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Eingeladener Vortrag
- nein (107)
On the background of the need for reuse of building rubble and the saving of natural resources, a European Union research project was performed covering concrete technology and durability aspects. A very special precondition was the use of large-scale processed building rubble with unknown origin and the total replacement of aggregates above 2 mm. Comprehensive tests were carried out on the properties of the starting material from different processing plants and fresh concrete, particularly the interdependence of water addition and wor ability. Investigations on hardened concrete properties included strength devel-opment, creep and shrinkage, modulus of elasticity, capillary absorption, freezing and thawing resistance, and carbonation behavior over a long period. The results demonstrate that the industrial production of a high-grade, durable concrete is possible. The project is a promising contribution for sustainable development.
Rapid and accurate non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques are needed to assess the in-place condition of concrete structures. However the time and effort required to perform NDE tests using conventional surface-mounted contact sensors hinder rapid evaluation of full-scale structures. The authors are cooperating in research to develop rapid and robust methods that collect mechanical wave signals from concrete structures and to characterize defects in concrete
using that signal data. The suitability of surface waves and laser-based, non-contact wave detection techniques for this purpose are examined here. After a brief introduction to non-contact sensing, an experimental set-up is described and results from experimental tests are presented. Mechanical surface waves in a concrete slab specimen are generated with several different conventional sources. The ability of a laser vibrometer to detect wave propagation from concrete that does not have any reflective treatment (normal concrete surface) is demonstrated, allowing the generation of ultrasonic images. Test results from a concrete specimen containing a subsurface defect are then presented. The obtained ultrasonic images illustrate some limitations of using surface waves to detect subsurface defects in concrete, although approaches to improve the results are proposed.
Characterization of bond performance of textiles in cement matrices using fiber optic sensors
(2002)
The application of impulse radar for structural investigation of concrete elements has been increased during the last years related to technical developments, i. e. of high frequency antennas. In this paper, case studies will be presented related to the location of reinforcing bars, tendon ducts and repaired concrete areas in concrete bridges, anchors and dowels in concrete highways and delaminations of layered structures as they are used for non-ballasted railway tracks. It is shown that impulse radar can be applied in case of regular inspection and for searching the cause of damages but also for quality assessment in civil engineering.
Active infrared thermography in civil engineering - quantitative analysis by numerical simulation
(2003)
The cooling-down process of building structures after heating-up with an external radiation source was analysed to detect voids inside and below the surface. Quantitative results of concrete test specimen containing voids with different sizes at various depths will be presented here. The experimental results were compared to numerical simulations performed with a Finite Difference program developed at BAM.
The structural safety, durability and performance of the infrastructure is of primary interest in every country. An efficient system for early and regular structural assessment as well as for quality assurance during and after the construction of new structures and of reconstruction processes is urgently required. At BAM, NDT methods to be applied in civil engineering are developed and their application improved. From the experience of on-site assessments, quality assurance systems and methodologies for regular inspections are elaborated. This work is mainly performed in the frame of externally funded research projects.
An advanced quantitative approach of pulse-phase-thermography for nondestructive
testing in civil engineering is described in this contribution. The
characteristic frequency of the maximum phase-contrast between defects and sound
areas is used as a means for the characterization of its depth.
The new approach is tested in the laboratory on concrete structures with defects of
polystyrene. The surfaces of the structures were heated with IR-radiators for varying
time periods.
The presented investigations were funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
(DFG) and were carried out in co-operation with the Technical University of Berlin
(TUB).
The active approach for non-destructive-testing in Civil Engineering (NDT-CE) with infraredthermography (IR), developed at the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), is described in part one of this contribution. The active IR-approach is based on the principles of impulse- (IT) and pulse-phase-thermography (PPT). The concept is a direct result of a research project at the BAM in cooperation with the Technical University of Berlin (TUB) and was funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG). In the second part results of the new thermography-scanning system (thermo-scanner) of BAM on debonding of multi-layered structures, especially carbon fibre reinforced plates (CFRP) on concrete are presented. Both, the thermo-scanner developed at BAM, and the investigations carried out, are part of the
EU-Project Sustainable Bridges. In the third part of the paper the characteristic frequency of the optimum phase-contrast as a means for the characterization of defects depth in CE by means of PPT is introduced. A new quantitative approach is tested and discussed on concrete structures with defects of polystyrene and gas concrete.
Ultrasonic Reflection Properties at Interfaces Between Concrete Steel and Air: Imaging and Modelling
(2006)
Pitting corrosion of carbon steel and iron in chloride containing alkaline environment is already well investigated, although a couple of questions are not clarified satisfactorily. The critical chloride content for steel in concrete and the critical chloride to hydroxide ion ratio for steel in alkaline solutions is still a major concern, considering chloride induced corrosion problems of steel in concrete. Another not satisfactorily clarified point is the repassivation of carbon steel in consequence of cathodic polarization. In the recent literature some indications are shown that repassivation occurs after a certain time of polarization. GLASS [4-9] and PEDEFERRI [1-3] draw the conclusion that the ennoblement of open circuit potentials (OCP) indicates re-passivation effects due to cathodic polarization. SAGÜÉS [10] carried out potentiodynamic repassivation tests and draws the conclusion that the repassivation potential Er is nearly independent of the solution composition, but influenced by severity of corrosion attack and is in the potential range from - 0.8 V to - 0.4 V vs. Saturated Calomel Electrode (SCE). The transferability of SAGÜÉS results to questions concerning cathodic protection (cp) is questionable, as potentiodynamic polarization tests (PPT) give no information on changes induced by long time polarization.
