• Computers and Concrete
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.399-412
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• 2019

In this investigation, Elman neural networks were utilized for predicting the mechanical properties of Self-Compacting Concretes (SCCs). Elman models were designed by using experimental data of many different concrete mixdesigns of various types of SCC that were collected from the literature. In order to investigate the effectiveness of the selected input variables on the network performance in predicting intended properties, utilized data in artificial neural networks were considered in two sets of 8 and 140 input variables. The obtained outcomes showed that not only can the developed Elman ANNs predict the mechanical properties of SCCs with high accuracy, but also for all of the desired outputs, networks with 140 inputs, compared to ones with 8, have a remarkable percent improvement in the obtained prediction results. The prediction accuracy can significantly be improved by using a more complete and accurate set of key factors affecting the desired outputs, as input variables, in the networks, which is leading to more similarity of the predicted results gained from networks to experimental results.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.39-51
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• 2022

The axial compression behavior of nine self-compacting concrete columns confined with CFRP-PVC spirals was studied. Three parameters of spiral reinforcement spacing, spiral reinforcement diameter and height diameter ratio were studied. The test results show that the CFRP strip and PVC tube are destroyed first, and the spiral reinforcement and longitudinal reinforcement yield. The results show that with the increase of spiral reinforcement spacing, the peak bearing capacity decreases, but the ductility increases; with the increase of spiral reinforcement diameter, the peak bearing capacity increases, but has little effect on ductility, and the specimen with the ratio of height to diameter of 7.5 has the best mechanical properties. According to the reasonable constitutive relation of material, the finite element model of axial compression is established. Based on the verified finite element model, the stress mechanism is revealed. Finally, the composite constraint model and bearing capacity calculation method are proposed.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.205-216
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• 2024

Self-Curing Self Compacting Concrete (SCSCC), is a special concrete in contemporary construction practice aimed at enhancing the performance of structural concrete. Its primary function is to ensure a sufficient moisture supply that facilitates hydration along with flow, particularly in the context of high-rise buildings and tall structures. This innovative concrete addresses the challenges of maintaining adequate curing conditions in large-scale projects, maintaining requisite workability, contributing to the overall durability and longevity of concrete structures. For implementing such a versatile material in construction, it is imperative to understand the stress-strain (S-S) behaviour. The primary aim of this study is to develop the S-S curves for TCSCSCC and compare through experimental results. Finite element (FE) analysis based ATENA-GiD was employed for the numerical simulation and develop the analytical stress-strain curves by introducing parameters viz., grade of concrete, tie diameter, tie spacing and yield strength. The stress ratio and the strain ratios are evaluated and compared with experimental values. The mean error is 1.2% with respect to stresses and 2.2% in case of strain. Finally, the stress block parameters for tie confined SCSCC are evaluated and equations are proposed for the same in terms of confinement index.

• Magazine of the Korea Concrete Institute
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• v.18 no.4 s.93
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• pp.68-72
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• 2006

• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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• v.13 no.1 s.53
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• pp.161-168
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• 2009

In this study, the concrete, in which the steel fiber(SF) with different volume-surface ratios and lengths was intermixed in High flowing Self-Compacting Concrete(HSCC), was produced to compare with steel fiber reinforced concrete as a part of plan to improve the workability and the quality of steel fiber reinforced concrete. As the result of experiment, the flowing and passing characteristics of HSCC intermixed with SF was highly improved as there was no fiber ball phenomenon due to the effect of high flowability and the viscosity, and in the identical range of compressive strength, it showed the tendency that the splitting and flexural strength was increasing as the length was getting longer regardless of volume-surface ratio when compared with HSCC which was intermixed with SF. It is estimated that in case of application of HSCC intermixed with steel fiber to work sites, it would be possible to improve the workability and the quality which would be better than that of steel fiber reinforced concrete which has been used.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.407-417
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• 2018

Over the past three decades, self-compacting concrete (SCC), which is characterized by its superior rheological properties, has been gradually used in construction industry. It is now recognized that the application of SCC using supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) is highly attractive and promising technology reducing the environmental impact of the construction industry and reducing the higher materials costs. This paper presents an experimental study that investigated the mechanical and durability properties of SCCs manufactured with blended binders including fly ash, slag, and micro-silica. A total of 8 batches of SCCs were manufactured. As series of tests were conducted to establish the rheological properties, compressive strength, and durability properties including the water absorption, water permeability, rapid chloride permeability and initial surface absorption of the SCCs. The influences of the SCC strength grade, blended types and content on the properties of the SCCs are investigated. Unified reactive indices are proposed based on the mix proportion and the chemical composition of the corresponding binders are used to assess the compressive strength and strength development of the SCCs. The results also indicate the differences in the underlying mechanisms to drive the durability properties of the SCC at the different strength grades.

