• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.61 no.6
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• pp.711-719
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• 2017

This study investigates the effects of reinforcing bar diameter and cover depth on the shrinkage behavior of restrained ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) slabs. For this, twelve large-sized UHPFRC slabs with three different rebar diameters ($d_b=9.5$, 15.9, and 22.2 mm) and four different cover depths (h=5, 10, 20, and 30 mm) were fabricated. In addition, a large-sized UHPFRC slab without steel rebar was fabricated for evaluating degree of restraint. Test results revealed that the uses of steel rebar with a large diameter, leading to a larger reinforcement ratio, and a low cover depth are unfavorable regarding the restrained shrinkage performance of UHPFRC slabs, since a larger rebar diameter and a lower cover depth result in a higher degree of restraint. The shrinkage strain near the exposed surface was high because of water evaporation. However, below a depth of 18 mm, the shrinkage strain was seldom influenced by the cover depth; this was because of the very dense microstructure of UHPFRC. Finally, owing to their superior tensile strength, all UHPFRC slabs with steel rebars tested in this study showed no shrinkage cracks until 30 days.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.1 no.4
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• pp.369-384
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• 2005

The main objectives of this paper are to demonstrate the feasibility of using newly developed smart GFRP reinforcements to effectively monitor reinforced concrete beams subjected to flexural and creep loads, and to develop non-linear numerical models to predict the behavior of these beams. The smart glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) rebars are fabricated using a modified pultrusion process, which allows the simultaneous embeddement of Fabry-Perot fiber-optic sensors within them. Two beams are subjected to static and repeated loads (until failure), and a third one is under long-term investigation for assessment of its creep behavior. The accuracy and reliability of the strain readings from the embedded sensors are verified by comparison with corresponding readings from surface attached electrical strain gages. Nonlinear finite element modeling of the smart concrete beams is subsequently performed. These models are shown to be effective in predicting various parameters of interest such as crack patterns, failure loads, strains and stresses. The strain values computed by these numerical models agree well with corresponding readings from the embedded fiber-optic sensors.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.83 no.4
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• pp.563-576
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• 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the progressive collapse potential of buildings designed using conventional design codes for the merchant occupancy classification and subjected to a sudden column failure. For this purpose, three reinforced concrete buildings having different story numbers were designed according to the seismic design recommendations of TSCB-2019. Later on, the buildings were analyzed using the GSA-2016 and UFC 4-023-03 to observe their progressive collapse responses. Three columns were removed independently in the structures from different locations. Nonlinear dynamic analysis method for the alternate path direct design approach was implemented for the design evaluation. The plasticity of the structural members was simulated by using nonlinear fiber hinges. The moment, axial, and shear force interaction on the hinges was considered by the Modified Compression Field Theory. Moreover, an existing experimental study investigating the progressive collapse behavior of reinforced concrete structures was used to observe the validation of nonlinear fiber hinges and the applied analysis methodology. The study results deduce that a limited local collapse disproportionately more extensive than the initial failure was experienced on the buildings designed according to TSCB-2019. The mercantile structures designed according to current seismic codes require additional direct design considerations to improve their progressive collapse resistance against the risk of a sudden column loss.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2018

Electrical resistivity is a property associated with both the physical and chemical characteristics of concrete. It allows the evaluation of the greater or lesser difficulty with which aggressive substances penetrate the concrete's core before the dissolution of the passive film process and the consequent reinforcement's corrosion begin. This work addresses the steel fiber addition to concrete with two types and various contents from 0% to 1.3%, correlating it with its electrical resistivity. To that effect, 9 different mixes of steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) were produced. The electrical resistivity was evaluated on the on six years aged SFRC by direct measurement at different frequency from 0.1 kHz to 100 kHz. The results indicate that steel fiber content is strongly conditioned by the type and quantity of the additions used. It was also found that long type of fibers has more effect on decreasing the electrical resistivity of concrete than short fibers. Therefore, they increase the corrosion risk of concrete depending on fiber volume fraction and moisture percentage.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.107-136
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• 2006

The present paper proposes a semi-empirical analytical expression that is capable of determining the shear strength of reinforced concrete beams with longitudinal bars, in the presence of reinforcing fibers and transverse stirrups. The expression is based on an evaluation of the strength contribution of beam and arch actions and it makes it possible to take their interaction with the fibers into account. For the strength contribution of stirrups, the effective stress reached at beam failure was considered by introducing an effectiveness function. This function shows the share of beam action strength contribution on the global strength of the beam calculated including the effect of fibers. The expression is calibrated on the basis of experimental data available in literature referring to fibrous reinforced concrete beams with steel fibers and recently obtained by the authors. It can also include the following variables in the strength previsions: - geometrical ratio of longitudinal bars in tension; - shear span to depth ratio; - strength of materials and fiber characteristics; - size effects. Finally, some of the more recent analytical expressions that are capable of predicting the shear strength of fibrous concrete beams, also in the presence of stirrups, are mentioned and a comparison is made with experimental data and with the results obtained by the authors.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.37-49
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• 2019

