• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.87 no.3
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• pp.221-229
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• 2023

Urbanization and industrialization have significantly increased the amount of solid waste produced in recent decades, posing considerable disposal problems and environmental burdens. The practice of waste utilization in concrete has gained popularity among construction practitioners and researchers for the efficient use of resources and the transition to the circular economy in construction. This study employed Lytag aggregate, an environmentally friendly pulverized fuel ash-based lightweight aggregate, as a substitute for natural coarse aggregate. At the same time, fly ash, an industrial by-product, was used as a partial substitute for cement. Concrete mix M20 was experimented with using fly ash and Lytag lightweight aggregate. The percentages of fly ash that make up the replacements were 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%. The Compressive Strength (CS), Split Tensile Strength (STS), and deflection were discovered at these percentages after 56 days of testing. The concrete cube, cylinder, and beam specimens were examined in the explorations, as mentioned earlier. The results indicate that a 10% substitution of cement with fly ash and a replacement of coarse aggregate with Lytag lightweight aggregate produced concrete that performed well in terms of mechanical properties and deflection. The cementitious composites have varying characteristics as the environment changes. Therefore, understanding their mechanical properties are crucial for safety reasons. CS, STS, and deflection are the essential property of concrete. Machine learning (ML) approaches have been necessary to predict the CS of concrete. The Artificial Fish Swarm Optimization (AFSO), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and Harmony Search (HS) algorithms were investigated for the prediction of outcomes. This work deftly explains the tremendous AFSO technique, which achieves the precise ideal values of the weights in the model to crown the mathematical modeling technique. This has been proved by the minimum, maximum, and sample median, and the first and third quartiles were used as the basis for a boxplot through the standardized method of showing the dataset. It graphically displays the quantitative value distribution of a field. The correlation matrix and confidence interval were represented graphically using the corrupt method.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.223-241
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• 2024

Evaluating the performance of Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) stands as a pivotal juncture in the domain of hard rock mechanized tunneling, essential for achieving both a dependable construction timeline and utilization rate. In this investigation, three advanced artificial neural networks namely, gated recurrent unit (GRU), back propagation neural network (BPNN), and simple recurrent neural network (SRNN) were crafted to prognosticate TBM-rate of penetration (ROP). Drawing from a dataset comprising 1125 data points amassed during the construction of the Alborze Service Tunnel, the study commenced. Initially, five geomechanical parameters were scrutinized for their impact on TBM-ROP efficiency. Subsequent statistical analyses narrowed down the effective parameters to three, including uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), peak slope index (PSI), and Brazilian tensile strength (BTS). Among the methodologies employed, GRU emerged as the most robust model, demonstrating exceptional predictive prowess for TBM-ROP with staggering accuracy metrics on the testing subset (R² = 0.87, NRMSE = 6.76E-04, MAD = 2.85E-05). The proposed models present viable solutions for analogous ground and TBM tunneling scenarios, particularly beneficial in routes predominantly composed of volcanic and sedimentary rock formations. Leveraging forecasted parameters holds the promise of enhancing both machine efficiency and construction safety within TBM tunneling endeavors.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.589-599
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• 2024

Dispersion occurs when clay soil disperses under specific conditions and is rapidly washed away. While there are numerous methods for rectifying it, they are neither cost nor time-effective. The current study used metakaolin and zeolite to improve heavily dispersive clay soil either separately or in combination at 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% of the soil weight. After 7 days of curing, the samples were tested to determine the extent of change in the dispersion potential, as well as the improvement of the geotechnical properties of the soil. The results indicated that the addition of 2% zeolite with 6% to 8% metakaolin decreased the dispersion potential considerably. Double hydrometry test findings revealed that the dispersion potential decreased by almost 70% and entered the non-dispersive group; the crumb test also revealed this. Atterberg limits testing indicated a decrease in the plasticity index which reduced the flexibility of the samples. The greatest decrease in PI (67.5%) was achieved with the addition of 8% zeolite plus 8% metakaolin to the soil. The results of density tests revealed that a decrease in the optimal moisture content increased the maximum dry density of soil. This increase in density was a response to the high reactivity of metakaolin with calcium hydroxide and the formation of calcium hydroxide hydrate gel. This eventually caused an increase in the unconfined compressive strength, the greatest increase in strength of about 1.8-fold was observed with a combination of 2% zeolite and 6% metakaolin compared to the unmodified sample.

