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This article shows the strain analysis on two cantilever cast-in-place prestressed concrete bridges during construction. Strain gauges, measuring strain based on the change in electrical resistance, were installed on both structures in order to obtain strain results during and after construction. Nonlinear numerical models were made to simulate the realistic behaviour of the structure and show the effect of creep and shrinkage during the construction phases. The numerical model taking into account creep and shrinkage is validated and shows good overlap with the measured results. Relative compressive stresses as well as the necessary precamber are shown. The effects of creep and shrinkage are analysed. Finally, the data can be used to analyse and compare other similar bridges and validate different numerical models. A recommendation for the design of future prestressed concrete balanced cantilever bridges is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fire is a sporadic disaster of concrete bridges, with diverse fire environments and complex damage mechanisms. Accurately evaluating the damage situation of concrete bridges after a fire is exceedingly challenging. This study formulates a damage analysis and assessment method based on the step-by-step and progressively deepening working principle. The method relies on fire scene numerical reconstruction and encompasses key technical aspects, including bridge detection and analysis during the fire incident, fire scene numerical reconstruction, and subsequent bridge damage assessment. Building upon these principles, the study utilizes results from the detection and analysis of the concrete T-girder bridge during a fire incident to establish Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Method (FEM) models for the numerical reconstruction of the fire scene. These models enable the calculation of varying temperature distributions and the evolution of the bridge under fire. Compared with the parameters obtained through the ISO834 method, the numerical reconstruction approaches not only enhances the accuracy of replicating the bridge combustion process but also enables the extraction of temperature field distribution patterns within the bridge fire space and its concrete components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary goals of this research are to examine the structural appearance of a horizontally curved bridge to identify any damages within the bridge structure, examine its dynamic and static reactions below moving load and service load (load combination) using CSI-Bridge Ver. 25, and to compare the static results with allowable values in the standards to determine the structural state of the bridge. Considering the findings for the appearance inspection, static and dynamic analysis, the bridge's superstructure and substructure did not sustain any damage. The measured values of static responses, such as positive bending moment, negative bending moment, compression stress, vertical deflection, and tensile stress, were found to be below the allowable thresholds in the ASSHTO LRFD-Bridge 2017, implying that the structural stiffness, bearing capacity, and load resistance are adequate, and that downward vertical deflection and cracks are unlikely to occur with structural component parts of the bridge under these types of designed loads. Dynamic research revealed that the dynamic natural frequency was lower than the live load natural frequency, indicating that the bridge structure is in a prolonged state of vibrating due to moving loads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcium sulfoaluminate belite (CSAB)-based cement exhibits useful properties such as low CO2 footprint, high early-age strength and shrinkage compensating behavior. Our previous study examined the mechanism of carbonation in CSAB-based binder and reported a higher degree of carbonation in CSAB-based binder compared to Portland cement (PC) binder. This study examines the admixing strategies to improve the carbonation resistance of CSAB-based binders. The addition of gypsum or calcium hydroxide reduced the carbonation depth (in natural and accelerated environments) in the CSAB binder. Gypsum addition reduced the pH and resulted in pore refinement. Whereas calcium hydroxide addition increased the pH and promoted the formation of monosulfate (AFm). Although the carbonation depth was reduced in the presence of gypsum or calcium hydroxide, the addition of calcium hydroxide offered a better admixing strategy due to its higher pH which is crucial for the passivation of reinforcement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Pier structures in port and fishing harbor facilities require dynamic analyses during the design phase to account for external dynamic forces because of their high flexibility. Dynamic forces are frequently approximated as equivalent static forces for design purposes in practical engineering applications, but the fluctuational effects induced by these dynamic forces can be neglected. As the frequency range of wave forces acting on pier structures (0.05–1.0 Hz) significantly overlaps with the typical natural frequency range of pier structures (0.25–4.0 Hz), the response of a pier structure can be amplified because of the dynamic effects of the waves. In this study, we conducted a dynamic analysis by applying wave forces—a representative dynamic load—to a pier structure. The results were compared with those from a static analysis. A fatigue life assessment, which is often overlooked in static analyses, was also performed. The findings indicated that the concrete at the connection between the upper pier and steel piles exhibited a fatigue life of 27.3 years. The steel piles exhibited fatigue lives of 27.1 and 8.3 years depending on the weld details, falling short of the expected structural durability. Based on these results, recommendations for pier structures are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past three decades, advancements in computational power and numerical methods have significantly enhanced the role of structural analyses in the design and safety assessment of dams. Simulating concrete dam behavior, particularly in interactions with reservoir water and rock foundations, poses formidable computational challenges. Additionally, the need to define uncertainties related to material parameters, loading conditions, and modeling strategy adds complexity to the modeling process, therefore, quantifying sources of uncertainty is crucial for maintaining credibility and confidence in analysis results. This paper provides a synthesis and an overview of existing research and presents a generic framework for evaluating the credibility of advanced structural analysis methods for concrete dams, with a focus on their limitations and associated uncertainties. The methodology includes a comprehensive process for structural analysis, verification, validation, and uncertainty quantification, aiming to facilitate condition assessments of concrete dams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probabilistic reliability analysis of a prestressed concrete bridge – Part 2 – Mechanical modelling and probabilistic reassessment of a single‐span 6‐webbed t–beam bridge In the second part of this article the limit state functions in the ultimate limit state for bending with axial force, shear with shear reinforcement and torsion are presented. The input variables of the mechanical resistance models are accompanied by numerous illustrations. The probabilistic verifications are carried out on the basis of the probabilistic models from the first part of this article and the mechanical models from this second part. In the subsequently compiled reliability analysis, reference is made to the semiprobabilistic calculation results. With the parameter studies it is shown which