Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Innovative connections'

Large span timber trusses are usually built with glulam. One problem with large span glulam trusses is that the connections needed to transfer the load between truss members are often complex and expensive. Another issue is transportation. Building large span trusses out of structural timber instead, could be a way of simplifying the connections and at the same time increase the degree of on-site construction and thereby solving the transportation problem.In this study, a total of 18 laboratory tests were performed with the purpose of investigating the tensile strength and the load slip behavior of different connection designs for large span structural timber trusses. Six different test groups corresponding to six different connection designs were tested. The materials used include members made of C24 timber and gusset plates made of birch plywood, aluminum, and steel. Screws were used as fasteners for five test groups and adhesive was used for one group. The influence of different reinforcement techniques including reinforcement screws and added aluminum sheets was studied.The results showed a ductile failure behavior for all test groups except for the group where adhesive was used. However, a decrease of ductility was observed for groups were aluminum sheets were used on the outsides of the mid placed plywood gusset plate. A 12-17 % increase in capacity was observed due to the presence of aluminum sheets. The reinforcement screws had no significant effect on the capacity. However, the presence of reinforcement screws did lead to a reduction in scatter both regarding capacity and stiffness.

Connections and fasteners play an essential role in the determination of strength and stability, ductility and robustness, i.e., the overall behaviour of timber structures. In particular, connections subjected to static loads are to be investigated in terms of strength and stiffness, whereas the ones designed to withstand cyclic (e.g., seismic) loads need also the definition of their complete hysteretic response. This Ph.D. dissertation focuses on the behaviour of modern connections being developed and employed in timber engineering. An initial overview on mechanical connections employed in timber structures and their evolution is reported in the introductive section of this thesis. Advantages as well as critical issues of traditional connections are the motivations for the evolution and the improvements brought by innovative connections. Two different applications of innovative timber connections are analysed and hereby discussed, each one facing different issues. The first one claims to give an insight into modern screws employed in Timber-concrete composite (TCC) structures, where the major objective is to achieve maximum strength and above all stiffness. The second is directly focused on the cyclic performance of modern connections employed in Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) structures where dissipative capacity and structural damping are of utmost importance. Consequently, the present manuscript is subdivided into two main parts. The first part deals with TCC joints realized with modern screws. The key-point to guarantee adequate mechanical performance to these composite structures is the use of connectors that demonstrate sufficient shear strength and stiffness at the interface between timber beam and concrete slab independently of the presence of an intermediate layer. Modern cylindrical connectors, such as self-tapping screws, are rising interest because they combine remarkable performance, when their withdrawal capacity is exploited, and quickness of execution especially in case of onsite installation. In this paper, a theoretical approach to calculate shear strength and stiffness of TCC joints made with inclined screws is discussed and compared to current design procedures. Furthermore, a report on short-term push-out tests of TCC joints realized with inclined self-tapping screws carried out varying fastener arrangement, diameter and concrete type is given. Consequently, a comparison between the results obtained with the theoretical method and experimental tests is reported and critically discussed in terms of both strength and stiffness. The last section of the first part present the design of an innovative connector that combines the use of self-tapping screws and a glass-fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) element as components to realize structural TCC joints. FRP is being used in civil engineering since decades, but most of these applications utilize pre-impregnated thermosetting composites, the most common of which is carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP). On the contrary, injection moulded thermoplastic materials are relatively new and lack of history of their use in civil infrastructures. The aim is to develop a connection that solves typical installation issues of inclined screws and avoids stress concentration issues that may occur in the concrete layer. Numerical simulations, carried out to design this particular joint and exploiting a hybrid approach, are described in detail. Then, results from the experimental tests conducted to investigate the behaviour of the device subjected to shear loading conditions are compared with the analytical predictions valid for inclined screws previously described. The second part of this work focuses on the developing of an innovative earthquake-resistant connections employed for CLT structures. The seismic performance of CLT buildings is mainly related to the capability of joints to perform plastic work, since timber elements have limited capability to deform inelastically. Nowadays, the use of hold-down and angle bracket connections, which were originally developed for platform-frame constructions, has been extended also to CLT buildings. Nevertheless, the dissipative capacity of light-frame buildings is mainly diffused in nailing between frames and panels while, in CLT walls, the dissipative contribution is exclusively assured by ductile joints connecting the panels. The need of more reliable connections that provides well predictable and stable hysteretic behaviour, reduced pinching phenomenon (caused by the wood embedment) and strength degradation, justifies the continuous development of “innovative” connections. In this work, a newly developed connection element that overcomes the aforementioned issues and works for both tensile or shear loads is designed and assessed, and various significant aspects are discussed. Initially, the design procedure of the connection element and preliminary experimental tests that validates the numerical predictions are illustrated. Then, improved versions of the device are illustrated and their experimental results reported with particular attention in describing their hysteretic response and coupled shear-tension strength domain. In this work, an important role is also given to the application of the capacity design criteria applied at the joint level in order to guarantee the best exploitation of the connection’s dissipative capacity. Therefore, theoretical concepts, which describe the overstrength of traditional and innovative connections, confirmed by experimental tests of the brackets anchored to a CLT panel, are also given. In the last chapter is presented a numerical model that, following a macro-element approach, reproduces the actual cyclic response of the investigated device when subjected to combined shear-tension loads. Finally, the results of Non-Linear Dynamic Analyses of a case study CLT building realized which such model are reported and the seismic capacity of the case study building is evaluated. With these two examples, this thesis aims to give an original contribution in the evaluation of performance of innovative connection systems for timber structures, combining the use of theoretical, numerical and experimental models, and highlighting the emerging differences with respect to the use of traditional fasteners and connections.
Le connessioni e gli elementi di fissaggio svolgono un ruolo essenziale nella determinazione della resistenza, stabilità e solidità, ovvero nella risposta globale delle strutture del legno. In particolare, le connessioni soggette a carichi statici devono essere studiate in termini di resistenza e rigidezza, mentre quelle progettate per resistere a carichi ciclici (ad es. sismici), necessitano anche della completa definizione della loro risposta isteretica. Questa tesi si concentra sul comportamento dei collegamenti moderni sviluppati e impiegati nell'ingegneria del legno. Una prima panoramica sulle connessioni meccaniche impiegate nelle strutture del legno e la loro evoluzione è riportata nella sezione introduttiva di questa tesi. Vantaggi e criticità delle connessioni tradizionali sono le motivazioni dell’evoluzione e dei miglioramenti prodotti dalle connessioni innovative. Vengono analizzate e discusse due diverse applicazioni di connessioni per strutture in legno, ognuna delle quali espone aspetti e problematiche diverse. Il primo afferma di dare una panoramica delle moderne viti utilizzate nelle strutture composte legno-calcestruzzo (TCC), dove l'obiettivo principale è ottenere massima resistenza e ancor più rigidezza. Il secondo, è incentrato direttamente nell’analisi delle prestazioni cicliche delle connessioni moderne utilizzate nelle strutture in CrossLam (CLT) in cui la capacità dissipativa e lo smorzamento strutturale sono della massima importanza. Di conseguenza, il presente manoscritto è suddiviso in due parti principali. La prima parte riguarda le giunzioni legno-calcestruzzo realizzate con viti moderne. Il punto chiave per garantire prestazioni meccaniche adeguate a queste strutture composite è l'utilizzo di connettori caratterizzati da un'adeguata resistenza e rigidezza tra trave di legno e soletta di calcestruzzo, indipendentemente dalla presenza di uno strato intermedio. I connettori cilindrici moderni, come le viti autofilettanti, possiedono un crescente interesse perché combinano elevate prestazioni, se è sfruttata la loro elevata capacità ad estrazione, e rapidità di esecuzione. In questo lavoro viene proposto un approccio teorico semplificato per calcolare la resistenza al taglio e la rigidezza dei giunti TCC realizzati con viti inclinate e poi confrontato con le attuali procedure di progettazione. Inoltre, viene fornito un rapporto sulle prove di push-out a breve termine di giunti TCC realizzati con viti autofilettanti inclinate, effettuate con vari tipi di fissaggio, diametro e tipo di calcestruzzo. Di conseguenza, viene anche riportato un confronto tra i risultati ottenuti con il metodo teorico e le prove sperimentali e viene discusso criticamente in termini di forza e rigidezza. L'ultima sezione della prima parte comprende la progettazione di un connettore innovativo che combina l'utilizzo di viti autofilettanti e polimero termoplastico rinforzato con fibra di vetro (GFRP) per realizzare giunti TCC strutturali. Gli FRP vengono utilizzati nell’ingegneria civile da decenni, ma la maggior parte di queste applicazioni utilizza compositi termoindurenti pre-impregnati, il più comune dei quali è il polimero rinforzato in fibra di carbonio (CFRP). Al contrario, i materiali termoplastici sono relativamente nuovi e mancano di storia nell'utilizzo nell'infrastruttura civile. Le simulazioni numeriche, effettuate per progettare questo giunto, sono descritte in dettaglio. Quindi, i risultati delle prove sperimentali condotte per esaminare il comportamento del dispositivo sottoposto a condizioni di carico di taglio sono confrontati con le previsioni analitiche descritte. La seconda parte di questo lavoro si concentra sullo sviluppo di collegamenti innovativi impiegati per le strutture in CLT. La prestazione sismica degli edifici CLT è principalmente legata alla capacità dei collegamenti di plasticizzarsi, poiché gli elementi del legno hanno una capacità limitata di deformazione inelastica. Oggi, l'utilizzo di connessioni quali hold-down e angolari, originariamente sviluppati per costruzioni tipo platform-frame, è stato esteso anche agli edifici CLT. Tuttavia, la capacità di dissipazione degli edifici a telaio è diffusa soprattutto nella connessione telaio-pannello, mentre nelle strutture in CLT il contributo dissipativo è assicurato esclusivamente da connessioni duttili che collegano i pannelli. La necessità di una connessione più affidabile che fornisca un comportamento isteretico prevedibile ed affidabile, un fenomeno ridotto di “pinching” (causato dal rifollamento del legno) e una degrado di resistenza giustifica lo sviluppo continuo di connessioni "innovative". In questo lavoro è stato progettato e valutato un elemento di connessione che sormonti i problemi sopradescritti e che lavora sia per i carichi di trazione che per taglio, e ne vengono discussi gli aspetti più significativi. Inizialmente viene illustrata la procedura di progettazione dell'elemento di connessione e dei test sperimentali preliminari che convalidano le previsioni numeriche. Successivamente vengono descritte le fasi di progettazione e test di ulteriori versioni migliorate delle staffe dissipative e sono riportati i loro risultati sperimentali facendo particolare attenzione nel descrivere la loro risposta isteretica e il dominio di resistenza tensione-taglio. Un ruolo importante in questo lavoro è dato all'applicazione dei criteri di gerarchia delle resistenze (progettazione in capacità) a livello di connessione al fine di garantire il miglior sfruttamento della capacità dissipativa della connessione. Di conseguenza, vengono forniti concetti teorici che descrivono l’applicazione di tali concetti a connessioni tradizionali e innovative, e confermate da prove sperimentali delle staffe oggetto di studio ancorate a un pannello CLT. Infine, i risultati di simulazioni numeriche dettagliate e prove cicliche quasi-statiche sono state utilizzate per sviluppare un modello di macro-elemento implementato in un codice numerico che ha permesso di determinare le prestazioni sismiche di un edificio caso studio in CLT realizzato con tali connessioni. Con questi due esempi la presente tesi mira a definire un originale procedura di valutazione delle performance delle connessioni innovative per legno, combinando l'uso di modelli teorici, numerici ed analisi sperimentali e mettendone in evidenza le differenze emergenti rispetto all'impiego di sistemi di connessioni tradizionali.

