Span-to-depth ratio is an important bridge design parameter that affects structural behaviour, construction costs and aesthetics. A study of 86 constant-depth girders indicates that conventional ratios have not changed significantly since 1958. These conventional ratios are now questionable, because recently developed high-strength concrete has enhanced mechanical properties that allow for slenderer sections. Based on material consumption, cost, and aesthetics comparisons, the thesis determines optimal ratios of an 8-span highway viaduct constructed with high-strength concrete. Three bridge types are investigated: cast-in-place on falsework box-girder and solid slabs, and precast segmental span-by-span box-girder. Results demonstrate that total construction cost is relatively insensitive to span-to-depth ratio over the following ranges of ratios: 10-35, 30-45, and 15-25 for the three bridge types respectively. This finding leads to greater freedom for aesthetic expressions because, compared to conventional values (i.e. 18-23, 22-39, and 16-19), higher ranges of ratios can now be selected without significant cost premiums.

Experiments were performed to examine the shear resistance of heavily reinforced I-beams. Six I-beams with identical cross sections were constructed using high strength self-consolidating concrete, and were tested under monotonic anti-symmetric loading. All specimens had almost the same amount of longitudinal reinforcement, which provided sufficient flexural capacities. There were two variables: shear span and shear reinforcement ratio. Test results showed that ACI code was too conservative in predicting the shear strengths of heavily shear reinforced I-beams, and the shear strength limit for deep beams should be increased to account for the benefit of high strength concrete. However, doubling the amount of stirrups did not improve the ultimate shear resistance much. The three beams that contained around 2.45% stirrups showed over-reinforced shear failures. Longitudinal flange cracking occurred to every specimen due to lack of cross tie reinforcement in the flanges, and it was believed to have reduced the ultimate shear strength.

This thesis is devoted to the numerical investigation of mechanical behavior of Dual phase (DP) steels. Such grade of advanced high strength steels (AHSS) is favorable to the automotive industry due the unique properties such as high strength and ductility with low finished cost. Many experimental and numerical studies have been done to achieve the optimized behavior of DP steels by controlling their microstructure. Experiments are costly and time consuming so in recent years numerical tools are utilized to help the metallurgist before doing experiments. Most of the numerical studies are based on classical (local) constitutive models where no material length scale parameters are incorporated in the model. Although these models are proved to be very effective in modeling the material behavior in the large scales but they fail to address some critical phenomena which are important for our goals. First, they fail to address the size effect phenomena which materials show at microstructural scale. This means that materials show stronger behavior at small scales compared to large scales. Another issue with classical models is the mesh size dependency in modeling the softening behavior of materials. This means that in the finite element context (FEM) the results will be mesh size dependent and no converged solution exist upon mesh refinement. Thereby by applying the classical (local) models one my loose the accuracy on measuring the strength and ductility of DP steels. Among the non-classical (nonlocal) models, gradient-enhanced plasticity models which consider the effect of neighboring point on the behavior of one specific point are proved to be numerically effective and versatile tools to accomplish the two concerns mentioned above. So in this thesis a gradient-enhanced plasticity model which incorporates both the energetic and dissipative material length scales is derived based on the laws of thermodynamics. This model also has a consistent yield-like function for the interface which is an essential part of the higher-order gradient theories. The main issue with utilizing these theories is the implementation which limits the application of these theories for modeling the real problems. Here a straightforward implementation method based on the classical FEM and Meshless method will be proposed which due to its simplicity it can be applied for many problems. The application of the developed model and implementation will be shown on removing the mesh size dependency and capturing the size effect in microstructure level of dual phase steels.

The influence of steel metallurgy on rock bolt SCC was studied using a series of commercial carbon and low-alloyed steels. The chemical composition, their mechanical properties and the microstructures of these steels varied considerably in order to gather information for the discussion of the metallurgical influences under Hydrogen Embrittlement (HE) and Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) conditions. In order to understand the metallurgical influences on Rock Bolt SCC, an evaluation was carried out to fifteen commercial steels. The experiments reproduced the Stress Corrosion Cracking condition at which commercial rock bolts had failed in Australians mines. Due to the selected materials, stress and electrolyte condition it is expected that Hydrogen Embrittlement (HE) will affect the steel failure. The approach was to use the Linearly Increasing Stress Test (LIST) and exposing the sample to a dilute pH 2.1-sulphate solution, in accordance with prior studies. Stress Corrosion Cracking was evaluated by analysing the decrease in tensile strength, loss of ductility and fractography observed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The initial series of test to the fifteen steels were performed at the free corrosion potential (f.c.p.) vs. Ag/AgCl. From this initial test only five steels (AISI 1008, AISI 4140, AISI 4145H, pipeline X-65 and X-70) did not show Stress Corrosion Cracking features. These five steel were tested in accordance with the Linearly Increased Stress Test (LIST) in the dilute pH 2.1 sulphate solution at different electronegative applied potential to minimum value of -1500mV. The experimental procedure tried to reproduce the Stress Corrosion Cracking condition to identify the most aggressive condition the steel is able to support before failing due to Stress Corrosion Cracking to then compare the theory of SCC and HE in low carbon and low alloy steel with the obtained experimental results. The investigation compared the well-known theory of SCC and HE in low carbon and low alloy steel with the obtained experimental results. Surprisingly, the experimental result did not always agree with the theory.