input variable measurable by non‐destructive testing methods have the greatest influence on the calculated reliability. On this basis finally it is shown what opportunities arise for a reassessment from conducting non‐destructive testing in the inspection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mass concrete plays a crucial role in infrastructure development, yet its complex thermo-mechanical behavior poses challenges, especially in the construction of multi-layered structures like pier heads. This study investigated the thermo-mechanical behavior of a pier head during its concreting process in three stages, including the influence of temperature differences that impact the thermomechanical balance of the concrete. By utilizing the ABAQUS software, thermo-mechanical analysis was conducted to simulate temperature fluctuations during cement hydration. The model integrates thermal analysis to simulate temperature fluctuations during cement hydration and stress distribution during construction, validated through mesh convergence studies and field data comparison. The mechanical analysis considered concrete properties, temperature variations, and construction phase. Nonlinear material behavior and contact interactions between layers were incorporated to obtain a realistic simulation. The results indicated that a multi-layer system can balance temperatures, reducing thermal stress-induced cracking risks. Furthermore, specific test points within the pier head were assessed, revealing potential internal cracks by comparing thermal stresses to the concrete's tensile strength. This research offers insight into pier head conditions during construction, highlighting critical stress zones, crack prediction, and construction sequence efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital fabrication of concrete structures has gained substantial research traction over the last decade, enabling efficient material use and adding more architectural freedom. Current research focuses on chemical and mineral admixtures, as well as manipulating the cement hydration reaction to control the yield stress evolution with time in the cement paste. Instead of providing yield stress through the concrete fluid properties, a high yield stress can be provided by interparticle friction from the use of high aggregate volumes and large nominal maximum aggregate size, with flow enhanced for material extrusion by vibration. Granular physics was applied to concrete mixture design to develop concrete mixtures with excellent edge retention abilities that flow easily under vibration. A linear regression analysis of concrete yield stress after vibration revealed that water content is most important, followed by fineness modulus of the aggregate combination and density after vibration. A decrease in water content, increase in fineness modulus and increase in density after vibration were found to increase the static yield stress after vibration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the problems of low tensile strength of composite mortar prone to cracking when reinforced concrete beams are strengthened by traditional methods, this paper proposes a new polyurethane concrete–prestressing wire (PUC–PSW) reinforcement method using polyurethane concrete (PUC) as the wire embedding material. Twelve reinforced concrete T-beams were tested for PUC–PSW flexural reinforcement. These consisted of one unreinforced beam, four PSW-reinforced beams and seven PUC–PSW-reinforced beams. The wire embedding material, wire anchorage form, PUC material depth, amount of wire and loading type were used as variables. The test results show that PUC–PSW reinforcement can significantly increase the yield load and ultimate load of the reinforced beams by 24.1% and 44.6%, respectively, compared with PSW reinforcement. When the load reached 90 kN, the crack widths of PSW-reinforced beam A2 and PUC–PSW-reinforced beam A8 were 0.17 mm and 0.1 mm, respectively. The ability of PUC–PSW reinforcement to limit crack development is better than that of PSW reinforcement, especially after the main beam steel yield. The strength, stiffness and crack-limiting ability of the reinforced beam increase with the PUC thickness of the reinforced layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cracks are the most typical faults of concrete structures, and their extension can lead to structural fracture. However, when cracks develop inside a structure, the most important depth information is invisible and difficult to measure. The tracer electromagnetic method is an effective technique for detecting the depth of concrete cracks, but since concrete is a multiphase stochastic composite material, its complex internal structure often interferes with the radar detection results, making the conventional radar interpretation technique difficult. In this study, the detection results for concrete crack depth detection based on the tracer electromagnetic method were comprehensively analyzed by combining the complex signal analysis technique, using transient information such as amplitude, phase, and frequency in order to improve the precision and accuracy of radar signal interpretation. In this study, a numerical model was established to determine whether typical cracks such as vertical cracks and diagonal cracks contain indicators or not, and the ground-penetrating radar forward simulation software was used to perform forward simulation of the numerical model and analyze the forward results. The complex signal analysis technique was used to obtain the response characteristics of typical cracks when they did and did not contain the indicator, and the complex signal was finally analyzed by combining it with the actual crack depth detection data. The results show that the tracer electromagnetic method can significantly improve the crack bottom's reflection ability for radar signals, and when the crack bottom contains an indicator, the amplitude of the reflected signal at the bottom of the crack is enhanced, the phase is reversed, and the frequency is reduced. The distribution of the crack morphology and the location of the crack bottom can be analyzed more conveniently by using the complex signal analysis technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To accurately quantify the time-varying pattern of concrete's compressive strength, selecting an appropriate curve model is of paramount importance. Currently, widely adopted models such as polynomial, hyperbolic, and exponential models all possess limitations, particularly in terms of low fitting accuracy during the ultra-early-age stage. This paper innovatively introduces a mathematical model that utilizes a combined curve approach. This model boasts a simplified structure with only two fitting parameters. Compared to traditional models, when utilizing three or more sets of experimental data on compressive strength across different ages, the new model is capable of yielding more precise strength predictions. Due to its minimal reliance on experimental data, the new model exhibits high practicality and convenience in real-world applications. To validate its superiority, a detailed comparison between the new model and existing models was conducted based on several sets of experimental data. The results demonstrate that the new model has significant advantages in terms of mean fitting error and standard deviation, making its predictions the most reliable. For most cases, the standard deviation of the new model is reduced by approximately 30% to 80% compared to the second-best model, underscoring its exceptional stability and consistency. Additionally, the predicted long-term compressive strength values of the new model are closer to the design strength grade of the concrete. This model can also be successfully applied to predict the tensile strength of concrete during its ultra-early age. It has been