Third-generation structures : intelligent high-performance structures for sustainable urban systems

Ancient structures, which are herein referred to as first-generation structures, were built with natural materials such as stones, bricks and timbers. Steel and concrete, which are man-made, provided the revolution needed for modern structures (i.e. second-generation structures) to cater for the infrastructure demands generated by rapid economic growths, particularly following World War II. Extensive research is now under way around the world to develop advanced technologies to enhance the performance of structures. While these technological advances are incremental in nature, they will eventually lead to structures which are distinctly different from second-generation structures. These new structures are therefore referred to as third-generation structures. This paper aims to define the features and benefits of third-generation structures and the technological basis for such structures. Current and future research that will provide this technological basis is also discussed, and where appropriate brief reference is made to work being undertaken at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University where the ideas presented in this paper have been collectively formulated under the leadership of the second author

[1]  J. Teng,et al.  Strength of RC Cantilever Slabs Bonded with GFRP Strips , 2001 .

[2]  J. M. Ko,et al.  Automatic modal identification of cable-supported bridges instrumented with a long-term monitoring system , 2003, SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring.

[3]  Jan Ming Ko,et al.  Implementation issues of novelty detection technique for cable-supported bridges instrumented with a long-term monitoring system , 2002, SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring.

[4]  K. T. Chau,et al.  Experimental and theoretical simulations of seismic poundings between two adjacent structures , 2003 .

[5]  Yi-Qing Ni,et al.  Neuro-control of cable vibration using semi-active magneto-rheological dampers , 2002 .

[6]  Wl L. Qu,et al.  Dynamic analysis of wind-excited truss tower with friction dampers , 2001 .

[7]  Zhi-Hua Zhou,et al.  Non-linear integrated design and analysis of skeletal structures by 1 element per member , 2000 .

[8]  Yi-Qing Ni,et al.  Formulation of an uncertainty model relating modal parameters and environmental factors by using long-term monitoring data , 2003, SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring.

[9]  Ahmed Ghobarah,et al.  Performance-based design in earthquake engineering: state of development , 2001 .

[10]  Yi-Qing Ni,et al.  Constructing input vectors to neural networks for structural damage identification , 2002 .

[11]  Jian-Xin Gu,et al.  Exact Tangent Stiffness for Imperfect Beam-Column Members , 2000 .

[12]  Eric Udd,et al.  Advanced fiber-grating strain sensor systems for bridges, structures, and highways , 1998, Smart Structures.

[13]  M. Leeming,et al.  Strengthening of reinforced concrete structures : using externally-bonded FRP composites in structural and civil engineering , 1999 .

[14]  W. S. Zhang,et al.  VIBRATION ANALYSIS OF TWO BUILDINGS LINKED BY MAXWELL MODEL-DEFINED FLUID DAMPERS , 2000 .

[15]  Yl L. Xu,et al.  Optimum design of active/passive control devices for tall buildings under earthquake excitation , 2002 .

[16]  W S Vincent,et al.  Optical fiber sensors for spacecraft applications , 1999 .

[17]  J M Hooks,et al.  FRP COMPOSITES TECHNOLOGY IS CHANGING THE AMERICAN BRIDGE BUILDING INDUSTRY , 2001 .

[18]  Adrian M. Chandler,et al.  Performance-based design in earthquake engineering: a multi-disciplinary review , 2001 .

[19]  Jan Ming Ko,et al.  Damping identification of MR-damped bridge cables from in-situ monitoring under wind-rain-excited conditions , 2002, SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring.

[20]  K. T. Chau,et al.  Pounding of structures modelled as non‐linear impacts of two oscillators , 2001 .

[21]  Yl L. Xu,et al.  Seismic response control of large-span machinery building on top of ship lift towers using ER/MR moment controllers , 2002 .

[22]  Xiaoli Ding,et al.  An Integrated System for Slope Monitoring and Warning in Hong Kong , 2002 .