Experimental Evaluation of Shrinkage,Creep and Prestress Losses in Lightweight Aggregate Concrete with Sintered Fly Ash

The paper presents the experimental results of shrinkage, creep, and prestress loss in concrete with lightweight aggregate obtained by sintering of fly ash. Two concrete mixtures with different proportions of components were tested. Concrete with a density of 1810 and 1820 kg/m³, and a 28-day strength of 56.9 and 58.4 MPa was obtained. Shrinkage and creep were tested on 150 × 250 × 1000 mm³ beams. Creep was tested under prestressing load for 539 days and concrete shrinkage for 900 days. The measurement results were compared with the calculations carried out according to the Eurocode 2 as well as with the results of other research. A very low creep coefficient and lower shrinkage in relation to the calculation results and the results of other research were found. It was also revealed that there is a clear correlation between shrinkage and creep, and the amount of water in the concrete. The value of the creep coefficient during the load holding period was 0.610 and 0.537, which is 56.0 and 49.3% of the value determined from the standard. The prestressing losses in the analyzed period amounted to an average of 13.0%. Based on the obtained test results, it was found that the tested lightweight aggregate concrete is well suited for prestressed concrete structures. Shrinkage was not greater than that calculated for normal weight concrete of a similar strength class, which will not result in increased loss of prestress. Low creep guarantees low deflection increments over time.     

Compressive Creep and Shrinkage of High-Strength Concrete Based on Limestone Coarse Aggregate Applied to High-Rise Buildings

Concrete undergoes shrinkage regardless of the influence of external forces. The deformation of concrete is crucial for the structural stability of high-rise and large-scale buildings. In this study, the shrinkage and compressive creep of 70–90 MPa high-strength concrete used in high-rise buildings were evaluated based on the curing conditions (sealed/unsealed), and the existing prediction models were examined. It was observed that the curing condition does not significantly affect the mechanical properties of high-strength concrete, but the use of limestone coarse aggregate increases the elastic modulus when compared to granite coarse aggregate. The autogenous shrinkage of high-strength concrete is greater than that of normal-strength concrete owing to self-desiccation, resulting in a large variation from the value predicted by the model. The drying shrinkage was observed to be similar to that predicted by the model. Compressive creep was affected by the curing conditions, compressive strength, loading level, and loading age. The compressive creep of high-strength concrete varied significantly from the prediction results of ACI 209; ACI 209 was modified based on the measured values. The shrinkage and compressive creep characteristics of high-strength concrete must be reflected to predict the deformation of an actual structure exposed to various conditions.     

Comparison of Drying Shrinkage of Concrete Specimens Recycled Heavyweight Waste Glass and Steel Slag as Aggregate

This study analyzed the fundamental properties of concrete using steel slag, to test its viability as an aggregate material. An experimental investigation into the effect of steel slag as a coarse aggregate, and heavyweight waste glass as a fine aggregate, on the drying shrinkage of concrete was performed. The calculated shrinkage strain was compared to five different shrinkage prediction models, namely, the ACI 209, B3, KCI 2012, EC 2 and GL 2000 model codes, to evaluate their ability to accurately predict shrinkage behavior. From the results, the elastic modulus of concrete increased with the increase in steel slag substitution ratio, however drying shrinkage decreased. The predictive value of the existing prediction model of drying shrinkage differed from the experimental values, and requires correction to improve its accuracy. The B3 model code showed the best prediction results of drying shrinkage.     

Volume Deformation of Steam-Cured Concrete with Slag during and after Steam Curing

In order to better predict the development of shrinkage deformation of steam-cured concrete mixed with slag, a deformation-temperature-humidity integrated model test, a hydration heat test, and an elastic modulus test were performed. The effects of the steam-curing process and the content of slag on shrinkage deformation, hydration degree and elastic modulus of concrete were studied. The results indicate that during the steam-curing process, the concrete has an “expansion-shrinkage” pattern. After the steam curing, the deformation of concrete is dominated by drying shrinkage. After the addition of slag, the shrinkage deformation of steam-cured concrete is increased. The autogenous shrinkage increases by 0.5–12%, and the total shrinkage increases by 1.5–8% at 60 days. At the same time, slag reduces the hydration degree of steam-cured concrete and modulus of elasticity. A prediction model for the hydration degree of steam-cured concrete is established, which can be used to calculate the degree of hydration at any curing age. Based on the capillary tension generated by the capillary pores in concrete, an integrated model of autogenous shrinkage and total shrinkage is established with the relative humidity directly related to the water loss in the concrete as the driving parameter. Whether the shrinkage deformation is caused by hydration reaction or the external environment, this model can better predict the shrinkage deformation of steam-cured concrete.     

