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.

[pt] O efeito da protensão pode ser introduzido sobre estruturas de aço em forma de arco, de tal modo que é adicionado um estado de tensões oposto ao estado proveniente da ação de sucção do vento. Dentro deste escopo, o presente trabalho de pesquisa visa apresentar os resultados obtidos com a modelagem numérica, através do Método dos Elementos Finitos (MEF), sobre o comportamento estrutural de treliças de aço utilizadas no projeto de coberturas protendidas. Para tal, a modelagem numérica é realizada com base em formulações não lineares, com o uso do programa computacional ANSYS, avaliando-se o comportamento estrutural de modelos de treliças de aço em forma de arco até o regime de ruptura. Considerando-se a complexidade do comportamento das treliças em estudo, foram feitas análises com inclusão do efeito da não linearidade física. Com base nos resultados obtidos por meio de uma análise paramétrica, no que tange a comparações entre os valores de resistência das treliças protendidas investigadas, são estabelecidas conclusões e recomendações de projeto. Cabe ressaltar que a economia de material obtida na solução estrutural com base no uso da protensão é resultante do aumento dos níveis de forças de tração nas barras da estrutura, diminuindo-se os de compressão que são menos eficientes. Assim, as soluções estruturais com protensão apresentam diversas vantagens que compensam o seu custo adicional. / [en] Prestressing forces can be introduced on arched steel structures in such a way that a state of tensile stresses is added which to the existing state counteract the state introduced by the wind negative pressures. Within this scope, the present research aims to present the results obtained with the numerical modeling through the Finite Element Method (FEM) on the structural behavior of steel trusses used in the design of prestressed roof structures. For this purpose, the numerical modeling is performed based on non-linear formulations using the ANSYS software in order to evaluate the structural behavior of arched steel trusses modelled up to failure. Considering the complexity of the behavior of the trusses studied, some structural analysis were carried out including the effects of physical nonlinearities. Based on the results obtained through an extensive parametric analysis, with respect to comparisons between the resistance values of the investigated prestressed trusses, conclusions and design recommendations are established. It should be noted that the material savings achieved by the use of prestressing is the resultant from the increase of tensile state of stresses in the bars of the structure, thus reducing the compression stresses, which are less efficient. In this sense, the structural solutions with prestressed trusses have several advantages that compensate for the additional cost of prestressing.

[pt] No presente trabalho foi investigado o comportamento mecânico de um concreto autoadensável reforçado com fibras de aço. Foram utilizadas fibras de aço torcidas e com ganchos, nos comprimentos de 25, 30 e 60 mm e diâmetros de 0,5, 0,62 e 0,75 mm. Para cada uma destas fibras e para cada uma das frações volumétricas investigadas (0,5, 1,0 e 2,0 por cento) foram realizados os ensaios de flexão em quatro pontos em corpos de prova prismáticos e de tração direta em corpos de prova do tipo dog bone shaped. Nos ensaios de flexão, os índices de tenacidade e as cargas residuais foram contabilizados. Alternativamente, determinou-se a energia absorvida nos ensaios de flexão de painéis circulares conforme a ASTM C1550, cuja abertura de fissuras foi medida com o auxílio de transdutores de deslocamento. Os corpos de prova reforçados com fibras de aço submetidos à tração direta se mostraram mais dúcteis com relação à matriz de concreto autoadensável, observando-se grande influência do volume e comprimento ancorado das fibras nas cargas residuais da zona de pós-fissuração. Nos ensaios de flexão, observaram-se grandes incrementos na tenacidade e deformações correspondentes às cargas residuais. Por fim, analisou-se a influência desses concretos no comportamento de vigas armadas sujeitas à flexão. A evolução da abertura de fissuras foi monitorada com sistema de correlação digital de imagens, sendo posteriormente correlacionadas com cargas aplicadas e com os deslocamentos obtidos nos ensaios. Observou-se nestes ensaios, que o reforço fibroso aumentou a capacidade de carga e a rigidez à flexão, atrasando consideravelmente o surgimento de fissuras. / [en] In the present work the mechanical behavior of a self-consolidating concrete reinforced with steel fibers was investigated. Twisted and hooked end steel fibers were used in lengths of 25, 30 and 60 mm and diameters of 0.5, 0.62 e 0.75 mm. For each of these fibers and for each volumetric fractions investigated (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 percent), the four-point bending tests on prismatic specimens and direct tensile in dog bone shape specimens were performed. In the flexural tests, the toughness and residual strengths were