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Eingeladener Vortrag
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Esta pesquisa avaliou o fenômeno de autocicatrização nas propriedades mecânicas e absorção capilar de concretos estruturais. Foram avaliados dois aditivos cristalizantes em pó, dosados de acordo com o teor recomendado pelos fabricantes. Aditivos cristalizantes aumentam a densidade do gel C-S-H e formam cristais insolúveis, bloqueando fissuras. Três traços de concreto foram produzidos: referência, aditivo-X com 0,8% e aditivo-Y com 2,0% em relação a massa do cimento. Aplicou-se 75% da carga de ruptura aos 3- e 14-dias para gerar microfissuras e comparar com a referência. Posteriormente, a autocicatrização foi avaliada aos 28- e 76-dias. A propriedade de resistência à compressão axial foi determinada aos 28-dias, revelando que os aditivos cristalizantes contribuíram para um aumento médio de 12% desta propriedade. A idade do carregamento dos concretos não apresentou um impacto significativo na resistência à compressão axial, mas apontou resultados significativos entre os tipos de aditivos estudados, conforme ANOVA. As propriedades de absorção de água por capilaridade foram avaliadas aos 28- e 76-dias, indicando uma redução de absorção de água média de 42% devido ao uso dos aditivos cristalizantes. Em conclusão, a incorporação dos aditivos cristalizantes contribuiu de maneira positiva para a autocicatrização dos concretos estudados, indicando uma recuperação parcial das microfissuras.
Large-language models (LLMs) such as GPT-4 caught the interest of many scientists. Recent studies suggested that these models could be useful in chemistry and materials science. To explore these possibilities, we organized a hackathon. This article chronicles the projects built as part of this hackathon. Participants employed LLMs for various applications, including predicting properties of molecules and materials, designing novel interfaces for tools, extracting knowledge from unstructured data, and developing new educational applications. The diverse topics and the fact that working prototypes could be generated in less than two days highlight that LLMs will profoundly impact the future of our fields. The rich collection of ideas and projects also indicates that the applications of LLMs are not limited to materials science and chemistry but offer potential benefits to a wide range of scientific disciplines.
Algal biofilm façades are an alternative to traditional green façades which can help to improve biodiversity and air quality within cities. They present a low maintenance approach in which subaerial algae are grown directly on concrete substrates. The intrinsic bioreceptivity of the substrate is a critical factor in successful facade colonisation. Existing research has identified several environmental and material properties which influence concrete bioreceptivity, however a consensus has yet to be made on which properties are most influential and how the interaction between properties may promote algal biofilm growth under specific conditions.
Building envelopes & natural rock surfaces represent the frontier between solid material surfaces, biosphere and the atmospheric environment – and are subject to permanent change in structure and chemistry. These surfaces are a natural habitat of subaerial rock biofilms (SAB) that are an important stage of primary succession. As their metabolic processes have a great impact on the composition of the near-surface layers of the earth biofilms on natural and manmade hard substrates are a research focus of geomicrobiology. In technical systems immobilized algae biofilms are already used successfully for wastewater cleaning. Algae can eliminate bacteria from the water and at the same time increase the oxygen concentration and the pH value in the water through photosynthesis, which again allows phosphate elimination to take place. Nitrificants contained in the algae biofilm convert ammonium to nitrite and nitrate.
Mineral claddings for building facades could be engineered to sustain either natural or previously established carefully selected algae-dominated biofilms and this way help to clean the air.
For a targeted engineering of the mineral substrates and the biofilms attached to them basic knowledge is however missing. By systematic research in an interdisciplinary team of microbiologists and building material scientists the following questions shall be clarified
• How can a curated biofilm be stabilized on the surface and designed to be durable without compromising the substrate
• What exactly do the biofilms need in terms of moisture in their respective growth stages? Or how long water must be available in what form and quantity to enable growth.
• What is the influence of the substrate on the availability and quality of the (rain) water (water quality, leaching of substances (alkalis) from the building materials, leaching of aerosol components, surface tension, suction tension, thickness of the water molecule layers adsorbed in the pore spaces....)
There are several research groups working on bioreceptive building materials which emphasizes the general interest in the topic. The idea of speeding-up the process by the targeted establishment of biofilms on building façade panels is a unique approach that has so far only been researched at BAM. Architects are very interested in biofilm facades as a new co-designing method of humans and nature reflecting the changing awareness for the loss of biodiversity in cities. If the biofilms need irrigation the evaporative cooling would reduce the urban heat island effect.
