• Computers and Concrete
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.745-753
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• 2017

Dynamic analysis of a concrete pipes armed with Silica ($SiO_2$) nanoparticles subjected to earthquake load is presented. The structure is modeled with first order shear deformation theory (FSDT) of cylindrical shells. Mori-Tanaka approach is applied for obtaining the equivalent material properties of the structure considering agglomeration effects. Based on energy method and Hamilton's principle, the motion equations are derived. Utilizing the harmonic differential quadrature method (HDQM) and Newmark method, the dynamic displacement of the structure is calculated for the Kobe earthquake. The effects of different parameters such as geometrical parameters of pipe, boundary conditions, $SiO_2$ volume percent and agglomeration are shown on the dynamic response of the structure. The results indicate that reinforcing the concrete pipes by $SiO_2$ nanoparticles leads to a reduction in the displacement of the structure during an earthquake.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.737-744
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• 2017

Geopolymer Concrete is typically proportioned with activator solution leading to moderately high material cost. Such cost can be enduring in high value added applications especially when cost savings can be recognized in terms of reduction in size of the members. Proper material selection and mix proportioning can diminish the material cost. In the present investigation, a total of 27 mixes were arrived considering the mix parameters as liquid-binder ratio, slag content and sodium hydroxide concentration to study the mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete (GPC) mixes such as compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural strength. The derived statistical Response Surface Methodology is beleaguered to develop cost effective GPC mixes. The estimated responses are not likely to contrast in linear mode with selected variables; a plan was selected to enable the model of any response in a quadratic manner. The results reveals that a fair correlation between the experimental and the predicted strengths.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.667-675
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• 2017

One of the main disadvantages of Ultra High Performance Concrete exists in the large suggested value of UHPC ingredients. The purpose of this study was to find the models mechanical properties which included a 7, 14 and 28-day compressive strength test, a 28-day splitting tensile and modulus of rupture test for Ultra High Performance Concrete, as well as, a study on the interaction and correlation of five variables that includes silica fume amount (SF), cement 42.5 amount, steel fiber amount, superplasticizer amount (SP), and w/c mechanical properties of UHPC. The response surface methodology was analyzed between the variables and responses. The relationships and mathematical models in terms of coded variables were established by ANOVA. The validity of models were checked by experimental values. The offered models are valid for mixes with the fraction proportion of fine aggregate as; 0.70-1.30 cement amount, 0.15-0.30 silica fume, 0.04-0.08 superplasticizer, 0.10-0.20 steel fiber, and 0.18-0.32 water binder ratio.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.677-687
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• 2017

The nonlinear buckling response of nano composite anti-symmetric functionally graded polymeric microplate reinforced by single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) rested on orthotropic elastomeric foundation with temperature dependent properties is investigated. For the carbon-nanotube reinforced composite (CNTRC) microplate, a uniform distribution (UD) and four types of functionally graded (FG) distribution are considered. Based on orthotropic Mindlin plate theory, von Karman geometric nonlinearity and Hamilton's principle, the governing equations are derived. Generalized differential quadrature method (GDQM) is employed to calculate the non-linear buckling response of the plate. Effects of FG distribution type, elastomeric foundation, aspect ratio (thickness to width ratio), boundary condition, orientation of foundation orthotropy and temperature are considered. The results are validated. It is found that the critical buckling load without elastic medium is significantly lower than considering Winkler and Pasternak medium.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.989-999
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• 2015

An advanced continuum-based multi-physical single particle model was recently introduce for the hydration of tricalcium silicate ($C_3S$). In this model, the dissolution and the precipitation events are modeled as two different yet simultaneous chemical reactions. Product precipitation involves a nucleation and growth mechanism wherein nucleation is assumed to happen only at the surface of the unreacted core and product growth is characterized via a two-step densification mechanism having rapid growth of a low density initial product followed by slow densification. Although this modeling strategy has been shown to nicely mimic all stages of $C_3S$ hydration - dissolution, dormancy (induction), the onset of rapid hydration, the transition to slow hydration and prolonged reaction - the major criticism is that many adjustable parameters are required. If formulated correctly, however, the model parameters are shown here to be statistically independent and significant.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.865-878
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• 2015

In order to construct a multiscale model for the compressive strength of plain concrete columns with circular cross section subjected to central longitudinal compressive load, a column failure mechanism is proposed based on the theory of internal instability. Based on an energy analysis, the multiscale model is developed to describe the failure process and predict the column's compressive strength. Comparisons of the predicted results with experimental data show that the proposed multiscale model can accurately represent both the compressive strength of the concrete columns with circular cross section, and the effect of column size on its strength.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.157-166
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• 2018

This article presents the flexural behaviour of reinforced fly ash (FA)-based geopolymer concrete (GPC) beams with partial replacement of FA for about 10% by weight with paper sludge ash (PSA). The beams were made of M35 grade concrete and cured under three curing conditions for comparison viz., ambient curing, external exposure curing, and oven curing at $60^{\circ}C$. The beams were experimentally tested at the 28th day of casting after curing by conducting two-point loading flexural test. Performance aspects such as load carrying capacity, first crack load, load-deflection and moment-curvature behaviours of both types of beams were experimentally studied and their results were compared under different curing conditions. To verify the response of reinforced GPC beams numerically, an ANSYS 13.0 finite element program was also used. The result shows that there is a good agreement between computer model failure behaviour with the experimental failure behaviour.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.111-116
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• 2018

Establishment of test methods to assess the fresh properties of self-compacting concrete (SCC) are required to ensure the homogeneity in fresh and hardened states. This paper discusses the suitability of a simple test method for assessing the slump flow and stability of SCC by testing on self-compacting mortar (SCM) fraction. The proposed test method aims at investigating slump flow diameter test and sieve stability test of SCC by testing SCM fraction with a plunger penetration apparatus. A central composite modeling design was performed to evaluate the effects of water/cement ratio (W/C), superplasticizer dosage (SP) and powder marble content (MP) on slump flow diameter, stability and plunger penetration test of fresh SCC. The responses of the derived statistical models are slump flow (Sf), sieve stability (S) and plunger penetration (P). Relationships obtained in this study show acceptable correlations between plunger penetration test value and slump flow diameter test results and stability. It should note that the developed relationships are very useful to predict slump flow diameter and stability of studied SCC mixtures by carrying out a simple plunger penetration test on its mortar, which can save labour and time in laboratory experiments.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.387-403
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• 2014

The aim of this study is to assess the structural performance of deteriorated reinforced concrete bridge piers, and to provide method for developing improved evaluation method. For a deteriorated bridge piers, once the cover spalls off and bond between the reinforcement and concrete has been lost, compressed reinforcements are likely to buckle. By using a sophisticated nonlinear finite element analysis program, the accuracy and objectivity of the assessment process can be enhanced. A computer program, RCAHEST (Reinforced Concrete Analysis in Higher Evaluation System Technology), is used to analyze reinforced concrete structures. Material nonlinearity is taken into account by comprising tensile, compressive and shear models of cracked concrete and a model of reinforcing steel. Advanced deteriorated material models are developed to predict behaviors of deteriorated reinforced concrete. The proposed numerical method for the structural performance assessment of deteriorated reinforced concrete bridge piers is verified by comparing it with reliable experimental results. Additionally, the studies and discussions presented in this investigation provide an insight into the key behavioral aspects of deteriorated reinforced concrete bridge piers.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.369-385
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• 2014

In the existing method for analyzing the liquid tightness of the outer concrete tank in an emergency LNG spillage, the temperature variation over time inside the tank, and the concrete properties dependent on temperature and internal moisture content, have not been taken into account. In this study, the analyses for a typical LNG concrete tank subjected to thermal load due to spillage were performed with three different cases: the existing method was adopted in the first case, the transient temperature variation was considered in the second, and the temperature-moisture content dependent concrete properties were taken into account as well as the transient states of temperature in the third. The analysis results for deformation, compressive zone size, cracking, and stress of reinforcements were compared, and a discussion on the difference between the results obtained from the different analysis cases was made.