Volumetric Ratio Research Articles

Experimental and numerical investigation of the bending, shear, and punching shear behavior of recycled aggregate concrete precast/prestressed hollow core slabs

AbstractAlthough it has been shown that using recycled concrete aggregate in new structural concrete is economical and sustainable, the use of this material for such applications is still not widespread. One of the reasons is that manufacturers, designers, engineers, owners, and other market players are not familiar with specifying and utilizing this material—although standards are starting to incorporate provisions for recycled aggregate concrete, successful, practical example projects are needed. The current paper describes the results of a partnership between universities and a precast concrete manufacturer of hollow core slabs. Seven hollow core slabs with volumetric replacement ratios of natural aggregate with recycled aggregate from 0% to 60% were tested to failure in both bending and shear, and then undamaged portions of the slabs were subjected to punching shear until failure. The results showed only mild differences in strength, with different replacement percentages of recycled aggregate under the various loading scenarios. Numerical simulations performed in Abaqus demonstrated the feasibility of analyzing recycled aggregate concrete structural elements and provided important insights into their behavior.

Theoretical and Experimental Research on Thermal Dynamic Characteristics of Single-Screw Compressor with a New Composite SLIDE Valve

Based on the single-screw compressor (SSC) structure, a new type of composite slide valve (CSV) has been proposed and designed, featuring internal volume ratios of 2.8, 3.9, and 5.6 and operating under a partial load of 35%. The theoretical model describing the dynamic features and thermodynamic performance of the SSC with CSV has also been built. The pressure ratio of the experimental system can be adjusted from 3.3 to 7.8, and the experimental results demonstrate the CSV’s effective performance. The deviations between the calculated and measured results for volume ratio and input power are 3.33–9.08% and 0.32–8.03%, and the deviations for heating capacity and adiabatic efficiency range from 0.92–8.73% to 2.09–9.67%, respectively. The introduction of the CSV offers a novel approach to enhancing SSC efficiency. Both the theoretical and experimental findings lay a foundation for future optimization and design improvements in variable load and internal volumetric ratio single-screw compressors.

Aliquat 336 in Solvent Extraction Chemistry of Metallic ReO4- Anions.

A study of the liquid-liquid extraction of ReO4- anions from hydrochloric acid solutions using the ionic liquid Aliquat 336 (QCl: trialkyl(C8-C10)methylammonium chloride) via the well-known method of slope analysis along with the determination of the process parameters is presented. This study employs CCl4, CHCl3 and C6H12 as diluents. This study was carried out at room temperature (22 ± 2) °C and an aqueous/organic volumetric ratio of unity. The ligand effect on the complexation properties of ReO4- is quantitatively assessed in different organic media. The organic extract in chloroform media is examined through 1H, 13C and 15N NMR analysis as well as the HRMS technique and UV-Vis spectroscopy in order to view the anion exchange and ligand coordination in the organic phase solution. Final conclusions are given highlighting the role of the molecular diluent in complexation processes and selectivity involving ionic liquid ligands and various metal s-, p-, d- and f-cations. ReO4- ions have shown one of the best solvent extraction behaviors compared to other ions. For instance, the Aliquat 336 derivative bearing Cl- functions shows strongly enhanced extraction as well as pronounced separation abilities towards ReO4-.

P-chromophore stability of Mehlich-1 and Mehlich-3 under Braga & Defelipo or Murphy & Riley dosing methods

ABSTRACT The performance of colorimetric methods for P quantification has been overlooked by researchers for decades. We investigated the performance of two blue colorimetric methods for P quantification, Braga and Defelipo (B&D) and Murphy and Riley (M&R), using two commonly soil P extractants, Mehlich-1 (M1) and Mehlich-3 (M3). Specifically, we evaluated the color development time and its stability in different soil extractant solution proportions (1:1 or 1:4 v/v), the optimum wavelength, limits of detection, and element quantification. Our results indicate that M3 leads to lower limits of detection and quantification for both colorimetric methods, particularly for B&D. For M1, the volumetric ratio (1:1 or 1:4) did not influence color development and both B&D and M&R methods showed a fast color development. However, B&D showed greater color stability (from 5 to 600 min) and an optimum wavelength of 711 nm, while M&R was stable from 27 to 600 min an optimum wavelength of 889 nm. For M3 soil extractant, there are important issues, such as M&R being unstable and B&D presenting slow color development. In addition, the spectral profile obtained from soil extractant was different from the one obtained by the calibration curve without soil for both M&R and B&D. Therefore, the adoption of original methods on P quantification in M3 extracting solution represents a potential source of error, leading to wrong P fertilizer recommendations. Thus, the best option for P quantification in M3 extracts seems to be the use of Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES).

