O objetivo principal deste trabalho é apresentar um modelo de análise probabilística do comportamento ao longo do tempo de estruturas de concreto. Para isso, é realizada a análise probabilística em conjunto com análise numérica. A análise numérica é realizada através de um programa computacional, baseado no método dos elementos finitos, que considera o comportamento não-linear e dependente do tempo dos materiais, assim como o processo evolutivo da construção. Para determinar o efeito das incertezas dos parâmetros é realizada uma análise probabilística, utilizando o método de amostragem por hipercubo latino. O modelo apresentado pode ser aplicado para a análise probabilística do comportamento ao longo do tempo das estruturas de concreto em geral. No entanto, foi aplicado na análise das flechas diferidas de lajes pré-moldadas formadas por vigotas com armação treliçada. Com esta análise, pôde-se propor um coeficiente multiplicador das flechas imediatas para a avaliação das flechas diferidas no tempo. O coeficiente multiplicador obtido para as lajes pré-moldadas formadas por vigotas com armação treliçada pode alcançar valores muito superiores ao fator 'alfa'f recomendado pela NBR 6118 (2003) para o caso de vigas de concreto armado. / The goal of this research is to present a probabilistic analysis model of the long-term behavior of concrete structures. For that, the probabilistic analysis is carried out together with numerical analysis. The numerical analysis is carried out using a software based on the finite element method that takes into account the nonlinear and time dependent behavior of the materials, as well as the evolutionary construction process. A probabilistic analysis is carried out in order to determine the effects of the uncertainties of the parameters, using latin hypercube sampling method. The presented model can be applied in the probabilistic analysis of the long-term behavior of concrete structures in general. However, it was applied in the analysis of the long-term deflections of precast slabs made by joist with lattice reinforcement. By this analysis, a multiplier coefficient of immediate deflections to evaluate long-term deflections could be proposed. The multiplier coefficient obtained for precast slabs made by joist with lattice reinforcement can reach values much higher than the factor 'alfa'f recommended by NBR 6118 (2003) for the case of reinforced concrete beams.

Neste trabalho é enfocada a análise estrutural de lajes pré-moldadas formadas por vigotas treliçadas. Esta análise foi realizada mediante o modelo de grelha, considerando a não-linearidade do concreto armado utilizando-se a relação momento x curvatura e carregamento incremental. O modelo da não-linearidade do concreto armado foi avaliado com resultados experimentais de vigas bi-apoiadas e painéis de laje contínua. O trabalho inclui uma análise teórico-experimental de uma laje pré-moldada bidirecional isolada e simulações numéricas de casos representativos de arranjos estruturais das lajes treliçadas. As principais conclusões do trabalho foram: a) o modelo de grelha é bastante adequado para a análise de lajes nervuradas pré-moldadas; b) os resultados da análise teórico-experimental da laje pré-moldada indicam que os deslocamentos foram fortemente influenciados pela rigidez à torção e c) a redistribuição de momentos fletores nas lajes contínuas é relativamente pequena. / This work aims the structural analysis in precast slabs made by lattice joist. The scheme was carried out by using the grillage model considering the non-linear of the reinforced concrete through the relationship moment x curvature and incremental loads. The non-linear model of the reinforced concrete was appraised with experimental of simply supported beams and panels of continuos slabs. The work includes a theoretical-experimental analysis of a isolated bidirectional precast slabs and numeric simulations of representative cases of structural arrangements of the slabs witch lattice joist. The main conclusions of the work were: a) the grillage model is quite appropriate for precast ribbed slabs; b) the results of theoretical-experimental analysis of the precast slabs point out the relevance the torsional in the deflections and c) the bending moments redistribution in the continuous slabs are quite small.