demonstrated that the combined model proposed in this paper shows promising application prospects in evaluating the time-varying behavior of concrete strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acoustic emission (AE) is well suited for the real-time monitoring and detection of damage in reinforced concrete structures. In this study, loading/unloading cycles up to failure were applied on three different full-scale beams, each with varying defect morphologies. An intensity analysis method was employed to assess the damage sensitivities of the defective structures under stress conditions. Specifically, the calm ratio, load ratio, severity, and historical index were identified as statistical parameters that can provide global information on the damage level. Consequently, they can be easily used as damage evolution indexes for reinforced concrete structures. Correlations between these parameters were investigated to better discriminate between their potentials and identify critical levels that might not be evident using parametric analysis. The AEI chart helps locate damaging areas, aiding focused repairs. For defected beams with broken strands, at low load, HI and SI fall in zone B (damage detected). At cycles 4 and 6, with significant deflection, they fall into a critical zone, E (severe damage). Comparing post-tensioned beams revealed defects correlating with damage susceptibility. B3 beams with diffused defects displayed high activity at higher loads. Applying a load–calm ratio chart, initial minor damage worsened progressively. Severe damage was prominent in defective B2 and B3 beams, reaching zone 3. The variation in the acquired parameters over time can then be considered as an affordable and reliable indicator of damage progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An innovative composite structural element, the dune sand concrete-filled circular steel tube (DS-CFCST) column combines the mechanical performance of concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) columns with the environmental and economic benefits of dune sand (DS) concrete. However, current experimental investigations into DS-CFCST columns' axial compressive behavior are limited. This study conducts a numerical analysis to examine the effects of varying DS replacement ratios and the influence of confinement on DS-CFCST stub columns. Finite element (FE) analysis reveals that DS-CFCST stub columns exhibit reduced ultimate bearing capacity compared to CFST columns, primarily due to weakened confinement effects at higher DS replacement ratios. A parametric study investigated the impacts of various design parameters on the ultimate axial bearing capacity of DS-CFCST stub columns. A practical design formula, based on equilibrium principles and the FE model, was developed. This formula simplifies the prediction of the ultimate load-bearing capacity of DS-CFCST stub columns using the superposition method. Its accuracy was validated by comparing it with experimental data and FE results. Lastly, a reliability analysis was performed, showing the DS-CFCST columns' reliability index sensitivity to variations in concrete strength, steel yield strength, steel content ratio, load effect ratio, load combination factor, and DS replacement ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid fibers are an interesting addition to reinforce geopolymer-based composites due to their advantages over single-fiber reinforcement. The performance of hybrid fibers is dependent on the fibers' composition, type, properties, length, and volume fraction. Therefore, this review discusses the state-of-the-art hybrid fiber-reinforced geopolymer composites (HFRGC) through two approaches: scientometric analysis and conventional review of HFRGC based on data extracted from Scopus from 2013 until 2023. The scientometric analysis was carried out by adopting VOS Viewer software and focuses on the annual publication of documents, top publication sources, co-occurrence keywords, researchers, top-cited papers, and countries. In contrast, the desk study refers to experimental data on the fresh properties and compressive, tensile, and flexural properties of HFRGC. This review output aids researchers in networking, promoting cooperative research, exchanging ideas, and creating joint ventures among researchers of HFRGC worldwide. The performance of HFRGC obtained from the desk study showed the potential of HFRGC as an option for a greener composite that will benefit the construction industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the effect of the temperature of the self-consolidating concrete (SCC) mixture during casting on fresh and hardened properties for two types of SCC. Also, the rheological properties of the mixtures were assessed at specific time intervals (0, 20 and 40 min after mixing) to determine their sensitivity to changes in mixtures' properties and temperature over time. For this purpose, two categories of SCC were prepared: Powder type and Viscosity-Agent type. Silica fume, metakaolin (MK) and slag were utilised as substitutes for cement in these samples. The mixtures were tested at low and high temperatures of 5 °C and 34 °C, respectively, with an average temperature of 21 °C. Results indicated that as the mixture temperature decreased, the yield stress decreased by 30% and the plastic viscosity increased by 25% on average. Conversely, as the temperature increased, the yield stress increased by 20% and the plastic viscosity decreased by 40% on average. Moreover, increasing the mixture temperature resulted in a 10% increase in the 7-d compressive strength but a 15% decrease in the 28-d compressive strength of the specimens. Additionally, increasing the rest time after mixing increased the yield stress, while the plastic viscosity remained relatively stable with occasional increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In the present study, the application of a recent damage plasticity model is presented for nonlinear dynamic analysis of the Koyna gravity dam. This is a single surface isotropic damage plasticity concrete model, which is based on the decomposition of stresses and was proposed in a previous study. The theoretical aspects of the model are initially reviewed, and a few preliminary verification examples are illustrated. Thereafter, the HHT-α (i.e. Hilber–Hughes–Taylor) algorithm is presented for nonlinear dynamic analysis of concrete gravity dams. Design/methodology/approach: Based on the prepared tools, nonlinear behavior of the Koyna Dam is studied by applying the invoked damage plasticity model. For this purpose, three cases are considered for the present study. Case A, which is based on the linear model, is mainly used for comparative purposes. The other two cases (B and C) correspond to the nonlinear (i.e. damage plasticity) model. The basic data for these two cases are similar. However, the employed damping algorithms are different and correspond to constant and variable damping algorithms, respectively. This means that the damping matrix is either kept constant or updated for all iterations of different time increments through the course of analysis. Findings: The time histories of horizontal displacement at the dam crest were initially compared for the three cases: the linear Case A, and two nonlinear Cases B and C. It was observed that nonlinear cases' responses begin to deviate from the corresponding linear case after the time of about 4.3 s. However, the amount of change for Case C (i.e. variable damping) was much greater than for Case B (i.e. constant damping). This was manifested initially in the peaks of response. It was also noticed that the period of response changed slightly for Case B in comparison with the linear Case A, while this change was significant for Case C. The obtained tensile and compressive damages were subsequently compared for the two nonlinear cases. For