Research

13 pages, 6367 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Behavior of Ground Improved Using a Crushed Stone Foundation Wall

by Su-Won Son, Pouyan Bagheri and Jin-Man Kim

Sustainability 2019, 11(10), 2767; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11102767 - 15 May 2019

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2681

The improvement of soft clay and dredged soils to carry structures is increasingly important. In this study, the dynamic behavior of a crushed stone foundation wall in clay soil was analyzed using a 1g shaking table test. The response accelerations and spectra for [...] Read more.

The improvement of soft clay and dredged soils to carry structures is increasingly important. In this study, the dynamic behavior of a crushed stone foundation wall in clay soil was analyzed using a 1g shaking table test. The response accelerations and spectra for three input ground motions were analyzed relative to the distance from the foundation wall, confirming that the acceleration was damped from the outside. The acceleration according to the distance from the wall was not significant under long-period motions, while different responses were obtained under short-period motions. The increased ground stiffness provided by the crushed stone wall lowered the natural period of the ground, and the acceleration amplification under short-period seismic waves was larger than that under long-period waves. Finally, equations were derived to describe the relationship between the acceleration amplification ratio and distance from the wall. The slopes of the proposed equations are larger under shorter periods, implying that the change in acceleration change with distance from the wall is more significant under shorter periods. The results of this study can be used to inform the design of soft soil improvements and the structures built atop them. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Civil Engineering Materials)

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16 pages, 2051 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Mix Constituents and Curing Conditions on Compressive Strength of Sustainable Self-Consolidating Concrete

by Osama Ahmed Mohamed

Sustainability 2019, 11(7), 2094; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11072094 - 08 Apr 2019

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 4435

Abstract

The production of cement requires significant energy and is responsible for more than 5% of global CO₂ emissions; therefore it is imperative to reduce the production and use of ordinary portland cement (OPC). This paper examines the compressive strength development of low [...] Read more.

The production of cement requires significant energy and is responsible for more than 5% of global CO₂ emissions; therefore it is imperative to reduce the production and use of ordinary portland cement (OPC). This paper examines the compressive strength development of low water-to-binder (w/b) ratio self-consolidating concrete (SCC) in which 90% of the cement is replaced with industrial by-products including ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), fly ash, and silica fume. The emphasis in this paper is on replacing a large volume of cement with GGBS, which represented 10% to 77.5% of the cement replaced. Fresh properties at w/b ratio of 0.27 were examined by estimating the visual stability index (VSI) and t50 time. The compressive strength was determined after 3, 7, 28, and 56 days of curing. The control mix made with 100% OPC developed compressive strength ranging from 55 MPa after three days of curing to 76.75 MPa after 56 days of curing. On average, sustainable SCC containing 10% OPC developed strength ranging from 31 MPa after three days of curing to 56.4 MPa after 56 days of curing. However, the relative percentages of fly ash, silica fume, and GGBS in the 90% binder affect the strength developed as well. In addition, this paper reports the effect of the curing method on the 28 day compressive strength of environmentally friendly SCC in which 90% of the cement is replaced by GGBS, silica fume, and fly ash. The highest compressive strength was achieved in samples that were cured for three days under water, then left to air-dry for 25 days, compared to samples cured using chemical compounds or samples continuously cured under water for 28 days. The study confirms that SCC with 10% OPC and 90% supplementary cementitious composites (GGBS, silica fume, fly ash) can achieve compressive strength sufficient for many practical applications by incorporating high amounts of GGBS. In addition, air-curing of samples in a relatively high temperature (after three days of water curing) produce a higher 28 day compressive strength compared to water curing for 28 days, or membrane curing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Civil Engineering Materials)

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16 pages, 6291 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Zeolite Tuff and Recycled Ceramic Sanitary Ware Aggregate in Production of Concrete

by Jacek Szulej, Paweł Ogrodnik and Beata Klimek

Sustainability 2019, 11(6), 1782; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11061782 - 25 Mar 2019

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2829

Abstract

The article presents the results of research on the use of ceramic ware waste as aggregate in concrete production. Four concrete mixtures with aluminous cement were prepared, each with a different admixture of clinoptilolite. The only used aggregate was crushed waste ceramic sanitary [...] Read more.

The article presents the results of research on the use of ceramic ware waste as aggregate in concrete production. Four concrete mixtures with aluminous cement were prepared, each with a different admixture of clinoptilolite. The only used aggregate was crushed waste ceramic sanitary ware obtained from a Polish sanitary fixture production plant. As part of the studies, a compressive test of cubic samples at different curing times ranging from 7 to 90 days was performed. Prior to the preparation of the samples, a sieve analysis and an elemental analysis of the obtained aggregate were conducted. In the framework of the testing, the bimodal distribution of clinoptilolite grains was determined, as well as its chemical composition. The conducted compressive tests demonstrated high strength of concrete containing ceramic aggregate and aluminous cement with an addition of clinoptilolite. In order to determine the impact that adding zeolite exerts on the phase composition and the structure of concrete samples, an analysis of the phase composition (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy examination (SEM) were performed. Furthermore, tests of abrasion, water penetration under pressure and frost resistance were conducted, determining particular properties of the designed mixtures. The abrasion tests have confirmed that the mixtures are highly abrasion-resistant and can be used as a topcoat concrete layer. The conducted tests of selected properties have confirmed the possibility of using waste ceramic cullet and a mineral addition of clinoptilolite in concrete production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Civil Engineering Materials)

