Failure Load Prediction Of Castellated Beams Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors :
Abstract : This paper explores the use of artificial neural networks in predicting the failure load of castellated beams. 47 experimental data collected from the literature cover the simply supported beams with various modes of failure, under the action of either central single load, uniformly distributed load or two-point loads acting symmetrically with respect to the center line of the span. The data are arranged in a format such that 8 input parameters cover the geometrical and loading properties of castellated beams and the corresponding output is the ultimate failure load. A back-propagation artificial neural network is developed using Neuro-shell predictor software, and used to predict the ultimate load capacity of castellated beams. The main benefit in using neural network approach is that the network is built directly from the experimental or theoretical data using the self-organizing capabilities of the neural network. Results are compared with available methods in the literature such the Blodgett's Method and the BS Code. It is found that the average ratio of actual to predict failure loads of castellated was 0.99 for neural network, 2.2 for Blodgett's Method and 1.33 for BS Code. It is clear that neural network provides an efficient alternative method in predicting the failure load of castellated beams.
Keywords : CASTELLATED BEAM, FAILURE LOAD, NEURAL NETWORK, BACK-PROPAGATION, BS CODE
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Analysis and Design of Arch-Type Pedestrian Bridge for Static and Dynamic Loads
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Abstract : A major obstacle for pedestrians south of the Indiana-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) campus is Coliseum Boulevard: a main arterial for the city of Fort Wayne, Indiana, which has an average daily traffic (ADT) of 50,000 vehicles. With this high ADT value, crossing by foot can not only be challenging, but can be dangerous. Thus, a pedestrian bridge over Coliseum Boulevard was proposed to allow for easy, safe travel over this busy roadway. Cohering to the innovative design concepts of both the Willis Family Bridge and the Venderly Family Bridge that already exist on the IPFW campus, the new bridge should be designed so that it too can be transformed into a landmark for the IPFW campus as the other two bridges have become. This paper presents the conceptual design of the pedestrian bridge considering four potential bridge concepts as well as the modeling, analysis and design details for the selected arch type pedestrian bridge. The selected concept for the pedestrian bridge was analyzed and designed using SAP2000 for static dead and live loads as well as for the wind loads according to AASHTO specifications and INDOT requirements. The same ideas could be drawn to Abdalli New Area in Jordan where innovative designs brings pleasure and comfort to residence and shoppers in the area.
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Non-Revenue Water Works in Jordan– Lessons Learnt and Suggested Strategy and Workplan
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Abstract : Non-revenue water is still high in Jordan, albeit all efforts spent since 2000. Previous pilot projects have highlighted the main causes as supply intermittency, meters’ inaccuracies, high pressure, illegal uses, intermingled networks, finance and management. From lessons learnt from pilot projects we propose herein a new strategy and work plan. It relied on answering these four questions: How much water is being lost? Where is being lost from? How to improve performance? How to maintain the strategy? This strategy and work plan prioritize areas and actions on which non-revenue water must be estimated accurately. Once accomplished, it will move to the next priority areas based on financial and so forth constraints. The strategy will be sustainable by financial aid provided on good performance. The proposed strategy is simple and fits resources, not comprehensive and complicated as the one suggested nowadays in Jordan
Keywords : Action plan, Jordan, Non-revenue water, Pilot projects, Strategy
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