Search results

1 – 10 of 616
Article
Publication date: 8 January 2020

Ante Džolan, Mladen Kožul, Alen Harapin and Dragan Ćubela

This paper aims to present an approach for the numerical simulation of concrete shrinkage. First, some physical mechanisms of shrinkage are described and then the developed…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present an approach for the numerical simulation of concrete shrinkage. First, some physical mechanisms of shrinkage are described and then the developed numerical model for the analysis of shrinkage of spatial three-dimensional structures using thermal analogy is presented. Results of the real behavior of structures because of concrete shrinkage using the developed numerical model are compared with the experimental and it is clearly shown that the developed numerical model is an efficient tool in predicting the time-dependent behavior of all concrete structures.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, Fib Model Code 2010 to predict shrinkage deformation of concrete is used, and it was incorporated in the three-dimensional numerical model using the thermal analogy. Mentioned three-dimensional numerical model uses the modified Rankine material law to describe concrete behavior in tension and modified Mohr-Coulomb material law to describe concrete behavior in compression. The developed three-dimensional numerical model successfully analyzes the behavior of reinforced and/or prestressed concrete structures including time-dependent deformations of concrete as well.

Findings

Results are shown in this paper clearly demonstrate the reliability of the developed numerical model in predicting the shrinkage strain, as well as its impact on concrete and reinforced concrete structures. The results obtained using the developed numerical model are in better agreement with the experimental results, than the results obtained using the numerical models from literature that also use the Fib Model Code 2010 to predict the shrinkage strain. So, it can be concluded that for a real simulation of concrete structures, alongside the model for predicting the shrinkage strain, the models for concrete behavior in tension and compression have a very important role.

Originality/value

Results of the developed three-dimensional numerical model were compared with experimental results from literature and with theoretical foundations, and it can be talked that this numerical model presents a good tool for analysis of reinforced and prestressed concrete structures including shrinkage deformation of concrete. Results obtained using the developed three-dimensional numerical model are better agreed with experimental than results of other numerical model from literature.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 37 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 August 2018

Mounira Chadli, Mellas Mekki and Bouzidi Mezghiche

Reactive powder concretes (RPCs) are new concretes characterized by a particle diameter not exceeding 600 µm and very high compressive and tensile strengths. This paper aims to…

Abstract

Purpose

Reactive powder concretes (RPCs) are new concretes characterized by a particle diameter not exceeding 600 µm and very high compressive and tensile strengths. This paper aims to the development and study of the physico-mechanical, elastic properties and durability of an ultra-high performance concrete from materials existing on the Algerian market.

Design/methodology/approach

Three mineral additions such as granulated slag, quartz powder and silica fume are incorporated into the cement with 15, 23 and 25 per cent, respectively, in addition to use two different values of steel fiber volume fraction (2 and 2.5 per cent). The results show that the incorporation of 2.5 per cent metal fibers in the formulation of the RPC gives a high compressive strengths of 143.5 MPa at 60 days. The relationship between the relative value and the longitudinal elasto-instantaneous deformations of the RPC to a linear characteristic throughout the relative stress ranges. Also, the modulus of elasticity developed for a fiber-reinforced reactive concrete is greater than that of the unbound fiber.

Findings

Results from the current study concluded that the presence of the mineral additions improves the durability of the concretes compared with that not adjuvanted by mineral additions.

Originality/value

It can be possible to manufacture fiber-reinforced reactive powder concretes (RPCFs) with compressive strength exceeding 140 MPa, with an adequate plasticity, despite the simplicity of means and materials and the incorporation of different percentage of metal fiber on the mechanical strength of concretes and its influence on behavior with respect to aggressive environment were achieved.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 15 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2003

Anthony Mills and Peter Ashford

The cost of concrete ground‐supported floor slabs represents a significant proportion of the total capital cost of industrial projects. There are many structural design issues…

1085

Abstract

The cost of concrete ground‐supported floor slabs represents a significant proportion of the total capital cost of industrial projects. There are many structural design issues that impact on the concrete contractors’ method of construction. This is becoming more apparent with the use of new high‐technology levelling and trowelling equipment, which has significantly increased the pour and finishing rates, resulting in much faster slab construction times compared with the traditional methods of construction. Selection of both the design and the construction methods exerts a large influence on the initial cost. According to the results of the research reported in this paper, it may be possible to save between 2‐4 per cent of the building cost if high technology solutions are incorporated into the design and construction process. This paper investigates cost issues that impact on the design and construction of ground‐supported floors for industrial buildings.

