Half-cell potential testing has been recommended as a non-destructive method for assessing the corrosion potential of reinforcing steel in concrete bridge decks. The technique is particularly useful because it can be utilized to evaluate the probability of corrosion before damage is evident at the surface of a bridge deck. The specific objective of this research was to quantify the effects of age, chloride concentration, concrete cover thickness, spatial position, temperature, and presence or condition of epoxy coating on half-cell potential measurements of concrete bridge decks typical of those in Utah. The laboratory testing associated with this research followed a full-factorial experimental design. Nine rectangular concrete slab specimens were prepared, each containing three black reinforcing steel bars at three different concrete cover depths and four epoxy-coated bars each having different coating conditions. Three replicate slabs were created at each of three different chloride concentrations. Three repeated measurements were made at each of three locations along each of the seven bars in all nine of the slabs at three ages, with testing performed at three temperatures per age. In addition, compressive strengths of the concrete cylinders were measured at 7 and 28 days. Statistical analyses of the half-cell potentials were performed using analysis of variation and Tukey's method for multiple comparisons. Although American Society for Testing and Materials C 876 only specifies the measuring of half-cell potentials of uncoated reinforcing steel, credible half-cell potentials were also obtained for epoxy-coated rebar in this research. The results of the testing indicated that all of the factors except for cover thickness and spatial position have important impacts on half-cell potentials over the ranges of levels investigated in this research. Half-cell potential measurements became consistently less negative with increasing age and consistently more negative with increasing chloride concentrations and increasing temperature. With regard to the factor of treatment, the uncoated rebar had the most negative half-cell potential, followed by epoxy-coated rebar with rib scrapes, pliers strikes, end cuts, and full epoxy coatings, in that order. While these data indicate that a coating, even damaged, reduces the probability of corrosion when compared to uncoated rebar, the data also suggest that both the amount and distribution of the coating damage over the affected rebar influence corrosion. Given these research findings, bridge engineers and managers should have confidence in using half-cell potential testing for assessing the corrosion probability of reinforcing steel in concrete bridge decks. In decks with properties similar to those investigated in this research, variations in age, chloride concentration, temperature, and presence or condition of epoxy coating cause variation in half-cell potential readings consistent with the effects of these factors on corrosion. Therefore, the half-cell potential technique is recommended for assessing the probability of corrosion of reinforcing steel on bridge decks. Although the use of epoxy-coated reinforcement, even when damaged, reduces the probability of corrosion, care should still be taken to minimize any damage to the coating during shipping and field handling. Owners and contractors alike should establish appropriate inspection protocols and repair methods for epoxy-coated reinforcing steel used on bridge decks to ensure maximum service life.

Sandwichelemente mit Betondeckschichten besitzen gute bauphysikalische Eigenschaften, einen hohen Vorfertigungsgrad, geringe Montagezeiten und eine gute architektonische Gestaltbarkeit. Werden die Deckschichten mit einer Betonstahlbewehrung ausgeführt, ergibt sich ihre Dicke aufgrund der in EC 2 [1] geforderten Mindestbetondeckung zum Korrosionsschutz der Bewehrung zu etwa 80 mm [2]. Weiterhin wird bei der Bemessung von Stahlbetonsandwichelementen die Verbundtragwirkungen zwischen den einzelnen Schichten nicht angesetzt, sodass das volle Potenzial der Sandwichbauweise bei Stahlbetonsandwichelementen nicht ausgeschöpft wird. Das Forschungsvorhaben beschäftigte sich daher, aufbauend auf den Ergebnissen aus den Projekten HE 2637/16-1 und HE 2637/16-2 [3], s. S.356 ff ., mit der praxisnahen Umsetzung von weitspannenden Sandwichelementen mit dünnen Deckschichten unter Ausnutzung der Sandwichtragwirkung. Ein analytisches Berechnungsmodell, das im Zuge des Vorhabens entwickelt wurde, berücksichtigt die Verbundtragwirkung zwischen den einzelnen Schichten und kann das Trag- und Verformungsverhalten zutreffend abbilden. / Sandwich elements with concrete facings have excellent physical properties, a high level of prefabrication, short assembly times and various architectural design options. The facings are usually produced with steel reinforcement, which leads to a thickness of about 80 mm due to the minimum concrete cover required in EC 2 [1] for corrosion protection of the reinforcement [2]. Furthermore, the bond between the single layers are not taken into account in the design of sandwich elements, so that the full potential of sandwich constructions with reinforced concrete facings is not completely exhausted. Based on the projects HE 2637/16-1 and HE 2637/16-2 [3], see page 356 et seq., the focus of the transfer project was set on wide-span sandwich elements with thin facings made of carbon reinforced concrete and their practical production. An analytical model, which was developed during the project term, takes into account the bond between the single layers and can accurately represent the load-bearing and deformation behaviour of the novel sandwich elements.