Therefore, the investigations discussed in this paper aim to clarify, to what extend the re-passivation of carbon steel due to cathodic polarization occurs, and if the ennoblement of OCP is a sufficient indication for repassivation. In a first step the corrosion state of five nominal equal test specimens was determined by electrochemical techniques, i.e. electrochemical noise measurements (ENM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). After determining the initial corrosion state by evaluating the charge transfer resistance and the polarization resistance respectively as well as evaluating potential and current noise signals, the specimens were polarized cathodically. Impedance data were recorded previous to, during and after polarization. The impedance data were evaluated by equivalent circuit fitting with special attention to charge transfer resistances and diffusion properties. The results show that reduction of oxides and oxygen diffusion during cathodic polarization has strong impact on the systems behavior.
Influence of concret properties on the calibration of radar, ultrasonics and active thermography
(2008)
BETOSCAN - An instrumented mobile robot system for the diagnosis of reinforced concrete floors
(2009)
The changes in the sonic surface wave velocity of concrete under stress were investigated in this paper. Surface wave velocities at
sonic frequency range were measured on a prismatic concrete specimen undergoing several cycles of uniaxial compression. The
loading was applied (or removed) gradually in predefined small steps (stress-controlled). The surface wave velocity was measured
at every load step during both loading and unloading phases. Acoustic Emission (AE) test was conducted simultaneously to
monitor the microcracking activities at different levels of loading. It was found that the sonic surface wave velocity is highly stress
dependent and the velocity-stress relationship follows a particular trend. The observed trend could be explained by a combination
of acoustoelasticity and microcracking theories, each valid over a certain range of applied stresses. Having measured the velocities
while unloading, when the material suffers no further damage, the effect of stress and damage could be differentiated. The slope
of the velocity-stress curves over the elastic region was calculated for different load cycles. This quantity was normalized to yield a
dimensionless nonlinear parameter. This parameter generally increases with the level of induced damage in concrete.
The delamination of a plaster layer, which covers a concrete structure, can be detected by active thermography. In this paper, a systematic series of measurements is described, where the gap between plaster and concrete was varied. These investigations were compared to FEM-simulations. The experimental and simulated data were in good agreement. It was found that the used experimental setup yields only marginal differences between fixed and lose plaster in the thermal behavior. However, significant characteristics within the temperature decays could be resolved, which are clearly related to the air gap.
Today modern reprocessing techniques lead to materials, which bear the potential to be used as aggregates or additives in mineral building materials. Because of highly sophisticated reprocessing techniques residues with relatively stable composition over a certain range and relatively defined properties can be produced. At the same time, new German and European regulations demand a waste management to decrease waste volume stored at landfills to save natural resources and to enhance sustainable development by recycling of diverse residues. This paper shows the activities of the working group 'Saving Resources by Material Recycling'.
Nowadays there are several applications of mineral recycling materials and residues. At present an assessment method for the use of secondary raw materials, which considers sustainability aspects, does not exist. In the framework of the German DAfStb/BMBF research project 'Sustainable Building with Concrete' an assessment concept was developed. It includes the following four assessment steps: I. Basic considerations, II. Advantages for sustainable construction, III. Alternative paths for application, and IV. Sensitivity analysis. The concept was developed on the basis of recycled concrete aggregates, which are already used according to German standards. Afterwards, it was applied and verified by the evaluation of the utilisation of municipal solid waste incinerator bottom ashes.
Cementitious materials, in particular concrete, are durable materials if prepared appropriately and the Service life of concrete structures is now often required to last 120 years or more. Concrete durability depends strongly on intrinsic (e.g. composition, porosity) and exterior factors (e.g. moisture condition and composition, frost cycles, load pattem). Deleterious actions leading to concrete degradation are often created by the environment. Extemal sulfate attack is one of the more spectacular damage scenarios for concrete structures caused by the ingress of sulfate ions into the pore System of the material and successive formation of expanding phases. Though in recent years well studied there are still many questions remaining conceming the mechanisms of sulfate attack. In particular over the last ten years, with the increased utilization of blended cements, new questions arose concerning the sulfate resistance of those binder Systems. In the presented study therefore a method was developed to analyze the changes of the phase composition within the micro structure due to sulfate attack. The analytical method was based on pX-Ray diffraction (pXRD) using Synchrotron radiation in Debye-Scherrer (transmission) geometry. The spatial resolution of the method is ca. 10 pm and allows the characterization of phase transformations in the wake of damaging processes in more detail compared to other techniques. Furthermore, the experimental setup provides the possibility for analyzing the phase assemblage of a given sample without destroying the micro structure. This is possible because the specimens for phase analysis consists of thick sections, which can be used for further microscopic analysis of the micro structure and micro chemistry (e.g. by SEM-EDX). Samples containing supplementary cementitious materials were measured in comparison and to reconstruct the influence of the degradation process in detail. Additionally, reaction ffonts within the samples were localized by micro x-ray fluorescence analysis (MXRF).
Mechanisms of degradation of concrete by external sufate ions under laboratory and field conditions
(2011)
The durability of concrete is a major challenge for the construction, which devotes one third to one half of its annual investment to building maintenance. The lack of fieid data regarding concrete durability, especially in the case of exposure to Sulfate ions (“sulfate attack”) makes it dijficult to determine the appropriate fest methods andperformance criteria. Additionally, the increased use of sustainable blends (cement with mineral admixtures, typically slag from the iron industiy) suffers from a lack of experience regarding their long-term performance. Most results for sulfate resistance are derived from accelerated laboratoiy tests xvhere performance criteria are based only on macroscopic properties, especially expansion. To fill this gap and better widerstand the mechanisms of sulfate attack under real conditions, a parallel study of laboratoiy micro-concrete and fieid concrete samples under sulfate exposure was undertaken, focussing on microstructural changes in addition to the conventional macroscopic characterisation.
Four exposure regimes were designed in the laboratoiy: full immersion (ponding), pH-control, semi-immersion and wet/diy cycles. Pure Portland blends and slag blends witli high level of slag replacement (70 wt.-%) were investigated.
