Fiber reinforcement is being widely used in concrete tunnel linings these days. Using fiber reinforcement can save not only cost, but also labor and time spent on construction. However, many owners hesitate to incorporate fiber reinforcement in tunnel lining due to lack of experience with and knowledge of the behavior of fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) In this study, fiber reinforced concrete was made with various kinds of fibers such as steel fiber, macro-synthetic fiber and hybrid fiber (a blend of macro-synthetic fiber and glass fiber). Many experimental tests were performed to investigate the compressive, flexural and shear behavior of fiber reinforced concrete. In addition to the structural capacity of FRC, the distribution of fiber reinforcement inside the concrete matrix was investigated. Test results of these experimental tests were thoroughly examined to compare and quantify the effects of fiber reinforcement. Next, the test results were used to generate axial force-bending moment interaction diagrams based on current design approaches. In addition, the current design approaches were modified to estimate the accurate and exact value of bending moment. Fiber reinforcement clearly improved the structural performance of tunnel lining. The post-peak flexural and shear strength was significantly influenced by the type and amount of fiber reinforcement. / text

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Nesta dissertação de Mestrado do programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência e Tecnologia dos Materiais é apresentado um estudo para a caracterização do concreto reforçado com fibras de polipropileno e de aço pela análise das imagens de microtomografia computadorizada por transmissão de raios X (μCT). Foram produzidos corpos de prova de concreto para determinar a sua resistência mecânica à compressão. As imagens foram obtidas no sistema Skyscan, modelo 1174, reconstruídas e analisadas. Foi possível observar na análise das imagens a estrutura da fibra de aço dispersa na matriz do concreto e quantificá-las pelo programa de análise de imagens Ctan e perceber um ganho na resistência mecânica em relação ao concreto sem fibras. Não foi feito a quantificação das amostras de fibras de polipropileno dispersas na matriz de concreto, mas foi observada a presença de aglomerados dessa fibra que resultaram na perda da resistência mecânica em relação ao concreto sem fibras. / In this dissertation Masters Program Graduate in Science and Technology of Materials is presented a study for characterization of concrete reinforced with polypropylene fibers and steel by image analysis of computed microtomography X ray transmission (μCT). Concrete samples were produced to determine their mechanical resistance to compression. The images were obtained in the SkyScan model 1174, reconstructed and analyzed. It was possible, in image analysis, to observe the structure of steel fiber dispersed in the concrete matrix and quantify them by image analysis program Ctan and observed a gain in strength compared to concrete fiber less. The quantification was not did to samples of polypropylene fibers dispersed in the matrix of concrete, but we observed the presence of clusters fibers resulting in the loss of mechanical strength compared to concrete fiber less.

Předkládaná práce se zabývá matematickým modelováním chování betonu. K numerické analýze je použit diskrétní částicový model. Tento model zjednodušuje meso-strukturu materiálu na systém propojených diskrétních částic -- konvexních mnohostěnů. Tyto částice jsou uvažovány ideálně tuhé a jejich vzájemná interakce je předepsána na kontaktech sousedních částic. Při hledání nespojitého pole posunů a rotací jsou zjednodušeně předpokládány malé deformace. Práce popisuje dvě rozšíření implementovaná do stávající verze modelu, konkrétně (i) přidání reprezentace krátké rozptýlené výztuže a (ii) implicitní dynamický řešič. První z hlavních částí práce se zabývá modelováním kompozitů s krátkou rozptýlenou výztuží. Krátká vlákna rozptýlená v materiálu přispívají k zlepšení jinak nepříznivé tahové pevnosti betonu. Vlákna jsou v částicovém modelu reprezentována nepřímo, zohledněním tření mezi vláknem a cementovou matricí silami, které působí proti otevírání trhlin. S pomocí tohoto rozšíření model dokáže předpovídat chování vláknobetonu zahrnující tahové zpevnění i navýšení počtu trhlin. Druhá z hlavních částí se zabývá odezvou materiálu na dynamické zatížení. Beton vykazuje rozdílné chování pro různé rychlosti zatěžování. V případě pomalého, kvazi-statického, zatěžování se počáteční mikro-trhliny lokalizují v makro-trhlinu. Dochází-li k rychlému zatěžování, energie nahromaděná v tělese není spotřebována pouze jednou trhlinou, ale dochází k jejímu větvení. V případě rychlých procesů je hlavním faktorem setrvačnost hmoty, která je zatížením urychlována. Struktura materiálu a setrvačnost částic je v mezo-úrovňovém diskrétním modelu zahrnuta. Přesto ale další jevy probíhající pod rozlišovací úrovní modelu ovlivňují výsledné chování materiálu. Proto je do modelu přidána fenomenologická závislost konstitutivního zákona na rychlosti přetváření. Numerické simulace těles rozličných tvarů zatěžovaných různou rychlostí deformace jsou porovnány s experimenty z literatury.