constant damping Case B, it was noticed that tensile damage occurred in the D/S face kink and on the U/S face slightly at a lower elevation. Moreover, it had a scattered nature. However, in variable damping Case C, it was noticed that tensile damage was much more localized and acted similar to a discrete crack. Of course, both cases also show tensile damages at the dam's heel. In regard to compressive damages, it is observed that low values are occurring for both nonlinear cases as expected. Originality/value: The application of a recent single surface isotropic damage plasticity concrete model is presented for nonlinear dynamic analysis of the Koyna gravity dam. The nonlinear response of the dam is investigated for two different damping algorithms. Moreover, the influence of variable characteristic length is also investigated in the latter part of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modeling of concrete damage is an important branch of concrete structural analysis; however, the damage behavior of different types of concrete varies. In this study, mechanical property tests were conducted to modify the damage model for aeolian sand self-compacting concrete (ASSC). Damage behaviors and stress–strain curves of prismatic ASSC specimens were investigated using the XTDIC technique, which demonstrated the increasingly decreased peak strain and deteriorated ductility of concrete with the increase of replacement rate of aeolian sand (AS). On the basis of the experimental results, the model proposed by Mazars and colleagues was modified, where scaling factors were introduced. Numerical simulations with the modified model were performed on the ANSYS platform using the Usermat subroutine and its mesh dependency was verified. The results revealed that the modified model could better reflect the effect of AS addition on the concrete structure, and it was less sensitive to the mesh accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Material optimization was one of the challenges for achieving cost-competitive solutions when concrete was introduced in construction, leading to new structural shapes for both civil works and buildings. As concrete construction became dominant, saving material was given less significance, and the selection of the structural typology was mostly influenced by construction or architectural considerations. Simple and non-time-consuming methods for building thus arose as the dominant criteria for design, and this led to the construction of less efficient structures. Currently, the awareness of the environmental footprint in concrete construction has brought the focus again to the topic of structural efficiency and material optimization. In addition, knowledge of material technology is pushing the use of cements and binders with lower environmental impact. Within this framework, Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (FRC) has been identified as a promising evolution of ordinary concrete construction. In this paper, a discussion is presented on the structural properties required for efficient design, focusing on the toughness and deformation capacity of the material. By means of several examples, the benefits and potential application of limit analysis to design at the Ultimate Limit State with FRC are shown. On this basis, the environmental impact of a tailored mix design and structural typology is investigated for the case of slabs in buildings, showing the significant impact that might be expected (potentially reducing CO2-eq emissions to half or even less in slabs when compared to ordinary solutions). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The elastic modulus of concrete is one of the most important parameters in the analysis and design of concrete structures. However, determining the elastic modulus in civil structures using core-drilled samples is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Additionally, the elastic modulus of Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) varies significantly depending on its composition. This paper proposes an improved, non-destructive application to identify the elastic modulus of UHPC materials in in-service structures. The elastic modulus is estimated through calibration between a numerical model and experimental UHPC plate vibration test results, using frequency and mode shapes. This calibration involves solving an inverse problem using optimization techniques such as Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Genetic Algorithm (GA), Cuckoo Search, and the YUKI algorithm. Updating the plate characteristics is made possible by the development of numerous iterations, where each iteration updates the elastic modulus, thickness, and width values in the term to find the best solution. The highest accuracies compared to experimental data natural frequency values were found in models updated by GA, PSO, YUKI, and Cuckoo algorithms, with errors of 10.77%, 6.58%, 6.87%, and 6.87%, respectively. An experimental sample was tested to determine the elastic modulus of the UHPC, and the proposed application showed a 0.55% error compared to the experimental value. Thus, the estimated elastic modulus value is highly accurate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The temperature estimation within asphalt concrete (AC) overlaid on cement-stabilized bases (CSB) is necessary for pavement analysis and design. However, the impact of different CSB gradations and rubberized CSB on AC temperature has not been thoroughly investigated. This study aims to clarify this effect by examining two types of CSB with nominal particle aggregate sizes of 25 mm and 31.5 mm, as well as the substitution of 5%, 10%, and 20% graded aggregates with rubber aggregates (RA) in CSB Dmax 25 using Ansys-based numerical simulations. The modelling also investigated 11 scenarios with different AC thicknesses (hAC) ranging from 6 to 26 cm. The results indicated that CSB Dmax 31.5 reduced the daily maximum temperature fluctuation at the bottom of the AC (∆TbottomAC) by approximately 8% compared to CSB Dmax 25. The inclusion of 5% RA in CSB Dmax 25 decreased ∆TbottomAC by up to 20%. Additionally, the rubberized CSB increased the maximum temperature gradient between the top and bottom of the AC (ΔTmaxAC) by 9.5% with 5% RA and a 6 cm AC thickness; however, this increase was insignificant when hAC exceeded 12 cm. This study also proposed the use of artificial neural network (ANN) models to predict the AC's temperature distribution based on depth, the time of day, surface paving temperatures, and hAC. The proposed ANN model demonstrated high accuracy (R2 = 0.996 and MSE = 0.000685),which was confirmed by the numerical simulations, with an acceptable RMSE ranging from 0.28 °C to 0.67 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to discuss aspects of modeling prestressed concrete sleepers based on experimental results. Midspan Positive Moment tests were performed on four prestressed sleepers. Using the ATENA 3D software, based on the Finite Element Method, numerical models were simulated through nonlinear analysis to adequately represent the behavior of the sleepers. To evaluate the influence of the crack model, the Young's modulus, and the fracture energy, a parametric numerical analysis was performed, varying these parameters in stages to achieve a more realistic model. The crack model was evaluated by modifying the "fixed crack model" to a "rotated crack model" while the Young's modulus and fracture energy were penalized by 0.00%, 5.00%, 10.00%, and 15.00% in relation to the value calculated according to the CEB FIP Model Code (2010). The numerical model with the "rotated crack model" and penalties of 0.00% and 5.00% for the Young's modulus and fracture energy, respectively, presented a better approximation to the results presented in the experimental tests. Finally, from this calibrated model, an experimental versus numerical comparative analysis was performed, comparing the load versus displacement curves, failure loads, maximum displacements, and crack pattern behavior. In the future, constitutive models of bond slip and expansive reactions will be applied to the calibrated model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we utilized unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and high-precision 3D light detection and ranging (LiDAR) scanning to collect data before and after an earthquake-resistant behavior test on a reinforced concrete hybrid frame. We analyzed the deformation of the hybrid frame before and after the test and determined the specific deformation, scale, and change rule. The UAV image data was transformed into a 3D true-color model using the structure from motion (SfM) algorithm. Additionally, the 3D Delaunay surface reconstruction algorithm was used to create a 3D point cloud model and Rodriguez matrix, which are then used to align the two-phase model. Subsequently, a comparison was made in three dimensions between the distribution of the hybrid frame's photographic and 3D point cloud models before and after undergoing earthquake-resistant behavior tests. This method allows for a precise analysis of the local deformation degree of the hybrid frame structure compared with the sensors. While the sensors can only analyze internal structural changes, this method provides results for both local and surface deformation degrees, which are not available in the sensor data. The comprehensive experimental comparison results demonstrate that the reinforced concrete hybrid frame structure had a collective rightward displacement before and after the earthquake-resistant behavior test. Moreover, nodes and edges exhibited more significant deformation, and the test resulted in a more stable overall framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a composite material, fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) has many uses. Incorporating FRP composite material enhances the reinforced concrete beams' (RCB) performance, properties and behaviour as external reinforcement. A summary of how different FRP influences the RCB properties should be studied. This review paper discusses the use of FRP to reinforce RCB and briefly describes the topic. Previous experimental studies and finite element analysis (FEA) results showed that RCB constructed with FRP significantly improved the axial load, load-deflection, ultimate load, crack propagation, stress-strain distribution, and failure mode of RCB. Since this FRP composite material has superior strength, force, mounting and anchoring properties, it can be used as an alternate exterior reinforcement in RCB. The structural behaviour and performance of RCB can be enhanced by utilising FRP composite material in civil and structural engineering, especially in building construction projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims to investigate the thermal behaviors of the concrete ceiling slab of a semi-open car park exposed to localized fire in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. For this purpose, a numerical simulation of the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle fire was performed in the Fluid Dynamic Simulator and then coupled with a subsequent thermal analysis of concrete structure carried out in ANSYS Mechanical APDL. In particular, an automatic procedure was used to extract the output of the fire simulation and apply them as boundary conditions of the thermal model. The one-way coupling procedure involving fire simulation and transient thermal analysis has been validated by comparing it with concrete temperatures of a previous test study. Then, two parameters, the diameter of thermal pressure relief devices (1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, and 4 mm) and fire spread time between vehicles (0 min, 20 min, and 30 min), are taken into account to study the thermal properties of concrete. The analysis revealed that an increase in the nozzle diameter of the thermal pressure relief device leads to a rise in the maximum concrete surface temperature. The simulation results also showed that the maximum value of the heat release rate increases with a higher value of the nozzle diameter of the thermal pressure relief device and a shorter fire spread time between vehicles. • FDS modeling of hydrogen fuel cell vehicle fires in a car park. • ANSYS modeling of a concrete slab exposed to fires. • One-way CFD-FEM coupling interface is used to connect a fire model and a thermal model. • Effects of TPRD nozzle diameters and fire spread times are investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article introduces small gatherings as a socio-spatial arena that enables a comparative perspective on the basis of detailed empirical research. Small gatherings allow for an analysis of sociality in the city which can be combined with the analysis of its concrete spatiality and intersecting socio-historical processes. The challenge of doing research on small gatherings lies in the fact that they are fuzzy and may, or may not, traverse established urban scales. This will be exemplified by the characterization of two types of small gatherings, represented by cases in Amman and in East Jerusalem – small gatherings of friends and small gatherings of neighbors. They share superficial similarities, but the analysis reveals their varying relations to the neighborhood and the city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corrosion-induced concrete cracking is a significant stage of structural deterioration in prestressed concrete (PC) structures. Most current research predominantly focuses on the corrosion of prestressed steel strands, while paying limited attention to the study of non-prestressed reinforcement corrosion. In this study, an integrated material-structural numerical approach was developed to simulate corroded PC beams, considering corrosion products migration in pores and cracks. The cracking patterns and prestress losses obtained from the simulation results agreed well with experimental observations. Subsequently, using the proposed numerical approach, the interaction mechanism of the prestress level and reinforcement corrosion was investigated. The simulation results indicated that corrosion of longitudinal reinforcement leads to cross-sectional damage, causing the redistribution of stress across the section and increasing long-term deformation, ultimately resulting in prestress losses. Meanwhile, stirrup corrosion leads to an initial increase in prestress due to expansion forces when the degree of corrosion is not so high, but finally it will also lead to a degradation of mechanical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the necessity for refining the air void analysis in concrete The determination of air void parameters in hardened concrete is typically carried out via microscopic analysis, where air voids on a polished concrete surface are counted manually or automatically. The manual method is tedious and subjectively influenced, while the automatic method requires time‐consuming contrasting to achieve reliable results. Although it is generally known that both methods are prone to significant variations, the underlying influencing factors have not been investigated in detail so far. Furthermore, precision data regarding the micro air void content A300, a crucial parameter for assessing frost resistance, are scarce. This publication investigates these aspects through a round‐robin test for air void analysis according to DIN EN 480‐11, among seven manual and one automatic counting testing institutes. The results illustrate the need for refining current testing standards to ensure a consistent approach and thus comparable test results. Additionally, it is shown that the limits for the minimum air content in fresh concrete should