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Xihong Zhang; Hong Hao; Jingbin Zheng; Francisco Hernandez. 2020. "The mechanical performance of concrete shear key for prefabricated structures." Advances in Structural Engineering 24, no. 2: 291-306.

Conference paper
Published: 04 March 2020 in Green Defense Technology
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Glass windows and facades are very popular in buildings, both in the form of traditional partitions and novel adaptive skins. There, given a series of intrinsic material features, special care should be spent at the design stage, so as to ensure appropriate fail-safe requirements, especially in presence of extreme design loads such as impacts. Even more attention is required for complex glass assemblies such as Triple Glass Units (TGUs), where the interaction of multiple components (i.e. the glass layers and the bonding foils, with the framing members) as well as the presence of gas cavities can further affect the dynamic response of these systems. In this paper, major outcomes of a research project in progress for the performance assessment of TGU windows under explosive loading are reported.

ACS Style

Piotr W. Sielicki; Chiara Bedon; Xihong Zhang. Performance of TGU Windows under Explosive Loading. Green Defense Technology 2020, 49 -59.

AMA Style

Piotr W. Sielicki, Chiara Bedon, Xihong Zhang. Performance of TGU Windows under Explosive Loading. Green Defense Technology. 2020; ():49-59.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Piotr W. Sielicki; Chiara Bedon; Xihong Zhang. 2020. "Performance of TGU Windows under Explosive Loading." Green Defense Technology , no. : 49-59.

Journal article
Published: 01 July 2019 in Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
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Almost all of the available test data for pressure–volumetric strain curves [equations of state (EoS)] of concrete are based on static triaxial tests and one-dimensional impact tests, for example, the flyer-plate impact test, because of a lack of equipment for conducting synchronized triaxial impact tests. The EoS based on static triaxial and dynamic uniaxial tests does not necessarily represent the true behavior of concrete under hydrodynamic loadings. Therefore, to derive an accurate dynamic EoS of concrete material, it is essential to develop reliable techniques for conducting true synchronized triaxial impact tests. This paper presents an innovative three-dimensional split-Hopkinson pressure bar (3D-SHPB) test system recently developed by the authors and some preliminary test results. A comparison of true triaxial dynamic test results and true triaxial static test results was carried out. It was found that the bulk modulus of concrete was strain-rate sensitive. Theoretical and numerical analyses with a mesoscale model were carried out to examine and explain the test observations. It was found that the increase in bulk modulus under hydrodynamic loadings could be at least partially attributed to water pressure, because the pore water in the cement paste could be drained during the dynamic loading phase. The resistance of microscopic viscosity to the development of microcracks is another reason for the strain rate sensitivity of the bulk modulus. An empirical relation is proposed in this study for the dynamic increase factor (DIF) of the concrete bulk modulus with respect to the strain rate.

ACS Style

Jian Cui; Hong Hao; Yanchao Shi; Xihong Zhang; Shi Huan. Volumetric Properties of Concrete under True Triaxial Dynamic Compressive Loadings. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering 2019, 31, 04019126 .

AMA Style

Jian Cui, Hong Hao, Yanchao Shi, Xihong Zhang, Shi Huan. Volumetric Properties of Concrete under True Triaxial Dynamic Compressive Loadings. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering. 2019; 31 (7):04019126.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Jian Cui; Hong Hao; Yanchao Shi; Xihong Zhang; Shi Huan. 2019. "Volumetric Properties of Concrete under True Triaxial Dynamic Compressive Loadings." Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering 31, no. 7: 04019126.

Editorial
Published: 02 May 2019 in Advances in Civil Engineering
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ACS Style

Li Chen; Xihong Zhang; Yanchao Shi; Tuan Ngo; Chiara Bedon; Piotr W. Sielicki. Advancements in Analysis and Design of Protective Structures against Extreme Loadings. Advances in Civil Engineering 2019, 2019, 1 -2.

AMA Style

Li Chen, Xihong Zhang, Yanchao Shi, Tuan Ngo, Chiara Bedon, Piotr W. Sielicki. Advancements in Analysis and Design of Protective Structures against Extreme Loadings. Advances in Civil Engineering. 2019; 2019 ():1-2.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Li Chen; Xihong Zhang; Yanchao Shi; Tuan Ngo; Chiara Bedon; Piotr W. Sielicki. 2019. "Advancements in Analysis and Design of Protective Structures against Extreme Loadings." Advances in Civil Engineering 2019, no. : 1-2.

