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The mechanical behaviour of the first interface under a surface layer is critical to pavement durability. Several of the distresses observed are mainly due to traffic loading or repetitive loading;...

Numerical and experimental methodologies are presented in order to evaluate thermal and moisture buffering properties of hygroscopic masonry walls composed of unfired clay bricks. An original full-scale instrumented wall is subjected to various transient scenarios on both faces, using a double climatic chamber device. This equipment allows a separated thermodynamic balance in the two rooms for the determination of heat and mass flows through the wall. The development of a coupled heat and mass transfer process implemented in the Cast3M finite element software is outlined as well. The material's input parameters for the model are first identified on samples at a decimeter scale. Among them, a continuous dependence law governing vapor permeability vs. moisture content is established, by exploiting the kinetics of sorption steps in both cubic and half-brick samples. Based on these experimental characterizations, all parameters are introduced for the simulation of a full-scale wall through different scenarios of hydric loading. Comparisons drawn between simulation and the experimental evolutions of moisture and temperature show a good accuracy at this scale. The moisture balance quantities derived in both cells are also verified, proving the model's effectiveness in terms of mass transfer simulation. Finally, the thermal effect of sorption heat is also discussed, experimentally as well as numerically. For realistic scenarios, it is shown to be limited to about 0.5 K.

This paper presents a methodology for probabilistic assessment of masonry vaults bearing capacity with the consideration of existing defects. A comprehensive methodology and software package have been developed and adapted to inspection requirements. First, the mechanical analysis model is explained and validated by showing a good compromise between computation time and accuracy. This compromise is required when probabilistic approach is considered, as it requires a large number of mechanical analysis runs. To model the defect, an inspection case is simulated by considering a segmental vault. As the inspection data is often insufficient, the defect position and size are considered to be unknown. As the NDT results could not provide useful and reliable information, it is therefore decided to take samples with the obligation to minimize as much as possible their number. In this case the main difficulty is to know on which segment the coring would be mostly efficient. To find out, all possible positions are studied with the consideration of one single core. Using probabilistic approaches, the distribution function of the critical load has been determined for each segment. The results allow to identify the best segment for vault inspection.

The degradation of the bituminous pavement structures is due to the several external loads (climatic conditions and traffic) and the weak bond between layers. Thus, it is important to take into account the interface behavior in the pavement computational design which is never considered actually. In order to provide reliability and efficiency of the design methods, the interface characterization study is required. In this study, a monotonic tensile test was performed for better understanding of the global and local structure behavior by using the Digital Images Correlation (DIC) analysis. The obtained results allow us to characterize the constitutive law of interface and mechanical parameters such as: stiffness, damage evolution, and release rate energy.

Timber frame construction with earth brick infill is a sustainable design that is promising in the building construction field. However, cracks form at the interfaces of the bricks and frame with temperature and humidity fluctuations. A geopolymer binder can create stronger bonds between these two materials than traditional mortar, potentially preventing crack formation. This study focuses on the pull-out and shear mechanical behavior of laboratory assemblies of wood, geomaterial binder and two different types of earth brick. The full-field displacements of double-shear test samples were also obtained by digital image correlation (DIC) to better describe and understand the mechanical behavior of the system. The results show that the geopolymer binder provides good adhesion of approximately 1.5 MPa or 2 MPa, depending on the type of brick. Failure localization is also different for each assembly, occurring inside the brick and binder or only inside the binder. This result is confirmed by DIC analysis. The microstructure of the brick has been correlated with the mechanical behavior of the assembly. First results show that the geopolymer binder can be used as a joint in wood and earth masonry.

The interface mechanical behavior in asphaltic pavement structures represents a key parameter for the computational design. Several degradation mechanisms are observed in surface layers due to the de-bonding despite the implementation of tack coats or reinforcing systems. The interface modeling becomes more important in the pavement field during the last ten years, even if this concept is widely studied in composites, masonry structures… Furthermore, the experimental research highlights the sensitivity of the imperfect interface behavior in respect to the underlayer roughness. Due to these concerns, parametrical studies are proposed in this paper, by using a macro scale cohesive zone model. This model allows taking into account the damage behavior of the interface, in pure or mixed mode. Damage mechanisms are governed by internal variables. The numerical results based on a finite element method are compared with experimental tensile and shear data. The geometrical periodic roughness (triangular, crenel) and the mixed mode failure are investigated under monotonic loading. A parametric numerical analysis is presented and shows clearly the roughness influence of these structures.

In the field of construction based on raw clay, there is an active search for less costly stabilising materials, where exploitation of natural resources for construction has become a major concern due to the common problems of degradation of stabilised earth blocks such those used in Ksour constructions. However, despite the technical, economic and ecological advantages reported using the stabilised earth blocks (SEBs), they remain associated with numerous disadvantages due to the lack of research data in this field. This study contributes to a better understanding of the SEBs used in the Kenadsa site, specifically, which are characterised by a mixture of vegetation fibres such as date palm fibres. An analysis is conducted to studying the mechanical properties of specimens prepared from clay collected on the site and mixed to different amounts of fibres and to two different types of stabilisers (cement and/or lime).

