Showing papers on "Compressive strength published in 2022"

Multifunctional Superelastic, Superhydrophilic, and Ultralight Nanocellulose‐Based Composite Carbon Aerogels for Compressive Supercapacitor and Strain Sensor

Abstract: Developing superelastic and superhydrophilic carbon aerogels with intriguing mechanical properties is urgently desired for achieving promising performances in highly compressive supercapacitors and strain sensors. Herein, based on synergistic hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interaction, and π–π interaction within regularly arranged layered porous structures, conductive carbon aerogels with cellulose nanofibrils (CNF), carbon nanotubes (CNT) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) are developed via bidirectional freezing and subsequent annealing. Benefiting from the porous architecture and high surface roughness, CNF/CNT/RGO carbon aerogels exhibit ultralow density (2.64 mg cm–3) and superhydrophilicity (water contact angle ≈0° at 106 ms). The honeycomb‐like ordered porous structure can efficiently transfer stress in the entire microstructure, thereby endowing carbon aerogels with high compressibility and extraordinary fatigue resistance (10,000 cycles at 50% strain). These aerogels can be assembled into compressive solid‐state symmetric supercapacitors showing excellent area capacitance (109.4 mF cm–2 at 0.4 mA cm–2) and superior long cycle compression performance (88% after 5000 cycles at compressive strain of 50%). Furthermore, the aerogels reveal good linear sensitivity (S = 5.61 kPa–1) and accurately capture human bio‐signals as strain sensors. It is expected that such CNF/CNT/RGO carbon aerogels will provide a novel multifunctional platform for wearable electronics, electronic skin, and human motion monitoring.

Influence of Replacing Cement with Waste Glass on Mechanical Properties of Concrete

Abstract: In this study, the effect of waste glass on the mechanical properties of concrete was examined by conducting a series of compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and flexural strength tests. According to this aim, waste glass powder (WGP) was first used as a partial replacement for cement and six different ratios of WGP were utilized in concrete production: 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%. To examine the combined effect of different ratios of WGP on concrete performance, mixed samples (10%, 20%, 30%) were then prepared by replacing cement, and fine and coarse aggregates with both WGP and crashed glass particles. Workability and slump values of concrete produced with different amounts of waste glass were determined on the fresh state of concrete, and these properties were compared with those of plain concrete. For the hardened concrete, 150 mm × 150 mm × 150 mm cubic specimens and cylindrical specimens with a diameter of 100 mm and a height of 200 mm were tested to identify the compressive strength and splitting tensile strength of the concrete produced with waste glass. Next, a three-point bending test was carried out on samples with dimensions of 100 × 100 × 400 mm, and a span length of 300 mm to obtain the flexure behavior of different mixtures. According to the results obtained, a 20% substitution of WGP as cement can be considered the optimum dose. On the other hand, for concrete produced with combined WGP and crashed glass particles, mechanical properties increased up to a certain limit and then decreased owing to poor workability. Thus, 10% can be considered the optimum replacement level, as combined waste glass shows considerably higher strength and better workability properties. Furthermore, scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis was performed to investigate the microstructure of the composition. Good adhesion was observed between the waste glass and cementitious concrete. Lastly, practical empirical equations have been developed to determine the compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexure strength of concrete with different amounts of waste glass. Instead of conducting an experiment, these strength values of the concrete produced with glass powder can be easily estimated at the design stage with the help of proposed expressions.

High-strength high-ductility Engineered/Strain-Hardening Cementitious Composites (ECC/SHCC) incorporating geopolymer fine aggregates

Abstract: In this study, Engineered/Strain-Hardening Cementitious Composites (ECC/SHCC) incorporating geopolymer fine aggregates were successfully developed with high strength and high ductility. A multi-scale investigation was conducted to gain an in-depth understanding of the microstructure and ductility enhancement mechanism of geopolymer aggregate ECC (GPA-ECC). The use of geopolymer fine aggregates enabled the high-strength ECC to achieve higher tensile ductility and finer crack width compared to existing ones with similar compressive strength in the literature. It was found that the GPA reacted with the cementitious matrix, and the width of the GPA/matrix interfacial transition zone (ITZ) was larger than that of the silica sand/matrix ITZ. Moreover, the GPA achieved a strong bond with the cementitious matrix and could behave as “additional flaws” in high-strength matrix, resulting in saturated multiple cracking and excellent tensile ductility of ECC. This study provides a new avenue for developing high-performance fiber-reinforced cementitious composites based on artificial geopolymer aggregates.