Research article
Published: 22 February 2019 in International Journal of Protective Structures
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Precast concrete segmental column has attracted many attentions for the past decades due to its unique features especially in improving the construction quality and efficiency. However, the performance of precast segmental column under lateral impact loading has been less studied. Our previous studies performed laboratory pendulum impact tests on scaled segmental columns to investigate their behaviours when impacted at mid-span of the column. This article studies the response of segmental column when impacted near the column base, which generates different response modes and failure mechanisms compared to the columns subjected to the mid-span impact. Lateral impacts are applied either to segmental joint between the two bottom segments or directly onto the centre of the base concrete segment. A detailed three-dimensional numerical model is created and validated with laboratory impact testing results on scaled segmental columns. A full-scale 3-m tall segmental column is then numerically built to study the behaviour under near base impact. The column damage and failure modes are analysed. The influences of prestress level in the post-tensioning tendon and concrete strength on the performance of segmental column subjected to near base impacts are investigated through numerical simulations.

ACS Style

Xihong Zhang; Hong Hao. The response of precast concrete segmental columns subjected to near base impact. International Journal of Protective Structures 2019, 10, 229 -250.

AMA Style

Xihong Zhang, Hong Hao. The response of precast concrete segmental columns subjected to near base impact. International Journal of Protective Structures. 2019; 10 (2):229-250.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Xihong Zhang; Hong Hao. 2019. "The response of precast concrete segmental columns subjected to near base impact." International Journal of Protective Structures 10, no. 2: 229-250.

Journal article
Published: 02 February 2019 in Engineering Structures
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The dynamic behaviour of concrete-filled double-skin steel tube (CFDST) columns under close-in blast loading was investigated using experimental and numerical approaches in the present study. Field test results on three large scale CFDST column specimens subjected to different blast loading conditions were presented. High-fidelity physics-based numerical models were developed utilizing the Arbitrary-Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) formulation coupled with Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) algorithm available in the nonlinear dynamic analysis program LS-DYNA. The numerical models were verified with the experiment results and were then used to investigate the dynamic response, damage mechanism and energy absorption capacity of CFDST columns subjected to close-in explosions. The results indicated that the typical failure pattern of CFDST columns under close-in blast loading is dominated by localized denting of the cross-section directly facing the explosion with minor global deformation of the column. The concrete core suffers severe damage while the steel tubes remain almost undamaged except in a limited region in the vicinity of the detonation. The energy absorbed by each part of the CFDST columns demonstrates that the severe plastic damage of concrete core plays a significant role in the energy absorption mechanism of CFDST columns under blast loading from close-in explosion. The primary function of the steel tubes is to provide confinement to the concrete core therefore prevent concrete spall damage. In addition, the influence of explosive charge setups and level of axial loads on the structural response and damage was assessed and discussed.

ACS Style

Minghong Li; Zhouhong Zong; Hong Hao; Xihong Zhang; Jin Lin; Guanyu Xie. Experimental and numerical study on the behaviour of CFDST columns subjected to close-in blast loading. Engineering Structures 2019, 185, 203 -220.

AMA Style

Minghong Li, Zhouhong Zong, Hong Hao, Xihong Zhang, Jin Lin, Guanyu Xie. Experimental and numerical study on the behaviour of CFDST columns subjected to close-in blast loading. Engineering Structures. 2019; 185 ():203-220.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Minghong Li; Zhouhong Zong; Hong Hao; Xihong Zhang; Jin Lin; Guanyu Xie. 2019. "Experimental and numerical study on the behaviour of CFDST columns subjected to close-in blast loading." Engineering Structures 185, no. : 203-220.