Basic Mechanical Properties of Duplex Stainless Steel Bars and Experimental Study of Bonding between Duplex Stainless Steel Bars and Concrete

In recent years, as a result of the large-scale use of stainless steel bars in production and life, people’s demand for stainless steel bars has increased. However, existing research information on stainless steel bars is scant, especially the lack of research on the mechanical properties of duplex stainless steel bars and the bonding properties of duplex stainless steel bars to concrete. Therefore, this paper selects 177 duplex stainless steel bars with different diameters for room temperature tensile test, and then uses mathematical methods to provide suggestions for the values of their mechanical properties. The test results show that the duplex stainless steel bar has a relatively high tensile strength of 739 MPa, no significant yield phase, and a relatively low modulus of elasticity of 1.43 × 10⁵ MPa. In addition, 33 specimens were designed to study the bonding properties of duplex stainless steel bars to concrete. In this paper, the effects of concrete strength, duplex stainless steel reinforcement diameter, the ratio of concrete cover to reinforcing steel diameter, and relative anchorage length on the bond stress were investigated, and a regression model was established based on the experimental results. The results show that, with the concrete strength concrete strength from C25 to C40, the compressive strength of concrete increased by 56.1%, the bond stress increased by 27%; the relative anchorage length has been increased from 3 to 6, the relative anchorage length has doubled, and the bond stress has increased by 13%; and, the ratio of concrete cover to reinforcing steel diameter increased to a certain range on the bond stress has no significant effect and duplex stainless steel reinforcement diameter has little effect on the bond stress. The ratio of concrete cover to reinforcing steel diameter from 3.3 to 4.5 and the bond stress increased by 24.7%. A ratio of concrete cover to reinforcing steel diameter greater than 4.5 has no significant effect on the bond stress, with the average bond stress value of 20.1 MPa. The duplex stainless steel bar diameter has little effect on the bond stress for the diameters of 12 mm, 16 mm, 25 mm duplex stainless steel bar, and their average bond stress is 19.9 MPa.     

Finite Model Analysis and Practical Design Equations of Circular Concrete-Filled Steel Tube Columns Subjected to Compression-Torsion Load

The objective of this study is to investigate the mechanical properties and the composite action of circular concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) columns subjected to compression-torsion load using finite element model analysis. Load–strain (T–γ) curves, normal stress, shear stress, and the composite action between the steel tubes and the interior concrete were analyzed based on the verified 3D finite element models. The results indicate that with the increase of axial force, the maximum shear stress at the core concrete increased significantly, and the maximum shear stress of the steel tubes gradually decreased. Meanwhile, the torsional bearing capacity of the column increased at first and then decreased. The torque share in the columns changed from the tube-sharing domain to the concrete-sharing domain, while the axial force of the steel tube remained unchanged. Practical design equations for the torsional capacity of axially loaded circular CFST columns were proposed based on the parametric analysis. The accuracy and validity of the proposed equations were verified against the collected experimental results.     

Analysis of Fire Resistance of Square-Cased Square Steel Tube Reinforced Concrete (ST-RC) Columns

