In this study, the mechanical properties of a fiber-reinforced cementitious composite (FRCC) were derived for specimens fabricated using two different methods of casting: conventional cast construction and pump-driven extrusion. Through the extrusion process, fibers are more likely to be oriented along the length of the member being cast and will therefore be more efficient since they are aligned parallel to the tensile stresses produced in flexure testing. The FRCC employed 0.5% and 1% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber reinforcement by volume. The flexural properties of FRCC were determined using four-point bend tests according to a modified ASTM C1609. Calculations included the modulus of rupture (MOR) and flexural toughness based on load-deflection curves. The fracture properties of FRCC were determined by using three-point bend tests on the same design but having notched beams using the two-parameter fracture model (TPFM). Calculations included the Mode I critical stress intensity factor (KIC), the critical crack tip opening displacement (CTODc), the strain energy release rate (GIC), and the total fracture energy (GF). The results show that enhanced ductility and post-peak behavior are achieved in concrete to which fibers have been added, as has been demonstrated in other studies, although this study further demonstrated how preferential fiber alignment produced via an extrusion can enhance fracture and flexural properties of cementitious composites. / Master of Science / Fiber-reinforced cementitious composite (FRCC) is a type of cementitious composite that contains fibers that are added to the mixture to improve its strength, durability, and ductility. One of the key factors of FRCC that affects its mechanical properties is the fiber alignment. Extrusion can be used as a method to preferentially align the fibers in order to maximize the benefit of fibers. Extruded FRCC can be pumped through a nozzle, making fiber alignment a convenient option for construction projects where traditional concrete placement methods would be difficult. One of the main benefits of aligning fibers in pump-extruded FRCC is that it can improve cementitious composites' fracture and flexural toughness. Fracture toughness refers to the ability of a material to resist crack propagation, while flexural toughness refers to its ability to withstand bending. By adding fibers to the mixture, the fibers act as reinforcement and help to distribute stress more evenly throughout the material, leading to increased strength and ductility. Furthermore, the alignment of fibers within the mixture also plays a critical role in the fracture and flexural strength of the material. Research has shown that when fibers are aligned in a specific direction, they can improve the tensile strength of the concrete and decrease the likelihood of crack propagation. This can be especially useful in structures that are exposed to seismic activity or long-lasting heavy loads. Overall, the use of pump extrusion-based method as a fiber alignment for FRCC can significantly improve the fracture and flexural strength of concrete. This makes it an attractive option for construction projects that require strong and durable members.

The presented research investigated the viability of a double-braided synthetic fiber rope for providing improved performance of steel moment frames subjected to earthquake-induced ground motions. A series of experimental tests, including a 1:3-scale dynamic test and 1:6-scale shaking table tests, was conducted using Northridge ground-motion input. A series of nonlinear dynamic analytical studies, using DRAIN-2DX, was conducted to develop the experimental tests. Throughout experimental testing, the ropes exhibited a hyper-elastic loading response and a reduced-stiffness unloading response. A conditioning cycle was defined as a loading cycle induced in the rope above the highest load expected to be experienced by the rope, and was determined to be requisite for ropes intended to be used for the stated objectives of the research program. After experiencing a conditioning cycle, the rope response returned to initial conditions without permanent deformation, demonstrating repeatability of response through several loading cycles below the conditioning load. In the 1:6-scale shaking-table experiments, the ropes drastically improved the performance of the steel moment frames. Maximum and residual drift were reduced significantly, with a corresponding minimal increase to the maximum base shear. Base shear was reduced at several peaks subsequent to the initial pulse of the Northridge ground-motion input. The analytical model developed was excellent for predicting elastic response of the 1:6-scale shaking table experiments and adequate for the purpose of planning shaking table studies. Correlation of peak rope forces between the analytical model and experimental results was poor, and was attributed to limitations of the pre-defined elements used to represent the rope devices in the software program. The inability of the elements to capture the complex unloading response of the rope was specifically noted. / Ph. D.

La retracción es un fenómeno que afecta el proceso de fraguado y la vida útil del concreto con la aparición de fisuras; en los últimos años se han generado estudios y métodos para mitigarlo y controlarlo con el uso de diferentes productos y métodos. El desarrollo de infraestructuras viales con el uso de concreto como carpeta de rodadura, requiere de métodos para garantizar la durabilidad y disminuir las afectaciones por los esfuerzos incorporados por el uso, condiciones climáticas, base de soporte y restricciones de movimiento de la estructura. A pesar del conocimiento de este fenómeno, existe poco desarrollo técnico para medirla, estudiarla y controlarla. Por lo descrito anteriormente, surge la necesidad de investigar, ampliar el conocimiento y buscar métodos experimentales para medir y comprender el comportamiento de la contracción en el concreto usado en pavimentos. El proyecto de investigación académica busca evaluar los efectos de las fibras sintéticas recicladas de polipropileno en los ensayos de contracción- retracción plástica (ASTM C 1579), y se plantea la preparación de 3 diseños de mezclas con diferentes relaciones de fibras sintéticas recicladas y vírgenes. Existen otros métodos de evaluación (contracción libre y contracción restringida) para precisar los efectos de las fibras sintéticas en la aparición de fisuras en estado plástico y endurecido, quedarán propuestos para realizar las demostraciones en futuras investigaciones. / Use of synthetic fibers of recycled polypropylene to control the fissures generated by retraction in concrete pavements in Lima. The retraction is a phenomenon that affects the setting process and the life of the concrete with the appearance of cracks; In recent years, studies and methods have been generated to mitigate and control it with the use of different products and methods. The development of road infrastructures with the use of concrete as a rolling folder requires methods to guarantee durability and reduce the effects of the efforts incorporated by the use, climatic conditions, support base and movement restrictions of the structure. Despite the knowledge of this phenomenon, there is little technical development to measure, study and control it. As described above, the need arises to investigate, expand knowledge and seek experimental methods to measure and understand the behavior of contraction in the concrete used in pavements. The academic research project seeks to evaluate the effects of recycled synthetic fibers of polypropylene in the contraction-plastic shrinkage tests (ASTM C 1579), and the preparation of 3 designs of mixtures with different ratios of recycled and virgin synthetic fibers is proposed. There are other methods of evaluation (free contraction and restricted contraction) to specify the effects of synthetic fibers in the appearance of cracks in plastic and hardened state, will be proposed to perform the demonstrations in future research / Tesis

