International Concrete Abstracts Portal

This study focuses on evaluating the mechanical, microstructural, and durability properties of 3D printing mortar (3DPM), with a specific emphasis on the influence of incorporating recycled fine aggregates (RFA). These RFA are produced from construction and demolition waste (C&DW) in Belgium and are sieved to a maximum particle size of 2 mm [0.08 in].

Cast and printed samples of mortar containing 100% RFA, with a sand-to-cement ratio of approximately 1:1 and a water-to-cement ratio of 0.29, were subjected to mechanical tests, including flexural, compressive, and tensile strength, at 2, 7, 28, and 56 days. The possible anisotropic behavior of the printed material was also investigated. The results show that using RFA does not significantly affect the mechanical properties of the mortar, and some anisotropic behavior was observed based on the compression test results. The end goal of the project is to print non-reinforced urban furniture; in order to assess its durability, only freezing and thawing (F-T) behavior was investigated. The F-T behavior was analyzed based on the quantity of spalling particles after 7, 14, 28, 56, and 91 F-T cycles. The results show that up to 91 F-T cycles, no significant surface damage occurred.

While reinforced concrete is one of the most used construction materials, traditional reinforcement steel may cause undesirable side effects, as corrosion and the associated volume changes can lead to damages in the concrete matrix and can cause spalling, which may significantly reduce the load-bearing capacity and service life of structures. Alternative reinforcement methods, such as glass or basalt fiber reinforced polymer rebars, can serve as a viable alter-native to reduce or eliminate some of the disadvantages associated with steel reinforcement. In addition to an increased tensile strength and a reduction in weight, fiber reinforced polymer rebars also offer a high corrosion resistance among other beneficial properties. Because these materials are not fully regulated yet and the durability properties have not been conclusively determined, further research is needed to evaluate the material durability properties of FRP rebars. To determine the durability properties of GFRP and BFRP rebars in cold climates, the freeze-thaw resistance of these materials was evaluated throughout this study. Specifically, two types of materials (basalt and glass reinforced polymers) and two common rebar sizes (8 mm (#2) and 16 mm (#5) diameters) were tested. To quantify the freeze-thaw-durability, tensile tests according to ASTM D7205, transverse shear strength tests in line with ASTM D7617, and horizontal shear strength tests as specified in ASTM D4475 were conducted on numerous virgin fiber rebars and on fiber rebars that were subjected to 80 and 160 freeze-thaw cycles. While the results from the virgin materials served as benchmark values, the measurements and analysis from the aged (by freeze-thaw cycles) materials were used to quantify and determine the strength retention capacity of these bars. The results showed that a higher number of freeze-thaw cycles lead to lower strength retention for some rebar types. In addition, it was seen that rebar products respond differently to the aging process; while some material properties notably deteriorated, other material properties were insignificantly affected.

This paper presents an analytical approach to simulate the heat transfer and thermal spalling of a glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP)-reinforced concrete slab. Employing an agent-based model, differential equations are solved with the thermal properties of concrete and insulation layers. The model provides pore pressure and temperature-dependent stress to predict concrete spalling, which is assumed to occur when the pressure exceeds the tensile strength of the concrete. With an increase in external temperature, the thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of the slab system alter. The degree of heat transfer to the reinforcement level is retarded with the presence of insulation that can better preserve the bond between the concrete substrate and GFRP. A comparative study on the insulation and extra concrete cover shows that their initial performance is similar, whereas bifurcations are noticed due to the different thermal characteristics. Notwithstanding the marginal implications of tensile strength in the concrete, the likelihood of spalling rises as the concrete strength increases.

Fireproofing deterioration is widespread in industrial facilities throughout the country. Spalling concrete has potential to damage equipment and harm personnel. Replacing concrete fireproofing like-in-kind, without consideration for proper anchorage or material durability, does not eliminate the hazard as spalls may potentially occur again over time. However, when properly designed and installed, concrete is a durable option for replacing deficient fireproofing in aggressive environments typically present in industrial processing units. This paper presents the results of a case study on a structure in a Midwest industrial complex. Extensive concrete fireproofing repairs were performed on the structure 12 years ago. Design requirements included normal weight concrete with polypropylene fibers which enhance durability by improving cracking resistance. During a fire, the fibers melt forming relief channels for moisture to escape, thus eliminating explosive spalling. Installation methods included welded wire reinforcement (WWR) with positive anchorage to structural steel. WWR was attached to post-installed adhesive anchors between column flanges where existing fireproofing was sound and difficult to remove. After 12 years in service, repairs exhibit no significant defects. This level of durability is attributed to the design and installation methods utilized. Concrete fireproofing is a durable option for fire protection, provided structures are designed to support its weight, its mixture design is properly proportioned, and it is adequately anchored and reinforced.

This paper proposes that Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) technologies integrated with image visibility enhancement algorithms and machine learning are an efficient yet supplementary concrete bridge inspection tool. Two different image enhancement algorithms, i.e., denoise algorithm and image property adjustment, were considered in this study. To assess the adequacy of the proposed UAS technologies in the bridge inspections, the technologies were applied to identify and quantify defects on an existing concrete double-tee bridge located in the state of South Dakota using a Matrice 210 unit. During the inspections, Matrice 210 recorded videos to extract numerous UAS inspection images throughout the bridge. Machine learning was applied to categorize each of the UAS inspection images into certain defect types such as rust and spalling. The denoise algorithm was used to reduce the noise on the categorized defect images based on the pretrained denoising neural network, while the image property adjustment algorithm was employed to improve the visibility of the images by filtering the images’ brightness, contrast, and sharpness. Through these algorithms, defects on the filtered images initially presented with low visibility, were detected. Furthermore, quantification of the defects was able to be completed using pixel-based image analysis with the filtered images. From the UAS-assisted inspections, concrete spalling and rust on railings of the bridge were observed, detected, and quantified successfully. The quantification of spalling showed only a 6.00% difference compared against the inspection report data provided by the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT).