Variation Of Tensile Strength Research Articles

Comparison with the effect of the cyclic liquid nitrogen jet and liquid nitrogen immersion cooling on the deterioration of mechanical properties of high temperature rocks

In order to study the effect of liquid nitrogen jet cooling on the deterioration of mechanical properties of high temperature rocks, the cyclic liquid nitrogen jet (LNJ) cooling and liquid nitrogen immersion (LNI) cooling were carried out on 200 °C and 400 °C granite. The variations of ultrasonic velocity, tensile strength, acoustic emission and energy evolution were analyzed. The results showed that with the increase of rock temperature and cooling cycles, the deterioration of mechanical properties of high temperature rock was enhanced by cyclic LNJ and LNI cooling. Differently, the deterioration effect of LNI cooling on mechanical properties was weakened with the increase of cycles. On the contrary, the deterioration effect caused by LNJ cooling was significantly enhanced with the increase of cycles. For example, when the LNI cooling cycles exceeded 5 times for 200 °C sample and 3 times for 400 °C sample, the tensile strength and absorbed energy at failure decreased limitedly with the growth of cooling cycles. However, the deterioration degree of rock mechanical properties at 400 °C showed a linear decline trend with the increase of LNJ cooling cycles. The temperature and the number of cycles had significant effects on mechanical properties, with temperature having the greatest influence. The difference between LNJ and LNI cooling became more pronounced with increasing cycles. LNJ cooling, by creating localized high thermal stresses and non-uniform heat transfer, led to continuous deterioration of mechanical properties with each cycle. In contrast, LNI cooling's effect saturated after initial cycles. The multi-cycle LNJ cooling method could improve the fracture degree of high temperature rock under low load level, so as to improve the efficiency of high temperature hard rock formation drilling.

The root reinforcement on the slope under the condition of colonization of various herbaceous plants

This study assessed root reinforcement on slopes influenced by various herbaceous species. The study examined the distribution, structural traits of these species, and their root systems, as well as their biomass. We established a quantitative model for evaluating root reinforcement at the soil interface influenced by different herbaceous colonizers. The focus was on a mining environment, specifically measuring root reinforcement at a dumpsite slope. The results showed that the herbaceous plants in the dumpsite included Candian fleabane (Conyza canadensis), Annual bluegrass (Poa annua), and Suaeda (Suaeda glauca), and the weights of the three herbaceous plants in descending order were Annual bluegrass, Candian fleabane, and Suaeda. Notably, the tensile strength of annual bluegrass roots peaked when diameters were less than 0.4 mm. Statistical analysis revealed significant variations in root tensile strength (p < 0.05, ANCOVA), root area ratio, and reinforcement (average values from 0 to 10 cm, p < 0.05, ANOVA) among the species. Canadian fleabane demonstrated the greatest root area ratio and reinforcement throughout the soil profiles. The integration of these herbaceous species increased the surface layer's stability of the slope by 21.6 % and marginally expanded the cross-sectional area of the landslide mass.

The length of fracture process zone deciphers variations of rock tensile strength

Tensile strength is one of the most critical design factors in many rock engineering projects. However, despite many available testing techniques, an accurate estimation of the true tensile strength of quasi-brittle rock-like materials is yet a controversial problem since it can vary by the shape and size of a test specimen, the adopted test method, and applied loading conditions. Different studies have tried to address this issue by providing (mainly empirical) laws for determining variations of rock tensile strength as a function of a particular test parameter such as specimen size. In this study, however, a new general approach is presented that can decipher the tensile strength variations of rock under various testing conditions. Using coupled Finite Fracture Mechanics (FFM), it is first proved that the length of the Fracture Process Zone (FPZ) can be determined with accuracy and ease using the energy criterion of coupled FFM. Then, the length of FPZ is used in the stress criterion of coupled FFM to determine rock tensile strength. The failure stress of a material is then proved to be mainly a function of the FPZ length following a power law originated from the Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM). The results assist in deciphering variations of rock tensile strength related to the sample size and test method.

