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An experimental study on the impact performance of silica fume concrete and steel fiber reinforced concrete at 28 days and 56 days under the action of repeated dynamic loading was carried out. In this experimental investigation, w/cm ratios of 0.4 and 0.3, silica fume replacement at 10% and 15% and crimped steel fibers with an aspect ratio of 80 were used. Results indicated that addition of fibers in high-performance concrete (HPC) can effectively restrain the initiation and propagation of cracks under stress, and enhance the impact strengths, toughness and ductility of HPC. Pulse velocity test was carried out for quality measurements of high-performance steel fiber reinforced concrete. Steel fibers were observed to have significant effect on flexural strength of concrete. The maximum first crack strength and ultimate failure strength at 28 days were 1.51 times and 1.78 times, respectively at 1.5% volume fraction to that of HPC. Based on the experimental data, failure resistance prediction model was developed with correlation coefficient (R) = 0.96 and absolute variation determined is 1.82%.

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During the past years the use of buckling restrained braces (BRBs) have had a dramatic growth due to their better performance comparing to conventional braces. BRBs have more ductility and energy absorption capacity by excluding the overall brace buckling. However, even these kinds of braces have some problems restricting their use in some projects, i.e. high tolerance of applying unbonding material, concrete placing difficulties and their weight. Accordingly, many researchers have conducted experiments to find the possibility of shortening or even eliminating the infill material of the braces. The following study has addressed the effect of debonding material friction ratio, shortening the concrete fill, and finally eliminating it if possible, by reshaping the core element with constant section area. The operated analysis has been carried out both numerically and experimentally. ABAQUS finite element software was applied for numerical analysis and the results were verified by an experimental study in two groups of models each including four full-scale brace models. With a constant core section area, results revealed that without the risk of buckling, the concrete cover length could be reduced. With a special core profile, the infill may be fully omitted and the restrainer would be made up of only a steel tube, which may happen without any changes made to the cross sectional area of the core profile.

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It was found out that the logarithmic models fit the cement–slag blend systems well. In the present study, based on the experimental results, a logarithmic model has been developed to predict the compressive strength of chemically activated high phosphorous slag content cement. Mixes of phosphorous slag (80 wt.%), Portland cement (14 wt.%) and compound chemical activator (6 wt.%) were prepared at different Blaine finenesses using a laboratory ball mill. Compressive strengths of mortar specimens cured in lime-saturated water were measured at different curing times. Mathematical model was prepared in terms of curing time and water-to-cement ratio as independent variables and compressive strength as dependent variable. The comparisons between the model reproductions and the experimentally obtained results confirm the applicability of the presented model.

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Experiments were carried out to observe the influence of loading type on concrete beam specimens. Beam specimens made of similar concrete mixture with the same geometry were tested under three point static loading and low velocity drop weight impact loading. Load – displacement behavior, absorbed energy dissipation capacity, stiffnesses, failure modes of beam specimens were obtained and discussed. A finite element (FE) model was prepared in ANSYS Explicit STR software and the results of FE analysis were compared with experimental results. The loading type and loading rate have significant influence on the maximum load, stiffness and energy dissipation capacity. Numerical results obtained from ANSYS Explicit STR FE models are consistent with the experimental results.

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This paper aims at finding the long term coupled effect of high temperature and constant high relative humidity on the corrosion rehabilitated patches of chloride contaminated steel reinforced concrete. This paper is an extension of previous research in which the authors experimentally corroborated re-corrosion in the repaired reinforced concrete (RC) patches in the form of macro-cells. In previous research, the coupled effect was investigated by laboratory controlled experimentation at varying temperature of 30, 40 and 50°C and a high ambient relative humidity of 85% in environmental control chambers for duration of one year. The specimens were prepared having total chloride concentration in mixing water 3% and 5 % by mass of binder. In this present research paper, the two year results of the same specimens are presented to get a deep insight of the long term phenomenon of macro-cell corrosion under the coupled effect of high temperature and humidity on repaired RC patches.

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Seismic performance and loss assessment studies for stock of buildings are generally based on representative models due to extremely large number of vulnerable buildings. The main problem is the proper reflection of the building stock characteristics well enough by limited number of representative models. This study aims to provide statistical information of structural parameters of Turkish building stock for proper modeling using a detailed inventory study including 475 low and mid-rise RC building with 40351 columns and 3128 beams for member properties. Thirty-five different parameters of existing low and mid-rise Turkish RC building stock are investigated. An example application is given to express use of given statistical information. The outcomes of the current study and previous studies are compared. The comparison shows that the previous studies have guidance for limited number of parameters while the current study provides considerably wide variety of structural and member parameters for proper modeling.

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In order to investigate the flexural behaviors of RC beams after freeze-thaw cycles, compressive strength test of concrete cubes after 0, 50, 100, 125 freeze-thaw cycles were made, and static flexural experiment of 48 RC beams after 0, 50, 100, 125 freeze-thaw cycles were made. The relationships of relative compressive strength, mass loss rate, relative dynamic elastic modulus and numbers of freeze-thaw cycles were analyzed. The influences of different numbers of freeze-thaw cycles on the flexural behaviors of RC beams with different concrete grades were studied. The results show that concrete cubes’ mass, relative dynamic elastic modulus and compressive strength decrease with the increasing of freeze-thaw cycles, and high-strength grade concrete could slow down the damage caused by freeze-thaw cycles. Experimental values of test beams stiffness under short-term load were smaller than theory value. Some under-reinforced RC beams occurs over-reinforced failure mode after freeze-thaw cycles. Boundary reinforcement ratio of RC beams after certain numbers of freeze-thaw cycles was derived and its correctness was verified by experiment. Current code for design of concrete structures about crack load and ultimate load are still suitable for RC beams after freeze-thaw cycles.

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Incremental launching is a widespread bridge erection technique which may offer many advantages for bridge designers. Since internal forces of deck vary perpetually during construction stages, simulation and modeling of the bridge behavior, for each step of launching, are tedious and time consuming tasks. The problem becomes much more complicated in construction progression. Considering other load cases such as support settlements or temperature effects makes the problem more intricate. Therefore, modeling of construction stages entails a reliable, simple, economical and fast algorithmic solution. In this paper, a new Finite Element (FE) model for study on static behavior of bridges during launching is presented. Also a simple method is introduced to normalize all quantities in the problem. The new FE model eliminates many limitations of some previous models. To exemplify, the present model is capable to simulate all the stages of launching, yet some conventional models of launching are insufficient for them. The problem roots from the main assumptions considered to develop these models. Nevertheless, by using the results of the present FE model, some solutions are presented to improve accuracy of the conventional models for the initial stages. It is shown that first span of the bridge plays a very important role for initial stages it was eliminated in most researches. Also a new simple model is developed named as "semi infinite beam" model. By using the developed model with a simple optimization approach, some optimal values for launching nose specifications are obtained. The study may be suitable for practical usages and also useful for optimizing the nose-deck system of incrementally launched bridges.

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Self-centering pier (SCP) has been viewed as a remarkable accomplishment which is able to sustain major lateral loading with reduced structure damage in seismic engineering. Stiffness deterioration observed in experiment is vital for the seismic performance of self-centering concrete pier. In this contribution, the associated stiffness deterioration with respect to the structural damage is modeled in a modified analytical model for SCP comprehensively. In the proposed modified theoretical model, the lateral force-displacement relation associated with the stiffness reducing is analyzed. Three damage factors are introduced in the stiffness deterioration analysis to illustrate the damage evolution caused by gradually increasing lateral displacement. The proposed modified quasic-static model with damage evolution or stiffness deterioration has been validated against an experiment we conducted, where a good agreement is clearly evident. Subsequently, a parametric investigation focusing on aspect ratio, initial pre-tension, and ratio of ED (Energy Dissipator) was conducted to evaluate the hysteretic behavior of SCP under quasi-statically cyclic loading.

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The effect of steel plate thickness on the repair effectiveness of RC beam is presented in this paper. A total of four beams were tested, one beam repaired by CFRP with a thickness of 1.2 mm and used as a control beam, and three beams repaired by a steel plate. Steel plates with a thickness of 2 mm, 3 mm, and 4 mm were used in repairing the beams. The maximum load-carrying capacity, deflection at mid span and edge of the opening, strain in steel bars, strain in externally bonded plates, crack patterns, and failure modes were observed on each beam. The externally bonded CFRP sheet and steel plates were found to be effective in the repairing of RC beams with large rectangular web opening. The results show that increasing steel plate thickness has little effect on the maximum load capacity. The CFRP plate is more effective than steel plate in increasing the load capacity of beams.