Kyoto University (京都大学)
0048
新制・課程博士
博士(工学)
甲第11879号
工博第2572号
新制||工||1360(附属図書館)
23659
UT51-2005-N713
京都大学大学院工学研究科建築学専攻
(主査)教授 中島 正愛, 教授 井上 一朗, 助教授 吹田 啓一郎
学位規則第4条第1項該当

2015 - 2016
Moment Resisting Frames are structures that withstand seismic actions by the bending of girders, columns and connections. Their main source of stiffness and lateral strength is given by the flexural resistance of members and connections, and the seismic energy dissipation capacity and ductility, is provided by the formation of a high number of dissipative zones which can be located in beams, columns or joints depending on the applied design philosophy. Classically, framed structures are designed to possess strong columns, weak beams and full strength rigid connections, so that the earthquake input energy is dissipated through the plastic engagement of the end of beams and of the end of columns of the first storey. The aim of the PhD thesis is to investigate the possibility of using innovative beam-to-column joints characterised by an appropriate stiffness under service loads but which are able to provide a high energy dissipation under seismic event and to confer a suitable robustness in case of a column loss due to exceptional events. According to the traditional strategy for the seismic design of building structures, in case of frequent and occasional seismic events whose return period is comparable with the life cycIe of structures, the earthquake input energy has to be completely dissipated by means of viscous damping. Therefore, the hysteretic energy is equal to zero because, for such seismic events, the structure has to be designed to remain in elastic range. Conversely, in case of rare and very rare seismic events whose return period is about 500 years and even more, most of the earthquake input energy is dissipated by hysteresis, but leading to severe plastic excursions and related structural damage. Such structural damage has to be compatible with the ductility and the energy dissipation capacity of structures, because, even though structural damage is accepted, collapse prevention has to be assured and the safeguard of human lives has to be guaranteed. To this scope a reliable prediction of nonlinear structural behaviour during severe seismic events is required, which represents an extremely difficult task. Although many nonlinear analysis programs exist, the accuracy of their resuIts depends on the assumptions made in the characterization of member stiffness. Therefore, experimental research remains the most reliable means of assessing seismic performance and is crucial to the development of new analytical models and design methods. Quasi-static testing can provide information on the nonlinear behaviour of members or subassemblies, but it is often difficult to relate the imposed force or displacement histories to those that might occur during an earthquake. These static methods are therefore, primarily used to calibrate analytical models or to compare the relative performance of a variety of similar structural details. Starting from the above considerations, in this work, the possibility of using steel frames with innovative bolted connections has been analysed with the aim of providing the structure of supplemental damping devices by means of properly detailed beam-to-column joints. In particular, in order to overcome the drawbacks of the traditional and passive control design strategies, the aim of the work is the development of a new design strategy whose goal is the design of connections able to withstand frequent and occasionaI seismic events but also destructive earthquakes such as those corresponding to rare and very rare events without any damage. In addition, with reference to structural robustness, has been underlined that, because of the specific behaviour of beam-tocolumn connections equipped with friction pads, significant benefits are in the catenary action resuIting, as example, in case of a column loss due to blast loading or impact loading. The development of this design strategy is also the subject of the FREEDAM project, which is an RFCS project, granted by the European Community. [edited by author]
XV n.s

Implicit in current design practice of minimum uplift capacity, is the assumption that the connection's capacity is proportional to the number of fasteners per connection joint. This assumption may overestimate the capacity of joints by a factor of two or more and maybe the cause of connection failures in extreme wind events. The current research serves to modify the current practice by proposing a realistic relationship between the number of fasteners and the capacity of the joint. The research is also aimed at further development of non-intrusive continuous load path (CLP) connection system using Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) and epoxy. Suitable designs were developed for stud to top plate and gable end connections and tests were performed to evaluate the ultimate load, creep and fatigue behavior. The objective was to determine the performance of the connections under simulated sustained hurricane conditions. The performance of the new connections was satisfactory.

2017 - 2018
One of the most widespread structural systems is represented by Moment Resisting Frames (MRFs). resistant seismic frames. This structural system is made up of frames capable of resisting seismic actions through predominantly flexural tension states. The stiffness and lateral resistance of the system depend on the flexural strength of the members and the type of connection, while the development of the plastic hinges guarantee the dissipation of the seismic input energy. The location of the dissipative zones varies according to the design approach adopted, typically they develop in beams, columns and connections. The most widespread design philosophy is to have strong columns, weak beams and full-strength rigid connections with complete resistance restoration, in this way all the seismic energy tends to be dissipated by the plastic hinges at the ends of the beams and at the base of the columns of the first level. In order to overcome the traditional design approach, the present research work introduces a new type of beam-column connection capable of exhibiting a remarkable rigidity in service conditions (SLE) and able to exhibit a remarkable dissipative capacity when a rare seismic event occurs. The codes currently in force provide that for seismic events characterized by a period of return comparable with the useful life of the structure (frequent or occasional events) the structures remain in the elastic field ensuring that the seismic energy is completely dissipated through viscous damping. Vice versa, the seismic energy must be dissipated through plastic engagement of parts of the structure, with wide and stable hysteresis cycles, for rare and very rare seismic events with a return period of about 500 years. The development of the hysteresis involves structural damage that have to be such as not to lead to the collapse of the structure in order to guarantee the protection of the life of those who occupy the building. The prediction of the behaviour of the structure in non-linear field for rare seismic events represents an aspect that only experimental research can describe in depth by developing new analytical models and innovative design philosophies. The execution of quasi-static tests can provide useful information in order to investigate the nonlinear behaviour of the members and the assemblages even if the forces or the displacement histories applied during the tests do not correspond exactly to the actions that occur during a real seismic event. The information obtained through these test procedures is however useful for calibrating analytical models and comparing the behaviour of structural components. The execution of tests on real scale structures is the best way to investigate the global behaviour of a structural system. For a more complete knowledge about the response in the dynamic field, the pseudo-dynamic tests represent a test protocol able to provide information of the structural response of a component or of a structure in a dynamic field through a static test. The main purpose of this work, developed within the FREEDAM research project financed by the European Community, is to develop an innovative beam-column connection. These innovative connections are equipped with an additional damper able to dissipating the energy deriving from destructive seismic events. The FREEDAM beam-column connection, through an appropriate design of the various components, is able to withstand frequent earthquakes and rare events without causing damage to the structural elements. The thesis is divided into six chapters. The Chapter 1 reports a brief introduction to the traditional beam-column connections, specifying the characteristics of the different types of connection and their influence on the behaviour of the Moment Resisting Frames. In the last part of the chapter the FREEDAM dissipative connection is presented, specifying its peculiarities and the benefits that its introduction into the structural system brings. The Chapter 2 is devoted to the description of the results obtained from an extensive experimental campaign developed at the STRENGTH laboratory of the University of Salerno, for the choice of material for the friction dampers used in the FREEDAM connections by carrying out a statistical characterization of the static and dynamic friction coefficients. The Chapter 3 collects the results of a further experimental campaign carried out at the University of Salerno laboratory and aimed at studying the tightening losses for pre-loading bolt systems equipped with different washers. In Chapter 4 a design procedure has been define for the FREEDAM beam-column connections, then this procedure has been applied in order to design two different types of connections that have been experimentally tested at the University of Coimbra Laboratory (PT). In the same chapter, the test layouts and the results obtained from the cyclic tests carried out on the nodes equipped with FREEDAM friction dampers have been described, finally developing models to the finite elements and comparing the experimental results with the computerized models. Finally, the Chapter 5 shows the results of the pseudo-dynamic tests carried out on a full-scale steel Moment Resistant Frame equipped in a first case with traditional full strength beam-column connections (dogbone) and in a second case equipped with the innovative connections proposed. These results have been compared to each other and with the results obtained from finite element models. [edited by Author]
XXXI ciclo

