The study deals with stability and dynamic problems in bar structures using a probabilistic approach. Structural design parameters are defined as deterministic values and also as random variables, which are not correlated. The criterion of structural failure is expressed by the condition of non-exceeding the admissible load multiplier and condition of non-exceeding the admissible vertical displacement. The Hasofer-Lind index was used as a reliability measure. The primary research tool is the FORM method. In order to verify the correctness of the calculations Monte Carlo and Importance Sampling methods were used. The sensitivity of the reliability index to the random variables was defined. The limit state function is not an explicit function of random variables. This dependence was determined using a numerical procedure, e.g. the finite element methods. The paper aims to present the communication between the STAND reliability analysis program and the KRATA and MES3D external FE programs.

The paper presents a new kind of vibrator, called the intelligent vibrator, which is an integrated set of two inert vibrators supplied by asynchronous squirrel-cage motors, equipped with digital control system, the readout system of the position of unbalanced masses, and inverter supply system. The paper presents a model of the prototype of the machine and exemplary run-times.

The paper presents a spatial model of the satellite antenna with an arbitrary number of flexible arms. Such a system is an example of an open kinematic chain with a tree-like structure. The modification of the rigid finite element method is used to discretise flexible links. The equations of motion are derived from the Lagrange equations and the motion of the system is described using joint coordinates and homogenous transformations. Numerical simulations have been carried out to analyse how the method of extending the arms influences the dynamics of the system.

The advance of technical state criteria for elements of mining hoists demands a basic strength-fatigue analysis where the real values of loads and the real time function of the load variability could be used. That problem concerns also the suspension gear of skip and balance ropes, where fatigue durability should be considered as time function related to the hoist facility type. Such objective can not be achieved without comprehensive study of the dynamics of processes both in the regular operation of the facility and in its emergency states. In this work the author presents some considerations, that are however, limited to the analysis of dynamic phenomena observed in the condition of the emergency braking of the hoist facility. The results were verified by load measurements taken for some elements of the analysed real object system.

The main aim of this paper is to examine the variability of some dynamic properties of concrete composite panels to in-plane eccentric compression loads via static and dynamic impact testing. First, experimental tests were performed in order to obtain the dynamic and static properties of concrete composite panels. In-plane eccentric loads were statically applied to a couple of panels in ten uniform steps. For each step, dynamic impact testing was performed and the modal damping, peak amplitude and natural frequencies obtained. Second, a ‘hybrid’ model, based on the concepts of modal analysis and the Finite Element Method, was developed in order to obtain the natural frequencies and corresponding normal modes of the composite panels within the frequency range 0–200 Hz. For this model, an initial warp of the panel middle surface was incorporated into the formulation in order to represent the applied flexural moment provoked by the eccentric in-plane loads. The accuracy of the ‘hybrid’ model was verified by comparison with the experimental results. Third, comparison is made between predictions (using on the ‘hybrid’ model) and experimental results.

Several previous investigations on failure of a certain type lattice girders railway bridge (on so called BJD line) have not convincingly explained reasons nor have they described potential hazards. This paper attempts to provide an answer, employing static, dynamic, and fatigue analysis of the structure, focusing on previously not analyzed vibrations of elements constituting a lattice node. Detailed models of two types of such nodes – damaged and non- damaged were compared, inside carefully defined limits of applicability.

The paper presents a dynamic analysis of the damaged masonry building repaired with the Flexible Joint Method. Numerical analysis helped to determine the effect of the applied repairing method on natural frequencies as well as values of stresses and accelerations in the analyzed variants of numerical model. They confirmed efficiency of the proposed repair method.

Scaffolding is equipment usually used at construction sites. A scaffolding structure is lightweight and made of elements used many times. The characteristics of scaffolding make it susceptible to dynamic actions present at the structure or occurring nearby. A scaffolding structure of medium size was subjected to analysis in this paper. The structure FEM model was loaded with single force harmonic excitation with various frequencies ranging from 1 Hz to 12 Hz applied in one of many selected points on the scaffolding façade. In the first step, natural frequencies and mode shapes of the analyzed structure were calculated. Then the full dynamic analysis was carried out to obtain maximum displacements of selected control points. The relation of excitation force frequency and location to the amplitudes of generated displacement was observed. It was found that low excitation frequencies close to the natural frequencies of the structure produced vibrations ranging to large areas of the scaffolding surface. Higher excitation frequencies are usually less propagated at the scaffolding but still may produce some discomfort to the structure users in the vicinity of the excitation force location. Scaffolding is equipment usually used at construction sites. A scaffolding structure is lightweight and made of elements used many times. The characteristics of scaffolding make it susceptible to dynamic actions present at the structure or occurring nearby. A scaffolding structure of medium size was subjected to analysis in this paper. The structure FEM model was loaded with single force harmonic excitation with various frequencies ranging from 1 Hz to 12 Hz applied in one of many selected points on the scaffolding façade. In the first step, natural frequencies and mode shapes of the analyzed structure were calculated. Then the full dynamic analysis was carried out to obtain maximum displacements of selected control points. The relation of excitation force frequency and location to the amplitudes of generated displacement was observed. It was found that low excitation frequencies close to the natural frequencies of the structure produced vibrations ranging to large areas of the scaffolding surface. Higher excitation frequencies are usually less propagated at the scaffolding but still may produce some discomfort to the structure users in the vicinity of the excitation force location.