A novel antifungal nanoemulsion based on reuterin-assisted synergistic essential oils: Preparation and in vitro/in vivo characterization

This research aimed to develop, optimize, and evaluate a new antifungal nanoemulsion system based on the crude reuterin-synergistic essential oils (EOs) hybrid to overcome the EOs application limits. At first, the antifungal effects of the Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus reuteri cell-free extracts (CFE) were tested against the Botrytis cinerea, Penicillium expansum, and Alternaria alternata as indicator fungus using broth microdilution method. The L. reuteri CFE with the MIC of 125 μL/mL for B. cinerea and 250 μL/mL for P. expansum and A. alternata showed more inhibitory effects than L. plantarum. Next, reuterin as a significant antibacterial compound in the L. reuteri CFE was induced in glycerol-containing culture media. To reach a nanoemulsion with maximum antifungal activity and stability, the reuterin concentration, Tween 80 %, and ultrasound time were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) with a volumetric constant ratio of 5 % v/v oil phase including triple synergistic EOs (thyme, cinnamon, and rosemary) at MIC concentrations. Based on the Box-Behnken Design, the maximum antifungal effect was observed in the treatment with 40 mM reuterin, 1 % Tween 80, and 3 min of ultrasound. The growth inhibitory diameter zones of B. cinerea, P. expansum, and A. alternata were estimated 6.15, 4.25, and 4.35 cm in optimum nanoemulsion, respectively. Also, the minimum average particle size diameter (16.3 nm) was observed in nanoemulsion with reuterin 40 mM, Tween 80 5 %, and 3 min of ultrasound treatment. Zeta potential was relatively high within −30 mV range in all designed nanoemulsions which indicates the nanoemulsion's stability. Also, the prepared nanoemulsions, despite initial particle size showed good stability in a 90-d storage period at 25 °C. In vivo assay, showed a significant improvement in the protection of apple fruit treated with reuterin-EOs nanoemulsions against fungal spoilage compared to free reuterin nanoemulsion. Treatment of apples with nanoemulsion containing 40 mM reuterin showed a maximum inhibitory effect on B. cinerea (5.1 mm lesion diameter compared to 29.2 mm for control fruit) within 7 d at 25 °C. In summary, the present study demonstrated that reuterin-synergistic EOs hybrid with boosted antifungal activities can be considered as a biopreservative for food applications.

Characterization of polyvinyl alcohol and vitex negundo blended bio nanofilm for wound healing scaffold

Polyvinyl alcohol blended nanofilms have shown great promise as a material for wound healing applications because of their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and antibacterial characteristics. This article has typically utilized electrospinning to create a scaffold for wound healing meanwhile investigating the characteristics of the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and vitex negundo (VN) blend nanofilm. The PVA concentrations were kept at 10% Weight/Volume (W/V), which was then mixed with VN solution at various volumetric ratios and electrospun into nanofilms. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) was used to determine and analyze the nanofiber diameter. The plant extract concentration and the viscosity of the electrospinning solution influenced the fiber diameter to grow from 120.32 nanometers (nm) to 171.11 nanometers (nm). Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) verifies the interaction between plant extract and PVA and records a new peak between 1731 and 1750 cm−1, which represents the production of the ester group. The swellability of the developed sample was studied which is negligibly reduced when the plant extract was added. In comparison to both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, the pure plant extract and composite nanofibrous web demonstrated greater antibacterial activity. PVA-blended nanofilms can promote cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation, hence promoting wound healing by creating a moist environment.