Polymers that help tailoring rheological properties during the casting process have become inevitable constituents for all kinds of high-performance concrete technologies. Due to lacking industries, these typically crude-oil based admixtures are not readily available in many parts of the world, which limits the implementation of more sustainable high-performance construction technologies in these regions. Alternative polymers, which often demand for less processing, can be derived from local plant-based resources. The paper provides experimental data of flow tests of cement pastes with polysaccharides from Triumfetta pendrata A. Rich, acacia gum and cassava without and in the presence of polycarboxylate ether superplasticizer. The flow tests are amended by observations of the zeta potentials and the hydrodynamic diameters in the presence of and without calcium ions in the dispersion medium. The results show that in the presence of and without calcium ions all polysaccharides provide negative zeta potentials, yet, they affect flowability and thixotropy in different ways. Cassava starch, acacia gum, and the gum of Triumfetta pendrata A. Rich qualified well for robustness improvement, strong stiffening, and additive manufacturing, respectively. The reason for the different effects can be found in their average sizes and size distribution. Due to the promising results, a flow chart for local value chains is derived on the example of yet unused cassava wastes, which can be converted in parallel.
The accelerating climate crisis results in a rising demand for ecologically driven concepts. Regarding construction, this does not only include environmentally friendly materials but also the establishment of greenery in urban regions.
This contribution presents the progress of two projects in which textured concrete slabs were designed to grow a stable biofilm of photosynthetic eukaryotic organisms. The greened panels represent an alternative to classic fa9ade greening with plants. Current literature suggests that the development of bioreceptive surface materials in the construction sector is difficult because there are no standardized methodological approaches for measuring said bioreceptivity. Therefore, the long-term. ahn is proposing a suitable measurement concept combining material Science and biology. Among other things, the intrinsic Substrate property pH value is expected to have a significant influence on biological colonization. In the current contribution the focus lies on the theoretical approach and design of experiment regarding this parameter.
Available experimental data will be presented.
Materials that support natural biodiversity on their surfaces can compensate for human activities that have a negative impact on nature and thus contribute to a carbon-neutral and nature-positive world. Specifically designing bioreceptive materials which favor the growth of biofilms on their surface is an approach complementing conventional, macroscopic green façades. But what exactly characterizes a bioreceptive substrate and how do biofilm and substrate interact? How and why does a spontaneous colonization and the formation of biofilms take place? What are biofilms and how can they be established in a laboratory setting? How can this existing knowledge be transferred to the artificial stone concrete so that this material can be tuned to increase (or decrease) its bioreceptivity?
This review paper aims at summarizing the existing state of knowledge on bioreceptive concrete and pointing out inconsistencies and contradictions which can only be removed by more interdisciplinary research in the field.
Understanding the fundamentals of bioreceptivity enables the developement of functionalized materials. Concrete as the most used building material worldwide is of special interest as microbially greened panels may represent an alternative to classic façade greening with plants. This project includes extensive outdoor experiments, in which eight differently structured concrete panels are weathered under different conditions, aiming to grow a stable biofilm of photosynthetic eukaryotic organisms. Documentation and data analysis of this experiment will be demonstrated using an example of one of the surfaces.
NMR is becoming increasingly popular for the investigation of building materials as it is a non-invasive technology that does not require any sample preparation nor causes damage to the material. Depending on the specific application it can offer insights into properties like porosity and spatial saturation degree as well as pore structure. Moreover it enables the determination of moisture transport properties and the (re-)distribution of internal moisture into different reservoirs or chemical phases upon damage and curing. However, as yet most investigations were carried out using devices originally either designed for geophysical applications or the analysis of rather homogeneous small scale (< 10 mL) samples. This paper describes the capabilities of an NMR tomograph, which has been specifically optimized for the investigation of larger, heterogeneous building material samples (diameters of up to 72 mm, length of up to 700 mm) with a high flexibility due to interchangeable coils allowing for a high SNR and short echo times (50 - 80 m s).
With 8% of man-made CO2 emissions, cement production is an important driver of the climate crisis. By using alkali-activated binders, part of the energy-intensive clinker production process can be dispensed. However, as numerous raw materials are involved in the manufacturing process here, the complexity of the materials increases by orders of magnitude. Finding a properly balanced binder formulation is like looking for a needle in a haystack. We have shown for the first time that artificial intelligence (AI)-based optimization of alkali-activated binder formulations can significantly accelerate research.
The "Sequential Learning App for Materials Discovery" (SLAMD) aims to accelerate practice transfer. With SLAMD, materials scientists have low-threshold access to AI through interactive and intuitive user interfaces. The value added by AI can be determined directly. For example, the CO2 emissions saved per ton of cement can be determined for each development cycle: the more efficient the AI optimization, the greater the savings.
Our material database already includes more than 120,000 data points of alternative binders and is constantly being expanded with new parameters. We are currently driving the enrichment of the data with a life cycle analysis of the building materials.
