Article
Construction & Building Technology
Gang Chen, Liangping Zhao, Danying Gao, Jiansong Yuan, Jing Bai, Weiqiang Wang
Summary: This study investigates the performance of concrete beams reinforced with novel multiple hooked-end steel fibers and concludes that increasing fiber dosage and the number of hooked ends can effectively improve the flexural tensile behavior of the beams. Several analytical equations have been confirmed to be reliable for predicting the flexural tensile strength of different types of steel fiber-reinforced concrete.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Meng Chen, Jun Feng, Yuxin Cao, Tong Zhang
Summary: This paper investigates the synergetic effects of hybrid steel fibre (SF) and recycled tyre polymer fibre (RTPF) on the workability and mechanical properties of concrete. The results indicate that the addition of SF and RTPF decreases the workability but enhances the strength and toughness of concrete. The optimal contents are 1.0 vol% SF and 0.2 vol% RTPF. Microstructural analysis demonstrates the control of micro-cracks by hybrid SF and RTPF, contributing to the higher energy absorption capacity of concrete. Therefore, hybrid SF and RTPF show promise as sustainable alternatives in structural applications.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Julian Carrillo, Diego Torres, Hector Guerrero
Summary: The study aims to establish correlations between SFRC's strength and toughness test results, finding that strength correlations between 4PBT and DPT can be used for SFRC with varying compressive strength. The results indicate that the prediction provides conservative and close to measured values.
ENGINEERING STRUCTURES
(2021)
Review
Mechanics
Zongze Li, Haitang Zhu, Xuanjiao Zhen, Chengcheng Wen, Gang Chen
Summary: This study investigates the effects of concrete strength, steel fiber volume ratio, and steel fiber shapes on the flexural behavior and ductility of concrete beams reinforced with BFRP rebars. Findings suggest that steel fiber reinforcement has a more significant impact on the service load of beams compared to their flexural strength, with deflection decreasing by 59.36% as steel fiber volume ratio increases from 0% to 1.0%. Additionally, the ductility of beams with 1.0% steel fiber volume ratio is enhanced by 17% compared to those without steel fibers, and the ACI 440.1R-15 ductility coefficient is found to be more accurate in evaluating ductility of SFRC beams with BFRP rebars.
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Rendi Wu, Qian Gu, Shui Tian, Xu Gao, Yue Liu, Bin Sun, Xiang Wang
Summary: This study investigated the flexural fatigue behavior of SFRC considering stress level, steel fiber type, and steel fibre content, using a centrally loaded round panel test. The results showed that the fatigue life of all specimens followed the two-parameter Weibull distribution, with a high statistical correlation coefficient. Predictive fatigue equations were developed to enable designers to estimate fatigue life based on required reliability and stress level in engineering. SFRC specimens with 3D and 5D hooked-end steel fibres exhibited higher compressive strength, flexural toughness, and flexural fatigue performance, indicating better control of macrocracks and higher energy absorption capacity. The SFRC-5D specimens showed the best flexural fatigue performance, with a 30% higher peak pull-out load compared to the 3D fiber.
MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Gang Chen, Danying Gao, Haitang Zhu, Jian Song Yuan, Xu Xiao, Weiqiang Wang
Summary: The bending strength of steel fiber reinforced concrete beams depends on concrete strength rather than fiber properties. Increasing fiber dosage, length, etc. can enhance the bending strength. New empirical equations can accurately predict the Limit of Proportionality and residual flexural tensile strength of steel fiber reinforced concrete.
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
S. Syed Ibrahim, S. Kandasamy, S. Pradeepkumar, R. Subash Chandra Bose
Summary: This study found that the incorporation of discrete steel fibers in GFRP laminated RC beams effectively enhances both the strength and ductility of the beams at all levels of volume fractions used in the study. The experimental results were well supported by finite element analysis using ANSYS software.
AIN SHAMS ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Minglei Zhao, Jie Li, Yi Min Xie
Summary: The present study evaluated the effect of vibration time on steel fibre distribution and flexural behaviors of different flowability SFRC. The results showed a correlation between vibration time and SFRC flowability, increasing vibration time resulted in settlement of steel fibres to the bottom layer and segregation of the concrete matrix, leading to reduced flexural strength, toughness, and fracture energy.
CASE STUDIES IN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Chen Yixin, Zhang Jianye, Ma Jicheng, Zhou Shunli, Liu Yongsheng, Zheng Zhixuan
Summary: In this study, a novel method is proposed to calculate the tensile strength and fracture toughness of steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC). By establishing a virtual crack propagation calculation model and incorporating it into a boundary effect model, the mechanical parameters of SFRC can be accurately predicted. The influence of alpha-ratio on the predicted results is discussed, and a value less affected by the boundaries is obtained. Moreover, accurate results can be obtained using only a small number of samples. This method provides an important reference for estimating the mechanical parameters of concrete.
CASE STUDIES IN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Julian Carrillo, Juan D. Vargas, Sergio M. Alcocer
Summary: The behavior of fiber reinforced concrete depends on the characteristics of both the concrete matrix and fibers, with an increase in the number of hooked ends contributing to the tensile strength of concrete. Various codes and standards permit the use of steel fiber reinforced concrete for different applications, and research has shown its suitable performance in different structural elements and seismic rehabilitation. Adequate use of steel fiber reinforced concrete relies on knowledge and prediction of its tensile performance.
STRUCTURAL CONCRETE
(2021)
Article
Mechanics
Jinhua Zhang, Xinguo Liu, Zhangyu Wu, Hongfa Yu, Qin Fang
Summary: The size effect on the fracture properties of steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) was investigated using a three-dimensional mesoscale model. The study found that the fracture patterns of SFRC beams are minimally affected by size.
ENGINEERING FRACTURE MECHANICS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Chuanchuan Li, Haitang Zhu, Guoqiang Niu, Shengzhao Cheng, Zhiqiang Gu, Lin Yang
Summary: This research investigates the flexural behavior of concrete beams hybridly reinforced by continuous basalt fiber reinforced polymer (BFRP) bars and discrete steel fibers. The study found that steel fibers can significantly restrain the deflections and crack propagation of the beams. Increasing fiber volume ratio and BFRP reinforcement ratio both improve the structural behavior of the beams.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
M. N. Isa, Kypros Pilakoutas, Maurizio Guadagnini
Summary: The shear behavior of Eco-Efficient Ultra-High Performance Concrete (E-UHPC) was investigated in this study for the first time, showing that mixes containing Recycled Tyre Steel Cords (RTSC) can achieve high shear strength, while Recycled Tyre Steel Fibres (RTSF) may require higher dosages or hybrid mixes with RTSC for high shear strength. These findings contribute to potential applications in complex structures like screw piles and propose shear strength prediction models and design guidelines for E-UHPC screw pile applications.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Agnieszka Michalik, Filip Chylinski, Jan Bobrowicz, Waldemar Pichor
Summary: The role of searching for industrial waste management solutions in construction is crucial for environmental protection. This paper presents the results of tests conducted on concrete reinforced with treated recycled tyre steel fibres (RTSFs) compared to the same amount of manufactured steel fibres (MSFs). The effectiveness of concrete reinforcement with RTSFs was analysed using fracture mechanics parameters, and various tests were performed to evaluate the properties of RTSFs reinforced concrete. The study found that RTSFs reinforced concrete, purified and refined during the recycling process, may have better properties than MSFs reinforced concrete. The application of RTSFs in construction not only strengthens cementitious composites but also offers environmental and economic benefits.
Article
Engineering, Civil
K. Christidis, E. G. Badogiannis, C. Mintzoli
Summary: The study found that adding end-hooked steel fibers can significantly improve the compressive strength and flexural strength of pumice lightweight concrete, especially in terms of post-crack behavior. Efforts were also made to model the post-crack behavior in flexure, and a multi-phase constitutive law describing the behavior of steel-fiber reinforced pumice lightweight concrete was proposed in correlation to the mechanical properties of plain lightweight concrete.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Francesca Roscini, Maurizio Guadagnini
Summary: This paper investigates the bond behavior of steel cords embedded in inorganic matrices, and finds that lime-based mortar provides better bond. The bond-slip relationships and the constitutive relationship of cohesive contact between steel cord and mortar are determined through experiments and numerical simulations, which can assist in the design of more effective strengthening solutions.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Samar Raffoul, David Escolano Margarit, Reyes Garcia, Maurizio Guadagnini, Kypros Pilakoutas
Summary: This article proposes a new constitutive model for the cyclic behavior of rubberized concrete confined with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) sheets. The model is calibrated with experimental results and accurately predicts the material response. The results indicate that using FRP confinement leads to a strong and highly deformable rubberized concrete that can be used in structural applications. This contributes to the wider use of recycled materials in the construction industry.
STRUCTURAL CONCRETE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Civil
N. Trochoutsou, M. Di Benedetti, K. Pilakoutas, M. Guadagnini
Summary: This paper investigates the performance of flax textile-reinforced mortars (FTRM) as a retrofitting solution for unreinforced masonry. Experimental results show that FTRM can provide higher shear load and ultimate drift, while promoting the development of energy dissipation mechanisms and ensuring structural integrity. A new design model is proposed to accurately assess the stress contribution of flax textiles.
JOURNAL OF COMPOSITES FOR CONSTRUCTION
(2022)
Correction
Engineering, Civil
Samar Raffoul, David Escolano-Margarit, Reyes Garcia, Maurizio Guadagnini, Kypros Pilakoutas
JOURNAL OF COMPOSITES FOR CONSTRUCTION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Talal O. Alshammari, Kypros Pilakoutas, Maurizio Guadagnini
Summary: Early-age plastic shrinkage cracks in concrete slabs can decrease their durability by facilitating the ingress of aggressive agents and accelerating degradation, particularly in hot and windy environments. This paper investigates the effect of steel fibres on restraining plastic shrinkage and micro cracks in varying dosages. The results show that both manufactured steel fibres (MSF) and recycled tyre steel fibres (RTSF) effectively control plastic shrinkage and micro cracks, with RTSF being more superior due to better distribution in the concrete volume. This study offers important insights for the development of more sustainable concrete slabs in harsh environmental conditions.
Article
Engineering, Geological
Ilya Sianko, Zuhal Ozdemir, Iman Hajirasouliha, Kypros Pilakoutas
Summary: Probabilistic seismic risk assessment is used to evaluate and mitigate risks from future destructive earthquakes. A seismic risk assessment framework is developed, incorporating a probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) tool and vulnerability functions based on different damage criteria. The framework addresses epistemic uncertainty and estimates human and economic losses for specific return periods. The study demonstrates that accurate risk predictions at the district level require microzonation studies.
BULLETIN OF EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Mohsen Ebrahimi, Abolfazl Eslami, Iman Hajirasouliha, Moein Ramezanpour, Kypros Pilakoutas
Summary: This study investigated the effect of ceramic waste powder (CWP) as a binder substitute in cement and lime-based masonry mortars. The results showed that cement mortars with CWP had no significant adverse effect on compressive and tensile strengths up to 50% replacement, and even increased at 10-20% substitution. The compressive and tensile strengths of lime mortars were continuously enhanced up to 70% replacement of lime with CWP. These findings suggest that CWP can be a sustainable binder replacement in construction, reducing carbon emissions and environmental impact.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Abdulkader Rashwani, Bakry Kadan, Sepehr Seyedian Choubi, Yousef Alhammoudi, Theodore Hanein, Maurizio Guadagnini, Cagla Meral Akgul, John L. Provis
Summary: The ongoing Syrian civil war has resulted in the destruction of over 130,000 buildings, 70% of which are RC buildings. This study examined the feasibility of reusing concrete from destroyed buildings as recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) and provides recommendations for the sustainable redevelopment of Syria's infrastructure.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Li Lai, Iman Hajirasouliha, Kypros Pilakoutas, Xu He, Danny Smyl
Summary: Assessing large structures based on multivariate static data sets is challenging due to the difficulties in capturing longitudinal discrepancies and eliminating fluctuations caused by loading and environmental factors. In this study, a machine learning framework using Continuous Hidden Markov Model (CHMM) is proposed to address these challenges. The trained CHMMs can determine the probabilistic states of specific degrees of freedom with respect to the input data. The effectiveness of the CHMM-based framework is demonstrated through numerical experiments on a support beam and a cable-stayed bridge section.
PRACTICE PERIODICAL ON STRUCTURAL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Geyu Dong, Iman Hajirasouliha, Kypros Pilakoutas, Payam Asadi
Summary: This paper presents an effective performance-based optimization framework for minimizing initial material costs of multi-storey reinforced concrete frames while satisfying predetermined performance targets and construction constraints. The proposed optimization method allows for direct control of specific response parameters, and the concept of Uniform Damage Distribution is used to simplify the design optimization problem. Results show that the optimized structures required significantly less concrete volume and steel reinforcement weight compared to structures designed by current codes.
ENGINEERING STRUCTURES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Saud A. E. Alotaibi, Samuel E. Rigby, Maurizio Guadagnini, Andrew Tyas
Summary: This article investigates the response of plates subjected to blast loads using the extended Hamilton's principle. The governing equation of motion for plastic response of rectangular and circular plates is derived without assuming the initial specific impulse distribution. The results of analytical models are in good agreement with numerical simulations and experimental data.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF IMPACT ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Samar Raffoul, David Escolano Margarit, Reyes Garcia, Maurizio Guadagnini, Kypros Pilakoutas
Summary: This article proposes a new constitutive model for rubberized concrete confined with FRP sheets and validates it with experimental results. The study finds that FRP confinement enhances the strength and deformability of rubberized concrete, making it suitable for structural applications. The application of this model promotes the use of recycled materials in the construction industry.
STRUCTURAL CONCRETE
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Qi Jiang, Wei Liu, Shaopeng Wu, Xuanwen Gou
Summary: This study analyzes the erosion mechanisms of NaCl solution on asphalt concrete and finds that NaCl solution softens asphalt and promotes the intrusion of crystalline salt into it. Salt crystallization alters the surface roughness of aggregates, resulting in a decrease in skid resistance but an improvement in compressive strength. Additionally, the concentration of NaCl solution initially has no significant impact on the mechanical performance of asphalt concrete, but its domination gradually increases with the intensification of cyclic effects.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Lili Kan, Lan-qing Dai, Ning Kong, Bin Peng, Fei Wang
Summary: This paper investigates the effect of freezing and thawing cycles on the tensile behavior of cracked ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC). The results show that long-term freezing and thawing action deteriorates the cracking strength, tensile strength, tensile strain, and strain energy of cracked UHPC. On the other hand, the action of water generally favors the development of tensile properties of UHPC. The crack distribution tends to be unsaturated under freezing and thawing environment, and the re-hydration reaction is hindered. The pore structure near the crack varies under different environments.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Xin Xiao, Jingwei Li, Qingke Meng, Xiangshan Hou, Yanhui Liu, Xujiang Wang, Wenlong Wang, Shengtao Lu, Yuzhong Li, Yanpeng Mao, Tong Li
Summary: Preparing gypsum-based self-leveling mortar (GSLM) using beta-hemihydrate gypsum and solid wastes-derived sulfoaluminate cement (WSAC) can improve the mechanical performance of the mortar, but phosphorus impurities can weaken the hydration speed and degree.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Sihang Bao, Junzhen Di, Yanrong Dong, Ziqing Gao, Qing Gu, Yuanfang Zhao, Hongyu Zhai
Summary: Tailings dam break and leakage accidents pose a threat to the safety of people in mining areas and cause severe environmental pollution. This study focuses on solidifying tailing sand using microbial induced calcite precipitation (MICP) to improve strength and fix heavy metals. The curing time of MICP bio-cemented tailings is found to significantly impact the strength of tailings, while its effect on heavy metal fixation is minimal. The optimized MICP curing time is 10 days, resulting in improved strength and cementation of tailings particles.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ferhat Benmahiddine, Fares Bennai, Achraf Charaka, Ameur El Amine Hamami, Abdelkader Tahakourt, Rafik Belarbi
Summary: This paper studied the effects of hysteresis on the hygrothermal behavior at the building scale. Through laboratory validation and numerical simulations, it was found that hysteresis has a significant impact on the relative humidity and total heat fluxes in buildings, while it does not have a noticeable effect on temperature variations.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
You Gao, Wei He, Xiayang Zhang, De'an Sun, Pei Li
Summary: This study determined the boundary line between the swelling and compression deformation zone in lateritic clay through wetting tests, and proposed a simple bimodal SWRC model. It also found that the existing strength model underestimated the tested values in the medium to high suction range, therefore a segmented strength equation was introduced for enhanced predictions of the strength properties of lateritic clay.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Prabhath Ranjan Kumar Soda, Asheer Mogal, Kalyan Chakravarthy, Nikhil Thota, Nimish Bandaru, Sanjay Kumar Shukla, K. M. Mini
Summary: This study investigates the use of encapsulated bacteria to improve the self-healing ability of concrete. Through various tests, it is found that using 20% cement-coated alginate beads (CCAB) and 5% nanosilica (NS) can achieve optimal strength and healing. This research is significant for enhancing the durability of concrete.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Shizhe Wang, Haiping Wu, Wen Yang, Wei Wang, Zhibo Zhu, Kun Nie, Luoxin Wang, Hua Wang, Jing Wu
Summary: In this study, photothermal-heat storage concrete (PHSC) was developed with excellent photothermal conversion performance and heat storage capacity. By absorbing and storing solar energy during the day and releasing it at night, PHSC can effectively reduce energy consumption in buildings.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Robin Deb, Jialuo He, Geetika Mishra, Yaghoob (Amir) Farnam
Summary: Incorporation techniques of phase change materials in cementitious composites have a significant influence on thermal properties. This study investigated the thermal behavior of low-temperature PCM when subjected to varying temperature change rates and pore confinement inside the porous network of lightweight aggregates. The results showed that ramp rates affect the nucleation and crystallization growth process during the phase transition, and the pore structure of the aggregates affects the supercooling phenomenon and confinement pressure of the PCM.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Eduardo Ferreira, Payam Sotoudeh, Dagmar Svecova
Summary: This study investigates the fatigue behavior of concrete under different stress reversal conditions. The results indicate that stress reversal generally causes more severe damage and reduces the cycles to failure compared to tensile fatigue. Additionally, adding some level of compression contributes to the energy required for failure under stress reversal fatigue. Specimens with higher concentration of fractured aggregates achieve longer fatigue lives.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Mag Raj Gehlot, Sandeep Shrivastava
Summary: This study evaluates the compatibility relationship between plaster bonds and the substrate under an accelerated aging environment, and finds that incorporating an appropriate amount of granite cutting waste can improve the strength parameters and adhesion of the cement mortar.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Min Zhang, Qirui Luo, Mingke Deng, Shixing Zhao
Summary: This study investigated the bond behavior between carbon FRCM composites with added short fibers and concrete substrates. The effects of different factors were considered and 36 specimens were tested and discussed. The experimental results were analyzed in terms of failure mode, load-slip curve, and characteristic parameters, and the contribution of weft yarns was taken into account in the developed bondslip model.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Dengkai Liu, Hongniao Chen, Ray Kai Leung Su
Summary: The susceptibility of building stones to fire and high temperature was investigated in this study by examining their physical and mechanical properties. The results show that both compressive and tensile properties of stones are affected by temperature changes. The tensile strength is particularly sensitive to temperature changes, requiring special attention to the components subjected to tensile stress in stone buildings. Principal component analysis was used to predict the mechanical properties of stones, providing a new method for calculating the residual mechanical properties after high temperature or fire.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Joso Maria Raposo, Eduardo Cavaco, Luis Costa Neves, Eduardo Julio
Summary: This paper investigates the correlation between the friction coefficient and the surface roughness of concrete-to-concrete interfaces. Experimental tests were performed on specimens with different surface treatments, and the surface roughness parameters were analyzed and correlated with the shear strength and friction coefficient. The results showed that certain roughness parameters had a strong positive correlation with the friction coefficient, while others had little or no correlation. A novel combined roughness parameter with optimized correlation was proposed.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Chiara Riccardi, Massimo Losa
Summary: The interest in using bio materials in asphalt pavements is growing due to economic reasons and environmental benefits. This study aimed to review the use of bio extenders as additives in binders, with a focus on replacements greater than 20% of fossil binder. The properties of bio-extended binders were found to vary substantially depending on the biomass source and production process.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
