Behaviour of GFRP-steel reinforced I shape beams with steel fibers as shear reinforcement

This paper evaluates the possibility of developing prefabricated beams without stirrups by using fiber reinforcement for increasing the concrete shear capacity, and a hybrid flexural reinforcement system composed of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFPR) and steel rebars. A high compressive strength and high post-cracking tensile capacity steel fiber reinforced self-compacting concrete (SFRSCC) was developed, aiming at supressing the need of steel stirrups in this type of beams while providing sufficient ductility for structural applications. The experimental results were analysed in terms of failure mode, deformational and cracking behaviour, as well as load carrying capacity. A constitutive model, capable of simulating three types of material nonlinearities simultaneously in an integration point (IP), was used and its predictive performance was assessed by simulating the experimental tests. The numerical approach was then used to assess the potentialities of this material system and structural concept when applied to relatively large span beams.The authors wish to acknowledge the funding provided by project FOATIDE, reference POCI-01- 0145-FEDER-028112

Shear resistance of SFRSCC short-span beams without transversal reinforcements

Corrosion of steel reinforcements, especially stirrups, is considered as one of the most common reasons that shorten the service life of the reinforced concrete structures. This study aims to replace the stirrups of the beams by means of a tailor made steel fiber reinforced self-compacting concrete (SFRSCC). A hybrid flexural reinforcement system was used for all these beams, composed of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) rebars placed near to the outer surface of the tensile zone and steel reinforcements positioned with higher SFRSCC cover to be protected against the corrosion, which is considered another strategy for enhancing the durability and attending fire issues in terms of safety at ultimate limit states. The effectiveness of varying the prestressing force applied to GFRP bars to improve the shear capacity and failure mode of the designed elements is evaluated. By considering the obtained experimental results, the predictive performance of some analytical formulations for the shear resistance of fiber reinforced concrete beams was assessed. All formulations demonstrate acceptable accuracy for design purposes, but the one proposed by CEB-FIP Model Code 2010 predicts more conservative shear resistance.European Regional Development Fund (FEDER) - “Inotec”, with reference number 23024Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) - “SlabSys-HFRC”, with reference PTDC/ECM/120394/201

Effect of fiber dosage and prestress level on shear behavior of hybrid GFRP-steel reinforced concrete I-shape beams without stirrups

Corrosion of steel reinforcements embedded in concrete elements is generally known as one of the most common reasons that shorten the service life of the structures. The present study aims to contribute in overcoming this problem by replacing steel stirrups as shear reinforcement of concrete beams using a steel fiber reinforced self-compacting concrete (SFRSCC). In the present research the potential of SFRSCC for improving the shear resistance of the beams without stirrups is explored. In order to further reduce the risk of corrosion in this type of beams, a hybrid system of flexural reinforcement composed of a steel strand and GFRP rebars is applied and properly arranged in order to assure a relatively thick concrete cover for the steel reinforcement. The GFRP bars are placed with the minimum cover thickness for providing the maximum internal arm and, consequently, mobilizing efficiently their relatively high tensile strength. The effectiveness of applying different dosages of steel fibers and varying the prestress force to improve the shear behavior of the designed beam are evaluated. By considering the obtained experimental results, the predictive performance of a constitutive model (plastic-damage multidirectional fixed smeared crack model) implemented in a FEM-based computer program, as well as the one from three analytical formulations for estimating shear resistance of the developed beams were assessed. The FEM-based simulations have provided a good prediction of the deformational response and cracking behavior of the tested beams. All the analytical formulations demonstrated acceptable accuracy for design purposes, but the one proposed by CEB-FIP Modal Code 2010 predicts more conservative shear resistance.The first and second authors, respectively, acknowledge the research grant in the ambit of the project “UrbanCrete”, with reference number of 30367, supported by the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER), and “SlabSys-HFRC”, with reference PTCD/ECM/120394/2010, supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT). The authors also thank the collaboration of the following companies: Tensacciaci in the name of Eng. F. Pimenta for the assistance on the application of prestress reinforcements, Sireg and Schoeck for providing the GFRP rebars, Casais to manufacture the moulds, Exporplas for supplying the polypropylene fibers, Secil/Unibetão for providing the Cement, BASF for supplying the superplasticizer and CiviTest for collaborating in producing the specimens

Application of plastic-damage multidirectional fixed smeared crack model in analysis of RC structures

This paper describes a plasticity-damage multidirectional fixed smeared cracking (PDSC) model to simulate the failure process of concrete and reinforced concrete (RC) structures subjected to different loading paths. The model proposes a unified approach combining a multidirectional fixed smeared crack model to simulate the crack initiation and propagation with a plastic-damage model to account for the inelastic compressive behaviour of concrete between cracks. The smeared crack model considers the possibility of forming several cracks in the same integration point during the cracking process. The plasticity part accounts for the development of irreversible strains and volumetric strain in compression, whereas the strain softening and stiffness degradation of the material under compression are controlled by an isotropic strain base damage model. The theoretical aspects about coupling the fracture, plasticity, and damage components of the model, as well as the model appraisal at both material and structural levels, have been detailed in a former publication. This study briefly summarizes the model formulations, and is mainly dedicated to further explore the potentialities of the proposed constitutive model for the analysis of concrete and RC structures. The model is employed to simulate experimental tests that are governed by nonlinear phenomenon due to simultaneous occurrence of cracking and inelastic deformation in compression. The numerical simulations have predicted with good accuracy the load carrying capacity, ductility, crack pattern, plastic (compressive) zone, and failure modes of all types of structures analysed. The influence of the model parameters that simulate the nonlinear behaviour of concrete under tension and compression is analysed through a parametric study.Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology in the scope of the SlabSys-HFRC research project, with reference PTDC/ECM/120394/201

Three dimensional plastic-damage multidirectional fixed smeared crack approach for modelling concrete structures

A constitutive model to simulate the behaviour up to the failure of concrete structures subjected to multiaxial loading is presented. The proposed model is based on the combination of 3D multidirectional fixed smeared crack model to simulate the crack initiation and propagation, and a plastic-damage model to account for inelastic compressive behaviour of the intact concrete between cracks. The adopted smeared crack model considers the possibility of having more than one crack of different orientation in the same integration point and in different evolution of the cracking process. The plasticity part accounts for the development of irreversible strains and volumetric strain in compression, whereas the strain softening and stiffness degradation of the material under compression are controlled by an isotropic strain based damage model. The constitutive model was included in the 3D solid finite element of the FEMIX computer code, and the model appraisal is performed by simulating experimental tests with structural reinforced concrete (RC) elements. The numerical simulations have predicted with good accuracy the load carrying capacity, deformation, crack pattern, and plastic (compressive) zones of all analyzed tests. A parametric study is also performed to appraise the sensitivity of the numerical simulations to the values adopted for the model parameters.The authors wish to acknowledge the FCT financial support provided by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology in the scope of the SlabSys-HFRC research project, with reference PTDC/ECM/120394/2010. The second author wish to acknowledge the grant SFRH/BSAB/114302/2016 provided by FCT.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

A life-cycle approach to integrate environmental and mechanical properties of blended cements containing seashell powder

The adverse consequences of producing ordinary Portland cement (OPC) on the environment have introduced cement production as the fourth largest source of anthropogenic carbon emissions after petroleum, coal, and natural gas. Managing and reducing the environmental concerns regarding the impacts of cement production on the environment, namely the depletion of non-renewable fuel resources, consumption of natural raw materials, and releasing huge amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere should be, therefore, one of the key priorities of the cement industry. Application of locally available minerals and wastes that can be blended with OPC as a substitute could considerably reduce the environmental impact. The present study evaluates the potentiality of waste seashell to be used as an additive in the production of blended cement through a modified life cycle approach integrating environmental and mechanical performances. In this regard, 34 cements consisting of different blends of OPC, seashell powder (within the range of 4–30% by OPC mass), and natural pozzolan (up to 30% by OPC mass) were tested to identify the optimal dosage of OPC substitution. Environmental impacts of the cements were assessed through life-cycle analysis. The possibility of mitigating the carbon dioxide emissions in the production of cements, with similar mechanical performance compared to that of OPC, was evaluated by considering both the mechanical and environmental results. The outcome of this study introduced more environment-friendly and sustainable options for future cements.The first three authors wish to acknowledge the funding provided by project FOATIDE, reference POCI-01-0145-FEDER-028112, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), through the Operational Programme for Competitiveness and Internationalization (COMPETE 2020), under Portugal 2020, and by the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia—FCT I.P. (National Agency for Science and Technology). The first author also acknowledges the Scientific Employment funding, No. CEECIND/01627/2017, provided by FCT I.P. The financial support provided by FCT I.P. under the project UIDB/04033/2020 is kindly acknowledged by the last author

