Experimental study and modeling of rheological and mechanical properties of NHL grouts

The support from the strategic project Pest-C/CTM/LA0025/2011This paper aims to model the effect of grout composition on properties of two natural hydraulic lime (NHL) grouts based on the correlation between grout rheometer results and simple flow tests. First, the effects of water:binder ratio and superplasticizer dosage on its rheological properties and flowability were analyzed. Dosage of superplasticizer and water:binder ratio were varied from 0.6 to 1.2% (by mass of binder) and 0.45-0.55, respectively. A good correlation between classical flow tests and the rheological properties was obtained. Then, statistical models were formulated in order to estimating the grout parameters, such as plastic viscosity and yield stress just by performing simple flow tests. The models coefficients were calculated using multiple regression analysis. The statistical modeling results indicated that the properties of the grouts studied are linearly related to water:binder ratio, superplasticizer dosage, and specific surface area of natural hydraulic limes. Finally, the accuracy of the models was experimentally confirmed using random grout compositions. The predicted-to-measured ratio ranged from 0.97 to 1.08, indicating a good agreement between the confirmation results and the expected results from the statistical models.authorsversionpublishe

Effects of polypropylene fibers and measurement methods on the yield stress of grouts for the consolidation of heritage masonry walls

FeDeR funds through the COMPeTe 2020 Programme under the project number POCI-01-0145-FeDeR-007688.The injection of grouts is a consolidation technique suitable for overcoming the structural deterioration of old stone masonry walls. Grouting operations involve introducing a suspension (grout) into a masonry core with the aim of improving the load capacity of the wall, as well as reducing its brittle mechanisms. The yield stress of injection grouts will affect the injection pressure and their flow inside the masonry. However, the determination of some rheological properties such as yield stress in hydraulic grout is challenging, due to the combined effects of hydration reactions and interactions between the particles present in the suspension. In this study, the determination of the yield stress of natural hydraulic lime-based grouts with polypropylene fibers was carried out. The changes in yield stress with time, fibers content and hydration were evaluated by two measurement methods using a rotational rheometer. Additionally, the static and dynamic yield stress as well as the critical shear-strain rate were determined, which provided useful information on the grout design in order to achieve successful grouting operations.publishersversionpublishe

CaVa: An example of the automatic generation of virtual learning spaces

In order to construct web Learning Spaces (LS), more than collect and digitalize information, a powerful data extraction and querying engine and a sophisticated web publishing mechanism are needed. In this paper, a system to automatically construct those learning spaces based on a digital repository is presented. The system takes XML files from repositories and populates an ontology (representing the knowledge base, the core of our system) to create the triples internal representation. A Domain Specific Language (CaVaDSL) will be used to specify the learning spaces based on that ontology. The formal description, written in that DSL, will be processed by Cavagen engine to generate the final LS.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Evolution of a Neoproterozoic suture in the Iberian Massif, Central Portugal: New U-Pb ages of igneous and metamorphic events at the contact between the Ossa Morena Zone and Central Iberian Zone

ABSTRACT: A Neoproterozoic suture is exposed at the contact between the Ossa Morena Zone and the Central Iberian Zone, in the Iberian Massif (Central Portugal), the westernmost segment of the European Variscides. Although, the Cadomian magmatic and tectonometamorphic events have been previously documented, their timing is still poorly constrained, particularly in the inner zones of the suture. We used geochronological (ID-TIMS U-Pb) data to establish the sequence of events, isotopic (Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd) data to characterize the magmatic sources and thermodynamic modelling to determine the maximum P-T conditions attained during the Cadomian metamorphism. The first event, in the future Ossa Morena Zone, is the onset of island arc magmatism represented mainly by tholeiites with a MORB signature. Their igneous crystallization age is unknown, but they are older than ca. 539 Ma. This magmatic activity was accompanied by deposition of fine-grained sediments in a Neoproterozoic basin. The second event is the evolution of the Cadomian magmatic arc in different stages. The earliest magmatic stage occurs at ca. 692 Ma, which is the oldest igneous age known in the Ossa Morena Zone. It is followed by the generation of subalkaline and peraluminous protoliths at ca. 569 Ma, with the isotopic signature of old crustal sources. The final phase of the arc magmatism (ca. 548-544 Ma) involved mainly partial melting of continental crust. The range of the main magmatic activity must have been between ca. 569 Ma and ca. 544 Ma as mentioned for other areas in the Ossa Morena Zone. A major metamorphic event, recorded in metamorphic monazite, zircon and titanite at ca. 540 Ma, attained upper amphibolite facies conditions close to the transition to granulite facies (7-8 kbar and 640-660 degrees C). It represents the continental arc accretion of the Ossa Morena Zone with the Iberian Autochthon passive margin (future Central Iberian Zone). The Early Ordovician rocks (ca. 483-477 Ma) were generated from depleted and juvenile sources. These rocks are strongly deformed and with melting features, display metamorphism at amphibolite facies conditions. They are interpreted as related with the Rheic Ocean.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Climate change and impact on renewable energies in the Azores strategic visions for sustainability

The energy sector is the largest contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, but could also be seriously affected by climate change, calling into question society’s current consumption patterns. In this communication, climate projections based on a set of numerical models of global circulation are used to simulate the climate until the end of the century and keep in mind the alternative scenarios of pollutant emissions. Apart from solar energy, the results for the Azores region show a negative impact on the production and consumption of renewable energies. In the regional context, this issue assumes special relevance, given the geographical constraints, such as territorial discontinuity and insularity. Based on these assumptions, measures and recommendations are pointed out for the sectors that most penalize greenhouse gas emissions, considering the energy sustainability in the Azores and the commitments and goals assumed under international agreements.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Contribution to the design of hydraulic lime-based grouts for masonry consolidation

Grout is a concentrated suspension that can be employed for the homogenisation and consolidation of systems presenting pores, voids and cracks, such as inner core of old stone masonries. A grout should be well conceived, taking into account the optimisation of its performance; this means that simple binder and water formulations prove to be inadequate. Hence, the effect of different admixtures and pozzolans, which are traditionally used in concrete, on the fresh and hardened properties of hydraulic lime grouts, were investigated. Hydraulic lime binder plays a role of great importance in the rehabilitation of historic structures, due to its compatibility with pre-existing materials, like mortars. However, hardly any information is presently known regarding the effect of these materials on the behaviour of hydraulic lime grouts. The improvement of their properties through the use of these products is still an open field. Hence, and as a first step, the prediction of grout properties in a laboratory setting were made. The results summarised in this paper are part of a large research project and precede the fine tuning of grout composition according to the characteristics of the masonry to which such a grout is to be injected