Raw Material Consumption Research Articles

Physico-Mechanical Characterization of Masonry Mortars for Sustainable Construction: Experimental Study with Four Different Aggregates

The construction sector generates a strong environmental impact every year as a result of the high consumption of raw materials and the large waste volumes associated with this productive activity. In this sense, the search for alternative and sustainable solutions that allow progress towards responsible economic growth has become a priority activity. This work presents an exhaustive characterisation of masonry mortars made with four different types of aggregates: standard sand, natural sand, concrete waste recycled sand and ceramic components recovered sand. Differently from other studies, this research addresses the previous characterisation of the aggregates as raw material for the manufacture of masonry mortars, and, afterwards, a study of the most relevant properties for these cement composites in the fresh and hardened state is carried out. The most relevant properties of the mortars made with these raw materials are presented, and the repercussion of aggregate washing on their physical-mechanical characteristics is analysed. The results show how mortars made with 100% recycled aggregate can be competitive in the industry, presenting excellent properties in the fresh state and achieving an optimal mechanical strength. In addition, it has been observed that the introduction of a previous washing step of the aggregates improves their physical-mechanical properties and results in a higher quality of the cement mortars finally produced. In this way, the most representative properties of this type of materials have been collected in a well-structured and complete way, thus showing their possibilities of application in the construction industry.

Hybrid modeling of T-shaped partial least squares regression and transfer learning for formulation and manufacturing process development of new drug products

T-shaped partial least squares regression (T-PLSR) is a valuable machine learning technique for the formulation and manufacturing process development of new drug products. An accurate T-PLSR model requires experimental data with multiple formulations and process conditions. However, it is usually challenging to collect comprehensive experimental data using large-scale manufacturing equipment because of the cost, time, and large consumption of raw materials. This study proposes a hybrid modeling of T-PLSR and transfer learning (TL) to enhance the prediction performance of a T-PLSR model for large-scale manufacturing data by exploiting a large amount of small-scale manufacturing data for model building. The proposed method of T-PLSR+TL was applied to a practical case study focusing on scaling up the tableting process from an experienced compaction simulator to a less-experienced rotary tablet press. The T-PLSR+TL models achieved significantly better prediction performance for tablet quality attributes of new drug products than T-PLSR models without using large-scale manufacturing data with new drug products. The results demonstrated that T-PLSR+TL is more capable of addressing new drug products than T-PLSR by using small-scale manufacturing data to cover a scarcity of large-scale manufacturing data. Furthermore, T-PLSR+TL holds the potential to streamline formulation and manufacturing process development activities for new drug products using an extensive database.

Materials Challenges in the Electric Vehicle Transition.

The ongoing transition toward electric vehicles (EVs) is changing materials used for vehicle production, of which the consequences for the environmental performance of EVs are not well understood and managed. We demonstrate that electrification coupled with lightweighting of automobiles will lead to significant changes in the industry's demand not only for battery materials but also for other materials used throughout the entire vehicle. Given the automotive industry's substantial consumption of raw materials, changes in its material demands are expected to trigger volatilities in material prices, consequently impacting the material composition and attractiveness of EVs. In addition, the materials recovered during end-of-life recycling of EVs as the vehicle fleet turns over will impact recycled material supplies both positively and negatively, impacting material availabilities and the economic incentive to engage in recycling. These supply chain impacts will influence material usage and the associated environmental performance of not only the automotive sector but also other metal-heavy industries such as construction. In light of these challenges, we propose the need for new research to understand the dynamic materials impacts of the EV transition that encompasses its implications on EV adoption and fleet life cycle environmental performance. Effectively coordinating the coevolution of material supply chains is crucial for making the sustainable transition to EVs a reality.

Continuous Drive Friction Welded Al/Cu Joints Produced Using Short Welding Time, Elevated Rotational Speed, and High Welding Pressures.

