Pub Date : 2025-02-18DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.140419
Zijian Song , Tao Ye , Xincheng Li , Yang Zhang , Yantao Zhu , Yingjie Zhang , Yunsheng Zhang
This study systematically investigated the electrochemical and natural passivation abilities, as well as the chloride-induced corrosion behavior of low-carbon (LC) steel and 304 stainless steel (SS) in extracts from cement mixed with DSS, and incinerated sewage sludge ash at 650°C (ISSA650) and 850°C (ISSA850). The amino acids introduced by DSS could form an adsorption film on the steel surface. Although the amino acids impede the electrochemical passivation of both steels, they promote the natural passivation process of LC steel. The adsorption of silica-aluminum phases, significantly increased by ISSA650 and ISSA850 (especially the latter), acts as a physical barrier against chloride penetration, enhancing the pitting resistance of LC steel. In contrast, their influence on the pitting resistance of 304 SS is minimal due to its lower susceptibility to chloride-induced pitting. Based on these findings, the inhibition mechanisms of both steels were proposed, which may provide guidance for the design of highly durable reinforced concrete structures in marine environments.
{"title":"Effect of sewage sludge on passivation and chloride-induced depassivation of reinforcing steels in cement extracts","authors":"Zijian Song , Tao Ye , Xincheng Li , Yang Zhang , Yantao Zhu , Yingjie Zhang , Yunsheng Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.140419","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.140419","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study systematically investigated the electrochemical and natural passivation abilities, as well as the chloride-induced corrosion behavior of low-carbon (LC) steel and 304 stainless steel (SS) in extracts from cement mixed with DSS, and incinerated sewage sludge ash at 650°C (ISSA650) and 850°C (ISSA850). The amino acids introduced by DSS could form an adsorption film on the steel surface. Although the amino acids impede the electrochemical passivation of both steels, they promote the natural passivation process of LC steel. The adsorption of silica-aluminum phases, significantly increased by ISSA650 and ISSA850 (especially the latter), acts as a physical barrier against chloride penetration, enhancing the pitting resistance of LC steel. In contrast, their influence on the pitting resistance of 304 SS is minimal due to its lower susceptibility to chloride-induced pitting. Based on these findings, the inhibition mechanisms of both steels were proposed, which may provide guidance for the design of highly durable reinforced concrete structures in marine environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":288,"journal":{"name":"Construction and Building Materials","volume":"468 ","pages":"Article 140419"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143428146","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-18DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.140413
Zhongwei Zhao, Bin Wang, Ni Zhang
Natural frequency constitutes a critical parameter influencing the dynamic characteristics of structural systems. This study presents a genetic algorithm (GA)-based optimization framework for achieving target vibration frequencies through strategic stiffener layout design in steel plate structures. A parameterized numerical model capable of generating randomly distributed stiffener configurations is developed, incorporating two key design variables: stiffener position coordinates and cross-sectional heights. The proposed methodology integrates finite element analysis with GA to establish optimal stiffener distribution patterns under various boundary conditions. Numerical experiments demonstrate the method's effectiveness in simultaneously satisfying multiple target frequencies beyond the fundamental mode, while maintaining structural feasibility. Particularly noteworthy is the algorithm's capability to handle complex frequency constraints across different support conditions. This research provides practical insights for vibration control design in aging steel structures, offering a systematic approach for performance enhancement through intelligent stiffener configuration.