Based on the finite element (FE) analysis software Abaqus, an FE model of square-cased square steel tube reinforced concrete (ST-RC) columns under the hybridized action of high-temperature and load is established. The accuracy of the FE model is verified using experimental data from existing studies. This model is used to analyze the temperature change, internal force distribution, and failure characteristics of the square-cased square ST-RC columns under the action of fire, as well as the factors affecting the fire resistance limit of the column. The results of FE analysis show that under the action of fire, the maximum internal temperature of the square-cased square ST-RC columns occurs in the corner of the section. Moreover, the stress and strain reach their maximum values at the concrete corner outside the tube. During the heating process, an internal force redistribution occurs in the square-cased square ST-RC column. At the same time, the proportion of the axial force and the bending moment of the reinforced concrete outside the pipe decreases gradually, while the proportion of the internal force of the core concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) increases gradually. In essence, it is a process of load transfer from the high-temperature to the low-temperature zone. In addition, the section size, load ratio, slenderness ratio, cross-sectional core area ratio, steel content, and external concrete strength are the main parameters affecting the fire resistance limit of the square-cased square ST-RC columns. Among them, the cross-sectional core area ratio, section size, steel ratio, and external concrete strength are positively correlated with the fire resistance limit of the composite column. On the contrary, with the increase in the load ratio and the slenderness ratio, the fire resistance limit of the square-cased square ST-RC columns decreases. On this basis, a simplified formula to calculate the fire resistance limit of square-cased square ST-RC columns is proposed. The research results can be used as a theoretical reference for the fire protection design of this kind of structure in practical engineering.     

Time-Dependent Shrinkage Model for Recycled Fine Aggregate Thermal Insulation Concrete

In this study, the shrinkage performance of recycled aggregate thermal insulation concrete (RATIC) with added glazed hollow beads (GHB) was investigated and a time-dependent shrinkage model was proposed. Two types of recycled fine aggregate (RFA) were used to replace natural fine aggregate in RATIC: RFA from waste concrete (RFA1) and waste clay brick (RFA2). Besides, the mechanical properties and thermal insulation performance of RATIC were also studied. Results showed that the pozzolanic reaction caused by RFA2 effectively improved the mechanical properties of RATIC; 75% was the optimal replacement ratio of RATIC prepared by RFA2. Added RFA decreased the thermal conductivity of thermal insulation concrete (TIC). The total shrinkage strain of RATIC increased with the increase of the replacement ratio of RFA. The 150d total shrinkage of RATIC prepared by RFA1 was 1.46 times that of TIC and the 150d total shrinkage of RATIC prepared by RFA2 was 1.23 times. The addition of GHBs led to the increase of early total shrinkage strain of concrete. Under the combined action of the higher elastic modulus of RFA2 and the pozzolanic components contained in RFA2, the total shrinkage strain of RATIC prepared by RFA2 with the same replacement ratio was smaller than that of RATIC prepared by RFA1. For example, the final total shrinkage strain of RATIC prepared by RFA2 at 100% replacement ratio was about 18.6% less than that of RATIC prepared by RFA1. A time-dependent shrinkage model considering the influence of the elastic modulus of RFA and the addition of GHB on the total shrinkage of RATIC was proposed and validated by the experimental results.     

Energy Absorption Mechanism and Its Influencing Factors for Circular Concrete-Filled Steel Tubular Members Subjected to Lateral Impact

The energy absorption characteristic of steel tube material and concrete material is an important indicator to reflect the impact resistance of circular concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) members. In order to efficiently simulate the material energy absorption of the steel tube and concrete under lateral impact, a nonlinear finite element model considering the material strain rate of the circular CFST member was established and validated based on the drop weight tests. Then, the energy absorption mechanism of circular CFST members subjected to lateral impact was investigated including the revelation of the energy absorption process and the determination of the energy absorption distribution for the steel tube material and concrete material, which are obtained respectively based on the comprehensive analysis of dynamic response and innovative establishment of the segmented numerical model. In addition, the influence of impact momentum on energy absorption process and the effect of impact location on energy absorption distribution are further carried out. The observations of this investigation can provide reference for the anti-impact design and damage reinforcement of circular CFST members subjected to lateral impact.     

Computer Aided Design Modelling and Finite Element Analysis of Premolar Proximal Cavities Restored with Resin Composites

