• Computers and Concrete
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.113-137
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• 2016

Extensive experimental studies on remarkable mechanical properties Polypropylene Fibre Reinforced Self-compacting Concrete (PFRSCC) have been executed, including different fibre volume fractions of Polypropylene fibers (0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1%) and different water to cement ratios (0.21, 0.34, 0.38, and 0.41). The experimental program was carried out by using two hundred and sixteen specimens to obtain the impact resistance and mechanical properties of PFRSCC materials, considering compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength. Statistical and analytical studies have been mainly focused on experimental data to correlate of mechanical properties of PFRSCC materials. Statistical results revealed that compressive, splitting tensile, and flexural strengths as well as impact resistance follow the normal distribution. Moreover, to correlate mechanical properties based on acquired test results, linear and nonlinear equations were developed among mechanical properties and impact resistance of PFRSCC materials.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.433-445
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• 2020

A method is proposed in this paper to estimate the workability of self-compacting concrete (SCC) in different mixing conditions with different mixers and mixing volumes by recording the mixing process based on deep learning (DL). The SCC mixing videos were transformed into a series of image sequences to fit the DL model to predict the SF and VF values of SCC, with four groups in total and approximately thirty thousand image sequence samples. The workability of three groups SCC whose mixing conditions were learned by the DL model, was estimated. One additionally collected group of the SCC whose mixing condition was not learned, was also predicted. The results indicate that whether the SCC mixing condition is included in the training set and learned by the model, the trained model can estimate SCC with different workability effectively at the same time. Our goal to estimate SCC workability in different mixing conditions is achieved.

• Advances in concrete construction
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.85-96
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• 2023

The characteristics of self-compacting concrete (SCC) made with fly ash and reinforced with polyester fibers were investigated in this research. Polyester fibers of 12 mm long and 15 micrometer diameters were utilized in M40 grade SCC mixtures at five different volume fractions 0.025%, 0.05%, 0.075%, 0.1%, 0.3% as a fiber reinforcement. To understand the influence of polyester fibers on passing ability, flowability, segregate resistance the J ring, L box, V funnel, slump flow and U box tests were performed. Polyester fibers have a direct influence, with a maximum of 0.075% polyester fibers producing excellent characteristics. ANN models were constructed using the testing data as inputs to anticipate the fresh and hardened characteristics as targeted outputs. The research revealed that R² values ranging from 0.900 to 0.997 appears to be a good correlation. The performance of ANN models and regression models for predicting the new characteristics of SCC is also evaluated.

• Advances in concrete construction
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.173-181
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• 2020

Fracture properties of concrete depend on the mix proportions of the ingredients, specimen shape and size, type of testing method used for the evaluation of fracture properties. Aggregates play a key role for changes in the fracture behaviour of concrete as they constitute about 60-75 % of the total volume of the concrete. The present study deals with the effect of size and quantity of coarse aggregate on the fracture behaviour of steel fibre reinforced self compacting concrete (SFRSCC). Lower coarse aggregate and higher fine aggregate content in SCC results in the stronger interfacial transition zone and a weaker stiffness of concrete compared to vibrated concrete. As the fracture properties depend on the aggregates quantity and size particularly in SCC, three nominal sizes (20 mm, 16 mm and 12.5 mm) and three coarse to fine aggregate proportions (50-50, 45-55, 40-60) were chosen as parameters. Wedge Split Test (WST), a stable test method was adopted to arrive the requisite properties. Specimens without and with guide notch were investigated. The results are indicative of increase in fracture energy with increase in coarse aggregate size and quantity. The splitting force was maximum for specimens with 12.5 mm size which is associated with a brittle failure in the pre-ultimate stage followed by a ductile failure due to the presence of steel fibres in the post-peak stage.

• Advances in concrete construction
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.49-69
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• 2016

This work investigates the mechanical properties of conventional concrete (CC) and self compacting concrete (SCC) using fine rubber and silpozz were accompanied by a comparative study between conventional rubberized concrete (CRC) and self compacting rubberized concrete (SCRC). Fine rubber (FR) from scrap tires has replaced the fine aggregate (FA) and Silpozz has been used as a replacement of cement at the proportions of 5, 10 and 15%. Silpozz as a partial replacement of cement in addition of superplasticiser (SP) increases the strength of concrete. Fresh concrete properties such as slump test, compaction factor test for CRC, whereas for SCRC slump flow, $T_{500}$, V-funnel, L-box, U-box, J-ring tests were conducted along with the hardened properties tests like compressive, split tensile and flexural strength test at 7, 28 and 90 days of curing. The durability and microstructural behavior for both CRC and SCRC were investigated. FR used in the present study is 4.75 mm passing with fineness modulus 4.74.M30 grade concrete is used with a mix proportion of 1:1.44:2.91 and w/c ratio as 0.43. The results indicate that as FR quantity increases, workability of both CRC and SCRC decreases. The results also show that the replacement of natural fine aggregate (NFA) with FR particles decreases the compressive strength with the increase of flexural strength observed upto 5% replacement of FR. Also replacement of cement with silpozz resulted enhancement of strength in SCRC.

• International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.145-152
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• 2008

So far, there has been no study of the concrete to strengthen in the lining of the tunnels, except for the study of the stability of subgrade and the tunnel construction technologies. In the existing concrete work for tunnel lining, lots of problems happen due to the partial compaction and the material segregation after casting concrete. Accordingly, the aim of this study is to improve economic efficiency and secure durability through the improvement of the construction performance and quality of the concrete for the tunnel lining among the civil structures. Therefore, the compactability and strength properties of the High Flowing Self-Compacting Lining Concrete (HSLC) are evaluated to develop the mixing proportion for design construction technology of HSLC that can overcome the inner cavity due to the reduced flowability and unfilled packing, which has been reported as the problem in the existing lining concrete. The result of the evaluation shows that the ternary mix meets the regulations better than the binary mix. Consequently, it has been judged applicable to the cement for tunnel lining.

