• Structural Monitoring and Maintenance
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.1-23
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• 2023

Various efforts have been made to reduce the weight of concrete slabs while preserving their flexural strength. This will result in reducing deflection and allows the utilization of longer spans. The top zone of the slab requires concrete to create the compression block for flexural strength, and the tension zone needs concrete to join with reinforcing for flexural strength. Also, the top and bottom slab faces must be linked to transmit stresses. Voided slab systems were and are still used to make long-span slab buildings lighter. Eight slab specimens of (1000^*1000 (1000^*1000 mm²) were cast and tested as two-way simply supported slabs in this research. The tested specimens consist of one solid slab and seven voided slabs with the following variables (type of slab solid and voided), thickness of slab (100 and 125 mm), presence of steel fibers (0% and 1%), and the number of GFRP layers). The voids in slabs were made using high-density polystyrene of dimensions (200^*200^*50 mm) with a central hole of dimensions (50^*50^*50 mm) at the ineffective concrete zones to give a reduction in weight by (34% to 38%). The slabs were tested as simply supported slabs under partial uniform loading. The results of specimens subjected to monotonic loading show that the combined strengthening by steel fibers and GFRP sheets of the concrete specimen (V-125-2GF-1%) shows the least deflection, deflection (4.6 mm), good ultimate loading capacity (192 MPa), large stiffness at cracking and at ultimate (57 and 41.74) respectively, more ductility (1.44), and high energy absorption (1344.83 kN.mm); so it's the best specimen that can be used as a voided slab under this type of loading.

• Advances in concrete construction
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.123-132
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• 2022

This paper aims to adapt Multilinear regression (MLR) to predict the strength and toughness of SIFCON containing various pozzolanic materials. Slurry Infiltrated Fibrous Concrete (SIFCON) is one of the most common terms used in concrete manufacturing, known for its benefits such as high ductility, toughness and high ultimate strength. Assessment of compressive strength (CS.), flexural strength (F.S.), splitting tensile strength (STS), dynamic elasticity modulus (DME) and impact energy (I.E.) using the experimental approach is too costly. It is time-consuming, and a slight error can lead to a repeat of the test and, to solve this, alternative methods are used to predict the strength and toughness properties of SIFCON. In the present study, the experimentally investigated SIFCON data about various mix proportions are used to predict the strength and toughness properties using regression analysis-multilinear regression (MLR) models. The input parameters used in regression models are cement, fibre, fly ash, Metakaolin, fine aggregate, blast furnace slag, bottom ash, water-cement ratio, and the strength and toughness properties of SIFCON at 28 days is the output parameter. The models are developed and validated using data obtained from the experimental investigation. The investigations were done on 36 SIFCON mixes, and specimens were cast and tested after 28 days of curing. The MLR model yields correlation between predicted and actual values of the compressive strength (C.S.), flexural strength, splitting tensile strength, dynamic modulus of elasticity and impact energy. R-squared values for the relationship between observed and predicted compressive strength are 0.9548, flexural strength 0.9058, split tensile strength 0.9047, dynamic modulus of elasticity 0.8611 for impact energy 0.8366. This examination shows that the MLR model can predict the strength and toughness properties of SIFCON.

• Advances in nano research
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.467-484
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• 2023

Despite the significant features of fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (FRCCs), including better mechanical, fractural, and durability performance, their high content of cement has restricted their use in the construction industry. Although ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) is considered the main supplementary cementitious material, its slow pozzolanic reaction stands against its application. The addition of nano-sized mineral modifiers, including nano-silica (NS), is an alternative to address the drawbacks of using GGBFS. The main object of this empirical and numerical research is to examine the effect of NS on the strain-hardening behavior of cementitious composites; ten mixes were designed, and five levels of NS were considered. This study proposes a new method, using a four-point bending test to assess the use of nano-silica (NS) on the flexural behavior, first cracking strength, fracture energy, and micromechanical parameters including interfacial friction bond strength and maximum bridging stress. Digital image correlation (DIC) was used for monitoring the initiation and propagation of the cracks. In addition, to attain a deep comprehension of fiber/matrix interaction, scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis was used. It was discovered that using nano-silica (NS) in cementitious materials results in an enhancement in the matrix toughness, which prevents multiple cracking and, therefore, strain-hardening. In addition, adding NS enhanced the interfacial transition zone between matrix and fiber, leading to a higher interfacial friction bond strength, which helps multiple cracking in the composite due to the hydrophobic nature of polypropylene (PP) fibers. The findings of this research provide insight into finding the optimum percent of NS in which both ductility and high tensile strength of the composites would be satisfied. As a concluding remark, a new criterion is proposed, showing that the optimum value of nano-silica is 2%. The findings and proposed method of this study can facilitate the design and utilization of green cementitious composites in structures.