This study evaluated the stress distribution in five different class II cavities of premolar models restored with conventional or bulk-fill flowable composite by means of finite element analysis (FEA) under shrinkage and occlusal loading. An upper validated premolar model was imported in the software, and five class II cavities with different occlusal extensions and dimensions were prepared: horizontal cavity on the mesial surface (horizontal slot), mesio-occlusal cavity, mesial cavity (vertical slot), tunnel type cavity and direct access cavity. The models were restored with conventional or bulk-fill flowable resin composite. The tested materials were considered as homogeneous, linear, and isotropic. The Maximum Principal Stress criteria was chosen to evaluate the tensile stress results. The lowest shrinkage stress value was observed in the direct access cavity restored with bulk-fill flowable resin composite (36.12 MPa). The same cavity, restored with conventional composite showed a score of 36.14 MPa. The horizontal slot cavity with bulk-fill flowable showed a score of 46.71 MPa. The mesio-occlusal cavity with bulk-fill flowable had a score of 53.10 MPa, while with conventional composite this was 55.35 MPa. Higher shrinkage stress was found in the vertical slot cavity with conventional resin 56.14 MPa, followed by the same cavity with bulk-fill flowable 56.08 MPa. Results indicated that the use of bulk-fill flowable composite resin more significantly decreased the polymerization shrinkage stress magnitude. The larger the cavity and the volume of material necessary to restore the tooth, the greater the residual stress on enamel and dentin tissue.     

Experimental and Analytical Study on Creep Characteristics of Box Section Bamboo-Steel Composite Columns under Long-Term Loading

To expand the application of bamboo as a building material, a new type of box section composite column that combined bamboo and steel was considered in this paper. The creep characteristics of eight bamboo-steel composite columns with different parameters were tested to evaluate the effects of load level, section size and interface type under long-term loading. Then, the deformation development of the composite column under long-term loading was observed and analyzed. In addition, the creep-time relationship curve and the creep coefficient were created. Furthermore, the creep model of the composite column was proposed based on the relationship between the creep of the composite column and the creep of bamboo, and the calculated value of creep was compared with the experimental value. The experimental results showed that the creep development of the composite column was fast at first, and then became stable after about 90 days. The creep characteristics were mainly affected by long-term load level and section size. The creep coefficient was between 0.160 and 0.190. Moreover, the creep model proposed in this paper was applicable to predict the creep development of bamboo-steel composite columns. The calculation results were in good agreement with the experimental results.     

An 18-Month Analysis of Bond Strength of Hot-Dip Galvanized Reinforcing Steel B500SP and S235JR+AR to Chloride Contaminated Concrete

This article describes the comparative analysis of tests on bond strength of hot-dip galvanized and black steel to concrete with and without chlorides. The bond effect was evaluated with six research methods: strength, electrochemical (measurements of potential, EIS and LPR), optical, and 3D scanning. The tests were conducted within a long period of 18 months on 48 test elements reinforced with smooth rebars ϕ8 mm from steel grade S235JR+AR and ribbed rebars ϕ8 mm and ϕ16 mm from steel grade B500SP. The main strength tests on the reinforcement bond to concrete were used to compare forces pulling out galvanized and black steel rebars from concrete. This comparative analysis was performed after 28, 180, and 540 days from the preparation of the elements. The electrochemical tests were performed to evaluate corrosion of steel rebars in concrete, particularly in chloride contaminated concrete. The behaviour of concrete elements while pulling out the rebar was observed using the system of digital cameras during the optical tests. As regards 3D scanning of ribbed rebars ϕ8 mm and ϕ16 mm, this method allowed the detailed identification of their complex geometry in terms of determining the polarization area to evaluate the corrosion rate of reinforcement in concrete. The test results indicated that the presence of zinc coating on rebars had an impact on the parameters of anchorage. In the case of ribbed rebars of 16 mm in diameter, the maximum values of adhesive stress and bond stiffness were reduced over time when compared to black steel rebars. Moreover, it was noticed that the stiffness of rebar anchorage in chloride contaminated concrete was considerably higher than in concrete without chlorides.     

Influence of Rapid Heat Treatment on the Shrinkage and Strength of High-Performance Concrete

Resource-efficient precast concrete elements can be produced using high-performance concrete (HPC). A heat treatment accelerates hardening and thus enables early stripping. To minimise damages to the concrete structure, treatment time and temperature are regulated. This leads to temperature treatment times of more than 24 h, what seems too long for quick serial production (flow production) of HPC. To overcome this shortcoming and to accelerate production speed, the heat treatment is started here immediately after concreting. This in turn influences the shrinkage behaviour and the concrete strength. Therefore, shrinkage is investigated on prisms made from HPC with and without steel fibres, as well as on short beams with reinforcement ratios of 1.8% and 3.1%. Furthermore, the flexural and compressive strengths of the prisms are measured directly after heating and later on after 28 d. The specimens are heat-treated between 1 and 24 h at 80 °C and a relative humidity of 60%. Specimens without heating serve for reference. The results show that the shrinkage strain is pronouncedly reduced with increasing temperature duration and rebar ratio. Moreover, the compressive and flexural strength decrease with decreasing temperature duration, whereby the loss of strength can be compensated by adding steel fibres.     