Shrinkage mitigation, strength enhancement and microstructure improvement of alkali-activated slag/fly ash binders by ultrafine waste concrete powder

Abstract: The reuse of waste concrete powder (WCP) in the synthesis of alkali-activated binder (AAB) composites has never been investigated. Herein, this paper reports the study about the preparation of ultrafine waste concrete powder (UWCP) and its utilization in alkali-activated slag/fly ash binders. The effects of UWCP on the mechanical properties and shrinkage behaviors of AAB were measured. With 6 wt% addition of UWCP, the compressive strengths of AMW6 sample were 45.9 MPa, 68.6 MPa, 83.1 MPa and 86.3 MPa at the ages of 1 d, 7 d, 28 d and 56 d, showing 23.05%, 17.87%, 18.21% and 15.22% higher than those of AWM0 sample at the same ages. Based on the heat release and setting time results, the roles of UWCP on the reaction kinetics were explored. Results indicate that the contact surface of solid precursors was reinforced due to the nano-size particles in UWCP, contributing to the promotion of reaction and shortening of setting time. The mineralogical composition determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetry (TG) analyses demonstrates that the UWCP did not affect the type of reaction products but change its quantity. It can be observed by mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) that the total porosity decreased to 8.04% and the proportion of large capillary pores with the size greater than 200 nm decreased apparently. This reflects that the pore structure of AAB paste was refined with the UWCP addition. Benefiting from these, the compressive strength was enhanced and shrinkage behaviors were mitigated significantly. This study is expected to offer a reference for the better reuse of WCP in AAB. • UWCP showed good reactivity and filling effect in AAB system. • The AAB paste containing UWCP showed better microstructure. • The use of UWCP significantly mitigated shrinkage behaviors. • UWCP improved compressive strength of AAB.

High-strength high-ductility Engineered/Strain-Hardening Cementitious Composites (ECC/SHCC) incorporating geopolymer fine aggregates

Abstract: In this study, Engineered/Strain-Hardening Cementitious Composites (ECC/SHCC) incorporating geopolymer fine aggregates were successfully developed with high strength and high ductility. A multi-scale investigation was conducted to gain an in-depth understanding of the microstructure and ductility enhancement mechanism of geopolymer aggregate ECC (GPA-ECC). The use of geopolymer fine aggregates enabled the high-strength ECC to achieve higher tensile ductility and finer crack width compared to existing ones with similar compressive strength in the literature. It was found that the GPA reacted with the cementitious matrix, and the width of the GPA/matrix interfacial transition zone (ITZ) was larger than that of the silica sand/matrix ITZ. Moreover, the GPA achieved a strong bond with the cementitious matrix and could behave as “additional flaws” in high-strength matrix, resulting in saturated multiple cracking and excellent tensile ductility of ECC. This study provides a new avenue for developing high-performance fiber-reinforced cementitious composites based on artificial geopolymer aggregates. • Geopolymer fine aggregates were successfully applied to develop high-strength high-ductility ECC with fine crack width. • Geopolymer fine aggregates reacted with cementitious paste, resulting in a strong interfacial bond. • Geopolymer fine aggregates acted as “additional flaws” in high-strength ECC matrix, leading to saturated multiple cracking. • Compared with existing ambient-cured high-strength ECC, geopolymer aggregate ECC exhibited superior tensile ductility.

Performance Assessment of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Produced with Waste Lathe Fibers

Abstract: The amount of steel waste produced is on the increase due to improvements in steel manufacturing industries. The increase in such wastes causes significant environmental problems and, furthermore, a large area is also required to store these waste products. Instead of disposing of these wastes, the reuse of them in different industries is an important success in terms of both reducing environmental pollution and providing low-cost products. From this motivation, the effect of lathe scrap fibers generated from Computer Numerical Control (CNC) lathe machine tools on concrete performance was investigated in this study. Pursuant to this aim and considering different fiber content, an experimental study was conducted on some test specimens. Workability and slump values of concrete produced with different lathe scrap fibers were determined, and these properties were compared with those of plain concrete. For the hardened concrete, 150 mm × 150 mm × 150 mm cubic specimens and cylindrical specimens with a diameter of 100 mm and a height of 200 mm were tested to identify compressive strength and splitting tensile strength of the concrete produced with different volume fracture of lathe waste scrap (0%, 1%, 2% and 3%). With the addition of the lathe scrap, the compressive and splitting tensile strength of fiber-reinforced concrete increases, but after a certain value of steel fiber content, there is a decrease in workability. Next, a three-point bending test was carried out on samples with dimensions of 100 × 100 × 400 mm and a span length of 300 mm to obtain the flexure behavior of different mixtures. It has been shown that the flexural strength of fiber-reinforced concrete increases with an increasing content of waste lathe. Furthermore, microstructural analysis was performed to observe the interaction between lathe scrap fiber and concrete. Good adhesion was observed between the steel fiber and cementitious concrete. According to the results obtained, waste lathe scrap fiber also worked as a good crack arrestor. Lastly, practical empirical equations were developed to calculate the compressive strength and splitting tensile strength of fiber-reinforced concrete produced with waste lathe scrap.