This thesis deals with monitoring of the durability of FRP reinforcements in alkaline environments with differing temperature exposures. The theoretical part of the thesis consists of a general description of the FRP composites, the manufacturing of these FRP reinforcements using pultrusion technology, the resistance of these composites in aggressive alkaline environments, and the influence of temperature on the speed and manner of degradation. In the experimental part of this thesis, the FRP reinforcements were placed in an alkaline environment tempered at different temperatures (20 °C, 40 °C, 60 °C). Subsequently, any optical physical changes of the reinforcements were described and evaluated by the use of optical microscopy and the destructive tests of these reinforcements.

Im Beitrag sind Überlegungen hinsichtlich der optimalen Geometrie des Kettengliedes dargestellt. Daraus wurde ein Innenglied mit zwei gewickelten Einlegern entwickelt. Das äußere Kettenglied entspricht dem einer Rollenkette. Die Geometrie der Einleger wurde mithilfe der FEM optimiert, sodass durch zwei Einleger aus Glasfaser die Dehnung auf ca. 57% bzw. für Kohlefaser auf ca. 39% reduziert werden konnte. / The article presents considerations regarding the optimal geometry of chain links. From this, an inner link with two wound inserts was developed. The outer chain link corresponds to that of a roller chain. The geometry of the inserts was optimized by a FEM analysis. With two inserts it is possible to reduce the elongation to approx. 57% (glass fiber) and approx. 39% (carbon fiber).

The production of concrete remains one of the highest CO2 producers. It consumes alarge number of primary sources of raw materials. One way to reduce emissions and rawmaterials consumption is by applying more recycled aggregates. However, when recycledaggregate is used for concrete, its properties and durability usually decline in comparisonwith conventional concrete with natural aggregate. For this reason, it is necessary to findthe optimal way in connection with the requirements of structural use in buildingstructures. The diploma thesis will examine the basic possibility of using lost formworkfrom high-performance concrete. The core will be made of concrete with recycledaggregate. High-performance concrete skin will be reinforced by various unconventionalreinforcement

Master of Science / Department of Civil Engineering / Hayder A. Rasheed / Throughout history natural fiber was used as one of the main building materials all over the world. Because the use of such materials has decreased in the last century, not much research has been conducted to investigate their performance as a reinforcing material in cement and concrete. In order to investigate one of the most common natural fibers, wheat fibers, as a reinforcing material, 156 mortar specimens and 99 concrete specimens were tested. The specimens were tested in either uniaxial compression or flexure. The uniaxial compression test included 2 in (50.8 mm) mortar cubes and 4x8 in (101.6 x 203.2 mm) concrete cylinders. As for the flexure test, they were either 40x40x160 mm cementitious matrix prisms or 6x6x21 in (152.4x152.4x533.4 mm) concrete prisms. Several wheat fibers percentages were studied and compared with polypropylene fiber as a benchmarking alternative. The average increase in the uniaxial compression strength for cementitious matrix cubes reinforced with 0.5% long wheat fiber exceeded that of their counterparts reinforced with polypropylene fiber by 15%. Whereas for concrete cylinders reinforced with 0.75% long wheat fiber, their strength exceeded that of their counterparts reinforced with polypropylene fiber by 5% and that of the control by 7%. The flexural strength of cementitious matrix prisms reinforced with 0.75% long wheat fiber exceeded that of their counterparts reinforced with polypropylene fiber by 27%. Meanwhile, concrete prisms reinforced with both long wheat fiber and polypropylene fiber showed deterioration in strength of up to 17%. Finally, ABAQUS models were developed for concrete cylinders and prisms to simulate the effect of inclusion of the wheat fibers.

