Properties Of Concrete Research Articles

Artificial intelligence prediction of the mechanical properties of banana peel-ash and bagasse blended geopolymer concrete

This research explores the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques to assess the mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete made from a blend of Banana Peel-Ash (BPA) and Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (SCBA), using a sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) to sodium hydroxide (NaOH) ratio ranging from 1.5 to 3. Utilizing three AI methodologies—Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS), and Gene Expression Programming (GEP)—the study aims to enhance prediction accuracy for the mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete based on 104 datasets. By optimizing mix designs through varying proportions of BPA and SCBA, alkaline activator molarity, and aggregate-to-binder ratios, the research identified combinations that significantly enhance mechanical properties, demonstrating notable international relevance as it contributes to global efforts in sustainable construction by effectively utilizing industrial by-products. The experimental results demonstrated that increasing the molarity of the alkaline activator from 4 to 10 M significantly enhanced both the compressive and flexural strengths of the geopolymer concrete. Specifically, a mixture containing 52.5% SCBA and 47.5% BPA at a 10 M molarity achieved a maximum compressive strength of 33.17 MPa after 20 h of curing. In contrast, a mixture composed of 95% SCBA and 5% BPA at a 4 M molarity exhibited a substantially lower compressive strength of only 21.27 MPa. Additionally, the highest recorded flexural strength of 9.95 MPa (77.25% SCBA and 22.5 BPA) was observed at the 10 M molarity, while the flexural strength at 4 M was lowest, at 4.12 MPa (95% SCBA and 5% BPA). Microstructural analysis through Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (ED-SEM) revealed insights into the pore structure and elemental composition of the concrete, while Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) provided data on the material’s thermal stability and decomposition characteristics. Performance analysis of the AI models showed that the ANN model had an average MSE of 1.338, RMSE of 1.157, MAE of 3.104, and R2 of 0.989, while the ANFIS model outperformed with an MSE of 0.345, RMSE of 0.587, MAE of 1.409, and R2 of 0.998. The GEP model demonstrated an MSE of 1.233, RMSE of 1.110, MAE of 1.828, and R2 of 0.992, confirming that ANFIS is the most accurate model for predicting the mechanical and rheological properties of geopolymer concrete. This study highlights the potential of integrating AI with experimental data to optimize the formulation and performance of geopolymer concrete, advancing sustainable construction practices by effectively utilizing industrial by-products.

Enhancing thermo-mechanical and moisture properties of 3D-Printed concrete through recycled ultra-fine waste glass powder

This paper presents a novel approach to enhancing 3D printed concrete (3DPC) by incorporating ultra-fine glass powder (UFGP), focusing on its mechanical properties and high-temperature resistance. Investigation like fresh properties, basic physical properties, residual compressive strength after exposure to 400 °C and 800 °C, hygric properties such as water vapor diffusion resistance, liquid water transport, and moisture buffering capacity were performed the observe the effect of UFGP replacement ratio on 3DPC, which demonstrates significant improvements, highlighting the potential of UFGP to elevate 3DPCs’ performance. Results showed significant improvements, particularly with a 20% UFGP mix, which showed the lowest compressive strength loss (9.0% at 400 °C and 53.7% at 800 °C). Additionally, the water vapor diffusion resistance factor for the 20% UFGP mix was measured at 65.03. These results suggest that incorporating UFGP in 3DPC enhances thermal resilience and mechanical properties, offering a solution for high-temperature construction. This study contributes to sustainable construction by emphasizing the importance of mechanical resilience for structural integrity under extreme temperatures.