Details

Structural Survey, vol. 21 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-080X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 August 2013

Koichi Maekawa and Chikako Fujiyama

The paper aims to propose a rate‐dependent model of structural concrete in combination with the kinematics of condensed water.

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to propose a rate‐dependent model of structural concrete in combination with the kinematics of condensed water.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the paper proposes the coupling model of water versus cracked concrete with a mathematical completeness of equilibrium and deformational compatibility. The proposed model deals with anisotropy of structural performance and of permeability, which is a particular issue of concrete caused by cracks. The governing equation for saturated concrete in this study is based on Biot's theory that deals with particle assembly as a two‐phase composite. Second, the paper shows the possible reduction of the fatigue life of real‐scale bridge RC decks owing to the water residing in structural cracks under moving wheel‐type loading.

Findings

The paper shows that the existence of water possibly has an influence on the rate‐dependency of structural performance. The comparison of transition of pore pressure and principal strain indicates that damage to the concrete skeleton is accelerated by internal stress caused by high pore pressure. It suggests that the existence of water can reduce the fatigue life of bridge decks, especially when the upper layer is saturated.

Originality/value

This paper clarifies the effect of pore water on structural concrete by using numerical model considering kinematics of water.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 30 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 December 2023

Balamurali Kanagaraj, N. Anand, Johnson Alengaram and Diana Andrushia

The present work focuses on evaluating the physical and mechanical characteristics of geopolymer concrete (GPC) by replacing the sodium silicate waste (SSW) in place of…

Abstract

Purpose

The present work focuses on evaluating the physical and mechanical characteristics of geopolymer concrete (GPC) by replacing the sodium silicate waste (SSW) in place of traditional river sand. The aim is to create eco-friendly concrete that mitigates the depletion of conventional river sand and conserves natural resources. Additionally, the study seeks to explore how the moisture content of filler materials affects the performance of GPC.

Design/methodology/approach

SSW obtained from the sodium silicate industry was used as filler material in the production of GPC, which was cured at ambient temperature. Instead of the typical conventional river sand, SSW was substituted at 25 and 50% of its weight. Three distinct moisture conditions were applied to both river sand and SSW. These conditions were classified as oven dry (OD), air dry (AD) and saturated surface dry (SSD).

Findings

As the proportion of SSW increased, there was a decrease in the slump of the GPC. The setting time was significantly affected by the higher percentage of SSW. The presence of angular-shaped SSW particles notably improved the compressive strength of GPC when replacing a portion of the river sand with SSW. When exposed to elevated temperatures, the performance of the GPC with SSW exhibited similar behavior to that of the mix containing conventional river sand, but it demonstrated a lower residual strength following exposure to elevated temperatures.

Originality/value

Exploring the possible utilization of SSW as a substitute for river sand in GPC, and its effects on the performance of the proposed mix. Analyzing, how varying moisture conditions affect the performance of GPC containing SSW. Evaluating the response of the GPC with SSW exposed to elevated temperatures in contrast to conventional river sand.

Details

Journal of Structural Fire Engineering, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-2317

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2022

Sandeep Singh, Shashi Kant Sharma and M. Abdul Akbar

The purpose of this work is to improve the air entrainment capacity of a concrete by using fine mineral admixtures such as fly ash (FA) and silica fume (SF) as cement substitute…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this work is to improve the air entrainment capacity of a concrete by using fine mineral admixtures such as fly ash (FA) and silica fume (SF) as cement substitute, and coal bottom ash (CBA) as fine aggregate substitute. Air entrainment capacity has been studied indirectly as a measure of heat resistance of concrete. Literature has suggested that mineral admixtures improve the air absorption in the paste component of the concrete, on the one hand, whereas they perform pore and grain size refinement, on the other, thereby reducing the air entrainment. CBA, which being porous, creates the possibility of air adsorption by the aggregate component. Therefore, the study finds out whether a double benefit of adding both of these materials will be achieved, or CBA will try to improve the deficiency in the air entrainment created by the mineral admixtures.