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This paper presents theoretical and numerical state-of-the-art information in the field of hygro-thermo-mechanical deformation simulation in structural concrete. The aspects discussed include coupled hygro-thermo-mechanical performance of porous materials including concrete, multi-scale simulation of concrete properties especially the volumetric and structural deformation performance, and the multi-scale simulation of concrete under the coupling effect of multi-physics fields. The multi-scale simulation section includes the multi-scale simulation of composition and structure in concrete, the multi-scale simulation of concrete’s mechanical performance, and the multi-scale simulation of durability concerned performance of concrete. This paper presents an overview of the work, of which data from early 80 recent studies, carried out on the multiscale simulation of hygro-thermo-mechanical deformation performance of structural concrete. The relating previous studies and analysis showed that sufficient data have been obtained to give confidence in simulating hygro-thermo-mechanical performance of concrete based on the theory of heat and mass transfer in porous media, and the clear relationships have been obtained between moisture-heat transfer and hygro-thermal distribution at different scale. It is necessary to make further systematic multi-scale research on the relationship between micro-structure and property parameters of cement paste, threephase basic properties at meso level of concrete and the performance of concrete structures, which makes important practical significance to solve the crack of large-area and mass concrete structure and improve the durability of concrete structures

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In this paper, evaluation of torsional stiffness in beam and slab bridge deck elements is presented. A beam and slab bridge decks structurally behave as a grillage. A grillage has an efficient transverse load distribution due to transverse asymmetric load. In the case of bridge deck without transverse beams in the span, transverse load distribution depends on the torsional stiffness of longitudinal beams, transverse beams over the supports and deck slab. The results of load testing conducted on series of bridges in Croatia are compared with results obtained on different numerical grillage models in which torsional stiffness of main structural elements was varied. Five different numerical models for each tested bridge are used. To evaluate torsional stiffness of main structural elements of the bridge the transverse distribution coefficients are introduced. The design value of the coefficients of torsional stiffness reduction for verification of the serviceability limit state (SLS), with assumption of normal probability distribution is determined. The same coefficient is calculated using recommendation for torsional stiffness reduction in concrete elements defined by Model code CEB-FIB 1990 (MC 90). According to conducted analyses the design value of the coefficient of torsional stiffness reduction for verification of the serviceability limit state of main structural elements of beam and slab bridge deck is proposed.

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In this paper, an approximate method is proposed for determining sway of multistory RC buildings subjected to various types of lateral loads. The calculation of both fundamental period and stability index in RC building requires the sway term at each story level. Using approximate method design engineers can estimate sway terms at each story level. The developed analytical expressions are inserted into fundamental period and stability index equations to replace the sway terms, which yields modified equations for fundamental period and stability index without any sway terms. It is fairly easier to employ these equations developed by eliminating all sway terms. Results obtained from the equations are remarkably close to those generated by the related computer program. Consequently, design engineers can reliably use the simple equations to calculate stability index and fundamental period, which enables the determination of these parameters without referring to the complex sway terms. The capability and accuracy of the proposed equations are demonstrated by a numerical example in which computer program results are compared with the proposed methodology.

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This research paper presents the use of wasteful supplementary cementitious materials like fly ash and silica fume to conserve the cement used in concrete. The cement industry is one of the major producers of greenhouse gases and an energy user. In this study, Portland cement was used as a basic cementitious material. Fly ash and silica fume were used as the cement replacements by weight. The replacement levels of fly ash were 30%, 40% and 50%, and silica fume were 6% and 10%. The water binder ratio was kept constant as 0.4 and super plasticizer was added based on the required workability. Results of the binary and ternary concrete mixtures compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural tensile strength were taken for studyup to 90 days. Based on the experimental results of compressive strength, prediction models were developed using regression analysis and coefficients were proposed to find the split tensile strength and flexural strength of binary-ternary concrete mixtures at 28 and 90 days.

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A new model is proposed for two-dimensional simulation of the concrete fracture in compression. The model generated by using the Voronoi diagram method and with considering random shape and distribution of full graded aggregates at the mesoscopic level. The aggregates modeled by combining irregular polygons, which then is placed into the concrete with no intersection between them. By this new modeling approach, the simulation of high-strength concretes with possible aggregates fracture is also feasible. After generation of the geometrical model, a coupled explicit discrete element method and a modified rigid body spring model have been used for solution. In this method, all the neighboring elements are connected by springs. The mortar springs have Elasto-plastic behavior and considering normal concrete, the aggregate springs behave only elastically without any fracture. The proposed model can accurately predict the mechanical behavior of concrete under compression for small and large deformations both descriptively and quantitatively

