A systematic review of rigid-flexible composite pavement

Rigid-flexible composite pavement has gained significant popularity in recent decades.This paper provides a comprehensive review of the research progress concerning rigid-flexible composite pavement,aiming to promote its application and address key issues while identifying future directions.The design theory and methodology of rigid-flexible composite pavement are discussed,followed by a description of its structural and mechanical behavior characteristics.The load stress,temperature stress,and their interactive effects between the asphalt layer and the rigid base were analyzed.It is clarified that the asphalt layer serves a dual role as both a“functional layer”and a“structural layer”.Typical distresses of rigid-flexible composite pavement,which primarily occur in the asphalt layer,were discussed.These distresses include reflective cracking,top-down cracking,rutting,and compressive-shear failure.Generally,the integrity of the rigid base and the interlaminar bonding conditions significantly impact the performance and distress of the asphalt layer.The technology for enhancing the performance of rigid-flexible composite pavement is summarized in three aspects:asphalt layer properties,rigid base integrity,and interlaminar bonding condition.The study concludes that developing high-performance pavement materials based on their structural behaviors is an effective approach to improve the performance and durability of rigid-flexible composite pavement.The integrated design of structure and materials represents the future direction of road design.

Performance of composite foundations with different load transfer platforms and substratum stiffness over silty clay

The semi-rigid pile-supported composite foundation is widely used in highway projects due to its effectiveness in increasing the bearing capacity and stability of foundations.It is crucial to understand the stress distribution across the embankment width and the behaviour of unreinforced foundations.Thus,five centrifuge tests were conducted to examine the bearing and deformation behaviours of NPRS(Non-Connected Piled Raft Systems)and GRPS(GeosyntheticReinforced Pile-Supported systems)with varying substratum stiffness,then a comparative analysis was conducted on embankment settlement,pressures underneath the embankments,and axial forces along the piles.The results indicated that greater substratum stiffness correlates with reduced settlement and deformation at various depths.Deformation occurring 5 meters from the embankment toe includes settlement in NPRS and upward movement in GRPS.The potential sliding surface is primarily located within the embankment in NPRS,whereas it may extend through both the embankment and foundation in GRPS.The pile-soil stress ratio and efficiency in NPRS are higher than in GRPS across the embankment.The axial force borne by end-bearing piles is significantly greater than that by floating piles.As the buried depth increases,the axial force in GRPS initially rises then declines,whereas in NPRS,it remains relatively constant within a certain range before decreasing.This study aids in assessing the applicability of composite foundations in complex railway environments and provides a reference for procedural measures under similar conditions.

Experimental and numerical study regarding H-steel all-bolted connection steel frame with composite wall boards

H-steel all-bolted connection steel frame structures with heat preservation and decoration composite wall boards were investigated and the seismic performances of three scaled specimens were studied.The failure modes,hysteresis curves,bearing capacity,ductility,energy dissipation capacity,stiffness degradation and strain distribution were discussed.The calculation method of structural theoretical internal force was presented.The results showed that the overall structural seismic performance was better,and the structural ductility met the demands of elastic-plastic inter-story drift angle for seismic design.The H-steel weak-axis connection structure obtained better energy dissipation capacity,and its bearing capacity and stiffness were slightly different from the strong-axis connection.The heat preservation and decoration performance of composite wallboard and the all-bolted connection of the steel frame realized prefabrication during the whole construction period.The plastic hinge of the steel beam can be moved outwards because of the L-angles,which effectively avoids stress concentration in joint areas and expands the plastic hinge range.The errors between the theoretical structural capacity calculated by the plastic analysis method and the test results were within 2.44%.In addition,structural failure mechanisms and bearing capacities were verified by the finite element(FE)analysis,and the effects of the main parameters on the structures were investigated.The FE verification results were the same as in the test.The research results provide theoretical support and technical guidance for the application of thermal insulation and decorative composite wall panels in H-shaped steel all-bolted steel frames.

Physical and Chemical Properties of Horns Sheaths Particles for the Manufacture of Composite Materials

Salvaged cow horns from slaughterhouses have been transformed into fine particles for a physical characterization that has led us to determine the humidity rate (2.34% ± 0.054%), the actual density situated between 0.586 g/cm3 and 0.732 g/cm3, the swelling rate (12%), and one chemical characterization that permitted us to determine the rate of dry matters (97.05%), of mineral matters (2.5%), of protein matters (94.52%). From these weak values, it can easily be seen that cow horn case doesn’t absorb much water and improve the mechanical characteristics of the composite;the high rate of protein shows that keratin which is the structural molecule favors its gripping as reinforcing element in the manufacturing of composite materials.

Research on stability of laminated composite plate under nonlinear aerodynamic load

In this paper,we propose an finite element approach based on classical plate theory to investigate the dynamic stability of a layered composite plate subject to nonlinear aerodynamic load.This study considers the influence of temperature,nonlinear geometry,and nonlinear aerodynamic load on composite plate structures simultaneously.Specifically,the present work conduct comparison the results of the critical pressure value between the nonlinear aerodynamic load and the linear aerodynamic load,thereby pointing out some necessary cases which must consider the nonlinearity of aerodynamic load for calculating the aerospace structures.We determine the critical pressure value and vibrational amplitude response of the plate by means of calculation.The outcomes of our calculations can be useful in designing and repairing body shells and wings of aircraft equipment.

Strength criterion of composite solid propellants under dynamic loading

Based on the dynamic loading(1-100 s^(-1)) experiments under different temperatures(223-298 K) and stress states, uniaxial and biaxial strength criterion of a Hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene(HTPB)based composite solid propellant were further investigated. These experiments were conducted through the use of a new uniaxial INSTRON testing machine, different new designed gripping apparatus and samples with different configurations. According to the test results, dynamic uniaxial tensile strength criterion of the propellant was directly constructed with the master curve of the uniaxial maximum tensile stress. Whereas, a new method was proposed to determine the dynamic uniaxial compressive strength of the propellant in this study. Then uniaxial compressive strength criterion of the propellant was constructed based on the related master curve. Moreover, it found that the uniaxial tensilecompressive strength ratio of the propellant is more sensitive to loading temperature under the test conditions. The value of this parameter is about 0.4 at room temperature, and it reduces to 0.2-0.3 at low temperatures. Finally, the theoretical biaxial strength criterion of HTPB propellant under dynamic loading was constructed with the unified strength theory, the uniaxial strength and the typical biaxial tensile strength. In addition, the theoretical limit lines of the principal stress plane for the propellant under dynamic loading at different temperatures were further plotted, and the scope of the limit line increases with decreasing temperature.

INTERFACIAL DEBONDING OF COATED-FIBER-REINFORCED COMPOSITES UNDER TENSION-TENSION CYCLIC LOADING

A new degradation function of the friction coefficient is used.Based on the double shear-lag model and Paris formula,the interracial damage of coated- fiber-reinforced composites under tension-tension cyclic loading is studied.The effects of strength and thickness of the coating materials on the debond stress,debond rate as well as debond length are simulated.

Variable-stiffness composite cylinder design under combined loadings by using the improved Kriging model

The large design freedom of variable-stiffness (VS) composite material presupposes its potential for wide engineering application. Previous research indicates that the design of VS cylindrical structures helps to increase the buckling load as compared to quasi-isotropic (QI) cylindrical structures. This paper focuses on the anti-buckling performance of VS cylindrical structures under combined loads and the efficient optimization design method. Two kinds of conditions, bending moment and internal pressure, and bending moment and torque are considered. Influences of the geometrical defects, ovality, on the cylinder's performances are also investigated. To increase the computational efficiency, an adaptive Kriging meta-model is proposed to approximate the structural response of the cylinders. In this improved Kriging model, a mixed updating rule is used in constructing the meta-model. A genetic algorithm (GA) is implemented in the optimization design. The optimal results show that the buckling load of VS cylinders in all cases is greatly increased as compared with a QI cylinder.

DELAMINATION FORMATION AND DELAMINATION PROPAGATION OF COMPOSITE LAMINATES UNDER COMPRESSIVE FATIGUE LOADING

Fatigue tests of the smooth composite laminates and the notched composite laminates under compressive cyclic loading have been carried out. The damage mechanism is discussed and analyzed. Damage evolution is monitored using stiffness decay. From these tests, it is found that the initial delamination occurs at the free boundary of smooth specimens, or the notch boundary of notched specimens, subjected to the compression-compression cyclic load. A point of view in relation to two-phases of compression fatigue delamination of composites is proposed, namely, compression-compression delamination consists of the delamination formation phase and the delamination propagation, and there is a 'damage transition point' to separate this two-phases. Furthermore, an empirical modulus degradation formula and its parameters fitting method are presented. According to the test data handling results, it is shown that this formula is univocal and can fit the test data conveniently. In addition, two kinds of new anti-buckling devices are designed for these tests. At last, the E-N curves, the D-N curves and the S-N curve of the smooth carbon fiber reinforced composite laminates of T300/648C are determined to predict the fatigue life of the notched composite laminate. And the E-N curve of the notched specimens at the given load ratio R = 10 and minimum load Pmin = -0.45 kN is also measured to verify the estimated result of fatigue life.

