• Computers and Concrete
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.137-150
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• 2019

In this paper, surrogate models such as multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS) and M5P model tree (M5P MT) methods have been investigated in order to propose a new formulation for the 28-days compressive strength of self-compacting concrete (SCC) incorporating metakaolin as a supplementary cementitious materials. A database comprising experimental data has been assembled from several published papers in the literature and the data have been used for training and testing. In particular, the data are arranged in a format of seven input parameters covering contents of cement, coarse aggregate to fine aggregate ratio, water, metakaolin, super plasticizer, largest maximum size and binder as well as one output parameter, which is the 28-days compressive strength. The efficiency of the proposed techniques has been demonstrated by means of certain statistical criteria. The findings have been compared to experimental results and their comparisons shows that the MARS and M5P MT approaches predict the compressive strength of SCC incorporating metakaolin with great precision. The performed sensitivity analysis to assign effective parameters on 28-days compressive strength indicates that cementitious binder content is the most effective variable in the mixture.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.69-80
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• 2019

Modeling approach for mesoscopic model of concrete depicting mass transportation and physicochemical reaction is important since there is growing demand for accuracy and computational efficiency of numerical simulation. Mesoscopic numerical simulation considering binder, aggregate and Interfacial Transition Zone (ITZ) generally produces huge number of DOFs, which is inapplicable for full structure. In this paper, a three-dimensional multiscale approach describing three-phase structure of concrete was discussed numerically. An effective approach generating random aggregate in polygon based on checking centroid distance was introduced. Moreover, ITZ elements were built by parallel expanding the surface of aggregates on inner side. By combining mesoscopic model including full-graded aggregate and macroscopic model, cases related to diffusivity and thickness of ITZ, volume fraction and grade of aggregate were studied regarding the consideration of multiscale compensation. Results clearly showed that larger analysis model in multiscale model expanded the diffusion space of chloride ion and decreased chloride content in front of rebar. Finally, this paper addressed some worth-noting conclusions about the chloride distribution and rebar corrosion regarding the configuration of, rebar diameter, concrete cover and exposure period.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.11-23
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• 2019

Nowadays, the characterization of Ultra-High Performance Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC) tensile behavior still remains a challenge for researchers. For this purpose, a simplified closed-form non-linear hinge model based on the Third Point Bending Test (ThirdPBT) was developed by the authors. This model has been used as the basis of a simplified inverse analysis methodology to derive the tensile material properties from load-deflection response obtained from ThirdPBT experimental tests. In this paper, a non-linear finite element model (FEM) is presented with the objective of validate the closed-form non-linear hinge model. The state determination of the closed-form model is straightforward, which facilitates further inverse analysis methodologies to derive the tensile properties of UHPFRC. The accuracy of the closed-form non-linear hinge model is validated by a robust non-linear FEM analysis and a set of 15 Third-Point Bending tests with variable depths and a constant slenderness ratio of 4.5. The numerical validation shows excellent results in terms of load-deflection response, bending curvatures and average longitudinal strains when resorting to the discrete crack approach.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.145-153
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• 2019

Adaptive schemes are constructed in this paper for modeling the effective chloride diffusion coefficient of cement-based materials (paste and concrete). Based on the polarization approximations for the effective conductivity of isotropic multicomponent materials, we develop some fitting procedures to include more information about the materials, to improve the accuracy of the scheme. The variable reference parameter of the approximation involves a few free scalars, which are determined through the available numerical or experimental values of the macroscopic chloride diffusion coefficient of cement paste or concrete at some volume proportions of the component materials. The various factors that affect the chloride diffusivity of cement-based material (porous material structure, uncertainty of value of the chloride diffusion coefficient in water-saturated pore spaces, etc.) may be accounted to make the predictions more accurate. Illustrations of applications are provided in a number of examples to show the usefulness of the approach.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.81-95
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• 2019

The unexpected seismic interaction of dry-assembled precast concrete frame structures typical of the European heritage with their precast cladding panels brought to extensive failures of the panels during recent earthquakes due to the inadequateness of their connection systems. Following this recognition, an experimental campaign of cyclic and pseudo-dynamic tests has been performed at ELSA laboratory of the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission on a full-scale prototype of precast structure with vertical and horizontal cladding panels within the framework of the Safecladding project. The panels were connected to the frame structure by means of innovative arrangements of fastening systems including isostatic, integrated and dissipative. Many of the investigated configurations involved a strong frame-cladding interaction, modifying the structural behaviour of the frame turning it into highly non-linear since small deformation. In such cases, properly modelling the connections becomes fundamental in the framework of a design by non-linear dynamic analysis. This paper presents the peculiarities of the numerical models of precast frame structures equipped with the various cladding connection systems which have been set to predict and simulate the experimental results from pseudo-dynamic tests. The comparison allows to validate the structural models and to derive recommendations for a proper modelling of the different types of existing and innovative cladding connection systems.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.37-47
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• 2019