• Advances in concrete construction
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• v.10 no.5
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• pp.455-462
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• 2020

This study investigated the effect of horizontal casting joints on the mechanical properties and structural behavior of sustainable self-compacting reinforced concrete beams (SCRCB). The experimental research consisted of two stages. The first stage used four types of concrete mixtures which were produced to indicate the effects of cement replaced with cement waste at 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% by weight of cement content on fresh concrete properties of self-compacting concrete (SCC) such as, passing ability, filling ability, and segregation resistance. In addition, mechanical properties such as compressive, tensile, and flexural strength were also studied. The second stage selected the best mixture from the first stage and studied the effect of horizontal casting joints on the structural behavior of sustainable SCRCBs. The effect of horizontal casting joints on the mechanical properties and structural behavior were at the 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of sample height. Load deflection, failure mode, and theoretical analysis were studied. Results indicated that the incorporation of replacement with cement waste by 5% to 10% led to economic and environmental advantages, and the results were acceptable for fresh and mechanical properties. The results indicated that delaying the time for casting the second layer and increasing the cement waste in concrete mixtures had a great effect on the mechanical properties of SCC. The ultimate load capacity of horizontal casting joints reinforced concrete beams slightly decreased compared with the control beam. The maximum deflection of casting joint beams with 75% of samples height is similar with the control beam. The experimental results of reinforced concrete beams were substantially acceptable with the theoretical results. The failure modes obtained the best forced casting joint on the structural behavior at 50% height of casting in the beam.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.53 no.5
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• pp.921-938
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• 2015

Realistic prediction of concrete creep is of crucial importance for durability and long-term serviceability of concrete structures. To date, research about the behaviour of self-compacting concrete (SCC) members, especially concerning the long-term performance, is rather limited. SCC is quite different from conventional concrete (CC) in mixture proportions and applied materials, particularly in the presence of aggregate which is limited. Hence, the realistic prediction of creep strains in SCC is an important requirement for the design process of this type of concrete structures. This study reviews the accuracy of the conventional concrete (CC) creep prediction models proposed by the international codes of practice, including: CEB-FIP (1990), ACI 209R (1997), Eurocode 2 (2001), JSCE (2002), AASHTO (2004), AASHTO (2007), AS 3600 (2009). Also, SCC creep prediction models proposed by Poppe and De Schutter (2005), Larson (2007) and Cordoba (2007) are reviewed. Further, new creep prediction model based on the comprehensive analysis on both of the available models i.e. the CC and the SCC is proposed. The predicted creep strains are compared with the actual measured creep strains in 55 mixtures of SCC and 16 mixtures of CC.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.59 no.1
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• pp.133-151
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• 2016

Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) has been originally developed in Japan to offset a growing shortage of skilled labors, is a highly workable concrete, which is not needed to any vibration or impact during casting. The utilizing of fibers in SCC improves the mechanical properties and durability of hardened concrete such as impact strength, flexural strength, and vulnerability to cracking. The purpose of this investigation is to determine the effect of steel fibers on mechanical performance of traditionally reinforced Self-Competing Concrete beams. In this study, two mixes Mix 1% and Mix 2% containing 1% and 2% volume friction of superplasticizer are considered. For each type of mixture, four different volume percentages of 60/30 (length/diameter) fibers of 0.0%, 1.0%, 1.5% and 2% were used. The mechanical properties were determined through compressive and flexural tests. According to the experimental test results, an increase in the steel fibers volume fraction in Mix 1% and Mix 2% improves compressive strength slightly but decreases the workability and other rheological properties of SCC. On the other hand, results revealed that flexural strength, energy absorption capacity and toughness are increased by increasing the steel fiber volume fraction. The results clearly show that the use of fibers improves the post-cracking behavior. The average spacing of between cracks decrease by increasing the fiber volume fraction. Furthermore, fibers increase the tensile strength by bridging actions through the cracks. Therefore, steel fibers increase the ductility and energy absorption capacity of RC elements subjected to flexure.

• International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.65-78
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• 2012

An experimental study was carried out to evaluate fresh properties of a moderately high-strength (high-flowing) self-compacting concrete (SCC) and to investigate shear behavior and performance of deep beams made with SCC. Fresh and hardened properties of normal concrete (NC) and SCC were evaluated. The workability and compacting ability were observed based on casting time and number of surface cavities, respectively. Four-point loading tests on four deep beams (two made with SCC and two with NC) were then conducted to investigate their shear behavior and performance. Shear behavior and performance of beams having two different web reinforcements in shear were systematically investigated in terms of crack pattern, failure mode, and load-deflection response. It was found from the tests that the SCC specimen having a normal shear reinforcement condition exhibited a slightly higher load carrying capacity than the corresponding NC specimen, while the SCC specimen having congested shear reinforcement condition showed a similar load carrying capacity to the corresponding NC specimen. In addition, a comparative study between the present experimental results and theoretical results in accordance with ACI 318 (Building Code Requirements for Reinforced Concrete (ACI 318-89) and Commentary-ACI 318R-89, 1999), Hsu-Mau's explicit method (Hsu, Cem Concr Compos 20:419-435, 1998; Mau and Hsu, Struct J Am Concr Inst 86:516-523, 1989) and strut-and-tie model suggested by Uribe and Alcocer (2002) based on ACI 318 Appendix A (2008) was carried out to assess the applicability of the aforementioned methods to predict the shear strength of SCC specimens.