Non-contact lap splices placed within a single concrete placement are often used and have been studied in previous research projects. However, non-contact lap splices used with each bar in a different concrete placement such that there is a cold joint between the bars, have not been investigated. This situation is found in the repair of adjacent box beam bridges and in the construction of inverted T-beam systems, among others. It is vital to understand whether the same mechanisms are present across a cold joint with two different types of concrete as are present in traditional non-contact lap splices. In this research, eight T-beam specimens with non-contact lap splices were tested. The spacing between the bars, the splice bar blockout length, and presence of transverse bars were varied to study the effectiveness of the splices. The beams were tested in four point bending so that the splice region was under constant moment and the tension forces in the spliced bars were constant. End and midspan deflections were measured along with surface strain measurements at midspan and at the quarter span points, top and bottom. Gap openings were also measured at the ends of the blockouts. The main conclusions found from this research are that beams containing non-contact lap splices were able to develop nominal capacity with the bar spacing less than or equal to 4 in. and the blockout between 17 and 20 in. long. Extending the blockouts and adding transverse bars underneath the splices did not add to the capacity. / Master of Science

For members and flat slabs without shear reinforcement, the shear and punching shear strength are often the determining design criteria. These failure modes are characterized by a fragile behaviour implying possible partial or total collapse of the structure. Despite extensive research in this field, shear and punching shear in reinforced and prestressed concrete structures, remain complex phenomena so much that the current approach is often empirical or simplified. The ability of Steel Fibre Reinforced Concrete (SFRC) to reduce shear reinforcement in reinforced and prestressed concrete members and slabs,or even eliminate it, is supported by several experimental studies. However its practical application remains marginal mainly due to the lack of standard, procedures and rules adapted to its performance. The stationary processes in precast industry offer optimal possibilities for using high performance cementitious materials such as Self Compacting Concrete (SCC) and High Strength Concrete (HSC). For the author, the combination of High Performance Concrete and steel fibres is the following step in the development and the optimization of this industry. The High Performance Fibre Reinforced Concrete (HPFRC) stands between conventional SFRC and Ultra-High Performance Fibre Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC). The HPFRC exhibiting a good strength/cost ratio is, thus, an alternative of UHPFRC for precast elements. The principal aim of this work was to analyse the shear and punching shear behaviour of HPFRC and UHPFRC structures without transversal reinforcement and to propose recommendations and design models adapted for practitioners. Several experimental studies on structural elements, i.e. beams and slabs, were undertaken for this purpose. Firstly, an original experimental campaign was performed on pre-tensioned members in HPFRC. A total number of six shear-critical beams of a 3.6 m span each, and two full scale beams of a 12 m span each, were tested in order to evaluate the shear and flexural strength. The principal parameter between the specimens was the fibres (...)

It is important to ensure that vulnerable structures (federal and provincial offices, military structures, embassies, etc) are blast resistant to safeguard life and critical infrastructure. In the wake of recent malicious attacks and accidental explosions, it is becoming increasingly important to ensure that columns in structures are properly detailed to provide the ductility and continuity necessary to prevent progressive collapse. Research has shown that steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) can enhance many of the properties of concrete, including improved post-cracking tensile capacity, enhanced shear resistance, and increased ductility. The enhanced properties of SFRC make it an ideal candidate for use in the blast resistant design of structures. There is limited research on the behaviour of SFRC under high strain rates, including impact and blast loading, and some of this data is conflicting, with some researchers showing that the additional ductility normally evident in SFRC is absent or reduced at high strain loading. On the other hand, other data indicates that SFRC can improve toughness and energy-absorption capacity under extreme loading conditions. This thesis presents the results of experimental research involving tests of scaled reinforced concrete columns exposed to shock wave induced impulsive loads using the University of Ottawa Shock Tube. A total of 13 half-scale steel fibre reinforced concrete columns, 8 with normal strength steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) and 5 with an ultra high performance fibre reinforced concrete (UHPFRC), were constructed and tested under simulated blast pressures. The columns were designed according to CSA A23.3 standards for both seismic and non-seismic regions, using various fibre amounts and types. Each column was exposed to similar shock wave loads in order to provide direct comparisons between seismic and non-seismically detailed columns, amount of steel fibres, type of steel fibres, and type of concrete. The dynamic response of the columns tested in the experimental program is predicted by generating dynamic load-deformation resistance functions for SFRC and UHPFRC columns and using single degree of freedom dynamic analysis software, RCBlast. The analytical results are compared to experimental data, and shown to accurately predict the maximum mid-span displacements of the fibre reinforced concrete columns under shock wave loading.