• Advances in concrete construction
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.293-310
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• 2024

Ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) is a form of cement-based material that has a compressive strength above 150 MPa, excellent ductility, and superior durability. This composite material demonstrates innovation and has the potential to serve as a viable substitute for concrete constructions that are subjected to harsh environmental conditions. Over many decades, extensive research and progressive efforts have introduced several commercial UHPFRC compositions globally. These compositions have been specifically designed to cater to an increasing variety of applications and meet the rising need for building materials of superior quality. However, the effective manufacturing of UHPFRC relies on the composition of its materials, especially the inclusion of fiber content and the proportions in the mixture, resulting in a more compact and comparatively uniform packing of particles. UHPFRC has notable benefits in comparison to conventional concrete, yet its use is constrained by the dearth of design codes and the prohibitive expenses associated with its implementation. The study demonstrates that UHPFRC presents a viable, long-lasting option for improving sustainable construction. This is attributed to its outstanding strength properties and superior durability in resisting water and chloride ion permeability, freeze-thaw cycles, and carbonation. The analysis found that a rheology-based mixture design technique may be employed in the production of UHPFRC to provide enough flowability. The study also revealed that the use of deformed steel fibers has shown enhanced mechanical qualities in comparison to straight steel fibers. However, obstacles such as higher initial costs, the requirement for highly specialized personnel, and the absence of comprehensive literature on global UHPFRC standards that establish minimum strength criteria and testing requirements can hinder the widespread implication of UHPFRC. Finally, this review attempts to deepen our foundational conception of UHPFRC, encourages additional study and applications, and recommends an in-depth investigation of the mechanical and durability properties of UHPFRC to maximize its practicality.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.365-373
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• 2016

Composites are the most useful restorative material. However, composites have some disadvantages such as polymerization shrinkage, long working time, and susceptibility to water and contamination, which are stood out more especially when treating children. To solve these problems, bulk-fill composites have been developed. The aim of this study is to compare mechanical properties of bulk-fill and conventional composites. Bulk-fill composites (SureFil SDR flow (SDR), Tetric N-Ceram bulk fill (TBF)) and conventional composites (Filtek Z-350 (Z-350), Unifil Flow (UF), Unifil Loflo Plus (UL)) were used. The Vickers hardness tester was used to measure the microhardness of materials, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to measure the degree of conversion. Polymerization shrinkage was measured by using a linometer. Flexural and compressive properties were measured by using the universal testing machine. Data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and Scheffe's post hoc test. The level of significance was set to p < 0.05. Most conventional composites showed higher microhardness than bulk-fill composites. However, bulk-fill composites showed a higher top/bottom microhardness ratio than conventional composites. Bulk-fill composites showed a higher top/bottom degree of conversion ratio than conventional composites. The polymerization shrinkage was highest in UL and lowest in Z-350. The polymerization shrinkage of flowable composites was higher than that of non flowable composites. The compressive properties were highest in Z-350 and lowest in SDR and UL. In terms of flexural properties, Z-350 was the highest. However, none of the bulk-fill composites exhibited mechanical properties as good as those of conventional composites. Nonetheless, the ratio of microhardness and degree of conversion, which are important properties of bulk filling, were higher in bulk-fill composites. Therefore, the bulk-fill composites might be considered suitable restorative materials in pediatric dentistry.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.14 no.11
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• pp.5915-5922
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• 2013

In this study, with the aim of improving the performance of shale to allow for its use as coarse aggregate for concrete, we coated shale aggregates with water repellents and polymers and evaluated their physical properties such as density, water absorption rate, wear rate, and stability depending on the coating method. In addition, the effects of the performance improvement were evaluated by assessing the properties of fresh concrete produced by varying the shale substitution ratio, as well as the compressive strength, flexural strength, and freeze-thaw resistance according to curing ages. The test results revealed that the absolute dry densities of all coated aggregates satisfied the standard density for coarse aggregates for concrete(>$2.50g/cm^3$),and the absorption rate of the shale aggregate coated with water repellent decreased by about 50% compared with that of uncoated shale. The wear rate of the polymer-coated shale decreased by up to 13.0% compared with that of uncoated shale. All coated aggregates satisfied the stability standard for coarse aggregates for concrete(${\leq}12$). The water repellent-induced performance improvement decreased the shale aggregates' slump by about 20~30mm compared with that of the uncoated shale aggregates, and the air content of the repellent-coated shale aggregate increased by up to 0.9% compared with that of the uncoated shale aggregate. The compressive strength of the polymer-coated shale aggregates at a curing age of 28 days was RS(F) 95.7% and BS(F) 90.0%, and the flexural strength was RS(F) 98.0 % and BS(F) 92.0% of the corresponding values of concretes produced using plain aggregates. Furthermore, the concrete using polymer-coated shale aggregates showed a dynamic modulus of elasticity of RS(F) 91% and BS(F) 88% after 300 freeze-thaw cycles, thus demonstrating improved freeze-thaw durability.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.318-325
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• 2011

