Thesis (MScEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) is the most prominent fibre reinforced concrete composite that was engineered to enhance the material’s post-cracking behaviour. In certain situations it is utilised to replace conventional reinforcement and considered to be more cost-efficient. The purpose of this research is to characterise the moment redistribution behaviour of a statically indeterminate SFRC structure with varying volumes of fibres, with the focus on the development of the moment redistribution accompanied by the rotation of the plastic hinges at the critical sections in the structure. The material properties were characterised with a series of experimental tests. The compression behaviour was obtained with uniaxial compression tests while the uniaxial tensile behaviour was obtained with an inverse analysis performed according to flexural test results. These properties were utilised to derive a theoretical moment-curvature relation for each SFRC member which supplied the basis for the characterised moment-rotation behaviour and the finite element analyses (FEA) performed on the statically indeterminate structure. Experimental tests were conducted on the statically indeterminate structure in laboratory conditions to validate the theoretical findings. For the different SFRCs the material properties in compression were similar, while it resulted in an increased tensile resistance with an increase in the volume steel fibres. The theoretical momentcurvature and moment-rotation responses also indicated an increased structural capacity and member ductility with an increase in the volume fibres. From the finite element analyses the computational moment redistribution-plastic rotation relations were obtained. It was found that the final amount of moment redistribution decreased with an increase in the fibre volume, but that the rotational capacity increased. It was found that the experimental moment-curvature and moment-rotation results correlate well with the theoretical predictions. Also, unexpected structural behaviour was observed, but the issue was addressed with applicable computational analyses which confirmed the possible causes. It was concluded that the computational moment redistribution approximations were reasonably accurate. A parameter study indicated that the crack band width differed among the different SFRC members. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Staal vesel versterkte beton (SVVB) is die mees vooraanstaande vesel versterkte beton mengsel wat ontwikkel is om die materiaalgedrag na kraakvorming te verbeter. In sekere situasies kan dit gebruik word om konvensionele staal te vervang en lei soms to koste vermindering . Die einddoel van die studie is om die moment herverdeling gedrag te karaktiseer vir ‘n statiese onpebaalbare SVVB struktuur deur die invloed van verskillende volumes vesels en die rotasie kapasiteit by die kritieke posisies in ag te neem. Die materiaal eienskappe was geidentifiseer met ‘n reeks eksperimentele toetse. Die druk gedrag was geïdentifiseer deur eenassige druktoetse, terwyl die eenassige trek gedrag bekom is met die implementasie van ‘n inverse analise van die uitgevoerde buig toetse. Hierdie eienskappe is gebruik om die teoretise moment-kromming verhouding vir elke mengsel te bekom. Hierdie verhoudings word as die basis bestempel vir die teoretiese moment-rotasie verhouding en die eindige element analises (EEA) wat op ‘n staties onbepaalbare struktuur toegepas is. Eksperimentele toetse is op hierdie voorgestelde struktuur toegepas om die teoretiese verwagtings te verifieer. Dit is gevind dat die druk gedrag ooreenstem tussen die verskillende mengsels, alhoewel ‘n toename in die trek kapasiteit ervaar is met ‘n toename in die volume vesels. Die teoretiese momentkromming en moment-rotasie verwantskappe stel ook voor dat die strukturele kapasiteit en duktiliteit toeneem met ‘n toename in die volume vesels. Die teoretiese moment herverdeling-plastiese rotasie verwantskapppe is verkry deur middel van die eindige element analises. Dit is gevind dat die aantal moment herverdeling by faling afgeneem het vir ‘n toename in die volume vesels, maar dat dit to ‘n groter rotasie kapasiteit gelei het. Van die eksperimentele resultate is dit afgelei dat die teoretiese moment-kromming en momentrotasie verwantskappe goeie benaderings voorstel. Sekere invloede van die opstelling het daartoe gelei dat onverwagte strukturele gedrag bekom is, maar die moontlike invloede is verifieer met eindige element analises. Dit is afgelei dat die teoretiese beramings van die moment herverdeling gedrag redelik akkuraat is. ‘n Parameter studie het getoon dat die kraak spasiëring verskil tussen mengsels met verskillende volumes vesels.

Thesis (MScEng (Civil Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The southbound screener lane of the Heidelberg Traffic Control Centre received structural improvements by means of an ultra thin continuously reinforced concrete pavement (UTCRCP) overlay. This experimental overlay forms part of the South African National Roads Agency Limited’s innovative highway repair strategy on existing pavements that have exceeded design life. The primary objective of this study was to characterize the UTCRCP overlay with regard to crack spacing formation under accelerated pavement testing (APT). Characterization comprised of empirical modelling techniques, statistical analysis, non destructive testing and software simulations. Pavement deflection responses were empirically and linear elastically converted to input parameters. These parameters were used in the mean crack spacing prediction model of the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (M-E PDG). Observed cracking under APT was recorded and analyzed by means of descriptive statistics. The outcome of the M-E PDG’s mean crack spacing and the statistics of the observed cracking were evaluated against cncPave simulations. Initial shrinkage crack formations ranged from 500 mm to 900 mm, with a mean spacing of 695 mm. Subsequent secondary cracking reduced the segments, delineated by initial cracking, to intervals consisting of 100 mm to 350 mm. A statistical analysis of the observed cracking indicated that traffic had little effect on the transverse crack spacing formation. The observed cracks yielded a mean spacing of 296 mm, compared to the 186 mm of the M-E PDG mean crack spacing calculation. cncPave simulations indicated that the expected range of cracking would fall between 237 mm and 350 mm with a probability of 50% that crack spacing would exceed 265 mm. The 50th percentile of the observed cracks resulted in a spacing of 233 mm. The APT project was limited to a single test section. No pavement failures occurred during the APT project. A total of 2.8 million 80 kN load repetitions were applied to the UTCRCP. However circular crack formations regarded as a punchout development have formed on the UTCRCP test section. Circular cracks formed around weaknesses in the pavement system. The prediction of these punchout formations incorporates the mean crack spacing result. Occurrence of mean crack spacing forms part of a crack spacing distribution defined by a range. Therefore designing a punchout prediction model for UTCRCP should include the characteristics and range of the crack pattern and not merely the mean crack spacing value. Key Words: UTCRCP, APT, Mean Crack Spacing, Punchout, Descriptive Statistics, cncPave, M-E PDG, Transverse Cracks, Dense Liquid Foundation, Elastic Solid Foundation. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die suidwaartse moniteerings laan van die Heidelberg Verkeersbeheer Sentrum, het strukturele verbetering ondergaan deur die konstruksie van ‘n ultradun aaneen-gewapende betonplaveisel (UDAGBP) wat dien as ‘n deklaag. Hierdie eksperimentele deklaag is deel van die Suid-Afrikaanse Nasionale Paaie Aggentskap Beperk (SANRAL) se vernuftige deurpadherstelstrategie vir bestaande deurpaaie waarvan die ontwerplewe verstryk het. Die primêre doel van hierdie studie is om die UDAGBP te karakteriseer, met betrekking tot kraakspasiëring, deur middel van Versnelde Plaveisel Toetsing (VPT). Die karakteriseringsproses het bestaan uit empiriese moduleringstegnieke, statistiese ontleding, nie-destruktiewe toetsmetodologieë en sagtewaresimulasies. Die plaveiseldefleksiegedrag is empiries en linieêr elasties ontleed en omgeskakel na invoerparameters. Hierdie parameters is gebruik in die peilingsmodel vir gemiddelde kraakspasiëring van die Meganisties-Empiries Plaveisel Ontwerpsgids (M-E POG). Waargenome kraakspasiëring na die afloop van VPT is opgeteken en deur middel van beskrywende statistiek ontleed. Die resultate van die M-E POG se gemiddelde kraakspasiëring en die statistiese ontleding van die waargenome krake is geëvalueer teenoor cncPave simulasies. Aanvanklike krimpingskrake het gevorm met wisselende kraakspasiëring tussen 500 mm en 900 mm met ‘n gemiddelde spasiëring van 695 mm. Daaropvolgende krake het die aanvanklike segmente, wat gevorm het tydens die aanvanklike krimpingskrake, verkort na intervalle van 100 mm tot 350 mm. ‘n Statistiese ontleding van die waargeneemde krake het aangedui dat verkeer weinig ‘n aandeel het in die dwarskraak-vormingsproses. Die waargenome krake het ‘n gemiddelde spasiëring van 296 mm in vergelyking met 186 mm van die M-E POG se gemiddelde kraakspasiëring berekening. cncPave simulasies het aangedui dat die verwagte kraakspasiëringsgrense tussen 237 mm en 350 mm is en ‘n 50% waarskynlikheid dat die kraakspasiëring meer as 265 mm is. Die VPT projek is beperk tot ‘n enkele toetsseksie. Geen plaveiselfalings is waargeneem gedurende die VPT projek nie. In totaal was 2.8 miljoen as-lasherhalings aangewend op die UDAGBP. Daar het egeter sirkelvormige kraakformasies, wat beskou word as ponsswigting, ontwikkel op die UDAGBP toetsseksie. Sirkelvormige kraakpatrone het gevorm rondom swak plekke in die plaveisel. Die peilingsmodelle van hierdie ponsswigting maak gebruik van die gimiddelde kraakspasiëringsresultaat. Die verskynsel van gemiddelde kraakspasiëring in hierdie studie is deel van ‘n kraakspasiëringsverdeling, gedefinieerd deur ‘n spasiëringsgrens. Daarom moet die kraakspasiëringskarakteristieke en spasiëringsgrense in ag geneem word in die ontwerpsproses van ‘n UDAGBP ponsswigting-peilings-model, nie slegs die waarde van die gemiddelde kraakspasiëring nie. Sleutel woorde: UDAGBP, VPT, Gemiddelde Kraakspasiëring, Ponsswigting, Beskrywende Statistiek, cncPave, M-E POG, Transversale Krake, Digte Vloeistof Fondasie, Elasties- Soliede Fondasie.

It is important to ensure that vulnerable structures (federal and provincial offices, military structures, embassies, etc) are blast resistant to safeguard life and critical infrastructure. In the wake of recent malicious attacks and accidental explosions, it is becoming increasingly important to ensure that columns in structures are properly detailed to provide the ductility and continuity necessary to prevent progressive collapse. Research has shown that steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) can enhance many of the properties of concrete, including improved post-cracking tensile capacity, enhanced shear resistance, and increased ductility. The enhanced properties of SFRC make it an ideal candidate for use in the blast resistant design of structures. There is limited research on the behaviour of SFRC under high strain rates, including impact and blast loading, and some of this data is conflicting, with some researchers showing that the additional ductility normally evident in SFRC is absent or reduced at high strain loading. On the other hand, other data indicates that SFRC can improve toughness and energy-absorption capacity under extreme loading conditions. This thesis presents the results of experimental research involving tests of scaled reinforced concrete columns exposed to shock wave induced impulsive loads using the University of Ottawa Shock Tube. A total of 13 half-scale steel fibre reinforced concrete columns, 8 with normal strength steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) and 5 with an ultra high performance fibre reinforced concrete (UHPFRC), were constructed and tested under simulated blast pressures. The columns were designed according to CSA A23.3 standards for both seismic and non-seismic regions, using various fibre amounts and types. Each column was exposed to similar shock wave loads in order to provide direct comparisons between seismic and non-seismically detailed columns, amount of steel fibres, type of steel fibres, and type of concrete. The dynamic response of the columns tested in the experimental program is predicted by generating dynamic load-deformation resistance functions for SFRC and UHPFRC columns and using single degree of freedom dynamic analysis software, RCBlast. The analytical results are compared to experimental data, and shown to accurately predict the maximum mid-span displacements of the fibre reinforced concrete columns under shock wave loading.

Master thesis deals with static analysis of construction of hall type for waste treatment. Thesis includes design and structural assessment of main support elements of construction. This is two-aisled combined skeleton object. The roof system is composed of steel truss structure.

Investiga-se através da atuação de grandes firmas construtoras no Brasil o desenvolvimento de novos sistemas construtivos, em particular do concreto armado, como um dos fatores protagonistas da modernização da arquitetura entre 1922 e 1937. Intenta-se examinar os diversos programas construtivos, através da premissa da técnica, e suas inferências na realização arquitetônica. Busca-se tomar conhecimento de uma práxis calcada na verdade construtiva e no diálogo entre o arquiteto e o engenheiro. Parte-se do entendimento de novo fenômeno que interferiu na forma de projetar a arquitetura, alterando sua concepção e provocando a cisão entre a técnica e a arte. A modernização urbana teve como características: a concentração das principais atividades modernas nos núcleos urbanos, a reforma dos espaços das cidades para adequá-las aos novos labores e a mudança da percepção ambiental através de novos meios de comunicação, transporte e infraestrutura. A fundamentação desse cenário permite nos abarcar o processo de inserção das construtoras estrangeiras no Brasil. Para tanto, pretende-se compreender a constituição do conhecimento sobre o concreto armado seja no âmbito da engenharia brasileira, seja na da arquitetura. Sabe- se que três temas correntes faziam parte do repertório dessa cultura técnica: a racionalidade, o uso diferenciado dos sistemas modernos de construção e a criação de novas formas. Essas firmas especializadas no sistema construtivo eram verdadeiros campos de experimentação e, consequentemente, de formação de profissionais capazes de criar nova estética advinda da técnica. A atuação de alguns desses profissionais vem sendo tratada por outros trabalhos, mas uma lacuna permanece: o papel das empresas construtoras na modernização da arquitetura brasileira. Com base no estudo de acervos, como o da construtora de origem dinamarquesa Christiani & Nielsen e de empresas construtoras de origem alemãs atuantes na Argentina e no Brasil, esta tese incorpora, além dos objetivos já revelados, também a identificação de profissionais da construção pouco reconhecidos e suas ações nas atitudes modernizadoras do Brasil do século 20. / It has been investigated, through the performance of the largest construction companies in Brazil, the development of new building systems, particularly of the reinforced concrete, as a major contributing factor for the modernization of architecture between 1920 and 1940. The objective is to analyze the various construction programs, their technical premises, and their interferences in the architectural achievement, seeking the awareness of a practice based on the constructive truth and on the dialogue between architect and engineer. The starting point is the understanding of a new phenomenon, which has interfered in the way of designing the architecture, changing its notion, and inducing the division between technology and art. The urban modernization had as characteristics: the concentration of the main modern activities in the urban core, the restructure of city spaces to fit them to new labors and changes in environmental perception through the new media, transportation, and infrastructure. The fundamental principals of this scenario allow us to embrace the process of insertion of foreign construction companies in Brazil. For this, the intention is to understand the nature of the knowledge about reinforced concrete in the scope of either, Brazilian engineering or architecture. It is known that three current themes were part of the repertoire of this technical culture: the rationale, the differential use of modern building systems, and the creation of new forms. These specialized firms in the building system were real fields for experimentation and, consequently, of formation of professionals capable of creating a new aesthetic emerged from the technique. The performance of some of these professionals has already been addressed by other works, but a gap remains: the role of construction companies in the modernization of Brazilian architecture. Based on studies of collections, such as the one from Danish contractor Christiani & Nielsen, and construction companies originated in Germany and operating in Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil, this thesis includes, besides the already revealed objectives, the identification of construction professionals barely recognized, and their actions towards the attitudes for Brazilian modernization in the 20th century.

Este trabalho é uma contribuição ao estudo da ancoragem de barras de aço da armadura longitudinal em ligações de elementos fletidos de concreto armado em edifícios usuais. São investigadas importantes pesquisas que mostram os avanços em relação ao entendimento do tema nas últimas décadas. É proposto um método de aferição dos modelos constitutivos dos materiais, concreto e aço, no programa de elementos finitos ADINA para verificações de projeto seguindo recomendações da NBR 6118:2003 e MC CEB-FIP 1990. São realizadas análises numéricas de modelos bidimensionais em ligações viga-pilar de extremidade os quais são comparados a modelos experimentais e retirados de projetos já existentes. Os parâmetros de análise são o momento de fissuração e a força de tração a ancorar na seção mais solicitada da viga, conferidos com valores calculados por métodos analíticos e/ou expressões normativas, as tensões e deformações máximas em pontos ao longo do trecho ancorado das armaduras de longitudinais da viga e a influência da força normal. Os resultados revelam que as simplificações e hipóteses assumidas para a concepção dos modelos numéricos são consistentes / This work contributes to the study of anchorage of longitudinal reinforcement steel bars in connections of flexural elements in reinforced concrete buildings. Some important researches are investigated showing the advances of the subject in the last decades. An evaluation method of material’s constitutive models, steel and concrete, using the Finite Element Analysis in the software ADINA is proposed, to project verifications according to NBR 6118:2003 and MC CEB-FIP 1990 recommendations. Comparisons between numerical analysis by using a two-dimensional model of exterior beam-column connections and experimental analysis and using existing projects are made. The analysis parameters are the cracking moment and the anchored steel bar tension force in the most requested beam section, compared to the values calculated by analytical methods and/or design expressions, the maximum stresses and strains in points along to anchored steel bar of the beam longitudinal reinforcement and the influence of the normal force. The results show that the assumed simplifications and hypothesis for the numerical model conception are consistent

Este trabalho é uma contribuição ao estudo da ancoragem de barras de aço da armadura longitudinal em ligações de elementos fletidos de concreto armado em edifícios usuais. São investigadas importantes pesquisas que mostram os avanços em relação ao entendimento do tema nas últimas décadas. É proposto um método de aferição dos modelos constitutivos dos materiais, concreto e aço, no programa de elementos finitos ADINA para verificações de projeto seguindo recomendações da NBR 6118:2003 e MC CEB-FIP 1990. São realizadas análises numéricas de modelos bidimensionais em ligações viga-pilar de extremidade os quais são comparados a modelos experimentais e retirados de projetos já existentes. Os parâmetros de análise são o momento de fissuração e a força de tração a ancorar na seção mais solicitada da viga, conferidos com valores calculados por métodos analíticos e/ou expressões normativas, as tensões e deformações máximas em pontos ao longo do trecho ancorado das armaduras de longitudinais da viga e a influência da força normal. Os resultados revelam que as simplificações e hipóteses assumidas para a concepção dos modelos numéricos são consistentes / This work contributes to the study of anchorage of longitudinal reinforcement steel bars in connections of flexural elements in reinforced concrete buildings. Some important researches are investigated showing the advances of the subject in the last decades. An evaluation method of material’s constitutive models, steel and concrete, using the Finite Element Analysis in the software ADINA is proposed, to project verifications according to NBR 6118:2003 and MC CEB-FIP 1990 recommendations. Comparisons between numerical analysis by using a two-dimensional model of exterior beam-column connections and experimental analysis and using existing projects are made. The analysis parameters are the cracking moment and the anchored steel bar tension force in the most requested beam section, compared to the values calculated by analytical methods and/or design expressions, the maximum stresses and strains in points along to anchored steel bar of the beam longitudinal reinforcement and the influence of the normal force. The results show that the assumed simplifications and hypothesis for the numerical model conception are consistent

It is important to ensure that vulnerable structures (federal and provincial offices, military structures, embassies, etc) are blast resistant to safeguard life and critical infrastructure. In the wake of recent malicious attacks and accidental explosions, it is becoming increasingly important to ensure that columns in structures are properly detailed to provide the ductility and continuity necessary to prevent progressive collapse. Research has shown that steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) can enhance many of the properties of concrete, including improved post-cracking tensile capacity, enhanced shear resistance, and increased ductility. The enhanced properties of SFRC make it an ideal candidate for use in the blast resistant design of structures. There is limited research on the behaviour of SFRC under high strain rates, including impact and blast loading, and some of this data is conflicting, with some researchers showing that the additional ductility normally evident in SFRC is absent or reduced at high strain loading. On the other hand, other data indicates that SFRC can improve toughness and energy-absorption capacity under extreme loading conditions. This thesis presents the results of experimental research involving tests of scaled reinforced concrete columns exposed to shock wave induced impulsive loads using the University of Ottawa Shock Tube. A total of 13 half-scale steel fibre reinforced concrete columns, 8 with normal strength steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) and 5 with an ultra high performance fibre reinforced concrete (UHPFRC), were constructed and tested under simulated blast pressures. The columns were designed according to CSA A23.3 standards for both seismic and non-seismic regions, using various fibre amounts and types. Each column was exposed to similar shock wave loads in order to provide direct comparisons between seismic and non-seismically detailed columns, amount of steel fibres, type of steel fibres, and type of concrete. The dynamic response of the columns tested in the experimental program is predicted by generating dynamic load-deformation resistance functions for SFRC and UHPFRC columns and using single degree of freedom dynamic analysis software, RCBlast. The analytical results are compared to experimental data, and shown to accurately predict the maximum mid-span displacements of the fibre reinforced concrete columns under shock wave loading.

Thesis (M.S.)--Mississippi State University. Department of Civil Engineering. / Title from title screen. Includes bibliographical references.

A special problem in many reinforced concrete structures built in the 1970s and earlier is the lack of continuity between elements. Continuity is a characteristic of structures essential to preventing collapse. Therefore, in extreme loading conditions such as loss of a column support due to terrorist attack or if earthquake or other extreme actions occur, the structures could be vulnerable to collapse. The study reported here focused on two structural discontinuities in existing reinforced concrete structures, discontinuity in bottom reinforcement in beams (horizontal discontinuity) and poorly detailed lap splices in columns (vertical discontinuity). The objective of this study was to develop rehabilitation methods using CFRP to provide continuity of reinforcement in existing structures. To develop the rehabilitation methods, two separate experimental studies were conducted using beam and column specimens. CFRP materials were applied to the bottom or side face of a beam and anchored using CFRP anchors or U-wraps to provide horizontal continuity in bottom reinforcement and tested under dynamic loading. After CFRP rehabilitation, the ductility of the bottom reinforcement and large rotational capacity of the beam were realized. CFRP materials were also applied to the lap splice region in square and rectangular columns which exhibited a brittle splice failure as-built. After rehabilitating the columns using CFRP jackets and anchors, the failure mode changed from a brittle splice failure to yield of column reinforcement, and the strength and deformation capacity were improved under both monotonic and cyclic loading. Based on the results of beam and column tests, design guidelines for CFRP rehabilitation were proposed. Horizontal and vertical continuities can be provided through the use of CFRP for rehabilitating existing reinforced concrete structures that were designed prior to the introduction of codes that require continuous reinforcement along members and between adjacent members. The vulnerability of such structures to collapse can be reduced through rehabilitation. / text