Based on a case study we show how intuitive access to AI can drive the adoption of techniques that make a real contribution to the development of resource-efficient and sustainable building materials of the future and make it easy to identify when classical experiments are more efficient.
SLAMD-FIB-Case-Study
(2022)
With 8% of man-made CO2 emissions, cement production is an important driver of the climate crisis. By using alkali-activated binders part of the energy-intensive clinker production process can be dispensed with. However, because numerous chemicals are involved in the manufacturing process here, the complexity of the materials increases by orders of magnitude. Finding a properly balanced cement formulation is like looking for a needle in a haystack. We have shown for the first time that artificial intelligence (AI)-based optimization of cement formulations can significantly accelerate research. The „Sequential Learning App for Materials Discovery“ (SLAMD) aims to accelerate practice transfer. With SLAMD, materials scientists have low-threshold access to AI through interactive and intuitive user interfaces. The value added by AI can be determined directly. For example, the CO2 emissions saved per ton of cement can be determined for each development cycle: the more efficient the AI optimization, the greater the savings. Our material database already includes more than 120,000 data points of alternative cements and is constantly being expanded with new parameters. We are currently driving the enrichment of the data with a life cycle analysis of the building materials. Based on a case study we show how intuitive access to AI can drive the adoption of techniques that make a real contribution to the development of resource-efficient and sustainable building materials of the future and make it easy to identify when classical experiments are more efficient.
With 8% of man-made CO2 emissions, cement production is an important driver of the climate crisis. By using alkali-activated binders, part of the energy-intensive clinker production process can be dispensed. However, as numerous raw materials are involved in the manufacturing process here, the complexity of the materials increases by orders of magnitude. Finding a properly balanced binder formulation is like looking for a needle in a haystack. We have shown for the first time that artificial intelligence (AI)-based optimization of alkali-activated binder formulations can significantly accelerate research.
The "Sequential Learning App for Materials Discovery" (SLAMD) aims to accelerate practice transfer. With SLAMD, materials scientists have low-threshold access to AI through interactive and intuitive user interfaces. The value added by AI can be determined directly. For example, the CO2 emissions saved per ton of cement can be determined for each development cycle: the more efficient the AI optimization, the greater the savings.
Our material database already includes more than 120,000 data points of alternative binders and is constantly being expanded with new parameters. We are currently driving the enrichment of the data with a life cycle analysis of the building materials.
Based on a case study we show how intuitive access to AI can drive the adoption of techniques that make a real contribution to the development of resource-efficient and sustainable building materials of the future and make it easy to identify when classical experiments are more efficient.
During their life span, concrete structures interact with many kinds of external mechanical loads. Most of these loads are considered in advance and result in reversible deformations. Nevertheless, some of the loads cause irreversible, sometimes unnoticed changes below the macroscopic scale depending on the type and dimension of the impact. As the functionality of concrete structures is often relevant to safety and society, their condition must be known and, therefore, assessed on a regular basis. Out of the spectrum of non-destructive monitoring methods, Coda Wave Interferometry using embedded ultrasonic sensors is one particularly sensitive technique to evaluate changes to heterogeneous media. However, there are various influences on Coda waves in concrete, and the interpretation of their superimposed effect is ambiguous. In this study, we quantify the relations of uniaxial compression and uniaxial tension on Coda waves propagating in normal concrete. We found that both the signal correlation of ultrasonic signals as well as their velocity variation directly reflect the stress change in concrete structures in a laboratory environment. For the linear elastic range up to 30% of the strength, we calculated a velocity variation of −0.97‰/MPa for compression and 0.33%/MPa for tension using linear regression. In addition, these parameters revealed even weak irreversible changes after removal of the load. Furthermore, we show the time-dependent effects of shrinkage and creep on Coda waves by providing the development of the signal parameters over time during half a year together with creep recovery. Our observations showed that time-dependent material changes must be taken into account for any comparison of ultrasonic signals that are far apart in time. The study’s results demonstrate how Coda Wave Interferometry is capable of monitoring stress changes and detecting even small-size microstructural changes. By indicating the stated relations and their separation from further impacts, e.g., temperature and moisture, we anticipate our study to contribute to the qualification of Coda Wave Interferometry for its application as an early-warning system for concrete structures.
Alkali-silica reaction (ASR) is a chemical reaction within concrete which can lead over time to cracking and spalling. Due to the complexity of the problem, it still causes damage to concrete constructions worldwide.
