Behavior of RC two-way slabs strengthened with CFRP-steel grid under concentrated loading

A novel composite technique of orthogonally bonding carbon fiber-reinforced polymer （CFRP） strips and steel strips is proposed to improve the performance of reinforced concrete （RC） structures based on co-working of CFRP strips and steel strips. To verify the effectiveness of the method for strengthening RC two-way slabs, seven flat slabs with the dimensions of i 500 mm x 1 500 mm x 70 mm and an internal reinforcement ratio of 0.22% were prepared and tested until failure under concentrated loading, of which one was unstrengthened, one was strengthened with CFRP strips bonded to its soffit making a grid pattern （termed the CFRP grid）, and five were strengthened with a hybrid grid of CFRP strips and steel strips in two orthogonal directions （termed the CFRP-steel grid） to the bottom with steel bolt anchorage. The investigation parameters are the strengthening method, the strip spacing （150, 200, and 250 mm） and the layers of CFRP strips （one layer, two layers, and three layers of CFRP strips are applied for CFRP-steel grid）. The experimental results show that the strengthening RC two-way slabs with CFRP-steel grid are effective in delaying concrete cracking and enhancing the load-carrying capacity and deformability in comparison to the CFRP grid strengthening. The yield-line analysis model is proposed to predict the load-carrying capacity of the strengthened slabs. The prediction results are in good agreement with the experimental results.

Mode coupling with Fabry-Perot modes in photonic crystal slabs

Fabry–Perot(FP)modes are a class of fundamental resonances in photonic crystal(PhC)slabs.Owing to their low quality factors,FP modes are frequently considered as background fields with their resonance nature being neglected.Nevertheless,FP modes can play important roles in some phenomena,as exemplified by their coupling with guided resonance(GR)modes to achieve bound states in the continuum(BIC).Here,we further demonstrate the genuine resonance mode capability of FP modes PhC slabs.Firstly,we utilize temporal coupled-mode theory to obtain the transmittance of a PhC slab based on the FP modes.Secondly,we construct exceptional points(EPs)in both momentum and parameter spaces through the coupling of FP and GR modes.Furthermore,we identify a Fermi arc connecting two EPs and discuss the far-field polarization topology.This work elucidates that the widespread FPs in PhC slabs can serve as genuine resonant modes,facilitating the realization of desired functionalities through mode coupling.

Experimental investigation of ultra-early-strength cement-based selfcompacting high strength concrete slabs(URCS)under contact explosions

In this paper,UR50 ultra-early-strength cement-based self-compacting high-strength concrete slabs(URCS)have been subjected to contact explosion tests with different TNT charge quality,aiming to evaluate the anti-explosive performance of URCS.In the experiment,three kinds of ultra-early-strength cement-based reinforced concrete slabs with different reinforcement ratios and a normal concrete slab(NRCS)were used as the control specimen,the curing time of URCS is 28 days and 24 h respectively.The research results show that URCS has a stronger anti-explosion ability than NRCS.The failure mode of URCS under contact explosion is that the front of the reinforced concrete slab explodes into a crater,and the back is spall.With the increase of the charge,the failure mode of the reinforced concrete slab gradually changed to explosive penetration and explosive punching.The experiment results also show that the reinforcement ratio of URCS has little effect on the anti-blast performance,and URCS can reach its anti-blast performance at 28 days after curing for 24 h.On this basis,the damage parameters of URCS for different curing durations were quantified,and an empirical formula for predicting the diameter of the crater and spalling was established.

Damage response of conventionally reinforced two-way spanning concrete slab under eccentric impacting drop weight loading