Essa pesquisa apresenta um estudo a respeito de cálices de fundação com colarinho. O trabalho foi elaborado a partir de uma análise crítica e síntese de resultados de estudos experimentais e numéricos desenvolvidos na Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos - Universidade de São Paulo (EESC-USP) sobre a ligação pilar-fundação por meio de cálice para estruturas de concreto pré-moldado. Esses estudos englobam uma tese de doutorado e três dissertações de mestrado, em que foram abordadas diversas situações de projeto dessa ligação. A partir dos resultados dessas pesquisas são elaboradas recomendações para o projeto do cálice com interface lisa e rugosa e da base do pilar pré-moldado. Incluem-se ainda avaliação da situação de montagem e disposições construtivas gerais a respeito da ligação por meio de cálice. Mediante aplicações, são avaliadas as recomendações de projeto e simulados casos reais de emprego da ligação pilar-fundação por meio de cálice. Com base nesse estudo, as principais conclusões incorporadas às recomendações foram em relação: a) a posição de aplicação da resultante de pressão superior na parede frontal; b) ao comportamento das paredes transversais; c) a força normal com pequena excentricidade; d) a determinação da espessura mínima da parede do colarinho e; e) adaptação do modelo de comportamento da base do pilar pré-moldado com o modelo do cálice. Ao final, são elaborados exemplos de dimensionamento da ligação cálice de fundação com interface lisa e rugosa e da base do pilar pré-moldado, além de um roteiro simplificado com recomendações de projeto desses elementos. / This research presents a study about the socket base with pedestal walls. The paper was drawn from a review and synthesis of results of experimental and numerical studies carried out at the Engineering School of São Carlos University of São Paulo (EESC-USP) about the socket base connection by pedestal walls in precast concrete structures. These studies include a Phd thesis and three MSc dissertations, which addressed several situations of design of that kinf of connection. From the results, recommendations are drawn for the design of socket with smooth and rough interface and precast column base. Included also evaluated at the erection situation and constructive provisions regarding socket base. With some applications are analyzed the design recommendations and simulated real cases of use of column-base connection by socket. Based on this study, the main conclusions that were incorporated into the recommendations were about: a) local of application of the top pression resultant; b) behavior of transversal walls; c) normal force with small eccentricity; d) determination of the thickness of pedestal wall and; e) adaptation of column base model with the socket model. Finally, examples are drawn about socket foundation design with smooth and rough interface and of the precast column base, beyond simplified script with recommendations for the design of these elements.

The concept of semi-rigid composite connection has been widely researched in the past; however, most of the researches are limited to composite joints with metal deck ¿ooring and solid concrete slabs. Composite construction incorporating precast concrete hollowcore slabs (HCU) is a recently developed composite ¿oor system for buildings. The research on the structural behaviour of the semi-rigid composite joints with HCU is new and without any previous experimental database. In this paper, eight full-scale tests of beam-to-column semi-rigid composite joints with steel beams and precast hollowcore slabs are reported. The variables are stud spacing, degree of the shear connections, area of the longitudinal reinforcement and slab thickness. The test set-up and instrumentation is described in detail. The experimental behaviour is analysed and based on the test data the structural behaviour of these semi-rigid composite joints is discussed. Based on the experimental data, a simpli¿ed method to predict rotation and moment capacity for this type of composite connection is proposed.

It has been observed that mortar joints, where precast concrete trim and limestone building blocks are used in conjunction, tend to crack in the course of one or two years to such an extent as to admit water. It seemed possible that a difference in the thermal coefficients of the two materials might cause unequal changes in length along the joint, thereby setting up shearing stresses in the mortar, sufficient in time to destroy the bond. This investigation was undertaken in order to determine the relative rates of expansion of the local materials in question and to consider the validity or the theory that such differences might affect the mortar. The investigation and the conclusions drawn therefrom form the first part of this thesis. Part two consists of an investigation into the effects of different mixes on the thermal coefficient of such a concrete as might be suitable for the manufacture of precast trim. / M.S.