Autogenous shrinkage is of concern in high performance concrete mixtures, when specific properties like strength and durability are enhanced. Factors like low watercement ratio, low porosity and increased hydration kinetics which are associated with high performance concrete mixtures are also responsible for the development of autogenous shrinkage. With about two decades of research into autogenous shrinkage, uncertainties still exist with testing procedure, effect of supplementary cementitious materials, modelling and prediction of autogenous shrinkage. The primary focus of this study is to understand mechanisms which have been postulated to cause autogenous shrinkage like chemical shrinkage and self desiccation. In addition, this study has considered properties like porosity and internal empty voids in the analysis of the causes of bulk volume deformations of the cementitious paste systems with and without mineral admixtures. The study begins with an experimental investigation of chemical shrinkage in hydrating cementitious paste systems with the addition of fly ash, slag and silica fume using the test method recently accepted by the ASTM. This was followed by the experimental investigation of autogenous shrinkage in cementitious paste. The autogenous shrinkage in paste mixtures is studied from an early age (~1.5 hours after addition of water) for cementitious systems at a water-cementitious ratio of 0.32 (w/c 0.25 for limited mixture proportions). A non-contact measurement method using eddy current sensors were adopted. The hydration mechanism of the cementitious paste systems was then modelled using CEMHYD3D, which is a 3 dimensional numerical modelling method successfully used to study, simulate and present the hydration developments in cementitious systems. Properties like chemical shrinkage, degree of hydration, total porosity and free water content; all of which have been obtained from the CEMHYD3D simulation have been cross correlated with the experimental results in order to more comprehensively understand the mechanism contributing to bulk volume change under sealed conditions. The experimental investigations are extended to study the development in concrete with and without mineral admixtures (i.e., silica fume, fly ash and slag). Self desiccation driving the development of autogenous shrinkage has been used extensively across literature but as an alternative the author has proposed using internal drying factor in modelling autogenous shrinkage. The "internal drying factor" is described as the ratio of the empty voids (due to chemical shrinkage) to the total porosity at any point of time of hydration. Independent of the mixture proportions, a linear trend was observed between the autogenous shrinkage strain and increase in internal drying factor. Thus the internal drying factor could be incorporated into semiempirical models while attempting to predict autogenous shrinkage. An increase in the compressive strength of matured concrete at 1 year had a strong correlation to the observed autogenous shrinkage strains irrespective of the cementitious system. It is believed this could be because of the increase in gel-space ratio which is intern linked to the degree of hydration and porosity of the microstructure. The author has obtained strong evidence that the micro-structural changes associated with high strength and durable concrete have a direct impact on the autogenous shrinkage of concrete. Hence, the author suggests that autogenous shrinkage should be investigated and allowable values be stipulated as design criterion in structures that use high strength-high performance concrete.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2007. / The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on November 6, 2007) Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of New South Wales, 2005. / Also available online.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2008. / Title from first page of PDF file. Includes bibliographical references (p. 152-158).