Reinforced concrete(RC)structures are generally designed to carry quasi-static gravity loads through almost indispensable components namely slab,however,it may be subjected to high intense loads induced from the impact of projectiles generated by the tornado,falling construction equipment,and also from accidental explosions during their construction and service lifespan.Impacts due to rock/boulder falls do occur on the structures located especially in hilly areas.Such loadings are not predictable but may cause severe damage to the slab/structure.It stimulates structural engineers and researchers to investigate and understand the dynamic response of RC structures under such impulsive loading.This research work first investigates the performance of 1000×1000×75 mm^(3)conventionally reinforced two-way spanning normal strength concrete slab with only tension reinforcement(0.88%)under the concentric impact load(1035 N)using the finite element method based computer code,ABAQUS/Explicit-v.6.15.The impact load is delivered to the centroid of the slab using a solid-steel cylindroconical impactor(drop weight)with a flat nose of diameter 40 mm,having a total mass of 105 kg released from a fixed height of 2500 mm.Two popular concrete constitutive models in ABAQUS namely;Holmquist-Johnson-Cook(HJC)and Concrete Damage Plasticity(CDP),with strain rate effects as per fib MODEL CODE 2010,are used to model the concrete material behavior to impact loading and to simulate the damage to the slab.The slab response using these two models is analyzed and compared with the impact test results.The strain rate effect on the reinforcing steel bars has been incorporated in the analysis using the Malvar and Crawford(1998)approach.A classical elastoplastic kinematic idealization is considered to model the steel impactor and support system.Results reveal that the HJC model gives a little overestimation of peak displacement,maximum acceleration,and damage of the slab while the predictions given by the CDP model are in reasonable agreement with the experimental test results/observations available in the open literature.Following the validation of the numerical model,analyses have been extended to further investigate the damage response of the slab under eccentric impact loadings.In addition to the concentric location(P1)of the impacting device,five locations on a quarter of the slab i.e.,two along the diagonal(P2&P3),the other two along the mid-span(P4&P5),and the last one(P6)between P3 and P5,covering the entire slab,are considered.Computational results have been discussed and compared,and the evaluation of the most damaging location(s)of the impact is investigated.It has been found that the most critical location of the impact is not the centroid of the slab but the eccentric one with the eccentricity of 1/6th of the span from the centroid along the mid-span section.

The dynamic response and damage models of rebar reinforced polymer slabs subjected to contact and near-field explosions

Non aqueous reactive polymer materials produced by the reaction of isocyanate and polyol have been widely used in infrastructure construction,which may be subjected to explosion loads during complex service conditions.The blast response of composite materials is a crucial aspect for applications in engineering structures potentially subjected to extreme loadings.In this work,damage caused to rebar reinforced polymer slabs by surface explosive charges was studied experimentally and numerically.A total of 6 field tests were carried out to investigate the performances of the failure modes of rebar reinforced polymer slabs under contact and near-field explosions.The influence of explosive quantity(10-40 g)and stand-off distances(0-20 cm)at the damage modes were studied.The results show that the failure modes of rebar reinforced polymer slabs under near-field explosion mainly were bending and surface spalling,while under the impact of contact explosion,the failure modes were craters of the top surface,spalling of the bottom surface,and middle perforation.Furthermore,a detailed fully coupled model was developed and validated with the test data.The influences of explosive quantity and slab thickness on rebar reinforced polymer slabs under contact explosion were studied.Based on this,the calculation formula between breach diameter,explosive quantity,and slab thickness is fitted.

Lead spall velocity of fragments of ultra-high-performance concrete slabs under partially embedded cylindrical charge-induced explosion

When an explosion occurs close to or partially within the face of a concrete structure, fragments are rapidly launched from the opposite face of the structure owing to concrete spalling, posing a significant risk to nearby personnel and equipment. To study the lead fragment velocity of ultra-high-performance concrete(UHPC), partially embedded explosion experiments were performed on UHPC slabs of limited thickness using a cylindrical trinitrotoluene charge. The launch angles and velocities of the resulting fragments were the determined using images collected by high-speed camera to document the concrete spalling and fragment launching process. The results showed that UHPC slabs without fiber reinforcement had a fragment velocity distribution of 0-118.3 m/s, which are largely identical to that for a normal-strength concrete(NSC) slab. In addition, the fragment velocity was negatively correlated to the angle between the velocity vector and vertical direction. An empirical Eq. for the lead spall velocity of UHPC and NSC slabs was then proposed based on a large volume of existing experimental data.

A Retrodirective Array Enabled by CMOS Chips for Two-Way Wireless Communication with Automatic Beam Tracking

This article proposes and demonstrates a retrodirective array(RDA)for two-way wireless communication with automatic beam tracking.The proposed RDA is enabled by specifically designed chips made using a domestic complementary metal-oxide semiconductor(CMOS)process.The highly integrated CMOS chip includes a receiving(Rx)chain,a transmitting(Tx)chain,and a unique tracking phaselocked loop(PLL)for the crucial conjugated phase recovery in the RDA.This article also proposes a method to reduce the beam pointing error(BPE)in a conventional RDA.To validate the above ideas simply yet without loss of generality,a 2.4 GHz RDA is demonstrated through two-way communication links between the Rx and Tx chains,and an on-chip quadrature coupler is designed to achieve a nonretrodirective signal suppression of 23 dBc.The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed RDA,which incorporates domestically manufactured low-cost 0.18 lm CMOS chips,is capable of automatically tracking beams covering±40with a reduced BPE.Each CMOS chip in the RDA has a compact size of 4.62 mm^(2) and a low power consumption of 0.15 W.To the best of the authors’knowledge,this is the first research to demonstrate an RDA with a fully customized CMOS chip for wireless communication with automatic beam tracking。

