Efficient Design of Low Carbon,Low Strength Concrete:Industry Perspective

LSC(low-strength concrete),which is the majority of everyday concrete used,is relatively inefficient in terms of carbon emissions.Research has shown that evaluating the concrete mix design,reducing the amount of cement used,and replacing it with SCMs(supplementary cementitious materials)are more effective than adding superplasticisers and chemical additions.The current research has dealt with the design of LSC by a review method.According to the literature review on the concrete mix and its carbon emissions,113 mix designs with different properties and applications were collected from real industry data,and several data analysis techniques were used to analyse their performance.Examining the data showed that,in general,the use of LSC is inefficient compared to HSC(high-strength concrete).However,several strategies were found that can solve this inefficiency.The results show that the additive cement materials in the binary/ternary combination have a critical effect on reducing the embodied carbon of the composite.Accordingly,it is recommended that the construction industry use the composition of cementitious materials as a key factor in the design of their concretes.The need for more research is felt to identify and critically evaluate other factors that can improve the performance of these concretes.

Comprehensive Analysis of the Effects of Superplasticizer Variation on the Workability and Strength of Ready-Mix Concrete

This experimental study aims to examine the influence of many crucial parameters on the workability and compressive strength of Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC). The study utilized two distinct varieties of superplasticizers obtained from the local market. The fine aggregates utilized in this study were sourced from Sylhet sand, whereas the coarse aggregates were comprised of boulder crushed stone chips. The experimental procedures adhered to the requirements outlined by ASTM. A comprehensive investigation was conducted on a range of concrete compositions that used diverse chemical admixtures. The slump test was performed at regular intervals of 15 minutes until the slump value reached or fell below 3 cm after the mixing of the concrete. In the scenario involving two-stage admixture dosage, the second stage of admixture was introduced once the slump reached or dropped below 3 cm, following which the casting process was initiated. The process of curing concrete specimens consists of two distinct stages: the main stage and the final stage. Cylindrical specimens, with a diameter of 4 inches and a height of 8 inches, were manufactured for the purpose of evaluating their compressive strength at both 7 and 28 days. During the experimental trials, the water-cement (w/c) ratio was kept consistent, while different dosages of admixture were applied. The findings of the study indicate that the utilization of a two-stage dose of admixture resulted in enhanced and extended workability, along with higher strength of the concrete in comparison to specimens that did not incorporate any admixture. This research study enhances the comprehension of optimizing qualities of ready-mix concrete (RMC) by varying the superplasticizer, providing useful insights for the building sector.

Mechanical Test and Meso-Model Numerical Study of Composite Rubber Concrete under Salt-Freezing Cycle

A composite rubber concrete(CRC)was designed by combining waste tire rubber particles with particle sizes of 3~5 mm,1~3 mm and 20 mesh.Taking the rubber content of different particle sizes as the influencing factors,the range and variance analysis of the mechanical and impermeability properties of CRC was carried out by orthogonal test.Through analysis,it is concluded that the optimal proportion of 3~5 mm,1~3 mm,and 20 mesh particle size composite rubber is 1:2.5:5.5 kinds of CRC and 3 kinds of ordinary single-mixed rubber concrete(RC)with a total content of 10%~20%were designed under this ratio,and the salt-freezing cycle test was carried out with a concentration of 5%Na 2 SO4 solution.The physical and mechanical damage laws during 120 salt-freezing cycles are obtained,and the corresponding damage prediction model is established according to the experimental data.The results show that:on the one hand,the composite rubber in CRC produces a more uniform“graded”structure,forms a retractable particle group,and reduces the loss of mechanical properties of CRC.On the other hand,colloidal particles with different particle sizes are used as air entraining agent to improve the pore structure of concrete and introduce evenly dispersed bubbles,which fundamentally improves the durability of concrete.Under the experimental conditions,the CRC performance is the best when the overall content of composite rubber is 15%.