{"title":"Optimization of local stiffener for controlling natural frequency of steel plates","authors":"Zhongwei Zhao, Bin Wang, Ni Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.140413","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.140413","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Natural frequency constitutes a critical parameter influencing the dynamic characteristics of structural systems. This study presents a genetic algorithm (GA)-based optimization framework for achieving target vibration frequencies through strategic stiffener layout design in steel plate structures. A parameterized numerical model capable of generating randomly distributed stiffener configurations is developed, incorporating two key design variables: stiffener position coordinates and cross-sectional heights. The proposed methodology integrates finite element analysis with GA to establish optimal stiffener distribution patterns under various boundary conditions. Numerical experiments demonstrate the method's effectiveness in simultaneously satisfying multiple target frequencies beyond the fundamental mode, while maintaining structural feasibility. Particularly noteworthy is the algorithm's capability to handle complex frequency constraints across different support conditions. This research provides practical insights for vibration control design in aging steel structures, offering a systematic approach for performance enhancement through intelligent stiffener configuration.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":288,"journal":{"name":"Construction and Building Materials","volume":"468 ","pages":"Article 140413"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143428148","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-18DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.140475
Tianqi Chen , Xiaokun Cai , Yubing Zhong , Xiaotan Zuo , Weiyong Yang , Chao Liu , Xuequn Cheng , Xiaogang Li
This study quantitatively evaluates the durability of low-alloy steel bars in the Chinese plateau region through outdoor exposure experiments and on-site monitoring, revealing the dynamic evolution of microalloying elements' effects on corrosion resistance. The addition of Cr and RE promotes localized corrosion to develop laterally, reduces corrosion rates, and significantly enhances overall corrosion resistance, which can be attributed to the improved stability of the rust layer. Both the cumulative electric quantity and F-index indicate that the synergistic effect of Cr and RE surpasses that of Cr alone. A q-value is introduced to assess environmental sensitivity, highlighting Cr's variable behavior across different outdoor conditions. Notably, Cr enhances corrosion resistance primarily in the later stages, while RE quickly stabilizes the rust layer, thereby extending the service life of HRB400 in the plateau region.
{"title":"Assessing the durability of low-alloy rebars in China plateau environment by outdoor exposure and on-site online monitoring","authors":"Tianqi Chen , Xiaokun Cai , Yubing Zhong , Xiaotan Zuo , Weiyong Yang , Chao Liu , Xuequn Cheng , Xiaogang Li","doi":"10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.140475","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.140475","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study quantitatively evaluates the durability of low-alloy steel bars in the Chinese plateau region through outdoor exposure experiments and on-site monitoring, revealing the dynamic evolution of microalloying elements' effects on corrosion resistance. The addition of Cr and RE promotes localized corrosion to develop laterally, reduces corrosion rates, and significantly enhances overall corrosion resistance, which can be attributed to the improved stability of the rust layer. Both the cumulative electric quantity and F-index indicate that the synergistic effect of Cr and RE surpasses that of Cr alone. A q-value is introduced to assess environmental sensitivity, highlighting Cr's variable behavior across different outdoor conditions. Notably, Cr enhances corrosion resistance primarily in the later stages, while RE quickly stabilizes the rust layer, thereby extending the service life of HRB400 in the plateau region.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":288,"journal":{"name":"Construction and Building Materials","volume":"468 ","pages":"Article 140475"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143437668","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-18DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.140402
Zexu Dai , Xiaobin Hu , Shaojun Fu
This paper focuses on investigating the cyclic stress-strain relation of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) subjected to triaxial compression. Five sets of RAC specimens with various recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) contents were prepared and tested under four levels of confining pressures. Two loading regimes, i.e. monotonic and cyclic loading, were both considered to investigate the mechanical behavior of the RAC under confining pressure. The outcomes indicate that both the RCA content and the confining pressure have impacts on mechanical performance and stress-strain curves of the RAC, while the latter appears more prominent. Additionally, compressive meridian curves of the RAC subjected to triaxial compression are established utilizing well-known failure criterions originally developed for the normal concrete (NC). Furthermore, the plastic-damage constitutive relation is established for the RAC considering the influences of confining pressure and RCA content, which is further verified by the experimental results in this paper and other studies. It demonstrates that the proposed constitutive relation is competent in predicting the stress-strain behavior of RAC under confining pressure.