In view of the increasing utility of concrete as a construction material, the major challenge is to improve the quality of construction. Nowadays the common problem faced by many of the concrete plants is the shortage of river sand as fine aggregate material. This led to the utilization of locally available materials from quarries as fine aggregate. With the percentage of fines present in Crushed Rock Fines (CRF)or crushed sand is more compared to river sand, it shows a better performance in terms of fresh properties. The present study deals with the formulation of SCC mix design based on the chosen plastic viscosity of the mix and the measured plastic viscosity of cement pastes incorporating supplementary cementitious materials with CRF and river sand as a fine aggregate. Four different combinations including two binary and one ternary mix are adopted for the current study. Influence of plastic viscosity of the mix on the fresh and hardened properties are investigated for SCC mixes with varying water to cement ratios. It is observed that for an increasing plastic viscosity of the mix, slump flow, T500 and J-ring spread increased but V-funnel and L-box decreased. Compressive, split tensile and flexural strengths decreased with the increase in plastic viscosity.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.97-106
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• 2019

This paper describes the design of a new interlocking masonry system, the production of designed interlocking units and mechanical properties of interlocked masonry assemblages with mortar. In this proposed system, units have horizontal and vertical locks to integrate the units to the wall and have a channel to enable the use of horizontal reinforcements in the wall. Using these units, unfilled, filled or reinforced walls can be constructed with or without mortar. In the production of the interlocking units, it was decided to use foamed concrete. 12 trial productions have been carried out at different mix proportions to obtain the optimum concrete mix. At the end of the mentioned productions, the units were produced with foam concrete which is selected as the most suitable in terms of compressive strength and specific gravity. Then, axial compression, diagonal tension and bed joint shear tests were carried out to determine the mechanical properties of the interlocked masonry assemblages with mortar. Results from the tests showed that interlocks designed to strengthen the system against shear stresses by creating discontinuity throughout the joints have been successful to achieve their aim. Obtained data will enable structural analysis of walls to be constructed with these new units.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.133-143
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• 2019

The paper presents the experimental investigations into the effect of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) on the time-dependent tensile strength of concrete. The splitting and flexural tensile strength of concrete was determined at the ages of 3, 7, 28, 56, 90, 150 and 180 days using the cylindrical and prism specimens respectively for plain and GGBFS concrete. The amount of cement replacement by GGBFS was 0%, 40% and 60% on the weight basis. The maximum curing age was kept as 28 days. The results showed that the splitting and flexural tensile strength of concrete containing GGBFS has been found lower than the plain concrete at all ages and for all mixes. The tensile strength of 40 percent replacement has been found higher than the 60 percent at all ages and for all mixes. The rate of gain of splitting and flexural tensile strength of 40 percent GGBFS concrete is found higher than the plain concrete and 60 percent GGBFS concrete at the ages varying from 28 to 180 days. The experimental results of time-dependent tensile strength of concrete are compared with the available models. New models for the prediction of time-dependent splitting and flexural tensile strength of concrete containing GGBFS are proposed. The present experimental and analytical study will be helpful for the designers to know the time-dependent tensile properties of GGBFS concrete to meet the design requirements of liquid retaining reinforced and pre-stressed concrete structures.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.377-398
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• 2019

Behavior of RC beam-column joint is very complex as the composite material behaves differently in elastic and inelastic range. The approaches generally used for predicting joint shear strength are either based on theoretical, strut-and-tie or empirical methods. These approaches are incapable of predicting the accurate response of the joint for entire range of loading. In the present study a new generalized RC beam-column joint shear strength model based on hybrid approach i.e. combined strut-and-tie and empirical approach has been proposed. The contribution of governing parameters affecting the joint shear strength under compression has been derived from compressive strut approach whereas; the governing parameters active under tension has been extracted from empirical approach. The proposed model is applicable for various conditions such as, joints reinforced either with or without shear reinforcement, joints with wide beam or wide column, joints with transverse beams and slab, joints reinforced with X-bars, different anchorage of beam bar, and column subjected to various axial loading conditions. The joint shear strength prediction of the proposed model has been compared with 435 experimental results and with eleven popular models from literature. In comparison to other eleven models the prediction of the proposed model is found closest to the experimental results. Moreover, from statistical analysis of the results, the proposed model has the least coefficient of variation. The proposed model is simple in application and can be effectively used by designers.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.445-457
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• 2019

Cracks are an important distress of concrete bridges, and may reduce the life and safety of bridges. However, the traditional manual crack detection means highly depend on the experience of inspectors. Furthermore, it is time-consuming, expensive, and often unsafe when inaccessible position of bridge is to be assessed, such as viaduct pier. To solve this question, the real-time automatic crack detecting system with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) become a choice. This paper designs a new automatic detection system based on real-time comprehensive image processing for bridge crack. It has small size, light weight, low power consumption and can be carried on a small UAV for real-time data acquisition and processing. The real-time comprehensive image processing algorithm used in this detection system combines the advantage of connected domain area, shape extremum, morphology and support vector data description (SVDD). The performance and validity of the proposed algorithm and system are verified. Compared with other detection method, the proposed system can effectively detect cracks with high detection accuracy and high speed. The designed system in this paper is suitable for practical engineering applications.