This thesis is mainly focused on the seismic behaviour of cross laminated timber (CLT) buildings. The document can be subdivided into three main sections closely related to each other. In the first part, after a short introduction on the state of the art on timber buildings regarding the constructive and legislative issues, the behaviour of CLT buildings is presented. The research is focused on the study on single shear-walls, on the multi-storey single-walls and on the behaviour of the whole buildings. The analyses are performed in order to assess the ductility level achievable by a CLT building as a result of different choices for the ductility of the connections at the foundation level. In order to estimate the ductility level, a large number of non-linear analyses were performed. This was possible thanks to a Matlab code, specifically developed, which allowed to reduce the computational burden. The results are used to evaluate a reliable set of behaviour factors to be applied in the seismic design of CLT buildings. In the second part of thesis, the low-cyclic fatigue strengths for different typologies of dissipative timber connections are presented. The low-cyclic fatigue strength represents a key-parameter in the assessment of the seismic behaviour of timber connections. In fact, high values of ductility associated with low values of strength degradation ensure a remarkable and reliable energy dissipation without a significant loss of strength. Despite the current version of chapter 8 of Eurocode 8 requires specific values of seismic demand for timber connections in terms of low-cyclic fatigue strength, no specific provision is reported to this regard in the European Standard for the cycling testing of timber connections and assemblage in seismic design (EN 12512). In This Standard the ductility capacity and the impairment of strength are calculated as separate mechanical parameters. For this reason, a proposal of revision of European Standard EN12512 is presented and discussed. The third and last part of the thesis describes an innovative connection for CLT buildings. This innovative connection was originally developed in order to absorb both traction and shear actions. Furthermore, a good performance has been obtained in terms of low-cyclic fatigue strength and ductility, with the aim of conceiving a connection able of satisfy the requirements of the current seismic European Standard. The design of this new connection was an iterative process, starting from some simplified numerical models. After some improvements, it was possible to obtain the expected performance levels. The strength and rigidity of the designed connection were initially obtained through numerical analysis, and then compared with the results of physical tests carried out in the Materials and Structures Testing Laboratory (MSTL), that is a part of the Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering (DICAM) of the University of Trento.

Гречка А. В. Задачі міжпредметного змісту як засіб формування в учнів інтегрованих знань з природничих наук : кваліфікаційна робота магістра спеціальності 014 "Середня освіта" / наук. керівник Н. І. Тихонська. Запоріжжя : ЗНУ, 2020. 87 с.
EN : Master's Qualification Thesis «Tasks of Cross-curricular Learning Area as Means o f Forming Students' Integrated Knowledge in Natural Science» contains: 87 pages, 11 pictures, 3 tables, 39 resources. The object of the research is the process of natural subjects in the institutions of secondary еducation. The aim of the work: is in developing, in theoretical background and experimental verification of methods for solving problems of intersubject content in the process of teaching natural sciences in a comprehensive school. The methods of researching: the analysis of scientific and methodological literature, collating and summarizing data obtained through studying of State standard for basic and complete general secondary education, the survey methods: conversations, questionnaires, the pedagogical quantitative analysis of the results of the pedagogical experiment. Scientific originality of the work is in the development of a methodology for unbinding and solving problems of intersubject content which based on the implementation of the principle of integration of knowledge in the study of natural sciences in a secondary school. The practical significance of the work is in the development and implementation of the methodology for solving and compiling tasks of interstudying content based on the implementation of the principle of integration of knowledge during the study of natural sciences in secondary school.
UA : Кваліфікаційна робота магістра «Задачі міжпредметного змісту як засіб формування в учнів інтегрованих знань з природничих наук»: 87 с., 11 рис., 3 табл., 39 джерел. Об’єктом дослідження є процес навчання природничих наук в закладах середньої освіти. Мета роботи: полягає в розробці, теоретичному обґрунтуванні й експериментальній перевірці методики розв’язування задач міжпредметного змісту в процесі навчання природничих наук в загальноосвітній школі. Методи дослідження – аналіз науково-методичної літератури, співставлення й узагальнення даних, одержаних у процесі вивчення Державного стандарту базової і повної загальної середньої освіти, методи опитування: бесіди, анкетування, педагогічний експеримент; якісний і кількісний аналіз результатів педагогічного експерименту. Наукова новизна роботи полягає у розробці методики розв’язування і складання задач міжпредметного змісту на основі peaлізації принципу інтеграції знань при вивченні природничих наук в середній школі. Практичне значення роботи полягає у розробці та впровадженні методики розв’язування і складання задач міжпредметного змісту на основі peaлізації принципу інтеграції знань при вивченні природничих наук в середній школі.

Concrete filled steel tubes are regarded as ideal frame members in seismic resisting systems, as they combine large axial and flexural capacity with ductility. The combination of the two materials increases the strength of the confined concrete and avoids premature local buckling of the steel tube. These benefits are more prominent for circular than for rectangular concrete filled steel tubes. However, most common connection configurations for circular concrete filled tubes are not economic in the US market due to (a) the desire of designers to use only fully restrained connections and its associated (b) high cost of fabrication and field welding. Research indicates that well designed partially restrained connections can supply equal or even better cyclic behavior. Partially restrained connections also possess potential capability to develop self-centering system, which has many merits in seismic design. The goal of this research is to develop a new connection configuration between circular concrete filled steel columns and conventional W steel beams. The new connection configuration is intended to provide another option for rapid assembling on site with low erection costs. The proposed connection is based on an extended stiffened end plate that utilizes through rods. The rods are a combination of conventional steel and shape memory alloy that provide both energy dissipation and self-centering capacity. The new connection configuration should be workable for large beam sizes and can be easily expanded to a biaxial bending moment connection.
Ph. D.

Resource scarcity and resource abundance along with a mindset of scarcity or abundance was researched within an innovative environment. The methodology involved the use of four different scenarios within an experimental context. This enabled the researcher to present different environments to the respondents. The researched results analysed the effects that resources as well as mindset types had on innovation. It was found that decreasing amounts of financial resources and collaborations with suppliers and customers increased the confidence of innovation being successful. The research results also indicate that abundant mindsets did not necessarily increase the rate of innovation. Although the abundant mindset definitely played a role in affecting the amount of resources being used in the different environments, set out by the scenarios.
Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2009.
Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)
unrestricted

Thesis (M.S.)--West Virginia University, 2002.
Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains viii, 114 p. : ill. (some col.). Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 112-114).

Concrete filled steel tubular (CFT) columns can employ the advantages of both materials: steel and concrete. Connection to such columns, however, is problematic. This is especially so if the required connection is both bolted and moment-resisting. To address this issue, a novel blind-bolted and moment-resisting connection to CFT column has been developed. This connection uses an innovative blind-bolt, introduced in previous research at the University of Nottingham and is termed the Extended Hollobolt (EHB). The EHB has been developed to provide sufficient tensile resistance and stiffness for the connection to develop resistance to moment. Previous research work has studied the performance of this connection under monotonic loading. The performance of such connection under cyclic loading, however, is not yet investigated. The work presented in this thesis addresses this gap in knowledge. This thesis reports on a series of full scale testing of joints consisting of beam endplates connected to CFT columns using this blind bolt. The test connections were constructed with relatively thick endplate so as to isolate the CFT column and the blind bolt as the relatively weak elements in the connection system. This study focuses on the behaviour of the connections with principal failure modes attributed by the blind bolt and the CFT column. The experiments were conducted to obtain insights into the hysteretic moment-rotation relationship, available ductility & energy dissipation capacity, observe typical failure modes, and develop relevant understandings of the Extended Hollobolt-endplate connection subjected to cyclic loading. The selected connection details were chosen to examine the influential parameters of the joint hysteretic moment-rotation behaviour. From the experimental results, two representative failure modes, bolt fracture and column face bending failure, were observed and categorized in relation to the connection configuration. The connection behaviour are described and compared with respect to the influences of bolt grade, cyclic loading procedure, tube wall thickness and concrete grade. Based on the experimental hysteretic moment-rotation relationships, an evaluation of the cyclic characteristics and an analysis' of the cumulative damage were carried out for the two representative connection categories. The joint hysteretic moment-rotation response was assessed in term of degradations of strength, stiffness, ductility, and energy dissipation. The use of damage levels and stages in the interpretation of damage evolutions for the connection behaviour is also described in this thesis. The findings of cumulative damage analysis suggest that the energy based cumulative damage index outweighs the other indices in characterizing the progressive damage process of the connections in this study. This is especially the case for those related to hysteresis loops at repeated cycles of each loading amplitude. Following the experimental study, 3D nonlinear finite element models of the connections were developed to analyse the mechanical response of the connection. The comparison of the numerical and experimental moment-rotation envelope curve is discussed with respect to related geometric and material parameters. The connection failure modes and displacement distributions were further examined as a supplement to the experimental findings that were necessarily limited by instrumentations. This work also presents mathematical models for the hysteretic moment-rotation relationships simulating the loading, unloading and reloading segments of the hysteresis loops. Characterizing parameters were introduced to, allow for the softening slope, linear segment slope, and degradations of strength and energy dissipation. This study concluded that the proposed finite element model simulates well the behaviour of the connection with good prediction of the moment-rotation envelope curves and of the failure mode. It is also concluded that the proposed mathematical models define well the non-linear loading and unloading paths with reasonable accuracy. It is finally claimed that the Extended-Hollobolt endplate connection provides a stable improvement in strength and stiffness under cyclic loading compared with other similar connections.

This thesis concerns the study of an innovative moment resisting connection device to be adopted in the so-called moment resisting steel frames. Following previous seismic events, such as Northridge in 1994, many steel structures characterized by welded connections between beams and columns experienced extended damages and diffused brittle failures, making the facilities unserviceable and economically disadvantageous to repair. The answers to this problem is represented by a large number of studies, where several proposals for different devices, as well as special technical solutions, are available. However, the main idea developed among all the proposals is represented by the identification of a portion of the beam to be devoted to the onset of plastic strains, known in literature as Reduced Beam Section (RBS). In this way, this selected part is the only one of the beam to host the plastic strains, while the other portions behave elastically. The most representative example of this approach is the so-called dogbone proposed by Plumier. It reduces the strength of a specific cross-section by simply trimming off part of the flanges. This cut can follow different shapes, but the most common is the parabolic one. The dogbone certainly is effective, but on the other hand, it shows the side effect of increasing the flexural and torsional deformability of the element where it is realized, involving an additional percentage of interstorey drifts from 4% to 7%, as confirmed in international standard. The device studied in this work presents the possibility to independently fix the flexural stiffness and the strength, and it is called Limited Resistance Plastic Device (LRPD). The LRPD is made up of three different I-shaped parts: two outer portions and an inner one. The two outer portions are equal to each other and show a flange thickness greater than the inner one. Moreover, the device is characterized by symmetry with respect to three orthogonal barycentric planes, and the flanges of all portions possess a unique common medium plane. The web thickness is the same in all the portions, and it is assumed to be equal to the web thickness of the connected beam element. The described geometry is useful to guarantee the desired strength reduction, permitting the full development of the plastic strains within the inner portion, and at the same time it allows the device to exhibit independently the preassigned bending stiffness. The described features are obtained through the solution of an optimal design problem based on the minimization of a suitably chosen objective function while respecting appropriately assigned linear and nonlinear constraints. The chosen objective function is the volume of the device, while the constraints are related to the special device geometry, to the imposed resistance and stiffness, and, furthermore, to ensure that the device fully plasticizes avoiding undesired local buckling effects. The cited optimal design problem has been solved by means of a nonlinear programming tool such as the Matlab Optimization Toolbox. In addition, in this thesis, an approximate iterative procedure has been developed to obtain the geometric characteristics of LRPD without a specific numerical tool. The device was validated using various FEM simulations, with the goal of verifying the behaviour in relation to the length of the inner part to ensure the expected onset of the plastic deformations. The results confirmed that the LRPD behaves as expected and allowed to define a minimum length of the inner part in dependence of commercial profile (HE of IPE one). To check the affordability of the LRPD in real structures compared to its competitors, many examples of frames equipped with LRPD or dogbone subjected to static and dynamic loads prescribed by international standards were analyzed. The same frames without any device were analyzed under the same loading conditions, and the results were compared to those of the same frames equipped with dogbones and LRPD. It was observed that the presence of LRPD overcomes the greater deformability of the frames equipped with dogbones, allowing the interstorey drifts to be almost unaltered. Some efforts were devoted also to the study of the strength domains of the common I-shape cross sections, not only in terms of N-M interaction but also considering the shear contribution. Furthermore, the N-M domains were investigated taking into account the uncertainties that commonly characterize the device’s constitutive parameters, allowing to approximately quantify the effective limit domains. Another important topic focused on in the thesis was the realization of a breach in a masonry wall, and the consequent reinforcement of the panel by means of a steel frame. In this case, the goal is typically to recreate the element’s original stiffness while ignoring the variation in strength. It was demonstrated that by installing the LRPD in the reinforcement frame it is possible to adequately recreate the characteristics of the original panel. Finally, an experimental campaign was carried out. The obtained results showed the full validity of the LRPD, serving as a real benchmark of the reliability of the proposed model.

The value of improv training extends beyond the stage. Improv has been successfully utilized and applied in a variety of ways in the workplace, school, and community. This study examines the connection between genuine dialogue and improv to determine if improv exhibits dialogic qualities. Three focus groups were conducted with a total of nineteen improv students. Additionally, an interview was conducted with the director of a hospital's Innovation Lab where improv is used in an organizational setting. The conditions for dialogue set by Gordon (2006) served as a guideline for analyzing data. Thematic analysis generated categories used to analyze data. The most prominent of Gordon's conditions for dialogue within improv were Imagination & Innovation, Vulnerability and Immediacy of Presence. The importance of this study, implications and future studies for the connection between improv and dialogue are examined.
M.A.
Masters
Communication
Sciences
Communication; Interpersonal Communication Track

Problem – The construction industry builds the engine of a nation’s economy. In unstable times like these, knowledge of how to keep this sector healthy is vital. One way of doing so is to use the main driver of the 21st century economy – leadership. Yet, there is little research to be found regarding the connection between leadership and growth in a construction sector context. Though, it is important for companies to know and execute this tool to use it as an advantage in this highly competitive market. The government is one important driver for growth, though its linkage on how to support the construction sector is weak. Research question - How is leadership connected to sustainable growth in the construction industry, using two different approaches – seen from a company’s and governmental perspective? Purpose – The purpose of this study is to find patterns, differences and similarities of how leadership affects sustainable growth among Swedish and Austrian construction companies. Further, the thesis should contribute to the research field, which has to be expanded to cover the construction industry. Method – An abductive approach was chosen to collect secondary data about leadership in relation to growth in the construction industry to gain a broader but also deeper understanding of the topic and comply with the purpose of this study. The empirical data was built as a case study, consisting of four companies and governmental institutions. The information was collected by using a qualitative approach in the form of almost exclusively interviews and one focus group. Conclusions – This study shows that all companies and governmental institutions accept leadership as an important driver for growth. The concepts of leadership and growth are interlocked with many factors. The chosen drivers of growth showed that the company, which actively wanted to grow, used leadership to enforce those drivers in particular. Innovation was one growth driver, which set Beta, the growing aspirant, apart from the other companies, which do not want to grow anymore. Leadership was executed by offering support, understanding and commitment. Both Swedish and Austrian governmental institutions provided a growing region for the companies and aspire continuous growth for the region. Yet, they had no direct influence on the companies’ growth performance.

Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master of Philosophy Macquarie University, Australian Centre for Educational Studies, Institute of Early Childhood. 2007.
Thesis (MPhil)--Macquarie University (Australian Centre for Educational Studies, Institute of Early Childhood), 2007.
Bibliography: p. 199-227.
Introduction -- The context of the study -- Literature review -- Methodology -- Teachers' interpretations: the impact of Reggio Emilian pedagogy -- Themes of influence: Reggio Emilian pedagogy and teachers' philosophies and practice -- Relevance to the local context -- Conclusion.
Reggio Emilian pedagogy is an acknowledged and burgeoning world-wide influence in early childhood education, yet it claims not to be a model for emulation. Where practising teachers engage with Reggio Emilian pedagogy in their classrooms, such 'influence without emulation' creates a paradox in the process. This qualitative study aims to investigate the process and theorize the paradox. Following the tradition of interpretive research into teacher reflection, research, inquiry and professional development, eight Australian teachers, working across a range of early childhood contexts, were interviewed for their interpretations of the impact, influence and local relevance of this foreign pedagogy. Analysis revealed strong responses, common themes of influence and a shared perspective on the issue of translocation - engagement in an alternative process to mere replication.
Mode of access: World wide Web.
iii, 283 p

There has been an increased focus on ICT-related projects in development cooperation in the last decade based on the assumption that ICTs expands opportunities for economic growth as well as for poverty reduction. This is also the case with the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA). I wanted to better understand the reasoning behind the increased focus on ICT. Specifically I have chosen to look at SIDA’s policies and projects with universities in Tanzania and Nicaragua to understand how different stakeholders perceive that increased ICT use at universities can affect poverty reduction. Some questions guiding my research are: In what ways can these ICT investments meet the development goals of SIDA, and might do these ICT investments theoretically fit into a national system of innovation?