Impact of aggressive environments on the mechanical and physico-chemical properties of concrete

This comprehensive study examines the durability of concrete exposed to aggressive environments, a critical issue for the longevity of modern infrastructure. Our research analyzes the influence of concrete composition parameters and environmental conditions on its long-term durability. A series of rigorous experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of various chemical attacks on the mechanical and physico-chemical properties of concrete, focusing on particularly aggressive environments such as seawater, acidic solutions, and wastewater. We studied two types of concrete: ordinary concrete and concrete with additives, to compare their performance in these hostile environments. The results show significant variations in the properties of concrete depending on environmental conditions and composition parameters. Compressive strength, water absorption, and microstructure were systematically analyzed at different time intervals, revealing distinct degradation trends for each type of concrete and environment. The collected data highlights the critical importance of concrete formulation in resisting chemical attacks. Concrete with additives demonstrated superior performance in most aggressive environments, underscoring the essential role of additives in enhancing durability. The study also identified key degradation mechanisms, including leaching, carbonation, and sulfate attack, providing valuable insights for the development of more resilient concrete. This research makes a significant contribution to the understanding of the complex interactions between concrete composition and aggressive environments. The results have important implications for the design and maintenance of concrete structures exposed to severe environmental conditions, paving the way for strategies to improve the long-term durability of infrastructure.

Heat-resistant concretes based on cement binders and waste from the metallurgical industry

The main direction of the development of heat-resistant concrete production is the use of new materials, ensuring mechanization and industrialization of construction, increasing the performance characteristics of refractory compositions, reducing material consumption, introducing waste-free technologies in the production of concrete with increased physical and mechanical characteristics under prolonged exposure to high temperatures on cement binders and waste from the metallurgical industry and reducing environmental pollution. A significant environmental impact on the environment is exerted by large-tonnage technogenic waste produced by JSC «Aluminum of Kazakhstan» – bauxite sludge obtained by processing bauxite into alumina containing 42.7% Fe2O3. The prospects of its application as a filler in heat-resistant concretes are considered, which makes it possible to increase the physico-mechanical and thermal characteristics. The composition and properties of this waste and the change in the properties of heat-resistant concrete during the introduction of filler have been studied. Reactive alumina has been studied, which is 99.9% submicron alumina with a very low content of Na2O oxide. It is shown that the properties of concrete change after the introduction of iron-containing waste in the amount of 5% and reactive alumina – 37.5% and 38.8%. Their volumetric weight, control strength, and other properties are increased. The improvement of physical, mechanical, and thermal characteristics depends on the structure and neoplasms in the obtained samples. Samples of heat-resistant concrete were analyzed using electron probe X-ray spectral qualitative and quantitative microanalysis and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and it was shown that the iron-alumina waste contributes to the compaction of the structure due to its resistance to delamination and has increased fluidity at low humidity in the cementing mass. For further investigation of the physical-thermal characteristics, depending on the structure and neoplasms in the obtained samples, a petrographic method using a polarization microscope in transmitted and reflected light is required.

Complex additive for improving the strength properties of heavy concrete based on industrial waste

The article presents the results of using a complex modified additive to improve concrete's physical and mechanical properties. The complex additive includes industrial production wastes: metallurgical slag and alcohol production wastes (post-alcohol bard). To stabilize the hydrogen index the alkali KON is included in the composition of the additive. A set of laboratory studies was carried out to measure the strength, absorption, and frost resistance of test specimens to assess the effect of the additive on the properties of concrete. A comparison of physical and mechanical properties was made for samples of different concentrations of slag. The ratio of slag components to cement was from 5 to 25% by the total mass of the binder, a multiple of 5%. The optimal composition of the mixture, with maximum strength values, corresponds to the percentage of slag 15%, post-alcohol bard 22.5 liters, and alkali 150 grams. In general, the results obtained from data points of the compared parameters showed consistent results with minimal variation in the data. The results obtained are of practical value related to the reduction of the cost of production of structural concrete with an increase in its strength indicators.