Experimental Characterization of Commercial Scroll Expander for Micro-Scale Solar ORC Application: Part 1

In order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve global decarbonisation, it is essential to find sustainable and renewable alternatives for electricity production. In this context, the development of distributed generation systems, with the use of thermodynamic and photovoltaic solar energy, wind energy and smart grids, is fundamental. ORC power plants are the most appropriate systems for low-grade thermal energy recovery and power conversion, combining solar energy with electricity production. The application of a micro-scale ORC plant, coupled with Parabolic Trough Collectors as a thermal source, can satisfy domestic user demand in terms of electrical and thermal power. In order to develop a micro-scale ORC plant, a commercial hermetic scroll compressor was tested as an expander with HFC-245fa working fluid. The tests required the construction of an experimental bench with monitoring and control sensors. The aim of this study is the description of the scroll performances to evaluate the application and develop optimization strategies. The maximum isentropic effectiveness is reached for an expansion ratio close to the volumetric expansion ratio of the scroll, and machine isentropic effectiveness presents small variations in a wide range of working conditions. The filling factor is always higher than one, due to leakage in the mechanical seals of the scroll or other inefficiencies. This study demonstrates that using a commercial scroll compressor as an expander within an ORC system represents a valid option for such applications, but it is necessary to improve the mechanical seals of the machine and utilize a dedicated control strategy to obtain the maximum isentropic effectiveness.

Determination of Some Physicochemical Properties of Binary Biodiesel and Binary Biodiesel-Diesel Blend Fuels Obtained from Waste Pumpkin Seed- Camelina Oils

The primary aim of utilizing biodiesel is to reduce dependency on fossil fuels, decrease harmful emissions, and promote the use of renewable energy sources. Studies on biodiesel commonly revolve around singular biodiesel-petroleum diesel blends. Binary biodiesel is generally obtained by mixing different types of biodiesel or blending these mixtures with petroleum diesel. The combination of these diverse feedstocks with distinct properties can offer varying characteristics and benefits. Many studies regarding liquid biofuels primarily focus on blends of singular biodiesel with diesel. Raw materials constitute a substantial portion of the cost in biodiesel production. Hence, efforts have been made to favor non-edible and waste products as raw materials. Additionally, products that are suitable for cultivation in Turkey and easy to obtain as raw materials, supporting domestic biofuel production, have been chosen. Biodiesels obtained from waste pumpkin seeds and linseed oils through the transesterification method were blended at volumetric ratios of 1:1 and 1:3 to obtain binary biodiesel fuels (C50P50, C25P75, and C75P25). The binary biodiesel-diesel blend fuels were achieved by blending different volume ratios of binary biodiesel fuels (C25P25D50 and C10P10D80) with traditional petroleum diesel after their preparation. Subsequent analyses focused on determining the physicochemical properties (density, kinematic viscosity, flash point, water content, calorific value, cold filter plugging point, and copper strip corrosion) of the prepared binary biodiesel and binary biodiesel-diesel blend fuels. Compliance with biodiesel standards (EN 14214, ASTM D-6751) was observed for all fuels, and the results were compared with the reference fuel, diesel (petroleum). According to the analysis results, all the tested fuels met the standards, with the C10P10D80 blend fuel displaying the closest resemblance to diesel.

Validated Stability Indicating UHPLC Method for the Quantification of Escitalopram and Flupentixol in Pharmaceutical Formulation

To assess Escitalopram and flupentixol simultaneously, a verified method for ultra-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) has been developed to indicate stability. The method was thoroughly evaluated and met satisfactory criteria for precision, linearity, accuracy, limits on detection, robustness, and quantitation. The quantitation wavelength of 235 nm was determined. Linearity was successfully demonstrated across concentration ranges of 1–5 µg/ml of Escitalopram and 20-100 µg/ml of Flupentixol. UHPLC separations were conducted employing a Phenomenex L. C18 column measuring 100 x 4.6 mm and containing particles as small as 2.5 µm. To create the mobile phase, the 1% OPA and methanol (a pH of 4.2 with TEA) were combined in a volumetric ratio of 65:35v/v. Escitalopram and Flupentixol were effectively eluted at retention durations of 3.044 and 4.118 minutes, respectively, with the flow rate adjusted at 1.0 ml. The stability-indicating nature of the method was established through validated forced degradation studies. Which included hydrolysis under acidic and basic conditions, exposure to H2O2, thermal degradation, and photo-degradation. Escitalopram and Flupentixol exhibited 10 to 20% degradation under the specified conditions. Importantly, the process evaluated the two prescription drugs in detail with all degradation products generated during the forced degradation experiments. This developed method is characterized as straightforward, specific, and cost-effective, making it suitable for simultaneous estimating Escitalopram and Flupentixol in tabs dose forms.

