Os parâmetros obtidos nos resultados de ensaios triaxiais de módulo de resiliência em solos têm sido cada vez mais utilizados no dimensionamento de pavimentos. Estes parâmetros são fundamentais em análises estruturais e mecanísticas de pavimentos. Pelas normas atuais o ensaio pode ser realizado em diversos tamanhos de corpo-de-prova contanto que respeite a relação entre diâmetro por altura 1:2 e a relação tamanho máximo de partícula por diâmetro do corpo-de-prova 1:5. O objetivo deste trabalho é compreender como variam os resultados de módulo de resiliência quando os ensaios são realizados em diferentes tamanhos de corpode- prova. Para realizar esta pesquisa foram utilizados quatro solos distintos ensaiados em corpos-de-prova de 7,5 x 15 cm, 10 x 20 cm e 15 x 30 cm. Os solos escolhidos foram uma areia, um solo arenoso fino laterítico, um solo argiloso e um solo residual de granito (saibro). Todos os quatro solos são utilizados como materiais para pavimentação e são provenientes do estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Os materiais foram caracterizados por ensaios de granulometria, peso específico real dos grãos e limites de liquidez e plasticidade. Foram realizados ensaios de compactação nas energias normal e intermediária obtendo-se assim os parâmetros de compactação para os ensaios triaxiais. Em dois dos quatro solos da pesquisa ainda se realizou ensaios de classificação MCT. Os ensaios triaxiais foram realizados com os quatro solos, em três tamanhos e com duas energias de compactação, totalizando 24 ensaios. Após revisão bibliográfica sobre modelos matemáticos de regressão, decidiu-se interpretar os resultados pelos modelos Tensão Confinante, Tensão Desvio, Modelo Teta e Modelo Composto. Dentre os quatro modelos utilizados, o Modelo Composto obteve os melhores resultados de ajuste. Realizaram-se análises dos parâmetros obtidos nos modelos pela variação do tamanho de corpo-de-prova, onde se observou um pequeno aumento dos valores de MR quando ensaiados em corpos-de-prova maiores. Realizou-se ainda uma comparação estatística entre os resultados dos ensaios triaxiais em que a principal conclusão foi de que a areia, dentre os quatro solos estudados, é considerada o único material que não varia seus módulos conforme o ensaio é realizado em diferentes tamanhos de corpo-de-prova. / The results of resilient modulus test of soils have been increasingly used in pavement design, once they are fundamental in structural and mechanistic analysis of pavements. By the current standards/protocols, the test may be performed in various sizes of test specimens as long as it respects the relationship between diameter and height ratio 1:2 and the relationship between maximum particle size and diameter of the test specimen 1:5. The aim of this study is to understand how the results of resilient modulus vary when the tests are conducted in different sizes of test specimen. In order to conduct this research, four different types of soil were used and tested in specimens of 7.5 x 15 cm, 10 x 20 cm and 15 x 30 cm. The soils chosen were sand, fine sandy lateritic soil, clayey soil and residual soil of granite (gravel). All the four soils are used for pavement materials and are original from the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The tests carried out for characterization of the materials include: grain size distribution, physical characterization and Atterberg limits. Proctor compaction test were performed in two different energies, thus obtaining the compression parameters for the compaction of the specimen. Additionally, in two of the four soils of the research, experiments of MCT classification were carried out. The resilient modulus tests were performed with the four soils in three sizes and in two compaction energies, totalizing 24 experiments. After reviewing the literature on regression mathematical models, it was decided to interpret the results from models of Confining Pressure, Deviation Stress, Teta Model and Composted Model. Among the four models used, the Composted Model showed the best fitting results. Analysis were performed considering coefficients obtained in the models versus the size of the specimen. A small increase in resilient modulus values was noticed for experiments performed with larger samples. A statistical comparison between the results of the resilient modulus tests was performed, and the main conclusion was that the sand is considered the only material among the four soils that do not vary its modules as the test is performed on different sizes of specimen.