Beamforming Design for IRS-and-UAV-Aided Two-Way Amplify-and-Forward Relay Networks in Maritime IoT

In this paper,an intelligent reflecting surface(IRS)-and-unmanned aerial vehicle(UAV)-assisted two-way amplify-and-forward(AF)relay network in maritime Internet of Things(IoT)is proposed,where ship1(S1)and ship2(S2)can be viewed as data collecting centers.To enhance the message exchange rate between S1 and S2,a problem of maximizing minimum rate is cast,where the variables,namely AF relay beamforming matrix and IRS phase shifts of two time slots,need to be optimized.To achieve a maximum rate,a low-complexity alternately iterative(AI)scheme based on zero forcing and successive convex approximation(LC-ZF-SCA)algorithm is presented.To obtain a significant rate enhancement,a high-performance AI method based on one step,semidefinite programming and penalty SCA(ONSSDP-PSCA)is proposed.Simulation results show that by the proposed LC-ZF-SCA and ONS-SDP-PSCA methods,the rate of the IRS-and-UAV-assisted AF relay network surpass those of with random phase and only AF relay networks.Moreover,ONS-SDP-PSCA perform better than LC-ZF-SCA in aspect of rate.

Numerical analysis of high‑speed railway slab tracks using calibrated and validated 3D time‑domain modelling

Concrete slabs are widely used in modern railways to increase the inherent resilient quality of the tracks,provide safe and smooth rides,and reduce the maintenance frequency.In this paper,the elastic performance of a novel slab trackform for high-speed railways is investigated using three-dimensional finite element modelling in Abaqus.It is then compared to the performance of a ballasted track.First,slab and ballasted track models are developed to replicate the full-scale testing of track sections.Once the models are calibrated with the experimental results,the novel slab model is developed and compared against the calibrated slab track results.The slab and ballasted track models are then extended to create linear dynamic models,considering the track geodynamics,and simulating train passages at various speeds,for which the Ledsgard documented case was used to validate the models.Trains travelling at low and high speeds are analysed to investigate the track deflections and the wave propagation in the soil,considering the issues associated with critical speeds.Various train loading methods are discussed,and the most practical approach is retained and described.Moreover,correlations are made between the geotechnical parameters of modern high-speed rail and conventional standards.It is found that considering the same ground condition,the slab track deflections are considerably smaller than those of the ballasted track at high speeds,while they show similar behaviour at low speeds.

Effect of temperature gradientinduced periodic deformation of CRTS Ⅲ slab track on dynamic responses of the train-track system

Purpose-Temperature is an important load for a ballastless track.However,little research has been conducted on the dynamic responses when a train travels on a ballastless track under the temperature gradient.The dynamic responses under different temperature gradients of the slab are theoretically investigated in this work.Design/methodology/approach-Considering the moving train,the temperature gradient of the slab,and the gravity of the slab track,a dynamic model for a high-speed train that runs along the CRTS Ⅲ slab track on subgrade is developed by a nonlinear coupled way in Abaqus.Findings-The results are as follows:(1)The upward transmission of the periodic deformation of the slab causes periodic track irregularity.(2)Because of the geometric constraint of limiting structures,the maximum bending stresses of the slab occur near the end of the slab under positive temperature gradients,but in the middle of the slab under negative temperature gradients.(3)The periodic deformation of the slab can induce periodic changes in the interlayer stiffness and contact status,leading to a large vibration of the slab.Because of the vibration-reduction capacity of the fastener and the larger mass of the concrete base,the accelerations of both the slab and concrete base are far less than the acceleration of the rail.Originality/value-This study reveals the influence mechanism of temperature gradient-induced periodic deformation in the dynamic responses of the train-track system,and it also provides a guide for the safe service of CRTS Ⅲ slab track.