Enhancing Mechanical Properties of Fiber-Reinforced Self-Compacting Geopolymer Concrete Using Lightweight Aggregate

Enhancing Mechanical Properties of Fiber-Reinforced Self-Compacting Geopolymer Concrete Using Lightweight Aggregate

Prediction of Mechanical and Tensile Properties of Self-Compacting Concrete Incorporating Fly Ash and Waste Copper Slag by Artificial Neural Network-ANN

Prediction of Mechanical and Tensile Properties of Self-Compacting Concrete Incorporating Fly Ash and Waste Copper Slag by Artificial Neural Network-ANN

Influence of alkali metal formates and calcium formate on workability, hydration and basic properties of reactive powder concrete

AbstractThis work aims to study whether it would be possible to use alkali metal formates and calcium formate in order to increase the workability of reactive powder concrete (RPC) and how these additives affect hydration, mechanical properties and mineralogical composition of RPC. These substances were added together with superplasticizer. Therefore, paper deals with possibility of increase in workability which would be higher when compared to the sole addition of only the superplasticizer themself. The effect of alkali metal formates and their replacement with calcium formate on slump flow, mechanical properties and pH of RPC was studied. Furthermore, the influence of potassium formate and its replacement with calcium formate and with calcium oxide on the hydration of RPC was observed with the help of isothermal calorimetry and thermal analysis. The results showed that the addition of studied compounds allows to achieve an increase in RPC slump flow. However, it is necessary to add these substances in an optimal ratio of alkali metal formate/calcium formate because a higher content of calcium formate leads to a decrease in slump flow. For ideal ratios, the compressive strength after 90 days is still above 218 MPa and the flexural strength is still above 23 MPa. In calorimetric measurements, it was observed that the addition of potassium formate leads to a decrease in the total amount of heat developed in the induction period. According to thermal analysis, additions of the studied additives to RPC caused changes in the content of portlandite and calcite.

Study on the Effect of Jute CNFs Addition on the Water Absorption and Mechanical Properties of Geopolymer Concrete

This study investigates the influence of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) reinforced with jute cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) on the water absorption and mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete. The integration of TPU/jute CNF nanocomposites into geopolymer concrete is explored as a strategy to enhance both its durability and mechanical performance. Geopolymer concrete, a sustainable alternative to traditional Portland cement concrete, is known for its low carbon footprint, but it suffers from high brittleness and water absorption. The water absorption behavior of the modified concrete was assessed, revealing a significant reduction in water uptake due to the hydrophobic nature of TPU and the reinforcing effect of jute CNFs. Additionally, the mechanical properties, including compressive and flexural strengths, were evaluated to understand the impact of the nanocomposites on the structural integrity of the concrete. The addition of TPU/jute CNFs notably enhanced the splitting tensile strength (63.5%), compressive strength (59%), and water absorption (0.59%) of the composite, indicating a promising route for developing high-performance construction materials. The integration of 6 wt% of TPU/jute CNF nanocomposites was found to be optimal, resulting in a uniform matrix, reduced micro-cracks, and improved compressive strength due to enhanced adhesion between the nanocomposites and the geopolymer matrix. Furthermore, a curing temperature of 100 °C was identified as ideal, minimizing unreacted fly ash and enhancing adhesion strength, while higher temperatures (140 °C) led to material deterioration due to rapid water loss. The findings demonstrate that the addition of TPU/jute CNF nanocomposites not only improves resistance to water penetration but also enhances overall mechanical performance. This supports the development of more sustainable and resilient construction materials, contributing to global efforts to reduce the environmental impact of the construction industry. Future research should focus on the long-term durability of these composites under various environmental conditions to validate their effectiveness in real-world applications.

Incorporating crumb rubber in slag-based geopolymer: Experimental work and predictive modelling