The iron ore mine owned by the state concern of Luossavaara – Kiirunavaara AB-LKAB state concern has several mining skip shaft hoists for drawing iron ore. Despite using modern systems to secure the travel of these hoists in line with the Swedish regulations, units intended for the emergency breaking of vessels must be used in the so-called free travel paths in the tower and in the shaft sump. The paper discusses the main requirements that, in accordance with the Swedish regulations as regards the operational use of mining shaft hoists, must be met by devices of this type and a solution was proposed for a structure design of the braking unit for the mining shaft hoist installed in the B-1 shaft in the Kiruna mine. The frictional braking system in the form of moving bumping beams was decided to be used in the said hoist, developed in the Cable Transport Department in the University of Science and Technology in Krakow. The action of moving bumping beams consists in these beams, placed at the beginning of free travel paths, not only braking the rushing hoist vessels but also (with the integrated units for vessel capture) performing the function of grips. They secure the vessels against falling down into the shaft after the finished braking process. The advantage of such a solution is that the structural elements: the guiding shank of the tower, the head of the vessel and the bumping beams, transfer many times lower values of dynamic forces at the time of the strike of the vessel against the moving bumping beams when compared with dynamic forces arising at the time of the hit of the vessel against the fixed bumping beams. In the process of designing moving bumping beams, braking simulation is an important stage conducted with a computer program developed in KTL AGH. This program enables the modelling of load-bearing and balance ropes as flexible elements with elastic and suppressing properties. The results of these simulations, especially in the scope of the achieved braking deceleration of the vessels, the values of braking distances and forces in the load-bearing ropes are crucial in confirming the correctness of the assumed concept of the emergency braking system. The braking units in the form of moving bumping beams have been executed by the Polish company Coal-Bud Sp. z o.o. and are now being integrated in the tower and in the shaft sump of the B-1 shaft of the Kiruna mine in Sweden.

The dynamic analyses are of key importance in the cognitive process in terms of the correct operation of structures loaded with time alternating forces. The development of vehicle industry, which directly results in an increase in the speed of moving vehicles, forces the design of engineering structures that ensure their safe use. The authors of the paper verified the influence of speed and vehicle parameters such as mass, width of track of wheels and their number on the values of displacements and accelerations of selected bridge elements. The problem was treated as the case study, because the analyses were made for one bridge and the passage of three types of locomotives. The response of the structure depends on the technological solutions adopted in the bridge, its technical condition, as well as the quotient of the length of the object and vehicle. A new bridge structure was analyzed and dynamic tests were carried out for trainsets consisting of one and two locomotives. During the actual dynamic tests, the structure was loaded with a locomotive moving at a maximum speed of 160 km/h.

The paper presents a model for dynamic analysis of belt transmission. A two dimensional discrete model was assumed of a belt consisting of rigid bodies joined by translational and torsion spring-damping elements. In the model, both a contact model and a dry friction model including creep were taken into consideration for belt-pulley interaction. A model with stiffness and damping between the contacting surfaces was used to describe the contact phenomenon, whereas a simplified model of friction was assumed. Motion of the transmission is triggered under the influence of torque loads applied on the pulleys. Equations of motion of separate elements of the belt and pulleys were solved numerically by using adaptive stepsize integration methods. Calculation results are presented of the reaction forces acting on the belt as well as contact and friction forces between the belt body and pulley in the sample of the belt transmission. These were obtained under the influence of the assumed drive and resistance torques.

Numerical analysis of robustness assessment of steel planar framed structures under sudden external column removal is presented. The analysis is based on the previous experimental and numerical analyzes conducted in the Ph.D. project.Advanced and validated finite element models of steel structures with bolted end plate joints were used using Abaqus software. Six different cases of analysis using flush and extended bolted end-plate joints were performed. The actual results of the axial forces and rotations of the joints, failure models, and other important factors about structure behaviour are presented. The clear division of the results obtained depended on the type of joint used in the structure. In the cases of application of extended end-plate joints in frame analysis, the required level of robustness was reached in all cases and stopping of collapse development was obtained. In all cases of frame analysis with flush end-plate joints, an insufficient level of robustness on progressive collapse was obtained and partial failures of the structures were reached. Due to the location of the external column, the catenary actions to mitigate progressive collapse were very limited.

The current design codes recommend designing the building structures based on the assumption avoiding the disproportionate to the initial cause damage during accidental situation. As a main strategy to mitigate a progressive collapse an alternative load path method is recommended. Flush and extended bolted end-plate joint to connect beam-to-column were experimentally tested. Hierarchical validation of joint FEM models based on experimental test results were performed. The numerical dynamic analysis by finite element method of selected steel frame under column loss scenario is presented. The planar 2D model of frame were used. Shell elements for beams and columns and solid elements for joints were employed respectively. Nonlinear material and geometry were applied in the analysis. Johnson-Cook model was used to describe the change of steel parameters by dynamic Increase Factor (DIF). The Rayleigh model to include the damping effects in the analysis was used. The dynamic analysis was performed with the use of Abaqus/Explicit module. Main conclusion of presented research it that to achieve the required level of robustness, bolted beam-to-column joints with extended end-plate of thickness more than 15 mm should be used.