Urban is one of the three bells in the belfry of St. Trinity Church in Krosno. It is the largest one, with diameter equal to 1,535 mm and it is commonly considered as one of the largest historical bells in Poland. The total mass of all the three bells is close to 4,200 kilograms, so the dynamic actions produced by swinging have a great effect on the supporting structure and on the tower. However, the exact weight of the biggest bell isn't known, and for safety reasons it should be estimated in order to verify the real dynamic forces affecting the structure. The paper describes the method of Urban bell’s survey using terrestrial laser scanning and a total station as a task to estimate its weight by determining its volume.

This paper presents the results of experimental and numerical tests on angle members connected by one leg with a single row of bolts. This study was designed to determine which failure mode governs the resistance of such joints: net section rupture or block tearing rupture. Experimental tests were insufficient to completely identify the failure modes, and it was necessary to conduct numerical simulations. Finite element analysis of steel element resistance based on rupture required advanced material modelling, taking into account ductile initiation and propagation of fractures. This was realised using the Gurson–Tvergaard–Needleman porous material model, which allows for analysis of the joint across the full scope of its behaviour, from unloaded state to failure. Through experimental testing and numerical simulations, both failure mechanisms (net section and block tearing) were examined, and an approach to identify the failure mode was proposed. The obtained results provided experimental and numerical evidence to validate the strength function used in design standards. Finally, the obtained results of the load capacity were compared with the design procedures given in the Eurocode 3′s current and 2021 proposed editions.

Block tearing is a failure mode of steel connections based on rupture of material. In this paper, a numerical model is developed to capture fracture initiation and progression until failure in steel angles connected by one leg using single row of bolts. It was realized using Gurson-Tvergaard-Needleman porous material model, which can accurately trace the behaviour of steel at plastic and ultimate range. Obtained results are validated on laboratory test results in global and local terms. Stress distribution along the failure paths in the gross and net area subjected to shear and tension was investigated for different geometrical arrangements of connections. Observation of rupture mechanisms allowed to compare the design procedures given in Eurocode 3 with connections behaviour. Results of analysis indicate that both plastic stress distribution in gross shear area and ultimate stress distribution in net shear area can limit block tearing resistance, which is consistent with the newest code provisions.