O fenômeno de fadiga é caracterizado pela deterioração estrutural que um material está sujeito quando submetido a um estado de tensões e de deformações repetidas, resultando assim, em um trincamento do pavimento, que pode até culminar na sua ruptura após um número suficiente de repetições de carregamento. Este processo é considerado como sendo a perda de resistência do material quando solicitado por uma carga repetida. Conhecer a resistência à fadiga de misturas asfálticas torna-se relevante para a formulação das misturas, para o dimensionamento de uma estrutura ou para a escolha de uma adequada solução em uma obra de recuperação do pavimento de uma rodovia. O ensaio laboratorial mais utilizado no Brasil para analisar a fadiga de misturas é o de tração indireta por compressão diametral em corpos de prova cilíndricos, contudo este ensaio apresenta algumas variáveis que diferenciam os resultados obtidos em laboratório com a realidade apresentada em campo. Neste sentido, o presente trabalho analisou o comportamento à fadiga, através do ensaio de flexão em viga quatro pontos, de duas misturas asfálticas: concreto asfáltico com ligante modificado por polímero (COMPAFLEX 60/85) e concreto asfáltico com ligante modificado por polímero e adição de TLA (CAP TLA FLEX). Para obter as vigas de mistura asfáltica optou-se por utilizar uma metodologia de moldagem e compactação das placas em uma usina de asfalto. Após este processo as placas foram serradas para obtenção das vigas nos tamanhos definidos, sendo estas amostras ensaiadas para verificação da densidade aparente e grau de compactação. Com o intuito de atingir o objetivo proposto foram realizados ensaios de fadiga à flexão em quatro pontos, sob modo de carregamento à deformação e tensão controlada, ensaios de fadiga por compressão diametral (tensão controlada) e ensaios de resistência à tração, sendo estes realizados à temperatura de 25°C. Também foi determinado o módulo dinâmico das misturas estudadas para as temperaturas de 15°C, 20°C e 25°C. Os resultados obtidos demonstram que a metodologia escolhida para a moldagem e compactação das placas foi adequada, pois as amostras apresentaram valores de volume de vazios, densidade aparente e grau de compactação semelhantes aos estabelecidos nos projetos das misturas. Em relação aos resultados obtidos nos ensaios de fadiga por compressão diametral a mistura CA-TLA obteve valores de vida de fadiga superiores em relação à mistura CA-E, enquanto no ensaio de flexão em quatro pontos, à deformação controlada, a mistura CA-E apresentou maiores vidas de fadiga. Os resultados dos ensaios de módulo dinâmico das misturas CA-TLA e CA-E foram apresentados através das representações clássicas nas curvas isotérmica, frequência‐temperatura, isócrona, espaço de Black e plano cole‐cole, mostrando que a mistura CA-TLA apresentou maior rigidez em relação a mistura CA-E. / The phenomenon of fatigue is characterized by structural deterioration when a material is subjected to a state of repeated stress and strain cycles, thus resulting in cracking of the pavement which may even result in its failure after a sufficient number of load repetitions. Considering the fatigue resistance of asphalt mixtures becomes relevant for the formulation of mixes, for the design of a pavement structure or for choosing an adequate solution for pavement rehabilitation in highways. The laboratory test commonly employed in Brazil to analyze the fatigue life of asphalt mixes is the indirect tensile test by diametrical compression in cylindrical specimens. However, this test presents some variables that differentiate the results obtained in laboratory with the in situ loading conditions. In this sense, the present work examined the fatigue behavior, through the four points bending beam test, in two asphalt mixtures: asphalt concrete with binder modified by polymer (COMPAFLEX 60/85) and asphalt concrete with binder modified by polymer and TLA (CAP TLA FLEX) addition. To obtain the beams of asphalt mixture, it was chosen to use a methodology of molding and compaction of the slabs in an asphalt plant, after this process the slabs were sawn in order to obtain the beams in set sizes, and these samples tested to verify the apparent density and degree of compaction. For the research, flexural fatigue tests were conducted in four points bending beam under controlled strain and stress modes, fatigue tests by diametrical compression (stress controlled) and tensile strength tests, all these conducted at a temperature of 25°C. It was also determined dynamic modulus of the mixtures at temperatures of 15°C, 20°C and 25°C. The results show that the methodology chosen for molding and compaction of the plates were appropriate because the samples showed targeted values of void volume, bulk density and degree of compaction, similar to those established in the mix design. Regarding the results obtained in fatigue tests by diametrical compression the mixture CA-TLA obtained values higher fatigue life compared to the mix CA-E, while in the bending test on four points, the controlled deformation, the mixture CA-E showed higher fatigue lifes. The test results of dynamic modulus of mixtures CA-TLA and CA-E were presented through classical representations of the isotherm curves, frequencytemperature, isochrone, Black space and cole-cole plane, showing that mixture CA-TLA presented higher stiffness in relation to mixture CA-E.