Unveiling the Hidden Networks: AFM Insights into Pre‐Vulcanized Hevea Latex and Its Profound Impact on Latex Film Mechanical Properties

AbstractNatural rubber (NR) films with different natural networks—concentrated NR (CNR), deproteinized NR (DPNR), and small rubber particles (SRP)—are investigated to explore the relationship between network structure and film properties using atomic force microscopy (AFM) in PeakForce Quantitative Nanomechanics (QNM) mode. Nitrogen content, gel content, and particle size distribution analyses reveal distinct network topologies in each latex type. Mechanical testing shows variations in tensile strength and crosslink density. AFM analysis provides insights into the crosslink network structures within the pre‐vulcanized latex film. It is found that DPNR and CNR films have a uniform distribution of crosslink networks, with DPNR exhibiting higher Young's modulus values. In contrast, SRP shows varying Young's modulus values, suggesting poor coalescence arising from a harder particle surface and a softer rubber core in an inhomogeneous network structure intrinsic to the non‐rubber components (NRCs) make‐up of SRP latex. This study highlights the pivotal role of natural network structures formed by NRCs in determining the ultimate properties of latex films, which has significant implications for the rubber industry, particularly in the production of latex‐dipped products, medical devices, and bioengineering applications.

Determining the Cohesive Length of Rock Materials by Roughness Analysis

In this research, the cohesive length of various rock types is measured using quantitative fractography alongside a recently developed multifractal analysis. This length is then utilized to gauge material cohesive stress through the theory of critical distances. Furthermore, the fracture process zone length of different rings sourced from identical rocks is assessed as a function of ring dimensions and experimental measurements of fracture toughness, in accordance with the energy criterion of the finite fracture mechanics theory. Subsequently, employing the stress criterion within coupled finite fracture mechanics, the failure stress corresponding to the fracture process zone is determined for various rings. Ultimately, through interpolation, the critical stress corresponding to the cohesive length, quantified via quantitative fractography, is approximated. Remarkably, the cohesive stress values derived from both methodologies exhibit perfect alignment, indicating the successful determination of cohesive length for the analyzed rock materials. The study also delves into the significant implications of these findings, including the quantification of intrinsic tensile strength in quasi-brittle materials and the understanding of tensile strength variations under diverse stress concentrations and loading conditions.

Study on the size effect of dynamic tensile strength in lightweight concrete using Leca aggregates at the mesoscopic level

To investigate the influence of volume fraction of lightweight aggregate concrete on dynamic tensile strength and size effect, theoretical derivation and microscopic numerical simulation are combined in this study, and a dynamic hybrid fracture cohesive zone constitutive model for lightweight aggregate concrete to characterize the tensile behavior considering strain rate at microscopic scale. The research reveals that, for geometrically similar specimens of various sizes, the direct tensile strength with different aggregate volume fractions exhibits differing degrees of improvement with increasing strain rates. The tensile strength gradually decreases as volume fraction increases. The established coupling function incorporating strain rate, specimen size, and aggregate volume fraction accurately characterizes the dynamic tensile strength variation. In addition, a theoretical framework is proposed to provide a microscopic understanding of the static-dynamic size effect. This framework facilitates the estimation of the dynamic tensile strength under specific volume fraction, specimen size and strain rate conditions.

Strain-hardening ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) with hybrid steel and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers

This study addresses the advancement of strain-hardening ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) by investigating its tensile behavior with hybrid steel and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers. Through direct tensile testing of UHPC samples with varying volumes of steel and polyethylene fibers (totaling 2.0%), significant improvements in tensile strain capacity and energy absorption capacity (tensile toughness) were observed upon replacing steel fibers with polyethylene fibers. Despite marginal variations in first cracking strength and ultimate tensile strength, these properties could be finely tuned by tailing fiber length and hybrid ratio. Quantitative analysis established correlations between the hybrid fiber factor and key mechanical properties, advancing a deeper understanding of UHPC behavior. The findings underscore the benefits of multiscale fiber hybridization in UHPC, offering scientific insights into predicting and optimizing its performance for structural applications. This study helps close the gap in UHPC development, emphasizing the potential of multiscale fiber hybridization to achieve concurrently high tensile strength and strain capacity.

