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1 – 10 of over 1000Kavimani V., Kumaran S., Vignesh Ponnusamy and Navneet Kumar
This study aims to analyze the effect of interrupted rolling on microstructures and mechanical properties of Mg–8Li–xGr composite is investigated.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to analyze the effect of interrupted rolling on microstructures and mechanical properties of Mg–8Li–xGr composite is investigated.
Design/methodology/approach
Graphene reinforced composite was developed by using stir casting route and rolled with different reduction in thickness such as 50, 75 and 90%. Microstructure, hardness and tensile characteristics of the rolled samples were evaluated.
Findings
Investigation on microstructures of rolled composite depicts that increase in rolling reduction % resulted in fine elongated grains and decreased aspect ratio. Further, it was also observed that increasing percentage of rolling reduction promotes the dissolution of ß Li phase and as a result the ductility of composite decreases. Interrupted rolled samples showcase higher hardness when compared with as-cast composite. Composite rolled with 90% reduction displays higher yield strength of 219 MPa. Hardening capacity of composites decreases with increase in reduction percentage due to the effective reduction in grain size.
Originality/value
Investigation on the influence of interrupted rolling on microstructures and mechanical properties of Mg graphene composite. The in-depth understanding of this will help to improve its wide spread application.
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Jiahao Jiang, Jinliang Liu, Shuolei Cao, Sheng Cao, Rui Dong and Yusen Wu
The purpose of this study is to use the corrected stress field theory to derive the shear capacity of geopolymer concrete beams (GPC) and consider the shear-span ratio as a major…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to use the corrected stress field theory to derive the shear capacity of geopolymer concrete beams (GPC) and consider the shear-span ratio as a major factor affecting the shear capacity. This research aims to provide guidance for studying the shear capacity of GPC and to observe how the failure modes of beams change with the variation of the shear-span ratio, thereby discovering underlying patterns.
Design/methodology/approach
Three test beams with shear span ratios of 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 are investigated in this paper. For GPC beams with shear-span ratios of 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5, ultimate capacities are 337kN, 235kN and 195kN, respectively. Transitioning from 1.5 to 2.0 results in a 30% decrease in capacity, a reduction of 102kN. Moving from 2.0 to 2.5 sees a 17% decrease, with a loss of 40KN in capacity. A shear capacity formula, derived from modified compression field theory and considering concrete shear strength, stirrups and aggregate interlocking force, was validated through finite element modeling. Additionally, models with shear ratios of 1 and 3 were created to observe crack propagation patterns.
Findings
For GPC beams with shear-span ratios of 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5, ultimate capacities of 337KN, 235KN and 195KN are achieved, respectively. A reduction in capacity of 102KN occurs when transitioning from 1.5 to 2.0 and a decrease of 40KN is observed when moving from 2.0 to 2.5. The average test-to-theory ratio, at 1.015 with a variance of 0.001, demonstrates strong agreement. ABAQUS models beams with ratios ranging from 1.0 to 3.0, revealing crack trends indicative of reduced crack angles with higher ratios. The failure mode observed in the models aligns with experimental results.
Originality/value
This article provides a reference for the shear bearing capacity formula of geopolymer reinforced concrete (GRC) beams, addressing the limited research in this area. Additionally, an exponential model incorporating the shear-span ratio as a variable was employed to calculate the shear capacity, based on previous studies. Moreover, the analysis of shear capacity results integrated literature from prior research. By fitting previous experimental data to the proposed formula, the accuracy of this study's derived formula was further validated, with theoretical values aligning well with experimental results. Additionally, guidance is offered for utilizing ABAQUS in simulating the failure process of GRC beams.