O fenômeno de fadiga é caracterizado pela deterioração estrutural que um material está sujeito quando submetido a um estado de tensões e de deformações repetidas, resultando assim, em um trincamento do pavimento, que pode até culminar na sua ruptura após um número suficiente de repetições de carregamento. Este processo é considerado como sendo a perda de resistência do material quando solicitado por uma carga repetida. Conhecer a resistência à fadiga de misturas asfálticas torna-se relevante para a formulação das misturas, para o dimensionamento de uma estrutura ou para a escolha de uma adequada solução em uma obra de recuperação do pavimento de uma rodovia. O ensaio laboratorial mais utilizado no Brasil para analisar a fadiga de misturas é o de tração indireta por compressão diametral em corpos de prova cilíndricos, contudo este ensaio apresenta algumas variáveis que diferenciam os resultados obtidos em laboratório com a realidade apresentada em campo. Neste sentido, o presente trabalho analisou o comportamento à fadiga, através do ensaio de flexão em viga quatro pontos, de duas misturas asfálticas: concreto asfáltico com ligante modificado por polímero (COMPAFLEX 60/85) e concreto asfáltico com ligante modificado por polímero e adição de TLA (CAP TLA FLEX). Para obter as vigas de mistura asfáltica optou-se por utilizar uma metodologia de moldagem e compactação das placas em uma usina de asfalto. Após este processo as placas foram serradas para obtenção das vigas nos tamanhos definidos, sendo estas amostras ensaiadas para verificação da densidade aparente e grau de compactação. Com o intuito de atingir o objetivo proposto foram realizados ensaios de fadiga à flexão em quatro pontos, sob modo de carregamento à deformação e tensão controlada, ensaios de fadiga por compressão diametral (tensão controlada) e ensaios de resistência à tração, sendo estes realizados à temperatura de 25°C. Também foi determinado o módulo dinâmico das misturas estudadas para as temperaturas de 15°C, 20°C e 25°C. Os resultados obtidos demonstram que a metodologia escolhida para a moldagem e compactação das placas foi adequada, pois as amostras apresentaram valores de volume de vazios, densidade aparente e grau de compactação semelhantes aos estabelecidos nos projetos das misturas. Em relação aos resultados obtidos nos ensaios de fadiga por compressão diametral a mistura CA-TLA obteve valores de vida de fadiga superiores em relação à mistura CA-E, enquanto no ensaio de flexão em quatro pontos, à deformação controlada, a mistura CA-E apresentou maiores vidas de fadiga. Os resultados dos ensaios de módulo dinâmico das misturas CA-TLA e CA-E foram apresentados através das representações clássicas nas curvas isotérmica, frequência‐temperatura, isócrona, espaço de Black e plano cole‐cole, mostrando que a mistura CA-TLA apresentou maior rigidez em relação a mistura CA-E. / The phenomenon of fatigue is characterized by structural deterioration when a material is subjected to a state of repeated stress and strain cycles, thus resulting in cracking of the pavement which may even result in its failure after a sufficient number of load repetitions. Considering the fatigue resistance of asphalt mixtures becomes relevant for the formulation of mixes, for the design of a pavement structure or for choosing an adequate solution for pavement rehabilitation in highways. The laboratory test commonly employed in Brazil to analyze the fatigue life of asphalt mixes is the indirect tensile test by diametrical compression in cylindrical specimens. However, this test presents some variables that differentiate the results obtained in laboratory with the in situ loading conditions. In this sense, the present work examined the fatigue behavior, through the four points bending beam test, in two asphalt mixtures: asphalt concrete with binder modified by polymer (COMPAFLEX 60/85) and asphalt concrete with binder modified by polymer and TLA (CAP TLA FLEX) addition. To obtain the beams of asphalt mixture, it was chosen to use a methodology of molding and compaction of the slabs in an asphalt plant, after this process the slabs were sawn in order to obtain the beams in set sizes, and these samples tested to verify the apparent density and degree of compaction. For the research, flexural fatigue tests were conducted in four points bending beam under controlled strain and stress modes, fatigue tests by diametrical compression (stress controlled) and tensile strength tests, all these conducted at a temperature of 25°C. It was also determined dynamic modulus of the mixtures at temperatures of 15°C, 20°C and 25°C. The results show that the methodology chosen for molding and compaction of the plates were appropriate because the samples showed targeted values of void volume, bulk density and degree of compaction, similar to those established in the mix design. Regarding the results obtained in fatigue tests by diametrical compression the mixture CA-TLA obtained values higher fatigue life compared to the mix CA-E, while in the bending test on four points, the controlled deformation, the mixture CA-E showed higher fatigue lifes. The test results of dynamic modulus of mixtures CA-TLA and CA-E were presented through classical representations of the isotherm curves, frequencytemperature, isochrone, Black space and cole-cole plane, showing that mixture CA-TLA presented higher stiffness in relation to mixture CA-E.

Submitted by Geyciane Santos (geyciane_thamires@hotmail.com) on 2015-10-02T14:43:08Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação - Antonio Cleiton Lopes da Silva.pdf: 4158609 bytes, checksum: df0a9c601a830a898dc186dd5c7baec7 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Divisão de Documentação/BC Biblioteca Central (ddbc@ufam.edu.br) on 2015-10-02T20:01:05Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação - Antonio Cleiton Lopes da Silva.pdf: 4158609 bytes, checksum: df0a9c601a830a898dc186dd5c7baec7 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Divisão de Documentação/BC Biblioteca Central (ddbc@ufam.edu.br) on 2015-10-02T20:07:10Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação - Antonio Cleiton Lopes da Silva.pdf: 4158609 bytes, checksum: df0a9c601a830a898dc186dd5c7baec7 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-10-02T20:07:11Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação - Antonio Cleiton Lopes da Silva.pdf: 4158609 bytes, checksum: df0a9c601a830a898dc186dd5c7baec7 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-03-31 / CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / In mechanistic analysis, the complex modulus is a parameter of fundamental importance for the construction of constitutive models of the behavior of asphalt concrete. Among the more modern options for obtaining it, are the bending tests to four points, widespread in Europe. As an alternative to national evaluation of these parameters, in this study is carried out four-points bending tests to obtain the dynamic modulus and phase angle of the asphalt concrete, employing conditions representative of the Amazônia on the coarse aggregate and temperature on the road surface, with almost 60 ° C for many hours a day. As aggregate, against a regional shortage of stone material, we used the ASAC - Synthesized Calcined Clay Aggregate, promising material in front of plenty of raw materials and feasibility financial and technical. As a result of the tests, it has been found dynamic modulus and phase angle at different frequencies and temperatures. Master curves were constructed by applying the principle of time-temperature superposition and data fit to a phenomenological model representing the dynamic module by a continuous function. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that some imperfections recorded by the device in low loads are not only noise or errors but arise from interference of natural vibration of the beam. Finally, considering the local conditions of temperature and traffic, the dynamic module presented abrupt change, showing a drop of up to 93.3 % in value, in which the surface appears very susceptible to permanent deformation, recurring problem in pavements local asphalt. / Na análise mecanicista, o módulo complexo é um parâmetro de importância fundamental para construção de modelos constitutivos do comportamento do concreto asfáltico. Dentre as opções mais modernas para sua obtenção, encontram-se os testes de flexão a quatro pontos, amplamente difundidos pela Europa. Como alternativa nacional para avaliação desses parâmetros, no presente estudo realiza-se testes de flexão a quatro pontos para obtenção do módulo dinâmico e ângulo de fase do concreto asfáltico, empregando-se condições representativas da Amazônia no tocante ao agregado graúdo e temperatura, que na superfície dos pavimentos alcança quase 60°C por longas horas do dia. Como agregado graúdo, ante a escassez regional de material pétreo, utilizou-se o ASAC – Agregado Sinterizado de Argila Calcinada, material promissor diante da abundância de matéria prima e viabilidade financeira e técnica. Como resultado dos testes, obteve-se pontualmente o módulo dinâmico e ângulo de fase a diversas frequências e temperaturas. Construíram-se curvas mestras aplicando-se o princípio da superposição tempo-temperatura e ajustaram-se os dados a um modelo fenomenológico, representando-se o módulo dinâmico por uma função contínua. Além disso, demonstrou-se que algumas imperfeições registradas pelo equipamento em condições de baixas solicitações não são apenas ruídos ou erros, mas decorrem da interferência da vibração natural da viga. Por fim, consideradas as condições locais de temperatura e tráfego, o módulo dinâmico apresentou variações abruptas, apresentando queda de até 93,3% em seu valor, situação em que o pavimento apresenta-se muito suscetível a deformações permanentes, problema recorrente nos pavimentos asfálticos locais.

The Master’s thesis is focused on the research influence the dose and type of scattered reinforcement in a reference concrete on physical and mechanical properties of the resulting composite. The investigated properties of composite belongs compressive strength, tensile strength in the flexural and tensile strength in the transverse, static modulus of elasticity in compressive strength, dynamic modulus of elasticity determined using NDT tests. The reference concrete mixture is certified as structural concrete of the class, which is commonly used on construction sites.

This thesis quantifies the flexural behavior (strength, stiffness and failure) of IsoTruss®-reinforced concrete beam-columns for use in deep foundation pile applications. Four-point bending tests were performed in the laboratory on two instrumented carbon/epoxy IsoTruss® reinforced concrete piles (IRC piles) and two instrumented steel reinforced concrete piles (SRC piles). The piles were approximately 14 ft (4.3 m) in length and 14 in (36 cm) in diameter and were loaded to failure while monitoring load, deflection, and strain data. The steel and IsoTruss®® reinforcement cages were designed to have equal flexural stiffness to permit a relative strength comparison. Moment curvature diagrams reveal that the stiffness values were indeed close, verifying the design objective. At failure, the IsoTruss®-reinforced concrete beams held nearly twice the bending moment as the steel-reinforced concrete beams [1,719 kip-in vs. 895 kip-in (194 kN-m vs.101 kN-m)], although the failure modes were quite different. The SRC piles exhibited the traditional ductile failure behavior, as expected, while the IRC piles lacked ductility. The IRC pile deflections remained linear to failure, while the SRC piles yielded significantly. At 35 kips (165 kN), the maximum load on the SRC piles, the ductility of the SRC piles was twice that of the IRC piles (0.0084 and 0.0042, respectively). Toughness measurements reveal that due to the lack of ductility in the IRC piles, the SRC piles absorbed approximately twice as much energy as the IRC piles. Further investigations are required to explain the absence of ductility in the IRC piles, since ductility has been observed in other IsoTruss®-reinforced concrete structures in flexure. Even with this low level of ductility, the IRC piles are substantially stronger than the SRC piles and provide an alternative for use in deep foundation environments. Not only is the IRC pile strong enough for the job, but the IsoTruss® reinforcement is approximately 62% lighter, more rigid, and more corrosion resistant than the steel reinforcement.

This thesis provides an approach to incorporate natural composites like Flax Fiber using a resin with 30% bio-content to enhance the packaging boxes made of corrugated cardboard. The objective of introducing natural composite skins is to reduce/eliminate the compressive loading subjected to the boxes while stacking in warehouses.

Corrosion of steel reinforcement has been identified as one of the major problems facing many existing reinforced concrete structures including bridges. The exposure to aggressive environmental conditions such as those with high concentrations of chloride ions due to the use of de-icing salt in cold regions or high concentrations of carbon dioxide due to increased greenhouse gas emissions, accelerate the initiation process of corrosion. As corrosion initiates, the structural performance in terms of load-carrying capacity, ductility, and service life deteriorate over time. Coupling the effect of reinforcement corrosion with service loads may further weaken the structural performance of reinforced concrete bridges due to the presence of transverse load-induced cracks. Accordingly, a research program was conducted to evaluate the structural performance of reinforced concrete beams subjected to coupled effects of service loads and reinforcement corrosion. The research project consisted of combined experimental and numerical investigations. The experimental phase consisted of tests of nine small-scale beams and six large-scale beams. The beams were designed, constructed, instrumented, and loaded under a four-point load test. The primary test variables were the applied corrosion current density, level of corrosion, and level of sustained loading as percentage of beam ultimate capacity (0% Pu, 40% Pu, and 60% Pu). The corrosion level of steel reinforcement was quantitatively assessed using gravimetric weight measurements and three-dimensional laser scanner technique. Test results indicated that failure of corroded RC beams was brittle due to premature rupture of corroded steel bars, which was attributed to the development of localized corrosion at the sections with flexural cracks in beams. Furthermore, it was found that beams subjected to higher levels of service loads, experienced further reductions in ultimate load capacity and ductility. In addition, tensile tests were used to evaluate the effect of corrosion on the mechanical performance of steel bars retrieved from the corroded beams. It was found that the tensile strength of corroded steel bars, based on nominal sectional area, was reduced with the increase of corrosion levels. In contrast, the tensile strength, based on minimum sectional area, was not influenced by the non-uniform distribution and localization of corrosion. In fact, there was a slight increase in strength with the increase of corrosion levels. The numerical phase consisted of finite element analyses of beams using DIANA FE analysis software. A simplified approach was implemented to introduce the damage induced by corrosion into two-dimensional nonlinear FE models, based on the experimental testing of corroded beams and corroded steel bars. The analyses were reasonably accurate in predicting cracking patterns, residual load capacity, residual ductility, and failure modes of corroded beams. Subsequently, the validated model was used to conduct a parametric study on the level of service loads, level of corrosion, strength of concrete, and tensile reinforcement ratio. It was found that the FE model of corroded beams was strongly influenced by the level of service loads, level of corrosion, and tensile reinforcement ratio.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / This thesis provides an approach to incorporate natural composites like Flax Fiber using a resin with 30% bio-content to enhance the packaging boxes made of corrugated cardboard. The objective of introducing natural composite skins is to reduce/eliminate the compressive loading subjected to the boxes while stacking in warehouses.

A reciclagem de pavimentos com adição de cimento Portland é uma técnica que permite reutilizar estruturas degradadas de pavimentos flexíveis na conformação de uma nova camada estabilizada. Seu dimensionamento, no Brasil, tem sido abordado de forma empírica. Entretanto, os métodos racionais desenvolvidos para pavimentos semirrígidos estão baseados principalmente na previsão da vida de fadiga das camadas cimentadas, associada ao nível de deformação atuante na sua fibra inferior. Com o intuito de contribuir no desenvolvimento de um método de dimensionamento de pavimentos com camadas recicladas com adição de cimento, a pesquisa relatada nesta dissertação teve como objetivo principal o estudo laboratorial do comportamento a fadiga de misturas constituídas por fresado asfáltico (20%, 50% e 70%), brita graduada e cimento Portland (teores de 2% e 4%). O programa experimental foi baseado no protocolo para caraterização de materiais cimentados da Austroads (2008; 2012), para ensaios estáticos e de fadiga, além de recomendações para caracterização flexural da JCI (1984), procurando-se avaliar a sua aplicabilidade. Os ensaios de fadiga foram realizados em vigotas com dimensões 10 cm x 10 cm x 40 cm, curadas por pelo menos 28 dias. O modo dos ensaios foi o de tensão controlada como função da resistência à tração na flexão, previamente determinada. O sistema de carregamento é conhecido como fadiga a 4 pontos. Foram obtidos modelos de fadiga em função da tensão de tração atuante, da deformação inicial e da energia dissipada inicial. Os resultados dos ensaios estáticos indicam a predominante influência do teor cimento na resistência a tração na flexão das misturas (valores entre 0,21 MPa e 1,53 MPa), enquanto a porcentagem de fresado tem efeito significativo na deformação de ruptura, tornando as misturas mais dúcteis, e no Módulo de Elasticidade Flexural (que variou entre 1483 MPa e 12800 MPa). No caso dos ensaios de fadiga, os Módulos de Resiliência Flexural iniciais (valores entre 2913 MPa e 7725 MPa) mostraram-se mais dependentes do teor de cimento e independentes do nível de tensão. Nos modelos de fadiga obtidos, os valores dos exponentes de dano por deformação variaram entre 7 e 15, sendo próximos aos relatados pela Austroads para materiais cimentados. Esses modelos foram empregados na modelagem de estruturas de pavimento com camadas de base reciclada, de espessura de 18 cm a 40 cm, visando quantificar o efeito do teor de cimento e da porcentagem de fresado na vida de fadiga, bem como das espessuras da camada reciclada e da nova camada asfáltica sobrejacente. Observou-se que espessuras de camada reciclada inferiores a 30 cm terão curta vida de fadiga. Por outro lado, também ficou evidenciado que a vida de fadiga dessa camada depende significativamente da espessura da nova camada asfáltica sobrejacente, recomendando-se espessuras de no mínimo 10 cm. Finalmente, destaca-se que o volume de dados gerado durante os ensaios de fadiga, e seu processamento por meio de algoritmos desenvolvidos na pesquisa, permitiram abordar conceitos de energia dissipada, como aproximação à definição de critérios de micro e macrofissuração, o que mostrou a utilidade deste tipo de abordagem para futuras pesquisas. / Full-depth reclamation with Portland cement (FDR-C), is a technique allowing the reuse of flexible pavements damaged structures, in order to build a new stabilized layer. In Brazil, pavement design with FDR-C has been determined by empirical approaches. However, mechanistic approach developed for semi-rigid pavements mainly use fatigue relationships based on deformations occurring at the bottom of the cemented layer. In order to develop a pavement design method with FDR-C materials, this research work aimed to study, in laboratory, the fatigue behavior of FDR-C mixtures, for three cement grades (2 %, 4 % e 6 %) and three RAP (Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement) percentages (20 %, 50 % e 70 %).The experimental program was based on the protocol for the characterization of cemented materials of the Austroads (2008; 2012), for static and dynamic tests, and on the recommendations for flexural characterization of concrete reinforced with steel fibers, of the JCI (1984), evaluating the availability of these procedures. Fatigue tests were executed using beams (10 cm x 10 cm x 40 cm), static compacted and with a minimum curing time of 28 days. Stress controlled mode was used, based on flexural strength, previously determined. Loading system was a four-point bending test. Were developed fatigue strain, stress and dissipated energy relationships. Static tests results show that cement is the principal influence on the flexural strength of the mixtures (0.21 MPa up to 1.53 MPa), while the RAP have a major effect in the increasing of the tensile strains making it more ductile (flexural elastic modulus were 1483 MPa up to 12800 MPa). In the case of fatigue tests, flexural modulus were more dependent on the degree of cementation (2913 MPa up to 7725 MPa), and not on the applied stress level. About the fatigue models of FDR-C mixtures, strain damage exponents (7 up to 15) were similar to those reported by Austroads. Laboratory models based on strain were used in modeling of pavement structures, with a FDR-C base layer. Results showed benefits of thickness in FDR-C mixtures and asphalt layers (18 cm up to 40 cm), in order to evaluate the effect of the cement and RAP content on fatigue life, and FDR-C new asphalt thickness as well. This model highlights that FDR-C with a thickness inferior than 30 cm will have a shorter fatigue life. On the other side, was showed that the fatigue life of this layer mainly depends on new hot mix asphalt thickness layer (thickness recommended up to 10 cm). Finally, the volume of data generated during the fatigue tests and his processing through algorithms developed in research allowed using dissipated energy criteria as an approximation of the definition of micro and macro-cracking limits which indicate the utility of this methodology for future research. / El reciclaje de pavimentos con adición de cemento Portland es una técnica que permite la reutilización de estructuras degradadas de pavimentos flexibles para la conformación de una nueva capa estabilizada. Su diseño, en Brasil, ha sido abordado de forma empírica. Sin embargo, métodos racionales desarrollados para pavimentos semirrígidos están basados en la vida de fatiga de las capas cementadas, asociada al estado de deformaciones actuante en su base. Con el objetivo de contribuir al desarrollo de un método de dimensionamiento de pavimentos con capas recicladas con adición de cemento, la investigación relatada en esta disertación tuvo como objetivo principal el estudio laboratorial del comportamiento de fatiga de mezclas constituidas por fresado asfáltico (20%, 50% y 70%), base granular y cemento Portland (2%, 4 % y 6 %). El programa experimental fue basado en protocolos de caracterización de materiales cementados de la Austroads (2008, 2012), para ensayos estáticos y de fatiga, además de recomendaciones para caracterización flexural de concreto reforzado con fibras de acero de la JCI (1984), procurando evaluar su aplicabilidad. Los ensayos de fatiga fueron realizados en vigotas con dimensiones de 10 cm x 10 x cm x 40 cm, moldadas estáticamente y curadas por lo menos 28 días. El modo de carga fue de esfuerzo controlado