Seismic Response of RC Beam-Column Joints Strengthened with FRP ROPES, Using 3D Finite Element: Verification with Real Scale Tests

A 3D-finite element analysis within the numerical program ABAQUS is adopted in order to simulate the seismic behavior of reinforced concrete beam-column joints and beam-column joints strengthened with CFRP ropes. The suitability of the adopted approach is investigated herein. For this purpose, experimental and numerical cyclic tests were performed. The experiments include four reinforced concrete (RC) joints with the same ratio of shear closed-stirrup reinforcement and two different volumetric ratios of longitudinal steel reinforcing bars. Two joints were tested as-built, and the other two were strengthened with CFRP ropes. The ropes were applied as Near Surface Mounted (NSM) reinforcement, forming an X-shape around the joint body and further as flexural reinforcement at the top and bottom of the beam. The purpose of the externally mounted CFRP ropes is to allow the development of higher values of concrete principal stresses inside the joint core, compared with the specimens without ropes, and also to reduce the developing shear deformation in the joint. From the results, it is concluded that X-shaped ropes reduced the shear deformation in the joint body remarkably, especially in high drifts. Further, as a result of the comparisons between the yielded outcome from the attempted nonlinear analysis and the observed response from the tests, it is deduced that the adopted method sufficiently describes the whole behavior of the RC beam-column connections. In particular, comparisons between experimental and numerical results of principal stresses developing in the joint body of all examined specimens, along with similar comparisons of force displacement envelopes and shear deformations of the joint body, confirmed the adequacy of the applied finite element approach for the investigation of the use of CFRP-ropes as an efficient and easy-to-apply strengthening technique. The findings also reveal that the connections that have been strengthened with the FRP ropes demonstrated improved performance, and the crack system preserved its load capacity during the reversal loading tests.

Frequency- and Temperature-Dependent Uncertainties in Hysteresis Measurements of a 3D-Printed FeSi wt6.5% Material.

Additive manufacturing of soft magnetic materials is a promising technology for creating topologically optimized electrical machines. High-performance electrical machines can be made from high-silicon-content FeSi alloys. Fe-6.5wt%Si material has exceptional magnetic properties; however, manufacturing this steel with the classical cold rolling methodology is not possible due to the brittleness of this material. Laser powder bed fusion technology (L-PBF) offers a solution to this problem. Finding the optimal printing parameters is a challenging task. Nevertheless, it is crucial to resolve the brittleness of the created materials so they can be used in commercial applications. The temperature dependence of magnetic hysteresis properties of Fe-6.5wt%Si materials is presented in this paper. The magnetic hysteresis properties were examined from 20 °C to 120 °C. The hysteresis measurements were made by a precision current generator-based hysteresis measurement tool, which uses fast Fourier transformation-based filtering techniques to increase the accuracy of the measurements. The details of the applied scalar hysteresis sensor and the measurement uncertainties were discussed first in the paper; then, three characteristic points of the static hysteresis curve of the ten L-PBF-manufactured identical toroidal cores were investigated and compared at different temperatures. These measurements show that, despite the volumetric ratio of the porosities being below 0.5%, the mean crack length in the samples is not significant for the examined samples. These small defects can cause a significant 5% decrement in some characteristic values of the examined hysteresis curve.