computed. Alternatively, the energy absorption capacity in the round panel tests was determined following the ASTM C1550. During the test the crack opening was measured through displacement transducers. The steel fiber reinforced concrete subject to direct tensile loading was more ductile than the self-consolidating concrete matrix, showing a high influence of the volume and embedded length of the fibers in the residual loads in the post-cracking zone. In the bending tests, a large increase in the toughness and strains corresponding to the residual loads were observed. Finally, the influence of the fiber reinforced concretes on the behavior of reinforced beams subject to bending was investigated. The evolution of the crack openings was monitored with a digital image correlation system and correlated to the applied load and displacements. It was observed in these tests that the fibrous reinforcement considerably increased the load capacity and flexural stiffness, delaying the crack growth.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T20:00:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 4872.pdf: 3473885 bytes, checksum: 1bd5a5d73dae0ecc0bb5b60b52acba6b (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-11-27 / In view of the lack of basic infrastructure in Brazilian cities, especially in regard to paving networks, it is of fundamental importance a study to ascertain the geological characteristics of the materials available and their potential use as pavement layer after incorporation of additives. This thesis aims at determining, in the laboratory, the mechanical results of soiladditive mixture, in order to evaluate the structural performance of chemically stabilized tropical soils. It also brings, specific objectives, comparing traditional additives - cement and lime - with another additive available in the brazilian market; analyzing the possibility of using these stabilized soils in urban pavement layers and obtaining reference results that may provide subsidies for pavement designers. This research develops from the collection of four (4) soil samples at different points in São Carlos/SP, with whom has been conducted a series of tests: California Bearing Ratio, Expansion and Compression Test. There was an evaluation of soils by determining the mechanical properties of the mixed soil and additive, in terms of carrying capacity, simple compression and expansion. The results were obtained after compression of the mixture in the test specimens and the use of standardized testing methodologies. After a long series of laboratory tests developed for each sample, a critical analysis of structural performance, primarily in its natural condition, then with the structural behavior of each of them, after the incorporation of additives. Research has shown that the best structural behavior of all samples collected in the different conditions of stabilization occurred with the sample ST-03 which, stabilized with 6% cement, obtained in laboratory satisfactory performance for use as the base layer of pavement. / Em vista da carência de infra-estrutura básica nas cidades brasileiras, principalmente no que se refere às redes de pavimentação, faz-se de fundamental importância um estudo que permita conhecer as características geológicas dos materiais disponíveis e as suas possibilidades de utilização como camada de pavimento após a incorporação de aditivos. Esta dissertação tem como objetivo principal determinar, em laboratório, os resultados mecânicos da mistura soloaditivo, a fim de se avaliar o desempenho estrutural de solos tropicais estabilizados quimicamente. Traz ainda, como objetivos específicos, comparar os aditivos tradicionais - cimento e cal - com uma opção de aditivo disponível no mercado brasileiro; analisar a possibilidade de utilização desses solos estabilizados em camadas de pavimentos urbanos e obter resultados de referência que venham a fornecer subsídios aos projetistas de pavimento. Esta pesquisa desenvolve-se a partir da coleta de 4 (quatro) amostras de solo em diferentes pontos do município de São Carlos/S.P., com as quais se realizou uma série de ensaios de Capacidade de Suporte (CBR), Expansão (EXP.) e de Resistência a Compressão Simples (RC). Fez-se a avaliação dos solos tropicais através da determinação das propriedades mecânicas das misturas de solo e aditivo, em termos de capacidade de suporte, expansão e compressão simples. Os resultados foram obtidos após a compactação da mistura, em corpos de prova e com o emprego das metodologias de ensaio normalizadas. Após uma larga série de ensaios de laboratório, desenvolveu-se, para cada amostra, uma análise crítica do desempenho estrutural, primeiramente, em sua condição natural e, depois, no comportamento estrutural de cada uma delas, após a incorporação dos aditivos supracitados. A pesquisa demostrou que o melhor comportamento estrutural de todas as amostras coletadas, nas diversas condições de estabilização, ocorreu com a amostra ST-03 que, estabilizada com 6% de cimento, obteve em laboratório desempenho satisfatório para emprego como camada de base de pavimento.

