Though, concrete in general is a non-combustible building material, modern High Performance Concrete (HPC) is very susceptible to violent explosive spalling during a fire attack. This requires protective measures for fire safety design of concrete structures. The current most worthwhile method to prevent explosive spalling is the addition of monofilament Polypropylene fibres (PP-fibres). However, since it has become common knowledge that PP-fibres are suitable for fire safety design, a variety of theories concerning the mode of action of PP-fibres have been suggested. The present article summarizes the most important hypothesis and presents an innovative method for the analysis of micro structural processes in heated specimens. The results show that due to the thermal decomposition of PP-fibres capillary channels are created. Simultaneously, a netlike micro crack formation occurs, which connects these capillary channels. This enables the relief of internal stresses (mechanical effect) and the formation of a permeable transport system for the escaping water vapour (permeation effect).
Fracture processes in concrete can be characterized by the formation of a Fracture Process Zone (FPZ), which is a region of the crack extending between the elastic region ahead of the crack tip over the crack bridging zone to the region where the crack opening is sufficiently large to prevent transfer of load across the crack faces. The formation of cracks and the development of the FPZ have typically been documented by Acoustic Emission (AE) methods and important conclusions regarding the nature of the FPZ and the propagation mechanisms of concrete have been drawn to form the basis of current fracture models for concrete.
The study presented in this paper focuses on Mode I cracking of concrete using compact tension specimens and is comparing the results of AE measurements to those obtained from documenting the cracking process by Digital Image Correlation (DIC). The findings from this comparison show that distinctly different AE events occur ahead of the crack tip, in the cementitious matrix at the crack tip and in the wake of the crack due to the increasing separation of the crack flanks and further opening of the crack. The DIC measurements indicate that crack initiation occurs with locally corresponding AE signals and furthermore suggest a continuous path of the crack from initiation to eventual transition to the stress-free zone. Based on these comparative measurements the study suggests that crack formation in unreinforced concrete is initiated by an individual, sharp microcrack rather than by a region of diffuse microcracking ahead of the eventual crack tip. Later on sharp crack branches originate from the main macrocrack path. Furthermore, the measurements with AE and DIC result in information on the nature of the deformation mechanisms occurring in distinct regions of the entire cracking process. AE signals detected using wideband sensors show quite different characteristics in time (waveform) and frequency (bandwidth) domain.
In order to extend the lifetime of buildings and constructions at the macro scale it is necessary to understand the damage processes of building materials at the micro scale. In particular, durability of reinforced concrete structures is one of the most important equirements for construction planning and restoration of buildings. Therefore degradation mechanisms were reproduced on laboratory specimens.
CT (Computed Tomography) is commonly used for non-destructive microstructural defect analysis for recurring tests on concrete specimens. In this work a few examples of CT applications on cementitious materials (including cement paste, mortar and concrete specimens) will be presented.
Firstly, in order to quantify the degradation processes, specimens analysed were damaged by corrosion due to carbonation and due to chloride ingress. Particular focus has been set to the analysis of cracks.
An automated crack detection tool, developed by Zuse Institut Berlin (ZIB) and BAM in ZIBAmira, has been applied for quantitative analysis of crack parameters and 3D visualization of cracks.
Furthermore the distribution of corrosion products has been evaluated inside the cement matrix and visualized in 3D data sets.
Another important factor for the ageing stability of concrete is the interfacial transition zone (ITZ). The ITZ consists of a layer of cement paste (20 to 40 μm) over every aggregate where porosity is generally increased in comparison with the bulk. This zone could be a preferential zone for transfer of aggressive species. To visualize the ITZ, a small sample of mortar with a diameter of 10mm has been prepared and scanned using the industrial μCT setup at BAM with a spatial resolution of 5μm voxel size. In addition the extracted surface of aggregates could be used for load simulations. We finally show how CT examination of drilled samples taken from building materials in conjunction with laboratory experiments is helpful for further evaluations of damage processes in concrete.
The research project "Ultrasonic Net for Concrete Monitoring (UNeCOM)" aims at developing a methodology for an embedded ultrasonic network for the condition assessment of infrastructure constructions. Civil engineering structures made of concrete, which are located in tectonically active regions or undergo special loading conditions, may require continuous monitoring. It is important to assess the condition of the building and its stability to recognise and classify the effect of a seismic event or evolving damage at early stages before failure occurs. Embedded ultrasonic sensors offer the possibility to detect changes in the material and degradation mechanisms from inside the structure in areas which are difficult or impossible to inspect otherwise. In contrast to conventional ultrasonic testing methods, where the concrete surfaces are scanned with ultrasound probes, this new approach uses sensors, which are embedded into concrete, eliminating the effect of variable coupling conditions between sensors and concrete. This method allows an integral detection of changes in the concrete structure, for example due to seismic activities, to detect mechanical impacts, as well as degradation of the material due to overloading. Such methods have great relevance especially for the monitoring of constructions like power plants, bridges, offshore structures and other structures with high technical safety requirements. The sensor network can be controlled remotely through the internet which is also being used for data transfer. The embedded sensor network is designed to monitor structural damage and concrete degradation globally with high sensitivity.