Pitch pine (Pinus rigida Miller) retaining walls using Steel bar, of which the constructability and strength performance are good at the construction site, were manufactured and their strength properties were evaluated. The wooden retaining wall using Steel bar was piled into four stories stretcher and three stories header, which is 770 mm high, 2,890 mm length and 782 mm width. Retaining wall was made by inserting stretchers into Steel bar after making 18 mm diameter of holes at top and bottom stretcher, and then stacking other stretchers and headers which have a slit of 66 mm depth and 18 mm width. The strength properties of retaining walls were investigated by horizontal loading test, and the deformation of structure by image processing (AlCON 3D OPA-PRO system). Joint (Type-A) made with a single long stretcher and two headers, and joint (Type-B) made with two short stretchers connected with half lap joint and two headers were in the retaining wall using Steel bar. The compressive shear strength of joint was tested. Three replicates were used in each test. In horizontal loading test the strength was 1.6 times stronger in wooden retaining wall using Steel bar than in wooden retaining wall using square timber. The timber and joints were not fractured in the test. When testing compressive shear strength, the maximum load of type-A and Type-B was 130.13 kN and 130.6 kN, respectively. Constructability and strength were better in the wooden retaining wall using Steel bar than in wooden retaining wall using square timber.

• Magazine of the Korean Society of Agricultural Engineers
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.52-72
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• 1984

This study was performed to obtain the basic data which can be applied to the use of epoxy resin mortars. The data was based on the properties of epoxy resin mortars depending upon various mixing ratios to compare those of cement mortar. The resin which was used at this experiment was Epi-Bis type epoxy resin which is extensively being used as concrete structures. In the case of epoxy resin mortar, mixing ratios of resin to fine aggregate were 1: 2, 1: 4, 1: 6, 1: 8, 1:10, 1 :12 and 1:14, but the ratio of cement to fine aggregate in cement mortar was 1 : 2.5. The results obtained are summarized as follows; 1.When the mixing ratio was 1: 6, the highest density was 2.01 g/cm$^3$, being lower than 2.13 g/cm$^3$ of that of cement mortar. 2.According to the water absorption and water permeability test, the watertightness was shown very high at the mixing ratios of 1: 2, 1: 4 and 1: 6. But then the mixing ratio was less than 1 : 6, the watertightness considerably decreased. By this result, it was regarded that optimum mixing ratio of epoxy resin mortar for watertight structures should be richer mixing ratio than 1: 6. 3.The hardening shrinkage was large as the mixing ratio became leaner, but the values were remarkably small as compared with cement mortar. And the influence of dryness and moisture was exerted little at richer mixing ratio than 1: 6, but its effect was obvious at the lean mixing ratio, 1: 8, 1:10,1:12 and 1:14. It was confirmed that the optimum mixing ratio for concrete structures which would be influenced by the repeated dryness and moisture should be rich mixing ratio higher than 1: 6. 4.The compressive, bending and splitting tensile strenghs were observed very high, even the value at the mixing ratio of 1:14 was higher than that of cement mortar. It showed that epoxy resin mortar especially was to have high strength in bending and splitting tensile strength. Also, the initial strength within 24 hours gave rise to high value. Thus it was clear that epoxy resin was rapid hardening material. The multiple regression equations of strength were computed depending on a function of mixing ratios and curing times. 5.The elastic moduli derived from the compressive stress-strain curve were slightly smaller than the value of cement mortar, and the toughness of epoxy resin mortar was larger than that of cement mortar. 6.The impact resistance was strong compared with cement mortar at all mixing ratios. Especially, bending impact strength by the square pillar specimens was higher than the impact resistance of flat specimens or cylinderic specimens. 7.The Brinell hardness was relatively larger than that of cement mortar, but it gradually decreased with the decline of mixing ratio, and Brinell hardness at mixing ratio of 1 :14 was much the same as cement mortar. 8.The abrasion rate of epoxy resin mortar at all mixing ratio, when Losangeles abation testing machine revolved 500 times, was very low. Even mixing ratio of 1 :14 was no more than 31.41%, which was less than critical abrasion rate 40% of coarse aggregate for cement concrete. Consequently, the abrasion rate of epoxy resin mortar was superior to cement mortar, and the relation between abrasion rate and Brinell hardness was highly significant as exponential curve. 9.The highest bond strength of epoxy resin mortar was 12.9 kg/cm$^2$ at the mixing ratio of 1:2. The failure of bonded flat steel specimens occurred on the part of epoxy resin mortar at the mixing ratio of 1: 2 and 1: 4, and that of bonded cement concrete specimens was fond on the part of combained concrete at the mixing ratio of 1 : 2 ,1: 4 and 1: 6. It was confirmed that the optimum mixing ratio for bonding of steel plate, and of cement concrete should be rich mixing ratio above 1 : 4 and 1 : 6 respectively. 10.The variations of color tone by heating began to take place at about 60˚C, and the ultimate change occurred at 120˚C. The compressive, bending and splitting tensile strengths increased with rising temperature up to 80˚ C, but these rapidly decreased when temperature was above 800 C. Accordingly, it was evident that the resistance temperature of epoxy resin mortar was about 80˚C which was generally considered lower than that of the other concrete materials. But it is likely that there is no problem in epoxy resin mortar when used for unnecessary materials of high temperature resistance. The multiple regression equations of strength were computed depending on a function of mixing ratios and heating temperatures. 11.The susceptibility to chemical attack of cement mortar was easily affected by inorganic and organic acid. and that of epoxy resin mortar with mixing ratio of 1: 4 was of great resistance. On the other hand, when mixing ratio was lower than 1 : 8 epoxy resin mortar had very poor resistance, especially being poor resistant to organicacid. Therefore, for the structures requiring chemical resistance optimum mixing of epoxy resin mortar should be rich mixing ratio higher than 1: 4.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.261-271
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• 2014

An almost permanent anchor (friction type) is resistant to ground deformation due to the friction between the soil and grout at a fixed length from the anchor body. The purpose of this study is to calculate the force of bearing resistance for a bearing anchor in enlarged boreholes. We conducted analytical and numerical analyses, along with laboratory testing, to find the quantities of bearing resistance prior to grouting in EBA (Enlarged Bearing Anchor) construction. The force of bearing resistance from the analytical method was defined as a function of general borehole diameter, expanded borehole diameter, and soil unconfined compressive strength. We also employed the Flac 3D finite difference numerical modeling code to analyze the bearing resistance of the soil conditions. We then created a laboratory experimental model to measure bearing resistance and carried out a pull-out test. The results of these three analyses are presented here, and a regression analysis was performed between bearing resistance and uniaxial compression strength. The laboratory results yield the strongest bearing resistance, with reinforcement 28.5 times greater than the uniaxial compression strength; the analytical and numerical analyses yielded values of 13.3 and 9.9, respectively. This results means that bearing resistance of laboratory test appears to be affected by skin friction resistance. To improve the reliability of these results, a comparison field study is needed to verify which results (analytical, numerical, or laboratory) best represent field observations.

• Journal of the Earthquake Engineering Society of Korea
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• v.8 no.5 s.39
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• pp.35-43
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• 2004

Small-scale models have been frequently used for seismic performance tests because of limited testing facilities and economic reasons. However, there are not enough studies on similitude law for analogizing prototype structures accurately with small-scale models, although conventional similitude law based on geometry is not well consistent in the inelastic seismic behavior. When fabricating prototype and small-scale model of reinforced concrete structures by using the same material, added mass is demanded from a volumetric change and scale factor could be limited due to aggregate size. Therefore, it is desirable that different material is used for small-scale models. Thus, a modified similitude law could be derived depending on geometric scale factor, equivalent modulus ratio and ultimate strain ratio. In this study, compressive strength tests are conducted to analyze the equivalent modulus ratio of micro-concrete to normal-concrete. Then, equivalent modulus ratios are divided into multi-phase damage levels, which are basically dependent on ultimate strain level. Therefore, an algorithm adaptable to the pseudodynamic test, considering equivalent multi-phase similitude law based on seismic damage levels, is developed. Test specimens, consisted of prototype structures and 1/5 scaled models as a reinforced concrete column, were designed and fabricated based on the equivalent modulus ratios already defined. Finally quasistatic and pseudodynamic tests on the specimens are carried out using constant and variable modulus ratios, and correlation between prototype and small-scale model is investigated based on their test results. It is confirmed that the equivalent multi-phase similitude law proposed in this study could be suitable for seismic performance tests on small-scale models.