In the course of revitalizing the Poseidon Building in Frankfurt, an energetically optimized façade, made of architectural concrete was developed. The development of a fiber-reinforced architectural concrete had to consider the necessary mechanical strength, design technology and surface quality. The fiber-reinforced architectural concrete has a compressive strength of 104.1 MPa and a 3-point bending tensile strength of 19.5 MPa. Beyond that, it was ensured that the fiber-reinforced high-performance concrete had a high durability, which has been shown by the capillary suction of de-icing solution and freeze thaw test with a weathering of abrasion of 113 g/m² after 28 freeze-thaw cycles and a mean water penetration depth of 11 mm.

Thin-walled, high-strength concrete elements exhibiting low system weight and great slenderness can be created with a large degree of lightweight structure using the textile-reinforced, load-bearing concrete (TRC) slab and a shell with a very high level of sound absorption. This was developed with the objective of lowering system weight, and then implemented operationally in construction. Arising from the specifications placed on the load-bearing concrete slab, the following took place: an adapted fine-grain concrete matrix was assembled, a carbon warp-knit fabric was modified and integrated into the fine concrete matrix, a formwork system at prototype scale was designed enabling noise barriers to be produced with an application-oriented approach and examined in practically investigations within the context of the project. This meant that a substantial lowering of the load-bearing concrete slab’s system weight was possible, which led to a decrease in transport and assembly costs.

O objetivo de colaborar com o equacionamento da problemática do crescimento populacional por meio de uma proposta viável economicamente, e com vantagens tecnológicas com vistas à durabilidade para a armazenagem de gêneros alimentícios em baixas temperaturas motivou o desenvolvimento desta pesquisa, na qual se propõe o uso do concreto como material alternativo para a construção de sistemas de guarda e conservação de alimentos. A partir de um adequado método de dosagem e da tecnologia desenvolvida pelo grupo de pesquisadores do Laboratório de Materiais Avançados à Base de Cimento, foram elaborados dois concretos diferenciados pela incorporação ou não de ar. A durabilidade do concreto para ambientes com baixas temperaturas tem sido relacionada a um sistema de vazios de ar com volume de 6 '+ OU -' 1 % e adequado espaçamento entre as bolhas de ar. O desempenho desses concretos em ambientes com baixas temperaturas foi avaliado acondicionando-os em uma câmara fria com temperatura de - 35 ± 2 graus Celsius. A sanidade dos corpos-de-prova foi monitorada por meio de ensaios não destrutivos (i.e. determinação da freqüência natural). O período de exposição foi de trinta e cinco dias, sendo que após o sétimo dia ocorreu a estabilização dos valores da freqüência natural dos corpos-de-prova. Os dois tipos de concretos ensaiados - com ar incorporado e sem ar incorporado - mostraram-se resistentes nestas condições de ensaio. Os resultados obtidos demonstram que os concretos, de acordo com o método utilizado, atendem a todos os requisitos para os quais foram projetados / The aim to collaborate with the set out of the world population increase problem, using a feasible and economical proposal, with technology advantages, destined to store foodstuff in low temperatures, motivated the development of this research, that suggests concrete as an alternative material to storage and conservation foodstuff system construction. Starting from the concrete design with an adequate method, and based on the technology developed by worker group of Laboratory of Advanced Cement Based Materials, were designed two kinds of concrete: with and without incorporated air. The durability of concrete in low temperatures environment were related to air voids system with 6 '+ OU -' 1% of air content, and to adequate spacing between air voids. The concrete behaviour in low temperatures environment was evaluated placing the specimens in a cold chamber, whose temperatures were about -35 '+ OU -' 2 Celsius degrees. The integrity of the specimens was evaluated by non-destructive method (determination of natural frequency). The exposure period of the specimens was thirty five days, but at seventh day the natural frequencies values were stabilized. Both kind of concrete were resistant in this condition. The obtained results show that concretes, in conformity to the used methodology, performed all requirement for that were designed

