Axial Compressive Strength Research Articles

Evaluation of Chloride Ion Attack in Self-Compacting Concrete Using Recycled Construction and Demolition Waste Aggregates

Construction and demolition waste (CDW) destined for recycling companies has great potential for use in civil construction, since it gives rise to recycled aggregates of different particle sizes that can be used in concrete. However, there is a lack of studies on the durability of concrete produced with recycled aggregates from CDW. This study analyzed the influence of incorporating recycled aggregates from CDW, sand, and gravel on the durability parameters of SCC mixtures, with and without the addition of metakaolin (MK), when subjected to two exposure conditions: outdoors and in cycles of attack by chloride ions. Five mixtures were produced: reference SCC, with natural sand and gravel; SCC with recycled sand and gravel; SCC with recycled sand and gravel and the addition of 10% MK; SAC with recycled sand, natural gravel, and the addition of 10% MK; and SCC with natural sand, recycled gravel and the addition of 10% MK. The water/binder ratio was kept constant for all mixtures and the additive dosage was adjusted according to the variation in the use of aggregates. The mechanical and durability properties were assessed using axial compressive strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity, chloride penetration, chloride ion diffusion, and electrical resistivity tests. The results showed the feasibility of using recycled aggregates from CDW in SCC. The addition of MK significantly improved the performance of SCC using these aggregates. The mixtures with added MK showed a low risk of corrosion and high resistance to chloride ion penetration, and, under highly aggressive attack conditions, it was observed that the chloride ions did not exceed the minimum cover thickness recommended for reinforced concrete structures. The addition of MK to the mix with recycled aggregates caused an 84.6% reduction in the Cl− diffusion coefficient, there was also a 40.3% reduction in Cl− penetration and an increase of up to 156.14% in electrical resistivity compared to the mix with recycled aggregates without the addition of MK. The SCC mix with recycled sand and metakaolin stood out positively compared to the others, achieving an axial compressive strength similar to the reference mix (55.10 MPa). We, therefore, conclude that it is possible to produce such a mix with acceptable performance and ensure good behavior under aggressive environmental conditions.

Enhanced Estimation of Axial Compressive Strength for CFRP Based on Microscale Numerical Simulation and the Response Surface Method.

Compressive strength is one of the most important properties of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP). In this study, a new method for predicting the axial compressive strength of CFRP using the response surface method is developed. We focused on a microbuckling model to predict the compressive strength of unidirectional fiber composites. For the microbuckling model, axial shear properties are required. To obtain the compressive strength for various material properties, we perform individual shear tests and numerical simulations, but these require enormous computational costs and extended time. To address the issue of computational cost, in this study, we propose a new method to predict compressive strength using the response surface method. First, we perform shear simulation in a microscale fracture model for unidirectional CFRP with various parameters of the fiber and resin properties. Based on the results of the shear simulation, the response surface method is used to evaluate and develop prediction equations for the shear properties. This method allows for the study of the objective values of the parameters, without significant computational effort. By comparing both the results predicted from the response surface method (RSM) and the simulation results, we verify the reliability of the prediction equation. As a result, the coefficient of determination was higher than 94%, and the validity of the prediction method for the compressive strength of CFRP using the response surface method (RSM) developed in this study was confirmed. Additionally, we discuss the material properties that affect the compressive strength of composites comprised of fibers and resin. As a result, we rank the parameters as follows: fiber content, elastic modulus after resin yield, yield stress, and initial elastic modulus.