{"title":"Cyclic stress-strain relation of recycled aggregate concrete under confining pressure","authors":"Zexu Dai , Xiaobin Hu , Shaojun Fu","doi":"10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.140402","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.140402","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper focuses on investigating the cyclic stress-strain relation of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) subjected to triaxial compression. Five sets of RAC specimens with various recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) contents were prepared and tested under four levels of confining pressures. Two loading regimes, i.e. monotonic and cyclic loading, were both considered to investigate the mechanical behavior of the RAC under confining pressure. The outcomes indicate that both the RCA content and the confining pressure have impacts on mechanical performance and stress-strain curves of the RAC, while the latter appears more prominent. Additionally, compressive meridian curves of the RAC subjected to triaxial compression are established utilizing well-known failure criterions originally developed for the normal concrete (NC). Furthermore, the plastic-damage constitutive relation is established for the RAC considering the influences of confining pressure and RCA content, which is further verified by the experimental results in this paper and other studies. It demonstrates that the proposed constitutive relation is competent in predicting the stress-strain behavior of RAC under confining pressure.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":288,"journal":{"name":"Construction and Building Materials","volume":"468 ","pages":"Article 140402"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143427498","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-18DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.140460
Bo Yang , Yi Han , Zhengyi Kong , Xiao-Yong Wang
Against the backdrop of global urbanization, the production of cement materials continues to increase. The need to meet development needs also raises concerns about environmental pollution. The cement industry is confronting an increasingly serious challenge of reducing carbon emissions. Using supplementary cementitious materials to replace part of the cement is a direct way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. In this study, ternary blended cement (TBC) was prepared using blast furnace slag (BFS), oyster powder (OSP), and belite-rich cement on the micro/macroscale, and ternary slag–oyster powder–cement-based materials were prepared by partially or completely replacing the Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) in TBC with more environmentally belite-rich cement (BRC).The surface resistivity, and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), mechanical properties of the hybrid samples were assessed through macroscopic experiments. Microscopic characterization of the samples included heat of hydration, thermogravimetric analysis (TG), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Finally, the sustainability of CO2 emissions per unit volume and strength of the mixed samples was assessed. The results indicate that substituting BRC for OPC can effectively reduce the cumulative hydration heat and surface resistivity of the mixed sample. At 90 d, a BRC substitution ratio of one-third yields the highest compressive strength, while complete replacement results in the lowest compressive strength. BRC substitution decreases the CO2 emissions per unit volume of the mixed sample. The lowest CO2 emissions per unit strength occur with a one-third BRC replacement ratio, which is identified as the optimal substitution level.
{"title":"Effect of belite-rich cement on the micro/macro properties and sustainability of slag–oyster powder–cement-based ternary materials","authors":"Bo Yang , Yi Han , Zhengyi Kong , Xiao-Yong Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.140460","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.140460","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Against the backdrop of global urbanization, the production of cement materials continues to increase. The need to meet development needs also raises concerns about environmental pollution. The cement industry is confronting an increasingly serious challenge of reducing carbon emissions. Using supplementary cementitious materials to replace part of the cement is a direct way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. In this study, ternary blended cement (TBC) was prepared using blast furnace slag (BFS), oyster powder (OSP), and belite-rich cement on the micro/macroscale, and ternary slag–oyster powder–cement-based materials were prepared by partially or completely replacing the Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) in TBC with more environmentally belite-rich cement (BRC).The surface resistivity, and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), mechanical properties of the hybrid samples were assessed through macroscopic experiments. Microscopic characterization of the samples included heat of hydration, thermogravimetric analysis (TG), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Finally, the sustainability of CO<sub>2</sub> emissions per unit volume and strength of the mixed samples was assessed. The results indicate that substituting BRC for OPC can effectively reduce the cumulative hydration heat and surface resistivity of the mixed sample. At 90 d, a BRC substitution ratio of one-third yields the highest compressive strength, while complete replacement results in the lowest compressive strength. BRC substitution decreases the CO<sub>2</sub> emissions per unit volume of the mixed sample. The lowest CO<sub>2</sub> emissions per unit strength occur with a one-third BRC replacement ratio, which is identified as the optimal substitution level.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":288,"journal":{"name":"Construction and Building Materials","volume":"468 ","pages":"Article 140460"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143428145","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-17DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.140373
Hui Wang , Wenruo Fan , Min Chi , Yutao Li , Xun Zhang , Zhoucong Xu , Shengchuan Jiang
This study aimed to evaluate the wear resistance and skid resistance of 100 % reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP). Asphalt concrete with a normal maximum aggregate size of 13 mm (AC-13), similar gradation and aggregate composition to RAP, served as the control sample. A 1/3 scale accelerated loading abrasion equipment was employed to simulate the wear process. The surface texture and skid resistance of the asphalt mixtures were monitored using a laser scanner, British pendulum tribometer, tyre/pavement contact (TPC) print identification papers, and TPC finite element model (FEM) simulation. Key indicators such as mean deformation degree (MDD), mean texture depth (MTD), micro texture distribution (WLTX), and wear degree (Structure similarity index measure based on texture depth, SSID) were calculated from texture data to track wear progression. Skid resistance was assessed using British pendulum number (BPN) and TPC areas. Results indicated that RAP exhibited greater deformation magnitudes and higher fluctuation amplitudes in texture compared to AC-13. Both SSID and BPN values of RAP deteriorated more severely, confirming consistent inter-material comparisons for wear and skid resistance. While RAP and AC-13 exhibited comparable initial skid resistance, RAP demonstrated significantly inferior skid resistance, with both materials converging in the final stages of wear. The TPC area and BPN values of RAP followed similar trends, with a notable drop at 800,000 wear cycles, indicating a functional loss node. Improving the wear and skid resistance durability of RAP requires an optimized coarse aggregate composition.
{"title":"Wear resistance and skid resistance of 100 % reclaimed asphalt pavement","authors":"Hui Wang , Wenruo Fan , Min Chi , Yutao Li , Xun Zhang , Zhoucong Xu , Shengchuan Jiang","doi":"10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.140373","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.140373","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to evaluate the wear resistance and skid resistance of 100 % reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP). Asphalt concrete with a normal maximum aggregate size of 13 mm (AC-13), similar gradation and aggregate composition to RAP, served as the control sample. A 1/3 scale accelerated loading abrasion equipment was employed to simulate the wear process. The surface texture and skid resistance of the asphalt mixtures were monitored using a laser scanner, British pendulum tribometer, tyre/pavement contact (TPC) print identification papers, and TPC finite element model (FEM) simulation. Key indicators such as mean deformation degree (<em>MDD</em>), mean texture depth (<em>MTD</em>), micro texture distribution (<em>WL</em><sub><em>TX</em></sub>), and wear degree (Structure similarity index measure based on texture depth, <em>SSID</em>) were calculated from texture data to track wear progression. Skid resistance was assessed using British pendulum number (<em>BPN</em>) and TPC areas. Results indicated that RAP exhibited greater deformation magnitudes and higher fluctuation amplitudes in texture compared to AC-13. Both <em>SSID</em> and <em>BPN</em> values of RAP deteriorated more severely, confirming consistent inter-material comparisons for wear and skid resistance. While RAP and AC-13 exhibited comparable initial skid resistance, RAP demonstrated significantly inferior skid resistance, with both materials converging in the final stages of wear. The TPC area and <em>BPN</em> values of RAP followed similar trends, with a notable drop at 800,000 wear cycles, indicating a functional loss node. Improving the wear and skid resistance durability of RAP requires an optimized coarse aggregate composition.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":288,"journal":{"name":"Construction and Building Materials","volume":"468 ","pages":"Article 140373"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143427503","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-17DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.140394
D. de Klerk , A. Naghizadeh , S.O. Ekolu , M. Welman-Purchase
This paper presents an investigation into potential use of recycled ordinary Portland cement waste powder as a supplementary binder material for accelerating the setting times of the fly ash – based geopolymer binder system, thereby enabling strength development under ambient curing. Typically, fly ash – based geopolymer binders exhibit long setting times and accordingly require curing at elevated temperatures for the system to achieve early – age strength development. In this study, recycled cement material was prepared by crushing and milling hardened Portland cement paste. The recycled cement material was then incorporated into fly ash – based geopolymer mortars at proportions of 0–20 % by weight. The performance of recycled cement was compared with that of mixtures containing 20 % or 40 % ground granulated blast – furnace slag. The activator used to prepare geopolymer mixtures, was a binary alkali solution comprising sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide. Various mechanical properties were measured including flow workability, setting time at ambient temperature, compressive strength and drying shrinkage. Also measured were pore – related physical properties. Analytical studies were performed using X – ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. It was found that the optimal proportions of 7.5–10 % recycled ordinary Portland cement, produced ambient – cured mixtures of suitable initial setting time values ranging from 100 to 165 min, along with low drying shrinkage not exceeding 0.50 % and higher 28 – day compressive strength of about 60 MPa, these values being better relative to those of the control fly ash – based geopolymer mortar. Recycled cement was generally more effective than ground granulated blast – furnace slag.