Study on hardenability of 2050 Al–Cu–Li alloy ultra-thick plate

The hardenability of the 2050 Al–Li alloy ultra-thick plate was evaluated by end quenching and interrupted quench methods. Microstructural investigation at different thickness positions after quenching and aging were conducted using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscope. The factors affecting the hardenability were discussed in combination with cooling rate and composition examination using energy dispersive spectroscopy. The results indicated that the tensile strength of different thickness positions decreased as the distance from the quenching end increases. Coarse Cu-rich phase particles, formed at the grain and grain boundaries during the end quenching process, lead to solute depletion around the grain boundaries, causing a precipitate-free zone. This zone obstructs the formation of the T1 phase, thereby reducing strength. At identical distances from the quenching end, the tensile strength at the mid-thickness (T/2) location consistently exceeds that at the quarter-thickness (T/4) location. This is due to the original microstructural differences, where the T/2 position experiences a slower cooling rate, has a lower copper content, and shows an increase in the number but a decrease in the size of precipitated coarse Cu-rich phase particles from the supersaturated solution, with the solute consumption remaining relatively constant. Consequently, the tensile strength variation at equal distances from the quenching end is minimal.

3D nonlinear finite element investigation of laminated bamboo plate strengthened prestressed concrete slab

Due to environment and recycling concerns, interest in applying natural fiber reinforced polymer (NFRP) as an alternative for glass/carbon FRP to strengthen concrete structures has been increasing. This study developed a 3D nonlinear finite element (FE) model for laminated bamboo (LB) plate strengthened prestressed concrete slab. By involving temperature load on defined temperature sensitive material, the proposed model provided good simulation of prestressing process. The accuracy of the developed model was confirmed through comparisons with experimental data, representing peak load discrepancies of only 6.5% and 8.2% for un-strengthened and strengthened slabs, respectively. The parametric study examined the impact of LB plate dimensions and tensile strength, alongside the use of FRP wraps, on concrete slab performance. The results show that the 15 mm thick LB plate can enhance the slab’s peak load by 83.2%. Variations in LB plate tensile strength by up to 10% do not significantly affect the performance of the strengthened prestressed concrete. The increases of the peak load for strengthened cases with LB plate width of 150 mm, 300 mm and 460 mm were 29.4%, 41.9% and 50.2%, respectively. It also shows that FRP end wraps can increase the performance of thick LB plate strengthened prestressed concrete slab.

An improved tensile strength and failure mode prediction model of FDM 3D printing PLA material: Theoretical and experimental investigations

3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA) is being increasingly used in practical engineering. In the past, a certain number of models were developed to describe the tensile strength of PLA specimens. However, two opposite tensile strength variation trends with raster angle varying were observed in previous experiments, which cannot be reasonably explained by the current tensile strength models. To resolve this issue, an improved tensile strength and failure mode prediction model is proposed based on the assumption of transversely isotropic material. Corresponding experiments of PLA specimens have also been performed to validate the accuracy of the proposed model. It has been demonstrated that this model could accurately predict the tensile strength and failure mode of 3D printing PLA material. In addition, the opposite strength trends mentioned above with raster variation could also be perfectly explained using the improved prediction model.

