Solo grampeado é uma alternativa eficiente utilizada em obras de reforço de solos. É resultante da inclusão de reforços, denominados grampos, em um maciço em corte. A resistência ao cisalhamento da interface solo-grampo é um dos parâmetros mais importantes para fins de projeto. Este parâmetro é determinado a partir da experiência dos projetistas e se baseia principalmente no tipo de solo e em ensaios de campo (arrancamento, sondagens a percussão e pressiométricos). Neste contexto, a realização de ensaios de arrancamento in situ é extremamente importante para a quantificação deste parâmetro e, conseqüentemente, para a elaboração de projetos mais econômicos e seguros. A execução de ensaios de arrancamento em laboratório permite verificar condições muitas vezes não encontradas em campo. Este trabalho apresenta os resultados de ensaios de arrancamento de grampos realizados em laboratório. Também foi analisada a evolução da força nos grampos e dos deslocamentos do solo. Os grampos foram instalados em um protótipo de solo grampeado sobre o qual se aplicou uma sobrecarga de 50 kPa através de uma bolsa de ar comprimido. Os ensaios de arrancamento permitiram quantificar valores de resistência ao cisalhamento de interface da ordem de 145 kPa, mobilizados com pequenos deslocamentos dos grampos. O arrancamento de grampos instrumentados indicou que cerca de 90% do comprimento total dos grampos foi solicitado. Ao final dos ensaios de arrancamento, os grampos foram extraídos completamente do maciço de solo o que permitiu comprovar a sua integridade física. Os deslocamentos do solo foram máximos próximo ao topo do protótipo e na direção horizontal. Os resultados demonstram a viabilidade de estudar o comportamento do maciço reforçado a partir do comportamento do protótipo de solo grampeado construído em laboratório. / Soil nailing is an efficient soil reinforcement technique which uses inclusions, namely nails, in soil slopes. Unit skin friction is one of the most important parameters used in soil nailing design. The definition of this parameter is commonly based on local experience and correlations to some in situ tests. This work presents the results obtained from the pullout test carried out in a soil nailed wall prototype built in laboratory. Forces acting in nails were measured by strain gage instrumentation. Soil displacement was measured in short and long terms. The pullout tests were carried out after the application of a uniform surcharge given by a compressed air bag. The results showed that unit skin friction was about 145 kPa, mobilized with little nail displacements. About 90% of nail length were solicited during pullout tests, according to tests performed in strain gage instrumented nails. Nail extraction showed a high level of nail integrity. Soil displacements were higher close to the wall top, near the face. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using of laboratory prototype studies to investigate the geotechnical behavior of soil nailing structures.

O trabalho apresentado tem como finalidade analisar os sistemas de ancoragem utilizados na fabricação de End Fittings (EF), através de ensaios de dois sistemas de ancoragem alternativos aos utilizados atualmente na indústria. Além disso, é apresentado o desenvolvimento de um modelo de elementos finitos (MEF) que permite a reprodução do comportamento durante o processo de pullout da ancoragem com melhor desempenho. A caracterização dos materiais envolvidos no sistema de ancoragem foi necessária para o desenvolvimento do modelo numérico. Desta forma, o modelo numérico conta com as propriedades elásticas e plásticas dos materiais, fator que influencia o comportamento do sistema assim como os valores de carga necessários para o arrancamento. A comparação das ancoragens propostas foi realizada a partir dos valores de força obtidos por meio de um teste de arrancamento, chamado de pullout. Para isto, arames da armadura de tração de uma linha flowline de 2,5 polegadas foram conformados de acordo à geometria das ancoragens propostas e embebidas em resina epóxi tentando, desta forma, representar de forma simplificada parte do sistema de ancoragem utilizado nos EF. O desempenho das ancoragens foi analisado a partir das curvas de força em função do deslocamento, nas quais se analisou a força máxima de pullout (força máxima de arrancamento), o deslocamento para força máxima de pullout e o valor de rigidez do sistema. Finalmente depois de selecionada a ancoragem com melhor desempenho, os valores experimentais foram comparados com os valores obtidos do modelo numérico, mostrando uma boa aproximação com valores de erro relativo para a força máxima de pullout e rigidez de -1% e 8%, respectivamente. Por fim, propõe-se como trabalho futuro a continuação nos estudos experimentais de pullout com o objetivo de aprofundar o conhecimento sobre os parâmetros que mais influenciam nestes sistemas, através da utilização de novas geometrias e materiais, assim como a normalização do processo de preparação e ensaio das amostras. / The work aims to analyze the anchoring systems used in manufacturing of flexible pipe End Fittings (EF) through the tests of two alternative anchoring systems different of the currently used in the industry. In addition, it is presented the development of a finite element model (MEF) that allows to reproduce the behavior during the pullout process of the anchoring system with the better performance. The characterization of the materials involved in the anchoring system was necessary for the development of the numerical model. In this way, the numerical model include the elastic and plastic properties of materials, factor that influence the behavior of the system as well as the force values needed for the pullout. The comparison of the proposed anchoring systems was performed from the force values obtained through a pullout test. For this, the armor wires of a flowline flexible pipe with a bore of 2.5-inch were conformed according the geometry of the anchoring systems proposed and then were fixed in epoxy resin, trying in this way to represent a simplified form of the anchoring system used in EF. The performance of the anchoring systems was analyzed from the force-displacement curves. The maximum pullout force, the offset for maximum strength of pullout and the stiffness value of the system were used for the analysis. Finally, after selected the anchoring system with better performance, the experimental values were compared with the values obtained from the numerical model. The results showed a good approximation, with a relative error for the maximum pullout force and stiffness of -1% and 8% respectively. As proposal for future works, the author proposes to continue with the experimental studies of pullout in order to enhance the knowledge about the influential parameters in these systems, through the use of new geometries and materials, as well as the standardization of the test samples preparation.