The exposure regime has been found to play a major role in the damage process. In ponding conditions, the damage process takes place in three stages characterised by a first period of induction, followed by surface damage thatfinally extends to the bulle of the material. Paradoxically, the w/c-ratio does not seem to have much impact on the ionic transport phenomena but might be more decisive in the microstructure mechanical strength against local stresses. The slag blends, considered as sulfate resistant in ponding exposure, revealed badperformances under wet/diy cycles. This beliaviour was attributed to poor proper physical resistance of the slag hydrates against diying.
The fieid concretes selected for the comparison with the laboratoiy cases were partially buried in a sulfate-enriched soil in Argentina. A pure Portland blend and a slag blends with high level of slag replacement (80 wt.-%) were investigated. The submerged part of the samples could be compared to the laboratoiy ponding exposure, wliile the upper layer of the samples subjected to weathering could be compared to the laboratoiy wet/diy cycles exposure. The fieid obsen’ations tend to confirm the laboratoiy results and validate the fest settings.
It has been underlined that a direct relationship between damage (e.g.; cracking/expansion) andphase assemblage was not evident. However, the study highlights that sulfate combination with the hydrates of the cement (e.g.; C-S-H) and with those of the slag would play a rote in the initiation of the expansion, which would be attributed to a swelling of the hydrates or to the precipitation offine ettringite after the Saturation level in sulfate of the hydrates has been reached.
Concrete technology was exposed to a rapid development during the last three decades. For the longest time in its history, concrete was considered as a three component System consisting of aggregates, which are bound by the hardened cement paste consisting of hydrated cement. Traditionally, the only way of adjusting the consistency of concrete was using well adjusted aggregates and grading curves and adding excess water to the concrete, accepting that the latter in return reduces strength and durability. During the last three decades, however, concrete has developed further from a three component System towards an (at least) five component system, since the use of mineral additions and Chemical admixtures has become state of the art. Both components are able to enhance the workability, the compactability, and the density of the microstructure with effects on strength, ductility and durability, while cement can be saved in parallel. Due to reasonable use of admixtures and additions, concrete can be designed to match mechanically high performance specifications. Traditionally, cement paste was considered the weakest component in concrete. Flowever, in modern concrete a good paste composition can yield highest performance, passing the role of the mechanical bottleneck towards the aggregates.
The goal of this study was to find a correlation between cleaning efficacy of substrates protected with anti-graffiti systems (AGS) and their porosity, surface roughness, and composition as well as usability of the Technical Testing Guideline for Anti-Graffiti Systems (TP-AGS, issued by BASt) for natural stone and brick/clinker masonry. The results showed that the cleaning efficacy mainly depends on the porosity of the substrate and the type of AGS. Also, higher surface roughness contributed to a lower cleaning efficacy. The results showed also that concrete panels and cement joints in masonry represented the worst case. The color change of all substrate materials compared to concrete was mostly within acceptable limits. Gloss changes were significant for a number of substrates. In particular, several of the wax-treated low-porosity substrates exceeded the threshold value of 10. The limit of water vapor permeability of the AGS prescribed in the TP-AGS might be too high for natural stone substrates. In general, the TP-AGS is useful for the determination of the efficiency factor of anti-graffiti agents on various substrates.
Sustainable evaluation - concept to assess the applicability of secondary aggregates in concrete
(2012)
Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy for fast analysis of ingress profiles of ions on concrete
(2012)
Clearing the way
(2012)
A joint research project was accomplished by ibac and BAM with the aim to develop a numerical model
of cathodic protection (CP) of reinforced concrete with a special focus on CP of the rear reinforcement
layer. The model was intended to include the effects of chemical alterations within the concrete and the
steel concrete interface, which are induced by long-term application of CP. The investigations presented
in this paper focus on the migration of chloride ions due to small electric fields as applied during cathodic
protection of steel in reinforced concrete structures and its impact on polarisation characteristics. A
comparatively new method, laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), was used to determine
chloride profiles on laboratory specimens in order to investigate one of several model parameters to
describe cathodic protection of the rear reinforcement of reinforced concrete structures. These
investigations are described elsewhere, [1].
The paper focuses on long term polarisation tests and their impact on the charge depending cathodic
polarisation behaviour of laboratory specimens.
Effects of amorphous nano-silica additions on mechanical and durability performance of SCC mixtures
(2012)
In the recent years the application of nanotechnology in building materials has increased
exponentially. One of the most referred and used nano-materials is amorphous silica with
particles size in the nano-range, even though its application and effect in concrete has not been
fully understood yet. It has been reported that nano-silica (nS) addition increases the
compressive strength and reduces the overall permeability of hardened concrete due to the
pozzolanic properties which are resulting in finer hydrated phases (C-S-H gel) and densified
microstructure (nano-filler and anti leaching effects). These effects enhance the durability of
concrete structures such as bridges, quays or off-shore oil facilities in marine environments.
In this study two different types of nano-silica were applied in self-compacting concrete (SCC),
both having similar particle size distributions (PSD) but produced in two different processes
(fumed powder silica and precipitated silica in colloidal suspension). The influence of nanosilica
on SCC was investigated with respect to the properties of concrete in the fresh state
(workability) and hardened state (mechanical properties and durability). Additionally, the
densification of microstructure of the hardened concrete was verified by SEM and EDS analyses.
The obtained results demonstrate that an efficient use of nano-silica in SCC can improve its
mechanical properties and durability. Considering the reactivity of the two nano-silica studied,
colloidal type shown more reactivity at early age, which influenced all the final SCC properties.