Design/methodology/approach

Air-entrained concrete (AEC) mixes were constituted in three groups. First group represents mixes with natural fine aggregates only, and second with 25% fine aggregates substituted by CBA. Progressively, the third group has 50% fine aggregates substituted with CBA. In all the three groups, cement was substituted with FA and SF @ 0%, 20% and 40%, and 0%, 5% and 10%, respectively, thereby creating four binary and four ternary mixes corresponding to each group. Compressive and flexural strength tests were conducted at 28 days on the concrete mixes pre and post high-temperature heat treatment, i.e. 100°C, 200°C and 400°C, respectively. This study also examines the microstructure characteristics of AEC after 14 days of curing via X-ray diffraction. Sorptivity test was also conducted to estimate the capillary and air-entrained voids in concrete.

Findings

It was found that a concrete mix containing 20% FA and 10% SF along with 50% CBA could give similar post-heated strength to a normal (without mineral admixtures) AEC. In AECs where only CBA is present and cement paste is not substituted, both of the pre- and post-heated strengths of concrete reduce. Also, some mixtures containing large amounts of mineral admixtures in concrete with nil CBA show a high reduction in post-heated strength though they show good pre-heated strength. Therefore, mineral admixtures and CBA complement each other in improving the post-heated strength. Air pore structure found from sorptivity test also verifies these results.

Originality/value

AEC is very helpful for insulation of buildings during summer season by absorbing heat waves. AEC containing FA and CBA reduces carbon footprint because of substitution of cement and it also helps to conserve natural resources by the use of CBA in place of fine aggregates.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. 21 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 July 2023

Sweety Poornima Rau Merugu and Manjunath Y.M.

This study aims at designing consistent and durable concrete by making use of waste materials. An investigation has been carried out to evaluate the performance of conventional…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims at designing consistent and durable concrete by making use of waste materials. An investigation has been carried out to evaluate the performance of conventional and optimal concrete (including 5% GP) at high temperatures for different exposure times.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental work is carried out to compare the conventional and optimal concrete with respect to weight loss, mechanical strength characteristics (compressive, tensile and flexural) after exposed to 100, 200 and 300 °C with 1, 2 and 3 h duration of exposure followed by cooling in furnace for 24 h and then air cooling.

Findings

The workability of granite powder modified concrete decreases as percentage of replacement increases. Compressive, tensile and flexural strengths all increased at 100 °C when compared to strength characteristics at normal temperature, regardless of the exposure conditions, and there was no weight loss noticed. For 200 and 300 °C, the strengths were decreased compared to normal temperature and an elevated temperature of 100 °C, as weight loss of concrete specimens are observed to be decreased at these temperatures. So, the optimum elevated temperature can be concluded as 100 °C.

Originality/value

Incorporating pozzolanic binder (granite powder) as cement replacement subjecting to elevated temperatures in an electric furnace is the research gap in this area. Many of the works were carried out replacing GP for fine aggregate at normal temperatures and not at elevated temperatures.

Details

Journal of Structural Fire Engineering, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-2317

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1990

C. Majorana, A. Natali and R. Vitaliani

The aim of the present work is to describe a numerical approach to the analysis of three‐dimensional reinforced concrete structures subject to prestressing. The finite element…

Abstract

The aim of the present work is to describe a numerical approach to the analysis of three‐dimensional reinforced concrete structures subject to prestressing. The finite element approach developed is described, with particular regard to the configuration of finite elements in relation to numerical model generation. An elasto‐viscoplastic material law is adopted. The non‐linear formulation is discussed, pointing out theoretical and numerical aspects. The computational examples, carried out using a specially developed code, aim at illustrating the characteristic aspects of the proposed approach.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 7 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Article
Publication date: 3 February 2020

Utino Worabo Woju and A.S. Balu

Performance of the structure depends on design, construction, environment, utilization and reliability aspects. Other factors can be controlled by adopting proper design and…

Abstract

Purpose

Performance of the structure depends on design, construction, environment, utilization and reliability aspects. Other factors can be controlled by adopting proper design and construction techniques, but the environmental factors are difficult to control. Hence, mostly in practice, the environmental factors are not considered in the analysis and design appropriately; however, their impact on the performance of the structures is significant along with the design life. It is in this light that this paper aims to perform the time-dependent performance analysis of reinforced concrete structures majorly considering environmental factors.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the intended objective, a simply supported reinforced concrete beam was designed and detailed as per the Euro Code (EC2). The time-dependent design parameters, corrosion parameters, creep and shrinkage were identified through thorough literature review. The common empirical equations were modified to consider the identified parameters, and finally, the time-dependent performance of reinforced concrete beam was performed.