Método experimental para o estudo do efeito combinado de cargas aplicadas e retração impedida em lajes de betão

O conhecimento técnico-científico do comportamento de estruturas de betão armado (BA) sujeitas ao efeito combinado de ações aplicadas e deformações impostas é ainda insuficiente para que existam, na regulamentação, regras de dimensionamento inequívocas que permitam uma adequada consideração desses fatores. Esta situação pode levar a casos de sobredimensionamentos ou sub-dimensionamento, com consequências sentidas pela sociedade através do aparecimento de fendas de grande abertura com consequente diminuição do tempo útil de vida dos edifícios e aumento dos custos de manutenção. No âmbito do projeto FCT IntegraCrete, foi desenvolvido um programa experimental com o objetivo de estudar o fenómeno das interações supracitadas e validar simulações numéricas do comportamento de lajes nessas condições, recorrendo a ensaios de longa duração à escala real. De forma a isolar os efeitos das cargas aplicadas e da deformação restringida, o programa experimental conta com a simulação de quatro situações distintas, por combinação das seguintes condições: (i) com ou sem restrição axial; (ii) com ou sem aplicação de cargas verticais. Em paralelo, foi efetuada caracterização do betão, envolvendo a realização de ensaios para determinação, a várias idades, de propriedades mecânicas e perfis de humidade relativa (HR). Adicionalmente, as lajes foram instrumentadas com extensómetros e LVDT’s para medição de extensões/deformações no aço e no betão. São também utilizados sensores de temperatura e microscópio ótico portátil para medição da abertura de fendas. A componente inovadora desta campanha experimental consiste na capacidade de restringir axialmente a deformação da laje, permitindo que em simultâneo sejam aplicadas cargas verticais na mesma. A restrição das lajes é efetuada através de dois atuadores hidráulicos ligados a um varão metálico, embebido na zona do apoio da laje, que permitem o ajuste gradual do esforço axial aplicado na mesma, impedindo parcial ou totalmente a respetiva deformação por retração. O artigo explica a conceção do sistema experimental e as suas particularidades.Este trabalho é suportado pelos projetos POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007457 (CONSTRUCT - Institute of R&D in Structures and Construction) e POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007633 (ISISE), financiados por fundos FEDER através do COMPETE2020 - Programa Operacional Competitividade e Internacionalização (POCI), e por fundos nacionais através da FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia. Agradece-se ainda à FCT e FEDER (COMPETE2020) o financiamento do projeto IntegraCrete PTDC/ECMEST/1056/2014 (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-016841). Agradece-se também o apoio da ação COST TU1404 pelas oportunidades de criação e manutenção da rede científica entre os colegas das instituições Portuguesas e o colega da Universidade de Graz.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Strategies for numerical modeling the behavior of RC beams strengthened in shear using the ETS technique

The strategy to simulate the crack shear stress transfer in a fixed smeared crack model for concrete is crucial to correctly predict the deformational and cracking behavior of RC elements that exhibit shear failure. This work presents a shear softening law able to correctly simulate the shear stiffness degradation and stress transfer during the crack opening. In cracked concrete, the element of the matrix corresponding to the fracture mode II is represented here by a [equation] diagram, describing the shear behavior of the ith crack. The predictive performance is evaluated simulating RC beams failing in shear strengthened using the Embedded Through-Section Technique. According to this technique holes are opened through the cross section, with the desired inclination, and steel or FRP bars are introduced into these holes and bonded to the concrete substrate with adhesive materials. The parameters influencing the shear softening law are analyzed through a parametric study, furthermore a simple rule to estimate these parameters is provided and its predictive performance is assessed. The presented approach represents a valid alternative to the shear retention function.The authors wish to acknowledge the support provided by the Engineering Department of the University of Ferrara and by ENDURE - European Network for Durable Reinforcement and Rehabilitation Solutions, contract n. MC-ITN-2013-607851. This work was supported by FCT (Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology), within ISISE, project UID/ECI/04029/2013