O bom desempenho de uma estrutura de solo reforçado depende fundamentalmente da interação entre o solo de aterro e o elemento de reforço. A utilização de solos coesivos pode causar efeitos negativos à estabilidade da estrutura. Um elevado percentual de partículas finas na composição do solo pode favorecer ao desenvolvimento de pressões da água intersticial, devido à diminuição da sua capacidade de drenagem. Um efeito indesejado do desenvolvimento de pressão positiva é a diminuição da força necessária, para promover o arrancamento do reforço inserido na zona resistente do maciço de solo reforçado. Os ensaios de arrancamento são considerados os mais adequados para a quantificação da força de arrancamento aplicada às geogrelhas. Neste trabalho são apresentados e discutidos os resultados de ensaios de arrancamento realizados em laboratório com uma caixa de ensaios de pequenas dimensões. O solo utilizado nos ensaios trata-se de uma areia argilosa de baixa plasticidade, onde mais de 35% de suas partículas possuem diâmetro inferior a 0,075 mm. O elemento de reforço ensaiado é uma geogrelha uniaxial, com resistência longitudinal à tração de 110 kN/m. Foram aplicados três níveis de tensão normal na interface solo-geogrelha: 25, 50 e 100 kPa. Os teores de umidade adotados foram 12,6%, 14,6% (wot) e 16,6%. Os resultados dos ensaios comprovaram a influência que a variação das condições de umidade exerce sobre a resistência ao arrancamento de geogrelha. Verificou-se que maiores níveis de sucção matricial resultam em maiores forças de arrancamento. Dentre os trinta ensaios realizados, em apenas três foram registradas pressões positivas da água intersticial, embora não tenha influenciado nos valores de resistência ao arrancamento. / The behavior of soil reinforcement structure depends on backfill soil and reinforcement interaction. The use of cohesive soils can cause negatives effects in structure stability. High quantities of fine particles in composition of soils can induce the pore water pressure development due to draining capacity reduction. Therefore, a negative effect of positive pore water pressure development is the reduction of reinforcement pullout forces embedded in resistant zone of soil reinforcement backfill. For designers, the better determinations of geogrids pullout forces are by pullout tests. This paper presented and describes the evaluation of small box pullout tests results conducted in lab. Low plasticity sand clayed was used in tests, which is composed by 35% of clay and silt particles. The reinforcement tested was a high strength uniaxial geogrid, with resistance of 110 kN/m. The tests are conducted with three different level normal stresses (25, 50 and 100 kPa), and samples compacted with 12,6%, 14,6% e 16,6% to moisture contents of Proctor tests. Pullout tests results showed the influence of moisture conditions in the geogrid pullout resistance. It was found that the highest matritial suction values resulted in the highest ultimate pullout resistance. Positive pore water pressure was obtained in three pullout tests though it did not influence in pullout strength results.

This work presents the development of a test program and the results from the final round of testing to better understand the effect a submerged anchor installation has on the pullout strength of epoxy anchors. Two different epoxies were tested at embedment depths of two, four, and six bar diameters. These tests utilized three distinct installation procedures under dry and submerged conditions. The testing program occurred over five phases, with the final round used in analysis consisting of 24 anchor pullout tests. These tests showed that the presence of water did not have an effect on the epoxy bond when anchor holes were cleaned dry and installed underwater, but it did have a significant impact on the ability to consistently clean each anchor when it was submerged.

The research provided in this report examines the behavior of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcing bars, embedded in normal weight concrete (NWC) hinged beam-end specimens, tested in accordance with two laboratory conditions. Reinforcing bars of different diameter, material configuration, and finished surface preparation were tested for bond strength parameters determined in accordance with ACI Committee Report 440.3. Bond strength parameters under the first condition were tested within NWC beams at a relatively low compressive strength and minimum embedment length; the second condition allowed testing within NWC beams at twice the design compressive strength of the first condition and moderate embedment length. The load-slip curves developed show the differences that occur under the specified conditions. The influence of embedment length, bar diameter, material configuration, finished surface preparation, and concrete compressive strength are reported in detail. Furthermore, the testing arrangement selected for this study was proven to have a significant influence on bond behavior when compared to conventional pullout test methods.

Increasing quantities of dredged material (DM) from navigation waterways have led to a growing need to find alternative methods of disposal. Using this material in earthwork construction is a very attractive avenue, but poses concern of quality from a geotechnical standpoint. By blending DM with granular materials like industrial steel slag fines (SSF), studies have showed that the geotechnical properties of the mixture are greatly enhanced. If these materials can be proven to be competitive for use in earthwork construction, they would pose as an economically viable alternative, and would obviate the need for the relatively expensive conventional granular backfill. The scope of this project entailed the characterization of pullout interaction of SSF-DM blends in different proportions with Tensar uniaxial geogrids to determine an optimal combination for usage in earthwork construction. The media used for testing included the individual SSF and DM materials, and the 80/20, 50/50 and 20/80 blends mixed based on dry unit weights of the individual components. The SSF media comprised of particles smaller than 3/8 in. and classified as SW, while the DM was classified OH soil. Two Tensar uniaxial geogrids UX1400 and UX1700 were undertaken for the study. Pullout tests were conducted and performances of all the blends are compared with each geogrid at various normal pressures. Pullout loads and interaction coefficients give an idea of the quality of the interaction, and are studied in this thesis. Also, various variables that could potentially affect the pullout interaction are identified and investigated. Results show remarkably high pullout resistances for the 100% SSF and 80/20 SSF/DM media, and high interaction coefficients indicating excellent pullout interaction, even better than conventional sands. It was also clear that the dredged material exhibits very poor pullout interaction with geogrids. The 50/50 and the 20/80 SSF/DM media were significantly lower than the 80/20 SSF/DM blend in terms of quality of pullout interaction, but still higher than the 100% DM. The results observed with the 80/20 SSF/DM blend show that it is a suitable backfill material and also poses to be a very competitive and cost-effective alternative to be used in earthwork construction. / text

Being able to identify blended dredged material and crushed glass of different proportions as materials suitable for Mechanically Stabilized Earth walls could help the adoption of these materials in civil engineering thereby reducing the environmental impact of these waste materials. The objectives of this thesis include the following: Collect and organize data to facilitate material selection based on interaction properties with uniaxial geogrids; analyze the data for trends for varying percentages of crushed glass vs. dredged materials; compare the properties of different blends with those of a well-documented uniform sand; compare the pullout data with that of previous studies related to the presence of fines in the fill material; and compare the pullout data to that of previous studies on the effect of geogrid rib thickness. The main findings of this thesis study include the following: A blend of 80% crushed glass and 20% dredged material is a legitimate alternative backfill material for reinforced soil slopes. The use of 100% crushed glass as a fill material is not recommended due to glass particles embedding into the geogrid thereby reducing the tensile capacity of the geogrid. Blends with lower percentages of crushed glass and higher percentages of dredged material may be appropriate based on the requirements of individual designs. The increased thickness of the UX1700 geogrid over the UX1400 geogrid contributed to higher a pullout resistance for each combination of fill material and normal stress. / text

Elementary school is a transition time for student interests and motivation and there is a need for teachers to provide opportunities to facilitate continued interest. One area of concern is in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. One pedagogical approach that may help with facilitating interest is problem-based learning (PBL; Barrows, 1996). The purpose of this study was to assess changes in students’ reported levels of individual interest in mathematics across time and to assess differences in individual interest based on amount of PBL exposure. Participants included students (n = 45) involved with Project GEMS (Gifted Education in Mathematics and Science; Roberts, 2008), which was a federally funded grant through the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Program. Interest in mathematics was measured at the beginning of the first fall semester students entered the program and at the end of each subsequent spring semester with a 17-item interest measure consisting of four sub scores: emotion, value, knowledge, and engagement. Results indicate a negative linear trend for composite and sub factors of interest across time except value. The PBL intervention did not moderate the change in interest across time. Conclusions, possible limitations, and future directions are discussed.

This treatise addresses the influence of the addition of short dispersed and integral fibres made of alkali-resistant glass on the fracture behaviour of textile-reinforced concrete (TRC). A series of uniaxial, deformation-controlled tension tests was performed to study the strength-, deformation-, and fracturebehaviour of thin, narrow plates made of TRC both with and without the addition of short fibres. Furthermore, uniaxial tension tests on specimens reinforced with only short fibres and single-fibre pullout tests were carried out to gain a better understanding of crack-bridging behaviour, which suppresses crack growth and widening. Various effects of the addition of short fibre on the stress-strain relationship and cracking behaviour of TRC were observed and discussed with reference to microscopic investigation of fractured surfaces.

O trabalho apresentado tem como finalidade analisar os sistemas de ancoragem utilizados na fabricação de End Fittings (EF), através de ensaios de dois sistemas de ancoragem alternativos aos utilizados atualmente na indústria. Além disso, é apresentado o desenvolvimento de um modelo de elementos finitos (MEF) que permite a reprodução do comportamento durante o processo de pullout da ancoragem com melhor desempenho. A caracterização dos materiais envolvidos no sistema de ancoragem foi necessária para o desenvolvimento do modelo numérico. Desta forma, o modelo numérico conta com as propriedades elásticas e plásticas dos materiais, fator que influencia o comportamento do sistema assim como os valores de carga necessários para o arrancamento. A comparação das ancoragens propostas foi realizada a partir dos valores de força obtidos por meio de um teste de arrancamento, chamado de pullout. Para isto, arames da armadura de tração de uma linha flowline de 2,5 polegadas foram conformados de acordo à geometria das ancoragens propostas e embebidas em resina epóxi tentando, desta forma, representar de forma simplificada parte do sistema de ancoragem utilizado nos EF. O desempenho das ancoragens foi analisado a partir das curvas de força em função do deslocamento, nas quais se analisou a força máxima de pullout (força máxima de arrancamento), o deslocamento para força máxima de pullout e o valor de rigidez do sistema. Finalmente depois de selecionada a ancoragem com melhor desempenho, os valores experimentais foram comparados com os valores obtidos do modelo numérico, mostrando uma boa aproximação com valores de erro relativo para a força máxima de pullout e rigidez de -1% e 8%, respectivamente. Por fim, propõe-se como trabalho futuro a continuação nos estudos experimentais de pullout com o objetivo de aprofundar o conhecimento sobre os parâmetros que mais influenciam nestes sistemas, através da utilização de novas geometrias e materiais, assim como a normalização do processo de preparação e ensaio das amostras. / The work aims to analyze the anchoring systems used in manufacturing of flexible pipe End Fittings (EF) through the tests of two alternative anchoring systems different of the currently used in the industry. In addition, it is presented the development of a finite element model (MEF) that allows to reproduce the behavior during the pullout process of the anchoring system with the better performance. The characterization of the materials involved in the anchoring system was necessary for the development of the numerical model. In this way, the numerical model include the elastic and plastic properties of materials, factor that influence the behavior of the system as well as the force values needed for the pullout. The comparison of the proposed anchoring systems was performed from the force values obtained through a pullout test. For this, the armor wires of a flowline flexible pipe with a bore of 2.5-inch were conformed according the geometry of the anchoring systems proposed and then were fixed in epoxy resin, trying in this way to represent a simplified form of the anchoring system used in EF. The performance of the anchoring systems was analyzed from the force-displacement curves. The maximum pullout force, the offset for maximum strength of pullout and the stiffness value of the system were used for the analysis. Finally, after selected the anchoring system with better performance, the experimental values were compared with the values obtained from the numerical model. The results showed a good approximation, with a relative error for the maximum pullout force and stiffness of -1% and 8% respectively. As proposal for future works, the author proposes to continue with the experimental studies of pullout in order to enhance the knowledge about the influential parameters in these systems, through the use of new geometries and materials, as well as the standardization of the test samples preparation.