Findings

Findings indicate that attention has to be paid to appropriate consideration of the environmental effect on reinforced concrete structures. In that, the time-dependent performance of reinforced concrete beam significantly decreases with time due to corrosion of reinforcement steel, creep and shrinkage.

Originality/value

However, the Euro code, Ethiopian code and Indian code threat the exposure condition of reinforced concrete by providing corresponding concrete cover that retards the corrosion initiation time but does not eliminate environmental effects. The results of this study clearly indicate that the capacity of reinforced concrete structure degrades with time due to corrosion and creep, whereas the action on the structure due to shrinkage increases. Therefore, appropriate remedial measures have to be taken to control the defects of structures due to the environmental factors to overcome the early failure of the structure.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. 18 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 May 2020

Huy Quang Do, Shashank Bishnoi and Karen Louise Scrivener

This paper aims to develop a numerical, micromechanical model to predict the evolution of autogenous shrinkage of hydrating cement paste at early age (up to 7 days). Autogeneous…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a numerical, micromechanical model to predict the evolution of autogenous shrinkage of hydrating cement paste at early age (up to 7 days). Autogeneous shrinkage can be important in high-performance concrete characterized by low water to cement (w/c) ratios. The occurrence of this phenomenon during the first few days of hardening may result in early-age cracking in concrete structures. A good prediction of autogeneous shrinkage is necessary to achieve better understanding of the mechanisms and the deployment of effective measures to prevent early-age cracking.

Design/methodology/approach

Three-dimensional digital microstructures from the hydration modelling platform μic of cement paste were used to simulate macroscopic autogenous shrinkage based on the mechanism of capillary tension. Elastic and creep properties of the digital microstructures were calculated by means of finite element (FE) method homogenization. Autogenous shrinkage was then estimated as the average hydrostatic strain resulting from the capillary stress that was globally applied on the simulated digital microstructures. For this estimation, two approaches of homogenization technique, i.e. analytical poro-elasticity and numerical creep-superposition were used.

Findings

The comparisons of between the simulated and experimentally measured deformations indicate that the creep-superposition approach is more reasonable to estimate shrinkage at different water to cement ratios. It was found that better estimations could be obtained at low degrees of hydration, by assuming a loosely packed calcium silicate hydrates (C-S-H) growing in the microstructures. The simulation results show how numerical models can be used to upscale from microscopic characteristics of phases to macroscopic composite properties such as elasticity, creep and shrinkage.

Research limitations/implications

While the good predictions of some cement paste properties from the microstructure at early age were obtained, the current models have several limitations that are needed to overcome in the future. Firstly, the limitation of pore-structure representation is not only from lack understanding of C-S-H structure but also from the computational complexity. Secondly, the models do not consider early-age expansion that usually happens in practice and appears to be superimposed on an underlying shrinkage as observed in experiments. Thirdly, the simplified assumptions for mechanical simulation do not accurately reflect the solid–liquid interactions in the real partially saturated system, for example, the globally applying capillary stress on the boundary of the microstructure to find the effective deformation, neglecting water flow and the pore pressure. Last but not least, the models, due to the computational complexities, use many simplifications such as FE approximation, mechanical phase properties and creep statistical data.

Originality/value

This study holistically tackles the phenomenon of autogeneous shrinkage through microstructural modelling. In a first such attempt, the authors have used the same microstructural model to simulate the microstructural development, elastic properties, creep and autogeneous shrinkage. The task of putting these models together was not simple. The authors have successfully handled several problems at each step in an elegant manner. For example, although several earlier studies have pointed out that discrete models are unable to capture the late setting times of cements due to mesh effects, this study offers the most effective solution yet on the problem. It is also the first time that creep and shrinkage have been modelled on a young evolving microstructure that is subjected to a time variable load.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 37 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

1 – 10 of 616