Cette thèse s’inscrit dans le contexte des contrôles non destructifs du béton par ultrasons. Nous focalisons notre étude sur les mesures en acoustique non linéaire qui permettent d’ausculter le béton à l’échelle mésoscopique où les ondes interagissent avec les microfissures et le réseau de porosité. Les paramètres associés sont connus comme étant beaucoup plus sensibles que ceux issus des mesures linéaires. Le béton est un matériau hétérogène et complexe, ce qui présente un comportement fortement non linéaire croissant avec l’état endommagé.Nous développons dans cette thèse un type de mesure non linéaire : Dynamic Acousto-Elastic Testing (DAET). Cette technique fondée sur le principe d’une excitation dynamique du matériau, utilise les ondes ultrasonores pour suivre la variation du comportement élastique en fonction de l’amplitude d’excitation. Nous focalisons notre étude sur le problème du béton d’enrobage qui tient un rôle essentiel dans la durée de vie d’une structure de génie civil. Nous étudions l’interaction des mesures non linéaires par DAET avec les ondes de Rayleigh qui se propagent dans le béton d’enrobage. Nous montrons la sensibilité importante de l’évolution de paramètres non linéaires en fonction de l’endommagement thermique et de la carbonatation.Par la suite, nous proposons une nouvelle méthodologie de la mesure DAET, dans laquelle la vibration transitoire est générée par un impact et les ondes sont générées en continue. Nous présentons différentes applications de la méthode proposée, incluant le cas des éprouvettes de grandes dimensions. Cette approche ouvre de larges possibilités de transposer les mesures pour une application sur site. / This thesis is related to the field of nondestructive evaluation of concrete by ultrasound. We focus our study on nonlinear acoustic-based measurements that allow the concrete auscultation at mesoscopic scale where waves interact with microcracks and porosity network. The nonlinear parameters are known to be much more sensitive than those from linear measurements. Concrete is a heterogeneous and complex material. Its behavior is highly nonlinear with increasing damaged state.We develop in this thesis a type of nonlinear measurement: Dynamic Acousto-Elastic Testing (DAET). This technique is based on the principle of a dynamic excitation of the material, using ultrasounds to follow the variation of the elastic behavior depending on the excitation amplitude. We focus our study on the problem of concrete cover which holds a key role in the life of a civil engineering structure. We study the interaction of the DAET measurement with the Rayleigh waves which propagate in the concrete cover. We show the high sensitivity evolution of non-linear parameters in function of thermal damage and carbonation.Subsequently, we propose a new methodology of DAET measurement, in which the transient vibration is generated by an impact and ultrasounds are generated continuously. We present different applications of the proposed method including the case of large specimens. This approach opens broad possibilities of transposing measurements for on-site application.

Le renforcement de structures ou d'éléments de structure par collage de plats PRF (polymères renforcés de fibres) est une technique actuellement reconnue et utilisée dans le monde entier. Il permet d'augmenter la durée de vie des structures existantes ce qui est très intéressant du point de vue développement durable et est souvent plus intéressant d'un point de vue économique. La première partie de ce travail s'intéresse au renforcement de poutres béton armé par des plats PRF. En effet, ce type de renforcement peut engendrer une rupture prématurée de type peeling-off. Ce mode de ruine très fragile résulte du décollement du béton d'enrobage qui reste collé au matériau de renforcement. Pour une conception optimale d'un renforcement en flexion par collage, il est important d'être en mesure de prévoir ce type de rupture et d'en tenir compte dans le dimensionnement. Pour cela, un modèle numérique fiable de type élasto-plastique est dans un premier temps présenté qui permet de prévoir la rupture de type peeling-off. Ce modèle est validé à l'aide de résultats d'essais expérimentaux. Les paramètres principaux affectant l'efficacité du renforcement sont ensuite mis en évidence dans le cadre d'une étude paramétrique. Les résultats de cette étude sont mis en parallèle avec des résultats d'essais de la littérature prouvant ainsi l'efficacité du modèle proposé. Enfin, plusieurs mesures sont proposées pour améliorer la performance du renforcement et éviter la rupture prématurée de peeling-off. La deuxième partie de ce travail s'attache quant à elle à l'étude de renforcement de tabliers de ponts soumis aux efforts éventuels d'impact d'un véhicule sur une barrière de sécurité. Une campagne expérimentale composée de différentes configurations de dalles est d'abord réalisée. Un modèle numérique s'inspirant du modèle proposé précédemment est ensuite présenté. La confrontation des résultats expérimentaux et numériques montre une concordance encourageante avant la fissuration majeure de la dalle. Enfin, les résultats mettent en relief l'efficacité du renforcement par des plats PRF dans le cas de glissières de sécurité / Strengthening of structures by bonding FRP plates (fiber reinforced polymer) is a technique currently recognized and used worldwide. This method is a viable solution to costly replacement of deteriorating structures and increases the life of reinforced structures. The first part of this doctoral work focuses on the strengthening of reinforced concrete beams with FRP plates and more precisely on a premature failure caused by this type of reinforcement called peeling-off or concrete cover separation. This brittle failure mode which prevents the strengthened RC beams from attaining their ultimate flexural capacity involves the tearing-off of the concrete cover along the level of tension steel reinforcement starting from a plate end. The first step for a successful, safe and economic design of flexural strengthening using FRP composite at the bottom of the beam is then to predict such failure and to take it into account in design. A reliable numerical model analysis which is validated by test results is first presented to predict ultimate loading capacity and the failure mode of RC beams in a four-point bending setup. The main parameters affecting the efficiency of the reinforcement are then highlighted in a parametric study. The results of this study are compared with test results in the literature demonstrating the efficiency of the proposed model. Finally, several measures are proposed to improve the performance of the strengthening and in order to avoid the premature rupture of peeling-off. The second part of this work is concerned with the strengthening study of a bridge deck subject to eventual loads generated by a car crash into a safety barrier. A series of equivalent impact tests is first performed on deck slabs. A numerical model inspired by the previously proposed model for RC beams is then presented. Comparisons between the predictions of the numerical model and test results show a good agreement before the major cracking of the slab. Finally, the results highlight the efficiency of FRP plates in the case of safety guardrails

