602 research outputs found
Stress-Crack Separation Relationship for Macrosynthetic, Steel and Hybrid Fiber Reinforced Concrete
An experimental evaluation of the crack propaga
tion and post-cracking response of macro
fiber reinforced concrete in flexure is c
onducted. Two types of structur
al fibers, hooked end
steel fibers and continuousl
y embossed macro-synthetic fibers are used in this study. A fiber
blend of the two fibers is evaluated for spec
ific improvements in the post peak residual load
carrying response. At 0.5% volume fraction, both
steel and macrosynthetic fiber reinforced
concrete exhibits load recovery at large
crack opening. The blend of 0.2% macrosynthetic
fibers and 0.3% steel fibers shows a significa
nt improvement in the immediate post peak load
response with a significantly smaller load drop and a
constant residual load carrying capacity
equal to 80% of the peak load. An analytical
formulation to predict fle
xure load-displacement
behaviour considering a multi-linear stress-
crack separation (σ
-w) relationship is developed.
An inverse analysis is developed for obtaining the multi-
linear σ
-w relation, from the
experimental response. The
�
-w curves of the steel and
macrosynthetic fiber reinforced
concrete exhibit a stress recovery after
a significant drop with increa
sing crack opening.
Significant residual load carrying capacity is attained
only at large crack separation. The fiber
blend exhibits a constant residual
stress with increasing crack sepa
ration following an initial
decrease. The constant residual stress is
attained at a small crack separation
Extending BIM for air quality monitoring
As we spend more than 90% of our time inside buildings, indoor environmental quality is a major concern
for healthy living. Recent studies show that almost 80% of people in European countries and the United States suffer from
SBS (Sick Building Syndrome), which affects physical health, productivity and psychological well-being. In this context,
environmental quality monitoring provides stakeholders with crucial information about indoor living conditions, thus
facilitating building management along its lifecycle, from design, construction and commissioning to usage, maintenance
and end-of-life. However, currently available modelling tools for building management remain limited to static models and
lack integration capacities to efficiently exploit environmental quality monitoring data. In order to overcome these
limitations, we designed and implemented a generic software architecture that relies on accessible Building Information
Model (BIM) attributes to add a dynamic layer that integrates environmental quality data coming from deployed sensors.
Merging sensor data with BIM allows creation of a digital twin for the monitored building where live information about
environmental quality enables evaluation through numerical simulation. Our solution allows accessing and displaying live
sensor data, thus providing advanced functionality to the end-user and other systems in the building. In order to preserve
genericity and separation of concerns, our solution stores sensor data in a separate database available through an
application programming interface (API), which decouples BIM models from sensor data. Our proof-of-concept
experiments were conducted with a cultural heritage building located in Bled, Slovenia. We demonstrated that it is
possible to display live information regarding environmental quality (temperature, relative humidity, CO2, particle matter,
light) using Revit as an example, thus enabling end-users to follow the conditions of their living environment and take
appropriate measures to improve its quality.Pages 244-250
Development of a knowledge-based system for the repair and maintenance of concrete structures
PhD ThesisInformation Technology (IT) can exploit strategic opportunities for new ways of
facilitating information and data exchange and the exchange of expert and specialist
opinions in any field of engineering. Knowledge-Based Systems are sophisticated
computer programs which store expert knowledge on specific subject and are applied to a
broad range of engineering problems. Integrated Database applications have facilitated
the essential capability of storing data to overcome an increasing information malaise.
Integrating these areas of Information Technology (IT) can be used to bring a group of
experts in any field of engineering closer together by allowing them to communicate and
exchange information and opinions.
The central feature of this research study is the integration of these hitherto separate areas
of Information Technology (IT). In this thesis an adaptable Graphic User Interface
Centred application comprising a Knowledge-Based Expert System (DEMARECEXPERT),
a Database Management System (REPCON) and Evaluation program
(ECON) alongside visualisation technologies is developed to produce an innovative
platform which will facilitate and encourage the development of knowledge in concrete
repair. Diagnosis, Evaluation, MAintenance and REpair of Concrete structures
(DEMAREQ is a flexible application which can be used in four modes of Education,
Diagnostic, Evaluation and Evolution. In the educational mode an inexperienced user can
develop a better understanding of the repair of concrete technology by navigating through
a database of textual and pictorial data.
In the diagnostic mode, pictures and descriptive information taken from the database and
performance of the expert system (DEMAREC-EXPERT) are used in a way that makes
problem solving and decision making easier. The DEMAREC-EXPERT system is
coupled to the REPCON (as an independent database) in order to provide the user with
recommendations related to the best course required for maintenance and in the selection
of materials and methods for the repair of concrete.
In the evaluation mode the conditions observed are described in unambiguous terms that
can be used by the user to be able to take engineering and management actions for the
repair and maintenance of the structure.
In the evolution mode of the application, the nature of distress, repair and maintenance of
concrete structures within the extent of the database management system has been
assessedT. he new methodology of data/usere valuation could have wider implications in
many knowledge rich areas of expertise. The benefit of using REPCON lies in the
enhanced levels of confidence which can be attributed to the data and to contribution of
that data. Effectively, REPCON is designed to model a true evolution of a field of
expertise but allows that expertise to move on in faster and more structured manner.
This research has wider implications than within the realm of concrete repair. The
methodology described in this thesis is developed to provide tecýnology transfer of
information from experts, specialists to other practitioners and vice versa and it provides
a common forum for communication and exchange information between them. Indeed,
one of the strengths of the system is the way in which it allows the promotion and
relegation of knowledge according to the opinion of users of different levels of ability
from expert to novice. It creates a flexible environment in which an inexperienced user
can develop his knowledge in maintenance and concrete repair structures. It is explained
how an expert and a specialist can contribute his experience and knowledge towards
improving and evolving the problem solving capability of the application
Sustainability of Concrete With Synthetic and Recycled Aggregates
Concrete is a material used widely in building and construction applications worldwide; hence, it plays a significant role in the global construction sector. Cement is a major component of concrete and is used in construction applications, either on its own or as a composite with other materials, to improve workability, durability, strength, weight, and shrinkage. However, cement and concrete production and use have adverse environmental effects. Thus, great efforts have been made to produce eco-friendly concrete. This book examines several aspects of sustainable concrete technologies, including new forms of concrete as well as different approaches for creating sustainable cement
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