The present study aimed to enhance the efficiency and efficacy of the Al/Cu joint production process implemented by the company VEMID Ltd., Jagodina, Serbia, by attaining sound joints within a very short welding time. For this purpose, the present study aimed at investigating the accuracy and the quality of the continuous drive friction welding (CDFW) process, as well as the optimum combination of CDFW parameters with highest joint efficiency in terms of investigated properties. The accuracy was estimated through an analysis of temperature-time curves recorded during CDFW using an infrared camera. The quality was evaluated through an investigation of the properties of Al/Cu joints produced using different friction (66.7, 88.9, and 133.3 MPa) and forging (88.9, 222.2, and 355.6 MPa) pressures and a constant total welding time (4 s) and rotational speed (2100 rpm). Thermal imaging with an infrared camera demonstrated that the actual total welding time was 15% longer compared to the nominal value. This was attributed to the slow pressure response of the pneumatic brake system. The relative changes in the maximum surface temperature (TMS) during the CDFW process corresponded to changes in welding pressures, indicating the potential of the thermal imaging method for monitoring and assessing this process. A preliminary investigation demonstrated that Al/Cu joints produced using welding pressures less than 88.9 MPa often displayed the presence of non-joined micro-regions at the Al/Cu interface and a significant thickness of interfacial Al2Cu (up to 1 µm). However, when friction pressure was set at 66.7 MPa, an increase in the forging pressure to 222.2 MPa eliminated the presence of non-joined micro-regions and reduced the thickness of Al2Cu to 0.5 µm on the average level. These Al/Cu joints achieved the highest joint efficiencies in terms of strength (100%) and ductility (61%). They exhibited an electrical conductivity higher than 92% of the theoretical value. A further increase in any welding pressure produced similar or deteriorated properties, accompanied by an increase in the consumption of raw materials and energy. Such turn of events was counterproductive to the original goal of increasing the efficiency and efficacy of the CDFW process.

Dyspersja metanu w zamkniętych obudowach

The increase of the population also involve the increase of the consumption of raw materials. This requires the diversification and development of industrial processes in semi-enclosed or open spaces. The carrying out of human activities of an industrial nature involves the accidental use, handling or presence of explosive substances such as methane. The presence of this gas in closed or semi-closed spaces can generate explosion phenomena. The accumulation of methane in narrow spaces is well studied and known, but the dispersion and especially the dispersion dynamics of methane released from a source considered infinite is less known. Knowing how methane disperses into the air is very important for establishing preventive measures. The paper presents the experiment on the dynamics of methane dispersion in a closed enclosure.

Cadmium content, metabolite profile, biological properties of Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk plant exposed to elevated cadmium in soil

Cadmium (Cd), a highly mobile and hazardous toxic heavy metal negatively affects plant’s yield by regulating synthesis of biomolecules, involved in both physiological and biochemical activities. The present study investigated the Cd content, metabolite profile, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of methanolic leaf extracts (MLEs) of Eclipta alba L., plant exposed to elevated soil Cd (eCdS). The tested plants were grown in earthen pot and were weekly treated with Cd as CdCl2. H20 (20 mg/L) till 70 days after the plant transplantation. The results showed that eCdS significantly elevated Cd content in root and shoot tissue of E. alba plant (91 % and 94 %, respectively) as compared to the control. UHPLC-HRMS profile of MLEs revealed a significant decrease in the amino acids and its derivatives with an increased level of phenolic contents, fatty acids, and lipids. Metabolites in MLEs were also upregulated and downregulated (31 and 98, respectively) by an eCdS. An eCdS further increased both total phenolics and total flavonoids content in MLEs of E. alba by 71 % and 31 %, respectively over the control. In-vitro antioxidant activities in MLEs were also found to be significantly increased due to eCdS as DPPH > ABTS > FRAP (30 %, 26 % and 21 %, respectively) as compared to the control. Cd treated plant’s MLEs also revealed maximum reduction in an inhibition zone of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), among the tested bacterial strains. The present study concludes that eCdS led to the significant changes in the metabolite profile, phenolics content and biological activities of E. alba’s MLEs suggesting its ameliorating role in improving the medicinal value of E. alba plant. However, direct consumption of raw material of E. alba plant is not recommended due to high accumulation of Cd in its different parts.

Holistic evaluation of ceramic clay properties with Sargassum spp. ash replacement

This paper aims to analyze the effect of adding sargassum ash as a mineral additive in ceramic clays sintered in a conventional oven to obtain construction materials with lower consumption of raw materials while providing an appropriate destination to stranded sargassum. The characterizations of the components were performed by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, loss on ignition, X-ray diffraction, particle size distribution, and real specific mass. The specimens were sintered in an electric oven and exposed to maximum temperatures of 800 ºC, 900 ºC and 1000 ºC. The influence of 10 % and 20 % sargassum ash content on ceramic clay performance was evaluated through physical and mechanical tests. Samples with 10 % sargassum ash sintered at 900 °C and 1000 °C had the best mechanical properties. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was used to compare ceramics with sargassum ash to other conventional materials, such as ceramic clay used in tiles. The high energy consumption in the sintering process is the greatest contribution to most environment impact. As such, it is possible to add 10% sargassum ash sintered at 900 °C as a clay replacement, reducing environment impacts and enhancing the performance of the materials.

Impact of Nanoparticle Additions on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Ceramic Tiles Production.

The ceramic tile industry, with significant energy and material demands in its manufacturing processes, has employed technological innovations in energy efficiency, advanced equipment and tile thickness reduction to address these challenges. This study aimed to assess the impact of Ag2O, CuFe2O4, Fe3O4, and SiO2 nanoparticles (0%, 1%, and 5% by weight) on the mechanical strength, water absorption, and apparent thermal conductivity of ceramic tiles, as well as their capacity to reduce energy and raw material consumption. This reduction translates into a decrease in environmental impacts, which have been evaluated through life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology applied to the manufacturing processes. Nanoparticles (Ag2O, CuFe2O4, Fe3O4, and SiO2) were initially screened on TF clay (0%, 1%, 5% w/w), and the most effective were applied to CR1 and CR2 clays (0%, 1%, 5% w/w). Findings indicated a 32% increase in temperature gradient and a 16% improvement in flexural strength with the addition of Fe3O4 nanoparticle at 1% (w/w) in TF clay. Furthermore, there was a potential 48% reduction in energy consumption, and up to 16% decrease in tile weight or thickness without affecting the flexural strength property of the test tiles. LCA results demonstrated that the addition of Fe3O4 nanoparticle has potential reductions of up to 20% in environmental impacts. This study suggests that nanoparticle addition offers a viable alternative for reducing energy and material consumption in the ceramic tile industry. Future research should focus on assessing the economic impact of transitioning to a sustainable business model in the ceramic tile industry with nanoparticles addition.

Industry 4.0 Solutions as Enablers for the Sustainability of the Italian Ceramic Tiles Sector

The Italian ceramic tiles district has a long tradition but is called to face new sustainability challenges related to the profitability, the environmental impact, and the capability to offer pleasant and motivating working conditions for new young employees. New Industry 4.0 approaches are emerging to evolve the current industrial organization and are expected to enhance the overall economic, environmental, and social viability. In this context, this paper aims at demonstrating the positive correlation between the new technologies and the sustainability of the sector. It outlines the main achievements of a 4-year project financed by the Italian government, involving the entire chain made up of research centers, technology providers, and tiles producers. The presented approach is concretized in several technological innovations based on the Industry 4.0 paradigm. Furthermore, a pilot line was created to test the new systems and collect data on the process. The main results are reported in terms of improved sustainability KPIs, such as extended possibility of control of production plants, waste reduction, lower consumption of raw materials and chemical additives. Finally, a sensible increase in the operators’ digitalization level is registered, making a shift from a physical and hard working environment towards more conceptual and attractive job conditions.

A Study of the Influence of Cement Addition and Humidity on the Mechanical Strength and Microstructure of Flue Gas Desulfurization Gypsum-Cement Plasters.

Over the last 20 years, flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FGD gypsum) has become a valuable and widely used substitute for a natural raw material to produce plasters, mortars, and many other construction products. The essential advantages of FGD gypsum include its high purity and stability, which allow for better technical parameters compared to natural gypsum, and, until recently, its low price and easy availability. This FGD gypsum is obtained in the process of desulfurization of flue gases and waste gases in power plants, thermal power plants, refineries, etc., using fossil fuels such as coal or oil. The gradual reduction in energy production from fossil raw materials implemented by European Union countries until its complete cessation in 2049 in favor of renewable energy sources significantly affects the availability of synthetic gypsum, and forces producers of mortars and other construction products to look for new solutions. The gypsum content in commonly used light plaster mortars is usually from 50 to 60% by mass. This work presents the results of tests on mortars wherein the authors reduced the amount of gypsum to 30%, and, to meet the strength requirements specified in the EN 13279-1:2008 standard, added Portland cement in the amount of 6-12% by mass. Such a significant reduction in the content of synthetic gypsum will reduce this raw material's consumption, thus extending its availability and developing other solutions. The study presented the test results on strength, density, porosity, pore size distribution, and changes in the microstructure of mortars during up to 180 days of maturation in conditions of increased relative humidity. The results show that decreased porosity and increased mechanical strength occur due to the densification of the microstructure caused by the formation of hydration products, such as C-S-H, ettringite, and thaumasite.