High-frequency magnetic response of superparamagnetic composites of spherical Fe and Fe3O4 nanoparticles

The response of arrays of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) of cubic anisotropy materials (magnetite or iron) to high-frequency (sub-GHz) field is investigated utilizing micromagnetic simulations. Composites of MNPs embedded in dielectric media are of interest as core materials for high-frequency power microconverters with low eddy-current losses. Going beyond the macrospin approximation for MNPs (including internal spin structure), we simulate the magnetization dynamics of arrays of spherical and periodically arranged MNPs under periodic boundary conditions and in the presence of thermal fluctuations of the magnetization within the stochastic thermal field. Analyzing the dependence of the dynamical response on the size of the MNPs, we find the size to be crucial for exciting regular magnetization oscillations at room temperature and reducing hysteresis loss. The efficiency of the dynamical response of composites of high-magnetization-metal (iron) MNPs is compared to that of magnetite nanocomposites. We find the sub-GHz susceptibility of magnetite-containing nanocomposite to be comparable to that of the iron MNPs despite the lower saturation magnetization of Fe3O4, (at the volumetric ratio of the magnetic phase of 0.13, susceptibility is χ≈1.6 for 5 nm Fe and ≈1.4 for 12 nm Fe3O4 MNPs at T=300 K and frequency of 0.1 GHz).

Hierarchical Self-Assembly of Nano- and Microstructures of Zinc Oxide in Combined Sol-Gel Systems

Using the methods of optical spectrometry and IR spectroscopy, the processes of self-assembly of nano- and microstructures of zinc oxide in combined sol-gel systems obtained by mixing film-forming sols with different maturation times were studied. Characteristic bands and absorption peaks in the IR spectra were established, demonstrating an unambiguous relationship between the IR transmittance — radiation and maturation time for different volumetric ratios of mixed sols. It has been shown that experimental IR spectroscopy data correlate with optical spectrometry data in the visible and UV radiation range. The correspondence of ZnO films formed on the basis of combined sol-gel systems to the tasks of nanostructural engineering has been demonstrated.

Safe Operating Conditions of isoperiodic Homogeneous Semi-Batch Reaction Based on Parameter Uncertainties Analysis

Proper operating conditions have a significant impact on the process state of semi-batch reaction. However, various error and bias lead to the uncertainties of parameter, which affect process safety of the semi-batch reaction. In this work, the effect of dimensionless parameters dimensionless adiabatic temperature rise (), Westerterp number (Wt), , dimensionless activation energy (γ), volumetric heat capacity ratio (RH) and relative volume increase (ε) on the temperature of the isoperiodic homogeneous semi-batch reaction are investigated by local sensitivity analysis. The sensitivity of the dimensionless maximum temperature to global parameters is analyzed using the scatter plot method based on Monte-Carlo sampling. Parameter sensitivity results are further quantitatively calculated by the eFAST method. The results indicate that there is a strong linear relationship between the maximum reaction temperature and △τad,0, which exhibits the highest sensitivity index compared to the other parameters. The safety boundary diagram and adiabatic temperature diagram are constructed by considering parameter uncertainty and the effect of parameter uncertainty on the critical criteria is analyzed.

Geomorphic changes after the 2021 Central European flood in the Ahr Valley by LiDAR-based differences

BackgroundIn July 2021, destructive floods in Western Europe were triggered by enormous precipitation rates related to a low-pressure system named "Bernd." These catastrophic events led not only to major damage to infrastructure, severe economic losses, and the loss of lives but also to significant landscape changes and modifications. Here, we focus, as a case study, on the flood aftermath of the Ahr Valley in Rhineland-Palatinate state in western Germany, as it was one of the most affected and destroyed regions by the flood. We utilize high-resolution Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) based on airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) that were taken shortly before and after the flood to investigate insights into geomorphic changes. ResultsBy calculating Digital Terrain Models of Difference (DoD), we are able to quantify volumetric and areal changes caused by erosional and depositional processes for different sites in the Ahr Valley. Due to the morphology of the narrow Ahr Valley, most of the erosion and deposition is located within the deeply incised canyon of the Ahr River. The comprehensive analysis reveals notable morphological modifications throughout the study area, with a calculated erosion/deposition areal ratio of 0.46 and an erosion/deposition volumetric ratio of 0.63. Our findings indicate massive deposition regarding both areal and volumetric. We selected six different locations along the Ahr Valley that showcase distinct aspects of flood-induced fluvial morpho-dynamics. Deposition occurred mainly in point bars and downstream of destroyed artificial levees, in a braided river style.ConclusionOur investigations contribute to an overview and assessment of the morphological response to the destructive flood in the Ahr Valley. The results emphasize the necessity for implementing effective flood management strategies, as most of the urban areas in the Ahr Valley were flooded. Moreover, our results provide valuable insights into the impacted areas, highlighting vulnerable locations for flood-related erosion and deposition. This information could contribute to future mitigation and protection efforts, aiding in the development of comprehensive strategies to minimize the impact of similar events in the future.