In the precast construction market, the competitive situation is significantly affected by price, cost, productivity, and quality factors. Since self-consolidating concrete (SCC) was first introduced to the concrete industry in the late 1980s, it has been used worldwide in variety of applications. Despite the documented technical and economic advantages of SCC in precast, prestressed applications, the use of SCC has been limited in some countries due to some technical uncertainties of such innovative material. To explore some unsolved issues related to SCC and to contribute to a wider acceptance of SCC in precast, prestressed applications, this study was undertaken to assess the effect of mixture proportioning and material characteristics on the performance of SCC and recommend performance-based specifications for use of SCC in the precast, prestressed applications. The thesis presents an experimental program that contains four parts: (1) a parametric study to evaluate the influence of binder type, w/cm, coarse aggregate type, and coarse aggregate nominal size on the modulus of elasticity and compressive strength developments; (2) a parametric study to evaluate the effect of mixture proportioning and material characteristics on fresh and hardened properties of SCC; (3) a fractional factorial design to identify the relative significance of primary mixture parameters and their coupled effects on SCC properties; and (4) a field validation using full-scale AASHTO Type II girders cast to investigate constructability, material properties, and structural performance (the latter part was carried out by the research team of Professor Denis Mitchell at McGill University). Based on the experimental test results, SCC exhibits similar compressive strength and modulus of elasticity to that of conventional high-performance concrete (HPC) of normal slump consistency. SCC and HPC mixtures made of a given binder type exhibit similar autogenous shrinkage. However, SCC exhibits up to 30% and 20% higher drying shrinkage and creep, respectively, at 300 days compared to HPC made with similar w/cm but different paste volume. The results of the experiment program show that among the investigated material constituents and mix design parameters, the w/cm has the most significant effect on mechanical and visco-elastic properties. The binder content, binder type, and sand-to-total aggregate ratio (S/A) also have considerable effect on those properties. The thickening-type viscosity modifying admixture (VMA) content (0 to 150 ml/100 kg CM) does not significantly affect mechanical and visco-elastic properties. Based on the findings, some mixture parameters regarding the overall performance of SCC designated for precast and prestressed applications can be recommended: SCC made with relatively low w/cm (such as 0.34 vs. 0.40) should be selected to ensure desirable compressive strength, modulus of elasticity (MOE), flexural strength, as well as less drying shrinkage and creep; the use of crushed aggregate with 12.5 mm MSA is suggested since it provides better mechanical properties of SCC compared to gravel; the use of low S/A (such as 0.46 vs. 0.54) to secure adequate mechanical and visco-elastic properties is recommended; the use of thickening-type VMA can help to secure robustness and stability of the concrete in the case of SCC proportioned with moderate and relatively high w/cm; and the use of Type MS cement can lead to lower creep and shrinkage than Type HE cement and 20% Class F fly ash. However, SCC mixtures made with Type HE cement and 20% Class F fly ash can result in better workability and mechanical properties. Therefore, it is recommended to use Type HE cement and 20% Class F fly ash and reduce binder content (such as 440 kg/m[exposant 3] vs. 500 kg/m[exposant 3]) to assure better overall performance of SCC. Validation on full-scale AASHTO-Type II girders using two HPC and two SCC mixtures show that girders casting with SCC can be successfully carried out without segregation and blocking for the selected optimized mixtures. The surface quality of the girders cast with SCC is quite satisfactory and of greater uniformity than girders cast with HPC. Both HPC and SCC mixtures develop similar autogenous shrinkage for mixtures made with similar w/cm. Again, the two evaluated SCC mixtures develop about 20% greater drying shrinkage than comparable HPC mixtures. Modifications of existing models to assess mechanical and visco-elastic properties of SCC used in the precast, prestressed applications are proposed. Based on the comparisons of various code provisions, the ACI 209 and CEB-FIP codes with suggested material coefficients can be recommended to estimate compressive strength. The modified AASHTO 2007 model can be used for predicting the elastic modulus and flexural strength. The AASHTO 2004 and 2007 models with suggested material coefficients can be used to estimate drying shrinkage and creep, respectively. The CEB-FIP 90 code model can be used to predict both drying shrinkage and creep. Finally, the modified Tazawa and Miyazawa 1997 model with material modifications can be used to estimate autogenous shrinkage of SCC.