Uma grande diversidade de macrofibras poliméricas para reforço de concreto se encontram disponibilizadas hoje em dia. Por natureza estas fibras apresentam grande diversidade de características e propriedades. Estas variações afetam sua atuação como reforço no concreto. No entanto, não há normas brasileiras sobre o assunto e as metodologias de caracterização de normas estrangeiras apresentam divergências. Algumas normas definem que a caracterização do comportamento mecânico deva ser feita nos fios originais e outras que se devam utilizar métodos definidos para caracterização de materiais metálicos. A norma EN14889-2:2006 apresenta maior abrangência, mas deixa dúvidas quanto à adequação dos critérios de caracterização geométrica das fibras e não define um método de ensaio específico para sua caracterização mecânica. Assim, há a necessidade de estabelecimento de uma metodologia que permita a realização de um programa de controle de qualidade da fibra nas condições de emprego. Esta metodologia também proporcionaria uma forma de caracterização do material para estudos experimentais, o que permitiria maior fundamentação científica desses trabalhos que, frequentemente, fundamentam-se apenas em dados dos fabricantes. Assim, foi desenvolvido um estudo experimental focando a caracterização de duas macrofibras poliméricas disponíveis no mercado brasileiro. Focou-se o estudo na determinação dos parâmetros geométricos e na caracterização mecânica através da determinação da resistência à tração e avaliação do módulo de elasticidade. Na caracterização geométrica foi adotada como referência a norma europeia EN14889-2:2006. As medições do comprimento se efetuaram por dois métodos: o método do paquímetro e o método de análise de imagens digitais, empregando um software para processamento das imagens. Para a medição do diâmetro, além das metodologias mencionadas, foi usado o método da densidade. Conclui-se que o método do paquímetro, com o cuidado de esticar previamente as macrofibras, e o método das imagens digitais podem ser igualmente utilizados para medir o comprimento. Já parar determinar o diâmetro, recomenda-se o método da densidade. Quanto à caracterização mecânica, foi desenvolvida uma metodologia própria a partir de informações obtidas de outros ensaios. Assim, efetuaram-se ensaios de tração direta nas macrofibras coladas em molduras de tecido têxtil. Complementarmente, foi avaliado também o efeito do contato abrasivo das macrofibras com os agregados durante a mistura em betoneira no comportamento mecânico do material. Também se avaliou o efeito do método de determinação da área da seção transversal nos resultados medidos no ensaio de tração da fibra. Conclui-se que o método proposto para o ensaio de tração direta da fibra é viável, especialmente para a determinação da resistência à tração. O valor do módulo de elasticidade, por sua vez, acaba sendo subestimado. A determinação da área da seção da fibra através do método da densidade forneceu também os melhores resultados. Além disso, comprovou-se que o atrito das fibras com o agregado durante a mistura compromete o comportamento mecânico, reduzindo tanto a resistência quanto o módulo de elasticidade. Assim, pode-se afirmar que a metodologia proposta para o controle geométrico e mecânico das macrofibras poliméricas é adequada para a caracterização do material. / A wide variety of synthetic macrofibers for concrete reinforcement are available nowadays. By nature, these fibers exhibit great diversity of properties and characteristics. These variations affect its performance as reinforcement in concrete. However, there are no Brazilian standards on the subject and characterization methodologies available in foreign standards present divergences. Some standards define that the characterization of the mechanical behavior should be made in the original filaments and others that the test should be performed according methods for metallic materials characterization. The standard EN14889-2:2006 provides greater coverage about the subject, but leaves doubts about the suitability of the geometric characterization criteria of the fibers and does not set a specific testing method for its mechanical characterization. Thus, there is a need to establish a methodology that allows to carry out a quality control program of the fiber in the onsite conditions. This approach would also provide a way of materials characterization for experimental studies, which would allow better scientific basis of these works, which often rely exclusively on data taken from manufacturers. Thus, an experimental study focusing on the characterization of two polymer macrofibers available in Brazil was developed. The study aims at the determination of the geometrical and mechanical characteristics, such as the tensile strength and the elastic modulus. The geometric