Crumb rubber (CR), a prevalent hazardous waste material, poses significant environmental challenges that necessitate innovative management strategies. Recent studies have focused on incorporating CR and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) into geopolymer concrete (GC) to address this challenge. This research presents a novel approach that combines experimental analysis with machine learning (ML) techniques to investigate the chemical effects of these materials on GC. Initially, compressive strength (CS) tests are conducted on rubberized geopolymer (RG) concrete, and the resulting data are further analyzed through ML algorithms to enhance the understanding of material behavior. Despite numerous attempts by researchers to integrate CR into geopolymer-based materials, the challenge of mitigating strength degradation persists. Therefore, it becomes imperative to construct a predictive model that relies on new variables influencing the strength characteristics. This research develops a predictive model to assess concrete compressive strength (CS). Key variables such as CR grade (particle size), incorporation percentage, and oxide ratio were analyzed for their impact on geopolymer strength. Employing ensemble techniques, namely Bagging (BA) and Gradient boosting (GB) with five learners (M5P, random forest (RF), random tree (RT), reduced error pruning tree (REPT), and support vector machine (SVM), the study found that M5P-GB models offered the most accurate CS predictions with the highest accuracy and lowest errors. Moreover, the dataset was checked via the k-fold cross-validation technique and confirmed the developed models' robustness, reliability, and effectiveness. Furthermore, uncertainty analysis revealed that GB-M5P-unpruned models-maintained uncertainty percentages of 14.769 % at 7 days and 11.277 % at 28 days, which was under the 35 % threshold. Additionally, the sensitivity analysis identified the CR grade and replacement percentage by volume of crusher dust (CD) as the most critical factors affecting CS. These findings underscore the importance of considering predictive model development in decision-making processes related to RG concrete properties, providing valuable insights into optimizing the model's robustness and reliability for practical applications. However, the study's reliance on specific input parameters and controlled laboratory conditions may limit the generalizability of the predictive models, necessitating further validation under diverse real-world conditions and variations in CR source and environmental factors.

Sustainable lightweight self-compacting concrete with coal bottom ash as aggregate and cement replacement

This study aims to examine the impact of utilizing coal bottom ash (CBA) sourced from an inactive power plant on the fresh and hardened properties of lightweight self-compacting concrete (LWSCC). To evaluate the workability of the LWSCC mixtures, slump flow, L-box, and sieve segregation tests were performed. The mechanical and physical properties were assessed through dry density, compressive strength and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) tests. A total of five concrete mixes were developed: a control mix and four additional mixtures in which natural coarse aggregate was fully substituted with coal bottom ash aggregate (CCBA). Additionally, Portland cement was partially replaced with coal bottom ash powder (CBAP) at levels of 15%, 20%, and 25%. The results indicated that the use of CBA as a coarse aggregate enhanced the workability of LWSCC, though workability decreased as the proportion of CBAP increased. Nonetheless, the workability of all mixes remained compliant with the standards specified by the French Association of Civil Engineering (AFGC). Minimal variations in dry density and compressive strength were observed with the incorporation of CBA; however, these values remained within the acceptable limits for structural lightweight concrete. Furthermore, the UPV test demonstrated favorable durability for all LWSCC mixtures. Strong linear correlations were identified among the various measured properties, reinforcing the conclusion that CBA serves as an effective replacement for natural coarse aggregate. Moreover, the use of 15% CBAP as a partial substitute for Portland cement proved to be a feasible option for producing sustainable LWSCC.

Simulation and Deformation Analysis of Construction Process of Large Eccentric Frame‐Core Tube Structure

ABSTRACTThe large eccentric frame‐core tube structure may generate nonnegligible horizontal deformation in the eccentric direction during the construction process, which should be given due attention. The construction process of a 388‐m‐high super high‐rise structure was simulated with the effects of concrete properties and construction processes. The reinforcement effect of steel bar in reinforced concrete shear wall and the hoop effect of steel tube in concrete filled steel tube (CFST) columns were considered by using the two‐cell simulation method, respectively. The accuracy of the finite element model was effectively verified based on the measured data under different construction process. The results show that the construction process has a large influence on both the vertical and horizontal deformation. The measures of construction leveling effectively reduce the vertical and horizontal deformation of super high‐rise structures, which is important for controlling the structural deformation. The proportion of creep‐shrinkage deformation in the total deformation is large. In this case, the proportion of creep‐shrinkage deformation in the shear wall is 45% to 50%, whereas it is about 30% in the frame columns. The eccentricity caused by floor slab gravity will be mitigated if the construction of the frame slab lags behind the construction of the steel frame, which is beneficial to the control of the horizontal structural deformation. After construction completion, the deformation caused by nonload factors is limited compared to the deformation caused by live loads.