Ultrasonic echo testing is a more and more frequently used technique in civil engineering to investigate concrete building elements, to measure thickness as well as to locate and characterise built-in components or inhomogeneities. Currently the Synthetic Aperture Focusing Technique (SAFT), which is closely related to Kirchhoff migration, is used in most cases for imaging. However, this method is known to have difficulties to image steeply dipping interfaces as well as lower boundaries of tubes, voids or similar objects. We have transferred a processing technique from geophysics, the Reverse Time Migration (RTM) method, to improve the imaging of complicated geometries. By using the information from wide angle reflections as well as from multiple events there are fewer limitations compared to SAFT. As a drawback the required computing power is significantly higher compared to the techniques currently used. Synthetic experiments have been performed on polyamide and concrete specimens to show the improvements compared to SAFT. We have been able to image vertical interfaces of step-like structures as well as the lower boundaries of circular objects. It has been shown that RTM is a step forward for ultrasonic testing in civil engineering.
Active thermography is sensitive to inhomogeneities at and below the surface of objects investigated. Thus, it should be useful for detecting plaster delaminations on concrete. In this paper, the results of field and laboratory investigations into plaster-covered concrete were compared. For evaluating the bonding state of the plaster it is not sufficient to study only the thermal contrasts at the surface of the investigated objects. The experimental results suggest that the overall thermal behaviour has to be considered.
Starches and its derivatives are known to exhibit viscosity modifying characteristics. In an ongoing work, the influence of com and cassava starches on some properties of concrete such as compressive strength, heat of hydration and creep are examined. Various percentages (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2 %) of starches by weight of cement were added to concrete mixes prepared in the laboratory. Preliminary results of compressive strengths showed that both starches have some positive impact (e.g. there was 5.3 % increase in strength due to a 1 % addition of com starch by weight of cement in comparison to the control while cassava starch of the same percentage gave 4.9 % increase in strength) at certain percentages of starch addition to concrete at 28 days. The creep and hydration results shows the starch additions compares well and in some instance performs better.
Portland cement, as we know it today, has its origin in Great Britain approximately 170 years ago. Since then, concrete technology has spread out to Europe, the United States, and Japan, where it became a key component for rapid industrial development. Europe, the Unites States and many Asian countries today have developed a high level of technology regarding concrete construction.
However, each of them has a unique history and as a result, different “concrete philosophy” depending upon the social, environmental and financial boundary conditions, as well as their evolution throughout the years and local construction traditions. As a result, the word concrete may refer to rather different materials in America, Europe, and Asia.
Apart from South Africa, most sub-Saharan African countries cannot look back on a similarly long cement and concrete history. Cement and concrete are rather new materials and not yet well established. This gives African engineers the unique opportunity to learn from past mistakes and to develop a concrete technology, which refers to the best available practice. However, in many sub-Saharan African countries, standards and regulations are adopted (preferably from Europe or the US) without consideration of the historical background of these standards. Although this practice helps saving resources for the implementation, it does not necessarily yield the best result in the African environment, and also from an economic point of view it might come back disadvantageously due to unnecessary overdesigning.
By comparing the differing states-of-the-art in North America, Europe, and Asia, this paper emphasizes, how regional conditions determine the practice of concrete technology in the sub-Saharan area. It is therefore important for Africa to develop a unique African concrete technology, which is perfectly fitted to the specific local conditions, even if it may vary distinctively from the established practice elsewhere. The paper concludes that African nations should effort into adapting existing principles that have proved to function well rather than adopting existing standards.
In this research, laboratory experiments were carried out to investigate the feasibility of using ground penetrating radar (GPR) for corrosion detection and/or monitoring, and the mechanism of corrosion caused GPR signal changes, taking into account the influence of several parameters: Chloride, rebar size and cover depth. With the understanding of the mechanism, a novel method for detecting reinforcement corrosion in concrete with GPR is proposed, together with a series of signal processing toolkits for corrosion visualization and image comparison.
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 fire resistance of these columns is probably more compromised than in circular columns due to the phenomenon of concrete detachment in the corners of the cross-section. In order to examine the influence of several parameters on the behaviour in fire of circular reinforced concrete columns with restrained thermal elongation, several fire resistance tests were carried out. The parameters tested were load, restraint level, slenderness of the column and the longitudinal reinforcement ratio. In the fire resistance tests the specimens were exposed to the ISO 834 Standard fire curve and the critical time and temperature and failure modes were determined. The test results mainly indicated that the spalling phenomenon may also occur in circular columns and so reducing its fire resistance. The restrained level might not so much relevant concerning the fire resistance of circular reinforced concrete columns.
Innovative admixture technology has significantly widened up the ränge of possibilities of concrete engineers. For many decades the water to cement ratio (w/c) was the major influencing factor for the performance of concrete. Due to the need to adjust a consistency, which still allowed reasonable workability, the w/c was typically significantly higher than technologically reasonable. Rheology modifying admixtures Support adjusting the concrete consistency largely independent of the w/c. It was only after the invention of the first superplasticizers that modern concrete technology significantly evolved in terms of flowability, strength, and durability, and only due to the steady evolution of the technology modern innovations, such as Self-Compacting Concrete, Ultra-High-Performance Concrete, or Engineered Cementitious Composites were made possible. Today’s superplasticizers are extremely versatile and can be adjusted to individual technologicalspecifications. However, the other side of the coin of versatility is that cementitious Systems incorporating superplasticizers have become more sensitive against environmental influences, such as the environmental temperature, which may cause unwanted effects or demand for supplementary admixture use such as stabilizing admixtures. Hence, concrete mixture composition with admixtures demands for a high level of expertise and offen there is lack of awareness about the mode of Operation of rheology modifying admixtures among concrete technologists. The paper gives a comprehensive overview about rheology modifying admixtures such as superplasticizers or stabilizing agents, and how they can be used depending upon the application in the most favourable way. Based on experiences with the sub-Saharan African concreting boundary conditions, which exhibit many challenges in terms of environmental boundary conditions and construction site logistics, conclusions are finally drawn, how admixtures can be used in the most beneficial way to improve the concrete casting Situation.
