Alfonso Recuero

A repairability index for reinforced concrete members based on fracture mechanics

This paper proposes a repairability index for damage assessment in reinforced concrete structural members. The procedure discussed in this paper differs from the standard methods in two aspects: the structural and damage analyses are coupled and it is based on the concepts of fracture and continuum damage mechanics. The relationship between the repairability index and the well-known Park and Ang index is shown in some particular cases.

Heuristic method to check the realisability of a graph into a rectangular plan

Abstract The problem of mapping a graph into rectangles so that they cover a rectangular plan is considered. The graph may represent the basic scheme of a house or of a building, in which different design requirements are collected. To cope with this problem the authors have chosen a three steps approach: determining whether a graph can be mapped in this way (first step); automatically generating some of its realisations (second step); then how a given plan can be reduced to the rectangular one is analysed (third step). A heuristic approach to the general solution of the first step is proposed. It is a problem with a practical application in areas such as architectural design or compacting of electronic circuits, to which no general solution has been found in the specialised bibliography.

A geometric modelling of boxgirder deck for integrated bridge design

This paper presents a geometric modelling of box girder deck to automate deck design representations. A geometric methodology was developed and implemented in a computer programme. This software allows the geometric description of the deck, using bridge design data usually given at the conceptual stage, and the automation of several drawings and 3-dimensional (3D) models, defined accurately. Using traditional graphical systems, the execution of deck specific drawings is extremely time consuming, the 3D deck model gives an approximation only of the exterior shape of the deck and the 3D finite elements (FE) mesh generation software imposes important simplifications on the deck configuration. The computer application provides an important tool to the bridge designer particularly at the conceptual stage, as it allows aesthetic and structural evaluation of the bridge at an early stage in the design. The geometric modelling process and graphical results of a case study are presented.