{"title":"Recycled cement use to produce fly ash – based geopolymer binders suitable for ambient curing: Comparison with slag effects","authors":"D. de Klerk , A. Naghizadeh , S.O. Ekolu , M. Welman-Purchase","doi":"10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.140394","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.140394","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper presents an investigation into potential use of recycled ordinary Portland cement waste powder as a supplementary binder material for accelerating the setting times of the fly ash – based geopolymer binder system, thereby enabling strength development under ambient curing. Typically, fly ash – based geopolymer binders exhibit long setting times and accordingly require curing at elevated temperatures for the system to achieve early – age strength development. In this study, recycled cement material was prepared by crushing and milling hardened Portland cement paste. The recycled cement material was then incorporated into fly ash – based geopolymer mortars at proportions of 0–20 % by weight. The performance of recycled cement was compared with that of mixtures containing 20 % or 40 % ground granulated blast – furnace slag. The activator used to prepare geopolymer mixtures, was a binary alkali solution comprising sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide. Various mechanical properties were measured including flow workability, setting time at ambient temperature, compressive strength and drying shrinkage. Also measured were pore – related physical properties. Analytical studies were performed using X – ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. It was found that the optimal proportions of 7.5–10 % recycled ordinary Portland cement, produced ambient – cured mixtures of suitable initial setting time values ranging from 100 to 165 min, along with low drying shrinkage not exceeding 0.50 % and higher 28 – day compressive strength of about 60 MPa, these values being better relative to those of the control fly ash – based geopolymer mortar. Recycled cement was generally more effective than ground granulated blast – furnace slag.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":288,"journal":{"name":"Construction and Building Materials","volume":"468 ","pages":"Article 140394"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143427581","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-17DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.140455
Nouraldin Abunassar , Mustafa Alas
The present study aims to optimize the mixture design of rubberized concrete using the Taguchi method to enhance various performance parameters, including workability, compressive and flexural strengths, dry unit weight, water absorption, and resistance to sulfate and HCl acid exposure. Three primary control factors were investigated including silica fume, fine rubber, and coarse rubber. Each factor was evaluated at four substitution levels: 5 %, 10 %, 15 % and 20 % silica fume; 2.5 %, 5 %, 7.5 % and 10 % fine rubber; and 2.5 %, 5 %, 7.5 % and 10 % coarse rubber. A total of 16 mixtures were prepared and evaluated. The experimental results demonstrate the effects of these factors on concrete characteristics, with a focus on identifying optimal proportions that achieve enhanced mechanical strength and durability characteristics. Additionally, to maximize compressive strength, flexural strength, and resistance to sulfate and HCl attacks; the application of the Taguchi method proposed an optimized mixture design comprising 15 % silica fume, 2.5 % fine rubber and 2.5 % coarse rubber. The optimized mixture showed improvements in 28-day compressive strength, 56-day compressive strength, 28-day flexural strength, resistance to Na2SO4 and resistance to HCl of 4.55 %, 4.92 %, 5.34 %, 5.22 %, and 5.96 %, respectively.
{"title":"Optimization of strength and durability properties of rubberized concrete mixtures containing silica fume using Taguchi method","authors":"Nouraldin Abunassar , Mustafa Alas","doi":"10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.140455","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.140455","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The present study aims to optimize the mixture design of rubberized concrete using the Taguchi method to enhance various performance parameters, including workability, compressive and flexural strengths, dry unit weight, water absorption, and resistance to sulfate and HCl acid exposure. Three primary control factors were investigated including silica fume, fine rubber, and coarse rubber. Each factor was evaluated at four substitution levels: 5 %, 10 %, 15 % and 20 % silica fume; 2.5 %, 5 %, 7.5 % and 10 % fine rubber; and 2.5 %, 5 %, 7.5 % and 10 % coarse rubber. A total of 16 mixtures were prepared and evaluated. The experimental results demonstrate the effects of these factors on concrete characteristics, with a focus on identifying optimal proportions that achieve enhanced mechanical strength and durability characteristics. Additionally, to maximize compressive strength, flexural strength, and resistance to sulfate and HCl attacks; the application of the Taguchi method proposed an optimized mixture design comprising 15 % silica fume, 2.5 % fine rubber and 2.5 % coarse rubber. The optimized mixture showed improvements in 28-day compressive strength, 56-day compressive strength, 28-day flexural strength, resistance to Na<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> and resistance to HCl of 4.55 %, 4.92 %, 5.34 %, 5.22 %, and 5.96 %, respectively.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":288,"journal":{"name":"Construction and Building Materials","volume":"468 ","pages":"Article 140455"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143427502","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-17DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.140450