Laminated Solid Timber Slab with Transverse Prestressing Using the Strategy of Interleaved Vertical Displacement of Lamellae

This article presents a study on the structural behavior of transversely prestressed laminated timber slabs,focusing on an innovative approach:vertically misaligned lamellae.This misalignment,achieved by sliding vertically the wooden lamellae rather than aligning them,enhances the slab’s cross-section moment of inertia,thereby improving load-bearing capacity and stiffness.Testing involved two groups of structural size specimens:one with vertically aligned lamellae(control group)and the other with misaligned lamellae(study group).Results showed the study group exhibited 42%superior stiffness and 10%less load capacity compared to the control.Failures typically occurred individually in the lamellae,particularly in those with defects or lower modulus of elasticity,concentrated in the middle third of the slabs’free span where tensile stresses peak.Despite a higher number of failed lamellae,the study group demonstrated promising performance.Analysis of prestressing bar indicated no damage at all in the thread,suggesting potential for reducing bar diameter.These findings offer crucial insights into applying these slabs in timber construction as well as to any kind of construction.

基于SLAB和AFTOX模型的LNG加气站大气环境风险评估

通过设定LNG加气站环境风险事故情景,分别采用SLAB和AFTOX模型模拟预测LNG加气站泄漏和火灾伴生/次生污染物CO的大气环境风险影响程度。结果表明:在风险事故情景下,下风向5 km范围内不同距离的甲烷和CO最大浓度未超过大气毒性终点浓度,甲烷最大浓度出现在下风向10m处,浓度值为32637.575 mg/m^(3);CO最大浓度出现在下风向5 km处,浓度值为1.746E-4 mg/m^(3)。考虑低温液态LNG的危险性和事故触发具有不确定性,LNG加气站在运营过程中仍需重点做好风险防范措施,编制企业突发环境事件应急预案,建立企业/区域环境风险防控体系,有效防控环境风险。

Exploring the Synergy: Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of Steel and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) Reinforced Slab Incorporating Alccofine and M-Sand

Introduction: This study investigates the Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of Steel and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) Reinforced Slab Incorporating Alccofine and M-sand. Objective: Specific objectives include evaluating the mechanical properties and structural behaviour of steel and GFRP-reinforced one-way slabs and comparing experimental and theoretical predictions. Methods: Four different mix proportions were arrived at, comprising both conventional concrete and Alccofine-based concrete. In each formulation, a combination of normal river sand and M-sand was utilized. Results: Concrete with Alccofine exhibits superior mechanical properties, while M-sand incorporation minimally affects strength but reduces reliance on natural sand. GFRP-reinforced slabs display distinct brittle behaviour with significant deflections post-cracking, contrasting steel-reinforced slabs’ gradual, ductile failure. Discrepancies between experimental data and design recommendations underscore the need for guideline refinement. Conclusion: Alccofine and M-sand enhance concrete properties, but reinforcement type significantly influences slab behaviour. GFRP-reinforced slabs, though exhibiting lower values than steel, offer advantages in harsh environments, warranting further optimization.

Mechanics analysis of vehicle bumping at approach slabs with superelevation

In order to analyze the pavement stress caused by vehicle bumping at an approach slab, a simplified four-wheeled bi- axle vehicle-moving model is proposed. The effect of damping and vibration reduction in the process of vehicle-moving is not considered. Based on the position change of vehicle wheels at the approach slab, the vehicle dynamic vibration equations are summarized. Meanwhile, the undetermined coefficients of the vibration equations are obtained using the boundary and initial conditions of the vehicle. The analytical motion solutions of rear and front wheels at different stages are concluded. Consequently, a four-wheeled vehicle model is developed and vibration equations are provided, which can be used to analyze the impact of complicated stress on pavement. The results show that the excessive stress and stress concentration will occur at the approach slab, and it needs to be strengthened.

Surface Phonon-Polaritons in Slabs of Ternary Mixed Crystals

Surface phonon-polaritons in slabs of polar ternary mixed crystals are investigated with the modified random-element-isodisplacement model and the Born-Huang approximation, based on Maxwell＇s equations with the usual boundary conditions. The numerical results of the surface phonon-polariton frequencies as functions of the wave-vector and thickness for slabs of ternary mixed crystals AlxGa1-xAs, Znx Cd1-x S,and Gax In1-x N are obtained and discussed. It is shown that there are four branches of surface phonon-polaritons in slab systems. The “two-mode” and “one-mode” behaviors of surface phonon-polaritons are also shown in their dispersion curves.

Sensor location in concrete slabs with various layout of opening using modified ‘FEMS-COMAC’ approach

Two-way concrete slabs are widely used around the world for the construction of many types of infrastructures and common buildings. The optimal sensor placement(OSP) in slabs with various opening positions is the most important issue in structural health monitoring(SHM) to increase reliability. In this study, a novel approach of OSP was evaluated to obtain the number and placement of sensors using examination of the closed loop performance. The nonlinear finite element(NFE) was used to discretize the mechanism behavior of slab. Multi-Objective Optimization based on the coordinate modal assurance criterion(COMAC) and cost considerations was considered in the optimization processes. All of the analysis, discretization and optimization process was designed and developed as a novel approach in Matlab by the author under the name ‘FEMS-COMAC’(FEM analysis of slab with COMAC). The points in the finite element method(FEM) mesh were classified as line by line information along the slab. The OSP in each line was optimized according to the objective function. The slabs with various width, thickness, aspect ratio and opening position were selected as case studies. The results of the OSP using the COMAC algorithm around the slab openings were compared with the novel ‘FEMS-COMAC’ method. The statistical analysis according Mann-Whitney criteria shows that there were significant differences between them in some of the case studies(mean P-value=0.54).

Numerical simulation of seismic damage and cracking of concrete slabs of high concrete face rockfill dams

Based on the damage constitutive model for concrete, the Weibull distribution function was used to characterize the random distribution of the mechanical properties of materials by finely subdividing concrete slab elements, and a concrete random mesoscopic damage model was established. The seismic response of a 100-m high concrete face rockfill dam(CFRD), subjected to ground motion with different intensities, was simulated with the three-dimensional finite element method(FEM), with emphasis on exploration of damage and the cracking process of concrete slabs during earthquakes as well as analysis of dynamic damage and cracking characteristics during strong earthquakes. The calculated results show that the number of damaged and cracking elements on concrete slabs grows with the duration of earthquakes. With increasing earthquake intensity, the damaged zone and cracking zone on concrete slabs grow wider. During a 7.0-magnitude earthquake, the stress level of concrete slabs is low for the CFRD, and there is almost no damage or slight damage to the slabs. While during a 9.0-magnitude strong earthquake, the percentages of damaged elements and macrocracking elements continuously ascend with the duration of the earthquake, peaking at approximately 26% and 5% at the end of the earthquake, respectively. The concrete random mesoscopic damage model can depict the entire process of sprouting, growing, connecting, and expanding of cracks on a concrete slab during earthquakes.

Longitudinal surface cracks of thin slabs

Based on the production practice of medium carbon thin slabs in the CSP plant,the reasons and influencing factors for the formation of longitudinal cracks were investigated,and some industrial measures were taken to eliminate the cracks.The results show that the efficient solutions to reduce longitudinal cracks are improving the performance of the mold powder,stabilizing the mold heat flux,and maintaining a proper taper of the mold during casting.Proper pouring temperature and secondary cooling also play important roles in preventing longitudinal surface cracks.

Strain in solidifying shell of continuous casting slabs

Two-dimension unsteady heat transfer model was applied to obtain the surfacetemperature and the shell thickness of continuous casting slabs during the process ofsolidification. On the basis of which, the mathematical model of strain at the interface of solidand liquid steel was set up. Through which, the strain in the solidifying shell under normal andabnormal operation conditions was gained. The results indicate that the strain is small under thenormal operation conditions and the internal crack never happens. However, when the variation of theroll gap is above 2 mm, the strain caused by which is greater than that caused by bulging.Furthermore, the total strain exceeds the critical one and the internal crack is the result. So itis of great importance to maintain the fine state of continuous casting machine to avoid theappearance of internal crack.

Analytical solutions of transient heat conduction in multilayered slabs and application to thermal analysis of landfills

The study of transient heat conduction in multilayered slabs is widely used in various engineering fields. In this paper, the transient heat conduction in multilayered slabs with general boundary conditions and arbitrary heat generations is analysed. The boundary conditions are general and include various combinations of Dirichlet, Neumann or Robin boundary conditions at either surface. Moreover, arbitrary heat generations in the slabs are taken into account. The solutions are derived by basic methods, including the superposition method, separation variable method and orthogonal expansion method. The simplified double-layered analytical solution is validated by a numerical method and applied to predicting the temporal and spatial distribution of the temperature inside a landfill. It indicates the ability of the proposed analytical solutions for solving the wide range of applied transient heat conduction problems.