The publication aims to illustrate the interdisciplinary research of the German Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) within the last 20 years, considering all aspects of ASR topics from the macro to the micro level. First, methods for characterization and assessment of ASR risks and reaction products used at BAM are explained and classified in the international context. Subsequently the added value of the research approach by combining different, preferably nondestructive, methods across all scales is explained using specific examples from a variety of research projects. Aspects covered range from the development of new test-setups to assess aggregate reactivity, to analysis of microstructure and reaction products using microscopical, spectroscopical and X-ray methods, to the development of a testing methodology for existing concrete pavements including in-depth analysis of the visual damage indicator and the de-icing salt input using innovative testing techniques. Finally, research regarding a novel avoidance strategy that makes use of internal hydrophobization of the concrete mix is presented.
In recent years, the demand for new and sustainable products has been constantly rising. Especially cementitious materials are known for their high carbon footprint and novel approaches will be needed to counterbalance that. The BAM departments 7.1 (building materials) and 4.0 (Material and the environment) try to improve the sustainability of concrete panels by establishing a biofilm on the weather protection layer. Using an ultra-high-performance-concrete allows the production of very thin facade tiles with a small carbon footprint. Furthermore, the durability of these tiles is expected to surpass the one of “normal” concrete facades and offer the possibility of modular renewing of defective tiles instead of a wall, or even remodeling a whole building. The controlled application of biofilms on facades aims to improve biodiversity, microclimate, and air quality in cities. Furthermore, the greening of typically gray surfaces could improve the mental health of the residents. The project focuses on testing a multiplicity of concrete samples, varying e.g., in roughness or pH. The bioreceptivity is analyzed via laboratory tests, as well as in perennial outdoor experiments.
In this talk the basics of X-ray computed tomography (XCT) are presented, together with a description of complementary techniques such as Laminography and Stereoradiography.
A overview of the common reconstruction approach and of the artifacts that can occur during reconstruction or acquisition of XCT images is also given.
Finally, application examples in the field of construction materials are given, whereby several experimental techniques (Region of Interest Approach) and data analysis methods (e.g. Digital volume correlation) are explained. Such techniques and algorithms are used to extract quantitative information from ex- and in-situ experiments.
The goal of the Special Issue “Brittle Materials in Mechanical Extremes” was to spark a discussion of the analogies and the differences between different brittle materials, such as, for instance, ceramics and concrete. Indeed, the contributions to the Issue spanned from construction materials (asphalt and concrete) to structural ceramics, reaching as far as ice. The data shown in the issue were obtained by advanced microstructural techniques (microscopy, 3D imaging, etc.) and linked to mechanical properties (and their changes as a function of aging, composition, etc.). The description of the mechanical behavior of brittle materials under operational loads, for instance, concrete and ceramics under very high temperatures, offered an unconventional viewpoint on the behavior of brittle materials. This is not at all exhaustive, but a way to pave the road for intriguing and enriching comparisons.
Due to the high sensitivity of coda waves to the smallest structural alterations such as strain, humidity or temperature changes, ultrasonic waves are a valid means to examine entire structures employing networks of ultrasonic transducers. In order to substantiate this ex ante assessment, the viability of measuring ultrasonic waves as a valid point of reference and inference for structural changes is to be further scrutinized in this work. In order to investigate the influence of mechanical strain on ultrasonic signals, a four-point bending test was carried out on a reinforced concrete beam at Ruhr University Bochum. Thus, measurements collected from a network of selected transducer pairings arranged across the central, shear-free segment of the test specimen, were correlated to their respective strain fields. Detected ultrasonic signals were evaluated employing Coda Wave Interferometry. Such analysis comprised the initial non-cracked state as well as later stages with incremental crack depth and quantity. It was to ascertain that the test specimen can in fact be qualitatively compartmentalized into areas of compression and tension identified via Relative Velocity Changes presented in Attribute Maps. However, since results did not entail a zero crossing, i.e., neither positive nor negative values were to be calculated, only relative changes in this work displayed staggered over the height of the object under test, are discussed. Under the given methodological premises, additional information is currently required to make quantitative assertions regarding this correlation of ultrasonic and strain results. This holds true for the comparability of the ultrasonic and strain results for both non-cracked and even the cracked state.
In 2019 CRC Press published the “Concrete Repair to EN 1504” as paperback. This issue does not differ in terms of content from the hardback publication of 2014. Like the previous version, the book covers both detailed background information on repair procedures of reinforced concrete structures and provides a reference work for technicians and people who are involved with the maintenance of these structures, according to EN 1504.
The book presents a high number of figures and tables, i.e., approximately one illustration per page.
For readers who prefer a more comfortable to handle paperback, the book is recommended; however, the hardback from 2014 is still up‐to‐date.
Structural design and application have always been linked to the compressive strength of concrete as the main relevant criterion. This was justifiable in the past, where concrete consisted of water, ordinary Portland cement and aggregates, but this concept is no longer relevant for modern and more sustainable cement and concrete.
