Article
Polymer Science
Ahmad Rashedi, Riadh Marzouki, Ali Raza, Khawar Ali, Niyi Gideon Olaiya, Mayandi Kalimuthu
Summary: This study evaluates the effectiveness of glass-FRP-reinforced geopolymer concrete columns and steel bar-reinforced geopolymer concrete columns under eccentric and concentric loadings. The glass-FRP-reinforced columns exhibit lower axial strength and higher ductility indices compared to the steel bar-reinforced columns. The failure modes are similar for both types of columns and they are influenced by eccentricity.
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Emmanuelle Richely, Alain Bourmaud, Vincent Placet, Sofiane Guessasma, Johnny Beaugrand
Summary: The market for plant-fibre reinforced composites has been growing steadily due to environmental legislation and global warming effects, but uncertainties regarding defects in plant fibres decrease mechanical properties at the composite scale. Finite element modelling has emerged as a crucial tool in understanding these defects, particularly in complex plant fibre ultrastructures compared to synthetic materials. Through a top-down and multi-scale approach, this review addresses advanced testing methods and numerical approaches to capture the complex mechanical behaviour of plant fibres.
PROGRESS IN MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
James L. Thomason, Jose L. Rudeiros-Fernandez
Summary: The study investigated the internal structure, CSA, and mechanical properties of palm and coir fibers using SEM, tensile measurements, and optical microscopy. Palm fiber results showed good correlation between experimental observations and theoretical predictions, while the modulus dependence of coir fibers on CSA was less well defined due to higher property variability.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Amir Karimi-Nobandegani, Hamid Valipour
Summary: This study evaluates the effect of web openings on the structural behavior of timber-timber composite beams. Through experimental and analytical methods, the influence of factors such as web opening shape, size, and others on the performance of TTC beams is investigated. A mechanistic model for predicting the load carrying capacity of TTC beams is also proposed.
ENGINEERING STRUCTURES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Christian Gauss, Kim L. Pickering, Joshua Tshuma, John McDonald-Wharry
Summary: Additive manufacturing can process polymeric composites reinforced with bio-based fibres, offering opportunities for environmentally friendly materials. In this study, poly(lactic acid) composites reinforced with regenerated cellulose fibres were used for 3D printing. The composite samples showed good tensile properties and thermo-mechanical stability, demonstrating the potential use of regenerated cellulose fibres for 3D printing applications.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francisco A. G. Soares Silva, Frank Meister, Fernando Dourado, Miguel Gama
Summary: Due to the global shortage of cotton, the textile industry is searching for sustainable alternatives and developing sustainable recycling processes. The combination of bacterial cellulose (BC) and cellulose filaments with low degree of polymerization (DP) has been found to improve the mechanical properties of the fibers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Justin R. Brown, Minghao Li, Alessandro Palermo, Stefano Pampanin, Francesco Sarti, Roger Nokes
Summary: Post-tensioned timber technology can enhance the strength and stiffness of mass timber seismic load resisting systems while providing energy dissipation and re-centering capabilities. This paper presents a study on PT CLT single and double wall systems, examining the effects of different connections and proposing improvements to the analytical prediction models.
ENGINEERING STRUCTURES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Pooria Khalili, Mikael Skrifvars, Hom Nath Dhakal, Chulin Jiang
Summary: Sandwich composites were successfully fabricated with balsa wood as the core material and regenerated cellulose fabric bio-based polypropylene (PP) composite skins. The regenerated cellulose fabric PP composites were produced using two different methods: conventional stacking lay-up and direct use of PP pellets. The sandwich composite system and bio-composite laminate were designed to compare their key mechanical properties. Experimental and analytical results showed significant improvements in bending load bearing property and impact resistance of the sandwich structure.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ziming Deng
Summary: This study investigates the ASR mechanism and characteristics of waste glass aggregate (WGA) and explores the influence of volume fraction, length, and hybrid mixing of steel fibers (SFs) on the mechanical properties of SF-reinforced waste glass concrete (SFRWGC). The findings provide guidance for engineering applications of SFRWGC.
CASE STUDIES IN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Kangyi Cai, Huanxin Yuan
Summary: The shear behavior of self-drilling screw connections between thin steel sheets is investigated in this paper via experimental testing, numerical and analytical modeling. A new prediction model for the shear deformation behavior of self-drilling screw connections is proposed and validated.