characterization was based on the prescriptions of the European standard EN14889- 2:2006. Measurements of length were made by two methods: the caliper method and digital image analysis method, employing software for image processing. For the measurement of the diameter, besides the aforementioned methodologies, the density method was also used. It is concluded that the caliper method, taking care to stretch the macrofibers previously, and the method of digital images can also be used to measure the length. To determine the diameter, it is recommended the density method. As for the mechanical characterization, a methodology was developed taking in consideration the previous information related to other tests. Thus, the direct tensile test was carried out in macrofibers glued in textile fabric frames. In addition, it was also evaluated the effect of the abrasive contact of macrofibers with the aggregates during mixing on the mechanical behavior of the material. Also, the effect of the method of determining the cross-sectional area in the results measured in fiber tensile test was evaluated. It is concluded that the proposed method for direct tensile test of the fiber is feasible, especially for tensile strength assessment. The value of the modulus of elasticity, in turn, has been underestimated. The determination of the fiber section area through the density method also gave the best results. Furthermore, it was found that the friction of the fibers with aggregate during mixing compromises the mechanical behavior reducing both strength and elastic modulus. Thus, it can be said that the proposed methodology for the geometric and mechanical control of polymer macrofibers is suitable for the material characterization.

Ce travail est centré sur l'étude du décollement de couches minces adhérentes à base cimentaire sur un substrat en béton sous chargement mécanique. Comme matériaux de réparation, des mortiers renforcés par des fibres et/ou incorporant des granulats en caoutchouc sont utilisés. Dans ces conditions, l'étude de la durabilité des réparations implique nécessairement celle de la dégradation de la résistance sous chargement de fatigue. Dans ce contexte, des essais de fatigue par traction, contrôlés par l'ouverture de la fissure (CMOD) sont effectués sur des échantillons composites afin d'établir la loi de dégradation de la résistance du mortier renforcé par des fibres et / incorporant des granulats en caoutchouc. Les résultats montrent que, pour une ouverture de fissure maximale donnée, la résistance résiduelle diminue avec le nombre de cycles et ce quelle que soit la nature du composite. La dégradation maximale de la résistance résiduelle se produit dans le cas du mortier non fibré. Pour des grandes ouvertures de fissure, un renfort par des fibres permet de limiter cette dégradation sous un chargement de fatigue. Dans le cas du mortier incorporant des granulats en caoutchouc, la dégradation de la résistance résiduelle est limitée pour les petites ouvertures de fissure. Une association granulats caoutchouc-renforcement par des fibres permet de limiter les dégâts sur une large étendue d'ouvertures de fissure. Cette solution confère au composite un intérêt pour une application durable dans le cas des réparations minces adhérentes à base cimentaire. En tenant compte des principales pathologies rencontrées dans cette application tels que la fissuration de la couche de réparation suivie par le décollement de l'interface, différentes techniques de préparation de la surface du support ont été évaluées. Parmi celles-ci, un traitement de la surface par sablage, facile à mettre en œuvre dans les conditions réelles, a été utilisé. Pour évaluer la performance structurale, des poutres composites constituées d'un rechargement mince sur des substrats dont la surface a été préalablement traitée par sablage ont été soumises à des essais de flexion trois points (monotone et fatigue). Pour le suivi de l'évolution de la fissuration dans le rechargement et du décollement à l'interface, la technique de corrélation d'image 3D est employée. Il en résulte que l'incorporation des granulats caoutchouc dans le matériau de réparation est efficace pour contrôler la fissuration, et par conséquent pour retarder l'initiation du décollement. De plus, le renforcement du matériau de réparation par des fibres est également efficace pour limiter la propagation du décollement en contrôlant l'ouverture de la fissure. Ainsi, l'utilisation simultanée des granulats caoutchouc et des fibres dans le matériau de réparation par couches minces à base cimentaire peut être une solution appropriée pour retarder l'initiation du décollement et également pour limiter sa propagation, autrement dit pour la durabilité de l'application. Les granulats en caoutchouc utilisés étant obtenus par broyage de pneus usagés non réutilisables, cette