4 research outputs found
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
A Review on the Effect of Metakaolin on the Chloride Binding of Concrete, Mortar, and Paste Specimens
Chloride binding is a complex phenomenon in which the chloride ions bind with hydrated Portland cement (PC) phases via physical and chemical mechanisms. However, the current utilization of clays as (Al)-rich supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), such as metakaolin (MK), can affect the chloride-binding capacity of these concrete materials. This state-of-the-art review discusses the effect of clay-based SCMs on physical and chemical chloride binding with an emphasis on MK as a high-reactivity clay-based SCM. Furthermore, the potential mechanisms playing a role in physical and chemical binding and the MK effect on the hydrated cement products before and after exposure to chloride ions are discussed. Recent findings have portrayed competing properties of how MK limits the physical chloride-binding capacity of MK-supplemented concrete. The use of MK has been found to increase the calcium silicate hydrates (CSH) content and its aluminum to silicon (Al/Si) ratio, but to reduce the calcium to silicon (Ca/Si) ratio, which reduces the physical chloride-binding capacity of PC-clay blended cements, such as limestone calcined clay cements (LC3). By contrast, the influence of MK on the chemical chloride capacity is significant since it increases the formation of Friedel’s salt due to an increased concentration of Al during the hydration of Portland cement grains. Recent research has found an optimum aluminum to calcium (Al/Ca) ratio range, of approximately 3 to 7, for maximizing the chemical binding of chlorides. This literature review highlights the optimal Al content for maximizing chloride binding, which reveals a theoretical limit for calcined clay addition to supplementary cementitious materials and LC3 formulations. Results show that 5–25% of replacements increase bound chloride; however, with a higher percentage of replacements, fresh and hardened state properties play a more pivotal role. Lastly, the practical application of four binding isotherms is discussed with the Freundlich isotherm found to be the most accurate in predicting the correlation between free and bound chlorides. This review discusses the effects of important cement chemistry parameters, such as cation type, sulfate presence, carbonation, chloride concentration, temperature, and applied electrical fields on the chloride binding of MK-containing concretes—important for the durable formulation of LC3
Effects of Different Types of Fibers on Fresh and Hardened Properties of Cement and Geopolymer-Based 3D Printed Mixtures: A Review
Three-dimensional printed concrete (3DPC) is emerging as a new building material. Due to automation, this method dramatically decreases construction time and material wastage while increasing construction quality. Despite the mentioned benefits, this technology faces various issues. Among these issues, the inability to use steel bars for reinforcement and early age cracking because of the low water-to-binder ratio and high amount of binders can be mentioned. In this regard, due to the superior properties of fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC), such as high first crack strength, tensile strength, improvement ductility, and resistance to shrinkage cracking, one of the effective ways to reinforce the mixture of the 3DPC is to use fibers instead of steel bars. Regarding the mentioned issues, the effects of different fibers, such as steel, carbon fibers and so on, on fresh and mechanical properties and dimensional stabilities of hardened concrete have been reviewed. It is predicted that using fibers, especially hybrid fibers, not only covers the deficiencies of initial cracking of 3DPC, but also can be used instead of steel bars; therefore, this material can play a pivotal role in the construction industry’s future