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18 pages, 2985 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Utilization of Air-Cooled Blast Furnace Slag as Industrial Waste Aggregates in Self-Compacting Concrete

by José D. Ríos, Adelardo Vahí, Carlos Leiva, Antonio Martínez-De la Concha and Héctor Cifuentes

Sustainability 2019, 11(6), 1702; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11061702 - 21 Mar 2019

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3237

Abstract

In this work, the effects of replacing the aggregates of self-compacting concrete by air-cooled blast furnace slag have been analysed. Different mixes have been manufactured by substituting the fine and coarse natural aggregates by air-cooled blast furnace slag. The fracture energy and the [...] Read more.

In this work, the effects of replacing the aggregates of self-compacting concrete by air-cooled blast furnace slag have been analysed. Different mixes have been manufactured by substituting the fine and coarse natural aggregates by air-cooled blast furnace slag. The fracture energy and the tensile and compressive strength have been determined for each mix. The self-compacting properties of the mixes, or the absence of them, have been observed. The main goals of this research are the decrease of the price of aggregates, reduction of the industrial waste, and attenuation the rate of consumption of natural resources. The results show that the self-compactability of the concrete is gradually lost as the slag content is increased, thus, when the ratio of replacement is low, the concrete keeps the self-compacting properties. Nevertheless, the loss of self-compaction affects the mechanical properties by increasing its strength. An air-cooled blast furnace slag did not present problems of heavy metals leaching. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Civil Engineering Materials)

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14 pages, 3775 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Shrinkage-Compensation on the Performance of Strain-Hardening Cement Composite (SHCC)

by Seok-Joon Jang, Ji-Hyeon Kim, Sun-Woo Kim, Wan-Shin Park and Hyun-Do Yun

Sustainability 2019, 11(5), 1453; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11051453 - 08 Mar 2019

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2630

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of shrinkage compensation on the tensile and cracking responses of strain-hardening cement composite (SHCC) by adding calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA)-based expansive additive (EXA) to the mixture. Such responses are closely related to the durability of concrete structures, of dumbbell-shaped [...] Read more.

This study investigated the effects of shrinkage compensation on the tensile and cracking responses of strain-hardening cement composite (SHCC) by adding calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA)-based expansive additive (EXA) to the mixture. Such responses are closely related to the durability of concrete structures, of dumbbell-shaped SHCC specimens, and reinforced SHCC ties. For this study, two SHCC mixtures and a conventional concrete mixture with a specific compressive strength value of 30 MPa were prepared and measured in terms of shrinkage history, compressive strength, flexural strength, and direct tensile strength. The test results show that the mechanical properties of shrinkage-compensated SHCC with 10% CSA-based EXA are superior to those of conventional SHCC and concrete mixtures. Also, reinforced tension ties with shrinkage-compensated SHCC exhibited the best multiple cracking and tension-stiffening behavior among the three types of tension ties tested. The results show that shrinkage compensation using CSA-based EXA in SHCC with rich mixture is effective for resisting crack damage. Shrinkage-compensated SHCC may be used for civil infrastructure facilities that require high levels of durability and are exposed to extreme environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Civil Engineering Materials)

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18 pages, 748 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Partial Replacement of Fine Aggregate Using Water Purification Sludge in Producing CLSM

by Chao-Wei Tang and Chiu-Kuei Cheng

Sustainability 2019, 11(5), 1351; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11051351 - 04 Mar 2019

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2447

Abstract

This study investigated the mix design and engineering properties of controlled low-strength material (CLSM) by partial replacement of fine aggregate using water purification sludge (WPS). First, an investigation was performed at laboratory scale to assess the effects of the constituent materials and their [...] Read more.

This study investigated the mix design and engineering properties of controlled low-strength material (CLSM) by partial replacement of fine aggregate using water purification sludge (WPS). First, an investigation was performed at laboratory scale to assess the effects of the constituent materials and their quantities on the properties of the resulting CLSM. The Taguchi method of experimental design was used to determine optimal parameters for the mix design of CLSM. The parameters investigated included sludge content, water–binder ratio, slag content, accelerator agent content, and coarse aggregate content. Then, a cost analysis of a large-scale production CLSM containing WPS in a commercially available ready-mix concrete batching plant was performed. The results indicated that the water–binder ratio was the most significant factor that contributed to the target value (17.5 cm) of the tube flow of the mixture. The main contributions of experimental factors were water–binder ratio (78.00%), slag content (18.71%), accelerator agent content (2.41%), and sludge content (0.88%). Moreover, the strength of mixtures containing WPS was lower than that of mixtures without WPS. In particular, when the replacement percentage of fine aggregates with WPS was more than 20%, the strength was significantly reduced. The material cost per cubic meter of CLSM containing WPS is about NT$297.42 lower than that of ordinary CLSM, which can reduce the cost by 17.53%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Civil Engineering Materials)

