The aim of this study is to propose mathematical expressions for estimation of the flexural strength of plain concrete members from ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) measurements. More than two hundred
pieces of precast concrete kerb units were subjected to a scheduled test program. The tests were divided into two categories; non-destructive ultrasonic and bending or rupture tests. For each precast unit, direct and indirect (surface) ultrasonic pulses were subjected to the concrete media to measure their travel velocities. The results of the tests were mointered in two graphs so that two mathematical relationships can be drawn. Direct pulse velocity versus the flexural strength was given in the first relationship while the second equation describes the flexural strength as a function of indirect (surface) pulse velocity. The application of these equations may be extended to cover the assessment of flexural strength of constructed concrete kerb units or in-situ concreting kerbstone and any other precast concrete units. Finally, a relation between direct and indirect pulse velocities of the a given concrete was predicted and suggested to be employed in case when one of the velocities is not
available can be measured for other ultrasonic pulse test applications
Most of the recent works related to the construction industry in Iraq are focused on investigating the validity of local raw materials as alternatives to the imported materials necessary for some practical applications, especially in thermal and sound insulation. This investigation includes the use of limestone dust as partial substitution of cement in combination with foam agent and silica fume to produce sustainable Lightweight Foam Concrete (LWFC). This study consists of two stages. In the first stage, trial mixes were performed to find the optimum dosage of foam agent. Limestone dust was used as a partial replacement for cement. Chemical analysis and fineness showed great similarity with cement. Many concrete mixes were prepared
... Show MoreThe behavior of externally prestressed composite beams under short term loading has been studied. A computer program developed originally by Oukaili to evaluate curvature is modified to evaluate the deflection of prestressed composite beam under flexural load. The analysis model based on the deformation compatibility of entire structure that allows to determine the full history of strain and stress distribution along cross section depth, deflection and stress increment in the external tendons .
The evaluation of curvatures for the composite beam involves iterations for computing the strains vectors at each node at any loading stage. The stress increment determined using equations depended on the member deflection at points of connecti
In this paper, mesoscale modeling is performed to simulate and understand fracture behavior of two concrete composites: cement and asphalt concrete using disk-shaped compact tension (DCT) tests. Mesoscale models are used as alternative to macroscale models to obtain better realistic behavior of composite and heterogeneous materials such as cement and asphalt concrete. In mesoscale models, aggregate and matrix are represented as distinct materials and each material has its characteristic properties. Disk-shaped compact tension test is used to obtain tensile strength and fracture energy of materials. This test can be used as a better alternative to other tests such as three points bending tests because it is more convenient for both field and
... Show MoreThe High Modulus Asphalt Concrete Mixture (HMACM) or (EME) (Enrobes a Module Eleve) developed in France, since, 1980 by Laboratories Central des Ponts et Chaussees (LCPC). Due to the increasing in traffic intensity and axle loading this type of mixing were suitable for pavement subjected to heavy duty. Experiments showed that EME mixtures have an excellent moisture damage resistance permanent deformation, fatigue cracking and reducing costs of maintenance and a significant reduction in thickness of pavement. Because of the high stiffness of EME mixes, the stresses transformed to the bottom laid layer by repeated traffic wheel loads were reduced effectively. This study intend to focus the light into the possibility of producing asphalt mixtu
... Show MoreIn this paper, the probabilistic behavior of plain concrete beams subjected to flexure is studied using a continuous mesoscale model. The model is two-dimensional where aggregate and mortar are treated as separate constituents having their own characteristic properties. The aggregate is represented as ellipses and generated under prescribed grading curves. Ellipses are randomly placed so it requires probabilistic analysis for model using the Monte Carlo simulation with 20 realizations to represent geometry uncertainty. The nonlinear behavior is simulated with an isotropic damage model for the mortar, while the aggregate is assumed to be elastic. The isotropic damage model softening be
Industrial buildings usually are designed to sustain several types of load systems, such as dead, live, and dynamic loads (especially the harmonic load produced by rotary motors). In general, these buildings require high-strength structural elements to carry the applied loads. Moreover, Reactive Powder Concrete (RPC) has been used for this purpose because of its excellent mechanical strength and endurance. Therefore, this study provides an experimental analysis of the structural behaviors of reinforced RPC beams under harmonic loads. The experimental program consisted of testing six simply supported RPC beams with lengths of 1500 mm, widths of 150 mm, and thicknesses of 200 mm under harmonic loading with varied frequencies between 1
... Show MoreOne of the major problems in modern construction is the accumulation of construction and demolition waste; this study thus examines the consumption of waste brick in concrete based on the use of blended nano brick powder as replacement for cement and as a fine aggregate. Seven concrete mixes were developed according to ACI 211.1 using recycled waste brick. Nano powder brick at 0, 5, and 10% was used as a replacement by cement weight, with other mixes featuring 10, 20, and 30% partial replacement by volume of river sand with brick. The experimental results for replacement of cement with nano brick powder showed an enhancement in mechanical properties (compressive, flexural, and tensile strength) at 7,