Une solution innovante de poutre mixte acier-béton a été développée en tenant compte des problématiques de résistance au feu et de montage sur chantier. La poutre est composée d'une partie métallique en U connectée à une partie en béton armé. En phase de construction, la poutre métallique supporte la dalle et constitue un coffrage pour la retombée en béton armé. La poutre en U résiste aux charges de construction sans système d’étaiement temporaire. Lors du coulage du béton, la poutre en acier est remplie en même temps que la dalle, ce qui permet un gain de temps considérable sur chantier. En phase d'exploitation, la poutre est mixte acier-béton. La connexion entre les deux matériaux est réalisée par des goujons à tête soudée en partie inférieure de la poutre en U. En situation d'incendie, la poutre mixte répond aux durées de stabilité au feu conventionnelles grâce aux armatures longitudinales à l'intérieur de la retombée avec des enrobages suffisants. Un état de l'art sur les solutions existantes répondant aux critères de la thèse est réalisé afin de proposer une solution innovante et optimisée. En phase de construction, sans présence de maintien, la poutre métallique en U est sujette à l’instabilité globale de déversement. Afin de caractériser la stabilité de la poutre, un test à échelle réelle est effectué au Laboratoire de l'Université du Luxembourg. Les résultats de l’essai sont comparés à des simulations numériques et à des études analytiques. Une étude paramétrique portant sur 200 configurations géométriques de la poutre en U est réalisée afin de valider l'utilisation de la courbe « b » pour le dimensionnement au déversement selon l’Eurocode 3. En phase d'exploitation, une fois le béton durci, la poutre présente un comportement mixte acier-béton assuré par la connexion. Pour des raisons de fabrication, la connexion est située dans une zone où le béton est soumis à des efforts de traction induits par la flexion de la poutre. Le béton dans cette zone est potentiellement fissuré, l’efficacité de la connexion et par conséquent le comportement mixte acier-béton sont étudiés. Un autre test, à échelle réelle, est effectué dans le Laboratoire de l'Université du Luxembourg. La ruine de la poutre mixte, par effort tranchant, se produit à très grands déplacements. Cependant, l’échantillon présente un réel comportement mixte avec une ductilité élevée, la connexion est donc très efficace. Les résultats de l’essai sont comparés à des simulations numériques afin de valider le modèle par éléments finis développé. A partir des résultats numériques et des résultats d’essais, une méthode de conception pour déterminer la résistance à la flexion de cette poutre, basée sur l’Eurocode 4, est proposée en tenant compte de la plastification partielle des parois de la section en U. Une méthode de conception analytique globale est proposée pour la solution développée basée sur les Eurocodes, avec des considérations supplémentaires et des conseils de mise en œuvre
An innovative solution of steel-concrete composite beam was developed taking into consideration the fire situation and the construction stage. The beam is composed of a U-shaped steel part connected to a reinforced concrete part. In the construction phase, the beam is supporting the slab and constitutes a formwork for the reinforced concrete part. The U-shaped beam withstands the construction loads without any temporary propping system. When casting concrete, the steel beam is filled at the same time as the slab, this allows considerable time-saving on site. In exploitation stage, the beam behaves as a steel-concrete composite beam. The connection between the two materials is made by welded headed studs on the lower part of the U-shaped beam. In fire situations, the composite beam satisfies conventional fire stability durations due to the longitudinal reinforcements inside the concrete downstand part with sufficient covers. A literature review focuses on modern solutions that fulfils the criteria of the thesis is performed in order to develop an innovative solution optimised. In construction stage, the U-shaped steel beam without restraints is prone to lateral torsional buckling instability. In order to characterise the stability of the beam, a full-scale test is carried out at the Laboratory of the University of Luxembourg. The test clearly showed the lateral torsional buckling of the steel beam. The test results are compared to numerical simulations and analytical studies. A parametrical study, covering 200 geometrical configurations of the U-shaped beam, is carried out to validate the use of the curve "b" for the design of the steel beam for lateral torsional buckling according to Eurocodes 3. In the exploitation phase, once the concrete hardens, the beam has a steel-concrete composite behaviour provided by the shear connection between the two materials. For manufacturing reasons, the connection is located in a zone where the concrete is subjected to tension forces induced by the bending of the beam. The concrete in this zone is potentially cracked, thus the efficiency of the connection and therefore the mechanical steel-concrete composite behaviour is investigated. Another test is therefore carried out in the Laboratory of the University of Luxembourg, this time the specimen tested is made of concrete and steel. The failure mode is a shear mechanism of the composite beam at very large displacements. However, the beam specimen exhibited a real steel-concrete composite behaviour with high ductility, the connection is therefore very efficient. The test results are compared to numerical simulations in order to validate the finite element model developed. From numerical results and test results, an analytical method, based on EN 1994-1-1, is proposed to find the bending resistant of this composite beam by taking into account the partial yield of the side plates of the U-shaped steel section. A global analytical design method is proposed for the developed solution based on the Eurocodes with additional considerations and constructional guidelines

This paper focuses on leadership problems and possibilities regarding creativity in a specific R&D organization. This is done with the help of a model consisting of four domains of special interest for R&D leaders. A survey in the form of personal interviews was conducted with leaders and staff members of two R&D sections in the organization. The analysis pointed towards problems on work load and stress issues. Furthermore the organizational structure of the two sections provided a discussion on optimal structural build‐up in order to maximize creativity. Trust issues arose because of the apparent use of control by upper management as described by lower level leaders and the employees. Indications showed that the trust issues put up obstacles for learning and dealing with failure. On the other hand the relationships between section management and staff were perceived as good. Also the ground works of a good creative work was laid with the trusting relationships between fellow professionals within the group.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-29T14:32:24Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 dissertacao_dermeval_santos_cerqueira.pdf: 1699250 bytes, checksum: c2dc742628ee34247617dcbb4c9bce5d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2003-10-22
The subject of this present work The implementation of curriculum innovation in high school teaching and teacher continuing graduation: lessons of experience aims to search for directions for high school teachers undergraduation hoping themto get used of new curriculum elements such as problem solution, the interdisciplinary connection, contextualization concernig the Mathematics curriculumfor higt school teaching. It has got as the main problem the strength of teachers continuing undergraduation projects which are supported by thematization of practice for the implementation of curriculum innovation. Therefore, the main purpose is to contribute to the improvement of the continuing undergraduation process of working teachers, engaging them to the curriculum innovation process. By recording the different moments of such formation project and analyzing some results of this work, we could identify the facts which contribute positively so that purposes can be reached and the difficulties faced on
O tema do presente trabalho "Implementação de inovações curriculares no Ensino Médio e formação continuada de professores: as lições de uma experiência" tem como motivação a busca de indicações para a formação de professores do Ensino Médio visando a que se apropriem de novos elementos curriculares como resolução de problemas, as conexões interdisciplinares, a contextualização, propostas nas Diretrizes Curriculares para o Ensino Médio. Elege como problema central a potencialidade de projetos de formação continuada de professores que se apóiam na tematização da prática para a implementação de inovações curriculares. Tem, portanto, como finalidade, contribuir para o aperfeiçoamento do processo de formação continuada de professores em atuação, articulando-o ao processo de inovação curricular. Registrando os diferentes momentos de um projeto de formação com essas características e analisando alguns resultados, identificamos fatores que contribuem positivamente para que os objetivos sejam alcançados e as dificuldades enfrentadas

Accelerated bridge construction methods are being progressively used to construct and replace bridges in North America. Unlike traditional bridge construction methods, accelerated bridge construction methods allow bridges to be built in a shortened period of time on the construction site. These methods reduce the road closure time and the traffic disruption that are associated with bridge construction. One of these methods is carried out by prefabricating the bridge elements offsite and then assembling them onsite in a time-efficient way to build the bridge. This construction method can be used to build steel-precast composite bridges, where steel plate girders are connected to full-depth precast concrete deck panels. For the expeditious construction of composite bridges, a proper shear connection detail is needed to develop composite action between the steel plate girders and the precast concrete deck panels. This research project investigated two types of shear connection that would accelerate the construction of steel-precast composite bridges. First, finite element analysis was used to study the behaviour of composite bridge girders with panel end connections. The girders were analyzed for their load-displacement behaviour, cross-sectional stress and strain profile, and connection force distributions. Secondly, experimental push tests were conducted to study the load-slip behaviour of bolted connections. The effects of steel-concrete interface condition, bolt diameter and bolt tension on the shear capacity of bolted connections were analyzed. Based on the finite element analysis results, it is concluded that the panel end connected girder exhibited strong composite action at service and ultimate load. The level of composite action decreased slightly when the panel end connection stiffness was reduced by a factor of ten. Based on the experimental results, it is concluded that the total shear capacity of the bolted connection is the sum of the friction resistance and the bolt dowel action resistance. The friction resistance of the connection depends on the interface condition and the bolt clamping force. An analytical model that can predict the ultimate shear capacity of bolted connections has been developed and recommended. The proposed model is shown to give reliable predictions of the experimental results. It should be noted that bolted connections exhibit good structural redundancy because the bolt fracture failures do not happen simultaneously.