Interface Bonding Behavior of Concrete-Filled Steel Tube Blended with Circulating Fluidized Bed Bottom Ash

The interface bonding behavior between the steel tube and the concrete of concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) blended with circulating fluidized bed bottom ash (CFB-BA) was investigated in this study. A total of 8 groups of CFSTs stub columns were prepared with different dosage of CFB-BA, water-binder ratio (W/B), and interface bonding length. A series of push-out tests were carried out to acquire the data representing the interface bonding behavior. The results show that the dosage of CFB-BA has a direct effect on interface bonding behavior of CFST. CFB-BA can improve the interface bonding behavior of CFST. The highest ultimate bonding load and strength are achieved when the dosage of CFB-BA is 30%. When the dosage of CFB-BA increases to 50%, its interface bonding behavior decreases, but is still better than that of CFST without CFB-BA. W/B has a negative correlation with the interface bonding behavior of CFST. While the W/B increases, the interface bonding load and strength of CFST decreases. The increase of the interface bonding length can improve the interface bonding load, but cannot improve the interface bonding strength.     

Numerical Investigation of the Composite Action of Axially Compressed Concrete-Filled Circular Aluminum Alloy Tubular Stub Columns

This paper studied the composite action of concrete-filled circular aluminum alloy tubular (CFCAT) stub columns under axial compression. A fine-meshed finite three-dimensional (3D) solid element model making use of a tri-axial plastic-damage constitutive model of concrete and elastoplastic constitutive model of aluminum alloy was established. A parametric study utilizing the verified finite element (FE) model was carried out and the analytical results were exploited to investigate the composite actions of concrete-filled circular aluminum alloy tubular stub columns subjected axial compression. Compared with the concrete-filled steel tube (CFCST) stub columns, the aluminum alloy tube exerted a weaker constraint effect on the infilled concrete due to its lower elastic modulus. Based on the FE analytical results and regression method, the composite action model of concrete-filled circular aluminum alloy tubular stub columns was proposed. By generalizing the stress nephogram of the concrete-filled circular aluminum alloy tubular stub column at the limit state, a design formula was proposed to estimate the ultimate bearing capacity the columns using the superposition method. The predicted results of the proposed formula show a good agreement with both the experimental and FE analytical results. The comparison between the proposed formula and current design methods indicates that the proposed formula is more accurate and convenient to use.     

siRNA targeting VEGF inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma growth and tumor angiogenesis in vivo

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We have investigated whether siRNA targeted against VEGF inhibits functional properties of endothelial cells in vitro and HCC tumor growth and blood vessel formation in vivo. METHODS: The influence of siRNA-VEGF on endothelial cell proliferation, apoptosis and tube formation were analyzed in vitro. Antitumoral effects were examined in an orthotopic tumor model after ex vivo transfer or intraperitoneal treatment of siRNA, respectively. Intratumoral microvessel density was assessed by CD31 staining. RESULTS: VEGF expression was inhibited in Hepa129 by 70% and in SVEC4-10 by 48% within two days after transfection. In vitro, endothelial cell proliferation and tube formation was reduced by 23% and 38%, respectively. Interference with VEGF signaling was demonstrated by reduced pAKT in hepatoma cells. Tumor growth was inhibited by ex vivo transfer or intraperitoneal application of siRNA-VEGF by 83% or 63% in orthotopic tumors within 14 days. VEGF protein was reduced in both models by 29% and 44%. Microvessel density dropped to 34% for tumors from ex vivo transfected cells and 39% for systemic treated tumors. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that VEGF knockdown can be associated with reduced endothelial cell proliferation and tube formation in vitro and decreased tumor growth and microvessel density in vivo.     