La ductilité et la capacité à dissiper de l'énergie sont deux qualités très importantes pour les éléments structuraux des structures situées dans les régions sismiques comme l'est du Canada. Soulignons que Montréal occupe la deuxieme place en ce qui a trait au risque sismique au Canada. De plus, la réduction des coûts de maintenance des infrastructures est un sujet d'intérêt pour les propriétaries alors que ces derniers doivent en tout temps garantir la sécurité des usagers. Or, le béton renforcé avec des fibres synthétiques semble être un matériau qui remplit ces caractéristiques. Pourtant, son utilisation est actuellement limitée aux éléments non structuraux ou structuraux mais non principaux. Afin de généraliser l'utilisation du béton fibre dans le domaine structural, il faut continuer à produire et à analyser des données expérimentales qui permettront de valider et d'améliorer les prescriptions de design et les modèles analytiques actuels pour la conception des éléments en béton armé avec des fibres dans les zones sismiques. Dans ce contexte, six poteaux circulaires à grande-échelle ont été testés sous une charge axiale constante (25% de Agf'c) et en flexion cyclique. Trois poteaux ont été confectionnés en béton normal (BN) et les trois autres en béton renforcé avec des fibres synthétiques (BRFS). La résistance à la compression du béton spécifiée à 28 jours pour les spécimens était de 30 MPa. Le volume de fibres synthétiques en polypropylène-polyéthylène utilisé a été de 1%. Les trois poteaux en BN étaient renforcés par une armature transversale constituée d'une spirale ayant un pas de 42, 75 et 100 mm respectivement. Ces trois spécimens ont été comparés avec des spécimens similaires en BRFS. Les résultats montrent que la présence des fibres synthétiques dans la matrice de béton améliore le comportement ductile et la capacité a dissiper de l'énergie des spécimens. Il a été observé que cette amélioration n'est pas directement proportionnelle à la quantité d'armature transversale. Toutefois, l'utilisation du béton fibre semble rendre possible une réduction de l'armature transversale tout en conservant un aussi bon sinon un meilleur comportement.

Den här studien är under projektet MinShed som drivs av RISE. MinShed är ett 3årigt projekt som undersöker mikroplastemission från syntetiska textilier vid tvätt. Den här studien har som syfte att genomföra en Critical Review på tidigare studier inom ämnet: Olika syntetiska material som släpper mikroplaster via hushållstvätt. Samtliga studier har sammanfattats i en framtagen matris där information om studiernas materialdata presenteras. Den främsta anledningen till varför en sådan matris ska presenteras är för att finna textilteknologiska gap som existerar i nuvarande forskning. Vad som omfattar textilteknologi kommer förklaringar ges mer ingående under litteraturgenomgången. I dagsläget finns det inte tillräckligt spårbara material för existerande forskning, därav är det svårt att avgöra exakt vilka textilparametrar som orsakar mer eller mindre emission vid tvätt. Därför kan företag heller inte prioritera smartare designval för att reducera mikroplastemission. Av de18 undersökta studierna var det enbart 2 av dessa som hade full kontroll överprovmaterialet. Detta betyder att ytterligare forskning inom området är aktuellt. Vad som kan hindra forskningen att utvecklas är förnärvarande textilbranschen. Det finns ingen trovärdig uppsikt över textilmaterial och dess processer, vilket försvårarutförandet att spåra de textilparametrar som orsakar emission vid tvätt. För att dra slutsatser mellan emission och konstruktionsparametrar för textil så bör man i framtiden tänka på att enbart testa en parameter åt gången. Utifrån resultatet från denna studie rekommenderas en egen tillverkning av materialet för att få en spårbartextilproduktion, då det ger ett mer trovärdigt resultat på grund av mer kontroll över processerna som textiler genomgår. / This study is performed under the project MinShed run by RISE. MinShed is a 3-year project that investigates in Microplastics emissions from synthetic textiles during domestic washing. The aim of the study is to do a Critical Review on previous research in the subject: Various synthetic materials that release microplastics during domestic laundry. The previous research is presented in a matrix, where information about the presented by the investigated laundry parameters, as well as the textile parameters. The main reason why such matrix is needed is to find the gap that contains the textile parameters for the various researches. Some of the most important textile parameters will be described during the literature review. At present, there is not enough traceable material for existing research, hence it is difficult to determine exactly which textile parameters which cause during washing. Therefore, companies cannot prioritize smarter design choices in order to reduce microplastics emissions from the materials. Of the 18research studies which were analyzed, only 2 of them had full control over their sample material. This means that further research in this area is needed. What can prevent future research is currently the textile industry. There is no reliable oversight of textile materials and their processes, which makes it difficult to track textile parameters that cause emission when washing. In order to be able to draw conclusions between emission and textile design parameters, researchers should remember to test only one parameter at a time and have an inhouse or own production of the specimens, this will give a better control of the results.