Os parâmetros obtidos nos resultados de ensaios triaxiais de módulo de resiliência em solos têm sido cada vez mais utilizados no dimensionamento de pavimentos. Estes parâmetros são fundamentais em análises estruturais e mecanísticas de pavimentos. Pelas normas atuais o ensaio pode ser realizado em diversos tamanhos de corpo-de-prova contanto que respeite a relação entre diâmetro por altura 1:2 e a relação tamanho máximo de partícula por diâmetro do corpo-de-prova 1:5. O objetivo deste trabalho é compreender como variam os resultados de módulo de resiliência quando os ensaios são realizados em diferentes tamanhos de corpode- prova. Para realizar esta pesquisa foram utilizados quatro solos distintos ensaiados em corpos-de-prova de 7,5 x 15 cm, 10 x 20 cm e 15 x 30 cm. Os solos escolhidos foram uma areia, um solo arenoso fino laterítico, um solo argiloso e um solo residual de granito (saibro). Todos os quatro solos são utilizados como materiais para pavimentação e são provenientes do estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Os materiais foram caracterizados por ensaios de granulometria, peso específico real dos grãos e limites de liquidez e plasticidade. Foram realizados ensaios de compactação nas energias normal e intermediária obtendo-se assim os parâmetros de compactação para os ensaios triaxiais. Em dois dos quatro solos da pesquisa ainda se realizou ensaios de classificação MCT. Os ensaios triaxiais foram realizados com os quatro solos, em três tamanhos e com duas energias de compactação, totalizando 24 ensaios. Após revisão bibliográfica sobre modelos matemáticos de regressão, decidiu-se interpretar os resultados pelos modelos Tensão Confinante, Tensão Desvio, Modelo Teta e Modelo Composto. Dentre os quatro modelos utilizados, o Modelo Composto obteve os melhores resultados de ajuste. Realizaram-se análises dos parâmetros obtidos nos modelos pela variação do tamanho de corpo-de-prova, onde se observou um pequeno aumento dos valores de MR quando ensaiados em corpos-de-prova maiores. Realizou-se ainda uma comparação estatística entre os resultados dos ensaios triaxiais em que a principal conclusão foi de que a areia, dentre os quatro solos estudados, é considerada o único material que não varia seus módulos conforme o ensaio é realizado em diferentes tamanhos de corpo-de-prova. / The results of resilient modulus test of soils have been increasingly used in pavement design, once they are fundamental in structural and mechanistic analysis of pavements. By the current standards/protocols, the test may be performed in various sizes of test specimens as long as it respects the relationship between diameter and height ratio 1:2 and the relationship between maximum particle size and diameter of the test specimen 1:5. The aim of this study is to understand how the results of resilient modulus vary when the tests are conducted in different sizes of test specimen. In order to conduct this research, four different types of soil were used and tested in specimens of 7.5 x 15 cm, 10 x 20 cm and 15 x 30 cm. The soils chosen were sand, fine sandy lateritic soil, clayey soil and residual soil of granite (gravel). All the four soils are used for pavement materials and are original from the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The tests carried out for characterization of the materials include: grain size distribution, physical characterization and Atterberg limits. Proctor compaction test were performed in two different energies, thus obtaining the compression parameters for the compaction of the specimen. Additionally, in two of the four soils of the research, experiments of MCT classification were carried out. The resilient modulus tests were performed with the four soils in three sizes and in two compaction energies, totalizing 24 experiments. After reviewing the literature on regression mathematical models, it was decided to interpret the results from models of Confining Pressure, Deviation Stress, Teta Model and Composted Model. Among the four models used, the Composted Model showed the best fitting results. Analysis were performed considering coefficients obtained in the models versus the size of the specimen. A small increase in resilient modulus values was noticed for experiments performed with larger samples. A statistical comparison between the results of the resilient modulus tests was performed, and the main conclusion was that the sand is considered the only material among the four soils that do not vary its modules as the test is performed on different sizes of specimen.