Orientador: Marcelino Pereira do Nascimento / Banca: Antônio Jorge Abdalla / Banca: Sérgio Schneider / Resumo: O aumento da demanda por petróleo e seus derivados tem instigado o desenvolvimento de materiais para dutos com elevadas tenacidade à fratura e resistência mecânica, como os aços de alta resistência e baixa liga (ARBL) pertencentes às classes API. Aliada à utilização destes aços, a aplicação do processo de soldagem por resistência elétrica de alta frequência (HF/ERW) tem conquistado maior interesse no setor. Entretanto, defeitos nas juntas soldadas constituem uma das principais causas de falhas em dutos, principalmente quando associados às condições externas de operação, o que tem sido motivo para estudos relacionados à integridade estrutural destes tubos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a tenacidade à fratura de um tubo de aço API 5L X70 soldado pelo processo HF/ERW, a partir de dados obtidos com ensaios CTOD de espécimes de flexão por três pontos, tipo SE(B) "gull wing". A metodologia proposta envolveu ensaios de CTOD a variadas temperaturas, incluindo a região de transição dúctil-frágil, a fim de avaliar a integridade estrutural do material em condições críticas de operação. Os ensaios foram realizados com base nas normas ASTM E1820 e BS7448, e consistiram na utilização de corpos de prova retirados diretamente da parede do tubo, com posterior planificação. De forma geral, as amostras de material base apresentaram uma boa tenacidade à fratura em todas as temperaturas de ensaio, o que não aconteceu com as amostras de material de solda, que apresentaram baixa tenacidade... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The increasing demand for oil and its products has driven the development of materials for ducts with high fracture toughness and high mechanical strength, such as high strength low alloy (HSLA) steels, appertaining to the API classes. In addition to the use of these steels, the application of the high frequency resistance welding process (HF/ERW) has gained greater interest in the sector. However, defects in the welded joints are one of the most causes of failures in pipelines, especially when they are associated with external operating conditions, which has been the reason for studies related to the structural integrity of these tubes. The aim of this work was to study the fracture toughness of an API 5L X70 steel tube welded by the HF/ERW process, from data obtained with CTOD tests bending specimens by three points, type SE (B) gull wing. The proposed methodology involved CTOD tests at various temperatures, including the ductile-brittle transition region, in order to assess the structural integrity of the material under critical operating conditions. The tests were performed based on the ASTM E1820 and BS7448 standards, and consisted of the use of specimens taken directly from the wall of the tube, with subsequent planning. In general, the base material samples showed good fracture toughness at all test temperatures, which did not occur with the samples of welded material, which presented low toughness. The toughness results obtained showed that the methodology used for the study of structural integrity by means of the CTOD tests with samples drawn directly from the wall of the tube, with subsequent planning, was adequate. Although the ASTM E1820 and BS7448 standards adopt different parameters for the determination of the CTOD value, it was observed that the CTOD values were very close / Mestre

Orientador: Angelo Caporalli Filho / Banca: Marcelo dos Santos Pereira / Banca: Ana Paula Rosifini Alves Claro / Banca: Karia Regina Cadorso / Banca: Mirian de Lourdes Noronha Motta Melo / Resumo: A obtenção de granulometria ultrafina em aços com baixo teor de carbono pode contribuir para ampliação de suas aplicações na indústria, devido as propriedades mecânicas superiores que podem ser alcançadas com o refinamento de grãos, tais como: resistência mecânica, dureza, e tenacidade. O processo conhecido como Equal Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP) induz deformações plásticas severas suficientes para alterar as características microestruturais dos metais reduzindo seu tamanho de grão, e consequentemente melhorando algumas propriedades mecânicas, sem alterar a composição química dos materiais, ao utilizar temperaturas abaixo do ponto de recristalização dos metais. Neste trabalho o processo ECAP foi conduzido com corpos de prova na temperatura de 550°C utilizando como material de estudo aço SAE 1020. Os corpos de prova foram separados em três grupos. No primeiro grupo as amostras não foram submetidas a nenhum tratamento térmico entre os passes, no segundo grupo foi aplicado tratamento de alívio de tensões após os passes, e por fim, no terceiro grupo e foi aplicado um tratamento de recozimento intercrítico após o primeiro passe. Ensaios mecânicos de tração, dureza e charpy foram realizados com objetivo de verificar a influência do processo ECAP no comportamento mecânico do aço. Com intuito de verificar as alterações microestruturais causadas pelo processo ECAP foram utilizadas as técnicas de microscopia óptica e eletrônica de varredura. O trabalho tem como objetivo principal in... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Ultrafine grained microstructures obtaining in low carbon steels may contribute to enlarge the application of this material in industry, due to superior properties that can be achieved, such as: mechanical strength, hardness, and toughness. The process known as Equal Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP) induces severe plastic deformation sufficient to modify metals microstructures characteristics, reducing its grains size, and consequently improve its mechanical properties without materials chemistry composition changes, under temperatures below to recrystallization point. At this work ECAP process was carried out with specimens at 550° C using steel SAE 1020 as material. The specimens were divided into three groups. The specimens in the first group none heat treatment was applied between and after ECAP passes, in the second group the specimens were submitted under stress relief heat treatment after ECAP passes, and in the third group, specimens were submitted under intercritical annealing after first pass. Mechanical tensile strength, hardness and charpy impact tests were used with aim to verify the ECAP influence in steel mechanical behavior. In order to verify microstructures evolution caused by ECAP were applied optical and scanning electron microscopy. The aim of this work is grain refining by means of ECAP process with two parts tool elaborated in this study. The microstructure analysis and mechanical tests results shown that the heat treatments applied, combined with ECAP p... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor