An automated standard-based life cycle quality inspection methodology for smart precast concrete solutions in buildings

Built2Spec research project brought together a new and breakthrough set of tools in order to improve construction quality inspection processes. These can be put into the hands of construction stakeholders to help meet Europe’s energy efficiency targets, standards for constructing and retrofitting buildings, and related policy ambitions. This paper focuses on the automated standard-based life cycle quality inspections for precast concrete structural building elements that can be enhanced by leveraging a range of different technologies. Particular attention is placed on the use of embedded sensors in the precast concrete structural building elements as a tool to support quality assurance of these elements. Starting with the design, through manufacturing, delivery to site, installation, commissioning and operation until the end of life, the performance of precast concrete building elements is monitored and controlled to ensure their compliance with specifications, standards and guidelines. The outputs of proposed technologies integrated within the virtual construction management platform (VCMP) can enable automated continuous quality checks, while making them accessible to stakeholders through the life of a building. The measurements to support the development of this methodology were provided by a newly constructed demonstration building in Ireland.The project (Built2Spec) has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 637221. The sole responsibility for the content of this publication lies with the authors. It does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the European Union. Neither the EACI nor the European Commission are responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein. The second author would also like to acknowledge the funding received from the Science Foundation Ireland through the Career Development Award programme (Grant No. 13/CDA/2200).peer-reviewed2020-07-2

Modelling explosive spalling and stress induced thermal strains of HPC exposed to high temperature

Permeability of concrete without and with polypropylene fibres is experimentally measured at temperatures up to 300 °C by employing a new test setup. To investigate explosive spalling of concrete cover numerical modelling is carried out using coupled Thermo-Hygro-Mechanical model oriented towards multi-scale modelling approach. Load induced thermal strains are investigated at meso-scale and it is found that the most part of these strains can be captured by a meso-scale model

Modeling of reinforced concrete beams strengthened in shear with CFRP: Microplane-based approach

Numerical studies of reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened in shear with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) are the topic of this paper. The aim is to validate a numerical approach, which is based on the microplane model for concrete and polymer (matrix), and to better understand the stress distribution in CFRP when the concrete crack initiates and propagates. The numerical study is supported by results of experimental tests [1], regarding 10 beams reinforced with different technological solutions in terms of strength and ductility. This study focuses on the analysis of two RC beams, the first without FRP and the second completely wrapped with CFRP. The numerical 3D finite element (FE) analysis are carried out using the FE code MASA [2] that is based on the microplane model for concrete and FRP. It is shown that the model reasonably well replicates the test results and gives useful information related to damage propagation inside the CFRP

Microplane model for concrete. Part II. Applications on CFRP confined concrete elements

In the paper the main results of numerical study presented in Gambarelli et al. on concrete elements confined by carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), are overviewed. Furthermore, preliminary results of numerical simulations performed at mesoscale are presented. The numerical study is based on a extensively experimental campaign conducted by Wang and Wu on small CFRP-confined concrete columns loaded in uni-axial compression. The specimens are characterized by constant size but different cross-section corner radius (from square to circular cross section). The experimental results clearly demonstrate that CFRP confinement is much less effective in square then in circular cross-section. Several numerical models have been performed at macro-scale and meso-scale to confirm the predictability of the used numerical approach, based on the microplane constitutive law for concrete. In the finite element model carbon fibers (truss FE) are embedded into matrix (solid 3D FE). The same as for concrete, the constitutive law for matrix is also based on the microplane model. It is demonstrated that the numerical model is able to predict behavior of confined concrete columns from the experimental investigations. Therefore, the results of the study confirm the predictability of the used numerical approach