Performance of seawater sea sand concrete-filled bimetallic tube (SSCFBT) stub columns under axial partial compression

This study presents the experimental findings on the mechanical performance of circular seawater sea sand concrete (SSC)-filled bimetallic tube (SSCFBT) stub columns under axial partial compression. The proposed cross-sectional configuration of the bimetallic tube consists of an external layer fabricated with carbon steel and an inside layer fabricated with stainless steel, by doing so to prevent the chloride ions in SSC from corroding the external carbon steel tube-layer. Axial partial compression tests are conducted on twelve SSCFBT specimens with steel endplates and six counterparts without endplates, and the corresponding parameters include the partial compression area ratio, endplate thickness, and specimen dimensions. The test findings suggest that the two layers of the bimetallic tube exhibit effective composite actions and the SSCFBT stub columns show favorable load-carrying capacity and ductility. The effects of various parameters on the failure mechanism, load-deformation relationship, load-carrying capacity, and strain development of SSCFBT stub columns are analyzed. Finally, the suitability of using different available design codes for conventional concrete-filled steel tubes (CFST) to predict the axial partial compressive strength of SSCFBT stub columns is evaluated.

Mechanical and environmental performance of structural concrete with coal gangue fine aggregate

Using coal gangue sand as fine aggregate is a feasible solution for the sustainable development of construction engineering. The mechanical and environmental properties of the gangue fine aggregate concrete-filled steel tube (GFACFST) and reinforced gangue fine aggregate concrete (RGFAC) with different gangue fine aggregate replacement ratios (rGFA) were investigated experimentally and numerically. The results showed that the GFACFST and RGFAC with various rGFA showed similar failure modes. The stiffness of the stubs decreases with the increase in rGFA. The ultimate strength of the GFACFST and RGFAC decreases by 3.8 % and 12.4 % respectively when rGFA is 100 %. The ductility of GFACFST shows an ascending tendency with the increase in rGFA, resulting from the increase in the confining effect of the steel tube on the core concrete. The stress-strain constitutive model of gangue fine aggregate concrete is proposed for numerical modeling. A design method for the bearing capacity of GFACFST and RGFAC is proposed by considering various gangue fine aggregate replacement ratios of which results differ from the tested and simulated values in the range of ±5 % and ±11 %. The life cycle assessment analysis shows that the environmental impact of GFACFST is less than that of RGFAC at the same axial compressive strength. The improvement of the mechanical-environmental performance efficiency by increasing cross-section diameter is more significant than that by increasing steel ratio.

Bidirectional-Reinforced Carbon Fiber/Polyether-Ether-Ketone Composite Thin-Walled Pipes via Pultrusion-Winding for On-Orbit Additive Manufacturing.

Benefitting from lightweight, high strength, long life, and green recyclability, continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite (CFTPC) pipes have attracted extensive interest, especially in the on-orbit additive manufacturing of structural components. However, the preparation of CFTPC pipes remains challenging due to the on-orbit limited space and high processing temperature of thermoplastic resin. Here, we report an effective approach for high performance carbon fiber/polyether-ether-ketone (CF/PEEK) thin-walled pipes via bidirectional reinforcement using the pultrusion-winding technique. The continuous fabrication of thin-walled pipes can be achieved, but the limitation by the size of core mold is also broken. The compressive and shear performance of CF/PEEK pipes with different layer designs have been studied based on experiments and simulations. With the increase in axial prepreg tape layer, the resultant CF/PEEK pipes exhibit greatly improved axial compression strength. The finite element analysis indicates that the maximum axial stress is decreased due to the axial enhancement. The flexural strength is greatly proved with pultrusion-winding cycles. The simulation confirms that the circumferential strain is effectively reduced. The high performance of bidirectional reinforced CF/PEEK pipes and the facile controllability of this approach highlight their suitability for utilization in on-orbit manufacturing of large-scale structures.

Compression stress-strain curve of lithium slag recycled fine aggregate concrete.

As one of the key materials used in the civil engineering industry, concrete has a global annual consumption of approximately 10 billion tons. Cement and fine aggregate are the main raw materials of concrete, and their production causes certain harm to the environment. As one of the countries with the largest production of industrial solid waste, China needs to handle solid waste properly. Researchers have proposed to use them as raw materials for concrete. In this paper, the effects of different lithium slag (LS) contents (0%, 10%, 20%, 40%) and different substitution rates of recycled fine aggregates (RFA) (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%) on the axial compressive strength and stress-strain curve of concrete are discussed. The results show that the axial compressive strength, elastic modulus, and peak strain of concrete can increase first and then decrease when LS is added, and the optimal is reached when the LS content is 20%. With the increase of the substitution rate of RFA, the axial compressive strength and elastic modulus of concrete decrease, but the peak strain increases. The appropriate amount of LS can make up for the mechanical defects caused by the addition of RFA to concrete. Based on the test data, the stress-strain curve relationship of lithium slag recycled fine aggregate concrete is proposed, which has a high degree of agreement compared with the test results, which can provide a reference for practical engineering applications. In this study, LS and RFA are innovatively applied to concrete, which provides a new way for the harmless utilization of solid waste and is of great significance for the control of environmental pollution and resource reuse.