Atualmente, um dos principais problemas ligados às estruturas de concreto armado é a corrosão da armadura, especialmente devido à ação dos íons cloreto. Sua incidência no contexto das principais manifestações patológicas encontradas nas construções é bastante significativa, chegando a atingir índices de 50% em algumas regiões brasileiras. Além disso, o custo do reparo ou da reabilitação das estruturas deterioradas, em alguns casos, pode ser superior ao de uma estrutura nova. Com o objetivo de aumentar a vida útil das estruturas de concreto e diminuir o índice de ocorrência da corrosão de armaduras, esta pesquisa verifica o comportamento de concretos com adições minerais quanto à eficiência na proteção do aço contra a corrosão induzida por íons cloreto, em relação ao concreto sem adição. Para a produção dos concretos de alto desempenho (CAD), foram utilizados dois tipos de adições: a sílica de Fe-Si ou silício metálico (SFS), já comercialmente disponível, e a sílica extraída da casca de arroz (SCA), produzida em laboratório. Assim, além de proporcionar uma barreira física à entrada de agentes agressivos na camada de cobrimento, a utilização desses concretos contribui para a diminuição da poluição ambiental, uma vez que as adições estudadas são resíduos. Para tanto, foram realizados ensaios mecânicos e relacionados à durabilidade, tais como: absorção de água, resistência à penetração de cloretos, frente de penetração, teor total de cloretos e resistividade elétrica dos concretos. Na análise do processo de corrosão, duas técnicas foram empregadas: potencial de corrosão e espectroscopia por impedância eletroquímica. Em relação à microestrutura, foram realizados ensaios de porosimetria por intrusão de mercúrio, difratometria de raios X, termogravimetria e microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Os resultados obtidos no controle da corrosão pelo ataque de íons cloreto foram favoráveis ao uso das adições em substituição ao cimento Portland, uma vez que os concretos com adições superam os resultados obtidos nos concretos sem sílica (ainda que a SFS tenha proporcionado melhor desempenho em algumas propriedades), indicando alta capacidade dos CAD em proteger o aço frente à ação de íons cloreto. Dentre os tipos de cimento utilizados, o CP V ARI RS mostrou-se mais eficiente que o CP V ARI Plus, bem como apresentou melhor sinergia com a SCA. A técnica de espectroscopia eletroquímica pode ser utilizada em CAD, porém deve-se minimizar os efeitos da alta resistividade do material, especialmente quando se utiliza a SFS. / Nowadays, one of the main problems in reinforced concrete structures is steel corrosion, especially due to the action of chloride ions. Its incidence among the main pathologies is quite significant, reaching indexes of 50% in some Brazilian areas. Besides, the cost of repair or rehabilitation of deteriorated structures, in some cases, can be higher than a new structure. To increase the service life of concrete structures and reduce the occurrence of steel corrosion, this work verifies the behavior of concretes with mineral additions in protecting the steel against the corrosion induced by chloride ions, in comparison to concretes without addition. For the production of high performance concretes (HPC), two addition types were used: silica fume (SF), already commercially available, and silica extracted from rice husk (SRH), produced in laboratory. Thus, besides providing a physical barrier to the aggressive agents in the concrete cover, the use of such concretes contribute to decrease the environmental pollution, since the additions studied are residues. Mechanical and durability tests were accomplished, such as water absorption, chloride penetration resistance, chloride penetration depth and concentration and electric resistivity of concretes. In the analysis of corrosion process, two techniques were used: open circuit potential and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Regarding the microstructure, tests of mercury intrusion porosimetry, X-ray diffraction, termogravimetry and scanning electron microscopy were conducted. The results obtained in the control of steel corrosion by chloride ions were favorable to the use of the additions in substitution to the portland cement. Both concretes with additions showed better performances than the concretes without silica, indicating high capacity of HPC to protect against the steel corrosion in reinforced concrete structures. Concerning the types of cement used, CP V ARI RS showed to be more efficient than CP V ARI Plus and presented better synergy with SRH. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy technique can be used in HPC, however the effects of the high resistivity of the material should be minimized, especially when silica fume is used.

O concreto de elevado desempenho (CED) é aquele que atende aos requisitos de durabilidade e de resistência mecânica da construção, produzido a partir de materiais selecionados, com equipamentos eficientes e procedimentos controlados. Desenvolveu-se, assim, um estudo experimental, tendo como objetivo principal analisar e estabelecer correlações a partir de propriedades mecânicas e de durabilidade com a microestrutura da matriz. Para tanto, considera-se: a) emprego de agregados da região de São Carlos SP, analisando as suas características fundamentais; b) o emprego de cimentos Portland CP II E 32, CP V ARI Plus e CP V ARI RS em conformidade com ABNT, estabelecendo uma sinergia com os outros materiais envolvidos; c) o estabelecimento de dosagens buscando uma maior compacidade; d) a relação entre os constituintes, correlacionando-os com as formas produtivas e características de aplicações; e) o acompanhamento do desenvolvimento da hidratação e da microestrutura das composições estabelecidas e da influência adição da sílica ativa na matriz como um todo. A análise da microestrutura fundamentou-se em ensaios de poro simetria por intrusão de mercúrio, poro simetria por adsorção de gás nitrogênio, microscopia eletrônica de varredura, termogravimetria e difração de raio-X. Os resultados indicam que a sílica ativa tem forte influência na qualidade dos concretos de alto desempenho, principalmente quando em associação com escória de alto fomo, indicando a possibilidade de se produzir concretos duráveis. Da mesma forma, os resultados mecânicos sugerem excelentes perspectivas na produção do CED, com altas resistências à compressão, na faixa de até 110MPa, à tração na flexão da ordem de 10MPa e resistência à abrasão cerca de 40% superior a dos concretos convencionais. / High performance concrete (HPC) is concrete that meets the requisites of hardness and mechanical strength of construction applications, and is produced with selected materiaIs, efficient equipment and controlled procedures. An experimental study was carried out with the main purpose of analyzing and establishing correlations based on mechanical properties and durability of the matrix\'s microstructure. To this end, the following factors were taken into consideration: a) the use of aggregates available in the region of São Carlos, SP, analyzing their fundamental characteristics; b) the use of Portland CP II E 32, CP V AR! Plus and CP V AR! RS cements according to the ABNT code, establishing a synergy with the other materiais involved; c) the establishment of dosages in the search for greater compactness; d) the relation among the constituents, correlating them with the forms of production and characteristics of application; e) follow-up of the development of hydration and of the microstructures of the compositions established, and the influence of the addition of active silica in the matrix as a whole. The microstructural analysis was based on tests of porosity by mercury intrusion, porosity by adsorption of nitrogen gas, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetry and X-ray diffraction. The results indicate that active silica exerts a strong influence on the quality of high performance concretes, particularly when associated with slag, indicating the possibility of producing durable concretes. Similarly, the mechanical findings suggest excellent prospects for HPC production, with high compressive strength in the range of up to 110MPa, flexural strength in the order of 10MPa, and abrasive strength approximately 40% superior to that of conventional concretes.

A incorporação de resíduos industriais ao concreto, tais como as pozolanas, é uma das soluções para o aproveitamento de subprodutos poluentes estando em acordo com os princípios da sustentabilidade. É objetivo do trabalho discutir e analisar a viabilidade da aplicação de um resíduo das termoelétricas da indústria de beneficiamento do arroz, a cinza da casca de arroz (CCA), como adição mineral em concretos duráveis. Com 88% de sílica em sua composição, a CCA tem grande potencial de utilização em concretos porque possibilita o aumento da resistência à compressão pelas suas características de alta pozolanicidade e grande finura. Misturas de argamassas padrão contendo 0, 5, 10 e 15% de CCA moídas apenas industrialmente e com moagem adicional de 1 hora, foram confeccionadas a fim de se avaliar o comportamento do aglomerante (CPV - ARI PLUS + CCA) em relação à resistência mecânica. Concretos com traços 1:3,5, 1:5 e 1:6,5, relação água-aglomerante igual a 0,45 e 15% de CCA foram ensaiados à compressão. Os ensaios mostraram que a CCA é predominantemente cristalina e tem alta pozolanicidade. Quanto às argamassas padrão e aos concretos, os resultados mostraram que a utilização da CCA em compósitos à base de cimento é viável, além de ser ecologicamente correta. / Industrial residues, such as pozzolan, can be incorporated in concretes as a solution for polluter refuses, according to sustainable principles. The objective of this work it is to discuss and analyze the use of rice thermoeletrical industry residue, the rice rusk ash (RHA), as mineral addition in durable concretes. The RHA can be used to increase the compression strength of concretes once it has high pozzolanicity and thinness, composed by 88% of silica. It was created mixtures of standard mortars containing 0, 5 10 and 15% of industrial grounded RHA and also with one hour of additional grind. The idea of those mixtures was to evaluate the mechanical strength of the agglomerate (pure Portland cement + RHA). Compression tests in poor, normal and rich concretes with water/agglomerate ratio of 0,45 and 15% of RHA were set too. The tests indicated that the RHA is predominant crystalline and it is a high pozzolanicity material. All the analyses showed that the material has suitable and competitive characteristics for application as agglomerate component.