Os parâmetros obtidos nos resultados de ensaios triaxiais de módulo de resiliência em solos têm sido cada vez mais utilizados no dimensionamento de pavimentos. Estes parâmetros são fundamentais em análises estruturais e mecanísticas de pavimentos. Pelas normas atuais o ensaio pode ser realizado em diversos tamanhos de corpo-de-prova contanto que respeite a relação entre diâmetro por altura 1:2 e a relação tamanho máximo de partícula por diâmetro do corpo-de-prova 1:5. O objetivo deste trabalho é compreender como variam os resultados de módulo de resiliência quando os ensaios são realizados em diferentes tamanhos de corpode- prova. Para realizar esta pesquisa foram utilizados quatro solos distintos ensaiados em corpos-de-prova de 7,5 x 15 cm, 10 x 20 cm e 15 x 30 cm. Os solos escolhidos foram uma areia, um solo arenoso fino laterítico, um solo argiloso e um solo residual de granito (saibro). Todos os quatro solos são utilizados como materiais para pavimentação e são provenientes do estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Os materiais foram caracterizados por ensaios de granulometria, peso específico real dos grãos e limites de liquidez e plasticidade. Foram realizados ensaios de compactação nas energias normal e intermediária obtendo-se assim os parâmetros de compactação para os ensaios triaxiais. Em dois dos quatro solos da pesquisa ainda se realizou ensaios de classificação MCT. Os ensaios triaxiais foram realizados com os quatro solos, em três tamanhos e com duas energias de compactação, totalizando 24 ensaios. Após revisão bibliográfica sobre modelos matemáticos de regressão, decidiu-se interpretar os resultados pelos modelos Tensão Confinante, Tensão Desvio, Modelo Teta e Modelo Composto. Dentre os quatro modelos utilizados, o Modelo Composto obteve os melhores resultados de ajuste. Realizaram-se análises dos parâmetros obtidos nos modelos pela variação do tamanho de corpo-de-prova, onde se observou um pequeno aumento dos valores de MR quando ensaiados em corpos-de-prova maiores. Realizou-se ainda uma comparação estatística entre os resultados dos ensaios triaxiais em que a principal conclusão foi de que a areia, dentre os quatro solos estudados, é considerada o único material que não varia seus módulos conforme o ensaio é realizado em diferentes tamanhos de corpo-de-prova. / The results of resilient modulus test of soils have been increasingly used in pavement design, once they are fundamental in structural and mechanistic analysis of pavements. By the current standards/protocols, the test may be performed in various sizes of test specimens as long as it respects the relationship between diameter and height ratio 1:2 and the relationship between maximum particle size and diameter of the test specimen 1:5. The aim of this study is to understand how the results of resilient modulus vary when the tests are conducted in different sizes of test specimen. In order to conduct this research, four different types of soil were used and tested in specimens of 7.5 x 15 cm, 10 x 20 cm and 15 x 30 cm. The soils chosen were sand, fine sandy lateritic soil, clayey soil and residual soil of granite (gravel). All the four soils are used for pavement materials and are original from the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The tests carried out for characterization of the materials include: grain size distribution, physical characterization and Atterberg limits. Proctor compaction test were performed in two different energies, thus obtaining the compression parameters for the compaction of the specimen. Additionally, in two of the four soils of the research, experiments of MCT classification were carried out. The resilient modulus tests were performed with the four soils in three sizes and in two compaction energies, totalizing 24 experiments. After reviewing the literature on regression mathematical models, it was decided to interpret the results from models of Confining Pressure, Deviation Stress, Teta Model and Composted Model. Among the four models used, the Composted Model showed the best fitting results. Analysis were performed considering coefficients obtained in the models versus the size of the specimen. A small increase in resilient modulus values was noticed for experiments performed with larger samples. A statistical comparison between the results of the resilient modulus tests was performed, and the main conclusion was that the sand is considered the only material among the four soils that do not vary its modules as the test is performed on different sizes of specimen.