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18 pages, 16398 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Seismic Behavior of Rammed Earth Walls with an L-Form Cross-Section

by Quoc-Bao Bui, Tan-Trung Bui, Mai-Phuong Tran, Thi-Loan Bui and Hoang-An Le

Sustainability 2019, 11(5), 1296; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11051296 - 01 Mar 2019

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3440

Abstract

Rammed earth (RE) is a construction material which is made by compacting the soil in a formwork. This material is attracting the attention of the scientific community due to its sustainable characteristics. Among different aspects to be investigated, the seismic performance remains an [...] Read more.

Rammed earth (RE) is a construction material which is made by compacting the soil in a formwork. This material is attracting the attention of the scientific community due to its sustainable characteristics. Among different aspects to be investigated, the seismic performance remains an important topic which needs advanced investigations. The existing studies in the literature have mainly adopted simplified approaches to investigate the seismic performance of RE structures. The present paper adopts a numerical approach to investigate the seismic behavior of RE walls with an L-form cross-section. The 3D FEM model used can take into account the plasticity and damage of RE layers and the interfaces. The model was first validated by an experimental test presented in the literature. Then, the model was employed to assess the seismic performance of a L-form wall of a RE house at different amplitudes of earthquake excitations. Influences of the cross-section form on the earthquake performance of RE walls were also investigated. The results show that the L-form cross-section wall has a better seismic performance than a simple rectangular cross-section wall with similar dimensions. For the L-form cross-section wall, the damage observed concentrates essentially on the connection between two flanges of the wall. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Civil Engineering Materials)

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14 pages, 3687 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of CO₂ Emissions by Replacing an Ordinary Reinforced Concrete Slab with the Void Slab System in a High-Rise Commercial Residential Complex Building in South Korea

by Inkwan Paik, Seunguk Na and Seongho Yoon

Sustainability 2019, 11(1), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11010082 - 24 Dec 2018

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4741

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to verify the environmental performance of the novel Void Deck Slab (VDS) system developed by the authors. The proposed VDS is a void slab system with enhanced design features that improve the constructability of the system through [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study is to verify the environmental performance of the novel Void Deck Slab (VDS) system developed by the authors. The proposed VDS is a void slab system with enhanced design features that improve the constructability of the system through the elimination of additional works required to connect the void formers with the anchoring devices. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) technique was adopted to assess the carbon dioxide emissions of the void slab system with reference to the ordinary reinforced concrete slab. The system boundary of this study ranged from raw materials to pre-operation phase, in accordance with ISO 14044. The total CO₂ emissions of the ordinary reinforced concrete slab and the void slab system were 204,433.06 and 151,754.75 kg CO₂-eq, respectively, which equated to about 34% less emissions for the void slab system. In the case of the ordinary reinforced concrete slab, moulds accounted for approximately 62% of CO₂ emission, followed by concrete (~34%). The main source of CO₂ emissions for the void slab system was concrete that accounted for ~50%, followed by moulds and deck plates that accounted for roughly 27% and 19%, respectively. In the case of the void slab system, void formers would enable a lower amount of concrete, as well as the self-weight of the slab. Besides, although the void formers filled a significant volume of the slab, the contribution to CO₂ emissions was less than 1%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Civil Engineering Materials)

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15 pages, 9771 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Design and Analysis of Internally Stiffened GFRP Tubular Decks—A Sustainable Solution

by Yeou-Fong Li, Habib Armel Meda and Walter Chen

Sustainability 2018, 10(12), 4538; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10124538 - 01 Dec 2018

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2964

Abstract

The aim of this paper was to find an optimal stiffener configuration of thin-wall tubular panels made by glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite material, which is a low carbon emission, low life cycle cost, and sustainable material. Finite-element analysis (FEA) was used [...] Read more.

The aim of this paper was to find an optimal stiffener configuration of thin-wall tubular panels made by glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite material, which is a low carbon emission, low life cycle cost, and sustainable material. Finite-element analysis (FEA) was used to investigate the flexural and torsional stiffness of various internally stiffened sections of thin-wall GFRP decks. These decks consist of internally stiffened tubular profiles laid side by side and bonded together with epoxy to ensure the panel acts as an assembly. Three-dimensional models of the seven proposed decks were assembled with tubular profiles of different stiffener patterns. First, the non-stiffened tube profile was tested experimentally to validate the parameters used in the subsequent numerical analysis. Then, the finite element software, ANSYS, was used to simulate the flexural and torsional behavior of the decks with different stiffener patterns under bending and torsional loads. The decks with stiffener patterns such as “O” type, “V” type, and “D” type were found to be the most effective in bending. For torsion, there was a distinct tendency for deck panels with closed shaped stiffener patterns to perform better than their counterparts. Overall, the “O” type deck panel was an optimal stiffener configuration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Civil Engineering Materials)

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