Using extrusion-based 3D printing technology to investigate the impact of changing print conditions on tensile characteristics

PurposeThe purpose of this study, most recent advancements in threedimensional (3D) printing have focused on the fabrication of components. It is typical to use different print settings, such as raster angle, infill and orientation to improve the 3D component qualities while fabricating the sample using a 3D printer. However, the influence of these factors on the characteristics of the 3D parts has not been well explored. Owing to the effect of the different print parameters in fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology, it is necessary to evaluate the strength of the parts manufactured using 3D printing technology.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, the effect of three print parameters − raster angle, build orientation and infill − on the tensile characteristics of 3D-printed components made of three distinct materials − acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), polycarbonate ABS (PC-ABS) and ULTEM-9085 − was investigated. A variety of test items were created using a commercially accessible 3D printer in various configurations, including raster angle (0°, 45°), (0°, 90°), (45°, −45°), (45°, 90°), infill density (solid, sparse, sparse double dense) and orientation (flat, on-edge).FindingsThe outcome shows that variations in tensile strength and force are brought on by the effects of various printing conditions. In all possible combinations of the print settings, ULTEM 9085 material has a higher tensile strength than ASA and PC-ABS materials. ULTEM 9085 material’s on-edge orientation, sparse infill, and raster angle of (0°, −45°) resulted in the greatest overall tensile strength of 73.72 MPa. The highest load-bearing strength of ULTEM material was attained with the same procedure, measuring at 2,932 N. The tensile strength of the materials is higher in the on-edge orientation than in the flat orientation. The tensile strength of all three materials is highest for solid infill with a flat orientation and a raster angle of (45°, −45°). All three materials show higher tensile strength with a raster angle of (45°, −45°) compared to other angles. The sparse double-dense material promotes stronger tensile properties than sparse infill. Thus, the strength of additive components is influenced by the combination of selected print parameters. As a result, these factors interact with one another to produce a high-quality product.Originality/valueThe outcomes of this study can serve as a reference point for researchers, manufacturers and users of 3D-printed polymer material (PC-ABS, ASA, ULTEM 9085) components seeking to optimize FDM printing parameters for tensile strength and/or identify materials suitable for intended tensile characteristics.

Propagation and complex morphology of hydraulic fractures in lamellar shales based on finite-discrete element modeling

We explore the controls of stress magnitude and orientation relative to bedding on the resulting morphology/topology of hydraulic fractures using a combined finite-discrete element method (FDEM). Behavior is shown conditioned by the ratio of principal stresses λ=σ3/σ1\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\lambda ={\\sigma }_{3}/{\\sigma }_{1}$$\\end{document} and relative inclination of the bedding. When the lateral pressure coefficient (λ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\lambda$$\\end{document}) is less than 0.67, hydraulic fractures predominantly initiate as tensile fractures along the wellbore, aligning with the maximum principal stress direction. Conversely, for λ≥0.67\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\lambda \\ge 0.67$$\\end{document}, shear cracks are favored to initiate for the minor stress difference, leading to a less predictable initiation and extension direction. Simultaneously, diminished stress differences correspond to elevated reservoir breakdown pressures, displaying a linear correlation with lateral pressure coefficients and little influenced by equivalent bedding orientation. Bedding plane orientation significantly impacts the mode and morphology of hydraulic fracture propagation. Bedding parallel to the direction of the minimum principal stress (σ3\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\\sigma }_{3}$$\\end{document}) favors layer-penetrating and bifurcated fractures, whereas inclined bedding facilitates the emergence of numerous steering-type and capture-type fractures. Especially at steeper inclinations (β=60∘\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\beta =60^\\circ$$\\end{document}), hydraulic fractures readily extend along the bedding surface, inducing macroscopic shear slip failure. Under high-stress disparities, the breakdown pressure exhibits greater sensitivity to bedding inclination, and its influence pattern aligns with the variations in tensile strength, typically reaching maximum and minimum values at bedding inclination angles of 0° and 60°, respectively.