One of the most widespread structural systems is represented by Moment Resisting Frames (MRFs). This structural system is made up of frames capable of resisting seismic actions through predominantly flexural tension states. The stiffness and lateral resistance of the system depend on the flexural strength of the members and the type of connection, while the development of the plastic hinges guarantee the dissipation of the seismic input energy. The location of the dissipative zones varies according to the design approach adopted, typically they develop in beams, columns and connections. The most widespread design philosophy is to have strong columns, weak beams and full-strength rigid connections with complete resistance restoration, in this way all the seismic energy tends to be dissipated by the plastic hinges at the ends of the beams and at the base of the columns of the first level. In order to overcome the traditional design approach, the present research work introduces a new type of beam-column connection capable of exhibiting a remarkable rigidity in service conditions (SLE) and able to exhibit a remarkable dissipative capacity when a rare seismic event occurs. The codes currently in force provide that for seismic events characterized by a period of return comparable with the useful life of the construction (frequent or occasional events) the structures remain in the elastic field ensuring that the seismic energy is completely dissipated through viscous damping. Vice versa, the seismic energy must be dissipated through plastic engagement of parts of the Pseudo dynamic tests and numerical analysis of free from damage multistorey steel buildings with innovative connections structure, with wide and stable hysteresis cycles, for rare and very rare seismic events with a return period of about 500 years. The development of the hysteresis involves structural damage that have to be such as not to lead to the collapse of the structure in order to guarantee the protection of the life of those who occupy the building. The prediction of the behaviour of the structure in non-linear field for rare seismic events represents an aspect that only experimental research can describe in depth by developing new analytical models and innovative design philosophies. The execution of quasi-static tests can provide useful information in order to investigate the nonlinear behaviour of the members and the assemblages even if the forces or the displacement histories applied during the tests do not correspond exactly to the actions that occur during a real seismic event. The information obtained through these test procedures is however useful for calibrating analytical models and comparing the behaviour of structural components. The execution of tests on real scale structures is the best way to investigate the global behaviour of a structural system. For a more complete knowledge about the response in the dynamic field, the pseudo-dynamic tests represent a test protocol able to provide information of the structural response of a component or of a structure in a dynamic field through a static test. The main purpose of this work, developed within the FREEDAM research project financed by the European Community, is to develop an innovative beam-column connection. These innovative connections are equipped with an additional damper able to dissipate the energy deriving from destructive seismic events. The FREEDAM beam-column connection, through an appropriate design of the various components, is able to withstand frequent earthquakes and rare events without causing damage to the structural elements.

碩士
雲林科技大學
營建工程系碩士班
99
This paper presents cyclic loading tests of six large-scale precast concrete beam-column joints, of which four cruciform beam-column joints without transverse beams while the other two with transverse beams. The objective is to investigate the use of headed bars, with a clear bar spacing of 2db, in place of hooked bars terminated at column center for anchorage. Design testing parameters include confinement of transverse beams, the amount and continuity of bottom beam bars. Within four cruciform joint specimens, similar hysteretic behavior were observed between two benchmark specimens with continuous bottom beam bars and other two specimens with discontinuous bottom beam bars which anchored by heads at the column center. Flexure yielding occurred at 2% story drift ratio, followed by maximum lateral resistance at 3% drift ratio. The strength degradation of each specimen was less than 15% in 6% drift level. The last two specimens with transverse beams achieved their maximum resistance at 6% drift ratio. During testing, the joint specimens used headed bars, with a bar spacing of 2db, anchored at column center performed as good as those with continuous bottom bars. This experiment validated the use of headed bars in place of hooked bars for precast bottom beam bars. In cast-in-place joints, the protruded bottom bars from precast beam units do not have to stagger or offset. This liberation could save labor, time, and material cost in the construction of a precast moment frame.

碩士
中原大學
會計研究所
105
Using the Chinese listed companies as sample, this paper investigates whether the family firms and a firm’s political connection have impacts on innovation. The results of this study show that family firms have significant positive effects on R&D investments, and a firm’s political connection inhibits the R&D investments.

碩士
國立高雄科技大學
企業管理系
107
Technological innovation capability is an important core competitiveness of a company, which helps a firm to pursuit its future growth and prospect. R&D investment is a key factor to enhance a firm’s technological innovation capability. Therefore, R&D investment is one of the most important decisions in innovative enterprises. The key factors to enhance a company's innovative ability are not only technological breakthroughs, or leadership style of business leaders but also the relationship between the government and a firm. This study thus investigates how political connections between a company and the government affect a firm’s innovation investments. In addition, CEO characteristics and a firm’s ownership structure have critical effects on a firm’s innovation investments. This study further examines how an overconfident CEO and ownership concentration of a firm influence the relationship stated above. This study examines the hypotheses by using a sample set of Taiwan-listed high-tech companies from 2007 to 2016, and adopts multiple regression analysis to explore the influence of political connections on innovation investments. Political connections are measured by the numbers of founders, boards of directors, and managers who have held the positions in government agencies, or join political parties. R&D is crucial innovation investments in high-tech industries. Therefore, this study uses the research and development expense ratio as a proxy of innovation investment. The empirical results show that political connections have a negative impact on innovation investments. That is, the higher the political connection, the lower the R&D investment. Furthermore, CEO overconfidence mitigates the negative impact of political connections on R&D investment. While ownership concentration did not have a moderating effect on the negative relationship between political connections and innovation investment. Key Words：Innovation Investment、Political Connection、Overconfidence、Ownership Concentration

Yes
Steel-concrete composite structures are commonly used in buildings and bridges because it takes advantage of tensile strength of steel and compressive strength of concrete. The two components are often secured by shear connectors such as headed studs to prevent slippage and to maintain composite action. In spite of its popularity, very little research was conducted on steel-concrete composites particularly on headed stud shear connectors in regards to its post-fire behaviour. This research investigates the post-fire behaviour of innovative shear connectors for composite steel and concrete. Three type of connectors were investigated. They are headed stud shear connectors, Blind Bolt 1 and Blind Bolt 2 blind bolts. Push-out test experimental studies were conducted to look at the behaviour and failure modes for each connector. Eighteen push tests were conducted according to Eurocode 4. The push test specimens were tested under ambient temperatures and post fire condition of 200˚C, 400˚C and 600˚C. The results in ambient temperature are used to derive the residual strength of shear connectors after exposing to fire. Findings from this research will provide fundamental background in designing steel-concrete composites where there is danger of fire exposure.

Enhancing levels of innovation and entrepreneurship to grow a more competitive economy is the focus of much government effort. Attention is paid to changing a culture seen as antagonistic to entrepreneurship through initiatives designed to promote an entrepreneurial spirit. Universities, aware of the importance of developing entrepreneurial potential, are focusing on equipping students with the skills and abilities to contribute to innovation within organisations they join upon graduation, while also providing opportunities for the development of student aspirations. Cambridge-MIT Institute (CMI) has developed a one week event designed to influence deep personal values and the underlying motivations of potential entrepreneurs. This paper reports on the Connections course content as it was offered at the University of Strathclyde in 2003, content premised on the belief that students are motivated to start new enterprises through enhancement of self-confidence in their entrepreneurial skills. Measures of entrepreneurial self-efficacy and other outcomes are offered, followed by a report of the results found at the end of the event and then six months later. The programme is found to have created enduring improvements in entrepreneurial self-efficacy, and a related strengthening of pre-entrepreneurial awareness and exploration of ideas for starting companies. Other assessment results are presented suggesting the need to include explicit course content on entrepreneurial career paths. The implications of the Connections findings for entrepreneurship teaching in general are discussed.

Poster presentation from the Living the Future 7 Conference, April 30-May 3, 2008, University of Arizona Libraries, Tucson, AZ.
The University of Arizona Libraries implemented free in-house article delivery for the entire campus in August 2006. The success of collaborating with other universities and teams in the library resulted in making the Express Document service a premiere service for our faculty, staff and students. Learn about what we did and how we did it-our connections with Greater Western Library Alliance consortial partners for benchmarking this type of service, how we created a business plan, what steps were taken to implement the service, the technology purchased and implemented, our collaboration with other teams in the library, and how we measured our progress.

碩士
中原大學
企業管理研究所
103
Recently, business environment rapid changes and therefore many small and medium-sized enterprises access to a portfolio of new ideas by transitory alliances. However, differentiated know-how and large cognitive distance between the small and medium-sized enterprises limit their communication. This difficult position points to a need for brokers in order to deal effectively with the complex environment. In contrast to most previous studies, this study focuses on the behavior of brokers who are in the transitory alliances. This study combines four broker’s functions and three orchestration processes in a case study of W-team in Taiwan woodworking industry. I investigated how relationships among member connection before network formation affects broker’s functions and orchestration processes, and further contributes to both innovation performance of the firm and alliance success. The results of this study show that the broker who is in transitory alliances arranges broker’s functions and orchestration processes and then ensure the network has innovation output. And the arrangement depends on various members’ technology status and cohesion.