Método de dosagem de concretos visando a durabilidade com base no conceito de empacotamento de partículas

Abstract Concrete presents complex behavior, being a difficult material to define the ideal proportion of its constituents. To overcome this challenge, many mix design methods have been developed over time. However, most of these methods do not consider durability parameters during the procedure. Thus, the objective of this article is to present a mix design method for concrete, with properties of workability (slump rating from 50 mm to 220 mm), axial compressive strength (class of 25MPa to 55MPa), and durability as response parameters. From the application of the proposed method, it was possible to create mix design and performance diagrams. It was noticed that all concretes fell into the pre-established consistency class and presented axial compressive strength results close to the predetermined values. Moreover, it was possible to obtain indications of the material's durability.

A Theoretical Model for Predicting Axial Compressive Strain of FRP-Confined Concrete

The axial compressive strength and strain of structural elements made of reinforced concrete are enhanced by the external confinement provided by fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) sheets. There is still a need for more research into estimating axial compressive strain even though numerous studies have suggested analytical approaches to predict the axial compressive strength of concrete structural elements. This is a result of earlier strain models’ inadequate accuracy. Furthermore, rudimentary modelling techniques and small, noisy databases were used in the development of these models. To suggest a more realistic strain model and compare it with earlier models, a more rigorous methodology is therefore required. The goal of this study is to present a strain model for FRP-confined concrete members by analytical modeling based on a large database containing 570 sample points. When the models were assessed using statistical parameters, it was discovered that the estimations of the freshly proposed models were more accurate than those of the previous models. The estimations’ relative study provides significant support for the recommended analytical model’s applicability and accuracy in forecasting the axial-strain of CFRP-confined concrete compression members.

Structural performance of the concrete-filled tube column with internal triangular units subjected to axial compression.

This study introduces a novel concrete-filled tube (CFT) column system featuring a steel tube comprised of four internal triangular units. The incorporation of these internal triangular units serves to reduce the width-thickness ratio of the steel tube and augment the effective confinement area of the infilled concrete. This design enhancement is anticipated to result in improved structural strength and ductility, contributing to enhanced overall performance and sustainability. To assess the effectiveness of the newly proposed column system, a full-scale test was conducted on five square steel tube column specimens subjected to axial compression. Among these specimens, two adhered to the conventional steel tube column design, while the remaining three featured the new CFT columns with internal triangular units. The shape of the CFT column, the presence of infilled concrete and the presence of openings on the ITUs were considered as test parameters. The test results reveal that the ductility of the newly proposed CFT column system exhibited a minimum 30% improvement compared to the conventional CFT column. In addition, the initial stiffness and axial compressive strength of the new system were found to be comparable to those of the conventional CFT column.

Caracterização de concreto autoadensável no estado fresco e endurecido incorporando cinza volante e cinza de casca de arroz

Abstract This work studies the feasibility of using rice husk ash (RHA) as a partial replacement for Brazilian Portland cement in producing self-compacting concrete for structural purposes. The RHA used is produced under controlled burning conditions in a fluidized bed. The concrete mix design is presented in detail to show how to find the best combination of the regional material to produce self-compacting concretes with good fresh and hardened characteristics. Concretes produced in the proportions of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% of replacement of cement by RHA have been studied, with the addition of 15% of fly ash and w/b of 0.45. In the fresh state, flowability, viscosity, and passing ability tests have been conducted. Additionally, mechanical tests were performed to assess the axial compressive strength and splitting tensile strength in the hardened state. The fresh state properties are influenced by the RHA content, reducing its flowability and passing ability with the increase of this material. The hardened state properties of the mixtures with RHA have shown increased resistance when compared to plain concrete. The mixture with 15% replacement had the best results. Concretes of 20% and 25% had their strength increased to a lesser degree. However, they remain a good option when increasing the superplasticizer quantity to improve the fluid state's properties.