Insight into the role of Sc on microstructure, mechanical properties and high temperature oxidation resistance of NiCoCrAlSiSc alloys

The microstructure and mechanical properties of Ni–20Co–20Cr–2Al–1Si-xSc (x = 0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1 wt %) alloys were investigated, and the oxidation behavior of the alloys with different Sc contents at 1000°C was studied. The results indicate that NiCoCrAlSi alloy without Sc solidified into coarse columnar grains, with the addition of Sc, the grain size significantly decreased. Sc enriched at the grain boundaries of the alloy and promotes the segregation of Si and Ni towards the grain boundaries, forming the compound NiScSi. Within the range of 0∼1% (wt.%) Sc content, as the Sc content increased, there is an increase in the yield strength (σ0.2) of the alloy, a decrease in elongation, a little variation in tensile strength, and an enhancement in Vickers hardness. After cyclic oxidation at 1000°C and 120 h for alloys with different Sc contents, composite oxide films were formed on the surfaces of the alloys, but the properties and microstructure of the oxide films were significantly different. As the Sc content rised, the integrity of the oxide films was significantly improved, and the oxidation resistance of the alloys gradually enhanced at a high temperature of 1000°C.

Analysis of the mechanical characteristics of mild steel using different heat treatment

The specimen used in this study to test various mechanical properties is mild steel. Analyzed are the effects of heat treatment (annealing, hardening, and tempering) on a particular specimen's mechanical characteristics. The most significant heat treatment procedures frequently employed to alter the mechanical properties of engineering materials are annealing, hardening, and tempering. Heat treatment is used to examine the mechanical characteristics of iron, which are typically ductility, hardness, yield strength, tensile strength, and impact resistance. Heat treatment increases mechanical qualities like tensile strength, yield strength, ductility, corrosion resistance, and creep rupture in addition to developing hardness and softness. These procedures also increase the effectiveness of the machining and increase their adaptability. Utilizing universal tensile testing equipment for the tensile test, a compression test, and a Rockwell hardness tester for the hardness test, the mechanical behavior of the samples is examined. Heat treating makes it simple to alter the mechanical properties to meet a specific design objective. To examine the impact of various tempering temperatures on the mechanical properties of mild steel, selected samples are heated to various temperatures above the austenitic area, quenched, and then tempered. Tensile strength variations are used to describe the changes in mechanical behavior compared to unquenched samples. Mild steel is used to create tensile test specimens, which are then heated through a variety of processes, including annealing, hardening, and tempering. The results demonstrated that different heat treatments for a specific application can alter and enhance the mechanical properties of mild steel.

Sustainable Innovation: Fabrication and Characterization of Mycelium-Based Green Composites for Modern Interior Materials Using Agro-Industrial Wastes and Different Species of Fungi.

Mycelium-based bio-composites (MBCs) represent a sustainable and innovative material with high potential for contemporary applications, particularly in the field of modern interior design. This research investigates the fabrication of MBCs for modern interior materials using agro-industrial wastes (bamboo sawdust and corn pericarp) and different fungal species. The study focuses on determining physical properties, including moisture content, shrinkage, density, water absorption, volumetric swelling, thermal degradation, and mechanical properties (bending, compression, impact, and tensile strength). The results indicate variations in moisture content and shrinkage based on fungal species and substrate types, with bamboo sawdust exhibiting lower shrinkage. The obtained density values range from 212.31 to 282.09 kg/m3, comparable to traditional materials, suggesting MBCs potential in diverse fields, especially as modern interior elements. Water absorption and volumetric swelling demonstrate the influence of substrate and fungal species, although they do not significantly impact the characteristics of interior decoration materials. Thermal degradation analysis aligns with established patterns, showcasing the suitability of MBCs for various applications. Scanning electron microscope observations reveal the morphological features of MBCs, emphasizing the role of fungal mycelia in binding substrate particles. Mechanical properties exhibit variations in bending, compression, impact, and tensile strength, with MBCs demonstrating compatibility with traditional materials used in interior elements. Those produced from L. sajor-caju and G. fornicatum show especially promising characteristics in this context. Particularly noteworthy are their superior compression and impact strength, surpassing values observed in certain synthetic foams multiple times. Moreover, this study reveals the biodegradability of MBCs, reaching standards for environmentally friendly materials. A comprehensive comparison with traditional materials further supports the potential of MBCs in sustainable material. Challenges in standardization, production scalability, and market adoption are identified, emphasizing the need for ongoing research, material engineering advancements, and biotechnological innovations. These efforts aim to enhance MBC properties, promoting sustainability in modern interior applications, while also facilitating their expansion into mass production within the innovative construction materials market.