be specified considering binder and method dependencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probabilistic reliability analysis of a prestressed concrete bridge – part 1 – Semi‐probabilistic reassessment and probabilistic modeling of a single‐span 6‐webbed t‐beam bridge Maintaining the existing transportation infrastructure is a major challenge as the structures continue to age, the traffic loads increase and comprehensive replacement is impossible given limited budgets and resources. On existing structures present material characteristics, geometries or loads can be recorded on an object‐specific basis. In Germany the reassessment of existing bridges is carried out in accordance with the reassessment guidelines at the stages 1 and 2 using the semi‐probabilistic partial safety concept. Only in exceptional cases will a measurement‐based assessment or a scientific analysis acc. to levels 3 and 4 be carried out. However the inclusion of additional information from condition assessment offers many advantages for a realistic reassessment. In probabilistic calculation methods, such information can be taken directly into account. The aim of this two‐part article is to present the potentials and advantages of directly including the results of non‐destructive testing methods when assessing the condition of bridge structures. The concept is presented on a prestressed concrete bridge. The first part deals with the possibilities for transferring the input values of the usual semi‐probabilistic calculation into stochastic models. Starting from the semi‐probabilistic reassessment acc. to current regulations, the probabilistic modeling of all relevant basic variables for the ultimate limit states of bending, shear and torsion is carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New DGZfP guideline B14: Quantification of chloride in concrete using LIBS In the maintenance of reinforced concrete structures, the chloride content in the concrete is an important parameter in determining suitable repair measures. Established methods to date are based on wet chemical analysis of concrete samples; drill flour or ground segments of drill cores. These methods provide one chloride content per depth segment, which is associated with a strong homogenisation of the sample, resulting in a loss of details of the chloride differences in the range of a few millimetres. An alternative method is the laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), which not only enables the quantitative, spatially resolved determination of the chloride content in relation to the cement mass, but also provides detailed information on the distribution of many other chemical elements simultaneously. Usually the spatial resolution is in the range of a few millimetres but can be increased to 0.1 mm or smaller if needed. The new guideline B14 "Quantification of chloride in concrete using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS)" of the German Society for Non‐Destructive Testing (DGZfP) regulates and standardises for the first time the procedure to ensure a reliable and reproducible determination of chloride contents using LIBS. This article introduces the guideline and illustrates the potential of LIBS for issues in concrete maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ensuring resilience through rapid buildings recovery in seismic zones has been placed at the forefront of recent studies. However, studies that compare the relative resilience of buildings constructed with different materials are lacking. This paper focuses on a comparative resilience analysis of concrete moment frames where beam-column connections are made with varying types of concrete mixtures. The connections are made with normal strength concrete (NSC), rubberized concrete (RbC), steel fiber rubberized concrete (STFRC), synthetic fiber rubberized concrete (SYFRC), and high strength concrete (HSC). Nonlinear static pushover and incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) are utilized to understand system response and the level of damage sustained following an earthquake. Subsequently, seismic fragility functions are constructed for the five considered frame types. The frames are subjected to different seismic scenarios, and the corresponding losses, recovery time, and resilience are quantified. A comparison between the five frame types is carried out to examine the optimal concrete mixture to be used to reduce damage probabilities, total direct losses, and recovery time and subsequently enhance resilience. The results show that rubberized concrete strengthened with steel and synthetic fibers can reduce economic losses by up to 19% and increase building resilience by up to 37% compared with the frames constructed with normal strength concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a comparison between three numerical models developed for the structural analysis of composite precast concrete sandwich panels under lateral loading. The first model is based on a full finite element analysis where “slip” between the layers is obtained from the elastic deformability of the various components. The second model is based on a simplified finite element analysis where the effect of the shear connectors is smeared and modeled through an effective shear stiffness of the insulation layer. The third approach provides closed-form expressions for evaluating the deflection and is based on the classical sandwich beam theory where the shear connectors are considered through the effective stiffness of the insulation, similar to the second model. The structural response obtained from the three models was compared for various panel configurations and good correlation was obtained. A reasonable agreement with test results from the literature was also demonstrated. Therefore, both the simplified finite element model and the classical sandwich beam theory (closed-form solution) are recommended for the elastic structural analysis and for estimating the degree of composite action at the serviceability limit state of precast concrete sandwich panels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: To investigate the influence of using high‐strength steel bars in columns on the seismic resistance capacity and seismic resilience of frame structures, seismic fragility evaluation of three 8‐story reinforced concrete (RC) frame structures was conducted based on the incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) using 11 ground motion records. The main parameter is the longitudinal reinforcement configuration in the frame columns, where the first structure is reinforced with HRB 600 grade steel bars in the columns, the second structure is replaced with equal area ultra‐high‐strength (UHS) steel bars (i.e., with a yield strength of approximately 1425 MPa), and the third structure is replaced with equal strength UHS steel bars. A numerical model of the RC frame structure was developed and then validated using previous experimental results. The exceeding probabilities at various performance limit states were calculated based on two typical engineering demand parameters (EDPs) of maximum interstory drift and residual interstory drift. The results showed that using UHS longitudinal steel bars instead of HRB 600 grade steel bars in frame columns could reduce the energy dissipation capacity of the structure, inevitably leading to an increase in the maximum interstory response of the frame. However, much lower exceedance probability was observed in the UHS‐enhanced frame under the repair available limit state based on the residual interstory drift, indicating that the UHS‐enhanced RC frame had higher seismic resilience. In addition, compared to equal area substitution, equal strength substitution is a more ideal design method that can use fewer UHS steel bars to achieve comparable reparability and a smaller increase in maximum interstory drift. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a finite element (FE) modeling approach to assess the performance of reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened in shear using external polymer cement mortar (PCM)‐bonded basalt fiber‐reinforced polymer (BFRP) grids. The study begins with an experimental program and FE modeling of a double shear bond test, simulating the bond behavior between the BFRP grid and RC beams with PCM. Subsequently, a FE model for BFRP shear‐strengthened beams explores key parameters, including shear span to depth ratio, bonding agent type (PCM and epoxy resin), and angles between BFRP grid bars and the beam axis. Comparative analysis with experimental results verifies the accuracy of the FE models. Additionally, a critical parameter, the BFRP reinforcement ratio, is numerically investigated, revealing that achieving a ratio between 1.33% and 1.55% enhances both maximum load and deflection in beams strengthened with externally bonded composite reinforced mortar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article critically examines the transformative commitment to modernization and nation-building in Turkish Republic, focusing on the pivotal role played by spaces of knowledge. The study begins with a theoretical analysis of the complex relationship between political power, knowledge and space. The concrete analysis starts with the examination of People’s Houses, envisioned as cultural and political centers spreading Republican principles and the new national identity. The analysis extends to museums established by the new regime, demonstrating their ideological underpinnings as spaces generating a specific knowledge on the nation through the collection of memories. The article then explores theaters, cinemas, and operas, emphasizing their contribution to shaping cultural policies of the new Turkish nation state. Shifting to libraries, it traces the historical evolution culminating in the establishment of the National Library in Ankara and its role in nation-building process. Throughout, the article delves into the complexities of preserving national identity through these spaces of knowledge, offering a comprehensive understanding of Türkiye’s modernization journey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of finite element analysis of reinforced concrete Vierendeel sandwich plates (RCVSP) using beam-plate elements calculation model show a significant discrepancy with the actual results. Considering the structural characteristics of RCVSP and the calculation method of beam-elements, the assumption of the existence of nodal stiffness domain effects (NSDE) is proposed for its beam-plate elements calculation model. In order to verify this assumption, the existing experimental data of RCVSP is used to compare with the finite element analysis results of the beam-plate elements calculation model. The analysis results show that there is NSDE in the finite element analysis of RCVSP using beam-plate elements calculation model. The beam-elements calculation model FeaR1, which fully considers NSDE, can effectively restore the calculated stiffness lost. Compared with the solid-elements calculation model of RCVSP, the calculation model FeaR1 is more convenient for modeling, enhances computational efficiency, achieves the stiffness restoration rate of approximately 80%, and maintains the average error of no more than 16%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate detection and analysis of cracks is critical for ensuring the safety and reliability of concrete bridges. Point cloud data (PCD) obtained from 3D scanning provides a promising avenue for automated crack assessment. However, processing the massive and unstructured PCD poses significant challenges in feature extraction and crack modeling. This paper proposes a novel method for bridge crack analysis by combining PCD feature extraction with a hierarchical neural network and Rodriguez rotation. The method first extracts crack features from PCD using outlier removal, denoising, and 3D coordinate conversion. A crack analysis model is then constructed by integrating multi-scale feature extraction and Rodriguez rotation into a hierarchical neural network, enabling the capture of both local and global crack patterns. Experiments on a benchmark data set demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, achieving 92.83% feature extraction accuracy, 95.73% parameter analysis accuracy, 93.51% recognition accuracy, and 0.91 F1 score. The method also shows improved efficiency compared to existing techniques. These results highlight the potential of the proposed PCD-based approach for accurate and efficient crack analysis in concrete bridges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a novel numerical model for characterizing the seepage and dissolution coupling effect on the durability of anti-seepage walls of earth-rock dams is proposed. The model considers the influence of hydraulic gradient-driven seepage on the non-equilibrium decomposition of the calcium dissolution in concrete, as well as the effects of seepage dissolution on pore structure, permeability, and diffusivity. The reasonableness of the model is validated by experimental and literature data, which is then applied to analyze the deterioration and failure processes of a concrete cutoff wall of an earth-rock dam in Zhejiang Province, China. On this basis, the seepage dissolution durability control indices of anti-seepage walls are identified. The findings demonstrate that the suggested method accurately explains the calcium leaching process in concrete. Under the seepage and dissolution coupling effect, calcium in the wall continuously decomposes and precipitates, leading to varying degrees of increases in structural performance parameters, which weaken the seepage control performance of the walls and consequently result in an increase in seepage discharge and hydraulic gradient. By proposing the critical hydraulic gradient as a criterion, the service life of the wall is projected to be 42.8 years. Additionally, the upstream hydraulic head, the initial permeability coefficient, and the calcium hydroxide (CH) content are three crucial indices affecting the durability of walls, and these indices should be reasonably controlled during the engineering design, construction, and operational phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In composite structures or complex concrete members, some concrete bears multiple forces, called core concrete. The properties of the core concrete are variable under complex stress conditions, which will influence the structure performance analysis. Therefore, it is necessary to establish an accurate and theoretical constitutive model of concrete under complex stress conditions. The elastic–plastic properties of concrete in complex stress conditions were analyzed first. Then, the failure criterion of concrete in complex stress conditions was discussed to identify the key parameters. And the relationship between the stress–strain curve and failure criterion was analyzed through mathematical derivation. Finally, the multi-dimensional iterative constitutive model of concrete under complex stress conditions was established and verified. Based on the analysis results, the concrete under multi-axial stress conditions shows a spindle-shape stress envelope diagram. The failure criterion should be established by the analysis of concrete under high multi-axial compression conditions, tension–compression conditions, and shear–compression conditions. The plastic modulus is the key to reflecting the plastic strain development trend and the stress–strain relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the finite element analysis of asphalt concrete (AC), it is nowadays common to incorporate the information from the underlying scales to study the overall response of this material. Heterogeneity observed at the asphalt mixture scale is analyzed in this paper. Reliable finite element analysis (FEA) of asphalt concrete comprises a set of complex issues. The two main aspects of the asphalt concrete FEA discussed in this study are: (1) digital reconstruction of the asphalt pavement microstructure using processing of the high-quality images; and (2) FEA of the asphalt concrete idealized samples accounting for the viscoelastic material model. Reconstruction of the asphalt concrete microstructure is performed using a sequence of image processing operations (binarization, removing holes, filtering, segmentation and boundaries detection). Geometry of the inclusions (aggregate) are additionally simplified in a controlled mode to reduce the numerical cost of the analysis. As is demonstrated in the study, the introduced geometry simplifications are justified. Computational cost reduction exceeds of several orders of magnitude additional modeling error occurring due to the applied simplification technique. Viscoelastic finite element analysis of the AC identified microstructure is performed using the Burgers material model. The analysis algorithm is briefly described with a particular focus on the computational efficiency aspects. In order to illustrate the proposed approach, a set of 2D problems is solved. Numerical results confirm both the effectiveness of the self-developed code and the applicability of the Burgers model to the analyzed class of AC analysis problems. Further research directions are also described to highlight the potential benefits of the developed approach to numerical modeling of asphalt concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates the performance of small concrete beams that are reinforced with glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars, basalt fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP) bars, and traditional steel bars. It addresses the limitations of traditional steel reinforcement, emphasizing the need for alternative strategies. Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) materials, including GFRP and BFRP, are examined for their mechanical characteristics compared to steel. The experimental program focuses on ultimate load-bearing capacity, deflection, deformation at different load levels, and failure modes. The concrete specimens, prepared according to Eurocode, consist of six small concrete beams measuring 80 × 120 × 1100 mm with varied reinforcements. The study reveals that GFRP-reinforced beams outperform BFRP and steel reinforcements in ultimate load-bearing capacity, showcasing enhanced structural performance. The GFRP-reinforced beams exhibit capacity and resilience characteristics surpassing those of both BFRP and steel, whereas the deflection observed was higher on both fiber-reinforced beams than on the steel-reinforced beams. The examination of failure modes reveals that the concrete beams that were reinforced with FRP bars showed a bending property before failure, while those reinforced with steel broke easily without bending much. This comprehensive research contributes to advancing our understanding of FRP materials' application in concrete structures, paving the way for further optimization and overcoming limitations in reinforcement materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The text is a review of the book "El capital en la era del Antropoceno" written by Kohei Saito. The author addresses the relationship between capitalism and the climate crisis, proposing a transition towards what he calls "degrowth communism". The book presents a critical review of the Sustainable Development Goals and international agreements related to emissions reduction. Although the argumentation is well articulated, it lacks depth in the use of empirical evidence. The author seeks to contribute to a just and sustainable society without sacrificing freedom, equality, and democracy. The text criticizes Saito's work for omitting Marxist references in his analysis of degrowth and Marxism. Despite these omissions, Chapter 6 of the book presents an interesting account of how capitalism generates deficiencies and how communism can lead to abundance. The author proposes measures such as the recovery of the commons, the democratization of the economy, and economic deceleration. However, the text also points out that the book lacks empirical analysis and concrete political proposals, which weakens its argument. Additionally, it does not address the problem of power or desire in the implementation of these proposals. Despite this, the book offers an orderly review of the arguments and is recommended for those interested in understanding how Marx would analyze the problem of the climate emergency. [Extracted from the article]

Concrete columns are used to support embankments built on soft soils. Use of three groups of centrifuge model tests, this study exhibited the global performance of embankments supported by plain concrete columns and reinforced concrete columns. The objective of the centrifuge tests was to reveal the failure mechanism and the contribution of the reinforced concrete columns to embankment stability. In comparison with plain concrete columns, use of reinforced concrete columns alleviated the release and transfer of stress in the ruptured concrete matrix, thereby avoiding continuous failure, which improved the overall stability of the embankment. Based on parametric analysis, Pareto multi-objective optimization method was proposed to determine the optimal column configuration design. The optimization results showed that placing reinforced concrete columns from the toe to the shoulder, combined with the installation of plain concrete columns near the embankment's centerline, not only satisfies the stability requirement of the embankment, but also minimizes construction costs and resource usage. Reinforced concrete columns which positioned of Rows 1–4 was suggested in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the parametric analysis of a combined system of a low-volume concrete pavement, base layer and reinforced expansive soil, subjected to the stresses due to wheel loading and swelling of the soil. A soil-structure Interaction model is considered for the analysis, in which the pavement and the reinforcement are idealized as a finite beam, with plane-strain conditions, whereas a base layer and the expansive soil are modelled as Winkler Springs of different stiffnesses. During the analysis, it was taken into account that the geosynthetic reinforcement, which could be in the form of a geogrid, geocell, or a combination of both, possesses bending stiffness and is placed at the interface between the base layer and the expansive subgrade. The reinforcement layer is subjected to stresses due to wheel load, self-weight of pavement slab and surcharge load of the base layer at the top and the swelling pressure from the subgrade at its bottom. The governing differential equations for the flexural response of the model are derived and a closed-form solution is presented in a non-dimensional form. The outcomes of the parametric analysis highlight that the flexural response of the pavement is predominantly affected by the relative stiffness of the base layer and the expansive subgrade. In contrast, the relative flexural rigidity of the upper and lower beams has a comparatively minor impact on the model's response. Additionally, parameters like the depth of placement of the lower beam, unit weight of the upper soil layer, and the self-weight of the upper beam also contribute to influencing the response of the pavement model. The study suggests that, while designing for the concrete pavement, opting for an increase in the modulus of subgrade of expansive soil may be a preferable choice over reinforcing the foundation of the pavement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]