Experimental study on mechanical properties of shredded prepreg carbon cloth waste fiber reinforced concrete

The incorporation of sustainable and eco-friendly materials in the construction industry has become a crucial pursuit in recent years. Prepreg carbon cloth waste (PCCW), a byproduct of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) manufacturing process, presents an opportunity for recycling and reducing environmental impact. This research explores the feasibility and mechanical properties of concrete reinforced by shredded prepreg carbon cloth waste (SPCCW) fiber of random sizes. High-speed crusher is applied to manufacture the SPCCW fibers and a comprehensive experimental investigation is conducted to evaluate the effects of varying SPCCW fiber content on the mechanical performances of the concrete. To achieve these objectives, several concrete mixtures with different SPCCW fiber dosages (0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% by volume) are designed, prepared, and subjected to SEM analysis and a series of mechanical property tests. The results indicate that as the proportion of SPCCW fiber increases, the slump gradually decreases; at a content of 1% the compressive strength and splitting tensile strength exhibit the greatest enhancements with increases of 20.9% and 14.3% respectively; the optimal enhancement for axial compressive strength is observed at a dosage of 1.5% resulting in an increase of 17.4%. Based on the analysis of workability and various mechanical properties, it can be concluded that an acceptable SPCCW fiber dosage is 1%, with the maximum limit being 1.5%.

Effect of thermal modification on axial compression properties and hardness of laminated bamboo

Vacuum thermal modification is an environmentally friendly method to improve the durability and reduce insect infestation of bamboo, which has the advantages of preventing deformation, preventing oxidation of the bamboo surface, and uniformity of thermal conductivity compared to previous studies that used mediums such as nitrogen, air, or oil for heating. This study thermally modified laminated bamboo materials for 1 to 5 h under vacuum conditions ranging from 170 to 230 °C and evaluated their microstructure, surface hardness, water absorption, and axial compression mechanical properties. The results showed that compared with untreated laminated bamboo timber, the colour gradually deepened as the temperature and time of heat treatment increased, while the equilibrium moisture content of heat-treated laminated bamboo timber was reduced by about 4–27% and the density by about 11–18%. This phenomenon indicates that the cell walls of laminated bamboo become denser with increasing temperature, which leads to a significant decrease in the hygroscopicity of laminated bamboo. The dimensional stability of the material was improved. Regarding the macroscopic axial compression test, the results showed that the thermal modification treatment significantly increased the axial compression strength of laminated bamboo, and this improvement in mechanical properties was inversely related to the heat treatment temperature. In addition, through the nanoindentation test, we found that the laminated bamboo's surface hardness and modulus of elasticity showed an inflexion point when the treatment temperature reached 210 °C, indicating that the material properties changed significantly in this temperature range. Investigating the response mechanism between the temperature and time of vacuum thermal heat treatment and the mechanical properties of bamboo will contribute to the development or optimization of the thermal modification process, leading to materials with excellent properties and broadening the application areas.

A review on the performance of concrete filled tubular columns under axial compression: Emphasis on geometrical parameters and various concrete infills and encasings

SummaryThis paper summarizes the literature available on the behavior of concrete‐filled steel tubular (CFST) columns to evaluate the effect of geometrical properties such as shape of cross‐section, diameter‐to‐thickness ratio, and length‐to‐diameter ratio of CFST columns under axial loading. Then, the impact of different material composition for core concrete and encasing material is concluded for columns under axial loading. The performance of CFST is evaluated in terms of failure modes, ductility, stiffness, and axial compressive strength. For encasing tube, carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum are studied while for core, various concretes such as Normal (NSC) and high strength concrete (HSC), light weight concrete (LWC), recycled aggregate concrete (RAC), expansive concrete (EC), rubber crumb concrete(RuCC), and steel slag concrete (SSC) are covered for review in this paper. Material limitations as provided by various codes for design of composite structures is also mentioned for both tube and core concrete. Failure modes of concrete‐filled tubular(CFT) columns are most affected by geometric properties columns while materials used for concrete and encasing tube do not cause much difference. Though, ductility, axial compressive strength, and stiffness are affected by both geometric and material properties.

Influence of Coconut Fiber Waste and Rice Husk Ash on Green Concrete

Purpose: To develop cementitious materials, concrete, incorporating coconut fiber waste (CFW) and rice husk ash (RHA), with the aim of producing innovative, cost-effective, and readily available products for use in economically and environmentally friendly construction applications. Environmental impacts can be minimized by making these practices efficient and sustainable through the utilization of these waste materials. Theoretical framework: The use of agro-industrial waste in concrete matrices has been extensively studied due to their effectiveness in influencing material properties. The incorporation of coconut fiber waste and rice husk ash into concrete can lead to improvements in compressive strength, increased durability, and a reduction in the amount of CO2 generated during production. The concrete developed with the incorporation of waste products has the potential to minimize environmental impacts, reduce costs, and extend its lifespan. The pursuit of sustainability drives the exploration of innovative materials to preserve natural resources and mitigate ecological impact in the construction industry. Method: The coconut fiber waste was subjected to 24-hour drying process in an oven at 100°C to remove moisture and was subsequently crushed in a ball mill until its particle size exhibited characteristics similar to the binder. The CFW and RHA were characterized through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and Specific Surface Area analysis. Different percentages of CFW (0.25% - 0.75%) and RHA (2% - 10%) were separately incorporated into the concrete mix. The mixing ratio used was 1:1.9:3.1 (cement, sand, aggregate), with a water-to-cement (w/c) ratio of 0.60. Workability tests, electrical resistivity tests, capillary water absorption by capillary rise, and axial compressive strength tests were conducted. Additionally, a sulfate ion penetration test was performed by immersing specimens in a 2.5% sulfuric acid (H2SO4) solution for 7 days. Results: SEM images of CFW reveal an angular and fibrous microstructure, maintaining the original properties of the waste even after its transformation into ash. RHA particles exhibit irregular shapes and sizes with microporous cellular structures on the surface, consistent with literature. X-Ray Diffraction patterns of CFW indicate a material without a distinct crystalline structure. However, Electron Dispersive Spectroscopy analysis suggests the predominance of carbon (C), potassium oxide (K2O), and silica (SiO2). RHA shows broad amorphous diffraction at 22° and some sharp diffraction peaks, suggesting the formation of crystallites, consistent with cristobalite. There was a slight improvement in the workability of fresh concrete compared to the reference mix as the percentage of waste incorporation increased. The electrical resistivity of the produced specimens showed a significant increase in all cases, except for the 0.25% RHA sample. The 5.0% CFW content exhibited the best performance, with a 29.47% increase, indicating a microstructure with few voids and suggesting greater material durability. Samples with higher fiber percentages showed higher water absorption values. Concrete incorporated with RHA exhibited higher porosity and suboptimal performance. However, the incorporation of 0.25% CFW showed a slight improvement compared to the reference concrete. The best performances observed in the compressive strength test were with 5.0% RHA and 0.5% CFW, with the latter showing the best result compared to the reference specimens. In the sulfate attack test, only the concrete with 5.0% RHA showed better performance in an aggressive environment. Increasing the percentage of CFW also reduced mass loss, suggesting potential improvement of the compound at higher proportions. The study demonstrated that agro-industrial residues can be satisfactorily utilized in construction, and the implementation of this new process can reduce global warming and mineral resource depletion. Research implications: This work contributes to a sustainable circular economy with a novel process for utilizing agro-industrial waste in concrete. Originality/Value: The findings will be promising for the utilization of coconut fiber waste and rice husk ash in the production of environmentally sustainable concrete.