Bioplastic from empty fruit bunch cellulose/chitosan/starch: Optimization through box-Behnken design to enhance the mechanical properties

This investigation was centered on the intricate processes of fabricating and fine–tuning the concentration of microcellulose derived from oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB). The objective was to employ it as a reinforcing agent, with sorbitol serving as a plasticizer, and chitosan acting as both a plasticizer and a strengthening agent for the formulation of bioplastic films to gain higher value mechanically. The cellulose extraction involved a methodical delignification approach, extracting lignin and hemicellulose from OPEFB to yield brown pulp. Subsequent double peroxide bleaching was employed to reduce the lignin concentration in the pulp. Leveraging the Box–Behnken experimental within a response surface methodology framework, the study scrutinized the influence of independent parameters (additive concentrations) on the ultimate tensile strength and Young’s modulus of the fabricated bioplastic films. Noteworthy variations in ultimate tensile strength and Young’s modulus were discerned, underscoring the impact of microparticle loading on the mechanical attributes of the bioplastic films. The quadratic polynomial model derived from experimental data exhibited coefficients of determination (R2) of 0.8690 for ultimate tensile strength and 0.6793 for Young’s modulus, affirming the adeptness of the models in navigating the optimization space. Microcellulose was isolated (30 – 40) wt.% of OPEFB as the white pulp which revealed a homogenous dispersion with chitosan in the corn starch matrix. The superior tensile strength and Young’s modulus were observed at 6.84 MPa and 21.94 MPa respectively.

Effect of hybrid weaving patterns on mechanical performance of 3D woven structures

Generally, 2D woven structures are used in a different high performance applications. But 2D woven natural fibers based structures have poor mechanical properties as compared to glass and other synthetic yarns. One of the possible solutions to overcome this problem is to develop 3D woven structures with natural fibers. The present work developed hemp yarn based three types of novel 3D woven structures, i.e., hybrid through the thickness (HB-1 (TT)), novel woven layer to layer structure (HB-2 (LL)), and layer to layer structure with double warp yarn (HB-3 (LL)). Furthermore to evaluate the impact of interlocking pattern on the static mechanical properties i.e., tensile, tear, puncture resistance and stiffness tests of the strucures were performed. The findings reveal variations in tensile strength among different 3D woven structures. Specifically, the 3D woven HB-3 (LL) configuration demonstrated the highest tensile strength, whereas the HB-1 (TT) structure exhibited the lowest. In the warp orientation, the tensile strength of the 3D woven HB-3 (LL) structure surpassed that of the HB-1 (TT) structure by 25.75%. Additionally, the stiffness results for the 3D woven HB-1 (TT) structure in the warp direction exceeded those of the HB-2 (LL) structure by 55.53%. Moreover, the HB-3 (LL) structure displayed superior puncture resistance compared to other 3D woven configurations. Furthermore, in the warp direction, the tear strength of the 3D woven HB-1 (TT) structure exceeded that of the HB-2 (LL) structure by 16.40%. Statistical analysis utilizing one-way ANOVA (Tukey) revealed that the influence of 3D woven hybrid structures on the outcomes of mechanical testing was statistically significant.