Despite these new developments, existing standards, guidelines and academic curricula have not been much updated and are still used worldwide. There is a need to change this situation by proper education of the users.
This overview describes the challenges that arise at a user Level from the higher complexity of modern concrete, and defines needs and requirements for enhanced applicability of sustainable concrete concepts.
Furthermore, recommendations are given on how better concrete practice can be communicated to all the involved parties, from civil and design engineers to constructors and site-appliers on the construction site.
Fatigue induced degradation in pavement concrete and its effect on the alkali-silica-reaction
(2018)
In recent years the German motorway network has seen an increase in the occurrence of damage to concrete road surfaces that can be attributed to the alkali-silica reaction (ASR). In view of the often drastically reduced service life of road surfaces due to ASR, research activity in this field has notably increased. Alongside preventative measures in concrete technology i.e. the usage of low-alkali cements, the main research focus up to now has been on the development of performance-oriented testing procedures for ASR prevention. The effects of mechanicallyinduced damage resulting from cyclic traffic and climatic loading have previously not been taken into consideration.
The assessment of the myriad degradation and transport processes necessary for an understanding of these effects requires close interaction between experiments and corresponding multi-scale models. This contribution is focused on the experiments utilizing innovative testing techniques. The research is founded on a series of fatigue tests performed on large-scale beams with simultaneous tracking of the degradation process using non-destructive evaluation methods. Subsequently, smaller test specimens were extracted from the predamaged beams for further experiments. These experiments included investigation of the influence of fatigue-induced cracks on moisture and alkali transport. Subsequent storage of the small-scale test specimens, with and without cyclic pre-damage, in an ASR-conducive environment then provided initial findings on the influence of fatigue-induced degradation on the ASR.
The results show that the degradation process can be well observed with the test Setup developed for the fatigue experiments. Further, a small but noticeable increase of mass Transport due to fatigue-induced degradation was measured, which correspondingly indicated an increased ASR damage potential.
Fatigue induced degradation in pavement concrete and its effect on the alkali-silica reaction
(2018)
In recent years the German motorway network has seen an increase in the occurrence of damage to concrete road surfaces that can be attributed to the alkali-silica reaction (ASR). In view of the often drastically reduced service life of road surfaces due to ASR, research activity in this field has notably increased. Alongside preventative measures in concrete technology i.e. the usage of low-alkali cements, the main research focus up to now has been on the development of performance-oriented testing procedures for ASR prevention. The effects of mechanicallyinduced damage resulting from cyclic traffic and climatic loading have previously not been taken into consideration.
The assessment of the myriad degradation and transport processes necessary for an understanding of these effects requires close interaction between experiments and corresponding multi-scale models. This contribution is focused on the experiments utilizing innovative testing techniques. The research is founded on a series of fatigue tests performed on large-scale beams with simultaneous tracking of the degradation process using non-destructive evaluation methods. Subsequently, smaller test specimens were extracted from the predamaged beams for further experiments. These experiments included investigation of the influence of fatigue-induced cracks on moisture and alkali transport. Subsequent storage of the small-scale test specimens, with and without cyclic pre-damage, in an ASR-conducive environment then provided initial findings on the influence of fatigue-induced degradation on the ASR.
The results show that the degradation process can be well observed with the test Setup developed for the fatigue experiments. Further, a small but noticeable increase of mass Transport due to fatigue-induced degradation was measured, which correspondingly indicated an increased ASR damage potential.
A probabilistic approach for finite element analysis (FEA) for tunnel linings exposed to the nominal fire is presented. The probabilistic FEA accounted for the uncertainties distributions tied to the conductivity and specific heat as well as of the compressive strength, tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and ultimate strain in compression. To get an understanding on the influence of different probability density functions on the distribution of maximum displacements of the tunnel lining, a sensitivity analysis was performed. Four sets of FEAs were carried out with different probability distributions of the conductivity, the specific heat, and the compressive strength of the concrete, respectively. An experimental design based on a Latin Hypercube Sampling algorithm was performed to define the input parameters which describe each analysis case. A reliability analysis was executed considering a limit state function based on the temperature-dependent ultimate strain. The results show that, depending on the distribution adopted, the standard deviation of the maximum displacements can vary up to 47,4% of the minimum standard deviation. The large standard deviation is associated with the possibility of a greater displacement and, hence, to a structure more vulnerable to fire.