In this study, the shear behaviour of reinforced concrete (RC) beams that were retrofitted using precast panels of ultra-high performance fiber reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) is presented. The precast UHPFRC panels were glued to the side surfaces of RC beams using epoxy adhesive in two different configurations: (i) retrofitting two sides, and (ii) retrofitting three sides. Experimental tests on the adhesive bond were conducted to estimate the bond capacity between the UHPFRC and normal concrete. All the specimens were tested in shear under varying levels of shear span-to-depth ratio (a/d=1.0; 1.5). For both types of configuration, the retrofitted specimens exhibited a significant improvement in terms of stiffness, load carrying capacity and failure mode. In addition, the UHPFRC retrofitting panels glued in three-sides shifted the failure from brittle shear to a more ductile flexural failure with enhancing the shear capacity up to 70%. This was more noticeable in beams that were tested with a/d=1.5. An approach for the approximation of the failure capacity of the retrofitted RC beams was evolved using a multi-level regression of the data obtained from the experimental work. The predicted values of strength have been validated by comparing them with the available test data. In addition, a 3-D finite element model (FEM) was developed to estimate the failure load and overall behaviour of the retrofitted beams. The FEM of the retrofitted beams was conducted using the non-linear finite element software ABAQUS.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.74 no.4
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• pp.503-514
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• 2020

This study proposes prediction models for the shear strength of steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) and ultra-high-performance fiber reinforced concrete (UHPC) beams using a Bayesian parameter estimation approach and a collected experimental database. Previous researchers had already proposed shear strength prediction models for SFRC and UHPC beams, but their performances were limited in terms of their prediction accuracies and the applicability to UHPC beams. Therefore, this study adopted a statistical approach based on a collected database to develop prediction models. In the database, 89 and 37 experimental data for SFRC and UHPC beams without stirrups were collected, respectively, and the proposed equations were developed using the Bayesian parameter estimation approach. The proposed models have a simplified form with important parameters, and in comparison to the existing prediction models, provide unbiased high prediction accuracy.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.55 no.1
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• pp.137-160
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• 2015

The one-way (two-way) flexural strength of RCC prisms (circular slabs) reinforced with glass fiber textiles is addressed. To this end, alkaline-resistant glass fiber textiles with three surface weights were used in the composite, the matrix concrete was designed with zero/nonzero slump, and the textiles were used with/without an intermediate layer provided by epoxy resin and sand mortar. Prisms were tested under a four-point loading apparatus and circular slabs were placed on simple supports under a central load. Effects of the amount and geometry of reinforcement, matrix workability, and the intermediate layer on the ultimate load and deflection were investigated. Results revealed that, with a specific reinforcement amount, there is an optimum textile tex for each case, depending on the matrix mix design and the presence of intermediate layer. Similar results were obtained in one-way and two-way bending tests.

• Advances in concrete construction
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.387-395
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• 2020

This study has been carried out in two-phases to develop Fiber Reinforced Self-Compacting Concrete (FRSCC) performance. In the first phase, the composition of the quaternary composite binder compromised CEM I 42.5N (58-70%), Rice Husk Ash (25-37%), quartz sand (2.5-7.5%) and limestone crushing waste (2.5-7.5%) were optimized. And in the second phase, the effect of two fiber types (steel brass-plated and basalt) was investigated on the SCC optimized with the optimum CB as disperse reinforcement at 6 different ratios of 1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, and 2.0% by weight of mix for each type. In this study, the theoretical principles of the synthesis of self-compacting dispersion-reinforced concrete have been developed which consists of optimizing structure-formation processes through the use of a mineral modifier, together with ground crushed cement in a vario-planetary mill to a specific surface area of 550 m2 / kg. The amorphous silica in the modifier composition intensifies the binding of calcium hydroxide formed during the hydration of C3S, helps reduce the basicity of the cement-composite, while reducing the growth of portlandite crystals. Limestone particles contribute to the formation of calcium hydrocarbonate and, together with fine ground quartz sand; act as microfiller, clogging the pores of the cement. Furthermore, the results revealed that the effect of fiber addition improves the mechanical properties of FRSCC. It was found that the steel fiber performed better than basalt fiber on tensile strength and modulus of elasticity; however, both fibers have the same performance on the first crack strength and sample destruction of FRSCC. It also illustrates that there will be an optimum percentage of fiber addition.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.52 no.6
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• pp.1273-1287
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• 2014

Plates are most widely used in the hulls of floating concrete structures, bridge decks, walls of off-shore structures and liquid storage tanks. A method of analysis is presented for the determination of load-deflection response and ultimate strength of high-strength steel fiber reinforced concrete (HSSFRC) plates simply supported on all four edges and subjected to combined action of external compressive in-plane and transverse loads. The behavior of HSSFRC plate specimens subjected to combined uniaxial in-plane and transverse loads was investigated. The proposed analytical method is compared to the physical test results, and shows good agreement. To predict the constitutive behavior of HSSFRC in compression, a non-dimensional characteristic equation was proposed and found to give reasonable accuracy.