THIN-WALLED STRUCTURES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Anastasia L. Wickeler, A. S. M. Sajid, Hani E. Naguib
Summary: Origami-inspired materials, such as the popular Miura-ori design, are gaining popularity as advanced materials. This study focuses on a parameterized and experimentally verified origami design composed of interlocking triangles, revealing that the peak fold location is the most influential parameter affecting the folding mechanism.
THIN-WALLED STRUCTURES
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Dong-Mei Zhang, Bing-Li Zhang, Tai-Lai Luo, Dong-Ming Zhang, Bao-Jun Li
Summary: This paper investigates the impact of steel bolt corrosion on the structural performance of segmental joints. The results show that corrosion can reduce the waterproof ability, bending stiffness, and ultimate bearing capacity of the joint, with the most significant impact observed in the second stage. The corrosion has a larger effect under positive bending moments due to the joint configuration.
TUNNELLING AND UNDERGROUND SPACE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Pengfei Chen, Bo Yuan, Xiaofeng Guo, Yuexi Xiong, Zhiqiang Wan, Wei Sun
Summary: This work evaluates the temperature field, stresses, and peeling loads in thermal barrier coatings with air holes. Analytical formulae for the temperature field and interfacial peeling loads are developed, while finite element modelling is conducted to study the mechanical behaviors. The results show the generation of tensile peeling stress and shear stress near the holes, leading to the initiation and propagation of hole-edge cracks. The maximum peeling and shear stresses are found close to the oxide/bond coat interface and increase with increasing hole radius. The interfacial peeling moment and shear force are identified as important factors characterizing edge cracking in TBCs.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Mechanics
Jie Mei, Jiayi Liu, Wei Huang
Summary: In order to enhance the energy absorption capacity, foam filled composite X-core sandwich panels were fabricated and their bending behaviors were investigated. Analytical and finite element models were developed to predict the performance of the sandwich structures, with higher accuracy achieved by the numerical models.
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Kathrin Weiland, Konstantin Alge, Andreas Mautner, Alexander Bauer, Alexander Bismarck
Summary: Nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) has important applications in composites, water filters, and emulsifiers. The water affinity of NFC is a challenge as it negatively affects its integrity. Anaerobic digestion of biomass allows for the concentration of lignin in fermentation residue, from which nanolignocellulose fibers (LCNF) can be extracted. LCNFs with lignin contents between 23% and 29% were obtained from horse manure biogas production. Nanopapers made from LCNFs exhibited high tensile strengths and moduli, with decreased water absorption capacity due to increased lignin content.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Esther Mendoza, Gianluigi Buttiglieri, Gaetan Blandin, Joaquim Comas
Summary: This study evaluated the performance of forward osmosis process in diluting fertilizer solutions for hydroponic systems. The composition and concentration of fertilizer draw solution (DS) were found to play a fundamental role in the process. Despite obtaining suitable nutrient concentrations for direct application, significant fertilizer losses were observed, especially for NO3. The presence of salts in the feed solution (FS) decreased water fluxes and DS dilution, highlighting potential limitations of the FDFO process in conditions close to osmotic equilibrium.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Alba Codina, Cristina Barris, Younes Jahani, Marta Baena, Lluis Torres
Summary: This study compares different formulations in predicting intermediate crack debonding (ICD) loads in RC beams strengthened with FRP. The results show that all models can predict the ICD failure mode accurately.
Article
Engineering, Civil
Cristina Barris, Marta Baena, Younes Jahani, Alba Codina, Lluis Torres
Summary: A near-surface-mounted (NSM) technique using fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcement is effective in increasing load-bearing capacity and stiffness of reinforced-concrete (RC) beams. However, there is a lack of provisions for crack width prediction due to scarceness of experimental data. This study presents experimental results on the effect of different NSM reinforcement arrangements on midspan deflection, crack spacing, and crack width of NSM FRP RC beams.