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The current research intends to study the possibility of producing fiber recycled self-compacting concrete (FRSCC) using demolitions as a coarse aggregate (crushed red brick and crushed ceramic). Steel fibers were used in recycled self-compacting concrete (RSCC) to improve fresh and hardened properties of this type of concrete. Thirty nine concrete mixes were prepared to achieve the aim proposed in this paper. Steel fiber volume fraction varied from 0 to 2.0% by the volume of concrete with aspect ratio 65. The fresh properties of FRSCC were evaluated using slump flow, J-ring and V-funnel tests. Compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength and density tests were performed in order to investigate mechanical properties. The optimum volume fraction of steel fibers was 0.25% and 1.0% for the mixes contained crushed red brick and ceramic as a coarse aggregate respectively. At optimum content of steel fibers, the compressive strength for the RSCC mixes with steel fibers improved by 11.3% and 31.8% for the mixes with crushed ceramic and crushed red brick, respectively with respect to control mix. Also the tensile strength and the flexural strength for the mixes were improved

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This paper presents an investigation on durability of alkali-activated slag mortar against magnesium sulfate attack. To do so, the immersion tests in 5% magnesium sulfate solution under room temperature and wetting-drying cycles were applied. Mortar specimens from Portland cements type 2 and 5 in accordance to ASTM standard were also prepared and used as reference. The changes in compressive strength and length of specimens were measured at different time intervals and considered for evaluating the extent of degradation. After 360 days of exposure to the magnesium sulfate solution, type 2 and 5 Portland cements and alkali-activated slag cement have shown 61, 41 and 34% reduction in compressive strength and 0.093, 0.057 and 0.021% increase in length, respectively. The specimens were also studied by X-ray diffractometry and scanning electron microscopy for characterizing the chemical products of the degradation process. Main degradation products were ettringite and gypsum for Portland cements and gypsum for alkali-activated slag cement. According to the obtained results, alkali-activated slag cement exhibits a higher sulfate resistance compared to type 2 and even type 5 Portland cements

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In this paper, an experimental study has been conducted on strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) connections by FRP sheets. The innovation of this research is using narrow grooves on critical regions of connection to increase the adherence of FRP sheets and prevent their early debonding. Therefore, four RC connections were made and tested under a constant axial load on the column and an increasing cyclic load on the beam. The first specimen, as the standard reference specimen, had close tie spacing in ductile regions of beam, column and panel zone based on seismic design provisions, and the second specimen, as the weak reference specimen did not have these conditions in all regions. Two other weak specimens were strengthened using two different strengthening patterns with FRP sheets one by ordinary surface preparation and the other with surface grooving method for installing FRP sheets on the connection. The results showed that ultimate load and ductility of the weak specimen compared to standard specimen decreased 25% and 17%, respectively. The shear failure and concrete crushing were prevented in the ductile regions of the beam and panel zone in both strengthened specimens. Also, it was observed that early debonding of FRP sheets was prevented in the strengthened connection with grooving pattern and so had desirable ductility and bearing capacity similar to the standard specimen.

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To study seismic performance of concrete-encased composite columns with T-shaped steel cross-section, twelve half-scale columns were tested under quasi-stastic cyclic loading. The result indicates that concrete-encased composite columns with T-shaped steel section possess good seismic performance. The failure modes include bending failure, shear-bond failure, shear compression failure and shear-composition failure. Unsymmetrical phenomenon of positive and negative hysteresis loop was shown evidently. Span ratio has a great influence on failure mode. The ductility performance decreases with increasing of axial compression level. As stirrup ratio increases, ductility and bearing capacity of columns are improved greatly, and energy dissipation capacity after yielding is enhanced. Cross tie can enhance ultimate bearing capacity, and lower strength attenuation and stiffness degradation on the later loading stage

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This paper addresses the ambient vibration based finite element model updating of long span reinforced concrete highway bridges. The procedure includes ambient vibration tests under operational conditions, finite element modeling using special software and finite element model updating using some uncertain parameters. Birecik Highway Bridge located on the 81stkm of Şanlıurfa-Gaziantep state highway over Fırat River in Turkey is selected as a case study. Because of the fact that the bridge is the sole in this part of Fırat, it has a major logistical importance. The structural carrier system of the bridge consists of two main parts: Arch and Beam Compartments. In this part of the paper, the beam compartment is investigated. Three dimensional finite element model of the beam compartment of the bridge is constituted using SAP2000 software to determine the dynamic characteristics analytically. Operational Modal Analysis method is used to extract dynamic characteristics of the beam compartment by using Enhanced Frequency Domain Decomposition method. Analytically and experimentally identified dynamic characteristic are compared with each other and finite element model of the beam compartment of the bridge is updated by changing of some uncertain parameters such as section properties, damages, boundary conditions and material properties to reduce the differences between the results. It is demonstrated that the ambient vibration measurements are enough to identify the most significant modes of long span highway bridges. Maximum differences between the natural frequencies are reduced averagely from %46.7 to %2.39 by model updating. Also, a good harmony is found between mode shapes after finite element model updating.