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Suehail Aijaz Shah, Manzoor Ahmad Tantray and Jan Mohammad Banday
Durability of concrete can be enhanced by reducing the pore size/volume of pores or by entrapping the pores. This can be achieved by adding concrete admixtures that have particle…
Abstract
Purpose
Durability of concrete can be enhanced by reducing the pore size/volume of pores or by entrapping the pores. This can be achieved by adding concrete admixtures that have particle size finer than cement. In this study, GNP, having particle size much smaller than cement, has been introduced/added to concrete mix to control the pore size in concrete to tape out the contribution of GNP in the durability enhancement of concrete.
Design/methodology/approach
Different concrete mixes, at various water–cement ratios and amounts of graphene, have been manufactured to produce concrete containing three different %ages of GNP, i.e. 0%, 0.05% and 0.1%. To demonstrate the effect on durability of the concrete through the addition of GNP, these concrete samples have been subjected to repeated Freeze-Thaw cycles. Followed by testing after 28 days of curing, including weight loss, water absorption and strength, which are directly related to the durability aspect of concrete.
Findings
It has been observed that the addition of GNP to concrete mixes reduces the weight loss and pore size distribution and enhances tensile and compressive strength of concrete, thereby increasing the durability of concrete in unfavorable circumstances like freeze-thaw i.e. alternate hot and cold weather conditions.
Originality/value
This investigation presents original piece of experimental work conducted on modified concrete (GNP-based concrete). The aim is to construct the civil infrastructure in deep-cold region with increased life span and better performance.
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Junhui Zhang, Sai Zhang, Yuhua Yang and Wendong Zhang
Based on the micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) technology, acoustic emission sensors have gained popularity owing to their small size, consistency, affordability and easy…
Abstract
Purpose
Based on the micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) technology, acoustic emission sensors have gained popularity owing to their small size, consistency, affordability and easy integration. This study aims to provide direction for the advancement of MEMS acoustic emission sensors and predict their future potential for structural health detection of microprecision instruments.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper summarizes the recent research progress of three MEMS acoustic emission sensors, compares their individual strengths and weaknesses, analyzes their research focus and predicts their development trend in the future.
Findings
Piezoresistive, piezoelectric and capacitive MEMS acoustic emission sensors are the three main streams of MEMS acoustic emission sensors, which have their own advantages and disadvantages. The existing research has not been applied in practice, and MEMS acoustic emission sensor still needs further research in the aspects of wide frequency/high sensitivity, good robustness and integration with complementary metal oxide semiconductor. MEMS acoustic emission sensor has great development potential.
Originality/value
In this paper, the existing research achievements of MEMS acoustic emission sensors are described systematically, and the further development direction of MEMS acoustic emission sensors in the future research field is pointed out. It provides an important reference value for the actual weak acoustic emission signal detection in narrow structures.
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Farooq H. Ali, Mushtaq F. Almensoury, Atheer Saad Hashim, Qusay Rasheed Al-Amir, Hameed K. Hamzah and M. Hatami
This paper aims to study the effect of concentric hot circular cylinder inside egg-cavity porous-copper nanofluid on natural convection phenomena.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to study the effect of concentric hot circular cylinder inside egg-cavity porous-copper nanofluid on natural convection phenomena.
Design/methodology/approach
The finite element method–based Galerkin approach is applied to solve numerically the set of governing equations with appropriate boundary conditions.
Findings
The effects of different range parameters, such as Darcy number (10–3 = Da = 10–1), Rayleigh number (103 = Ra = 106), nanoparticle volume fraction (0 = ϑ = 0.06) and eccentricity (−0.3 = e = 0.1) on the fluid flow represent by stream function and heat transfer represent by temperature distribution, local and average Nusselt numbers.
Research limitations/implications
A comparison between oval shape and concentric circular concentric cylinder was investigated.
Originality/value
In the current numerical study, heat transfer by natural convection was identified inside the new design of egg-shaped cavity as a result of the presence of a circular inside it supported by a porous medium filled with a nanofluid. After reviewing previous studies and considering the importance of heat transfer by free convection inside tubes for many applications, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the current work is the first study that deals with a study and comparison between the common shape (concentric circular tubes) and the new shape (egg-shaped cavity).
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Kesavan Manoharan, Pujitha Dissanayake, Chintha Pathirana, Dharsana Deegahawature and Renuka Silva
The sustainability of the construction industry is associated with the productivity, profitability and competitiveness of the firms, which are significantly affected by…
Abstract
Purpose
The sustainability of the construction industry is associated with the productivity, profitability and competitiveness of the firms, which are significantly affected by inefficient site supervision and labour management approaches. This study aims to use a case study with mixed methods to evaluate the site supervisory characteristics in labour management, labour performance assessment and labour productivity measurement towards developing meaningful guidelines in polishing construction supervision attributes.
Design/methodology/approach
Well-developed modern apprenticeship elements were applied to 62 construction supervisors who were selected using the snowball sampling method, and their relevant competency characteristics were assessed using a comprehensively developed grading mechanism connected with useful training manuals/tools. Academic reviews, experts’ consultations and other meticulous mixed approaches were applied at different stages of the research plan’s sequential layout.
Findings
The mean performance scores of supervisors indicate proficient-level grades in the competency characteristics related to applying efficient labour management procedures and developing-level grades in designing productivity measurement tools, performing assessments on efficiency and productivity and proposing enhancement practices on efficiency and productivity for site operations. The findings point to a modern generalised guideline that establishes the ranges of supervisory attributes within the scope of the study. The validity, reliability, adaptability and generalisability of the findings were assured by using pertinent statistical tests and professional assessments.
Research limitations/implications
Though the study’s conclusions/findings are primarily applicable to the construction environment of a developing country comparable to the Sri Lankan context, they will considerably impact current/future industrial practices in various other countries and emerging industries.
Originality/value
The research has produced a conceptualised modern tool that guides determining the capacity levels of supervisory attributes for carrying out labour management, labour performance assessment and labour productivity measurement aspects in construction. The research has opened a pump that inflows new values of highly workable supervision features for strengthening the site management structures and filling the industry’s knowledge vacuum in the methodical execution of apprenticeships.
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Haruna Ibrahim, George Wardeh, Hanaa Fares and Elhem Ghorbel
The main aim of the current study is to investigate the effect of Anti-Crack HP 67/36 glass fibre on the mechanical performance of mortars made of cement, with a focus on…
Abstract
Purpose
The main aim of the current study is to investigate the effect of Anti-Crack HP 67/36 glass fibre on the mechanical performance of mortars made of cement, with a focus on post-cracking evaluations using the digital image correlation (DIC) technique.
Design/methodology/approach
Experimental tests were carried out on 36-mm long fibres at 0.8% by volume and added to the normal strength (NSM), high strength (HSM) and high strength mortar with fly ash (HSMFA) mortars. CEM I 52.5 CP2 NF, CEM II/A-L 42.5 NF and CEM III/C 32.5 N-SR PM were used for each series of mortar to assess the performance of the glass fibres with the types of cement. F-class fly (FA) ash was used to reduce global CO2 emissions.
Findings
The mortar’s strength decreased as the cement types changed from CEM I to CEM II and III. However, due to changes in the portlandite content of the cement, water porosity increased for both types of mortar, without and with fibre. It was also found that using glass fibre increased flexural strength more than compressive strength, regardless of the type of cement used. For all the strength classes, it was found that the mortar mixes with CEM I had the highest critical crack opening (wc) and fracture energy (GF), followed by CEM II and III. No significant effects were observed in the mortar’s property by replacing fly ash (12%).
Research limitations/implications
Only mortars were formulated in this study, but the results must be verified at the concrete scale.
Practical implications
Validation of the DIC technique to characterize the post-cracking behaviour of cement-based material. Use of glass fibres to improve the material’s resistance to cracking.
Social implications
Use of CEM II and CEM III cements with low CO2 footprint instead of CEMI without altering the mechanical performance of the material.
Originality/value
The work is a further contribution to studying the cracking behaviour of several series of variable mortars depending on the resistance class and the type of cement used.
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The initiative for sustainability in the construction industry has led to the innovative utilization of automobile tire waste, transforming it into value-added products, toward…
Abstract
Purpose
The initiative for sustainability in the construction industry has led to the innovative utilization of automobile tire waste, transforming it into value-added products, toward decarbonization in the construction industry, aligning with the development and sustainability goals of Al-Kharj Governorate. However, the disposal of these materials generates significant environmental concerns. As a payoff for these efforts, this study aims to contribute to a fruitful shift toward eco-friendly recycling techniques, particularly by studying the transformation of tire waste bead wires into recycled steel tire fibers (RSTFs) for sustainable concrete composites.
Design/methodology/approach
This research delves into how this technological transformation not only addresses environmental concerns but also propels sustainable tire innovation forward, presenting a promising solution for waste management and material efficiency in building materials. Recent studies have highlighted the superior tensile strength of RSTFs from discarded tires, making them suitable for various structural engineering applications. Recently, there has been a notable shift in research focus to the use of RSTFs as an alternative to traditional fibers in concrete. In this study, however, efforts have paid off in outlining a comprehensive assessment to investigate the viability and efficacy of repurposing tire bead wires into RSTFs for use in concrete composites, as reported in the literature.
Findings
This study examined the Saudi waste management, the geometrical properties of RSTFs, and their impact on the strength properties of concrete microstructure. It also examined the economic, cost, and environmental impacts of RSTFs on concrete composites, underscoring the need for the construction industry to adopt more sustainable and adaptable practices. Furthermore, the main findings of this study are proposed insights and a blueprint for the construction industry in Al-Kharj Governorate, calling for collective action from both public and private sectors, and the community to transform challenges into job opportunities for growth and sustainability.
Originality/value
This study pointed to thoroughly demonstrate the technological advancement in converting tire waste to reinforcing fibers by evaluating the effectiveness, environmental sustainability, and practicality of these fibers in eco-friendly concrete composites. Besides, the desired properties and standards for RSTFs to enhance the structural integrity of concrete composites are recommended, as is the need to establish protocols and further study into the long-term efficacy of RSTF-reinforced concrete composites.
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Georgy Sunny and T. Palani Rajan
The purpose of the project is to explore the biosoftening of raw areca nut fibers using two different biological retting methods and assess their impact on fiber properties for…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the project is to explore the biosoftening of raw areca nut fibers using two different biological retting methods and assess their impact on fiber properties for improved spinning. The study aims to contribute to the fashion industry’s shift toward sustainability.
Design/methodology/approach
The project involves collecting raw brown areca shells, subjecting them to two retting methods (stagnant water retting and changing water daily retting) and then extracting and drying the fibers. Various physical and chemical properties of the fibers are measured to evaluate their suitability for spinning.
Findings
The stagnant water retting method, especially the fibers obtained on the second day, showed improved properties in terms of fiber strength, elongation, fineness and cellulose content, making them suitable for spinning applications. The method also resulted in better moisture regain.
Research limitations/implications
The study focused on two retting methods and a limited timeframe. Further research could explore additional techniques and durations. The labor-intensive nature of the daily changing water retting method may have implications for scalability.
Practical implications
The project demonstrates a cost-effective and sustainable method for converting agricultural waste (areca nut husks) into valuable fibers suitable for various end users.
Social implications
The research supports the fashion industry’s sustainability efforts by promoting the use of eco-friendly natural fibers, potentially benefiting rural farming communities.
Originality/value
The project highlights the innovative use of areca nut fibers and their potential to contribute to sustainable fashion. The stagnant water retting method is presented as a reliable and effective approach for improving fiber properties. Additionally, all fiber testing was exclusively conducted at the South India Textile Research Association (SITRA), with sponsorship from the industry and support from the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
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