An in-depth investigation of tunnel linings is performed at Eisenhower Tunnel, 60 miles west of Denver, Colorado, using a combination of four nondestructive testing methods: air- and ground-coupled ground penetrating radar (GPR), ultrasonic echo (US echo), ultrasonic tomography (UST), and impact echo (IE). A robotic frame with pneumatically operated vacuum plates is used to automate GPR, US echo, and IE. UST was performed manually. These techniques are used to identify and locate the reinforcement mesh and structural steel ribs. Local changes in ultrasonic phase are calculated by phase analysis processing techniques and apparent relationships between positive and negative phase shifts and steel and air interfaces are observed. According to previous laboratory research, these relationships indicate the bonded state between the concrete and the embedded steel, but without ground truth verification this can only be suggested. It is shown that this combination of methods can be used synergistically to provide tunnel owners with the layout and possible condition of tunnel lining reinforcement and structural components.
Tunnel lining evaluation is performed in the Hanging Lake Tunnel near Glenwood Springs, Colorado, using variations of four nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methods: air- and ground-coupled ground penetrating radar (GPR), ultrasonic echo (US echo), ultrasonic tomography (UST), and impact echo (IE). Potential regions of interest are identified using high-speed air-coupled GPR and visual inspection. A robotic frame with pneumatically-operated vacuum plates was used to automate the ground-coupled GPR, US echo, and IE tests, while the UST technique was used manually. This study shows that a particular combination of NDE techniques is a powerful tool for assessing the condition of tunnel linings and can detect potential anomalies such as delamination, depth of surface cracks, reinforcement depth and layout, and lining thickness. By mapping the phase shift of the ultrasonic pulses at detected interface, the potential bonding of layer interfaces and reinforcement is assessed.
Ground penetrating radar (GPR) and infrared (IR) thermography techniques have been used in many civil engineering applications for the structural visualization and defect detection.
However, validation tests of the methods performance for the defection of defects in the nearsurface region with respect to the defects different material and depth below the surface are lacking. To overcome this, we performed GPR and IR thermography tests where the different material properties, shape and depth of defects were studied on concrete and the evaluation of seismic related damage propagation was assessed on stone masonry walls. The results showed that IR thermography, though being greatly affected by the presence of water in the specimen, outperformed GPR in the detection of defects very close to the surface. However, already at the depth of 3 cm and further up till almost 7.5 cm, the performance of GPR resembles the one of IR thermography for the detection of polystyrene (air) voids. On the plastered masonry walls, IR thermography could detect an air gap resulting from plaster delamination as small as 2 mm.
Moreover, structural cracking resulting from the induced lateral load could be detected at an early stage.
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.
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.
Die Computertomographie (CT) ist in der Medizin als Standardtechnik etabliert, in der zerstörungsfreien Prüfung wird sie zunehmend angewendet, in einzelnen Fällen sogar als Referenzverfahren eingesetzt. Gegenwärtig ist eine starke Zunahme von Anwendungen der CT in der Materialcharakterisierung zu verzeichnen. Zudem werden weitere moderne 3D-Techniken für werkstoffwissenschaftliche Fragestellungen genutzt, um die Mikrostruktur - auch in situ (z.B. Druck, Temperatur) - aufzuklären. Hier werden neben der konventionellen Absorptions-CT auch die Potenziale der Refraktions-CT zur Beantwortung prozesstechnischer sowie werkstofflicher Fragestellungen aufgezeigt, die ein „ganzheitliches Bild“ des jeweiligen Werkstoffs zum Ziel haben.
Moisture and salt loads of concrete can significantly change its microstructure and consequently lead to chemical and mechanical degradation. However, the non-destructive investigation of moisture and salt present in concrete is still difficult. In order to address and compare the sensitivity of different methods concrete samples with different pore systems realized by varying the w/z ratios have been fabricated. The focus of this study was put on the analysis of ultrasonic long and trans waves measured on the surface and in transmission mode. The results show clear dependencies of all applied methods. With the radar and microwave methods predominantly changes in the concrete moisture could be detected, whereas the different pore systems were not observed to alter the signals. In contrast for the ultrasound method also the ongoing hydration as well as the nature of the pore system strongly influenced the signals. As a consequence in a subsequent drying experiment it was also tried to delineate the effects of moisture and hydration. All specimens have been re-saturated under pressure and the drying experiment was repeated using the same multi-sensor approach.
Monitoring of cracks in historic concrete structures using optical, thermal and acoustical methods
(2015)
Cracks are a major issue in the field of cultural heritage. In order to evaluate the significance of a crack, a long term monitoring of the damaged region is required. However, there is a lack of easy to operate tools for such monitoring measures. Therefore, new or existing methods for other applications have to be optimised for cultural heritage investigation. The paper describes the application of such crack observation methods on a historic concrete sculpture. Beside conventional methods, like mapping by hand and ultrasonic depth profiling, a novel tracking system is presented. Furthermore, the suitability of active thermography for the investigation of cracks was investigated. The results show promising prospects for these non-destructive techniques.
This paper describes an innovation of a phased array using dry contact probes to test concrete components. Based on preceding work on pressure waves, a low-frequency ultrasonic phased array consisting of shear wave probes is used in the experiments. This configuration allows the variation and control of the sound field directivity during the measurement. The measurements are carried out on a concrete test block using a scanning laservibrometer and a scanner system in transmission mode. The laboratory measurements are compared to theoretical calculations to investigate the influence of the probes shape and dimension on the resulting sound field patterns. The comparison of the modelling and the measurements demonstrates the suitability of the point source synthesis as a tool for the optimization of probe array designs. Methods of coded are used to improve the signal to noise ratio.