en función de la resistencia de tracción en la flexión, previamente determinada. El sistema de carga es conocido como fatiga 4 puntos. Los resultados de los ensayos estáticos mostraron una influencia predominante del contenido de cemento respecto a la resistencia flexural de las mezclas (valores entre 0,21 MPa y 1,53 MPa), mientras que el material fresado tiene un efecto significativo en la deformación de tracción al tonar más dúctiles las mezclas, afectando módulo de elasticidad flexural (valores entre 1483 MPa y 12800 MPa). En el caso de los ensayos de fatiga, los Módulos de Resiliencia Flexural iniciales (valores entre2913 MPa y 7725 MPa) mostraron ser más dependientes del grado de cementación e independientes del nivel de esfuerzo aplicado. Los valores de los exponentes de daño por deformación en los modelos de fatiga, que variaron entre 7 y 15, fueron próximos a los relatados por la Austroads. Estos modelos fueron usados en la modelación de estructuras de pavimento con capas de base reciclada, de espesor entre 18 cm y 40 cm, buscando cuantificar el efecto del contenido de cemento y de fresado en la vida de fatiga. Se observó que espesores de la capa reciclada inferiores a 30 cm tendrán corta vida de fatiga. Por otro lado, fue evidenciado que la vida de fatiga de esta capa depende significativamente del espesor del nuevo revestimiento asfáltico, recomendándose espesores superiores a 10 cm. Finamente, se destaca que el volumen de datos generados durante los ensayos de fatiga y su procesamiento por medio de algoritmos desarrollados en la investigación permitieron abordar conceptos de energía disipada, como aproximación a la definición de criterios de micro y macro fractura que mostraron la utilidad de este tipo de metodologías para estudios futuros.

The continuing quest for higher performance levels of modern gas turbine engines has been accompanied by the demand for higher engine operating temperatures. The use of Thermal Barrier Coatings (TBCs) enabled gas turbines to operate at higher temperatures by protecting the blade material (nickel superalloy) while operating in extreme environments. The TBC system typically consists of a bond coat for protection of the nickel–based superalloy against oxidation followed by a top coat consisting of a thermally insulating zirconia-yttria. In addition to the complex gradation in phases, the coatings are subjected to continuous oxidation with service exposure, mechanical loading on rotating parts, fatigue, thermal mis-match and temperature gradients. Hence, the study of failure mechanisms of TBCs become important in deciding operational reliability and service life of the coating. As there are many systems in which the operating temperatures are not high enough to warrant the use of the top coat (ceramic layer), the study of failure mechanisms in superalloys coated with only the bond coat continue to be of great interest. The present work concentrates on the fracture behavior of NiAl bond coats on nickel superalloy and seeks to evaluate the fracture toughness of the coating through the use of micro-machined samples. A review of the relevant literature indicated that while a considerable body of work exists on bulk tests of failure (spalling, splitting, etc.), not much has been reported in the open literature on the evaluation of basic quantities such as the toughness of the coating itself. The present thesis seeks to establish a protocol for the evaluation of toughness and crack propagation mechanisms in coatings through a combination of micro-sample testing that allows fracture to be correlated with location in the film and the use of an analytical model to quantitatively evaluate stress intensity factors in a bi-material system. A system of NiAl coating produced by pack aluminizing is studied for the fracture properties of the coating. Specimen geometries are optimized to enable micro-cracks to be machined and propagated in a low load testing system, such as a depth sensing indenter, so that crack lengths (and position relative to the interface) can be correlated with load. To enable linear elastic theory to be used, dimensions are determined that allow fracture before general yielding. A three point bending test using miniaturized micro-beam specimens of ~ 4 X 0.3 X 0.3 mm is found to be suitable for the above purpose. The technique is a challenging one that requires focused ion beam machining (FIB) along with careful handling and alignment of small samples. The coatings are characterized for their microstructure by electron microscopy to identify compositional variation across the thickness and to determine the thickness of the coating and inter diffusion zone (IDZ). The crack advancement is monitored with increments of loading and the stress intensity factor is evaluated using a program written in “MAPLE” for an edge crack subjected to bending in a bilayered material. Surprisingly, fracture in this system is found to be stable owing to a gradual increase in toughness from the coating surface to the interface. Such an increase from less than 2 to more than 9 MPa m0.5 may be due to the increasing Ni/Al ratio across the thickness of the bond coat. Crack branching is observed as the crack approaches the IDZ and the reasons for such behaviour are not fully understood. This work establishes the viability of this technique to determine fracture properties in highly graded coated systems and may be readily extended to more complex coating architectures and other forms of loading such as cyclic, mixed mode, etc.