The thesis titled "Cost analysis of engineering structures" presents a comparison of the life cycle costs of linear structures with an asphalt surface against the life cycle cost of linear structures with a concrete surface. The thesis deals with prices, costs, calculations and budgets in its theoretical part. The following chapters present history and current status, road constructions, life cycle of the construction and differences between concrete and asphalt covering. Practical part of the thesis is divided into three parts. In each sub-section, there is a practical example of comparing the costs of the life cycle of linear structure with the asphalt surface against the costs of the life cycle of linear structure with the concrete surface. Everything is expressed in graphs.

Purpose: this degree project will examine the possibilities of increasing the structural integrity in case of fire of a preexisting concrete building according to the rules in EKS 11, specifically for a hospital building. Furthermore, the degree project will provide solutions to increase the structural integrity in case of fire. Method: the study is based on a technical report provided by Kadesjös Ingenjörsbyrå AB where information about the hospital buildings technical aspects is presented. To examine current rules for fire-resistance rating of the hospital building, the regulations presented in BBR and EKS 11 were studied. Products had to fulfill the criteria of the European testing standards when they were evaluated as solutions that would increase the structural integrity of the building. The products were then evaluated according to the criteria presented in Eurocode 2 when dimensioning with tabulated data. An interview were held with Michael Försth professor in structural and fire engineering. Professor Försth were asked questions to evaluate potential methods and products that could increase the fire-resistance rating of the hospital building. Results: showed that proposed solutions are able to increase the structural integrity in case of fire of the hospital building to a degree where they were able to fulfill the requirements. Not all solutions were appliable on all building components of the hospital buildings. The difference in technical aspects of the solutions were presented. Conclusions: the identified solutions for increasing the structural integrity in case of fire are rock wool insulation, fire protection paint, additional concrete casting on columns and installation of sprinkler system. The solutions differ in technical aspects such as the space they take when implemented, weight increase when implemented, the amount they increase the structural integrity in case of fire when implemented and the method of implementing the solutions.

No description available.

This Master's thesis deals with the detailed design of the supporting structure of the bridge with two sections, with the rise in the direction of the intermediate support, and cross-cut single-beam construction. The supporting structure is designed from the prestressed concrete, prestressing losses are accurately quantified. It also deals with the assessment of pillar base threshold and pilot groups. The assessment was carried out according to the limit states.

As the main topic this thesis describes the design and evaluation of selected reinforced concrete members of the prefabricated reinforced concrete industrial building with administration at ultimate limit state in accordance with applicable standards. Movable overhead crane with carrying capacity of 50 tons is the main distinction of the industrial hall. Lateral frame whit main structural parts which are roof prestressed girder, load-bearing column supporting the overhead crane and drilled pile transferring loads from the upper construction to the load bearing subsoil, is designed in particular. Furthermore, design of the Gerber beam which forms the slab construction in the administrational part of the building is elaborated. Structural design and evaluation of other structures of the building is not part of this thesis.