Concrete is a multiphase material made of cement, aggregates and water. The heterogeneity of concrete is a result of mixing aggregates (grain size between 0.125 mm to 32 mm) and cement (grain size < 0.04 mm) together. There are always aggregates with a grain size below 0.125 mm (flour grains) therefore the cement matrix is always a mixture of these small particles. Different grain size distributions by making concrete are important to ensure the needed density and com-pressive strength. In order to estimate the remaining lifetime of concrete structures the quantification of element concentra-tions of alkali and chlorides regarding to the cement matrix only (1/3 of the total mass), is a major concern in civil engineer-ing. Due to two-dimensional scanning with LIBS the coarse aggregates can be evaluated and excluded from the analysis. In the case of particles (flour grains and cement) smaller than the laser spot size, the microscopic hetero-geneity influences the laser-plasma interaction and has therefore an impact on the results. In this study the influence of the micro-heterogeneity and the impact on the laser-material interaction is examined. The effect of changing ratios between cement particles and aggregate particles in the laser-induced plasma has been analyzed (see figure 1, right). Therefore, different samples with defined grain sizes are prepared and the obtained distributions were analyzed with x-ray diffraction (XRD). For the LIBS measurements, an automated system that operates with a low energy NdCr:YAG laser (pulse energy of 3 mJ, a wavelength of 1064 nm, a pulse width of 1.5 ns, a repetition rate of 100 Hz) and a NIR Czerny-Turner spectrometer has been used.
For concrete production aggregates, cement and water are mixed together and after 28 days of hydration a porous and multiphase material is formed. To consider the heterogeneity of concrete a 2D scanning system is used. The coarse aggregates (limit > 2 X d ) can be excluded. laser spot The remaining content is a mixture of flour grains and cement particles (micro heterogeneity). Harmful species like chlorides may penetrate together with water through the capillary pore space. A quantification of Cl regarding to the cement content only (European standard EN 206) is necessary for the damage assessment. A LIBS system operating with a NdCr:YAG laser (pulse energy of 3 mJ, a wavelength of 1064 nm, a pulse width of 1.5 ns, a repetition rate of 100 Hz) and two Czerny-Turner spectrometer (UV and NIR range) have been used.
Probabilistic thermo-Mechanical analysis of a concrete tunnel lining subject to fire The probability distributions of the parameters related to the thermal analysis was considered in order to study the variability of the results and to carry out a reliability analysis. This assessment considered as random variables the thermo-mechanical properties of the concrete, the maximum heat release rate (HRR), the duration of the period of maximum HRR, the convective coefficient, the emissivity at the surface exposed to the fire, the air velocity within the tunnel, and the initial fire radius. The temperature-time curve was described by a correlation. An experimental design based on a Latin Hypercube Sampling algorithm was performed to define the input parameters to each analysis case. The definition of a limit state function based on the punctual strain status has permitted to carry out a reliability analysis.
A probabilistic finite elements analysis (FEA) of a tunnel lining subject to fire is presented. The probability distributions of the parameters related to the thermal analysis was considered in order to study the variability of the results and to carry out a reliability analysis. This assessment considered as random variables the thermo-mechanical properties of the concrete, the maximum heat release rate (HRR), the duration of the period of maximum HRR, the convective coefficient, the emissivity at the surface exposed to the fire, the air velocity within the tunnel, and the initial fire radius. The temperature-time curve was described by a correlation. An experimental design based on a Latin Hypercube Sampling algorithm was performed to define the input parameters to each analysis case. The definition of a limit state function based on the punctual strain status has permitted to carry out a reliability analysis.
2D evaluation of spectral LIBS data derived from heterogeneous materials using cluster algorithm
(2017)
Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is capable of providing spatially resolved element maps in regard to the chemical composition of the sample. The evaluation of heterogeneous materials is often a challenging task, especially in the case of phase boundaries. In order to determine information about a certain phase of a material, the need for a method that offers an objective evaluation is necessary. This paper will introduce a cluster algorithm in the case of heterogeneous building materials (concrete) to separate the spectral information of non-relevant aggregates and cement matrix. In civil engineering, the information about the quantitative ingress of harmful species like Cl−, Na+ and SO2−4 is of great interest in the evaluation of the remaining lifetime of structures (Millar et al., 2015; Wilsch et al., 2005). These species trigger different damage processes such as the alkali-silica reaction (ASR) or the chloride-induced corrosion of the reinforcement. Therefore, a discrimination between the different phases, mainly cement matrix and aggregates, is highly important (Weritz et al., 2006). For the 2D evaluation, the expectation-maximizationalgorithm (EM algorithm; Ester and Sander, 2000) has been tested for the application presented in this work. The method has been introduced and different figures of merit have been presented according to recommendations given in Haddad et al. (2014). Advantages of this method will be highlighted. After phase separation, non-relevant information can be excluded and only the wanted phase displayed. Using a set of samples with known and unknown composition, the EM-clustering method has been validated regarding to Gustavo González and Ángeles Herrador (2007).
Polysaccharides are incorporated into cement based Systems in order to modify the rheological properties. Typically, cellulose ethers, sphingan gums, guar gum or starch ethers are applied. Depending upon their chemistry, molecular architecture, and adsorption tendency, polysaccharides interact differently with the entire cementitious system. Some stabilising agents like diutan gum mainly affect the cementitious paste; other stabilising agents like starch tend to interact with the sand fraction and even with the coarse aggregates. Cellulose and guar gum shows more diverse performances.
Typically stabilising admixtures like polysaccharides are used, when sophisticated rheological properties are adjusted. Therefore, polysaccharides are often used in combination with superplasticisers, which are added to reduce the yield stress of concrete. This can cause interactions, particularly when the stabilising Agent shows a strong tendency to adsorb on particle surfaces. Adsorptive stabilising agents may reduce the amount of adsorbed superplasticisers, thus affecting both viscosity and yield stress, while non-adsorptive stabilising agents mainly affect the plastic viscosity independently of the superplasticiser. Due to the strong influence of superplasticisers on the yield stress, influences of the stabilising agent on the yield stress retreat into the background, so that their major effect is an increase of the plastic viscosity.
The paper provides a comprehensive overview of how different polysaccharide superplasticisers affect cementitious flowable systems and points out the challenges of the combined use of polysaccharides and superplasticisers. Based on rheometric experiments and observations of the hydration process, time dependent effects on the workability as well as of the hydration of cement are presented and discussed.
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.
A significant number of German concrete motorway pavements have shown damage only a few years after construction. The alkali-silica-reaction (ASR) is often one of the reasons for this damage. German guidelines and regulations focus on the optimisation of the concrete composition to avoid damage due to ASR. Moreover, diverse research projects have dealt with the development and optimisation of ASR performance test methods with and without external alkali supply.
However, the influence of other parameters on the occurrence and intensity of a damaging ASR had not yet been taken into account. Such parameters include, e.g., insufficient curing and the modifications of concrete’s porosity due to the use of slip form pavers. Likewise, the increased traffic loading had not yet been considered. The Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) assesses these parameters and processes in a number of projects. These projects aim primarily to increase the durability of the concrete pavements, in particular by improving preventive measures that may be taken before or after the construction of concrete pavements. This paper gives a short overview of BAM’s projects concerning ASR in concrete pavements. Furthermore, results regarding the influence of the cyclic traffic loading on ASR are presented.
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 1E6 and 1E7. 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.
Fatigue is of relevance not only for metals but also for concrete. The current knowledge about fatigue behaviour of concrete is, however, incomplete. This concerns especially the progress of fatigue which precedes the fatigue failure. Some macroscopic effects of this process are well known but the governing material changes behind them are still less studied. The focus of the present contribution lay on a systematic and comprehensive investigation of the fatigue process under cyclic compressive loading. The aim was to obtain a deeper insight and to provide a better understanding of the damage process in the material. Cylindrical specimens were tested with a number of cycles to failure between 106 and 107. Various methods of non-destructive and destructive testing were used to investigate macroscopic and microscopic changes in the material. One main result was that the changes in the macroscopic material behaviour could not be explained only by the development of micro cracks. The results indicated that the related changes in the fatigue behaviour originate rather from viscous processes in the cement stone, similar to the process of creep. A sound description of the possible processes was derived from the obtained experimental results which concerns material structure during fatigue loading. It has been shown that in case of isotropic material behaviour a stiffness reduction related to a scalar value could not capture the damage effect on the stress-strain relationship caused by fatigue.
Fatigue is of relevance not only for metals but also for concrete. The current knowledge about fatigue behaviour of concrete is, however, incomplete. This concerns especially the progress of fatigue which precedes the fatigue failure. Some macroscopic effects of this process are well known but the governing material changes behind them are still less studied. The focus of the present contribution lay on a systematic and comprehensive investigation of the fatigue process under cyclic compressive loading. The aim was to obtain a deeper insight and to provide a better understanding of the damage process in the material. Cylindrical specimens were tested with a number of cycles to failure between 106 and 107. Various methods of non-destructive and destructive testing were used to investigate macroscopic and microscopic changes in the material. One main result was that the changes in the macroscopic material behaviour could not be explained only by the development of micro cracks. The results indicated that the related changes in the fatigue behaviour originate rather from viscous processes in the cement stone, similar to the process of creep. A sound description of the possible processes was derived from the obtained experimental results which concerns material structure during fatigue loading. It has been shown that in case of isotropic material behaviour a stiffness reduction related to a scalar value could not capture the damage effect on the stress-strain relationship caused by fatigue.
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.