Although it offers a wide variety of interesting properties such as fire resistance or durability, stainless steel has been used in limited amount in structures. It is a known fact that the design rules don't properly account for the additional benefits of stainless steel properties and are largely based on the specifications for carbon steel. Indeed, a number of similarities exist between stainless steel and ordinary carbon steel but there is sufficient differences to afford a specific treatment in design standards. And since stainless steel is an expensive material, it is important to accurately predict the resistance of structural members. The present research work is dedicated to the study of cold-formed stainless steel profiles. It actually follows the life of a stainless steel construction element and falls on three fundamental topics: the material behavior, the through-thickness residual stress distribution and mechanical enhancement due to the cold-forming process and, last, the strength of concentrically compressed thin-walled columns. Firstly, several constitutive models are characterized such as Teodosiu-Hu's micro-structural based hardening model, capable of predicting the behavior of the studied stainless steel grade submitted to biaxial loading causing plastic strain. This model accounts for the nonlinear hardening behavior, the anisotropy, the Bauschinger effect and more complex behavior such as the observed work-hardening stagnation under reversed deformation at large strains. For this purpose, a collection of tests is carried out including multiaxial tests such as tensile-shear tests and successive simple shear tests and plane-strain tests. Secondly, the effects of the forming process on the mechanical properties are studied. To begin with, on the basis of the constitutive models developed previously, an analytical method that calculates the biaxial residual stress distribution in the walls and in the corners of cold-formed profiles is established. Based on the conclusions drawn from this theoretical analysis, a new formula for the evaluation of the actual mechanical properties is established. This formula is not restricted to a single alloy or type of cross-section. Current design standards are then used to calculate the strength of lipped-channel section columns failing by combined distortional and overall flexural-torsional buckling and the results are compared to tests. Indeed, full-scale tests on cold-formed stainless steel lipped channel section columns were achieved in the Structures Laboratory of the University of Liège. And, once verified against the test results, finite element models were used to generate additional results when necessary. The author then presents a new Direct Strength Method taking into account this phenomenon. Finally, a wide amount of reference results are gathered from the literature, without limiting oneself to any kind of cross-section or stainless steel grade. This database is used to propose an improved formulation for the design of stainless steel thin-walled section columns failing by distortion, local or combination of local and overall buckling in the low slenderness range.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-07-29T15:18:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissert Paulo Francisco.pdf: 4045114 bytes, checksum: 8738bedf378cfe88c98e7e3880fd9007 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-04-06 / Structural masonry is one of the oldest building systems used by man. With technological advance, its use has become more and more frequent for providing rationality and economy to the building. For that reason, the research centers have tried to get to know it more precisely, especially in Brazil, where the system differs from other countries, prevailing the use of not armed or partially armed masonry. The studies conducted aim to know, primarily, the materials used and the analysis of their structural behavior. Even though, there are still masonry structural aspects that haven t been totally clarified. Based on that principle, the purpose of this work was to accomplish an investigation about the influence of grouting segments in the interaction between walls, with the utilization of isolated panels of three, five and seven walls and a multiple pavement structure, developed by computational modeling in finite elements. For the analysis of the results, check the profile of the distribution of normal vertical tensions and the absorption of applied loading. In this way, it is realizable that in some cases the grout causes significant interference, as in the holes of the bricks, while in others, its participation is almost despicable. An example is the grouting of the braces. / A alvenaria estrutural é um dos sistemas construtivos mais antigos usado pelo homem. Com o avanço tecnológico, o seu uso passou a ser cada vez maior por proporcionar racionalidade e economia para a construção. Por isso, os centros de pesquisas têm buscado conhecê-la de maneira precisa, principalmente no Brasil, onde o sistema utilizado difere de outros países, prevalecendo o uso da alvenaria não armada ou parcialmente armada. Os estudos feitos visam conhecer, primordialmente, os materiais empregados e a avaliação do seu comportamento estrutural. Mesmo assim, ainda há aspectos estruturais da alvenaria que ainda não foram totalmente esclarecidos. A partir deste princípio, a proposta do trabalho foi realizar uma investigação sobre a influência de segmentos grauteados na interação entre paredes, com a utilização de painéis isolados de três, cinco e sete paredes e uma estrutura de múltiplos pavimentos, desenvolvido por modelagem computacional em elementos finitos. Para análise dos resultados, avaliou-se o perfil da distribuição de tensões verticais normais e absorção do carregamento aplicado, que é transferido às paredes. Nesse sentido, percebe-se que em alguns casos o graute causa interferência significativa, como nos furos dos blocos, enquanto que em outros, a sua participação é praticamente desprezível. Exemplo disso são os grauteamentos das cintas.