International audience; This paper presents a new approach for understanding localized compressive behavior perpendicular to the grain based on beams subjected to three-point bending. It was intended to take into account the coupling between compressive stresses perpendicular to the grain due to support reactions and shear stresses. To validate this, model, results of compression tests have been examined. The digital image correlation (DIC) method has been applied in order to analyze the deformation fields in support areas. The tests allow confirming the presence of spreading effect in the vicinity of support areas according to the DIC method. An analytical formulation has therefore been proposed to quantify distribution versus increasing compressive strength perpendicular to the grain, including shear effects. A scale effect and support conditions have also been highlighted using three different geometries and two types of tests.

This paper focuses on the characterization of the hydric properties of a new construction system in masonry structures composed of extruded earth bricks, geopolymer binder and wooden frame. The study was based on experimental tests such as the sorption desorption isotherms, the water vapor permeability tests on the different materials and the hydric test on a real size wall. The obtained results show the good properties of several materials, particularly in the storage of humidity. The different solicitations applied on the wall allowed to appreciate the ability of a earth brick wall to regulate humidity inside a house.

International audience; In building construction, geopolymer binder or mortar can interact with the structural materials and thus modify the binder formation mechanisms. In a geopolymer binder, the availability and amount of siliceous species is a preponderant parameter influencing the nature of networks formed after consolidation. In this study, the interactions between the binder and structural materials (wood and earth bricks) were investigated by 29Si magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) during and after the consolidation. Then, the effect of the amount and nature of the siliceous species available in the reaction medium were analyzed. According to the siliceous species available, it is possible to form different types of materials (hardening or sedimented materials). By corroborating these results with MAS NMR and FTIR analyses, a formation scheme of the binder in contact with the materials was proposed.

International audience; In this paper an interface model accounting for roughness and micro-cracks is presented and applied to masonry-like structures. The model is consistently derived by coupling a homogenization approach and arguments of asymptotic analyses. A numerical procedure is introduced and numerical results, based on a finite element formulation, are successfully compared with experimental data , obtained on masonry samples undergoing to shear tests. Finally, a parametric numerical analysis is proposed, highlighting the influence of the roughness features on the interface response.

International audience; Construction system using timber frame with earth brick infill shows the formation of cracks at their interface with the fluctuation of temperature and humidity. Geopolymer binder has been identified to create good adhesion between these two materials. The aim of the study is to characterize the pullout and shear mechanical behavior of laboratory masonry assemblies of wood, geomaterial binder and extruded earth brick. Compression test on the brick were also performed. Full-field deformation of double shear test sample werecarried-out by digital image correlation (DIC) in order to better describe and understand the mechanical behavior. The geopolymer binder show good adhesion properties with mean shear test results around 1.5 MPa and pullout test result around 0.82MPa. © (2013) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland.

International audience; In building construction, because of the hygroscopic nature of wood and earth brick and the low adhesion between these materials, cracks are formed at their interface when they are assembled. Geopolymer binder has been show to create strong bonds between wood and earth brick. Assemblies of wood and extruded earth brick with geopolymer binder were manufacture and tested. Double shear tests at two scales were carried out that provided evidence of good adhesion and information about the influence of the type of brick on shear behavior. The workability of the binder was improved by adding siliceous aggregates. The mortar obtained has an improved compressive strength, ranging from 3 to 8 MPa, depending on the aggregate size. FTIR measurements and thermal analysis were performed to determine the reaction mechanism

International audience; The aim of this study was to model the mechanical behavior of interfaces in masonry structures. In the first part, the characteristics of the materials and interfaces involved are determined experimentally. In the second part, a model based on the adhesion intensity is developed. This model can be used to describe the interfaces between mortar and full or hollow bricks and to describe the damage occurring in the mortar. The mechanical behavior predicted by this model is compared with previously obtained experimental data. The model is then tested in the case of some classical masonry structures (small walls, diagonal compression tests).