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 with 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) 2D element distributions of harmful species like chlorides and alkalis are evaluated with a sub-mm resolution. By scanning a surface of typically 100 mm x 100 mm the heterogeneity of the material may be considered. LIBS is capable to identify hot spots in element concentration with a resolution of 0.1 mm or even smaller. A LIBS-system for the on-site application on building materials is, in cooperation with system developers and companies which will use this technique for investigation on real structures, under test at BAM. We present an example. Further work will focus on providing guidelines to establish LIBS as a standard procedure for chemical investigations of building materials.
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.
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.
Im Mittelpunkt der vorliegenden Arbeit steht das Ermüdungsverhalten von Beton unter hochzyklischen Druckschwellbeanspruchungen. Der aktuelle Wissensstand bezüglich des Ermüdungsverhaltens ist nach wie vor sehr lückenhaft. Ganz besonders trifft das auf den eigentlichen Ermüdungsprozess zu, der dem abschließenden Ermüdungsversagen vorausgeht. Dem Defizit im Wissen um das Ermüdungsverhalten steht allerdings eine zunehmende Bedeutung der Thematik in der Baupraxis gegenüber. Daher wurde im Rahmen dieser Arbeit eine systematische Untersuchung des Ermüdungsprozesses vorgenommen. Damit wird ein Beitrag geleistet, um einen tieferen Einblick und ein besseres Verständnis für den Schädigungsprozess und die damit verbundenen Vorgänge innerhalb des Betons zu gewinnen.
Die experimentellen Untersuchungen bestehen im Wesentlichen aus einstufigen Dauerschwingversuchen im Druckschwellbereich an zylindrischen Probekörpern aus Normalbeton. Verwendet wurden zwei verschiedene Ermüdungslastniveaus, die Bruchlastzyklen zwischen 10⁶ und 10⁷ sowie zwischen 10³ und 10⁴ erzeugten. Die Untersuchung des Ermüdungsvorgangs erfolgte durch den Einsatz verschiedener ZfP- und ZP-Methoden, wie der Dehnungsmessung, der Messung flächiger Oberflächenverformungen, der Ultraschallmessung, der Schallemissionsmessung, der Lichtmikroskopie und des Rasterelektonenmikroskops. Zur Bewertung einiger Einflussgrößen im Zusammenhang mit dem Ermüdungsverhalten fanden zudem ergänzende Versuche zum Kriecheinfluss sowie zum Einfluss der Probengröße statt.
Es konnte festgestellt werden, dass es sich bei dem Ermüdungsvorgang um eine von Beginn an einsetzende Schädigungsevolution innerhalb des Betons handelt. Diese beeinflusst die verschiedenen Materialeigenschaften des Betons in vielfältiger und sehr unterschiedlicher Weise. Die wesentlichste Feststellung in diesem Zusammenhang ist, dass die ermüdungsbedingte Materialschädigung zu einer Veränderung der gesamten Spannungs-Dehnungs-Beziehung führt, die sich ebenfalls in einem fortlaufenden Evolutionsprozess äußert.
Aus den Untersuchungen konnten als entscheidende Ursache für die beobachteten Veränderungen im makroskopischen Materialverhalten Veränderungen in der Mikrorissstruktur nicht festgestellt werden. Vielmehr weisen die Ergebnisse der Untersuchungen darauf hin, dass die ermüdungsbedingten Veränderungen speziell in den Phasen I und II vorrangig das Resultat von viskosen Prozessen innerhalb des Zementsteins sind. Darüber hinaus geht aus den Versuchen hervor, dass auch das Kriechen zu relativ ähnlichen, aber weniger stark ausgeprägten Veränderungen im Material führt. Ein Einfluss der Probengröße auf das resultierende Verhalten konnte sowohl im statischen als auch im zyklischen Fall beobachtet werden.
Aus den gewonnenen experimentellen Erkenntnissen wird eine Beschreibung der Vorgänge abgeleitet, die während des Ermüdungsprozesses im Materialgefüge ablaufen und zu den beobachteten makroskopischen Veränderungen führen. In diesem Zusammenhang hat sich herausgestellt, dass eine Erfassung der ermüdungsbedingten Schädigung anhand einer skalaren Größe über die Steifigkeit der tatsächlichen Veränderung der Spannungs-Dehnungs-Beziehung nicht gerecht wird. Eine Betrachtung im Hinblick auf einen zuverlässigen Schädigungsindikator im Zusammenhang mit den gemessenen Größen liefert zudem einen Überblick über die Eignung verschiedener Größen zur Erfassung des Ermüdungsschädigungsgrades im Beton. Abschließend wird ein Ansatz vorgestellt, der die beobachteten Entwicklungen entscheidender Größen im Ermüdungsvorgang abzubilden vermag.
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.