What is a diaphragm in a building?

ABSTRACT. Diaphragms are components of low-rise wood frame buildings that resist lateral forces due to wind and earthquakes. The main function of these panel type structures is to resist in-plane shear forces and to provide stability to the overall structure.

What is a concrete diaphragm?

In structural engineering, a diaphragm is a structural element that transmits lateral loads to the vertical resisting elements of a structure (such as shear walls or frames). Diaphragms are typically horizontal, but can be sloped such as in a gable roof on a wood structure or concrete ramp in a parking garage.

What is a diaphragm plate?

A relatively thin, usually rectangular plate, used to stiffen a metal-framed structure; provides additional strength and rigidity.

What is diaphragm in earthquake?

Diaphragms transmit inertial forces from the floor system to the vertical elements of the seismic force-resisting system. They also tie the vertical elements together and thereby stabilize and transmit forces among these elements as may be required during earthquake shaking.

What is meant by diaphragm and its types?

DIAPHRAGM is horizontal or nearly horizontal system acting to transmit lateral forces to the vertical resisting elements. There are two popular types of diaphragm namely rigid diaphragm and semi-rigid Diaphragm. The RIGID DIAPHRAGM can rotate and it can translate, but cannot deform.

What is a diaphragm ceiling?

A GIB® plasterboard ceiling diaphragm is a stiff and strong horizontal element which will effectively transfer loads to connected bracing walls/lines exceeding 6m or 7.5m with dragon ties to a maximum of 12m. …

Why is bentonite used in diaphragm walls?

Hydromills can achieve depths of up to 80 m. The excavation stability is maintained by the use of a drilling fluid, usually a bentonite slurry. This is a controlled mixture that has thixotropic properties, meaning that it exerts a pressure in excess of the earth and hydrostatic pressures on the sides of the excavation.

Why do we use diaphragm wall?

The use of diaphragm wall structure is one of the most commonly used methods to solve the construction of a deep foundation pit in large tunnel working shafts. It can be used as the retaining structure for working shafts as well as one part of the permanent structure of the working well.

Where is the diaphragm?

The diaphragm, located below the lungs, is the major muscle of respiration. It is a large, dome-shaped muscle that contracts rhythmically and continually, and most of the time, involuntarily. Upon inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and flattens and the chest cavity enlarges.

What is diaphragm in mechanical?

In mechanics, a diaphragm is a sheet of a semi-flexible material anchored at its periphery and most often round in shape. The increase and decrease in volume caused by the action of the diaphragm alternately forces fluid out the chamber and draws more fluid in from its source.

What is the function of diaphragm?

The diaphragm is a muscle that helps you inhale and exhale (breathe in and out). This thin, dome-shaped muscle sits below your lungs and heart.

What is the diaphragm made of?

The diaphragm is primarily composed of muscle and fibrous tissue. The central tendon is a large part of the diaphragm that anchors the diaphragm to the ribs.

What is a diaphragm on a bridge?

My definition is pretty simple. The diaphragm is the supporting portion of the bridge that goes between the girders and at the ends of the girders. I won’t go into the forces and loads. Others have already done that. It mainly locks the girders in place. It also provides support for the bridge deck.

Are diaphragms necessary for bridge bearings?

Therefore, diaphragms may not be necessary in case bridge bearings are placed directly under the webs because loads in bridge decks can be directly transferred to the bearings.On the other hand, diaphragms also help to improve the load-sharing characteristics of bridges.

What is the function of diaphragm in a deck slab?

Diaphragm is a member that resists lateral forces and transfers loads to support. The main function of diaphragms is to provide stiffening effect to deck slab in case bridge webs are not situated directly on top of bearings. It looks like there are some good answers from a structural perspective.

How are diaphragms defined for individual girder bays?

Answer: When diaphragms are defined for individual girder bays (ie. the diaphragms are not full width diaphragms), the diaphragm location is measured along the girder from the start of the girder within the given span.