• Advances in concrete construction
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.123-143
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• 2018

Self compacting concrete (SCC) has good flowability, passability and segregation resistance because of voluminous cementitious material & high coarse aggregate to fine aggregate ratio, and high free water availability. But these factors make it highly susceptible to shrinkage. Fibers are known to reduce shrinkage in concrete mixes. Until now for conserving cement, only pozzolanic materials are admixed in concrete to yield a SCC. Hence, this study compares the use of wollastonite micro fiber (WMF), a cheap pozzolanic easily processed raw mineral fiber, and flyash in yielding economical SCC for rigid pavement. Microsilica was used as a complimentary material with both admixtures. Since WMF has large surface area ($827m^2/kg$), is acicular in nature; therefore its use in yielding SCC was dubious. Binary and ternary mixes were constituted for WMF and flyash, respectively. Paste mixes were tested for compatibility with superplasticizer and trials were performed on a normal concrete mix of flexural strength 4.5 MPa to yield SCC. Flexural strength test and restrained shrinkage test were performed on those mixes, which qualified self compacting criteria. Results revealed that WMF admixed pastes have high water demand, and comparable setting times to flyash mixes. Workability tests showed that 20% WMF with microsilica (5-7.5%) is efficient enough in achieving SCC and higher flexural strength than normal concrete at 90 days. Also, stress rate due to shrinkage was lesser and time duration for final strain was higher in WMF admixed SCC which encourages its use in yielding a SCC than pozzolanic materials.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.199-207
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• 2018

With the development of concrete technology, producing concrete products that have the ability to flow under their own weights and do not need internal or external vibrations is an important achievement. In this study, assessments are made on using travertine, marble and limestone rock flours in self-compacting lightweight concrete (SCLC). In fact, the effects of these powders on plastic and hardened phases of SCLC are studied. To address this issue, concrete mixtures with water to cementitious materials ratios of 0.42 and 0.45 were used. These mixtures were made with 0 and 10% silica fume (SF) replacement levels by cement weight. To achieve lightweight concrete, lightweight expanded clay aggregate (Leca) with the bulk density of about $520kg/m^3 $was utilized. Also two kinds of water were consumed involving tap water and magnetic water (MW) for investigating the possible interaction of MW and rock flour type. In this study, 12 mixtures were studied, and their specific weights were in the range of $1660-1692kg/m^3$. To study the mixtures in plastic phase, tests such as slump flow, J-ring, V-funnel and U-box were performed. By using marble and travertine powders instead of limestone flour, the plastic viscosities and rheology were not changed considerably and they remained in the range of regulations. Moreover, SCLC showed better compressive strength with travertine, and then with marble rock flours compared to limestone powders. According to the results of the conducted study, MW showed better performance in both fresh and hardened phases in all the mixes, and there was no interaction between MW and rock flour type.

• Proceedings of the Korea Concrete Institute Conference
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• 2008.11a
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• pp.365-368
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• 2008

In recent, the crushed sand as a fine aggregate has increasingly used for concrete industry due to the shortage of natural sand from river and the growing demand for protection of natural environments. Aggregates may have a significant influence on the properties of self-compacting concrete (SCC) including self-compacting mortar (SCM). The rheological properties of SCC and SCM using crushed sand as a fine aggregate has been compared to that of SCC and SCM using natural sand and mixed sand of both. Test results indicate that the yield stress of SCM containing 50% of mixed sand present higher than those prepared with natural sand and crushed sand according to SP content. the slump values of SCC with natural sand have approximately 5-15% higher than those of SCC with crushed sand. Also the L-box test values ($H_2/H_1$) of SCC with natural sand have approximately 20-30 higher than those of SCC with crushed sand under same water/cement ratio and viscosity enhancing admixture.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.489-499
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• 2017

Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) is a new technology capable to flow without segregation or any addition of energy which leads to efficient construction and cost savings. In this study, the effect of replacing the Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) with Fly Ash (FA) on the strength, durability of the concrete was investigated experimentally, and carbon footprint and cost were also assessed. Four different replacement FA ratios (0%, 20%, 40% and 60%) were used to create four SCC mixes. Standard test methods were used to determine the workability, strength, and durability of the SCC mixes including resist chloride ion penetration, water permeability, water absorption, and initial surface absorption. The axial cube compressive strength tests were performed on the SCC mixes at 1, 7, 14, 28 and 35 days. Replacing the OPC with FA had a significant positive impact on chloride iron penetration resistance and water absorption but had a considerable negative impact on the compressive strength. The SCC mix with 60% FA had 36.7% and 15.8% enhancement in the resistance to chloride ion penetration and water absorption, respectively. Evaluation of the carbon footprint and the cost of each SCC mixes showed the $CO_2$ emissions mixes 1, 2, 3 and 4 were significantly reduced by increasing the FA content from 0% to 60%. Compared with the control mix, the cost of all mixes increased when the FA content increased, but no significant differences were seen between the estimated costs of all four mixes.