Experimental study on ultimate flexural capacity of steel encased concrete composite beams

Based on the experimental study and inelastic theory, the ultimate flexuralcapacity of steel encased concrete composite beams are derived. The difference between steel encasedconcrete composite beams with full shear connection and beams with partial shear connection,together with the relationship between the inelastic neutral axis of steel parts and concrete parts,are considered in the formulae. The calculation results of the eight specimens with full shearconnection and the three specimens with partial shear connection are in good agreement with theexperimental data, which validates the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed calculationmethods. Furthermore, the nonlinear finite element analysis of the ultimate flexural capacity of thesteel encased concrete composite beams is performed. Nonlinear material properties and nonlinearcontact properties are considered in the finite element analysis. The finite element analyticalresults also correlate well with the experimental data.

Numerical investigation of temperature gradient-induced thermal stress for steel–concrete composite bridge deck in suspension bridges

A3D finite element model(FEM)with realistic field measurements of temperature distributions is proposed to investigate the thermal stress variation in the steel–concrete composite bridge deck system.First,a brief literaturereview indicates that traditional thermal stress calculation in suspension bridges is based on the2D plane structure with simplified temperature profiles on bridges.Thus,a3D FEM is proposed for accurate stress analysis.The focus is on the incorporation of full field arbitrary temperature profile for the stress analysis.Following this,the effect of realistic temperature distribution on the structure is investigated in detail and an example using field measurements of Aizhai Bridge is integrated with the proposed3D FEM model.Parametric studies are used to illustrate the effect of different parameters on the thermal stress distribution in the bridge structure.Next,the discussion and comparison of the proposed methodology and simplified calculation method in the standard is given.The calculation difference and their potential impact on the structure are shown in detail.Finally,some conclusions and recommendations for future bridge analysis and design are given based on the proposed study.

Ion-transport characteristics of new-old concrete composite system

New-old concrete composite system usually exists in concrete repairing structure.In the present work,series of experiments were carried out to investigate permeability and ion diffusion properties of new-old concrete composite by measuring 6-hour coulomb charge and chloride diffusivity.The interrelation among transport properties of new-old composites,new,and old concretes was also discussed.Results indicate that the permeability and chloride diffusivity of new-old concrete composite system closely interrelate to the corresponding new concrete and old concrete.The interfacial transition zone between new concrete and old concrete greatly influences the transport property of new-old concrete system.Compared with the corresponding new concrete and old concrete lower permeability and diffusivity values for the new-old concrete composites can be achieved by choosing suitable new concrete.It is possible to design the tailor-made new-old concrete composite system for repair given the transport property.

Experimental research on mechanical properties of prestressed truss concrete composite beam encased with circular steel tube

Tests of 4 simply supported unbonded prestressed truss concrete composite beams encased with circular steel tube were carried out. It is found that the ratio of the stress increment of the unbonded tendon to that of the tensile steel tube is 0.252 during the using stage,and the average crack space of beams depends on the ratio of the sum of the bottom chord steel tube's outside diameter and the secondary bottom chord steel tube's section area to the effective tensile concrete area. The coefficient of uneven crack distribution is 1.68 and the formula for the calculation of crack width is established. Test results indicate that the ultimate stress increment of unbonded tendon in the beams decreases in linearity with the increase of the composite reinforcement index β0. The pure bending region of beams accords with the plane section assumption from loading to failure. The calculation formula of ultimate stress increment of the unbonded tendon and the method to calculate the bearing capacity of normal section of beams have been presented. Besides,the method to calculate the stiffness of this sort of beams is brought forward as well.

Mechanical Behavior of Rectangular Steel-Reinforced ECC/Concrete Composite Column under Eccentric Compression