Welcome to the first symposium on Knowledge Exchange for Young Scientists (KEYS) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 9th – 11th June 2015. This symposium is part of a three phase series organised by BAM, and funded by VolkswagenStiftung. Each symposium will focus on relevant themes in the construction sector and will include adequate training as well as offer an opportunity to participate in informal discussions between key players and young scientists, which will facilitate the fundamentals of knowledge transfer.
Our world of cement and concrete faces tremendous challenges for the future. Without doubt cement-based materials will remain the most widely used construction materials in the world. Concrete can be made available everywhere in the world, and it is more sustainable than other materials. Nevertheless, in order to become even more sustainable, we need to find solutions to reduce CO2 generation for the cement production, to quickly solve problems of housing and infrastructures, and to cope with ever increasing customer needs in terms of performances.
There is no global optimum solution for concrete. Best concrete practices always has to be found locally and regionally based on raw materials, supply chains, and construction needs, but it can be inspired by other regions. In order to tackle the future challenges and build more innovative with concrete, we need to enhance interdisciplinary engineering skills and create networks between future decision makers.
Therefore, the KEYS symposia series offers a platform whereby young African scientists can get together with peers from Germany as well as with experienced academic engineers, industry specialists and scientists from across the globe for better implementation of research analysis in their respective fields of study. This primarily provides the opportunity to obtain further knowledge in the demand for the home-base innovation and growth of the education sector. It will also provide an opportunity to network with their peers and gain relevant and objective knowledge.
The theme for this first symposium is sub-Saharan African standards for cement and concrete research – raw materials, quality control and maintenance of cementitious products. The symposium is divided into 8 sections and includes presentations from 9 international keynote speakers and 22 young scientists, who were selected out of a high number of applicants based on the excellence of their scientific writing.
We would like to thank all participants for their valuable contribution to the symposium. We are blessed to receive tremendous input from the distinguished keynote speakers and we thank them for their attendance. Last but not least, we would like to acknowledge the funding body, VolkwagenStiftung, for their support. We hope you enjoy the symposium and find your engagement valuable with the entire team in sustaining your professional development in the global world of cement and concrete.
In civil engineering, the corrosion of steel reinforcements in structural elements of concrete bares a risk of stability-reduction, mainly caused by the exposure to chlorides. 3D computed tomography (CT) reveals the inner structure of concrete and allows one to investigate the corrosion with non-destructive testing methods. To carry out such investigations, specimens with a large artificial crack and an embedded steel rebar have been manufactured. 3D CT images of those specimens were acquired in the original state. Subsequently three cycles of electrochemical pre-damaging together with CT imaging were applied. These time series have been evaluated by means of image processing algorithms to segment and quantify the corrosion products. Visualization of the results supports the understanding of how corrosion propagates into cracks and pores. Furthermore, pitting of structural elements can be seen without dismantling. In this work, several image processing and visualization techniques are presented that have turned out to be particularly effective for the visualization and segmentation of corrosion products. Their combination to a workflow for corrosion analysis is the main contribution of this work.
Simulations of concrete on the mesoscale require complex geometry models that resolve single aggregates. Since they fill up to 60-80% of the virtual specimen, efficient algorithms for their placement are necessary.
Event-driven molecular dynamics (EDMD) algorithms using growing spheres are proven to create dense polydisperse sphere packings. In this paper, a modified EDMD algorithm is presented and compared to the widely used random sequential addition algorithm. It reaches denser aggregate packings and saves computation time at high volume fractions.
When meshing the geometry, a minimal distance between the aggregates ensures undistorted elements. It is obtained by increasing the aggregate size during the placement process, which makes the packing problem more challenging. For a given aggregate volume fraction, the presented algorithm maximizes this distance and meshable mesoscale geometries for concrete specimens with more than 70% aggregate content are produced.
Amplitudes variation of GPR rebar reflection due to the influence of concrete aggregate scattering
(2015)
Dense GPR measurements of rebar reflection amplitudes Show relative variations, which can be in the order of more than 10% - 20%. Former investigations demonstrated that these variations are caused by the heterogeneity of concrete, i.e. due to the inclusion of aggregates in concrete. These amplitude variations make it difficult to analyse single reflection amplitudes in order to determine the rebar diameter or to estimate the concrete deterioration state. In a systematic study we have quantified the statistical variation of the rebar reflection amplitude for concrete covers of 6 cm, 9 cm, 12 cm, 15 cm and 18 cm, for two different grading curves and for the rebar diameters 12 mm and 28 mm. Also the influence of the wavelength has been investigated by using antennas with different centre frequencies in relation to the aggregate size. The results are discussed with regard to a quantitative amplitude evaluation of GPR measurements and also the potential of using these variations for a characterization of concrete material properties.
Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) are largely used all over the world. The leading SCMs are fly ash (FA) and slag. However, such materials originate from industries that are not well established in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Therefore, it becomes extremely challenging and expensive to build up sustainable cement and concrete. For SSA, agriculture is one of the leading economic sectors. Agricultural by-products such as rice husk ash (RHA), can be a potential binder material beneficial for use in a cementitious system. RHA combined with limestone filler (LSF) is an option that can be practised for rice producing countries in Africa.
