Analysis of the Performances and Optimization of Polyurethane Concrete with a Large Percentage of Fly Ash

The properties of polyurethane concrete containing a large amount of fly ash are investigated,and accordingly,a model is introduced to account for the influence of fly ash fineness,water ratio,and loss of ignition(LOI)on its mechanical performances.This research shows that,after optimization,the concrete has a compressive strength of 20.8 MPa,a flexural strength of 3.4 MPa,and a compressive modulus of elasticity of 19.2 GPa.The main factor influencing 28 and 90 d compressive strength is fly ash content,water-binder ratio,and early strength agent content.

BOND PERFORMANCE EXPERIMENT FOR FLY ASH CONCRETE AND STEEL BAR

The impact of fly ash content on bond performance of steel bars and their surrounding concrete is studied by means of sticking strain gauges on steel bars. The average bond stress-slip curves, the steel strain-anchor location curves, and the bond stress-anchor position curves of the pullout specimens with various fly ash contents are obtained. Results indicate that the bond performance of concrete and steel bars can be improved and the distribution of steel strain along the anchorage length tends to be more uniform by adding fly ash in concrete specimens, and both ultimate bond stress and ultimate slip deformation increase the most when 20% of specimens′ content is fly ash.

Investigation of the medium calcium based non-burnt brick made by red mud and fly ash: durability and hydration characteristics

Red mud is a type of highly alkaline waste residue produced in the process of alumina smelting by the Bayer process.Based on the idea of medium calcium content,solid wastes such as red mud and fly ash were used to prepare non-burnt bricks;and the mass ratio of CaO/SiO2 was selected in the range of 0.88–1.42.Mechanical properties and durability were investigated with a compressive strength test.X-ray diffractometry(XRD),scanning electron microscope(SEM),and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR)techniques were used to characterize the hydration characteristic.The environmental performance was analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry(ICP).The results indicated that the mechanical properties and the durability were optimal when the mass ratio of CaO/SiO2 was 1.23.The hydration products were mostly C–S–H gel,ettringite,Na4Ca(Si10All6)O32·12H2O and Ca3Al2(SiO4)(OH)8.They were responsible for the strength development,and the CaO/SiO2 mass ratio of 1.23 had the best polymerized structure.The results of an environmental performance test showed that the heavy metals in the raw materials were well-solidified in the brick.Therefore,this paper provides an effective solution for use of solid wastes in building material.

Effect of Fly Ash on the Electrical Conductivity of Concretes

The fly ash occasionally has high content of iron oxide and carbon that are good electrical conducting components. This paper investigates the effect of the fly ash used as mineral admixtures on the electrical conductivity of concretes. The electrical properties of concretes using 3 kinds of fly ash with different iron oxide contents have been studied. Experimental results show that at the same fly ash dosage the resistivity of concrete using fly ash with high content of iron oxide is slightly lower than that with low content of iron oxide. However, the concrete resistivity after 14d increases as fly ash dosage increases regardless of iron oxide content in fly ash.

Chloride binding and time-dependent surface chloride content models for fly ash concrete

Corrosion of embedded rebars is a classical deterioration mechanism of reinforced concrete structures exposed to chloride environments. Such environments can be attributed to the presence of seawater, deicing or sea-salts, which have high concentrations of chloride ion. Chloride ingress into concrete, essential for inducing rebar corrosion, is a complex interaction between many physical and chemical processes. The current study proposes two chloride ingress parameter models for fly ash concrete, namely： 1） surface chloride content under tidal exposure condition; and 2） chloride binding. First, inconsistencies in surface chloride content and chloride binding models reported in literature, due to them not being in line with past research studies, are pointed out. Secondly, to avoid such inconsistencies, surface chloride content and chloride binding models for fly ash concrete are proposed based upon the experimental work done by other researchers. It is observed that, proposed models are simple, consistent and in line with past research studies reported in literature.

Methods of Modifying the Brittle Behavior of Cementitious Composites

We put forward effective methods of increasing the tensile strain of cementitious composites with 2% PVA fiber and high fly ash content. The test results show that curing condition has a significantly effect on the tensile performance. It is approved that the specimens incorporated appropriate volume fraction rubber powder and lightweight aggregate greatly increase the tensile strain of composites at medium-term age, but indefinitely at long-term age. To a certain extent, EVA can limitedly enhance the tensile performance of comentitious composites owing to the formation of polymer membrane and the hindered hydration of cement.

Optimizing Two-Phase Flow Heat Transfer:DCS Hybrid Modeling and Automation in Coal-Fired Power Plant Boilers

In response to escalating challenges in energy conservation and emission reduction,this study delves into the complexities of heat transfer in two-phase flows and adjustments to combustion processes within coal-fired boilers.Utilizing a fusion of hybrid modeling and automation technologies,we develop soft measurement models for key combustion parameters,such as the net calorific value of coal,flue gas oxygen content,and fly ash carbon content,within theDistributedControl System(DCS).Validated with performance test data,thesemodels exhibit controlled root mean square error(RMSE)and maximum absolute error(MAXE)values,both within the range of 0.203.Integrated into their respective automatic control systems,thesemodels optimize two-phase flow heat transfer,finetune combustion conditions,and mitigate incomplete combustion.Furthermore,this paper conducts an in-depth exploration of the generationmechanismof nitrogen oxides(NOx)and low oxygen emission reduction technology in coal-fired boilers,demonstrating a substantial reduction in furnace exit NOx generation by 30%to 40%and the power supply coal consumption decreased by 1.62 g/(kW h).The research outcomes highlight the model’s rapid responsiveness,enabling prompt reflection of transient variations in various economic indicator parameters.This provides a more effective means for real-time monitoring of crucial variables in coal-fired boilers and facilitates timely combustion adjustments,underscoring notable achievements in boiler combustion.The research not only provides valuable and practical insights into the intricacies of two-phase flow heat transfer and heat exchange but also establishes a pioneering methodology for tackling industry challenges.