Pu Zhang , Haoxiang Li , Ye Liu , Xianghua Tao , Yuanhao Qi , Shamim Ahmed Sheikh
Crucial research gaps remain in understanding the bonding performance of the CFRP-corroded steel interface under fatigue loading. This study investigated the interfacial bonding performance of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP)sheets and corroded steel plates under fatigue loading using double shear specimen tests. The analysis focused on the effects of multiple factors, including the steel plate corrosion rate and the ratio of the upper bound value (Pmax) and lower bound value (Pmin) of the fatigue loading to the debonding load (Pu). Specifically, Pmin/Pu ranged from 0.1 to 0.3, while Pmax/Pu ranged from 0.45 to 0.65. Notable findings include: (i) Under fatigue loading, the displacement at the tested end of the specimen increased progressively with more fatigue cycles,showing a nonlinear trend. This reflects cumulative interface degradation caused by adhesive plastic slip and micro-crack propagation, particularly at higher stress levels; (ii) The interfacial stiffness of CFRP sheet-corroded steel plate specimens weakened progressively during fatigue loading, particularly under high corrosion rates. A 15 % widening of the load-slip curve envelope at Pmax/Pu = 0.45 indicated reduced load transfer efficiency and increased energy dissipation capacity as interface degradation accumulated.; (iii) Fatigue life was highly sensitive to load limits, particularly under high corrosion rates (15 %). Increasing Pmax/Pu from 0.45 to 0.65 reduced fatigue life by 97 %, while increasing Pmin/Pu from 0.1 to 0.3 extended fatigue life by 17 times, highlighting the critical role of stress amplitude control in fatigue performance.; (iv) At the same corrosion rate, the interface exhibited a reduced fatigue life as stress levels increased, and specimens with different corrosion rates demonstrated a shorter fatigue life compared to uncorroded ones. A method for predicting the fatigue life of the CFRP-steel interface was proposed, taking into account the influence of corrosion rate and load level, with a prediction equation derived using Lagrange polynomial fitting for corrosion rates ranging from 0 % to 15 %,with a prediction error below 8 %. Rarely seen in previous studies, this method offers valuable insights for evaluating the durability of CFRP-reinforced structures and guiding the maintenance of aging infrastructure in corrosive environments.
{"title":"Interfacial bonding performance of CFRP sheet reinforced corroded steel plates under fatigue loading","authors":"Pu Zhang , Haoxiang Li , Ye Liu , Xianghua Tao , Yuanhao Qi , Shamim Ahmed Sheikh","doi":"10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.140450","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.140450","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Crucial research gaps remain in understanding the bonding performance of the CFRP-corroded steel interface under fatigue loading. This study investigated the interfacial bonding performance of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP)sheets and corroded steel plates under fatigue loading using double shear specimen tests. The analysis focused on the effects of multiple factors, including the steel plate corrosion rate and the ratio of the upper bound value (<em>P</em><sub><em>max</em></sub>) and lower bound value (<em>P</em><sub><em>min</em></sub>) of the fatigue loading to the debonding load (<em>P</em><sub><em>u</em></sub>). Specifically, <em>P</em><sub><em>min</em></sub>/<em>P</em><sub><em>u</em></sub> ranged from 0.1 to 0.3, while <em>P</em><sub><em>max</em></sub>/<em>P</em><sub><em>u</em></sub> ranged from 0.45 to 0.65. Notable findings include: (i) Under fatigue loading, the displacement at the tested end of the specimen increased progressively with more fatigue cycles,showing a nonlinear trend. This reflects cumulative interface degradation caused by adhesive plastic slip and micro-crack propagation, particularly at higher stress levels; (ii) The interfacial stiffness of CFRP sheet-corroded steel plate specimens weakened progressively during fatigue loading, particularly under high corrosion rates. A 15 % widening of the load-slip curve envelope at <em>P</em><sub><em>max</em></sub>/<em>P</em><sub><em>u</em></sub> = 0.45 indicated reduced load transfer efficiency and increased energy dissipation capacity as interface degradation accumulated.; (iii) Fatigue life was highly sensitive to load limits, particularly under high corrosion rates (15 %). Increasing <em>P</em><sub><em>max</em></sub>/<em>P</em><sub><em>u</em></sub> from 0.45 to 0.65 reduced fatigue life by 97 %, while increasing <em>P</em><sub><em>min</em></sub>/<em>P</em><sub><em>u</em></sub> from 0.1 to 0.3 extended fatigue life by 17 times, highlighting the critical role of stress amplitude control in fatigue performance.; (iv) At