Buckling analysis of shear deformable composite conical shells reinforced by CNTs subjected to combined loading on the two-parameter elastic foundation

The main objective of this study is to investigate the buckling analysis of CCSs reinforced by CNTs subjected to combined loading of hydrostatic pressure and axial compression resting on the twoparameter elastic foundation(T-P-EF).It is one of the first attempts to derive the governing equations of the CCSs reinforced with CNTs,based on a generalized first-order shear deformation shell theory(FSDST)which includes shell-foundation interaction.By adopting the extended mixing rule,the effective material properties of CCSs reinforced by CNTs with linear distributions are approximated by introducing some efficiency parameters.Three carbon nanotube distribution in the matrix,i.e.uniform distribution(U)and V and X-types linear distribution are taken into account.The stability equations are solved by using the Galerkin procedure to determine the combined buckling loads(CBLs)of the structure selected here.The numerical illustrations cover CBLs characteristics of CCSs reinforced by CNTs in the presence of the T-P-EF.Finally,a parametric study is carried out to study the influences of the foundation parameters,the volume fraction of carbon nanotubes and the types of reinforcement on the CBLs.

High microwave absorption performances for single-walled carbon nanotube–epoxy composites with ultra-low loadings

Microwave-absorbing polymeric composites based on single-walled carbon nanotubes （SWNTs） are fabricated via a simple yet versatile method, and these SWNT-epoxy composites exhibit very impressive microwave absorption perfor- mances in a range of 2 GHz-18 GHz. For instance, a maximum absorbing value as high as 28 dB can be achieved for each of these SWNT-epoxy composites （1.3-mm thickness） with only 1 wt% loading of SWNTs, and about 4.8 GHz bandwidth, corresponding to a microwave absorption performance higher than 10 dB, is obtained. Furthermore, such low and appro- priate loadings of SWNTs also enhance the mechanical strength of the composite. It is suggested that these remarkable results are mainly attributable to the excellent intrinsic properties of SWNTs and their homogeneous dispersion state in the polymer matrix.

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.

Research on Drug Loading Performance of Hydroxiapatite-Gelatin Composites by Co-precipication Method

Hydroxyapatite/polymer composites are promising materials for drug delivery applications.Studies focusing on the development of such composites are available in recent years,as using these materials as a carrier allows us to overcome the side effects of toxic drugs used especially in cancer treatments and increase treatment efficiency.In this study,hydroxyapatite-gelatin(HAp-GEL)composites are produced in the presence of simulated body fluid(SBF)as a carrier for 5-Fluorouracil(5-FU).Composites are produced by wet precipitation method at pH 7.4 and 37°C and crosslinked with glutaraldehyde(GA).In order to observe the effect of GA amount on drug loading efficiency,composites cross-linked with different amounts of GA are released in deinozed water,HCl and phosphate bufffer solution(PBS).Composites are analyzed by X-Ray Diffraction(XRD),Thermogravimetric Analyses(TGA),Scanning Electron Microscopy(SEM)and particle size distribution to observe morphology and structure.It is concluded that drug loaded HAp-GEL composites have a potential to be used in drug delivery applications.

A STUDY OF THE POSTBUCKLING PATH OF CYLINDRICALLY CURVED PANELS OF LAMINATED COMPOSITE MATERIALS DURING LOADING AND UNLOADING

In this paper, Dynamic Relaxation Method is applied to study the postbuckling path of cylindrically curved panels of laminated composite materials during loading and unloading. The phenomenon that loading paths do not coincide with unloading paths has been found. Numerical results are given for cylindrically curved cross-ply panels subjected to uniform uniaxial compression under two types of boundary conditions. The influence of the number of layers, the panels curvature and the initial imperfection on the postbuckling paths is discussed.

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.

Control on Gradient Adhesive Loading of Porous Laminate:Effects on Multiple Performance of Composites with Bamboo Bundle and Sliver