Fracture Performance of Cementitious Composites Based on Quaternary Blended Cements

Abstract: This study presents test results and in-depth discussion regarding the measurement of the fracture mechanics parameters of new concrete composites based on quaternary blended cements (QBC). A composition of the two most commonly used mineral additives, i.e., fly ash (FA) and silica fume (SF), in combination with nanosilica (nS), has been proposed as a partial replacement for ordinary Portland cement (OPC) binder. Four series of concrete were made, one of which was the reference concrete (REF) and the remaining three were QBC. During the research, the main mechanical parameters of compressive strength (fcm) and splitting tensile strength (fctm), as well as fracture mechanics parameters and the critical stress intensity factor KIcS, along with critical crack-tip opening displacements (CTODc) were investigated. Based on the tests, it was found that the total addition of siliceous materials, i.e., SF + nS without FA, increases the strength and fracture parameters of concrete by approximately 40%. On the other hand, supplementing the composition of the binder with SF and nS with 5% of FA additive causes an increase in all mechanical parameters by approximately 10%, whereas an increase by another 10% in the FA content in the concrete mix causes a significant decrease in all the analyzed factors by 10%, compared to the composite with the addition of silica modifiers only.

The role of nanomaterials in geopolymer concrete composites: A state-of-the-art review

Abstract: Geopolymers are novel cementitious materials that have the potential to replace conventional Portland cement composites completely. The production of geopolymer composites has a lower carbon footprint and uses less energy than the production of Portland cement. Recently efforts have been made to incorporate different types of nanoparticles (NPs) in geopolymer composites to enhance the properties of the composite with improved performances. Nanotechnology is one of the most active research areas with novel science and valuable applications that have gradually gained attention, especially during the last two decades. Many studies have been undertaken to date in order to understand better the impacts of NPs addition on the fresh, physical, mechanical, durability, and microstructure properties of geopolymer composites. In the current comprehensive review paper, the effects of different NP types on the most essential fresh, mechanical, durability, and microstructure characteristics of geopolymer paste, mortar, and concrete composites were reviewed, analyzed, and discussed in detail. In this regard, more than 280 published papers were used to create an extensive database that includes the main features of geopolymer composites modified with different NPs. In addition, the main mechanisms behind the influence of different NP types on the properties of geopolymer composites were examined. Past progress, recent drifts, current obstacles, and the benefits and drawbacks of these geopolymer composites enhanced with NPs were also highlighted. Based on the findings of this study, the addition of NPs has a promising future for developing high-performance geopolymer composites that the construction industry can efficiently implement due to significant improvements in strength, durability, microstructure by providing additional C–S–H, N-A-S-H, and C-A-S-H gels as well as filling nano-pores in the geopolymer matrix.

Improvement in Bending Performance of Reinforced Concrete Beams Produced with Waste Lathe Scraps

Abstract: In this study, the impacts of different proportions of tension reinforcement and waste lathe scraps on the failure and bending behavior of reinforced concrete beams (RCBs) are clearly detected considering empirical tests. Firstly, material strength and consistency test and then ½ scaled beam test have been carried out. For this purpose, a total of 12 specimens were produced in the laboratory and then tested to examine the failure mechanism under flexure. Two variables have been selected in creating text matrix. These are the longitudinal tension reinforcement ratio in beams (three different level) and volumetric ratio of waste lathe scraps (four different level: 0%, 1%, 2% and 3%). The produced simply supported beams were subjected to a two-point bending test. To prevent shear failure, sufficient stirrups have been used. Thus, a change in the bending behavior was observed during each test. With the addition of 1%, 2% and 3% waste lathe scraps, compressive strength escalated by 11.2%, 21.7% and 32.5%, respectively, compared to concrete without waste. According to slump test results, as the waste lathe scraps proportion in the concrete mixture is increased, the concrete consistency diminishes. Apart from the material tests, the following results were obtained from the tests performed on the beams. It is detected that with the addition of lathe waste, the mechanical features of beams improved. It is observed that different proportions of tension reinforcement and waste lathe scraps had different failure and bending impacts on the RCBs. While there was no significant change in stiffness and strength, ductility increased considerably with the addition of lathe waste.

Mechanical Behavior of Crushed Waste Glass as Replacement of Aggregates

Abstract: In this study, ground glass powder and crushed waste glass were used to replace coarse and fine aggregates. Within the scope of the study, fine aggregate (FA) and coarse aggregate (CA) were changed separately with proportions of 10%, 20%, 40%, and 50%. According to the mechanical test, including compression, splitting tensile, and flexural tests, the waste glass powder creates a better pozzolanic effect and increases the strength, while the glass particles tend to decrease the strength when they are swapped with aggregates. As observed in the splitting tensile test, noteworthy progress in the tensile strength of the concrete was achieved by 14%, while the waste glass used as a fractional replacement for the fine aggregate. In samples where glass particles were swapped with CA, the tensile strength tended to decrease. It was noticed that with the adding of waste glass at 10%, 20%, 40%, and 50% of FA swapped, the increase in flexural strength was 3.2%, 6.3%, 11.1%, and 4.8%, respectively, in amount to the reference one (6.3 MPa). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis consequences also confirm the strength consequences obtained from the experimental study. While it is seen that glass powder provides better bonding with cement with its pozzolanic effect and this has a positive effect on strength consequences, it is seen that voids are formed in the samples where large glass pieces are swapped with aggregate and this affects the strength negatively. Furthermore, simple equations using existing data in the literature and the consequences obtained from the current study were also developed to predict mechanical properties of the concrete with recycled glass for practical applications. Based on findings obtained from our study, 20% replacement for FA and CA with waste glass is recommended.