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This paper investigates the possibility of energy harvesting using Fiber Reinforced Plastic beams under cyclic loading. The behaviour of E-glass fiber/epoxy and Hemp fiber/epoxy laminated beams reinforced with piezoelectric fibers is examined by evaluating their bending strain and deflection. An optimum stacking sequence for all types of reinforcement: E-glass fibers, hemp fibers, and piezoelectric fibers, is suggested such that energy harvesting potential is maximized while failure and damage accumulation remain at low levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wide production of construction and demolition waste and its illegal deposition are serious current problems in Tunisia and worldwide. This study is a contribution to a Tunisian national program held to promote the utilization of Construction and Demolition Waste (C & D waste). It is focused on the evaluation of the possibility of reusing C & D waste aggregate (Debris of masonry) as a substitute for natural aggregate to produce 'waste concrete' used in structural application such as beams. This paper investigates the flexural behaviour of three types of reinforced concrete (RC) beams: full normal concrete beams, full waste concrete beams and laminated beams (waste concrete / normal concrete beams). Both 'waste concrete' and 'waste aggregates' are characterized to optimize the physical and mechanical properties. The influence of this substitution on the compressive strength, the tensile strength and the structural behaviour of this material was studied. Four points bending tests were carried out on laminated beams and the experimental results are compared to full waste concrete beams and full normal concrete beams. Flexural behaviour of the laminated beam compared to full normal concrete beam shows good performance. As the waste concrete is confined to the tensile zone of the laminated beam and does not affect the strength of the compressive zone of the beam, the strength loss (usually 15 to 20%) due to replacing the normal concrete by the waste concrete can be in this case reduced and make possible the use of recycled waste aggregates in concrete for structural application (beams). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]