Enhanced freeze-thaw resilience of cement mortars through Nano-SiO2 and single/hybrid basalt fiber incorporation: Assessing workability, strength, durability

This study investigated how freeze-thaw cycles (FTC) impact concrete durability and structural integrity, exploring novel approaches like integrating nanomaterials and fibers into concrete compositions. After subjecting the materials to FTC, the study evaluated mortars enriched with nano-SiO2 (NS) and micro- and macro-basalt (BA) fibers. NS was incorporated by substituting 1 % and 2 % of the cement content. Meanwhile, 24 mm in length macro-BA fibers were added individually or in hybrid compositions with 6 mm micro-BA fibers at 0.5 % and 1 % volumetric ratios. The results revealed significant improvements in both the strength and durability of mortar specimens post-FTC, attributed to the enhancing properties of NS. Its capacity to fill voids and substantial pozzolanic activity notably improved the material's performance. However, adding BA fibers adversely affected mortar workability, causing a decrease in flow diameters (FD) as the fiber ratio increased.Nevertheless, BA fibers effectively maintained specimen integrity post-FTC despite leading to decreased residual compressive (RCS) and flexural strengths (RFS). This reduction was linked to the robust bonding between BA fibers and the matrix, impeding crack propagation post-FTC. Interestingly, combining BA fibers in hybrid configurations improved workability and significantly enhanced residual strength characteristics, surpassing singular applications. For instance, after 180 FTC, the K0 control specimen exhibited a 34.17 % and 34.56 % reduction in RCS and RFS, respectively. In contrast, the K10 specimen with 2 % NS and a hybrid combination of BA fibers at a volumetric ratio of 1 % displayed notably lower reduction rates of 23.69 % and 16.99 %, respectively.

Optimised start-up strategy for bioelectrochemical systems operating on hydrolysed human urine

Key nutrients, such as nitrogen measured as total ammonium nitrogen (TAN), could be recycled from hydrolysed human urine back to fertiliser use. Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) are an interesting, low-energy option for realising this. However, the high TAN concentration (> 5 g L–1) and pH (> 9) of hydrolysed urine can inhibit microbial growth and hinder the enrichment of an electroactive biofilm at the anode. This study investigated a new strategy for bioanode inoculation by mixing real hydrolysed urine with thickened waste activated sludge (TWAS) from a municipal wastewater treatment plant at different volumetric ratios. The addition of TWAS diluted the high TAN concentration of hydrolysed urine (5.2 ± 0.3 g L–1) to 2.6–5.1 g L–1, while the pH of the inoculation mixtures remained > 9 and soluble chemical oxygen demand (sCOD) at 5.6–6.7 g L–1. Despite the high pH, current generation started within 24 h for all reactors, and robust bioanodes tolerant of continuous feeding with undiluted hydrolysed urine were enriched within 11 days of start-up. Current output and Coulombic efficiency decreased with increasing initial hydrolysed urine fraction. The anodes inoculated with the highest sCOD-to-TAN ratio (2.1) performed the best, which suggests that high organics levels can protect microbes from inhibition even at elevated TAN concentrations.