• Journal of the Korean Recycled Construction Resources Institute
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.135-142
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• 2024

The purpose of this study is to experimentally investigate the effect of water-binder ratio and fiber type on the compressive strength and tensile performance of fiber reinforced highly ductile composites. To achieve this, four different mixtures were prepared by varying the water-binder ratio and fiber type, and compression and tension tests were conducted. The test results showed that the influence of fiber type on compressive strength was minimal, however, the WB50 series mixture exhibited a 29 % lower strength compared to the WB40 series mixture, indicating a significant effect of the water-binder ratio. On the other hand, the effect of fiber type on tensile properties was found to be more significant than that of the water-binder ratio. Tensile strain capacity ranged from 2.9 % to 6.2 %, with PE series mixtures showing 1.63 to 2.14 times higher performance compared to PVA series mixtures. Additionally, the crack patterns of the PE series mixtures were superior than those of the PVA series mixtures.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.249-263
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• 2024

This article presents a comparative analysis of seismic behavior in steel-beam reinforced concrete column (RCS) frames versus steel and reinforced concrete frames. The study evaluates the seismic response and collapse behavior of RCS frames of varying heights through nonlinear modeling. RCS, steel, and reinforced concrete special moment frames are considered in three height categories: 5, 10, and 20 stories. Two-dimensional frames are extracted from the three-dimensional structures, and nonlinear static analyses are conducted in the OpenSEES software to evaluate seismic response in post-yield regions. Incremental dynamic analysis is then performed on models, and collapse conditions are compared using fragility curves. Research findings indicate that the seismic intensity index in steel frames is 1.35 times greater than in RCS frames and 1.14 times greater than in reinforced concrete frames. As the number of stories increases, RCS frames exhibit more favorable collapse behavior compared to reinforced concrete frames. RCS frames demonstrate stable behavior and maintain capacity at high displacement levels, with uniform drift curves and lower damage levels compared to steel and reinforced concrete frames. Steel frames show superior strength and ductility, particularly in taller structures. RCS frames outperform reinforced concrete frames, displaying improved collapse behavior and higher capacity. Incremental Dynamic Analysis results confirm satisfactory collapse capacity for RCS frames. Steel frames collapse at higher intensity levels but perform better overall. RCS frames have a higher collapse capacity than reinforced concrete frames. Fragility curves show a lower likelihood of collapse for steel structures, while RCS frames perform better with an increase in the number of stories.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.319-336
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• 2024

Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) has attracted increasing attention in prefabricated steel-concrete composite beams as achieving the onsite construction time savings and structural performance improvement. The inferior replacement and removal efficiency of conventional prefabricated steel-UHPC composite beams (PSUCBs) has thwarted its sustainable applications because of the widely used welded-connectors. Single embedded nut bolted shear connectors (SENBs) have recently introduced as an attempt to enhance demountability of PSUCBs. An in-depth exploration of the mechanical behavior of SENBs in UHPC is necessary to evidence feasibilities of corresponding PSUCBs. However, existing research has been limited to SENB arrangement impacts and lacked considerations on SENB geometric configuration counterparts. To this end, this paper performed twenty push-out tests and theoretical analyses on the shear performance and design recommendation of SENBs. Key test parameters comprised the diameter and grade of SENBs, degree and sequence of pretension, concrete casting method and connector type. Test results indicated that both diameters and grades of bolts exerted remarkable impacts on the SENB shear performance with respect to the shear and frictional responses. Also, there was limited influence of the bolt preload degrees on the shear capacity and ductility of SENBs, but non-negligible contributions to their corresponding frictional resistance and initial shear stiffness. Moreover, inverse pretension sequences or monolithic cast slabs presented slight improvements in the ultimate shear and slip capacity. Finally, design-oriented models with higher accuracy were introduced for predictions of the ultimate shear resistance and load-slip relationship of SENBs in PSUCBs.