Journal article
Published: 20 November 2018 in International Journal of Impact Engineering
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Our previous studies investigated the response of precast segmental columns subjected to lateral impact loading, and found that the columns exhibited better flexibility and impact resistance capability as compared to monolithic cast-in-place column. The damage and failure of segmental column were mainly due to flexural compression induced damages when subjected to mid-span impact, and concrete shear failure when subjected to near base impact. In this paper, we utilize FRP to wrap the concrete segments to improve its impact resistant capacity. Laboratory impact tests on scaled columns are conducted. The columns are impacted at mid-span, segmental joint near column base and directly onto the centre of the bottom concrete segment, for which the column responses are respectively associated primarily with the flexural bending mode, combined bending and shear mode, and direct shear deformation mode. The responses of the columns are examined and compared with those non-retrofitted columns. Then, a detailed three-dimensional numerical model of the segmental column is generated and validated with lab test results. The numerical model can be used to calculate the responses of the segmental columns subjected to lateral impact loading for design analyses.

ACS Style

Xihong Zhang; Hong Hao. Improved impact resistant capacity of segmental column with fibre reinforced polymer wrap. International Journal of Impact Engineering 2018, 125, 117 -133.

AMA Style

Xihong Zhang, Hong Hao. Improved impact resistant capacity of segmental column with fibre reinforced polymer wrap. International Journal of Impact Engineering. 2018; 125 ():117-133.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Xihong Zhang; Hong Hao. 2018. "Improved impact resistant capacity of segmental column with fibre reinforced polymer wrap." International Journal of Impact Engineering 125, no. : 117-133.

Journal article
Published: 26 October 2018 in Construction and Building Materials
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It is commonly known that materials behave differently under static and dynamic loadings. Clay brick is a vastly used building material. Systematic studies on the dynamic material behaviours of clay bricks are still very limited in the open literature, and the dynamic effect on clay brick material properties is not well investigated. This study carried out both low-speed and high-speed compressive tests on three types of clay bricks, i.e. high-strength, mid-strength and low-strength, made with Western Australia clays. The compressive strengths, ultimate strains and Young’s modulus of the three different types of bricks at different strain rates (from 1.67 × 10−6/s to 0.08/s and 190/s to 337/s) were quantified. The test results showed the compressive strength was very sensitive to strain rate effect, while the ultimate strain and Young’s modulus also exhibited strong strain rate dependency in high strain rate range but appears to be less sensitive to strain rate in the low strain rate regime. Based on the test results, empirical relations of dynamic increase factor (DIFs) for compressive strength, ultimate strain and Young’s modulus with respect to strain rate were derived for each type of brick. Discussions and comparisons were made on the dynamic fracture processes and specimen fragments to explain the dynamic enhancement in brick mechanical properties.

ACS Style

Xihong Zhang; Yu-Wen Chiu; Hong Hao; Ariel Hsieh; Nigel Salter; Jian Cui. Dynamic compressive material properties of clay bricks at different strain rates. Construction and Building Materials 2018, 192, 754 -767.

AMA Style

Xihong Zhang, Yu-Wen Chiu, Hong Hao, Ariel Hsieh, Nigel Salter, Jian Cui. Dynamic compressive material properties of clay bricks at different strain rates. Construction and Building Materials. 2018; 192 ():754-767.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Xihong Zhang; Yu-Wen Chiu; Hong Hao; Ariel Hsieh; Nigel Salter; Jian Cui. 2018. "Dynamic compressive material properties of clay bricks at different strain rates." Construction and Building Materials 192, no. : 754-767.

Research article
Published: 16 August 2018 in Advances in Structural Engineering
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This article presents a comparative study on the effectiveness of ventilation to mitigate blasting effects on chambers subjected to confined detonations of high explosives. The pressure time-history that acts on the chamber walls is described by three components: (1) the first shock wave, (2) the train of re-reflected shock waves, and (3) the gas pressure. The radial response of spherical chambers is described by the radial breathing mode and modeled by an equivalent single degree of freedom system. The three pressure components are considered for the calculation of the maximum ductility ratio, which is obtained from the numerical solution of the single degree of freedom chamber response. It is assumed that openings reduce the gas pressure but they have an insignificant effect on shock waves. The dynamic response of fully and partially confined chambers are calculated and compared. Results show that intermediate/small openings (less than 10% of the surface of the chamber) are ineffective to mitigate the chamber response and damage. The vibratory response of the chamber is susceptible to elastic or plastic resonance but it is not considerably modified by the long-term gas pressure because of its high radial breathing mode frequency, allowing concluding that ventilation is ineffective to reduce the maximum response of spherical chambers subjected to internal high explosive explosion.