Elementary units“bamboo bundle”and“bamboo sliver”were processed and cross-linked as“bamboo-bundle veneer(BBV)”and“bamboo-sliver veneer(BSV)”for preparation of laminated composites.The concept of“high-content-adhesive surface treatment”was raised to improve boards’performance,rather than increasing adhesive absorption of every layer’s porous unit.That is,some BBVs experienced an extra“dipping&drying”to absorb more resin(named“HBBV”).The effect of the amount of knitting threads was also discussed for influencing BBV’s quality.Results indicated that light transmittance of BBVs decreased as the amount of threads added from 3 to 8,while mechanical stiffness increased.Adding two skin layers of HBBVs symmetrically was helpful to enhance 24-hour underwater and 28-hour“boil-dry-boil”dimensional stability for boards with BSVs as core,while more than two pairs of HBBVs were needed to improve 28-hour“boil-dry-boil”dimensional stability of boards with BBVs as core.Two symmetrical surface layers of BBVs/HBBVs provided BSV-boards/BBV-boards with greater bending resistance,while such“surface treatment”would not raise shearing strength of BSV-boards upon 28-hour“boil-dry-boil”treatment.Besides,the data obtained from drop-hammer impact test indicated that more than two pair of surface BBVs or HBBVs were required for significant improvement in anti-impact property.

Stress Analysis of Printed Circuit Board with Different Thickness and Composite Materials Under Shock Loading

In this study,the deformation and stress distribution of printed circuit board(PCB)with different thickness and composite materials under a shock loading were analyzed by the finite element analysis.The standard 8-layer PCB subjected to a shock loading 1500 g was evaluated first.Moreover,the finite element models of the PCB with different thickness by stacking various number of layers were discussed.In addition to changing thickness,the core material of PCB was replaced from woven E-glass/epoxy to woven carbon fiber/epoxy for structural enhancement.The non-linear material property of copper foil was considered in the analysis.The results indicated that a thicker PCB has lower stress in the copper foil in PCBs under the shock loading.The stress difference between the thicker PCB(2.6 mm)and thinner PCB(0.6 mm)is around 5%.Using woven carbon fiber/epoxy as core material could lower the stress of copper foil around 6.6%under the shock loading 1500 g for the PCB with 0.6 mm thickness.On the other hand,the stress level is under the failure strength of PCBs with carbon fiber/epoxy core layers and thickness 2.6 mm when the peak acceleration changes from 1500 g to 5000 g.This study could provide a reference for the design and proper applications of the PCB with different thickness and composite materials.

Micromechanical Analysis of Interfacial Debonding in Metal Matrix Composites Subjected to off-axis Loading

This study aims to investigate the effects of interfacial debonding and fiber volume fraction on the stressstrain behavior of the fiber reinforced metal matrix composites subjected to off-axis loading.The generalized method of cells(GMC)is used to analyze a representative element whose fiber shape is circular.The constant compliant interface model(CCI)is also adopted to study the response of composites with imperfect interfacial bonding.Results show that for the composites subjected to off-axis loading,the mechanical behaviors are affected appreciably by the interfacial debonding and the fiber volume fraction.

Dynamic Response of Pultruded Glass-Graphite/Epoxy Hybrid Composites Subjected to Transverse High Strain-Rate Compression Loading

In a previous study, the energy absorption and dynamic response of different combinations of cylindrical fiber-reinforced pultruded hybrid composite samples made of unidirectional glass and graphite fiber/epoxy, were investigated under longitudinal compression loading. It was found that placing glass fibers in the inner core of composites resulted in a higher ultimate compressive strength and specific energy absorption. In this study, the dynamic responses of pultruded glass-graphite/epoxy hybrid specimens with rectangular cross-section subjected to transverse compression loading are reported. Crack initiation and propagation was monitored using a high-speed video camera, and the effects of hybridization were analyzed. It was found that the location of glass or graphite fibers inside the pultruded composites has no significant effect on the ultimate compressive strength under such transverse compression loading. The energy absorption in all the hybrid specimens was almost identical. Graphite/epoxy composite showed higher specific energy absorption due to its lower density, and glass/epoxy composite had the lowest specific energy absorption.

Effects of Microstructure on Quasi⁃Static Transverse Loading Behavior of 3D Circular Braided Composite Tubes

The effects of microstructure on quasi-static transverse loading behavior of 3D circular braided composite tubes were studied. Transverse loading tests were conducted. Transverse load-deflection curves were obtained to analyze the effects of braiding parameters including the braiding angle, the wall thickness, and the diameter on the transverse loading of 3D circular braided composite tubes. Breaking loads, moduli and strengths had also been used to describe the transverse loading behaviors. The failure morphologies were shown to reveal damage mechanisms. From the results, the increase in braiding angle, wall thickness and diameter increases the ability of anti-deformation and breaking load of braided tubes. The breaking load of specimen with a braiding angle of 45° is about 1.68 times that of specimen with a braiding angle of 15°. The breaking load of specimen with 4 layers of yarns is about 2.15 times that of specimen with 2 layers of yarns. The breaking load of the tube with a diameter of 25.5 mm is about 2.39 times that of the tube with a diameter of 20.5 mm.