The engineering department invites you to attend a research seminar entitled, “Fasteners as Diagnostic Sensors in Structures,” presented by Dr. David Pollock of Washington State University. He will be with us from 10:40 to 11:30 a.m. this Monday, April 22, in Lemmons 13.
Summary
Connections are critical load-transfer components in all structures. The adoption of mechanics-based yield limit equations for bolted and nailed connections in timber structures in the early 1990s furnished a mechanism for understanding connection behavior associated with extreme loading events. In particular, the formation of plastic hinges in metal fasteners (as modeled by the yield limit equations) provides ductile structural behavior during high seismic and wind events.
The detection of plastic hinges in fasteners following an overload event can be used to (1) determine the magnitudes of overload and structural displacement that occurred, and (2) assess internal structural damage. Ultrasonic inspection of bolts and (modified) nails in surviving structures provides useful techniques for detecting damage that is not apparent during visual inspections and estimating residual structural capacities.
For any questions or further information, contact Kristin Bontrager at kbontrager@georgefox.edu.