Dissertação de mestrado em Structural Analysis of Monuments and Historical Constructions
Anthropological reasons apart, earthquakes are one of the most devastating causes of damage to monuments and historical constructions, and, as a consequence, lead to significant cultural, human, and economical losses. Protection of such structures against seismic excitations is thus an important factor regarding life safety and the conservation of our historical heritage. Efficient connections between structural elements can highly reduce the seismic vulnerability of masonry buildings by enhancing the out of plane behaviour of the walls regarding lateral loads which are presented as the principal cause of failure in this type of structure. In spite of the importance of structural connections regarding the global behaviour of historical constructions under seismic actions, research in this field is almost nonexistent and needs to be developed. The objective of this thesis is to study the seismic response to a ductile connection used to connect tie-rods to masonry walls in the scope of seismic retrofitting of historical constructions and to analyse its behaviour in comparison to the behaviour of the other structural elements. In seismic vulnerability assessment, numerical models are of great importance and providing characterizations of such connections would be of considerable interest to architects and engineers in order to more accurately design a seismic retrofit and thus be able to predict and avoid expected damage. Using a preliminary numerical model as a bench mark, the prototype was tested under monotonic and cyclic loading in order to reproduce similar excitations encountered during an earthquake. Based on the experimental campaign, a numerical model was developed and calibrated using the FE method. The comparison between the updated model and the experimental results helped to understand the fact that to a greater extent than the plasticization of the material, the parameter dissipating energy during the cycles is the friction between the plate and the walls. It was concluded that this innovative ductile connexion was not as effective as had been expected in terms of seismic behaviour on account of the large residual displacements observed after a cyclic loading. Therefore, an alternative solution is proposed as well as implementation recommendations.
À parte das razões antropológicas, os sismos são uma das maiores causas de dano para os monumentos e construções históricas, levando a perdas significativas a nível económico, cultural e humano. A proteção deste tipo de estruturas face às ações sísmicas é um fator relevante para a segurança e conservação do património histórico. A eficiência das ligações entre elementos estruturais pode amplamente reduzir a vulnerabilidade sísmica dos edifícios, através do melhoramento do comportamento para fora do plano das paredes de alvenaria, atenuando o principal modo de colapso destas estruturas quando sujeitas a ações horizontais. Apesar da importância das ligações estruturais no contexto do comportamento global de construções históricas quando sujeitas a ações sísmicas, a investigação neste campo é escassa e necessita de ser claramente ampliada. Para avaliação da vulnerabilidade sísmica a utilização de modelos numéricos é de grande importância. A caracterização e a definição do comportamento real a nível numérico são fundamentais para os projetistas, uma vez que estes necessitam de uma previsão adequada do comportamento das ligações e da sua influência no comportamento estrutural para evitar o dano. O objetivo da presente dissertação é estudar a resposta de uma ligação dúctil (placa de ancoragem) utilizada para ligar tirantes a paredes de alvenaria, passível de ser utilizada no reforço sísmico de construções históricas, analisando o seu comportamento sísmico de uma forma integrada com o comportamento dos restantes elementos estruturais. Partindo de um modelo numérico preliminar desenvolvido de raiz e usando-o como um ponto de referência, foram realizados ensaios monotónicos e cíclicos para a caracterização estrutural da ligação. Com base na campanha experimental, o modelo numérico foi calibrado. A comparação entre o modelo calibrado e os resultados experimentais ajudou a compreender a resposta estrutural da ligação, o mecanismo de colapso, a dissipação de energia durante os ciclos, entre outros. Com a presente dissertação concluiu-se que a ligação dúctil estudada, em termos de comportamento sísmico, não teve a resposta estrutural esperada, uma vez que foram observadas das grandes deformações residuais, tendo sido apresentada uma solução alternativa, bem como recomendações para a sua implementação.
Sans parler des raisons anthropologiques, les tremblements de terre sont une des causes les plus dévastatrices des dégâts occasionnés aux monuments et constructions historiques, ce qui engendre en conséquence d’importantes pertes en termes humain, culturel et économique. Protéger ces structures est, par conséquent, un facteur de grande importance vis-à-vis de la sécurité de la population et de la conservation de notre patrimoine culturel. La vulnérabilité séismique des bâtiments en maçonnerie peut être réduite de manière conséquente en connectant efficacement les différents éléments structuraux ce qui a pour conséquence d’améliorer le comportement des murs vis-à-vis des déformations hors du plan. Malgré l’importance de ces connexions au regard du comportement global des constructions historiques soumises à une action séismique, la recherche dans ce domaine est presque inexistante et nécessite d’être développé. L’objectif de cette thèse est d’étudier la réponse séismique d’une connexion flexible, utilisé pour ancrer les tirants aux murs de maçonnerie, dans le but d’un renforcement séismique de bâtiments historique et de comparer son comportement vis-à-vis des autres éléments structuraux. Les model numériques sont d’une grande importance au regard des études de vulnérabilité séismique et la définition des caractéristiques de telles connexions pourrait être d’une grande contribution pour les architectes et ingénieur afin d’être plus proche de la réalité dans leur démarche de conception et en conséquence prévoir et éviter de nombreux dégâts. En se servant d’un modèle numérique préliminaire comme repère, le prototype a été testé sous un chargement cyclique afin de reproduire une excitation similaire à celle ressentie lors d’un tremblement de terre. Basé sur cette campagne expérimentale, le modèle numérique a ensuite été développé et calibré utilisant la méthode des EF. La comparaison entre le modèle final et les tests menés a permis de démontrer qu’à plus grande échelle que la plastification de l’acier, le paramètre permettant de dissiper de l’énergie était la friction entre l’assiette ductile et le mur. Pour conclure, il est démontré que cette connexion innovatrice ne fonctionne pas aussi bien que prévu au regard de son comportement séismique du fait des grandes déformations résiduelles observées après chaque cycle de charge.

abstract: This dissertation examines the first impressions that occur between Deaf consumers and American Sign Language (ASL)/English interpreters prior to a healthcare appointment. Negative first impressions can lead to a disconnect or loss of trust between Deaf consumers and interpreters and increase the risk for Deaf consumers to receive inadequate healthcare. The recognition of this risk led to an action research study to look at barriers to successful interactions between ASL/English interpreters and Deaf consumers. The mixed methods research design and associated research questions discovered factors and perceptions that contributed to the disconnect and subsequently informed a 10-week intervention with a small group of ASL/English interpreters and Deaf consumers. The factors that influence connection are system related and a lack of a standardized approach to using name badges, missing or incorrect appointment details, and an inconsistent protocol for interpreter behavior when a healthcare provider leaves the room. The intervention allowed the interpreter participants to generate solutions to mitigate these barriers to connection and apply them during the 10 weeks. Deaf consumer feedback was gathered during the intervention period and was used to modify the generated solutions. The generated solutions included re-design of an interpreter referral agency’s name badge, using small talk as a way to learn information about the nature of the healthcare appointment and proactively discuss procedures when a healthcare provider leaves the exam room. These solutions resulted in a positive influence for both interpreters and Deaf consumers and an increase of trust and connection. The findings of this study show new approaches that create a connection between interpreters and Deaf consumers and may lead to more satisfactory healthcare interactions for Deaf consumers.
Dissertation/Thesis
Doctoral Dissertation Leadership and Innovation 2019

碩士
國立清華大學
經營管理碩士在職專班
102
Rural tourism is a new rural service innovation in Taiwan these years. It provides travelers a whole new experience of actively participating in a rural life by the three elements of local ingredients &; resource, rural characteristics and culture and customer participation. In addition, rural tourism creates an opportunity to development and let silence rural area come into a new situation. More and more organizations and groups are planning the related type of innovation services, and this kind of experience activities are growing up now in Taiwan rural area. In this research, we would like to know the original concept of the innovation activities designers, how to form a service innovation, and which factors will affect the output of activities. By research process such as field research, interview and activity participation to analyze the value proposition and service content, and at the same time we explore the network construction of every services by the Actor Network Theory. The result of this study showed that, the main theme of travel is the key point of the experience activities, which combine people, natural resource, products and culture together, as well as created a significant network and scenario for innovative service of tourism. It provides not only a tour but also a brand new culture experience. Meanwhile, all of the elements encountered during travel, including the travel partners, local residents, local activities and the local culture and environment, also affect service contents and resource allocated.

This dissertation focuses on how transportation and information networks change the geographic distribution of economic activity. The first and second chapters examine the geographic distribution of patenting in the nineteenth century United States. The third explores the impact of the rollout of Rural Free Delivery (RFD) in the early twentieth century on voting behavior. In Chapter One, I examine the relationship between patenting activity and transportation access, using a newly collected panel dataset at the county level spanning the nineteenth century United State. I find a robust, statistically significant, positive effect of increases in local transportation access on patents per capita. The effect is large --- patents per capita double over the twenty years following introduction of the railroad. I ask if this increase is due to inventors responding to larger markets afforded by transportation improvements. I find modest evidence that market access explains the increase in patent activity, but most of the relationship seems to be explained by other variables correlated with transportation access. The second chapter proposes a novel way to study technology diffusion, investigating how transportation changes information absorption. Using digitized patent texts, I measure whether any given patent mentions previous, novel technologies within a particular window of time. The arrival speed of these new ideas is only weakly related transportation improvements; expansions of the transportation network disproportionately benefit the most develop places. Together, these two chapters suggest that the positive effect of transportation access on patenting is due to transportation forming a nexus that encourages local agglomerations, but leave the question of the overall impact of lager transportation networks on innovation unclear. Chapter Three focuses on the how mail delivery spread new information, studying the rollout of Rural Free Delivery (RFD) in the early twentieth century. Using a newly constructed panel data set, the analysis shows that voters in communities receiving more RFD routes distributed their votes to more parties; however, there is no evidence of an effect on turnout. RFD shifted positions taken by Representatives in line with their rural constituents, including increased support for pro-temperance and anti-immigration policies. The results only occur in counties with local newspapers, suggesting that the main channel is a lowered cost to voters of acquiring information relevant to political choices.

