Summary of Activities

Performance-based design of third generation structures requires accurate numerical simulation tools to predict structural behavior under various kinds and levels of loadings so that design can be carried out to client-specified performance objectives. These numerical simulation tools are also required as part of the integrated monitoring system. The Centre conducts extensive research on the behavior of various structural materials and components subject to complex loading paths as may be found in real structures under both room temperatures and elevated temperatures in a fire and on the deterioration mechanism of various materials with time. Accurate models with appropriate simplicity will then be developed to characterize the short and long term behavior of materials and implemented into a numerical simulation tool which can predict the static, dynamic and long term nonlinear response of structures.

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Representative Projects

• Development of a  new simulated-base design method for second-order and advanced analysis of structures by visualization
• Development of sophisticated software for the simulation of behaviour of structures under a variety of loading conditions.
• Development of advanced non-linear finite elements with large deformation.
• Large deflection analysis and design of glass panels and their supporting structures.
• Investigation on failure of glass strucutres.
• Consultation on the use of Nida, a self-developed software for second-order analysis and design of steel frames, to a number of companies in Hong Kong and Taiwan.
• Use of non-linear frame analysis software Nida for teaching of students in both local and overseas universities.

	Stadium designed by second-order analysis no need to assume an effective length with design completed within seconds
	Prestressed Truss
	The 1,300 ton space frame for Macau-return-to-China Memorial Hall. Checked by the innovative 2nd order analysis and design method without assumption of effective length and even plotting of bending moment diagram! The software Nida can also check the output accuracy by plotting bending moment, shear force, adn axial force diagrams and deformed shapes. 100% simulation-based design software developed at the PolyU.
Computer Model Developed
	Deformed shape with colors indicating the external load to buckling strength factor of each member. Nida completes the design with analysis in minutes. How long do you think we need to design manually ?

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Major Facilities

• "Nonlinear Integrated Designa nd Analysis (Nida)", Version 5 (self-developed software)
  
  • User friendly economical and efficient second-order analysis of steel frames by section capacity check without assuming an effective length, NIDA, which was approved for practical uses by relevant authorities and licensed to universities in Australia, mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and U.K. and companies in Hong Kong and Taiwan.
  • This package has been applied to the design of various slender structures.
  • Trial, education, professional and specialist versions are available. Web-site of this software : http://www.naf-nida.com/

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Selected Publications

• Chan, S.L. and Chui P.P.T. (2000). “Non-linear static and cyclic analysis of semi-rigid steel frames”, Elsevier Science, pp. 336.

• Chan, S.L. and Gu, J.X. (2000). “Exact tangent stiffness for imperfect beam-column members”, Journal of Structural Engineering, ASCE, Vol. 126, No.9, pp. 1094-1101.

• Chan, S.L. and Zhou, Z.H. (1995). “Second order analysis of frame using a single imperfect element per member”, Journal of Structural Engineering, ASCE, Vol. 121, No. 6, pp. 939-945.

• Chan, S.L., and Zhou, Z.H. (2000). “Non-linear integrated design and analysis of skeletal structures by 1 element per member”, Engineering Structures, Vol. 22, pp. 246-257.

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Contact Information

Contact Person

Prof. S.L. Chan
Department of Civil & Structural Engineering
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Kowloon, Hong Kong Fax:     + 852 - 2334 6389
Phone:   + 852 - 2766 6047
E-mail:  ceslchan@polyu.edu.hk

Other Investigators

Prof. J.G. Teng (cejgteng@polyu.edu.hk)
Dr. K.F. Chung (cekchung@polyu.edu.hk)
Dr. E.S.S. Lam (cesslam@polyu.edu.hk)
Dr. Y.L. Wong (ceylwong@polyu.edu.hk)