2006 Graduate Catalog and 2005 Annual R & D Report - Sirindhorn ...

2006 Graduate Catalog and 2005 Annual R & D Report
Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT)
Dr. Pruettha Nanakorn
Associate Professor
B.Eng. (1 st Class Honors) in Civil Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
M.Eng. in Structural Engineering, Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand
D.Eng. in Civil Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Japan
Areas of Specialization: Fracture mechanics; Computational mechanics; Finite element analysis;
Meshless methods; Structural optimization.
Research Interests:
Analysis of Cohesive Crack Growth by the
Element-free Galerkin Method
In this research, the Element-Free Galerkin (EFG)
method is extended to include nonlinear behavior of
cohesive cracks in 2D domains. A cohesive curved
crack is modeled by using several straight-line
interface elements connected to form the crack. The
constitutive law of cohesive cracks is considered
through the use of these interface elements. The
stiffness equation of the domain is constructed by
directly including, in the weak form of the global
system equation, a term related to the energy
dissipation along the interface elements. Using the
interface elements in conjunction with the EFG
method allows crack propagation to be traced easily
and without any constraint on its direction.
Structural Design Optimization by Genetic
Algorithms
When designing structures, engineers have to
consider not only the load-carrying capacity of the
structures but also the cost to construct them.
Designs that use smaller amounts of materials are
preferable, given that the construction methods do not
become impractical or too expensive. To achieve this
goal, many optimization techniques have been
employed in structural design, each of which has
strong and weak points. Important characteristics of
the structural design optimization problems are 1) the
solution we seek is the global optimal solution, 2) the
design variables are discrete. These two major
characteristics suggest that Genetic Algorithms could
be good choices. In this study, an appropriate
optimization technique for structural design based on
the Genetic Algorithms will be proposed.
Dr. Somnuk Tangtermsirikul
Professor
B.Eng. (Honors) in Civil Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
M.Eng. & D.Eng. in Civil Engineering, University of Tokyo, Japan
Areas of Specialization: Modeling of concrete behavior; Durability of concrete; Special concrete; Use of
wastes and recycled materials in cement and concrete; Repair and maintenance of concrete structures.
Research Interests:
Performance Based Analysis and Design of
Concrete Mix Proportions
Simulation models for predicting time and
environment dependent properties of concrete are
studied. At present, the studied properties are
workability, bleeding, strength, thermal cracking,
autogeneous and drying shrinkage, cracking
resistance carbonation, chloride induced corrosion,
and sulfate resistance. Computer software is being
developed for analysis and design purposes to obtain
mix proportions of concrete with the required initial
and long-term performances.
Use of Wastes and By-Products in Concrete
Studies on the properties of concrete with various
wastes and by-product materials are conducted. The
materials are: fly ash, bottom ash, limestone powder,
lime ash, blast furnace slag, etc. Optimizing the use
of these materials is the aim of this project.
Special Concrete
Various types of special concrete are studied with the
aim to make proper use of local materials. Mix design
processes in the forms of software and design charts
are being developed. In addition to the mix design,
some standard guidelines are being established. The
studied types of special concrete are; self-compacting
concrete, zero-slump concrete, low-heat concrete and
sulfate-resisting concrete, etc.
Maintenance of Concrete Structures
Inspection of existing concrete structures located in
various places is being conducted with the aim to
develop a proper inspection program for Thailand.
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