Ultrasonic echo testing is widely used in non-destructive testing in civil engineering to investigate concrete structures, to measure thickness, and to locate and characterise built-in components or inhomogeneities. Currently, synthetic aperture focusing techniques are mostly used for imaging. These algorithms are highly developed but have some limitations. For example, it is not possible to image the lower boundary of built-in components like tendon ducts or vertical reflectors. We adopted reverse time migration for non-destructive testing in civil engineering in order to improve the imaging of complicated structures in concrete. By using the entire wavefield, including waves reflected more than once, there are fewer limitations compared to synthetic aperture focusing technique algorithms. As a drawback, the required computation is significantly higher than that for the techniques currently used. Simulations for polyamide and concrete structures showed the potential for non-destructive testing. The simulations were followed by experiments at a polyamide specimen. Here, having acquired almost noise-free measurement data to test the algorithm, we were able to determine the shape and size of boreholes with sufficient accuracy. After these successful tests, we performed experiments at a reinforced concrete foundation slab. We obtained information from the data by reverse time migration, which was not accessible by traditional imaging. The imaging of the location and structure of the lower boundary of the concrete foundation slab was improved. Furthermore, vertical reflectors inside the slab were imaged clearly, and more flaws were found. It has been shown that reverse time migration is a step forward in ultrasonic testing in civil engineering.
The laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a fast method to provide multi-elemental analysis of any sample. At the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) the LIBS technique is applied on building materials to measure ingress profiles of harmful species like chloride and alkalis. The ingress depth and the quantitative amount is important for the evaluation of the potential for damage processes like the alkali-silica reaction or chloride-induced corrosion. Concrete as an example is a highly heterogeneous material with 1/7 cement (major component CaO) and 6/7 aggregates (SiO2) with different grain sizes. Due to a scanning procedure a two dimensional element distribution of a concrete surface can be measured. In order to have an automated Separation method to evaluate heterogeneous materials, different cluster algorithm have been tested. Best results have been achieved with the Expectation-Maximization-Algorithm (EM-Algorithm).
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.
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.
Welcome to the second symposium on Knowledge Exchange for Young Scientists (KEYS) in Accra, Ghana 7th – 9th June 2016. This symposium is part of a three phase series organised by BAM, and funded by VolkswagenStiftung. The KEYS symposia series offers a platform whereby young African scientists can get together with peers from Germany as well as with experienced academic engineers, industry specialists and scientists from across the globe for better implementation of research analysis in their respective fields of study. This primarily provides the opportunity to obtain further knowledge in the demand for the home-base innovation and growth of the education sector. It will also provide an opportunity to network with peers and gain relevant and objective knowledge. Therefore, the symposium offers adequate training to young scientists as well as gives an opportunity to network with key players in the cement and concrete industry, which will facilitate the fundamentals of knowledge transfer.
This second symposium focuses on solid waste management and importance of valorisation of suitable by-products for utilisation in the cement and concrete industry. Today, all over the world we can no longer draw on abundant resources, and more frequently, we need to develop innovative concepts for better and more sustainable construction. This change process needs international and interdisciplinary approaches. Hence, the symposium is seen as a spark for the generation of ideas and visions, how concrete construction can become more globally sustainable based on locally tailored concepts. The symposium includes keynote lectures from 9 international keynote speakers and technical papers from 22 young scientists, who were selected out of a high number of applicants based on the excellence of their scientific writing. The presentations of all participants as well as keynote lectures are represented in these proceedings.
We would like to thank all participants for their valuable contribution to the symposium. We are blessed to receive tremendous input from the distinguished keynote speakers and we thank them for their attendance. Last but not least, we would like to acknowledge the funding body, VolkswagenStiftung, for their support. We hope you enjoy the symposium and find your engagement valuable with the entire team in sustaining your professional development in the global world of cement and concrete.
Welcome to the 2nd International Conference on Advances in Cement and Concrete Technology in Africa (ACCTA 2016), January 27– 29, 2016, held at White Sands Hotel, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The first ACCTA conference that took place in January 2013 in Johannesburg was a result of an African-European collaborative research project. Due to the success of this conference, it was announced that a triennial international conference is necessary, with the next conference scheduled to take place once again in Johannesburg. Within the organisation of the conference, unfortunately some unforeseeable events arose, which would lead to either a delay of the conference in Johannesburg until 2018 or a change of venue. The great response from the international scientific community supported the option to maintain the originally scheduled date. With the support of the local organisation committee from the University of Dar es Salaam and the contributions from the University of the Witwatersrand and the University of Zagreb the conference was shifted to Dar es Salaam.
Despite the new boundary framework, we are extremely happy that it was possible to arrange an outstanding and excellent scientific programme. Therefore we would like to thank in particular the keynote speakers and all members of the international scientific community, as well as other delegates that supported the conference by their contributions and attendance. This shows us how significantly important the African cement and concrete market is for the entire global community.
Africa can become a spearhead for the future of construction with cement and concrete. The continent exhibits an enormous construction potential and due to the relatively short history of building with these materials, innovations can be adopted and adapted unbiased and without influence of stakeholders, traditions, and complicated networks of regulations. This is a fertile ground for the existing promising generation of engineers and decision makers for re-inventing cement and concrete in the best possible way.
There is no global optimum solution for concrete. The best solution in Africa is not the best solution in Europe or another part of the world, and the best solution in one particular African country is diverging from the best solution in another African country depending upon resources, supply chains, infrastructure, construction needs, traditions, available manpower, skills and technologies. Nevertheless, we can globally support our objectives to build future oriented and sustainable construction solutions by mutually learning from each other. In order to tackle the future challenges and build more sustainably and innovatively with concrete, we need to enhance interdisciplinary and cross-national skills and create networks between experts and decision makers globally.
ACCTA offers this kind of platform, and we are happy to announce that the conference reaches a high impact in the world. Delegates and speakers come from more than 40 countries in the world originating from all continents. Besides the technical content there will be plenary discussions on the most relevant topics of future binder technologies and standards and product safety with outstanding expert panellists.