Effect of temperature rise caused by fire on the physical and mechanical properties of concrete

In the past few years, several concrete constructions have suffered major fires, causing very significant damage to the structure. The fire resistance of concrete depends on some of its characteristics such as the nature of the components used for its formulation, permeability, water content and mechanical resistance. In the places most exposed to fire, all the coating can be expelled, which seriously threatens the bearing capacity of the construction. In addition, the financial loss due to repair over a long period can reach several million Euros. This paper presents the physical and chemical transformations caused by the increase in the temperature of concrete in the event of a fire. These transformations mainly have an effect on the microstructure, the mechanical properties and the thermal deformation of concrete. The two phenomena of flaking and spalling of concrete were also studied in order to know their origins and found the methods of preventive. Indeed, flaking can manifest itself explosively, and have significant consequences on the resistance of concrete. It thus reduces the cross-section of the structure and also decreases its bearing capacity, which leads to an increase in the risk of structural failure. The factors influencing the flaking phenomenon were also presented.

Temperature dependent effect of nano-scale phase change materials on fresh and hardened cement based mortar

One of the smart and innovative materials used to produce environmentally friendly energy-saving concrete is temperature dependent phase change (PCM) materials. In this study, the fresh and hardened concrete properties of the mortars including PCM in different ratios (0%, 2.5%, 5%) were investigated experimentally. Rheological properties such as slump-flow, specific viscosity, and yield stress tests were determined at different temperatures (from 20 to 50 °C). Time-dependent physical, mechanical, and thermal properties such as ultrasound pulse velocity (UPV), electrical resistivity, dynamic modulus of elasticity, compressive and flexural strength, thermogravimetric (TGA), and thermal conductivity tests were carried out. According to the experimental findings, the workability and hardened properties of mortars were decreased by using PCM. However, the rheological properties of fresh mortar change depending on temperature due to PCM absorbing the heat. Therefore, the fresh properties of mortar with PCM can be controlled by temperature. It was also found that the phase change of mortars with PCM can be obtained by measuring the electrical or UPV tests at different temperatures.

Effect of GBFS ratio and recycled steel tire wire on the mechanical and microstructural properties of geopolymer concrete under ambient and oven curing conditions

In this study, the effects of waste steel wire ratios, granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) ratios, and different curing methods on geopolymer concrete (GPC) were investigated. For this purpose, 12 mixtures were produced and eight of them were cured under ambient conditions and the remaining four were cured in an oven. Steel wire ratios and GBFS ratios were added to GPC as 0–1–2–3 % and 0–10–20 % by volume and weight, respectively. As a result of the mixtures, cubes, cylinders, and beams were obtained and these elements were subjected to compression, tensile, and flexural tests. As a result of the tests, the compressive strengths of the specimens were obtained as 8.5 %, 19.7 %, and 24.9 % for ambient curing and 10.4 %, 23.2 %, and 32.2 % for oven curing, respectively, as the steel wire fiber increased from 0 % to 3 %. The maximum compressive strength of the oven-cured specimen with 3 % steel wire fiber was measured as 42.56 MPa. The tensile strength of GPC also increased as the steel wire increased. The highest tensile strength was obtained with 3 % steel wire. In addition, oven curing conditions increased the tensile strength more than ambient curing. The flexural strength (FS) increased by 21.3 %, 29.4 %, and 33.8 % with increasing steel wire ratios of 1 %, 2 %, and 3 %, respectively. The FS was further increased by oven curing conditions and the maximum FS was achieved with 3 % steel wire. In ambient curing conditions, a successful geopolymerization was achieved due to the high calcium content in the samples containing 20 % GBFS. This allowed to obtain similar strengths between ambient curing and oven curing. Although the oven curing values were higher, similar results were obtained for the samples cured in an ambient containing 20 % GBFS. As a result of the study, mixtures containing 3 % steel wire and 20 % GBFS provided sufficient strength without oven curing and increased the usability of GPC under ambient conditions.

