• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.217-231
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• 2016

The present work aims to develop piezoresistive sensors of excellent piezoresistive response attributable to change in nanoscale structures of multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWNT) embedded in cement. MWNT was distributed in a cement matrix by means of polymer wrapping method in tandem with the ultrasonication process. DC conductivity of the prepared samples exhibited the electrical percolation behavior and therefore the dispersion method adopted in this study was deemed effective. The integrity of piezoresistive response of the sensors was assessed in terms of stability, the maximum electrical resistance change rate, and sensitivity. A composite sensor with MWNT 0.2 wt.% showed the lowest stability and sensitivity, while the maximum electrical resistance change rate exhibited by this sample was the highest (96 %) among others and even higher than those found in the literature. This observation was presumably attributed by the percolation threshold and the tunneling effect. As a result of the MWNT content (0.2 wt.%) of the sensor being near the percolation threshold (0.25 wt.%), MWNTs were close to each other to trigger tunneling in response of external loading. The sensor with MWNT 0.2 wt.% was able to maintain the repeatable sensing capability while sustaining a vehicular loading on road, demonstrating the feasibility in traffic flow sensing application.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Building Construction
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.727-738
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• 2023

In concrete, the interface between the aggregate and cement paste is often the most critical factor in determining strength, representing the weakest zone. Lightweight aggregate, produced through expansion and firing of raw materials, features numerous surface pores and benefits from low density; however, its overall aggregate strength is compromised. Within concrete, diminished aggregate strength can lead to aggregate fracture. When applying lightweight aggregate to concrete, the interface strength becomes critical due to the potential for aggregate fracture. This study involved coating the surface of the aggregate with blast furnace slag fine powder to enhance the interfacial strength of lightweight aggregate. The impedance of test specimens was measured to analyze interface changes resulting from this surface modification. Experimental results revealed a 4% increase in compressive strength following the coating of the lightweight aggregate surface, accompanied by an increase in resistance values within the impedance measurements corresponding with strength enhancement.

• Journal of the Korean Recycled Construction Resources Institute
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.268-275
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• 2021

The three factors that determine the strength of concrete are the strength of cement paste, aggregate and ITZ(Interfacial Transition Zone) between aggregate and cement paste. Out of these, the strength of ITZ is the most vulnerable. ITZ is formed in 10~50㎛, the ratio of calcium hydroxide is high, and CSH appears low ratio. A high calcium hydroxide ratio causes a decrease in the bond strength of ITZ. ITZ is due to further weak area. The problem of ITZ appears as a more disadvantageous factor when it used lightweight aggregate. The previous study of ITZ properties have measured interfacial toughness, identified influencing factors ITZ, and it progressed SEM and XRD analysis on cement matrix without using coarse aggregates. also it was identified microstructure using EMPA-BSE equipment. However, in previous studies, it is difficult to understand the microstructure and mechanical properties. Therefore, in this study, a method of measuring electrical resistance using EIS(Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy) measuring equipment was adopted to identify the ITZ between natural aggregate and lightweight aggregate, and it was tested the change of ITZ by surface coating of lightweight aggregate with ground granulated blast furnace slag. As a result, the compressive strength of natural aggregate and lightweight aggregate appear high strength of natural aggregate with high density, surface coating lightweight aggregate appear strength higher than natural aggregate. The electrical resistivity of ITZ according to the aggregate appeared difference.

• Journal of the Korean Recycled Construction Resources Institute
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.498-505
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• 2020

Aggregate occupies about 70-85% of the concrete volume and is an important factor in reducing the drying shrinkage of concrete. However, when constructing high-rise buildings, it acts as a problem due to the high load of natural aggregates. If the load becomes large during the construction of a high-rise building, creep may occur and the ground may be eroded. Material costs increase and there are financial problems. In order to reduce the load on concrete, we are working to reduce the weight of aggregates. However, artificial lightweight aggregates affect the interface between the aggregate and the paste due to its higher absorption rate and lower adhesion strength than natural aggregates, affecting the overall strength of concrete. Therefore, in this study, in order to grasp the interface between natural aggregate and lightweight aggregate by type, we adopted a method of measuring electrical resistance using an EIS measuring device, which is a non-destructive test, and lightweight bone. The change in the state of the interface was tested on the outside of the material through a blast furnace slag coating. As a result of the experiment, it was confirmed that the electric resistance was about 90% lower than that in the air-dried state through the electrolyte immersion, and the electric resistance differs depending on the type of aggregate and the presence or absence of coating. As a result of the experiment, the difference in compressive strength depending on the type of aggregate and the presence or absence of coating was shown, and the difference in impedance value and phase angle for each type of lightweight aggregate was shown.