We want to wish all delegates a successful conference and hope that this book can be a significant contribution for a future oriented and better concrete technology; in Africa and the entire world. Welcome to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The current knowledge about fatigue behavior of concrete is still incomplete. This concerns especially the progress of fatigue which precedes the fatigue failure. Therefore, the process of fatigue itself under cyclic compressive loading was investigated in a systematic and comprehensive way. The aim of this investigation was to obtain a deeper insight and to provide a better understanding of the damage process occurring within the material during fatigue loading. Concrete cylinders were tested with a number of cycles to failure between 106 and 107. To investigate macroscopic and microscopic changes in the material, various methods of non-destructive and destructive testing were used. One main result was, in contrast to other authors, that the investigated changes in macroscopic material behavior could not be explained only by a development of micro-cracks. The results indicated rather, that the related changes in the fatigue behavior are mainly a result of viscous processes in the hardened cement paste, similar to the processes of creep. Based on the experimental results a description of the possible processes was derived which take place in the material structure during fatigue loading and also leads to the observed macroscopic changes in the material behavior. In this context, the results have shown that in case of isotropic material behavior a stiffness reduction related to a scalar value could not capture the damage effect on the stress-strain-relationship caused by fatigue.
Chemical admixtures like superplasticisers or stabilising agents are of ever increasing importance for modern concrete technology. They liberate the workability of concrete from its dependency on water content, and thus, open the gate towards innovative and future oriented concrete technologies such as self-compacting concrete. Today, admixture addition has become common practice in concrete technology, but the understanding of their highly complex mode of operation is extremely difficult and demands for understanding of processes within the range between nanometres and centimetres. Due to its complex time-dependent, multi-phase and multi-scale behaviour, flowable concrete systems are highly complicated and cannot be described comprehensively by simple models. It is therefore extremely challenging to identify the relevant parameters that predominantly control flow phenomena on different size scales, since these may occur on any scale between the nano scale (e.g. superplasticizer adsorption) and macro scale (e.g. grading of the aggregates). The present study discusses fundamental mechanisms at the interface between particle or hydrate surfaces and the fluid phase at a very early stage of concrete formation, and links these effects to macroscopic flow phenomena. Methods are discussed that appear promising interdisciplinary tools for enhancement of the understanding of the relevant interactions that are responsible for the macroscopic flow of flowable concrete.
Interactions between waste paper sludge ashes and superplasticizers based on polycarboxylates
(2016)
In many industrial nations, about two third of the paper demand is covered by recovered paper. A major process step within the treatment of waste paper is the de-inking. It is a floating process yielding paper sludge as a waste product. About 50 % of this residue is used as a fuel. In several cases it is burnt at temperature of about 850 °C and thereafter the accrued ashes are collected in the flue gas filter. During the combustion, kaolinite and calcium oxide generate gehlenite and larnite. Calcite is the main component of waste paper sludge ash (PA).The chemical and mineralogical composition of PA suggests using it as a supplementary cementitious material.
In modern construction materials technology, workability aspects gain importance, since for most modern materials the rheology and compaction ability are relevant for the operation at a hardened state. It was observed that PA significantly increases the water demand of powder systems, which can cause serious problems during the casting of mineral binder systems containing PA. It is therefore obvious that binder systems containing PA might demand for the use of superplasticizers. Superplasticizers are polymers with anionic backbone that cause electrostatic and steric repulsion effects upon adsorption on surfaces of particles and hydration phases.
In this paper interactions between superplasticizers and waste paper sludge ashes are discussed and analysed. Based on observations of changes in the zeta potential and the dispersion of the particle system, the influence of the charge density of superplasticizers is observed and time dependent effects are demonstrated.
The use of starch and its derivatives in concrete as an admixture to modify relevant properties of concrete is on the increase in recent times. It is known to modify the rheology, to affect the hydration kinetics of cement, and influence on initial and final setting time of cement. This paper examines the effect of cassava starch on concrete. shrinkage properties of concrete, with and without starch addition, were studied. Various percentages (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2 %) of starches by weight of cement were added to concrete mixes prepared in the laboratory. Shrinkage tests were conducted for duration of up to one year. The result show that concretes with starch additions exhibit lower shrinkage, which is an indication the addition of starch as admixture in concrete improves the ability of the concrete reduce shrinkage problems.
Thermo-mechanical and spalling behavior of normal weight and lightweight geopolymer concretes
(2016)
The mechanical and microstructural properties of two geopolymer concretes, produced with either quartz aggregate or expanded clay aggregate, were assessed before, during and after high-temperature exposure up to 750 °C in order to better understand the engineering properties of the material. SEM investigations were also undertaken to better understand the observed changes in the mechanical properties. It was found that dehydration of capillary water caused micro-cracking and strength losses at temperatures ≤ 300 °C. At higher temperatures (T ≥ 500 °C) sintering promoted strength increases, leading significant strength advantages over conventional concretes. Stress-mechanical strain curves, which are the basis of the fire design of concrete structures, were determined. In addition, the two geopolymer concretes where exposed to the ISO 834-1 standard fire curve in a small-scale spalling test set-up. Acoustic emission measurements during, and acoustic measurements and optical microscopy after heat exposure were employed to investigate crack formation during the tests. Both concretes did not spall, which is attributed to their comparatively high permeability and their low amount of chemically bound water. Significant crack formation was detected only around the temperature of the α–β quartz transition (573 °C) and on cooling. Because of aggregate deformations at the quartz transition temperature, deterioration after heating was more significant in the geopolymer concrete with quartz aggregates. Crack formation occurred also in the concrete with expanded clay aggregates, presumably caused by shrinkage of the geopolymer paste on cooling.
As groundwork for thickness determination of polymeric surface protection systems for concrete, we present a method for measuring the thickness of isolated semitransparent solids using pulse thermography both in transmission and reflection configuration. An advanced analytical model by Salazar et al. capturing semitransparency is applied. After calibration with samples of well-known thickness, the unknown thickness of samples of the same material can be obtained by fitting.