ACS Style

Francisco Hernandez; Hong Hao; Xihong Zhang. On the effectiveness of ventilation to mitigate the damage of spherical chambers subjected to confined trinitrotoluene detonations. Advances in Structural Engineering 2018, 22, 486 -501.

AMA Style

Francisco Hernandez, Hong Hao, Xihong Zhang. On the effectiveness of ventilation to mitigate the damage of spherical chambers subjected to confined trinitrotoluene detonations. Advances in Structural Engineering. 2018; 22 (2):486-501.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Francisco Hernandez; Hong Hao; Xihong Zhang. 2018. "On the effectiveness of ventilation to mitigate the damage of spherical chambers subjected to confined trinitrotoluene detonations." Advances in Structural Engineering 22, no. 2: 486-501.

Research
Published: 24 July 2018 in The FASEB Journal
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Sepsis-induced skeletal muscle wasting may lead to various severe clinical consequences. Understanding molecular mechanisms of the regulation of the loss of skeletal muscle mass in septic patients remains a significant clinical challenge. The current study was conducted to establish septic mouse models to explore the relationship between microRNA (miR)-351 and the transcription element apical (TEA) domain transcription factor (Tead)-4 gene and to investigate its effects on the skeletal muscle through mediating the Hippo signaling pathway in mice with acute sepsis. A total of 60 mice were collected to establish mouse models of acute sepsis. The positive expression rate of Tead-4 and the apoptotic index (AI) were measured. A dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was conducted to verify the targeting relationship between miR-351 and Tead-4. Furthermore, the muscle fiber diameter (MFD) and area (MFA) and the content of 3-methylhistidine (3-MH) and tyrosine (Tyr) were assessed. The expression levels of miR-351, p38-MAPK, Yes-associated protein, Tead-4, B-cell lymphoma X protein (Bax), and Caspase-3 were determined with quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. Finally, cell viability, apoptosis, and levels of inflammatory factors, including IL-1β, IL-6, IGF-1, TNF-α, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 were detected by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, flow cytometry, and ELISA. Initially, Tead-4 protein expression was higher in skeletal muscle tissues of mice with acute sepsis. Tead-4 was identified to negatively regulate miR-351. Upregulation of miR-351 increased MFA and MFD, muscle weight water content, Bcl-2 expression levels, and cell viability. Up-regulation of miR-351 reduced AI; 3-MH and Tyr content; positive expression of Tead-4 protein; the expression levels of p38-MAPK, Yap, Tead-4, Bax, and Caspase-3; apoptosis; and inflammatory responses. The current study demonstrated that up-regulation of miR-351 inhibits the degradation of skeletal muscle protein and the atrophy of skeletal muscle in mice with acute sepsis by targeting Tead-4 through suppression of the Hippo signaling pathway. Thus, miR-351 overexpression may be a future therapeutic strategy for acute sepsis.—Zhang, L.-N., Tian, H., Zhou, X.-L., Tian, S.-C., Zhang, X.-H., Wu, T.-J. Upregulation of microRNA-351 exerts protective effects during sepsis by ameliorating skeletal muscle wasting through the Tead-4-mediated blockade of the Hippo signaling pathway. FASEB J. 32, 6934–6947 (2018). www.fasebj.org

ACS Style

Li‐Na Zhang; Hui Tian; Xiu‐Li Zhou; Suo‐Chen Tian; Xi‐Hong Zhang; Tie‐Jun Wu. Upregulation of microRNA‐351 exerts protective effects during sepsis by ameliorating skeletal muscle wasting through the Tead‐ 4 ‐mediated blockade of the Hippo signaling pathway. The FASEB Journal 2018, 32, 6934 -6947.

AMA Style

Li‐Na Zhang, Hui Tian, Xiu‐Li Zhou, Suo‐Chen Tian, Xi‐Hong Zhang, Tie‐Jun Wu. Upregulation of microRNA‐351 exerts protective effects during sepsis by ameliorating skeletal muscle wasting through the Tead‐ 4 ‐mediated blockade of the Hippo signaling pathway. The FASEB Journal. 2018; 32 (12):6934-6947.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Li‐Na Zhang; Hui Tian; Xiu‐Li Zhou; Suo‐Chen Tian; Xi‐Hong Zhang; Tie‐Jun Wu. 2018. "Upregulation of microRNA‐351 exerts protective effects during sepsis by ameliorating skeletal muscle wasting through the Tead‐ 4 ‐mediated blockade of the Hippo signaling pathway." The FASEB Journal 32, no. 12: 6934-6947.