Dynamic Compressive Strength Tests of Corroded SFRC Exposed to Drying–Wetting Cycles with a 37 mm Diameter SHPB

This study focuses on the dynamic compression performance of corroded steel fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC) exposed to drying–wetting chloride cycles by a 37 mm diameter split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) system. Three steel fiber contents (0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0%, by volume) were incorporated into concrete, and samples were subjected to drying–wetting cycles for different corrosion durations (30 days, 60 days, 90 days) after 28 days age. The sample damage mode, stress–strain curve and the dynamic compression performance of corroded SFRC were compared with plain concrete. Through the experimental data, strain-rate effect, fiber reinforcement effect and the corrosion duration influence on the impact compression property of SFRC were identified. The dynamic increase factor results of these samples were compared with the existing models in previous published literature. An empirical dynamic increase factor profile characterization model considering fiber content, corrosion duration and strain-rate is proposed.     

Prediction and Analysis of Ultimate Bearing Capacity of Square CFST Long Column under Eccentric Compression after Acid Rain Corrosion

This paper adopts the method of steel tube wall thickness and strength reduction to simulate corrosion damage. The numerical model of the square concrete-filled steel tube long column (SCFST-LC) under eccentric compression after acid rain corrosion is established in the finite element software, ABAQUS. The reliability and accuracy of the model are verified by comparing it with published relevant experimental results. The failure mode, load-deformation curve, and ultimate compressive load were analysed. Following that, the impacts of section size, yield strength of the steel tube, axial compressive strength of concrete, steel ratio, slenderness ratio, and load eccentricity on its ultimate compressive load are comprehensively investigated. The results demonstrate that the ultimate compressive load of the SCFST-LC decreases significantly with the increase in corrosion rate. The corrosion rate increases from 10 to 40%, and the ultimate bearing capacity decreases by 37.6%. Its ultimate bearing capacity can be enhanced due to the increase in section size, material strength, and steel ratio. In contrast, the ascending slenderness ratio and load eccentricity has harmful effects on the ultimate compressive load of the specimens. Finally, a simplified formula for the axial compressive load of the SCFST-LC under eccentric compression after acid rain corrosion is proposed. The calculation accuracy is high and the deviation of the results is basically within 15%, which is in good agreement with the numerical simulation results.     

Study on the Time-Dependent Mechanical Behavior and Springback of Magnesium Alloy Sheet (AZ31B) in Warm Conditions

In this study, the time-dependent mechanical behavior of the magnesium alloy sheet (AZ31B) was investigated through the creep and stress relaxation tests with respect to the temperature and pre-strain. The microstructure changes during creep and stress relaxation were investigated. As the tensile deformation increased in the material, twinning and dynamic recrystallization occurred, especially after the plastic instability. As a result, AZ31B showed lower resistance to creep and stress relaxation due to dynamic recrystallization. Additionally, time-dependent springback characteristics in the V- and L-bending processes concerning the holding time and different forming conditions were investigated. We analyzed changes of microstructure at each forming temperature and process. The uniaxial tensile creep test was conducted to compare the microstructures in various pre-strain conditions with those at the secondary creep stage. For the bending process, the change of the microstructure after the forming was compared to that with punch holding maintained for 1000 s after forming. Due to recrystallization, with the holding time in the die set of 60 s, the springback angle decreased by nearly 70%. Increased holding time in the die set resulted in a reduced springback angle.     

The Simple Mix Design Method and Confined Behavior Analysis for Recycled Aggregate Concrete

For the environment protection and sustainable development in building construction, waste concrete can be processed into recycled aggregate to mix the recycled aggregate concrete (RAC). However, the existing mix design methods of RAC were complex, and the mechanical properties of RAC were more weakened than ordinary concrete. This paper presents a simple mix design method for RAC, including orthogonal test and single-factor test. Then, in order to study the behavior of confined RAC, this paper presents a comprehensive experimental study on the RAC filled in steel tube (RCFST) specimens and the RAC filled in GFRP tube (RCFST) specimens. The results show that the proposed mix design method can mix different stable strength grades of RAC promptly and efficiently. In addition, the steel tube and GFRP tube can provide a well confining effect on core RAC to improve the mechanical behavior of column. Moreover, the properties of core RAC in steel tube are the same as the common passive confined concrete, and the properties of core RAC in the GFRP tube are the same as the common active confined concrete. The study results can provide reference for other kinds of RAC mixtures as well as be a foundation for theoretical studies on confined RAC.