Experimental study on tensile strength of granite residual soil during drying and wetting

The tensile strength of remolded granite residual soil under different water content conditions, during wetting and drying, was investigated using a self-made horizontal direct tension apparatus. The variations in tensile strength and the microcosmic mechanism of shrinkage crack formation and development were elucidated from the perspectives of suction stress and cementing force. Experimental results indicated that the tensile strength of granite residual soil initially increased and then decreased under different water content conditions. During the wetting process, the tensile strength followed a similar trend, but the peak strength (10 kPa) was lower compared to that under different water content conditions (22 kPa). The drying process exhibited three stages of tensile strength variation: a linear increase stage, a stationary stage, and a slight decrease stage. The peak value of the tensile strength during drying was much higher (reaching approximately 84 kPa) than that under different water content conditions and the wetting process. The tensile strength of remolded granite residual soil was solely controlled by suction stress under different water content conditions and in the wetting process. However, in the drying process, the tensile strength was also influenced by the cementing force, resulting in a peak value four times higher than that under different water content conditions and seven times higher than that in the wetting process. Suction stress served as the source of tensile stress in the soil during the drying process, and the development of cracks caused by suction stress led to a reduction in the overall tensile strength of the soil. Suction stress acted as both a contributor and a destroyer of soil tensile strength. During the drying process, the soil sample exhibited weakly acidic pH and gradually weakened hydrophilic ability. This led to the formation of stronger binding forces within the soil skeleton. Consequently, for soil samples with the same moisture content, the tensile strength during the drying process was much greater than in the other two situations. This study provides an alternative perspective on the source of soil tensile strength and its main controlling factors.

Experimental Investigation of Mechanical Properties of Additively Manufactured Fibre-Reinforced Composite Structures for Robotic Applications

AbstractThis study explores the variation in mechanical properties of additively manufactured composite structures for robotic applications with different infill densities and layer heights using fused deposition modelling (FDM). Glass fibre-reinforced polyamide (GFRP), and carbon fibre-reinforced polyamide (CFRP) filaments are used, and the specimens are printed with 20%, 40%, 60% and 100% infill density lattice structures for tensile and three-point bending tests. These printed samples are examined in the microscope to gain more understanding of the microstructure of the printed composites. To characterise the mechanical properties, a set of tensile and three-point bend tests are conducted on the manufactured composite samples. Test results indicate the variations in tensile strength and Young’s modulus of specimens based on the printing parameters and reveal the tensile and bending behaviour of those printed composite structures against varying infill ratios and reinforcing fibres. The experimental findings are also compared to analytical and empirical modelling approaches. Finally, based on the results, the applications of the additively manufactured structure to the robotic components are presented.

Development of Decorative Mortars with Pigments from Acid Mine Drainage: Analysis of Physical and Mechanical Properties

The construction industry is recognized for its high consumption of natural resources, resulting in significant environmental impacts. Given this reality, it is essential to seek new methods and solutions that minimize the impact of this activity on the environment. An innovative approach consists of using pigments derived from acid mine drainage (AMD) as a sustainable alternative in the production of mortar for decorative façade cladding. In this context, the main objective of this paper was to evaluate the physical/mechanical properties of decorative mortars developed by partially replacing natural sand with pigment from acid mine drainage. Initially, the pigment (yellow) was produced, characterized, and compared with a commercial pigment. Sequentially, decorative mortars were developed with different pigment concentrations (0%, 2%, 4%, and 6%). The mortars were subjected to compressive strength, flexural tensile strength, shrinkage, loss of mass, and colorimetry tests. The results showed that compressive strength, flexural tensile strength, weight loss, and dimensional variation were significantly affected by the partial addition of pigment to replace natural aggregate. In other words, there was a decrease in strength and an increase in mass loss and expansion of the mortars. However, the main factor influencing these variables was the greater amount of water added in the higher substitution cases. The addition of water was necessary to keep the consistency constant. A possible solution to maintain the same amount of water and avoid negative effects on the mortar properties would be to use additives in the mortar formulation in future work. Therefore, this research contributes to the search for more sustainable solutions in civil construction, exploring the use of pigments from AMD as a viable alternative to reduce the environmental impacts associated with this industry.