In order to improve the seismic performance, deformation ability and ultimate load-carrying capacity of columns with rectangular cross section, engineered cementitious composite （ECC） is introduced to partially substitute concrete in the edge zone of reinforced concrete columns and form reinforced ECC/concrete composite columns. Firstly, based on the assumption of plane remaining plane and the simplified constitutive models, the calculation method of the load-carrying capacity of reinforced ECC/concrete columns is proposed. The stress and strain distribu- tions and crack propagation of the composite columns in different states of eccentric compressive loading are ana- lyzed. Then, nonlinear finite element analysis is conducted to study the mechanical performance of reinforced ECC/concrete composite columns with rectangular cross section. It is found that the simulation results are in good agreement with the theoretical results, indicating that the proposed method for calculating the load-carrying capacity of concrete/ECC composite columns is valid. Finally, based on the proposed method, the effects of ECC thickness, com- pressive strength of concrete and longitudinal reinforcement ratio on the mechanical performance of reinforced ECC/ concrete composite columns are analyzed. Calculation results indicate that increasing the thickness of ECC layer or longitudinal reinforcement ratio can effectively increase the ultimate load-carrying capacity of the composite column with both small and large eccentricity, but increasing the strength of concrete can only increase the ultimate Ioad- carrying capacity of the composite column with small eccentricity.

Performance of Concrete Subjected to Severe Multiple Actions of Composite Salts Solution under Wet-Dry Cycles and Flexural Loading in Lab

Several action regimes were employed, namely, those exposed to solutions containing single and/or composite chloride and sulfate salts, and under wet-dry cycles and/or flexural loading. The variations in dynamic modulus of elasticity（Erd values） were monitored, as well as the key factor impacting on the chloride ingress when concrete subjected to multiple action regimes was identified by the method of Grey Relation Analysis（GRA）. The changes in micro-structures and mineral products of interior concrete after different action regimes were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction（XRD）, mercury intrusion technique（MIP）, and scanning electron microscopy（SEM）. The test results showed that the cyclic wet-dry accelerated the deterioration of OPC concrete more than the action of 35% flexural loading based on the results of Erd values and the GEA. The analyses from micro-structures could give certain explanations to the change in Erd values under different action regimes.

Behaviour of a Moment Resisting Composite Steel and Concrete Joint Under Alternate Loading

The authors show the results of a study conducted on a joint connecting a concrete column to a composite steel concrete floor,subjected to tension on the beams as a result of the decomposition of sagging bending moment.The beam to column connection is achieved by means of headed studs welded to the beam and embedded in the concrete cast.Five different configurations have been tested at failure and the results are compared to formulae proposed in literature.Different degrees of ductility,reliability and strength have been obtained varying geometry and reinforcement ratio on the joints tested.

The Design and Analysis of Long-Span and Low-Depth Prestressed Composite Steel-Concrete Beam Bridge

The design scheme of long span and low depth composite steel concrete beams is introduced, and the methods of avoiding the cracking of concrete deck in the negative moment regions are proposed. Moreover, significant exploration for problems of the composite beams has been made, such as optimizing construction steps to regulate the stress, applying jacking technique to exert prestress on the concrete deck, investigating the uplifting force principle of the shear connectors by means of model test and non linear finite element analysis, and pointing out the countermeasure to reduce tension force of the shear connectors.

Study on Interface mechanical behavior of steel tube reinforced concrete composite pile

Currently for the steel tube reinforced concrete composite pile research, although predecessors make a comprehensive research on the composite pile beating performance, design technology, but there are still many problems have not been solved, such as the steel tube reinforced concrete pile composite interracial force learn performance research is still in the initial stage. In this paper, we mainly discuss the research methods of several interface mechanical properties and propose the possibility of studying the mechanical properties of the steel tube reinforced concrete composite pile by using the principle of ultrasonic speckle.

Analysis of Shop cold water stability of asphalt concrete composite

He cold asphalt concrete is laid composite that combines the advantages of rigid cement concrete and asphalt concrete flexible pavement materials and new waterproof materials, and it is also known as semi-rigid concrete or semi-rigid waterproof concrete. Cold paved asphalt concrete composite retains the advantages of rigid and flexible waterproof material waterproof material which abandoned both of their inadequacies, is waterproof material with a wide range of space research and application prospects. This study immersion Marshall test and freeze-thaw split test two test methods for cold-laid asphalt concrete composite conducted a comprehensive analysis of the stability of the water; the highest draw AC1-6 AC-20 immersion Marshall stability and 20.59, respectively, by testing MPa and 19.96 Mpa, freeze-thaw splitting strength to reach the highest ratio of 91% and 93% respectively, the value specification can be met, and through the analysis of the test data to identify the content of the asphalt cement content and cold water laid asphalt compound affect the stability of the peak will occur, so that it can be combined with concrete interfacial adhesion studies to further the comprehensive and accurate assessment of water resistance of the material.

Identification of Connection Flexibility Effects Based on Load Testing of a Steel-Concrete Bridge

In the case of composite girders, an effective cooperation of both parts of the section is influenced by deformability of connectors. Limited flexural stiffness of welded studs, used commonly in bridge structures, does not provide full interaction of a steel beam and a concrete slab. This changes strain distribution in cross-sections of a composite girder and results in redistribution of internal forces in steel and concrete element. In the paper partial interaction index defined on the basis of a neutral axis position, which can be used for verification of steel-concrete interaction in real bridge structures rather than in specimens is proposed. The range of the index value changes, obtained during load testing of a typical steel-concrete composite beam bridge, is presented. The investigation was carried out on a motorway viaduct, consisting of two parallel structures. During the testing values of strains in girders under static and quasi-static loads were measured. The readings from the gauges were used to determine the index, characterizing composite action of the girders. Results of bridge testing under movable load, changing position along the bridge span is presented and obtained in-situ influence functions of strains and index values are commented in the paper.

Research on an innovative structure of an open-ribbed steel-ultra-high performance concrete composite bridge deck

To completely solve the problem of fatigue cracking issue of orthotropic steel bridge decks(OSDs),the authors proposed a steel–ultra-high performance concrete(UHPC)lightweight composite deck(LWCD)with closed ribs in 2010.Based on the successful application of that LWCD,an adaptation incorporating an innovative composite deck structure,i.e.,the hot-rolled section steel–UHPC composite deck with open ribs(SSD)is proposed in this paper,aiming to simplify the fabrication process as well as to reduce the cost of LWCD.Based on a long-span cable-stayed bridge,a design scheme is proposed and is compared with the conventional OSD scheme.Further,a finite element(FE)calculation is conducted to reflect both the global and local behavior of the SSD scheme,and it is found that the peaked stresses in the SSD components are less than the corresponding allowable values.A static test is performed for an SSD strip specimen to understand the anti-cracking behavior of the UHPC layer under negative bending moments.The static test results indicate that the UHPC layer exhibited a satisfactory tensile toughness,the UHPC tensile strength obtained from the test is 1.8 times the calculated stress by the FE model of the real bridge.In addition,the fatigue stresses of typical fatigue-prone details in the SSD are calculated and evaluated,and the influences of key design parameters on the fatigue performance of the SSD are analyzed.According to the fatigue results,the peaked stress ranges for all of the 10 fatigue-prone details are within the corresponding constant amplitude fatigue limits.Then a fatigue test is carried out for another SSD strip specimen to explore the fatigue behavior of the fillet weld between the longitudinal and transverse ribs.The specimen failed at the fillet weld after equivalent 47.5 million cycles of loading under the design fatigue stress range,indicating that the fatigue performance of the SSD could meet the fatigue design requirement.Theoretical calculations and experiments provide a basis for the promotion and application of this structure in bridge engineering.

Flexural behaviour of SFRRAC two-way composite slab with different shapes

To promote the application of green renewable materials in concrete composite slabs(CCSs)and study the flexural behavior of CCSs with different shapes,the bending performances of three CCSs with a SFRRAC base plate,one cast-in-site concrete slab of ordinary concrete and one CCS of ordinary concrete by steel bar truss(as recommended in the technical specification for precast concrete structures in Chinese)were compared through experiments.The carrying capacity,flexural behaviour and bi-directional mechanical properties of the specimens were systematically analyzed from the failure modes,load-deflection curves,load-bar strain curves,load-slip curves and crack distributions.Results show that the bending failure process of CCSs with a SFRRAC base plate is similar to that of the cast-in-site concrete slab of ordinary concrete and CCS of ordinary concrete by steel bar truss,as all of them went through the plastic phase,elastic plastic phase and failure phase with fully developed cracks and deflection.No sudden breakage or horizontal cracking of the connecting interface between the base plate and concrete topping was observed.The shape of the base plate has a major impact on the bearing capacity of the CCS with the SFRRAC base plate.When calculating the ultimate bearing capacity with the plastic yield line theory,the influence of the base plate shape on the plastic yield line position should be taken into account.