Cracks are always present in reinforced concrete structures. In the presented research, influence of mechanical cracks on chloride ingress is studied. A compact reinforced concrete specimen was designed, mimicking the cracking behaviour of beam elements. Cracks of different widths were induced by means of mechanical loading. These cracked specimens were then subjected to weekly cycles of wetting and drying with NaCl solution. After the exposure, the specimens were cut, and chloride distributions were determined using Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), an innovative technique which enables simultaneous determination of different elements with high spatial resolution and minimal specimen preparation. By combining element distributions of different elements, it is possible to discriminate between coarse aggregate particles, and the mortar matrix. It was found that the wider the crack is, the higher the ingress of chloride ions. This was, however, different for two tested concrete mixes. Due to highly inhomogeneous chloride distribution around the cracks, use of fine-scale experimental techniques for chloride mapping is advised, based on the presented study.
Carbon‐based conductive coatings are complex composites, consisting of an organic or inorganic binder and conductive carbon components, for application as anodes in impressed current cathodic protection systems of reinforced concrete structures. The electrochemical properties of three coatings at different humidity and in saturated calcium hydroxide solution were studied by electrochemical methods, such as electrochemical impedance measurement, measuring of open circuit potential over time and galvanostatic polarization. The dissolved organic and inorganic carbons in electrolyte solution were quantified by using a photometric method. The structures of the coatings were investigated before and after the electrochemical tests by microscopy and scanning electron microscope/EDX analysis. The results of the electrochemical impedance measurements show that the tested coatings all have a relatively low resistance, which is between 100 and 200V. The binder and the surface porosity influence the degradation behavior of those coatings. Especially the organic binder reacts with the strong alkaline medium under dissolving of organic carbon.
Most of the previous studies on reinforced concrete columns with elastically restrained thermal elongation were carried out on square, rectangular or '+'-shaped cross sections. The number of fire resistance tests on circular reinforced concrete columns with elastically restrained thermal elongation is still very small. In order to examine the influence of several parameters on the behaviour in fire of this type of columns several fire resistance tests were carried out. The parameters tested were the load and restraint level, slenderness of the column and longitudinal reinforcement ratio. In the fire resistance tests the specimens were exposed to the ISO 834 standard fire curve and the critical time (fire resistance) and temperature and failure modes were determined. The test results showed that the spalling phenomenon may occur in circular columns and so reducing its fire resistance. The increasing of the load level led to a reduction while the increasing of the longitudinal reinforcement ratio or the decreasing of the slenderness of the columns led to an increasing of their fire resistance. The restraint level might not be much relevant on the fire resistance of circular reinforced concrete columns.
Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is a combination of laser ablation, plasma formation and optical emission spectroscopy. The possibility of direct measurements on the sample surface, the minimum of necessary sample preparation and the automated setup allows for fast investigations of building materials. In combination with a scanning technique (translation stage or scanning mirrors head) the element distribution can be evaluated in consideration of the material's heterogeneity. LIBS measurements are also time-and cost-saving. The ingress profile of chlorine on a 50mm diameter concrete core up to a depth of 50mm can be measured and evaluated in less than 10 minutes. The results are normally referred to the evaporated mass, which is approximately the cement mass of the specific concrete. As a completion to micro XRF measurements also light elements like sodium or hydrogen can be detected. The spatial resolution of the measurement may reach 50 ìm at a maximum measurement frequency of up to 100 Hz. On the basis of calibration curves, results can be quantified.
Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) - visualization of ion transport processes in concrete
(2014)
Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a combination of laser ablation and optical emission spectroscopy. Due to the possibility of direct measurements on the sample surface and a minimum of sample preparation investigations of building materials can be conducted quite fast. In combination with a scanning technique (translation stage or scanning mirrors head) the element distributions are evaluated with mm resolution. Thus the heterogeneity of the material may be considered. This is a significant advantage compared to standard procedures. LIBS measurements are also time and cost saving in comparison to standard methods. The automated measurement procedures minimize the liability for errors. All elements are detectable. Results can be quantified after calibration. At BAM LIBS has been successfully applied for the investigation of distribution and transport of different ions in building materials. Quantitative measurements are performed for chlorine, sodium, potassium, sulfur, lithium and hydrogen. In addition the identification of substances and the evaluation of quantitative ratios by means of an integrated marker are possible. An overview about the principle and the possibilities of LIBS investigations of building materials is presented and typical applications are shown. The LIBS technique is close to practical application on-site.
This poster presentation gives an overview of the great potential of X-ray micro computed tomography (CT) to cast light on the evolution of the microstructure in construction materials. Prevention of damage is of major economic and social importance in the development of suitable construction materials such as concrete and asphalt. Therefore a non-destructive testing method such as CT is an appropriate tool for visualization of the inner structure. Its combination with other test methods allows understanding the damage processes such as crack propagation or corrosion. We show examples of internal structure analyses on a wide range of materials: Automatic 3D crack detection and the visualization of corrosion products inside of steel reinforced concrete, pore and shape analysis of lightweight aggregates and the visualization of deformation of high-pressure loaded aerated concrete specimens, distribution of aggregates inside concrete, and determination of the surface of porous asphalt core samples. Segmented structures serve, e.g., as input data for simulation of transport phenomena or virtual load tests.