The study was devoted to the numerical modelling of concrete-to-concrete interfaces. Such an interface can be found in many modern composite structures, so proper characterisation of its behaviour is of great importance. A strategy for calibration of a model based on cohesive finite elements and the elastic-damage traction–separation constitutive law available by default in the Abaqus code was proposed. Moreover, the default interface material model was enhanced with the user-field-variables subroutine to include a real strength envelope for such interfaces. Afterwards, the modelling approach was validated with numerical simulation of the most popular tests for determining the strength characteristics of concrete-to-concrete interfaces: three-point bending beam with a notch, splitting bi-material cubic specimens, and slant-shear tests. The results of own pilot studies were used as well as those reported by other researchers. The performed simulations proved the accuracy of the proposed modelling strategy (the mean ratio of ultimate forces obtained with numerical models and from experiments was equal to 1.01). Furthermore, the presented examples allowed us to better understand the basic test methods for concrete interfaces and the observed mechanisms of failure during them.

The paper deals with mathematical description and computer simulation of multi-body dynamical systems with constraints imposed on displacements and velocities. Such mechanical systems contain a finite number of material points, whose motion is limited by unilateral constraints. The mathematical description of the problem, concerning the interaction between material points and unilateral constraints, is presented. The dynamic problem was defined in order to evaluate accelerations of elements and reactions of constraints. Moreover, the impact problem was formulated. The solution of the impact problem determines non-continuous change in velocities of elements and impulses of constraints’ reactions.

The paper presents a novel approach to evaluating the fatigue performance of asphalt pavements using fuzzy set theory to model the uncertainty in the elastic moduli of asphalt layers. The method integrates fuzzy numbers with an analytical multilayer elastic pavement model. By applying α-cut representation and defuzzification techniques, the model delivers fuzzy estimations of critical strain responses and associated fatigue lives under traffic loading. The proposed methodology captures uncertainty in material properties more realistically than conventional deterministic approaches. The effectiveness of this technique is demonstrated through the Asphalt Institute’s fatigue models for tensile and compressive strains. The results provide fuzzy bounds for fatigue life parameters and enable robust pavement design under material uncertainty. By incorporating fuzzy-modulus-based parameters into layered elastic half-space models, the proposed method significantly improves the predictive reliability of pavement performance.

Dynamic analyses play an important role in the process of designing buildings in the vicinity of transportation routes. The Finite Element Method is the most popular modelling technique, because it allows to simulate the structure response in the higher frequency range properly. However, the results of such analyses depend on many factors and can differ a lot. This paper discusses the impact of the building mass estimation and neglecting or including damping in the analysis on the assessment of influence of vibrations due to traffic on people.

An experimental analysis was performed to model transverse impact of free-free and free supported square duralumin beams loaded at different locations along their length. The applied impact load was obtained from tests carried out on a single Hopkinson pressure bar equipped with a high speed camera. The experimental set-up consisted of an Hopkinson measuring bar that is brought in contact with the beam. In this one-point impact experiment, a cylindrical striker, fired by the air gun, impacts the Hopkinson bar and generates stress waves that travel along the bar and impinge upon the aluminum beam. The stress waves are recorded by strain gages mounted on the Hopkinson measuring bar. These are used to calculate the applied load on the beam. Dynamical displacements of the impact zone of tested beam were recorded by the high speed camera. The dynamic experiments show that the plastic deformation, adjacent to the impact location, is due to combined dominant bending and stretching modes. Most of the plastic deformation is confined to the impact zone of tested beams. The plastic strain magnitude and distribution near the impact zone is similar for all tested impact locations, but higher for the more symmetrical impacts. The conversion of impact energy into kinetic, elastic strain energy and plastic dissipation work is characterized for various impact locations along the specimen of beam.