Comparison of Studs and Perfo-Bond Strips on Mechanical Behavior of Composite Girders under Negative Bending

The purpose of the present study is to investigate the influence of different types of shear connectors on mechanical behavior of composite steel and concrete girders under negative bending moment. Two overturned simply supported steel-concrete composite girders with different shear connectors including studs and PBLs （perfo-bond strips） were tested under point load in the mid-span. Based on the experimental observations, a three-dimensional FE （finite element） model capable of analyzing the composite girders subjected to negative bending moment was built. Load and deformation response, concrete initial cracking and composite girder ultimate load bearing capacity, strain development process of reinforcing bars before and after concrete cracking were observed in the test and compared with the numerical values. Results predicted by this modeling method are in good agreement with those obtained from the tests. Furthermore, the %rack closure＂ or ＂through crack＂ load were recorded by π-ganges in the tests and compared with the code-specified ultimate load.

Use of Magnesium Oxide-cement Binder in Composites Based on Hemp Shives

In this paper, it presented the results of experimental study of utilization of MgO cement as calcium hydrate replacement in lightweight composites based on hemp shives. The results of selected characteristics （compressive strength and coefficient of thermal conductivity） of hardened composites show that MgO cement based on the milled caustic magnesite is suitable alternative in comparison to conventional binders used in hemp concrete. This material leads to new environmentally products as non-load bearing building materials.

Experimental study on out-of-plane seismic performance of precast composite sidewalls of utility tunnel with grouting-sleeve joints

The precast composite reinforced concrete wall with the advantages of fewer joints,superior impermeability and rapid construction provides an efficient and environmental friendly alternative in the construction of underground utility tunnels in the last few years.To investigate the seismic performance of precast concrete composite walls of utility tunnels with grouting-sleeve connection under out-ofplane loads,a series of quasi-static cyclic tests were performed on the full-scale sidewall specimens with different axial compression ratios in this study.The experimental results including the failure modes,crack distributions,and the influence of different connections on the out-of-plane seismic performance of precast concrete composite wall were carefully examined and compared with those from the cyclic tests of the cast-in-place sidewalls of the utility tunnel.The test results show that the seismic performance of the precast concrete composite sidewall specimen,such as the hysteresis curves,the ultimate bearing capacity,stiffness degradation pattern and the ductility ratio,is basically the same as that of the cast-in-place specimen,indicating that the seismic performance of the prefabricated structure is equivalent to that of the cast-in-place structure.Moreover,the grouting-sleeves of the joints can effectively transfer the reinforcement stress until the failure of the precast concrete composite sidewall specimens,which exhibits excellent out-of-plane ductility and serviceability.

Test analysis on prestressed concrete composite beams with steel boxes subjected to torsion and combined flexure and torsion

While modem prestressed techniques have improved the torsion properties of high-strength concrete （HSC） composite beams with prestressed steel （PS） boxes, no research has been reported in either the national or international literature on the an- ti-torque and composite torque properties of this type of beam. With the aim of understanding the torque properties of these beams, this paper presents results of ten comprehensive tests; three of these were based on stirrup spacings and prestressing levels as the main parameters, while the other seven were based on torsional rates. The torsion tests were conducted on the re- sults which established several key parameters, including curves of constant torsion, strain curves of steel torsion, strain distri- bution of steel beams and concrete, curves of bending-moment and mid-span deflection, as well as cross strain distribution.The prestressing impact-factor method was adopted to deduce semiempirical equations for cracking torque in such composite beams. Furthermore, this involves the use of the equation of ultimate torque based on tress-model-theory of the distortion an- gle, the calculated results show good agreement with the measured values. In summary, this paper offers theoretical analysis for future applications of HSC composite beams with PS boxes, and provides both validation of the methods employed and a reference point for on-going research on composite beams and related anti-torque studies.