Two novel demountable shear connectors for precast steel-concrete composite bridges are presented. The connectors use high-strength steel bolts, which are fastened to the steel beam with the aid of a special locking configuration that prevents slip of bolts within their holes. Moreover, the connectors promote accelerated construction and overcome typical construction tolerances issues of precast structures. Most importantly, the connectors allow bridge disassembly, and therefore, can address different bridge deterioration scenarios with minimum disturbance to traffic flow, i.e. (1) precast deck panels can be rapidly uplifted and replaced; (2) connectors can be rapidly removed and replaced; and (3) steel beams can be replaced, while precast decks and shear connectors can be reused. A series of push-out tests and a beam test were conducted to assess the behavior of the connectors and quantify the effect of important parameters. The experimental results showed that shear resistance and slip capacity can reach 2.5 and 2.7 times respectively of those of welded shear studs along with superior stiffness and strength against slab uplift. Additionally, shear stiffness of M16 mm LNSC was equal to that of M19 mm welded studs. Identical tests reveal negligible scatter in the shear load – slip displacement behavior. Design equations are proposed to predict the shear resistance with minimum deviations.
Two nanocomposite corrosion inhibitors were synthesized from Aloe vera extract: one incorporating sodium thiosulfate and the other silver nitrate. Both nanocomposites were subjected to structural characterization using atomic force microscopy (AFM), which revealed distinct morphological features. The sodium thiosulfate-based nanocomposite exhibited uniform and well-dispersed nanoparticles with an average size of 47.51 nm, suggesting a stable and homogeneous distribution. In contrast, the silver nitrate-based nanocomposite displayed slightly larger particles with an average diameter of 58.34 nm, indicating a tendency toward moderate aggregation. The corrosion inhibition performance of these nanocomposites for carbon steel (CS1137) was invest
... Show MoreTwo nanocomposite corrosion inhibitors were synthesized from Aloe vera extract: one incorporating sodium thiosulfate and the other silver nitrate. Both nanocomposites were subjected to structural characterization using atomic force microscopy (AFM), which revealed distinct morphological features. The sodium thiosulfate-based nanocomposite exhibited uniform and well-dispersed nanoparticles with an average size of 47.51 nm, suggesting a stable and homogeneous distribution. In contrast, the silver nitrate-based nanocomposite displayed slightly larger particles with an average diameter of 58.34 nm, indicating a tendency toward moderate aggregation. The corrosion inhibition performance of these nanocomposites for carbon steel (CS1137) was invest
... Show MoreThe ability to inhibit corrosion of low carbon steel in a salt solution (3.5%NaCl) has been checked with three real expired drugs (Cloxacillin, Amoxicillin, Ceflaxin) with variable concentrations (0, 250, 500, 750) mg/L were examined in the weight loss. The inhibition efficiency of the Cloxacillin 750 mg/L showed the highest value (82.8125 %) and the best inhibitor of the rest of the antibiotics. The different concentrations of Cloxacillin drug (0, 250, 500, 750) mg/L and temperature (25, 35, 45, 55) oC were studied as variables with potentiodynamic polarization, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for surface morphology and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) depending on current values and the resistance of charge to
... Show MoreCorrosion inhibitors are widely used in industry to reduce the corrosion rate of metals and alloys. Corrosion inhibitors adsorb onto metallic surfaces and insulate them from deterioration. Plants abundant in nature offer a cost-effective replacement for toxic chemical inhibitors on the market. The current research used the potentiostatic polarization technique at room temperature to explore the inhibitory impact of water hyacinth extract on the corrosion of low-carbon steel specimens in a 3.5% NaCl solution. The Tafel curve was used to assess corrosion inhibition activity, with the best inhibition efficiency reaching 79.36% at a concentration of 200 ppm. Cyclic polarization indicated the type of corrosion was general corrosion. The
... Show MoreThe Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is frequently used in pavement engineering
for road pavement inspection. The main objective of this work is to validate
nondestructive, quick and powerful measurements using GPR for assessment of subgrade
and asphalt /concrete conditions. In the present study, two different antennas
(250, 500 MHz) were used. The case studies are presented was carried in University
of Baghdad over about 100m of paved road. After data acquisition and radar grams
collection, they have been processed using RadExplorer V1.4 software
implementing different filters with the most effective ones (time zero adjustment and
DC removal) in addition to other interpretation tool parameters.
The interpretatio
In the 1980s, the French Administration Roads LCPC developed high modulus mixtures (EME) by using hard binder. This type of mixture presented good resistance to moisture damage and improved mechanical properties for asphalt mixtures including high modulus, good fatigue behaviour and excellent resistance to rutting. In Iraq, this type of mixture has not been used yet. The main objective of this research is to evaluate the performance of high modulus mixtures and comparing them with the conventional mixture, to achieve this objective, asphalt concrete mixes were prepared and then tested to evaluate their engineering properties which include moisture damage, resilient modulus, permanent deformation and fatigue characteristics. These pro
... Show MoreIn the 1980s, the French Administration Roads LCPC developed high modulus mixtures (EME) by using hard binder. This type of mixture presented good resistance to moisture damage and improved . mechanical properties for asphalt mixtures including high modulus, good fatigue behaviour and excellent resistance to rutting. In Iraq, this type of mixture has not been used yet. The main objective of this research is to evaluate the performance of high modulus mixtures and comparing them with the conventional mixture, to achieve this objective, asphalt concrete mixes were prepared and then tested to evaluate their engineering properties which include moisture damage, resilient modulus, permanent deformation and fatigue characteristics. These prope
... Show MoreRapid worldwide urbanization and drastic population growth have increased the demand for new road construction, which will cause a substantial amount of natural resources such as aggregates to be consumed. The use of recycled concrete aggregate could be one of the possible ways to offset the aggregate shortage problem and reduce environmental pollution. This paper reports an experimental study of unbound granular material using recycled concrete aggregate for pavement subbase construction. Five percentages of recycled concrete aggregate obtained from two different sources with an originally designed compressive strength of 20–30 MPa as well as 31–40 MPa at three particle size levels, i.e., coarse, fine, and extra fine, were test
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