The vault structures are present in most of the old masonry structures: tunnels, bridges, palaces, cathedrals or other civil infrastructures. Arches and vaults as well as walls are the supporting structures used in masonry. Their condition is then the key of the proper functioning of a structure. Masonry construction works are now a significant proportion of the cultural heritage. Most of them are century old and the degradation process is already running since several decades. Actually, the maintenance and repair continue to represent serious issues for their managers. Sometimes repairs have been undertaken without ensuring the aimed durability. The frequency of interventions is increased and the resulting costs are rapidly becoming unbearable. A situation has led some managers to completely abandon their buildings, despite their heritage value and national significance. Indeed, one of the major reasons for building abandonment is the excessive cost of inspections and repairs. The question that arises in such circumstances is how to develop a maintenance strategy that is both effective and most economical of these structures, capable to prolong their lifespan?Two particular inspection issues under uncertainty are discussed: The localized presence of material loss and generalized loss of material. To deal both cases, a program was developed. The model on which it is based, provides the overall analysis of the vault while minimizing the computation time. This model presents an interesting compromise between accuracy and computation time. Monte Carlo simulations are coupled with the finite element method and implemented in a software package named ArcProg_Z, in order to propose a consistent methodology for probabilistic assessment of the load bearing capacity of the vaults and predicting its failure mechanism.Finally, reliability study of the vault is carried out. The performance of the vault is assessed by calculating the probability of failure “instantaneous and time-dependent” according to the coefficient of variation of the Young's modulus of several segments.The obtained results for each case are presented and discussed.; Les structures en voûte sont présentes dans la plupart des anciens ouvrages maçonnés : tunnels, ponts, palais, cathédrales ou autres. Arches et voutes sont avec les murs les structures porteuses utilisées en maçonnerie. Leur bon état est alors la clef du bon fonctionnement d’un ouvrage. Les ouvrages maçonnés constituent à présent une proportion importante du patrimoine culturel. Toutefois, la plupart de ces ouvrages sont centenaires et le processus de dégradation s’est déjà enclenché depuis des décennies. Aujourd’hui, leur maintenance et réparation présentent des problèmes importants à leurs gestionnaires. Parfois des réparations ont été entreprises sans pour autant assurer la durabilité souhaitée. La fréquence des interventions se trouve augmentée et les coûts induits deviennent rapidement insupportables. Une situation qui a poussé certains gestionnaires à abandonner complètement leurs ouvrages, malgré leur valeur et leur importance patrimoniales. En effet, l’une des causes majeures d’abandon d’ouvrage est le coût excessif des inspections et des réparations. La question qui se pose dans de telles circonstances est de savoir comment mettre au point une stratégie à la fois efficace et surtout économique de maintenance de ces ouvrages, capable de prolonger leurs durées de vie ? Deux problèmes particuliers d’inspection sous incertitude sont traités : La présence localisée de perte de matière et la perte de matière généralisée. Pour traiter ces deux cas un programme a été développé. Le modèle, sur lequel il s’appuie, permet l’analyse globale de la voûte tout en minimisant au maximum le temps de calcul. Ce modèle constitue un compromis intéressant entre précision et temps de calcul. Les simulations de Monte Carlo ont été couplées à la méthode des éléments finis et implémentées dans un nouvel outil numérique, baptisé ArcProg_Z, afin de proposer une méthodologie cohérente pour l’évaluation probabiliste de la capacité portante des voûtes et de prévision de son mécanisme de ruine.Enfin, une étude de fiabilité de la voûte étudiée précédemment a été menée. La performance de la voûte a été évaluée à travers le calcul de sa probabilité de défaillance « instantanée et dépendante du temps » en fonction du coefficient de variation du module d’Young des différents segments. Les résultats obtenus pour chaque cas sont présentés et discutés.

Interface between bituminous layers is an important parameter for the pavement computational design.New pathologies in pavement structure require today rational methods taking into account theinterfaces behavior. Due to these concerns, the current study is based on a damage cohesive zonemodel (CZM) in mixed mode of the rough interfaces. The model was initially proposed by Allix-Ladevèze. This thesis presents a comprehensive interface modeling including delay effect, based ondamage energy release rate. The process of the present study is presented in three chapters. The firstchapter present the stat of art of interfaces. The second devoted to identify the parameters of theinterface model and material properties through advanced optical method as Digital Image Correlation(DIC) and (H-DIC). In the third chapter, a study of the influence of the elastic normal and tangentialstiffness and coupling parameters in the mixed mode on the debonding interfacial energy is presented.An analytical model provides relations between the interfaces stiffness, the coupling parameter of theCZM and the interfacial roughness. Then, a parametric numerical analysis is conducted to study theroughness effect on the interface constitutive law. Results show clearly the roughness influence in thiskind of structures. The damage behaviours predicted by the proposed model for pure mode I, puremode II and for mixed mode with taking into account of roughness are found in good agreement withexperimental results.; Si, pour les matériaux composites élaborés, de nombreuses études expérimentales ainsi que des modèles locaux de comportement ont été développés, la maîtrise du comportement des interfaces entre couches de surface ou d’assise de chaussées est actuellement un réel verrou scientifique. La méthode de dimensionnement française actuelle ne prend en compte, aux interfaces, que des conditions conventionnelles de collage ou de glissement parfait. Afin d’appréhender le comportement local de l’interphase\interface, les outils de la photomécanique apparaissent incontournables. La présente thèse propose une modélisation de l’interface rugueuse et endommageable par un modèle de zone cohésive en mode mixte. Ce manuscrit de thèse comporte trois chapitres. D’abord, le chapitre I présente un état de l’art sur les interfaces dans les matériaux et les structures et en particulier dans les couches de chaussées. Ensuite dans le chapitre II, une identification expérimentale des paramètres mécaniques et géométriques du modèle d’interface est proposée à travers des essais de traction et de cisaillement et des mesures de la texture (PMT et projections de franges). Les résultats obtenus (adhésion, rugosité,…) seront les paramètres d’entrée d’un modèle d’endommagement d’interface. Enfin, le chapitre III aborde la modélisation des interfaces entre couches de chaussées sous l’angle des modèles de zones cohésives avec la prise en compte de la rugosité géométrique. A l’issu de cette étude, une loi est proposée permettant de prendre en compte l’effet de la rugosité à une échelle locale dans une interface lisse équivalente à l’échelle globale.