Creativity is increasingly becoming both an important issue in our rapidly changing society, and a popular subject of research. Research findings are beginning to conceptualize creativity as a much more complex process and studies are now focusing on the effects of social interaction and collaborative efforts on creativity as well as the potential impact of technology on collaboration and the creative process itself. This study looks at the influence of both collaboration and technology on the creative process to develop a clearer picture of the way in which they intersect. Due to the complexity of this study, two theoretical frameworks (Communities of Practice and Genex Framework) have been employed to inform the development of the study and to assist in contextualizing the results. To this end, this mixed-methods study collected data both from fashion design students enrolled in the third year of a Bachelor of Fashion Design program, and from their faculty. Data gathering methods included personal semi-structured interviews with both students (n = 13) and faculty (n = 9) and an online questionnaire with a larger group of students (n = 65). The research questions that framed this study focus on developing an initial understanding of the creative process as experienced by these students and then exploring in depth the ways that collaboration and working in community affect the creative process, as well as the impact of technology in supporting both creativity and collaboration. Results suggest that technology was indeed a valuable support in the creative process through its ability to facilitate particular kinds of collaborative practices, including brainstorming, developing and sharing ideas, and giving and receiving feedback. Such practices directly affected the creative process by enhancing the development of more professional sketches as well as facilitating the collaborative efforts of the members of the design community. Finally, the implications of these results for curriculum design and the appropriate choice of pedagogical approaches are discussed. The results presented will help to support curriculum designers and instructors who seek to encourage creative endeavour to focus on effective technological tools as well as strategies that promote collaboration and a sense of community in order to achieve these ends.

碩士
國立交通大學
管理學院碩士在職專班財務金融組
97
Abstract In the new competitive environment for enterprises under knowledge economy, their success depends not only on traditional tangible assets, but also on invisible ones, e.g., intellectual capital. However, intellectual capital does not fully comply with the definition of invisible ones. Restricted to accounting regulations on the evaluation and asset recognition, these investments in intellectual capital cannot be included in the balance sheet, and the financial statements fail to show the true value of the company, so this research is done in the three aspects: human capital, innovation capital, and customer capital, and look into their connections with the corporate stock price evaluation. This study is based on Ohlson’s evaluation model to observe the connections of human capital, customer capital, and innovation capital with the corporate valuation. The interpretation of the model will be enhanced because of the above variants. According to the results, the inclusion of the proxy variants of human capital, innovation capital, and customer capital into the price model respectively shows better explanation and provides higher correlations. Therefore, intellectual capital correlates with the stock price, so the enhancement of the intellectual capital should be greatly beneficial to the corporate value..

To design with a changing ecosystem requires examining and understanding site dynamics, extracting guidelines for making architectural decisions and defi ning processes that allow for change. Sable Island National Park is an ideal case study to test this method because its simple and dynamic ecosystem defi nes clear guidelines and requirements for adaptation. The proposed National Park infrastructure remodels human interaction with Sable Island by replacing and remediating existing settlements. Designed to be sensitive to and participate in the island’s natural processes, the new architecture protects the delicate ecosystem and facilitates low impact visitation. The systems, spaces and experiences serve to deepen understanding of human interdependence with the environment.
The thesis is a architectural case study for designing with dynamic ecosystems. To test a methodology for designing in dynamic ecosystems, a National Park infrastructure is designed for Sable Island, Canada. The exercise requires learning from the dynamic ecosystem, extracting guidelines for making design choices and developing designs with the capacity to adapt to their surroundings.

碩士
淡江大學
日本研究所
92
Peter F. Drucker said that knowledge is the only competitive resource for companies in the future. Besides, Sakaiya Taichi who is a famous Japanese scholar also argued that next generation of society must be the knowledge-based one. Because most of the core-knowledge in companies includes two traits that one is difficult to be imitated and the other one is “the law of increasing return”, many scholars began to discuss about importance of knowledge after middle of twenty century. In recent years, owing to IT revolution, information or knowledge is shared easier than before. In other words, organizational inside knowledge and organizational outside knowledge can be interacted immediacy by IT tools. In this condition, western scholars began to emphasize companies can get a synergy result if they understand the importance of interaction of knowledge and IT. Therefore, theories of knowledge management strategies boomed after 1980. In 1995, Nonaka Ikujiro & Takeuchi Hirotaka also presented the “Theory of Knowledge Creation”, hence knowledge-based management strategies changed from emphasizing IT to paying attention to the interaction of relationship As a result, in this study, I think there are two kinds of knowledge-based management strategies: Japanese and western knowledge management strategies. It means that Japanese and western scholars have different viewpoints about knowledge based management strategies, especially organizational outside knowledge. Most of Japanese scholars stress that only the knowledge, which is created in companies, is a key source of competitive advantage. However, most of western scholars contend that if everyone in companies overlook organizational outside knowledge, they could create a generation gap between organizations and environment. Accordingly, not only I will research the significance of organizational outside knowledge from different viewpoints of Japanese and western scholars, but also the connection between organizational outside knowledge and knowledge management strategies. Furthermore, I will discuss some subjects about Ba, IT, and what are sources, characteristics and circulating obstacles of organizational outside knowledge. Finally, according to the service innovation processes of the Fuji Bank, I wish I can find out the new model of knowledge management strategy, and survey the correctness and consistency of viewpoints in this study. Anyway, I hope this study could be a reference for knowledge-based companies and research workers.

The present dissertation research invites thinking about the importance of tourism by being one of the fastest growing economic sectors in the world with a forecast of 1.8 billion people travelling in the word by 2030. It focuses on analyzing tourism in general and, particularly, in Portugal. Throughout the years, Portugal has been investing on this sector, leading to an increase of the number of interntional tourists, with Lisbon being one of the European cities with the fourth highest growth rate of international visitors. The Literature Review addresses the definition of tourism, tourism in the World, Europe and in Portugal, tourism in the Millennial generation, online tourism, incentives towards tourism, applying business models to develop tourism and the importance of entrepreneurship. This research was conducted in the context of developing an innovative approach that could improve the tourism tours in Portugal. For this, a survey was conducted in order to have an overview about the market, the customers and the problems associated with the tours that exist nowadays. The results found suggest a new type of tour that links locals with travellers by taking advantage of that connection to create a new tour service that can address all the issues that are, currently, presented in the market. A representation of the Business Model will be described in detail as well as a demonstration of the profit if the service is implemented.
A dissertação apresentada convida a reflectir sobre a importância do turismo, por ser um dos sectores económicos com mais rápido crescimento do mundo, e com uma previsão de 1,8 bilhões de pessoas a viajarem no mundo até 2030. Concentra-se na análise do turismo de uma maneira geral e, particularmente, em Portugal. Ao longo dos anos, Portugal tem vindo a investir neste sector, levando a um aumento do número de turistas, com Lisboa a ser uma das cidades Europeias com a quarta maior taxa de crescimento de turistas. A revisão de literatura aborda a definição de turismo, o turismo no Mundo, Europa e em Portugal, o turismo na geração do Milénio, o turismo online, os incentivos relacionados ao turismo, a aplicação de modelos de negócios para desenvolver o turismo e a importância do empreendorismo. Esta pesquisa foi realizada no contexto do desenvolvimento de uma abordagem inovadora que pode vir a melhorar as excursões de turismo em Portugal. Para isto, foi realizado um inquérito com o objectivo de ter uma visão geral sobre o mercado, os clientes e os problemas associados com as excursões que existem hoje em dia. Os resultados encontrados sugerem um novo tipo de excursão que une locais e viajantes, aproveitando essa conexão para criar um novo serviço de excursões que possa resolver todos os problemas que estão, actualmente, presentes no mercado. Uma representação do Modelo de Negócio será descrito em pormenor, bem como uma demonstração do lucro se o serviço for implementado.

Nos últimos 20 anos, Portugal deparou-se com uma mudança tecnológica exponencial, contrariamente ao cenário de crise, no mercado das tecnologias e inovação apresentando-se, por essa razão, como um fenómeno a ser estudado. Tendo em conta que a tecnologia se coloca, cada vez mais, como uma ferramenta que permite facilitar e simplificar o quotidiano, esta dissertação tem como objectivo analisar o fenómeno dos Weareble devices e as suas vantagens no dia-a-dia dos utilizadores. Com efeito, a investigação realizada, através duma posterior análise de resultados, obtidos através do questionário, permitiu concluir a existência de uma sintonia muito significativa de dados e opiniões em relação as questão de partida – Perceber de que forma é que as pulseiras de monitorização física têm contribuído para a alteração de comportamento das atividades dos utilizadores.
In the past 20 years, Portugal was faced an exponential technological change, contrary to crisis scenario in the market for technology and innovation presenting, therefore, as a phenomenon to be studied. Given that technology arises, increasingly, as a tool to facilitate and simplify the everyday lives, this work aims to analyze the phenomenon of Weareble devices and its advantages in day-today users. Indeed, research conducted, through a subsequent analysis of results obtained through the questionnaire, concluded that there is a very significant tuning data and opinions in relation to the starting point - Understand how is the physical monitoring bracelets they have contributed to the change in behavior of the activities of users.