Examensarbetet utfördes på Kynningsrud Prefab AB i Uddevalla som tillverkar prefabricerade betongelement till byggindustrin. I dagsläget är företaget inte helt tillfredsställt med material-, produkt-, information- eller kommunikationsflödet i verksamheten. Kynningsrud vill därmed skapa ett eget produktionssystem, KPS, för en fortsatt expansion.   Genom diskussion med företaget beslutades att arbetet skulle fokusera på tillverkningen av väggelement. Syftet med arbetet är att analysera och identifiera förbättringsmöjligheter samt ta fram förbättringsförslag med förhållningssättet lean produktion.   För att eliminera icke värdeadderad tid, standardisering av arbetsmoment samt informationsspridning valdes de sju slöserierna+en och 5S verktyget som teoretiskt ramverk. Information om verksamheten samlades in genom observationer, intervjuer och deltagande. Genom en nulägesbeskrivning av väggproduktionen med tillhörande stödprocesser beskrevs  arbetsmoment i processerna. Beskrivningen analyserades sedan efter det teoretiska ramverket.   Analysen resulterade i åtta förbättringsförslag som tillsammans skulle eliminera slöserier med en total tidsåtgång på ungefär 12 timmar om dagen. Det innebar en kostnadsreduktion på cirka 3,500 kr per dag. Sammanställning av den insamlade informationen åskådliggjordes genom en GAP-analys.   Vid tid- och kostandsberäkningar används den lägst uppskattade tidsåtgången från observationer och intervjuer med personalen som därmed kan innehålla mörkertal. Det gör att de beräkningar som redovisas är i teorin lägsta besparingen som kan genomföras. Kostnadsreduceringen kan i verkligheten vara större vid  en implementering av förbättringsförslagen. / The thesis was executed at Kynningsrud Prefab AB in Uddevalla. The company produces precast elements within the construction industry.  Currently, the company is not fully satisfied with the internal communication or the flow of material or finished products. Thus, Kynningsrud is planning to create a production system, KPS, in order to keep in pace with their current sales expansion. Through deliberations and discussions regarding the issue together with the company, a decision was made to focus on the manufacturing of the concrete walls. The conclusion came down to the purpose of the thesis would be to analyze and identify opportunities of improvement and to develop proposals targeted lean production. To eliminate non-value adding time as well as working to standardize operations and make the internal communication more efficient the two theories The seven wastes+one and the 5S tool was elected as theoretical framework. The necessary information about each step of the manufacturing process was collected by observing, interviewing and participation in the working process. The information was assembled to six current state descriptions of the production and describes every operation in each step of the processes. Finally, the description was analyzed according to the theoretical framework. The analysis resulted in eight improvement proposals that together would eliminate waste with a total time of approximately 12 hours a day for all analyzed operations combined. It meant a cost reduction of about 3,500 Swedish crowns per day. The compilation of the information collected was illustrated through a gap analysis. The time duration that was used for the saving calculations were estimated values ​​through observations and interviews with staff members. When calculating the time possible to save the lowest estimated time duration were used and the results may therefore contain numbers of unknown cases. It makes the calculations the theoretically lowest savings that can be made. In reality, the cost reduction could be greater if the improvement proposals were implemented.

The focus of this thesis is on the precast concrete products manufacturing industry, which as one of the labour-intensive industries requires a substantial number of highly skilled operators in terms of crews to produce the final product. A crew is a group of multi-skilled chargehands and operators that have various skills and experience necessary to conduct an activity in a professional way. The high cost of skilled operators and the apparent inefficiencies of utilising such skilled operators in the industry are the major driving force. To achieve this, optimal crew allocation is required. Crew allocation is complex because of the multi-criteria nature of the problem and availability of thousands of possibilities and allocation alternatives. There is a gap in previous research efforts associated with crew allocation planning in the precast industry. Current practices suggest that the crew allocation process is carried out intuitively and the allocation of crews to production processes is subjective. This has led to high process-waiting times, improper allocation of skilled operators and ultimately higher production costs. In this context, the aim of this research is to propose an effective crew allocation methodology and a computer-based intelligent simulation model for its implementation. The objective of the approach is to guarantee a better workflow through minimising process-waiting time, optimising operator utilisation, and subsequently reducing the allocation cost. This research develops a holistic and integrated methodology for modelling crew allocation problems by reviewing state-of-art resource allocation techniques, structured interviews with production managers, site visits and a detailed case study. The methodology is developed using an IDEF0 process model and a generic process map for both the business and the production processes of the precast manufacturing system. A multi-layered genetic algorithm model is developed in conjunction with a process-simulation model to form a hybrid allocation system dubbed ‘SIM_Crew’. The model incorporates databases (Excel and MS Access), a simulation model (developed using Arena 12.0) and genetic algorithms (developed using Visual Basic for Applications) to facilitate the generation and evaluation of various “what-if” crew allocation scenarios. A number of performance criteria have been developed to evaluate the allocation plans. ‘SIM_Crew’ enables the investigation and analysis of allocating possible schedules and provides a facility to visualise the production processes. ‘SIM_Crew’ was validated using real life case study data and it was concluded that the allocation of crews to precast processes using genetic algorithm improves the throughput time and reduces the allocation cost as compared with real life production data. It is anticipated that future use of this research will solve the crew allocation problem in the precast industry.