approche apporte une valeur ajoutée en valorisant un sous produit industriel et en contribuant à la sauvegarde d'un environnement sain. / This work is devoted to the study of the debonding of thin bonded cement-based overlays from the concrete substrate under mechanical loading. As repair materials, fiber-reinforced and rubbberized cement-based mortars are used. Under these conditions, assessment of durability of the repairs necessarily involves the study of the degradation of the bridging strength under fatigue loading. In this context, tensile fatigue tests controlled by crack mouth opening displacement (CMOD) are conducted on composite specimens in order to establish the degradation law of fiber-reinforced and/or rubberized mortar. The bridging strength decreases with the number of fatigue cycles for the same maximum crack width, whatever the nature of the composite. The maximum cyclic bridging strength degradation occurs in plain mortar. The cyclic bridging strength degradation for large pre-cracked widths is limited for mortar reinforced with metallic fibers. In case of rubberized mortar, cyclic bridging strength degradation is limited at less pre-cracked width values. A combine use of rubber aggregates and fibers in mortar appeared to be a suitable solution to limit the cyclic bridging strength degradation for a wide range of pre-cracked widths. It confers to the composite an interest for durable application such as cement-based thin bonded overlays. Taking into account the main cause of distress in thin bonded cement-based applications i.e. cracking and interface debonding, different surface preparation techniques were evaluated in this research. Among them, the sandblasting one is usually implemented in actual conditions. In order to investigate the structural performance, composite beams consisting of a thin repair layer on top of sandblasted substrates are subjected to three point bending tests (monotonic and fatigue). For monitoring the evolution of cracking in the repair layer and of debonding at interface, digital 3D image correlation technique is used. It emerges as a conclusion that the rubber aggregates incorporation in repair material is helpful to control micro-cracking, which results in the delay of the debonding initiation. Moreover, a fiber-reinforcement of repair material is also helpful to limit the interface debonding propagation by restraining opening of the crack. So, the dual-use of rubber aggregates and fibers in the repair material of thin bonded cement-based overlays can be a suitable solution to delay the debonding initiation and also to limit the interface debonding propagation. This shows that the synergetic effect provided by the combine use of rubber aggregates and fibers remains valid under fatigue loading also. The used rubber aggregates are obtained by grinding end-of-life tyres. In such conditions, the approach brings an added value, the recycling of this industrial by-product being also a contribution to the maintenance of a clean environment. Incidentally, this approach also helps towards the development of a circular economy.

Uma grande diversidade de macrofibras poliméricas para reforço de concreto se encontram disponibilizadas hoje em dia. Por natureza estas fibras apresentam grande diversidade de características e propriedades. Estas variações afetam sua atuação como reforço no concreto. No entanto, não há normas brasileiras sobre o assunto e as metodologias de caracterização de normas estrangeiras apresentam divergências. Algumas normas definem que a caracterização do comportamento mecânico deva ser feita nos fios originais e outras que se devam utilizar métodos definidos para caracterização de materiais metálicos. A norma EN14889-2:2006 apresenta maior abrangência, mas deixa dúvidas quanto à adequação dos critérios de caracterização geométrica das fibras e não define um método de ensaio específico para sua caracterização mecânica. Assim, há a necessidade de estabelecimento de uma metodologia que permita a realização de um programa de controle de qualidade da fibra nas condições de emprego. Esta metodologia também proporcionaria uma forma de caracterização do material para estudos experimentais, o que permitiria maior fundamentação científica desses trabalhos que, frequentemente, fundamentam-se apenas em dados dos fabricantes. Assim, foi desenvolvido um estudo experimental focando a caracterização de duas macrofibras poliméricas disponíveis no mercado brasileiro. Focou-se o estudo na determinação dos parâmetros geométricos e na caracterização mecânica através da determinação da resistência à tração e avaliação do módulo de elasticidade. Na caracterização geométrica foi adotada como referência a norma europeia EN14889-2:2006. As medições do comprimento se efetuaram por dois métodos: o método do paquímetro e o método de