Structural Engineering Research Centre

About: Structural Engineering Research Centre is a facility organization based out in Chennai, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Finite element method & Fracture mechanics. The organization has 520 authors who have published 703 publications receiving 7298 citations.

Investigations on the influence of matrix and textile on the response of textile reinforced concrete slabs under impact loading

Abstract: Textile Reinforced Concrete (TRC) is gaining its popularity as a construction material. It is essential to investigate new materials to quantify its expected structural performance and integrity. The purposed study is to investigate the influence of material type and volume fraction of textile and type of matrix on the impact behaviour of textile reinforced concrete slabs. Both glass and basalt textiles were used in the investigations. Based on the investigations, it is concluded that the type of binder influences the impact resistance at first crack as well as the delamination possibility. Glass textile reinforced concrete slabs show more displacement and more residual capacity compared to basalt textile reinforced concrete slabs. With increased number of layers, the basalt textile reinforced concrete slabs exhibited decrease in impact resistance due to delamination. As energy level increases, glass textile reinforced slabs show increase in peak displacement whereas basalt textile reinforced concrete slabs show a decrease. The investigations reported will be useful for extending the knowledge of textile reinforced concrete for various impact resistant applications.

Integrated approach of assessing sedimentary characteristics of onshore sand deposits on the Velankanni coast, Tamil Nadu, India: sheds light on extreme wave event signatures

Abstract: The refraction of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami waves caused drastic devastation along East coast of India, mainly in the area of investigation. Here, we appraise and integrate the sedimentary characteristics and microfossil studies of the area. The gigantic tsunami waves caused the landward fining of sediments that were carried as suspended load. Tsunami sediments have distinctive characteristics, like fine-to-medium grained sand, moderately to poorly sorted sediments which indicating sudden winnowing followed by tranquil flood. Positively skewed grain size distribution indicating unidirectional transport, and mesokurtic to platykurtic character implying poorly sorted single source origin. The species of benthonic foraminifers and ostracods reside in marine environment indicating shallow water origin of sediments. The onshore deposits are vertically divided into three depositional units interpreted from Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) signatures—Unit 1 is a relatively continuous parallel layer indicative of calm environment; Unit 2 has paleochannels and burial scarps, seen as oblique reflections that might be indicative of an intense erosional environment; Unit 3 is interpreted as 2004 tsunami layer, has three subunits. Each main units have been separated by Heavy Mineral Concentrated (HMC) layers, deposited by continuous wave action (~ 20 cm) and by the tsunami (> 30 cm) activity, evidenced by low magnetic susceptibility values at the bottom compared to the top of the HMC layers. GPR has been effectively utilized in this paper as subsurface imaging tool for the interpretation and reconstruction of stratigraphy, and also helped to unearth the erosional and depositional environments.

Recent Advances in Health Monitoring and Assessment of In-service Oil and Gas Buried Pipelines

Abstract: Structural Health Monitoring techniques has captured much interest and attention of researchers owing to their potential in providing spatial and quantitative information regarding structural damage and the performance of a structure. Integrated health monitoring of structures with advances in sensor technology can improve structural reliability, system performance and safety. Pipelines exist for the transport of crude/refined petroleum, oil, natural gas and biofuels. Oil pipelines are made from steel which are usually buried. These pipelines are prone to natural and man-made damages. Hence monitoring of these buried pipelines becomes essential. Leakages of oil and gas from pipeline are dangerous for people and environment. Detection of leakage along the pipeline network is an essential part of the maintenance activity which is always a difficult task. The goal of the paper is to present the recent advancements in the field of health monitoring and assessment of in-service buried oil and gas pipelines.