the same corrosion rate, the interface exhibited a reduced fatigue life as stress levels increased, and specimens with different corrosion rates demonstrated a shorter fatigue life compared to uncorroded ones. A method for predicting the fatigue life of the CFRP-steel interface was proposed, taking into account the influence of corrosion rate and load level, with a prediction equation derived using Lagrange polynomial fitting for corrosion rates ranging from 0 % to 15 %,with a prediction error below 8 %. Rarely seen in previous studies, this method offers valuable insights for evaluating the durability of CFRP-reinforced structures and guiding the maintenance of aging infrastructure in corrosive environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":288,"journal":{"name":"Construction and Building Materials","volume":"468 ","pages":"Article 140450"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143427578","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-17DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.140453
Hajar Dihaji , Dounia Azerkane , Lahcen Bih , Abderrahim Essaddek , EL Mehdi Haily
This study explores the underutilized potential of Guenfouda kaolin as a raw material for geopolymer synthesis, addressing the gap in comparative analyses of acidic and alkaline activation methods. Geopolymers were synthesized using thermally activated natural kaolin (metakaolin) with sodium-based alkaline (NaOH and Na2SiO3) and phosphoric acid (H3PO4) activation methods, with a focus on the effect of varying Liquid-to-Solid (L/S) ratios (0.5, 0.6, 0.7, and 0.8). Raw materials and geopolymers were characterized by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), compressive strength testing, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). Characterization of the kaolin revealed its rich alumina and silica content, making it an ideal precursor for geopolymer synthesis. XRD analysis showed a broad amorphous bump without significant variation in the crystalline structure of geopolymers at different L/S ratios. FTIR spectroscopy findings revealed the presence of specific bands related to aluminosilicate networks in alkaline geopolymers and characteristic bonds associated with phosphosilicate networks in acid geopolymers. The mechanical performance results showed that the compressive strength of alkaline geopolymers reached a maximum of 28.25 MPa at an L/S ratio of 0.6, while that of acid geopolymers was 22.73 MPa at an L/S ratio of 0.8. Densification of the geopolymer structure is improved by increasing the L/S ratio, according to SEM images. This is particularly observed at optimal ratios, where homogeneous microstructures were noted in both types of geopolymer. This study advances the sustainable utilization of local kaolin, offering novel insights into optimizing geopolymerization processes for eco-friendly construction materials.
{"title":"Comparative study of geopolymers synthesized with alkaline and acid reactants at various liquid-to-solid ratios using Moroccan kaolin clay","authors":"Hajar Dihaji , Dounia Azerkane , Lahcen Bih , Abderrahim Essaddek , EL Mehdi Haily","doi":"10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.140453","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.140453","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study explores the underutilized potential of Guenfouda kaolin as a raw material for geopolymer synthesis, addressing the gap in comparative analyses of acidic and alkaline activation methods. Geopolymers were synthesized using thermally activated natural kaolin (metakaolin) with sodium-based alkaline (NaOH and Na<sub>2</sub>SiO<sub>3</sub>) and phosphoric acid (H<sub>3</sub>PO<sub>4</sub>) activation methods, with a focus on the effect of varying Liquid-to-Solid (L/S) ratios (0.5, 0.6, 0.7, and 0.8). Raw materials and geopolymers were characterized by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), compressive strength testing, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). Characterization of the kaolin revealed its rich alumina and silica content, making it an ideal precursor for geopolymer synthesis. XRD analysis showed a broad amorphous bump without significant variation in the crystalline structure of geopolymers at different L/S ratios. FTIR spectroscopy findings revealed the presence of specific bands related to aluminosilicate networks in alkaline geopolymers and characteristic bonds associated with phosphosilicate networks in acid geopolymers. The mechanical performance results showed that the compressive strength of alkaline geopolymers reached a maximum of 28.25 MPa at an L/S ratio of 0.6, while that of acid geopolymers was 22.73 MPa at an L/S ratio of 0.8. Densification of the geopolymer structure is improved by increasing the L/S ratio, according to SEM images. This is particularly observed at optimal ratios, where homogeneous microstructures were noted in both types of geopolymer. This study advances the sustainable utilization of local kaolin, offering novel insights into optimizing geopolymerization processes for eco-friendly construction materials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":288,"journal":{"name":"Construction and Building Materials","volume":"468 ","pages":"Article 140453"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143419393","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}