Bibliometric Analysis of Key Issues and Objectives in Environmental, Economic, and Social Sustainable Project Management

The environmental, economic, and social sustainability of construction project management was researched through a literature review in this study. This paper aimed to analyze the trends in studies about issues in sustainable project management and to research the importance and components of environmental, economic, and social sustainability and their interrelationships. In the scope of the bibliometric analysis, the articles were analyzed by their publication years, authors, authors' countries, authors' organizations, and keyword occurrences. Then, the problems in ensuring the sustainability of construction project management and suggestions for overcoming these problems were reviewed. In previous studies, high energy and raw material consumption and waste became the main factors that prevented environmental sustainability. A strong relationship was found between economic sustainability and life cycle cost assessment, and effective stakeholder engagement is considered the major contributor to the social sustainability of construction management. Sustainability regulations and policies, managerial capabilities, and organizational learning also have critical significance for achieving sustainable construction. The dimensions of sustainability in construction management are closely related to one another, and each one is crucial to achieving the other aspects of sustainability in construction projects. Therefore, a comprehensive strategy that takes into account social, economic, and environmental sustainability criteria should be adopted in construction project management.

SHIVARAPATNA STONE CRAFT IN KARNATAKA - EXPLORING THE TRANSFORMATIVE ROLE OF INNOVATION IN TRADITIONAL HANDICRAFT AND CULTURAL IDENTITY

Handicraft sector is one of the most sustainable product sectors, because of the consumption of untreated raw materials received unswervingly from the nature. In many developing countries like India, there are a large number of livelihoods depending on handicraft business with an anticipated 17.79 million artisans associated with the sector in the year 2022. The previous studies indicate the relation between the handicrafts and innovation is both controversial and imperative. It is suggested that the sector must undergo incremental innovation for growth and survival in the present times. On contrary there are studies which dispute, considering cultural traditions as barriers to innovation. Innovation may be introduced in the technologies aiding to create the craft. While bringing innovation within the craft techniques and product creation might hinder its cultural identity. Innovation being one of the prime keyword of the 9th goal of the SDGs, the goal of this research is to study how introducing innovation in cultural craft production affects the identity of the traditional handicraft. For the findings, rapid ethnography was performed for the exquisite Shivarapatna stone craft. The craft uses ancient knowledge of Shilpashashtra to hand-craft the intricate Hindu idol statues from granite, and the associated community and the craftsmen are situated in the Kolar district of Karnataka, India. An experiment will be conducted to diversify the stone made craft products to analyse the outcome. The representational difference of the traditional craft products and the innovative craft products are then compared and presented with images. In addition to the comparative analysis, methodology also focuses on the descriptive approach in the handicraft.

Analysis of changes in global warming potential during enrichment and production of battery-grade graphite using electrothermal fluidized bed technology

The greenhouse gas emissions during the production of anode class graphite for the conditions of Ukraine have been calculated. Conventional technologies and technologies using electrothermal fluidized bed (EFB) for natural and synthetic graphite have been studied. Calculations are carried out with respect to the whole technological chain, starting from extraction and processing of raw materials and ending with finishing processing (coating). As a result, it is shown that the technology of using EFB for purification of natural graphite and graphitization of synthetic graphite is competitive in terms of global warming potential (GWP). In the production of natural graphite using thermal purification with EFB instead of chemical purification, emissions of greenhouse gases practically remain at the same level. At the same time, the use of acids is eliminated, and the environmental impact associated with them is reduced. Production of synthetic graphite of anodic quality in EFB furnaces allows to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions by 40-50% in comparison with traditional graphitization technologies in Acheson and Kastner furnaces. The effect is achieved by reducing energy and raw material consumption.

Effect of silica fume and glass powder for enhanced impact resistance in GGBFS-based ultra high-performance geopolymer fibrous concrete: An experimental and statistical analysis

Solid waste recycling is an economically sound strategy for preserving the environment, safeguarding natural resources, and diminishing the reliance on raw material consumption. Geopolymer technology offers a significant advantage by enabling the reuse and recycling of diverse materials. This research assesses how including silica fume and glass powder enhances the impact resistance of ultra-high-performance geopolymer concrete (UHPGC). In total, 18 distinct mixtures were formulated by substituting ground granulated blast furnace slag with varying proportions of silica fume and glass powder, ranging from 10% to 40%. Similarly, for each of the mixtures above, steel fibre was added at a dosage of 1.5% to address the inherent brittleness of UHPGC. The mixtures were activated by combining sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate solution to generate geopolymer binders. The specimens were subjected to drop-weight impact testing, wherein an examination was carried out to evaluate various parameters, including flowability, density at fresh and hardened state, compressive strength, impact numbers indicative of cracking and failure occurrences, ductility index, and analysis of failure modes. Additionally, the variations in the impact test outcomes were analyzed using the Weibull distribution, and the findings corresponding to survival probability were offered. Furthermore, the microstructure of UHPGC was scrutinized through scanning electron microscopy. Findings reveal that the specimens incorporating glass powder exhibited lower cracking impact number values than those utilizing silica fume, with reductions ranging from 18.63% to 34.31%. Similarly, failure impact number values decreased from 8.26% to 28.46% across glass powder contents. The maximum compressive and impact strength was recorded in UHPGC, comprising 10% silica fume with fibres.

The effect of planting distance on the growth and yield of sweet potato clone Arf-03 on alluvial soil

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L) is one of the alternative foods for food diversity. The need for sweet potatoes is increasing as consumption of materials and industrial raw materials have bright prospects, so various efforts are needed to increase production. One of the efforts to improve cultivation techniques to increase sweet potato production is by setting optimal planting spacing so that plant needs are met. Spacing is very closely related to nutrient absorption and photosynthesis processes, so plant growth increases. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of planting distance on the growth and yield of ARF-03 clone sweet potatoes on alluvial soils and obtain optimal planting spacing for the growth and yield of sweet potatoes. The planting distance treatment given in this study was P1 = 20 cm × 100 cm, P2 = 30 cm × 100 cm, and P3 = 40 cm × 100 cm, using RAK as a reference for the placement of experimental units. The results of the growth of ARF-03 sweet potato plants on planting distance treatment showed that planting spacing had a significant effect on the length of the main tendrils, the number of branches, the fresh weight of the plant header, the dry weight of the plant header, the weight of tubers per plant, and the weight of tubers per bed. However, it has no real effect on the variables of the number of tubers, the length of the tubers, or the diameter of the tubers. The plant reaches its highest growth rate at a distance of 40 cm × 100 cm and its highest yield at a distance of 30 cm × 100 cm, with a bulb weight of 425.75 g per plant.

A Review of Carbon Emissions from Electrical Machine Materials

As the world embarks on a global mission to tackle climate change, reducing carbon represents a key challenge given the escalating global warming. The U.K. is among many other nations that are determined to decarbonise all sectors and strive to achieve a net zero carbon target by 2050. While much attention has been paid to improving performance and reducing carbon emissions in electrical machines, the current research landscape focuses mainly on the thermal and electromagnetic facets. Surprisingly, carbon emissions from the production stage, especially those related to raw material consumption, remain a largely unexplored area. This paper wishes to shed light on a neglected dimension by providing a comprehensive review of carbon emissions in the manufacture of electrical machines, thus contributing significantly to the wider discourse on carbon emission reduction by comparing the carbon emission values associated with various materials commonly used for the main components of these machines. A further case study is included to assess and explore the impact of material alterations on a synchronous machine, from a carbon emission perspective. A reliable material guide will provide engineers at the design stage with the critical insight needed to make informed material selection decisions, highlighting the critical role of carbon emission values beyond conventional thermal and electromagnetic considerations, achieving sustainable and environmentally conscious electrical machine design.

ATTEMPTS TO OVERCOME THE USSR'S LAG IN THE FIELD OF PETROCHEMISTRY IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE 1960S

The purpose of the publication is to investigate the problem of the evolution of the state industrial policy in the field of petrochemical development in the second half of the 1960s on the basis of declassified archival documents. It is proved that the country's leadership had all the data indicating both the significant role of petrochemistry in the economy of developed countries, the active growth of production volumes, and the significant lag of the Soviet Union in a number of areas. The data provided by Soviet diplomats and experts in this field accelerated the consideration of these issues in the Central Committee of the CPSU. The conclusion is formulated that measures were taken to overcome the backlog, but they proved insufficient and did not bring the expected results. Among the blocking factors are: the predominance of the interests of individual departments; planning miscalculations; lack of financing; low prices for oil and petroleum products, constraining the development and implementation of energy-saving technologies, economical power plants; wasteful consumption of raw materials, products of its processing; forcing the export of raw materials, including to the COMECON countries. It was often political motives that prevailed in this case, but not economic expediency.