Nesta dissertação, as alças de içamento de lajes pré-moldadas utilizadas em obras residenciais foram caracterizadas e ensaiadas à tração com o propósito de integrá-las ao sistema produtivo que conta com as lajes devidamente empilhadas no canteiro de obra e içadas ainda jovem até o pavimento. O centro de carga devido aos pontos de içamento deve coincidir com o baricentro da laje e o conjunto de pontos deve resistir aos esforços solicitantes, que no presente trabalho, destacam-se os momentos fletores máximos e punção em cada ponto. A segurança estrutural quanto à flexão foi avaliada pela resistência dos materiais, com base na flexão simples, e pela proposta de bielas e tirantes através da treliça 45º proposta por Morsch e que também foi utilizada para determinar a carga máxima a partir das tensões de tração na superfície cônica próxima ao ponto de içamento na tentativa de relacioná-la às cargas de punção calculadas por equações obtidas de normas, como ACI 318 e NBR 6118, e equação de resistência à carga de punção proposta por Muttoni em 2008. / In this research, the metallic inserts in concrete precast slabs to lift up, which are useful in residential buildings and this lifting system was characterized and took at evaluable of strength at pull-out testing with the purpose of integration into the productive system which contain the precast slabs produced in construction site. The loading center of group lifting inserts may coincide with center of mass in the slab and the set should resist efforts such as bending of the slab and punching shear at each lifting handle. The structural safety of concrete over bending has been evaluated by flexural stress on the across section no cracked concrete and also strut and tie model proposed by Morsch and which model has been suggested to determine the punching shear load on conical surface near by lifting insert in the precast concrete slab and compare with some codes, such as ACI 318 and NBR 6118, also Muttoni\'s punching shear load equation of 2008.

As estruturas de concreto pré-moldado tendem a ser mais moduladas e mais padronizados do que as estruturas de concreto moldadas no local, logo as técnicas de otimização podem produzir mais benefícios econômicos devido à produção em escala. Entre as técnicas de otimização utilizadas em engenharia estrutural, os algoritmos genéticos têm sido reconhecidos como uma forte tendência devido à sua facilidade de implementação e os excelentes resultados obtidos. Este trabalho trata da otimização integrada de pavimentos de edifícios com estruturas de concreto pré-moldado utilizando algoritmos genéticos e minimizando os custos. O principal objetivo é apresentar uma formulação para a otimização do pavimento, baseado em restrições arquitetônicas; restrições estruturais e restrições construtivas. A função-objetivo contemplou não só o consumo de materiais, mas também os aspectos relativos à fabricação, transporte e montagem. Atesta-se a consistência da representação do problema pelo modelo em função dos resultados que foram muito coerentes com a prática dos projetos. Os vários exemplos apresentados mostraram a robustez e a aplicabilidade do modelo e evidenciou-se a possibilidade de sua utilização em um sistema de apoio à tomada de decisão, que sirva como ferramenta de auxílio aos projetistas na concepção estrutural. Foi implementada a rotina dos transgênicos, que melhorou a convergência, e, a dos gêmeos, que aumentou a variabilidade da população. / The precast concrete structures are more modular and standardized than the cast in place concrete structures, therefore optimization techniques can improve economics gain because of series production. Among the optimization techniques in structural engineering design, genetic algorithms have been recognized as a trend. This work aims the floor precast concrete building optimization using GA\'s and minimizing the cost. The main goal of the work is to present a model to optimize the floor taking account of the structural, architectonics and constructive restrictions. The adopted model reached its purpose of the representing the more realist as possible the problem. The cost function considered not only the material consumption but the manufacture, transport and assembled stage. An integrated structural optimization is performed from the structural layout (columns position, directions and spans for beams and hollow cores) through the complete elements detailing (dimensions and reinforcement). The example results evidence the effectiveness of the formulation, they were very consistent with the design practice and they present the system application possibility like a decision support system that helps the engineer in the projects development. It was implemented a transgenic routine to improve the convergence and a twin routine to improve the variability of the population.