Abstract In this study, a theoretical analysis is presented to estimate the in-plane large displacement elastic stability behavior of structures having non-prismatic members of linearly and nonlinearly varying sections resting on elastic foundation (Winkler type) and subjected to static loads applied at joints only. The analysis adopts the beam-column approach and models the structural members as beam-column elements resting on distributed springs. The formulation of beam-column element is based on Euler approach allowing for the influence of the axial force on bending stiffness. Changes in member chord length due to axial deformation and flexural bowing are taken into account. The stability and bowing functions are estimated using methods of finite differences and finite segments. Also, approximate results have been obtained by using approximate stability and bowing functions of linearly and nonlinearly tapered members resting on elastic foundation. A computer program has been coded in QB language to carry out the proposed analysis of structures with prismatic or non-prismatic members of linearly and nonlinearly varying sections resting on elastic foundation. As a result of this study; the only difference between the analysis of non-prismatic members resting on elastic foundation and those which are not, when adopting the beam-column approach, is represented in the stability and bowing functions, and this is reflected directly on the tangent stiffness matrix.
This research investigates the impact resistance of concrete slabs with different volume perecentage replacement ratios of waste plastic fibers (originaly made from soft drink bottles) as follows : 0.5%, 1% and 1.5%. Reference mix produced in order to compare the result. For the selected mixes, cubes with (100×100×100mm) were made to test compressive strength at age of (90) days. Flexural strength (Modulus of Rupture) test was also conducted using prisms sample of (500*100*100 mm) dimensions. The low-velocity impact test was conducted by the method of repeated falling mass where 1400gm steel ball was used. The ball falling freely from height of 2400mm on concrete panels of (500×500×50 mm) having a mesh of waste plastic fiber.The number of blows that caused first crack and final crack (failure) were determined, according to the former obtained results , the total energy was calculated. Results showed an improvement in mechanical properties for mixes containing plastic fibers compared with reference mix. For compressive strength the maximum increase in compressive strength was equal to (3.2%) at age of (90) days. Flexural strengths for mixes containing plastic fiber at ages 28, and 90 days are higher than that of these of reference mix. The maximum value of increaseing was (18%) for 28 days age of test and it was equal to (26%) for 90 days age of test for the mixture with plastic fiber content by volume equal to (1%) . Results showed a significant improvement in low-velocity impact resistance of all mixes contining waste plastic fibers when comparing with reference mix. Results illustrated that mix with (1.5%) waste plastic fibers by volume give the higher impact resistance at failure than the others. The magnitude of an increase over reference mix was equal to (340%).