análise de imagens digitais, empregando um software para processamento das imagens. Para a medição do diâmetro, além das metodologias mencionadas, foi usado o método da densidade. Conclui-se que o método do paquímetro, com o cuidado de esticar previamente as macrofibras, e o método das imagens digitais podem ser igualmente utilizados para medir o comprimento. Já parar determinar o diâmetro, recomenda-se o método da densidade. Quanto à caracterização mecânica, foi desenvolvida uma metodologia própria a partir de informações obtidas de outros ensaios. Assim, efetuaram-se ensaios de tração direta nas macrofibras coladas em molduras de tecido têxtil. Complementarmente, foi avaliado também o efeito do contato abrasivo das macrofibras com os agregados durante a mistura em betoneira no comportamento mecânico do material. Também se avaliou o efeito do método de determinação da área da seção transversal nos resultados medidos no ensaio de tração da fibra. Conclui-se que o método proposto para o ensaio de tração direta da fibra é viável, especialmente para a determinação da resistência à tração. O valor do módulo de elasticidade, por sua vez, acaba sendo subestimado. A determinação da área da seção da fibra através do método da densidade forneceu também os melhores resultados. Além disso, comprovou-se que o atrito das fibras com o agregado durante a mistura compromete o comportamento mecânico, reduzindo tanto a resistência quanto o módulo de elasticidade. Assim, pode-se afirmar que a metodologia proposta para o controle geométrico e mecânico das macrofibras poliméricas é adequada para a caracterização do material. / A wide variety of synthetic macrofibers for concrete reinforcement are available nowadays. By nature, these fibers exhibit great diversity of properties and characteristics. These variations affect its performance as reinforcement in concrete. However, there are no Brazilian standards on the subject and characterization methodologies available in foreign standards present divergences. Some standards define that the characterization of the mechanical behavior should be made in the original filaments and others that the test should be performed according methods for metallic materials characterization. The standard EN14889-2:2006 provides greater coverage about the subject, but leaves doubts about the suitability of the geometric characterization criteria of the fibers and does not set a specific testing method for its mechanical characterization. Thus, there is a need to establish a methodology that allows to carry out a quality control program of the fiber in the onsite conditions. This approach would also provide a way of materials characterization for experimental studies, which would allow better scientific basis of these works, which often rely exclusively on data taken from manufacturers. Thus, an experimental study focusing on the characterization of two polymer macrofibers available in Brazil was developed. The study aims at the determination of the geometrical and mechanical characteristics, such as the tensile strength and the elastic modulus. The geometric characterization was based on the prescriptions of the European standard EN14889- 2:2006. Measurements of length were made by two methods: the caliper method and digital image analysis method, employing software for image processing. For the measurement of the diameter, besides the aforementioned methodologies, the density method was also used. It is concluded that the caliper method, taking care to stretch the macrofibers previously, and the method of digital images can also be used to measure the length. To determine the diameter, it is recommended the density method. As for the mechanical characterization, a methodology was developed taking in consideration the previous information related to other tests. Thus, the direct tensile test was carried out in macrofibers glued in textile fabric frames. In addition, it was also evaluated the effect of the abrasive contact of macrofibers with the aggregates during mixing on the mechanical behavior of the material. Also, the effect of the method of determining the cross-sectional area in the results measured in fiber tensile test was evaluated. It is concluded that the proposed method for direct tensile test of the fiber is feasible, especially for tensile strength assessment. The value of the modulus of elasticity, in turn, has been underestimated. The determination of the fiber section area through the density method also gave the best results. Furthermore, it was found that the friction of the fibers with aggregate during mixing compromises the mechanical behavior reducing both strength and elastic modulus. Thus, it can be said that the proposed methodology for the geometric and mechanical control of polymer macrofibers is suitable for the material characterization.