Influence of Utilization of Natural Waste Fibers Pyrolysis on Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Concrete

ABSTRACT The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of the thermal processing of natural fibers on the strength of what is considered fiber-reinforced concrete. Natural fibers extracted from palm trees and bamboo residues were collected and pyrolyzed. The investigation of the morphological alterations that occur during the pyrolysis of natural fibers at a temperature of 200°C showed the impact of the cementitious environment on this process. In addition, the mechanical characteristics of fiber-reinforced concrete were conducted on different dosages (1, 1.5, 2, and 5% wt.) of treated and untreated palm oil, date kernel, and bamboo fibers. The results demonstrated that the inclusion of fibers up to 1.5% wt. enhanced the concrete mixes mechanical properties, which included pyrolyzed fibers. Analyzes of the concrete microstructure revealed that the treated fibers were not damaged. The 1.5% wt. addition of fibers after pyrolysis process can effectively improve their adhesion to the matrix and reduce the width and number of cracks. The analysis of variance results for flexural strength indicated that all sources had no significant impact on the flexural strength of untreated or pyrolysis treated natural fiber reinforced concrete.

Graphene in construction: enhancing concrete and mortar properties for a sustainable future

Graphene in construction: enhancing concrete and mortar properties for a sustainable future

Test of Mechanical Properties of Composite Recycled Concrete After Medium and High Temperature

Compressive strength is one of the important indexes to test the mechanical properties of concrete. The compressive strength of recycled composite concrete after high temperature is studied by single factor experimental analysis and double factor experimental analysis. Combined with variance analysis, the influence of replacement rate of recycled aggregate, volume incorporation amount of polypropylene fiber and volume incorporation amount of nani CaCO3 on compressive strength of recycled concrete after high temperature was systematically studied. The results show that when the replacement rate of recycled aggregate is 50%, the volume incorporation amount of polypropylene fiber is 0.08%, and nani CaCO3 is 1.2%, the compressive strength of composite recycled concrete reaches the maximum value. Nano CaCO3 is the most significant factor affecting the compressive strength of recycled concrete after high temperature. The significant influencing factors are the incorporation amount of polypropylene fiber and the replacement rate of recycled aggregate.

Modelling the properties of aerated concrete on the basis of raw materials and ash-and-slag wastes using machine learning paradigm

The thermal power industry, as a major consumer of hard coal, significantly contributes to harmful emissions, affecting both air quality and soil health during the operation and transportation of ash and slag waste. This study presents the modeling of aerated concrete using local raw materials and ash-and-slag waste in seismic areas through machine learning techniques. A comprehensive literature review and comparative analysis of normative documentation underscore the relevance and feasibility of employing non-autoclaved aerated concrete blocks in such regions. Machine learning methods are particularly effective for disjointed datasets, with neural networks demonstrating superior performance in modeling complex relationships for predicting concrete strength and density. The results reveal that neural networks, especially those with Bayesian Regularisation, consistently outperformed decision trees, achieving higher regression values (Rstrength = 0.9587 and Rdensity = 0.91997) and lower error metrics (MSE, RMSE, RIE, MAE). This indicates their advanced capability to capture intricate non-linear patterns. The study concludes that artificial neural networks are a robust tool for predicting concrete properties, crucial for producing non-autoclaved curing wall blocks suitable for earthquake-resistant construction. Future research should focus on optimizing the balance between density and strength of blocks by enhancing the properties of aerated concrete and utilizing reliable models.

ბეტონში წყლის შემამცირებელი და შეკავშირების მარეგულირებელი ქიმიური დანამატების შესახებ

The article states that in order to prolong the safe service life of concrete under the influence of various artificial and natural factors, an appropriate chemical admixtures is used. Using water-reducing and bonding control chemical admixtures mainly reduces the frictional force between the cement particles. This simplifies the transportation of the concrete mixture, its placement in the construction formwork, and its reinforcement. It is possible to control the setting time of concrete according to climatic conditions. Laboratory and field tests are required to select this supplement. It is necessary to carry out proper scientific-research work on the establishment and application of the mechanism of influence of the water-reducing and bonding control chemical additive on the properties of concrete.