Os investimentos iniciais em moldes na indústria de pré-moldados de concreto de cimento Portland, em geral, são altos, havendo a necessidade de utilizá-los o mais intensivamente possível entre uma e outra moldagem. A conseqüência é que a desforma pode ocorrer em instantes inadequados, comprometendo a durabilidade do produto. Isto contraria o conceito fundamental da pré-moldagem que está relacionado ao rigoroso controle de qualidade do produto. A cura térmica é uma alternativa, pois é utilizada para acelerar a resistência mecânica inicial do concreto. Esse beneficio imediato é acompanhado por uma redução na resistência final comparativamente à cura normal em câmara úmida. Esta redução é atribuída ao desenvolvimento de uma microestrutura modificada. Para investigar esse fenômeno, com base nos conhecimentos em ciência e engenharia dos materiais, desenvolve-se um estudo experimental, aplicado a pré-moldados com pequena espessura. O objetivo principal é analisar tais modificações e os compostos hidratados, formados ao longo do tempo após a cura térmica, considerando os materiais empregados e estabelecendo relações com a perda de resistência final. Leva-se em conta a influência das adições e da duração dos ciclos térmicos. A análise da microestrutura está baseada nos seguintes ensaios: porosimetria por intrusão de mercúrio, microscopia eletrônica de varredura, termogravimetria e difração de raio-X. Confirma-se com base nos resultados que a cura térmica favorece a maior formação de portlandita e também acelera a reação pozolânica. Para a composição entre cimento Portland, a escória de alto forno (30%) e a sílica ativa (10%), submetidas a ciclos térmicos longos (12 horas Tmax=61°C), observa-se a maior perda na resistência mecânica a longo prazo. Neste caso, há fortes indícios de que há formação de fases com menor desempenho mecânico. Através de micrografias, para essa amostra, sugere-se a formação da etringita secundária com maior prejuízo na interface pasta-agregado. As conclusões sugerem que para minimizar as interferências no processo de cura e garantir resistências mínimas nas desmoldagens rápidas, com poucas perdas a longo prazo, é interessante associar ciclos térmicos curtos, cimento de alta resistência inicial, sílica ativa e superplastificante. / The initial investments of molds in the industry which makes pre-cast of Portland cement concrete is usually very high, thus creating a necessity to maximize the utilization of each moldings. The consequence is that the forms can be removed at inadequate time, which compromise the durability of the product. This contradicts the fundamental concepts of the pre-castings, which is related to a severe quality control. Steam curing is an alternative treatment and is used to accelerate the initial mechanical resistance of the concrete. This immediate benefit is accompanied by the decrease on final resistance compared to normal curing in humid chamber. This reduction is attributed to the development of a modified microstructure. To investigate this phenomenon, based on knowleledge of materials science and engineering, an experimental study is developed which is applied in pre-cast wich small thichness. The main objective of this work is to analyze the microstructure modifications and the hydrated compounds formed, after a period of steam curing, taking in account the used materiaIs, also to establish a relations with the loss of final strength. The influence of additions and duration of steam cycles are considered. The analyses of microstructures are based on the following tests: mercury intrusion porosimetry, scanning electron microscope, thermogravimetry and X-ray diffraction. Based on the results it can be confirmed that steam curing favors a large formation of ponlandite and also accelerates pozzolanic reaction. For the composition of Portland cement, slag fumace blast (30%) and active silica (10%), submitted for long period of thermal cycles (12 hours, Tmax=61°C), a great loss strength was observed. In this case it is possible the formation of phases with poor mechanical performance. Through micrographs, for this sample, it is observed the formation of secondary ettringite with a large damage in the interface aggregate-paste. The conclusions suggest that to minimize the interference in the process of curing and to guarantee a minimum strength during the rapid separation of the concrete from the molds, with a minor loss in a long term, it is interesting to associate short steam cycles, high initial resistance cement, adive silica and superplasticizer.