Numerical analysis and design of concrete-filled wire arc additively manufactured steel tube under axial compression

Numerical investigation of the mechanical behaviour of concrete-filled wire arc additively manufactured (WAAM) steel tube under axial compression is presented in this paper. Typical structural performances of concrete-filled WAAM steel tube are extensively analyzed based on the experimental results firstly. FE models are established based on 3D models obtained by 3D laser scan technology, whilst the material anisotropy of WAAM steel tube is taken into account. The sensitivity study on the finite element (FE) model parameters is developed to assess their influence on the simulation results. The established FE models are verified against the test results demonstrating their effectiveness in predicting the structural behaviour of the concrete-filled WAAM steel tube. The composite action between the WAAM steel tube and inner concrete is analyzed through the validated FE models, indicating that it should be emphasized within the strain range from 0.003 to 0.01. The influences of the concrete and steel strengths are evaluated to investigate the confinement effect, showing that the concrete and steel strength exhibit a negative and positive impact on the confinement effect, respectively, and a positive correlation between the steel strength and biaxial stresses of the WAAM steel tube can be obtained. Finally, the design method of concrete-filled WAAM steel tube under axial compression, which considers the effect of the geometric undulations and material anisotropy of the WAAM steel tube, is proposed based on the theory of confining effect. The comparison results indicate that the proposed method can predict the axial compressive strengths of the concrete-filled WAAM steel tubes with reasonable accuracy.

Axial compressive behavior of stiffened and multi-cell cross-shaped CFST stub columns

Cross-shaped concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) can avoid the structural column protruding from walls and save the room space, but the steel tube is prone to local buckling under compression. The use of stiffeners and multi-cell form can effectively improve its mechanical performance. However, limited research studies were conducted on these column forms previously. In this paper, six stub columns were tested under axial compression varying the parameters of cross-section form and concrete strength grade. The failure pattern, ultimate strength, load-strain curve, compressive stiffness and ductility were obtained. The test results show that using longitudinal stiffeners or multi-cell form can improve the axial compressive strength, stiffness and ductility of cross-shaped CFST, and the mechanical performance of multi-cell form is superior. The axial compressive strength of stiffened and multi-cell columns can be enhanced by 4.9%–25.2% and 21.8%–28.4%, respectively, compared with unstiffened columns. The corresponding stiffness can be increased by 14.2%–27.4% and 25.2%–43.2%, respectively, and the corresponding ductility can be increased by about 9% and 120%, respectively. Finite element (FE) models were established for the cross-shaped CFST stub columns and the FE simulation results were in good agreement with the experimental results. 134 stiffened and 134 multi-cell stub column models with different parameters were calculated, and the design methods were suggested for axial compressive strength and stiffness of stiffened and multi-cell cross-shaped CFST stub columns.

A double cross-linked anisotropic quaternized chitosan/sodium alginate-based wound dressing for rapid drainage of biofluids

Excessive biofluid around wounds can cause infection and prevent healing. In this study, an anisotropic quaternized chitosan (QC)/sodium alginate (AL)-based aerogel wound dressing was prepared via a directional freeze-drying technique inspired by the channel structure used for water transport in trees. The aligned channels provided the dressing with self-pumping ability, allowing it to rapidly and completely remove biofluids and absorb biofluids up to 1292.5 % of its own weight. To enhance the strength of the dressing, a double cross-linked network was constructed based on the QC-AL electrostatic attraction and AL-Ca2+ chelation interaction. The axial compressive strength of the double cross-linked dressing reached 207.3 kPa (ε = 50 %). In addition, the dressing exhibited strong conductive properties (conductivity = 13.0 S/m), antioxidant activities [reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging ability = 88.0 %], and hemostatic characteristics (blood coagulation index = 1.8 %). The dressing also exhibited powerful antibacterial performance, exhibiting over 98.0 % inhibition of E. coli and S. aureus. Experiments on diabetic mouse models revealed that the dressing considerably promoted wound healing. On day 3, the wound healing rate was 96.7 % faster in the QAC group than in the gauze group. Therefore, the developed dressing may have great potential for chronic wound care.