Structural Behavior of Circular Concrete Columns Reinforced with Longitudinal GFRP Rebars under Axial Load

This paper presents experimental and theoretical assessments of the structural behavior of circular steel fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC) columns reinforced with glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars subjected to a concentric axial compressive load. Laboratory experiments were planned to evaluate and compare the effect of different design parameters on the structural behavior of column specimens based on experiments and finite element (FE) analysis. The experimental variables were (i) concrete types, i.e., conventional concrete (CC) and fiber-reinforced concrete (FC), (ii) longitudinal reinforcement types, i.e., steel and GFRP bars, and (iii) transverse rebar configurations, i.e., tied and spiral with different pitches. Sixteen column specimens were fabricated and categorized into four groups with respect to rebar configurations and concrete types. The results showed that the failure modes and cracking patterns of those four column groups were comparable, particularly in the pre-peak branches of load-deflection curves. Even though the average ultimate load of the columns with longitudinal GFRP bars was 17.9% less than that with longitudinal steel bars, the ductility index (DI) was 10.2% greater than their counterpart on average. The addition of steel fibers (SF) to concrete increased the axial peak load by up to 3.1% and the DI by up to 6.6% compared to their counterpart CC columns without SFs. The DI of specimens was increased by higher volumetric ratios (up to 12%) and spiral types (up to 5.5%). The concrete damage plastic (CDP) model for FC columns was updated in the finite element software ABAQUS 6.14. Finally, a new simple equation was theoretically proposed to predict the axial capacity of specimens by considering the inclusion of longitudinal GFRP rebars, volumetric ratio, and steel spiral/hoop ties. Good agreement between the proposed model predictions and the experimental/numerical results was observed.

The investigation and estimation of flexural strength in shear-critically designed RC beams considering the steel fiber content

Despite numerous studies investigating the effectiveness of steel fibers in RC members subjected to various loading conditions, the majority ignored the impact of the interaction between the tensile reinforcement ratio, compressive strength of fibrous concrete, and steel fiber dosage. This paper aimed to inspect and quantify the effects of hooked-end steel fiber dosage on the bending behavior of RC beams considering the interaction arising from various longitudinal reinforcement ratios. For this purpose, an extensive and hybrid investigation involving both experimental and numerical techniques was conducted. In the experimental part, an investigation was carried out to evaluate the contribution of a specific amount of fiber ratio and various aspect ratios to the behavior of large-scale RC beams having a shear-deficient design. Three beams with a 0.5% hooked-end steel fiber ratio and one without fibers but with a minimum amount of stirrups were produced, and three-point bending tests were conducted. All beams having fibers utilized full flexural strength as in the beam with stirrups. Once the experimental studies were completed, the numerical models were then developed and validated with those of experimental three-point bending tests using the non-linear finite element code VecTor2 to establish a basis for the comprehensive parametric study. The parametric study consisted of 33 analyses. Rebar and volumetric fiber ratios were selected to be variables, and the ratios adopted were within the typical range used in structural engineering applications. Based on the regression analysis a linear and a quadratic model were proposed for estimating the yield and peak strength depending on the steel fiber content. Finally, the obtained models were verified using work from the literature and found to be effective in forecasting the strength of shear-deficient RC beams with 0.8%, 1.0%, and 1.2% tensile reinforcement ratios and hooked end steel fibers (0.5 to 1.5%).

Synthesis of Hybrid Composites from Bio-Based Fillers: Chicken Feather, Groundnut Shell, Sawdust

Experimental research has investigated the mechanical characteristics and water absorption performance of polyethylene-based composites reinforced with sawdust, chicken feathers and groundnut shells. Composite samples have been produced with preset volumetric ratios (20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%) at 160°C and 25 kN pressure. A compression molding machine was used to produce specimens of composite materials. The findings indicate that the composites exhibit promising mechanical properties, making them potentially suitable for various applications. However, the waste polyethylene sheet was tested for comparison. It displayed a tensile strength of 7.56 MPa, impact strength with an average energy absorption of 0.093 J, and hardness strength with an average energy value of 92.72 J. The water absorbency data showed minimal water absorption for composite samples, indicating their resistance to water penetration. Similarly, the thickness swelling data revealed no significant change in thickness after immersion, demonstrating dimensional stability in the presence of moisture. This article presents the details of these experiments conducted systematically.