Ultrasonic testing of concrete is often used for the assessment of its uniformity, strength, modulus of elasticity, durability and etc. therefore, the related parameters of testing such as the transducer frequency, the specimen geometry and etc. are well-known. On the other hand, most of the concrete properties are affected by the cement and the mechanical as well as some durability properties of cements are determined through cement mortars. Applications of ultrasound on determining the properties of cement mortars are quite limited. Therefore, the required specimen dimensions, transducer frequencies have not yet been established for cement mortars. In this study, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) of mortars was determined with different transducers of different frequencies for different size ans shape of specimens. Within the scope of the experimental program, three different ultrasonic frequencies (54 kHz, 82 kHz, and 150 kHz) were utilized and the relation between ultrasonic testing frequency and specimen shape was experimentally investigated. It was concluded that the mechanical properties of mortar was adversely affected by the water-to-cement ratio. It was also observed that, when the length/wavelength ratio increases, the measured UPV with different transducer frequencies tends to converge to a single value. Finally, it was also concluded that an increase in moisture content of the mortar mixtures causes an increase in UPV and a decrease in compressive strength.

The paper presents results of a research project founded by the Swiss Federal Nuclear Inspectorate concerning the application of the Master Curve approach in nuclear reactor pressure vessels integrity assessment. The main focus is put on the applicability of pre-cracked 0.4T-SE(B) specimens with short cracks, the verification of transferability of MC reference temperatures T0 from 0.4T thick specimens to larger specimens, ascertaining the influence of the specimen type and the test temperature on T0, investigation of the applicability of specimens with electroerosive notches for the fracture toughness testing, and the quantification of the loading rate and specimen type on T0. The test material is a forged ring of steel 22 NiMoCr 3 7 of the uncommissioned German pressurized water reactor Biblis C. SE(B) specimens with different overall sizes (specimen thickness B=0.4T, 0.8T, 1.6T, 3T, fatigue pre-cracked to a/W=0.5 and 20% side-grooved) have comparable T0. T0 varies within the 1σ scatter band. The testing of C(T) specimens results in higher T0 compared to SE(B) specimens. It can be stated that except for the lowest test temperature allowed by ASTM E1921-09a, the T0 values evaluated with specimens tested at different test temperatures are consistent. The testing in the temperature range of T0 ± 20 K is recommended because it gave the highest accuracy. Specimens with a/W=0.3 and a/W=0.5 crack length ratios yield comparable T0. The T0 of EDM notched specimens lie 41 K up to 54 K below the T0 of fatigue pre-cracked specimens. A significant influence of the loading rate on the MC T0 was observed. The HSK AN 425 test procedure is a suitable method to evaluate dynamic MC tests. The reference temperature T0 is eligible to define a reference temperature RTTo for the ASME-KIC reference curve as recommended in the ASME Code Case N-629. An additional margin has to be defined for the specific type of transient to be considered in the RPV integrity assessment. This margin also takes into account the level of available information of the RPV to be assessed.

The paper presents results of a research project founded by the Swiss Federal Nuclear Inspectorate concerning the application of the Master Curve approach in nuclear reactor pressure vessels integrity assessment. The main focus is put on the applicability of pre-cracked 0.4T-SE(B) specimens with short cracks, the verification of transferability of MC reference temperatures T0 from 0.4T thick specimens to larger specimens, ascertaining the influence of the specimen type and the test temperature on T0, investigation of the applicability of specimens with electroerosive notches for the fracture toughness testing, and the quantification of the loading rate and specimen type on T0. The test material is a forged ring of steel 22 NiMoCr 3 7 of the uncommissioned German pressurized water reactor Biblis C. SE(B) specimens with different overall sizes (specimen thickness B=0.4T, 0.8T, 1.6T, 3T, fatigue pre-cracked to a/W=0.5 and 20% side-grooved) have comparable T0. T0 varies within the 1σ scatter band. The testing of C(T) specimens results in higher T0 compared to SE(B) specimens. It can be stated that except for the lowest test temperature allowed by ASTM E1921-09a, the T0 values evaluated with specimens tested at different test temperatures are consistent. The testing in the temperature range of T0 ± 20 K is recommended because it gave the highest accuracy. Specimens with a/W=0.3 and a/W=0.5 crack length ratios yield comparable T0. The T0 of EDM notched specimens lie 41 K up to 54 K below the T0 of fatigue pre-cracked specimens. A significant influence of the loading rate on the MC T0 was observed. The HSK AN 425 test procedure is a suitable method to evaluate dynamic MC tests. The reference temperature T0 is eligible to define a reference temperature RTTo for the ASME-KIC reference curve as recommended in the ASME Code Case N-629. An additional margin has to be defined for the specific type of transient to be considered in the RPV integrity assessment. This margin also takes into account the level of available information of the RPV to be assessed.

The overall objective of this study was to develop an optimised Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) matrix based on the modified Andreasen and Andersen optimum particle packing model by using available South African materials. The focus of this study was to determine the optimum combined fibre and superplasticiser content for UHPC by using a response surface design. The UHPC was appropriately designed, produced and tested. Various changes in mechanical properties resulting from different combinations of steel fibre and superplasticiser contents was investigated. The flowability, density and mechanical properties of the designed UHPC were measured and analysed. Both the fibre and superplasticiser content play a significant role in the flowability of the fresh concrete. The addition of fibres significantly improved the strength of the concrete. The results show that the superplasticiser content can be increased if a more workable mix is required without decreasing the strength significantly. The statistical analysis of the response surface methodology confirms that the designed models can be used to navigate the design space defined by the Central Composite Design. The optimum combined fibre and superplasticiser content depend on the required mechanical properties and cost. Using the modified Andreasen and Andersen particle packing model and surface response design methodology, it is possible to efficiently produce a dense Ultra-High-Performance Fibre Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC) with a relatively low binder amount, low fibre content and good workability. The effect of heat curing on the mechanical properties was investigated. It was concluded that heat curing is not recommended when considering the long-term strength development. The estimated strength development of concrete obtained by using the fib Model Code 2010 (2013) does not incorporate the detrimental effect of high curing temperatures on long-term strength and therefore overestimate the long-term strengths. The strength estimates for both early and long-term ages can be improved by considering this effect in the strength development functions obtained from fib Model Code 2010 (2013). The effect of specimen size on the compressive and flexural tensile strength of UHPFRC members were established. It was found that the specimen size has a significant effect on the measured cube compressive strength. Smaller beam specimens showed higher ductility compared to those of the larger beam specimens. The crack width decreased as the beam’s depth decreased. A lower variability was experienced in the beams with limited depth (< 45 mm). Further testing is required to determine whether a span-to-depth ratio of 10 would yield optimum results. The utilisation of by-products, such as undensified silica fume and fly ash, as cement replacement materials makes UHPFRC sustainable, leading to a reduced life-cycle cost. The calculated Embodied Energy per unit strength (EE/unit strength) and Embodied Carbon per unit strength (EC/unit strength) values for the UHPFRC mixture yield lower values compared to that of the 30 MPa concrete mixture, indicating that UHPFRC can be used to reduce the environmental footprint of the concrete industry. The inverse analysis method used was successful in providing an improved simplified stress-strain response for the UHPFRC. The analysis provided valuable information into the stress-strain, load-deflection and moment-curvature responses of the UHPFRC. Standard material test results were used to theoretically calculate moment-curvature responses and were then compared to the experimental results obtained. The study demonstrated that it is possible to efficiently produce a dense and workable UHPFRC with relatively low binder amount and low fibre content. This can result in more cost-effective UHPFRC, thus improving the practical application thereof. / Dissertation (MEng)--University of Pretoria, 2020. / Civil Engineering / MEng (Structural engineering) / Unrestricted