Properties of High-Content Micro-Steel Fiber Self-Compacting Concrete Incorporating Fly Ash and Slag Powder Performance Study

The addition or substitution of various gel materials in cement-based composites has been proven to be an effective approach in enhancing the performance of concrete. Current research focuses mainly on enhancing the toughness of concrete, but lacks discussion on the performance of alternative gel materials. Therefore, this study aims to explore the effects of partially substituting cement with fly ash and slag powder as gel materials, while incorporating a high volume fraction of micro-steel fibers (6%), on the workability and mechanical properties of self-compacting concrete. By means of rigorous experimental investigation and meticulous analysis, we comprehensively assessed the workability characteristics of self-compacting concrete, encompassing critical aspects such as filling ability, cohesion, and permeability. Additionally, we conducted an extensive evaluation of the mechanical attributes of self-compacting concrete, encompassing vital parameters, such as compressive strength, axial compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength. Last but not least, through a holistic integration of workability and mechanical properties, we conducted a comprehensive performance evaluation of self-compacting concrete incorporating a synergistic blend of fly ash, slag powder, and micro steel fibers. The experimental results indicate that the composite addition of fly ash and slag powder in self-compacting concrete, while compatible with up to 6% micro-steel fibers, leads to a decrease in concrete workability and an increase in cohesiveness due to the addition of micro-steel fibers. Moreover, fly ash predominantly influences the tensile properties of concrete, while the addition of slag powder significantly affects the compressive and flexural properties of concrete. Additionally, the addition of micro-steel fibers significantly improves the overall mechanical properties of concrete.

The Flue Gas Desulfurization Gypsum Applications in Production of Eco-Friendly Cementitious Matrices

Portland cement is one of the most manufactured materials in the world. The worldwide cement industry accounts for at least 5-8% of the anthropogenic CO2 emissions and therefore is an important sector for CO2-emission mitigation strategies to limit global warming. One of the strategies for reducing the carbon footprint of the cement industry is replace traditional Portland cement with other solid wastes. In the present study, the influence of the application of flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FGD gypsum) generated from coal-fired power plant in construction mortar was investigated. Cylindrical specimens were molded with Portland cement type CPII-F 32, sand and 0%, 25%, 50% and 75% amounts of FGD gypsum. After curing time of 1, 3, 7, 28 and 91 days, the cementitious materials were characterized mechanically by axial compressive strength, setting time and slump. The pastes in the age of 28 days were further characterized by X-ray diffraction with Rietveld analysis. Results showed that FGD gypsum can be used as a substitute for cement as a setting retarder in an amount of up to 25%, and as an accelerator in an amount of 75%, being necessary dosage of the specific traces of the materials depending on the purpose of its use.

Numerical study of the axial compression strength for nano-reinforced filament-wound riser considering curing residual stress

The present study is dedicated to the numerical analysis of progressive failure damage in multiangle nano-reinforced filament wound risers, with due consideration for process-induced residual stresses. Utilizing a multi-model coupling strategy, we introduce an integrated methodology predicated upon the time-varying material characteristics at a macroscopic scale. Initially, the process-induced residual stresses are anticipated via a sequential coupled numerical simulation methodology based on the time-varying attributes of the material. Subsequently, the curing residual stresses serve as the initial stress for the composite wound riser to prognosticate its axial compressive strength, grounded in the progressive damage model. Finally, the multiparametric effects on the strength properties of the composite risers are further investigated to reveal the intrinsic mechanism. The numerical findings evince that curing-induced residual stress retards both fiber and matrix failure while augmenting the axial compressive strength of the composite riser. Furthermore, the escalation in nanoparticle content diminishes the process-induced residual stresses. Additionally, the incorporation of 5 % nanoparticles yields an enhancement in the strength of the composite risers by approximately 16.26 % relative to those devoid of nanoparticles.