New strategy for closing the plastic loop: Lightweight concrete by the waste of recycled synthetic fibers

Environmental protection related to the mismanagement of plastic waste and rational consumption of natural raw materials is an essential goal of the building materials industry and the production of structural lightweight concrete. Plastic waste is not a degradable polymer and increases severe environmental burdens each moment due to its significant quantity. In addition, the recycling of plastic materials is lower than that of other materials. It is usually described as an inefficient and complex process. The textile industry offers an eco-green, effective part of the recycling loop of plastics. Therefore, many textile mills consider recycled plastics as synthetic fiber raw material, particularly for household applications. Unfortunately, such a process results again in another waste known as popcorn. This study aims to introduce an end-of-life management option for the waste of synthetic textile fibers manufactured from recycled plastic materials in construction. Furthermore, the study presents a novel approach to develop an eco-green lightweight structural concrete by incorporating a unique type of lightweight aggregate (popcorn aggregate) as a 100% environmentally friendly product. To achieve that, fourteen mixes of fine and coarse popcorn aggregate contents (25%, 50%, and 100%) are considered to replace the fine and coarse natural aggregate by volume. In addition, the workability, compressive, splitting tensile, flexural strength, microstructure analysis, and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry are assessed. The results revealed that the higher the substitution ratio of ordinary aggregates by popcorn aggregates, the higher the slump value. Meanwhile, the unit weight of hardened concrete exhibited a tangible decrease at a 100% replacement ratio of fine and coarse natural aggregates; a 56% reduction achieved a dry density of 1059 kg/m³. Moreover, the compressive strength results indicated a decrease of 32% for mixing 25% fine e popcorn aggregate with 100% coarse popcorn aggregate, resulting in a compressive strength of 45 MPa. Fine ally, no evidence of chemical interactions between the popcorn aggregate and the cementitious element during hydration is found.

Achieving a circular economy through the effective reuse of construction products: A case study of a residential building

The building and construction industry is characterized by high consumption of raw materials, waste generation, and significant energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. A substantial change in the way this sector operates is necessary to reduce its strong negative impact on the environment. In this context, the implementation of circular strategies is critical to achieving sustainable development. Reusing construction products derived from obsolete buildings at their end of life is increasingly being investigated as a strategy to achieve circularity. Despite growing interest, both in the literature and in the industry, several challenges hinder the large-scale adoption of circular reuse. The purpose of this study is to contribute to the efficient implementation of reuse in practice. The focus is on data and information that can support the reusability assessment of construction products. The findings are obtained through a case study comprising a building project in Bergen, Norway. First, the study assesses which material properties and information are available in the project, leading to the definition of eight information-driven evaluation criteria and a three-step process for reuse. The three-step process encompasses the following: (1) collecting information, (2) information-driven evaluations, and (3) planning for reuse. Each criterion is then shown in a reusability matrix, emphasizing an information-driven approach to reuse that has the potential to be extended beyond the context of the case study. Considerations for improving data management in a circular reuse process are discussed. This study provides an innovative method that may lead to a circular economy and sustainable development in the future.

Assessment of bond behavior in fly ash cenosphere concrete using plain and deformed rebars

AbstractReplacement of industrial byproducts as the main components of concrete has gained the attention toward the environment in reducing the raw material consumption. Fly ash (FA) cenosphere is one such industrial product used in the concrete as a partial or full replacement of fine aggregate, which can be able to use for non‐structural applications. Whereas for structural applications, reinforcement in the concrete and their bond behavior is an essential factor that influences its structural behavior. Hence, this study explores the bond behavior of plain and deformed rebar, 10 and 12 mm, respectively, in concrete containing 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% FA cenosphere as fine aggregate. A pull‐out test is performed to study the bond behavior experimentally and the results show that the bond strength decreases with increase in the diameter of the rebar irrespective of concrete's compressive strength. The deformed rebar showed a better performance than the plain rebar with an average bond stress of nearly 60%. Finite element analysis has been performed using ANSYS‐ 2022R2 to validate the experimental results with simulated results in which the error percentage is in line with good results.