• Journal of the Korea Concrete Institute
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.419-428
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• 2013

In this study, experimental research was carried out to evaluate the constructability and seismic performance of high strength R/C exterior beam-column joints regions, with or without the shear reinforcement, using high ductile fiber-reinforced mortar. Five specimens of retrofitted the exterior beam-column joint regions using high ductile fiber-reinforced mortar are constructed and tested for their retrofit performances. Specimens designed by retrofitting the exterior beam-column joint regions (BCJNSP series) of existing reinforced concrete building showed a stable mode of failure and an increased its maximum load-carrying capacity by 1.09~2.03 times in comparison with specimen of BCJNS due to the effect of enhancing dispersion of crack control at the time of initial loading and bridging of fiber from retrofitting new high ductile materials during testing. Specimens of BCJNSP series attained its maximum load carrying capacity by 0.92~0.96 times and increased its energy dissipation capacity by 1.62 times when compared to standard specimen of BCJC with a displacement ductility of 4.

• Journal of the Korea Concrete Institute
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.717-726
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• 2007

If conventional reinforcements are used for high-strength concrete (HSC) structures, a large amount of the reinforcement must be required to compensate for the brittleness of HSC and make the best use of HSC. This raises some structural problems such as steel congestion and an increase in self-weight. Therefore, alternative reinforcing materials and methods for HSC structures are needed. In this study, four full-scale beam specimens constructed with HSC (100 MPa) were tested to investigate the effect of the different shear reinforcements on the shear behavior. These four specimens were reinforced for shear stirrups with normal and high strength steels, headed bars, and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) bars, respectively. In addition, steel fibers were added to the HSC in the two of the specimens to observe their beneficial effects. The use of high strength steels resulted in the improvement of the shear capacity since the shear resistance provided by the shear reinforcements and the bond strength were increased. The specimen reinforced with headed bars also showed a superior performance to the conventional steel reinforced specimen due to the considerably high anchorage strength of headed bar. CFRP bars used in this research, however, seemed to be inadequate for shear reinforcement because of the inferior bond capacity. The presence of the steel fibers in concrete led to remarkable improvement in the ductility of the specimens as well as in the overall cracks control capability.

• Magazine of the Korea Concrete Institute
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.139-148
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• 1995

The test results from three one fourth scale models using high strength Reinforced Concrete $f_x=704\;kg/cm^2,\;f_y=5.830\;kg/cm^2$ are presented. Such specimens are considered to represent the critical 3 storics of 60-story tall building of a structural wall system in area of high seismicity respectively. They are tested under inplane vertical and horizontal loading. The main varlable is the level of axial stress. The amounts of vertical and horizontal reinforcement are identical for the three walls testcd. The cross-section of all walls is barbell shape. The aspectratio($h_w/I_w$) of test specimen is 1.8. The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of levels of applied axial stresses on the inelastic behavior of high-strength R /C tall walls. Experimental results of high strength R /C tall walls subjected to axial load and simulated sels rnic loading show that it is possible to insure a ductlle dominant performance by promotmg flex ural yielding of vertical reinforcement and that axial stresses within $O.21f_x$ causes an increase in horizontal load-carrying capacity, initial secant st~ffness characteristics, but an decrease in displacement ductility. energy dissipation index and work damage index of high strength K /C tall walls

• Journal of the Korea Concrete Institute
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.233-240
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• 2013

In this study, experimental research was carried out to evaluate and improve the seismic performance of high strength R/C interior beam-column joints regions using advanced reinforcing detailings and high ductile fiber-reinforced mortar. Five specimens of retrofitted the beam-column joint regions using advanced reinforcing detailings and high ductile fiber-reinforced mortar were constructed and tested for their retrofitring performances. Specimens designed by retrofitting the interior beam-column joint regions (IJIR series) of existing reinforced concrete building showed a stable mode of failure and an increase in load-carrying capacity. Specimens of IJIR series, designed by the retrofitting of advanced reinforcing detailings and high ductile fiber-reinforced mortar in reinforecd beam-column joint regions increased its maximum load carrying capacity by 114.2~123.5% and its energy dissipation capacity by 1.55~1.85 times in comparison with the standard specimen of SIJC with a displacement ductility of 5.