JOURNAL OF COMPOSITES FOR CONSTRUCTION
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Marta Baena, Younes Jahani, Lluis Torres, Cristina Barris, Ricardo Perera
Summary: This paper evaluates the influence of high service temperatures on the flexural performance and end debonding phenomenon in NSM CFRP-strengthened RC beams. The experimental program includes different parameters and compares predictions with experimental results using an analytical procedure. The results show that as the testing temperature increases, the strengthened beams experience a decrease in capacity and a change in failure mode from FRP rupture to end debonding and concrete crushing.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Eusebi Calle, David Martinez, Gianluigi Buttiglieri, Lluis Corominas, Miquel Farreras, Joan Salo-Grau, Pere Vila, Josep Pueyo-Ros, Joaquim Comas
Summary: Water scarcity and droughts are becoming more serious issues globally. This study presents a decision support tool that can automatically compute the optimal reclaimed water network for a given scenario, utilizing open data sources, graph theory, and greedy optimization algorithms. The tool provides information on reclaimed water quantity, pipe lengths and diameters, storage tank locations and sizes, population served, and construction costs. The tool's usefulness is demonstrated in two different cities. The estimated construction cost of the optimal water reclaimed network for a city with approximately 100,000 inhabitants is in the range of euro0.17-0.22/m(3) (with a payback period of 30 years).
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Esther Mendoza, Albert Magri, Gaëtan Blandin, Alex Bayo, Josephine Vosse, Gianluigi Buttiglieri, Jesus Colprim, Joaquim Comas
Summary: The recovery of nutrients from wastewater for agricultural fertilization is an interesting approach. In this study, wastewater recovered magnesium phosphate salts were used as draw solution in a forward osmosis system to extract water and produce a nutrient solution for hydroponic lettuce cultivation. The low solubility of the magnesium phosphate salts was overcome by acid dissolution using citric and nitric acids.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Amr El-Nemr, Ehab A. Ahmed, Cristina Barris, Panuwat Joyklad, Qudeer Hussain, Brahim Benmokrane
Summary: This study investigates the bond performance of different types of new generation FRP (fiber-reinforced polymer) bars embedded in concrete. A total of 87 pullout specimens were constructed and tested, and the results show that the bond strength of FRP bars generally decreases with increasing bar diameter, while the bar diameter has insignificant impact on steel bars. There is a positive relationship between the concrete compressive strength and the bond strength gained. The test results are also used to assess different analytical models for bond stress-slip relationships.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ricardo Perera, Maria Consuelo Huerta, Marta Baena, Cristina Barris
Summary: Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) strengthening systems have become increasingly popular for retrofitting concrete structures. The two most widely recognized methods, externally bonded reinforcement (EBR) and near-surface mounted (NSM) techniques, may suffer from sudden debonding of the FRP. This study monitored cracks in two reinforced concrete (RC) specimens strengthened with FRP using a piezoelectric-transducer-based electromechanical impedance (EMI) technique and a digital image correlation (DIC) system. The results showed that the combined implementation of these techniques improved the prediction of early cracks and potential failure of the specimens.
Proceedings Paper
Engineering, Civil
Javier Gomez, Cristina Barris, Younes Jahani, Marta Baena, Lluis Torres
Summary: The study of the bond behavior of FRP strengthening systems under service conditions is crucial, and long-term tests under high ambient temperatures can provide relevant knowledge for understanding the bond behavior. This study experimentally investigated the evolution of bond behavior and its effect on system slip with time under high service temperature. The results showed that bonded length and groove thickness significantly influenced the maximum load and failure mode, and sustained loading led to a significant increase in slip.
10TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON FRP COMPOSITES IN CIVIL ENGINEERING (CICE 2020/2021)
(2022)
Proceedings Paper
Engineering, Civil
Younes Jahani, Marta Baena, Javier Gomez, Cristina Barris, Lluis Torres
Summary: In the past two decades, the use of Near-Surface Mounted (NSM) Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) strengthening technique has increased in the retrofitting of damaged structures. This study investigates the effect of temperature on the behavior of NSM FRP strengthened RC beams and finds that temperature has minimal impact on the stiffness of the specimens, while longer laminate lengths prevent FRP debonding.
10TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON FRP COMPOSITES IN CIVIL ENGINEERING (CICE 2020/2021)
(2022)
Proceedings Paper
Engineering, Civil
Ricardo Perera, Antonio Ruiz, Lluis Torres, Cristina Barris, Marta Baena
Summary: The use of fibre reinforced polymers (FRP) with near-surface mounted (NSM) method in civil construction has gained popularity worldwide. The bond between FRP composites and concrete plays a crucial role in the success of the NSM FRP strengthening system. However, there is still limited research on early damage identification for this reinforcement technique. This study uses linear mixed effects models to assess the structural integrity of NSM FRP RC beams by measuring electromechanical impedances.
10TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON FRP COMPOSITES IN CIVIL ENGINEERING (CICE 2020/2021)
(2022)
Proceedings Paper
Engineering, Civil
Cristina Barris, Javier Gomez, Paula Zubillaga, Ricardo Perera, Younes Jahani, Lluis Torres
Summary: This paper presents the preliminary results of an experimental program studying the effect of different reinforcement arrangements on crack distribution in NSM CFRP RC beams. The results show that NSM CFRP strengthening can reduce crack width and spacing, while the groove distribution does not have a significant effect on crack width.
10TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON FRP COMPOSITES IN CIVIL ENGINEERING (CICE 2020/2021)
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Keyu Zhu, Xitao Zheng, Jing Peng, Jiaming Sun, Ruilin Huang, Leilei Yan
Summary: This paper discusses the influence of multiple impacts on the compression strength of honeycomb sandwich structures with composite face sheets. It is found that the size of the impactor affects the turning point of the compression strength. Additionally, high impact energy leads to damage in the bottom face sheet and reduces the overall compression strength.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Danqian Wang, Yanfei Yue, Jueshi Qian
Summary: Magnesium Potassium Phosphate Cement (MKPC) as a binder for steel rebars shows improved corrosion resistance when subjected to carbonation, due to the increase in pH and the formation of a more protective oxide film.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Zhibin Li, Wenyu Wang, Pengcheng Xue, Xingyu Wei, Jian Xiong
Summary: This work proposes a design approach and manufacturing method for carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) corrugated sandwich truncated cones (CSTC) to improve their anti-debonding ability and ensure reliability. The study establishes theoretical models for CSTCs' stiffness and failure modes, which are verified through experiments and finite element analysis (FEA). The research reveals the effect of geometric parameters on failure modes and performs an optimal design for CSTC structures. The findings have significant implications for the design and application of lightweight CSTCs in constructions, such as launch vehicle adapters.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Mingyu Zhang, Lei Chu, Jiahua Chen, Fuxun Qi, Xiaoyan Li, Xinliang Chen, Deng-Guang Yu
Summary: This review summarizes the different structures and construction methods of fibrous membranes with asymmetric wettability. It also reviews the biological applications of these membranes and suggests future challenges.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
E. Mofakhami, L. Gervat, B. Fayolle, G. Miquelard-Garnier, C. Ovalle, L. Laiarinandrasana
Summary: This study investigates the effects of fibre concentration on the mechanical response of welded glass-fibre-reinforced polypropylene (GF-PP). Experimental observations reveal a significant reduction in weld ratio, up to 60%, indicating a decreased strength compared to the bulk material. Increasing fibre content in the welded material results in a decrease in stress at break and strain at the maximum stress. The use of DIC technique and X-ray microtomography further confirms the localized strain amplification in the welded zone due to the significant increase in fibre density.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Emad Pourahmadi, Farjad Shadmehri, Rajamohan Ganesan
Summary: This research compares the mechanical properties of laminates manufactured using automated fiber placement and conventional autoclave curing methods. The results show that laminates manufactured using automated fiber placement have a lower interlaminar shear strength compared to laminates reconsolidated using autoclave curing. A finite element simulation method is proposed to quantitatively analyze these differences.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Johnny Jakobsen, Benny Endelt, Fahimeh Shakibapour
Summary: This study proposes a new bolted/pinned joining method for composite applications, which improves load transfer by introducing a patch-type reinforcement. Experimental results demonstrate significant improvements in both static and fatigue load conditions compared to existing methods. Finite element simulations highlight the advantage of this method, as it creates a more efficient load-transferring mechanism through different stress distributions.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Gisele G. Cintra, Janine D. Vieira, Daniel C. T. Cardoso, Thomas Keller
Summary: This paper proposes a novel approach to assess multi-crack behavior in layered fiber-polymer composites. The generated Compliance and R-curves provide useful insights into understanding the multiple delamination process and allow for separate evaluation of strain energy release rate (SERR) for each crack. The developed cohesive zone model successfully simulates the failure process zone of three parallel cracks, showing good agreement between the numerical model and experimental results.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Renil Thomas Kidangan, Sreedhar Unnikrishnakurup, C. Krishnamurthy, Krishnan Balasubramaniam
Summary: The induction heating process can accurately identify fiber orientation and stacking order, making it a valuable tool for large-area inspection and quality control in manufacturing fiber-reinforced composites.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Sungjun Hwang, Yousoo Han, Douglas J. Gardner
Summary: Bleached Kraft pulp, unbleached Kraft pulp, and old corrugated cardboard pulp are suitable for producing cellulose nanofibril suspensions. Spray drying is a fast, simple, cost-effective, and scalable drying method. Spray-dried cellulose nanofibrils can be used as reinforcing materials in polypropylene matrices. The particle size of cellulose nanofibrils affects the material properties.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Mehdi Mahdavi, Abbas Zolfaghari
Summary: This study aims to improve the recovery forces of shape memory polymers (SMPs) through material extrusion additive manufacturing. By using glass fiber (GF) as reinforcement and manufacturing multi-layer composite specimens, it was found that PLA with 6.62% GF exhibited the best recovery force, which was further optimized through annealing heat treatment.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Review
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Xiang Ao, Antonio Vazquez-Lopez, Davide Mocerino, Carlos Gonzalez, De-Yi Wang
Summary: The vulnerability of natural fibers to heat and fire poses a significant challenge for their substitution of traditional fiber reinforcements in composite materials. Natural fiber/polymer composites (NFCs) are regarded as potential candidates for engineering applications due to their environmental friendliness and low-impact sourcing. Thus, appropriate approaches need to be implemented to enhance the fire safety of NFCs. This review summarizes and discusses the latest understanding of flammability and thermal properties of natural fibers, with a special focus on their interaction with polymer matrix in fire behavior. Additionally, the latest developments in flame-retardant approaches for NFCs are reviewed, covering both flame retardancy and fire structural integrity. Finally, future prospects and perspectives on fire safety of NFCs are proposed, providing insights into further advancements of NFCs.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Cheng Wang, Siqi Huo, Guofeng Ye, Bingtao Wang, Zhenghong Guo, Qi Zhang, Pingan Song, Hao Wang, Zhitian Liu
Summary: The demand for multifunctional, transparent epoxy resin with superior dielectric, mechanical, and fire-safety performances is increasing in modern industries. Researchers have developed an epoxidized, phosphaphenanthrene-containing poly(styrene butadiene styrene) (ESD) for advanced fire-safe epoxy resin, which maintains high transparency and improves UV-blocking property. The addition of 10 wt% ESD results in improved mechanical properties, decreased dielectric constant and loss, and outperformance compared to other fire-safe epoxy resins. This research provides an effective method for developing multifunctional flame-retardant epoxy resin.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Bo Pang, Heping Zheng, Zuquan Jin, Dongshuai Hou, Yunsheng Zhang, Xiaoyun Song, Yanan Sun, Zhiyong Liu, Wei She, Lin Yang, Mengyuan Li
Summary: This study develops an internal superhydrophobic material (ISM) using waste denitrification fly ash, which maintains stable hydrophobicity under harsh conditions of use and does not rely on expensive fluor-based surface modifications. The synthesized ISM has excellent matrix strength, strong waterproof properties, and retains superhydrophobicity even at damaged or friction interfaces.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Meirbek Mussatayev, Qiuji Yi, Mark Fitzgerald, Vincent K. Maes, Paul Wilcox, Robert Hughes
Summary: Real-time monitoring of carbon fibre composites during Automated Fibre Placement (AFP) manufacturing remains a challenge for non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques. This study designed a directional eddy-current (EC) probe to evaluate the detectability of out-of-plane wrinkles. Experimental evaluations and finite element modeling were conducted to better understand the relationship between eddy-current density and defect detection. The findings suggest that the probe configuration with an asymmetric driver coil and differential pickup coils shows the best capability for wrinkle detection.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