Journal article
Published: 24 July 2018 in Construction and Building Materials
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This study experimentally investigates the impact response of rubberized concrete columns subjected to lateral impact. A pendulum impact testing apparatus was used to test the concrete columns with varied rubber contents including 0%, 15%, and 30%. Fine and coarse aggregates were replaced by crumb rubber with particle sizes of 2–5 mm and 5–7 mm, respectively. The experimental results have shown that the rubberized concrete columns significantly reduce the peak impact force (27%–40%) and thus mitigate the risk of injury and even death if rubberized concrete is used in roadside barriers. In addition, the rubberized concrete columns were more flexible than the normal concrete columns. They could deflect twice the reference columns before failure. Rubberized concrete significantly increased the impact energy absorption. The columns with 15% and 30% crumb rubber showed an increase in the impact energy absorption by 58% and 63% as compared to the reference columns. The rubberized concrete column confined with FRP outperformed the reference columns in terms of both the energy absorption and load carrying capacity. Therefore, rubberized concrete is a better alternative and recommended for the use in roadside barriers to achieve better impact energy absorption capacity and reduce the maximum impact force under vehicle collisions.

ACS Style

Thong M. Pham; X. Zhang; M. Elchalakani; A. Karrech; Hong Hao; Aarin Ryan. Dynamic response of rubberized concrete columns with and without FRP confinement subjected to lateral impact. Construction and Building Materials 2018, 186, 207 -218.

AMA Style

Thong M. Pham, X. Zhang, M. Elchalakani, A. Karrech, Hong Hao, Aarin Ryan. Dynamic response of rubberized concrete columns with and without FRP confinement subjected to lateral impact. Construction and Building Materials. 2018; 186 ():207-218.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Thong M. Pham; X. Zhang; M. Elchalakani; A. Karrech; Hong Hao; Aarin Ryan. 2018. "Dynamic response of rubberized concrete columns with and without FRP confinement subjected to lateral impact." Construction and Building Materials 186, no. : 207-218.

Journal article
Published: 12 July 2018 in Engineering Structures
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Precast segmental columns have been more and more popularly used in constructions of prefabricated reinforced concrete (RC) structures in recent years. During its servicing life the precast segmental column might be subjected to lateral impact loads from hazards such as falling rock and vehicle collision etc., which however has not been well understood. It is therefore necessary to properly understand the response and vulnerability of segmental column under impact loading. A previous experimental study revealed that the trapezoidal prism shear key on concrete segment could effectively reduce lateral slippage between segments under lateral impact loading, but stress concentration near the shear key led to crushing damage to concrete segment. A new shear key design, i.e., domed shear key with smoothed curvature is proposed in this study. Precast segmental columns with domed shear key are fabricated and tested. This paper presents the test results of scaled segmental columns with this new shear key design. The performance of segmental column with the new dome shear key is compared with previously tested columns with trapezoidal shear key and plain segmental column without shear key. Furthermore, the segmental columns with the new domed shear keys were impacted at different locations along the column including the column mid-span, the segmental joint, and the bottom segment to examine the influences of different impact locations on their impact resistant capacities, and the response and failure modes.

ACS Style

Xihong Zhang; Hong Hao; Chao Li; Van Tin Do. Experimental study on the behavior of precast segmental column with domed shear key and unbonded Post-Tensioning tendon under impact loading. Engineering Structures 2018, 173, 589 -605.

AMA Style

Xihong Zhang, Hong Hao, Chao Li, Van Tin Do. Experimental study on the behavior of precast segmental column with domed shear key and unbonded Post-Tensioning tendon under impact loading. Engineering Structures. 2018; 173 ():589-605.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Xihong Zhang; Hong Hao; Chao Li; Van Tin Do. 2018. "Experimental study on the behavior of precast segmental column with domed shear key and unbonded Post-Tensioning tendon under impact loading." Engineering Structures 173, no. : 589-605.