The Longitudinal Compression Capacity of Hollow Concrete Cylinders Prestressed by Means of an SMA Wire

This paper deals with the mechanical behavior of hollow concrete cylinders prestressed with nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti)-shape memory alloy (SMA) wires wound around them. Prestresses can be created by the thermal activation of the memory effect of SMA wire placed on the outer surface of concrete cylinders. In order to assess the stress level in concrete, a model was used to analyze the thermal stresses in the concrete shell resulting from a temperature gradient in the thickness. Another model was used to calculate the circular concentric loading applied by the wound wire resulting from the impairment of its memory effect by the concrete cylinder. Finally, longitudinal compression tests were performed on the prestressed hollow cylinders. Longitudinal and circumferential strains were measured using gauges located on the surfaces of the hollow cylinders. The tests were performed almost one year after the application of prestressing by means of Ni-Ti SMA wire, confirming that the residual stress in the wire remained present. It may therefore be concluded that the prestressing of concrete elements designed with the use of Ni-Ti SMA material is effective for a long time.     

Development of Liquid Diene Rubber Based Highly Deformable Interactive Fiber-Elastomer Composites

The preparation of intelligent structures for multiple smart applications such as soft-robotics, artificial limbs, etc., is a rapidly evolving research topic. In the present work, the preparation of a functional fabric, and its integration into a soft elastomeric matrix to develop an adaptive fiber-elastomer composite structure, is presented. Functional fabric, with the implementation of the shape memory effect, was combined with liquid polybutadiene rubber by means of a low-temperature vulcanization process. A detailed investigation on the crosslinking behavior of liquid polybutadiene rubber was performed to develop a rubber formulation that is capable of crosslinking liquid rubber at 75 °C, a temperature that is much lower than the phase transformation temperature of SMA wires (90–110 °C). By utilizing the unique low-temperature crosslinking protocol for liquid polybutadiene rubber, soft intelligent structures containing functional fabric were developed. The adaptive structures were successfully activated by Joule heating. The deformation behavior of the smart structures was experimentally demonstrated by reaching a 120 mm bending distance at an activation voltage of 8 V without an additional load, whereas 90 mm, 70 mm, 65 mm, 57 mm bending distances were achieved with attached weights of 5 g, 10 g, 20 g, 30 g, respectively.     

Shape Memory Alloy—Polymer Composites: Static and Fatigue Pullout Strength under Thermo-Mechanical Loading

This work was carried out within the context of an R&D project on morphable polymer matrix composites (PMC), actuated by shape memory alloys (SMA), to be used for active aerodynamic systems in automotives. Critical issues for SMA–polymer integration are analyzed that are mostly related to the limited strength of metal–polymer interfaces. To this aim, materials with suitable thermo-mechanical properties were first selected to avoid premature activation of SMA elements during polymer setting as well as to avoid polymer damage during thermal activation of SMAs. Nonstandard samples were manufactured for both static and fatigue pullout tests under thermo-mechanical loading, which are made of SMA wires embedded in cylindrical resin blocks. Fully coupled thermo-mechanical simulations, including a special constitutive model for SMAs, were also carried out to analyze the stress and temperature distribution in the SMA–polymer samples as obtained from the application of both mechanical loads and thermal activation of the SMA wires. The results highlighted the severe effects of SMA thermal activation on adhesion strength due to the large recovery forces and to the temperature increase at the metal–polymer interface. Samples exhibit a nominal pullout stress of around 940 MPa under static mechanical load, and a marked reduction to 280 MPa was captured under simultaneous application of thermal and mechanical loads. Furthermore, fatigue run-out of 5000 cycles was achieved, under the combination of thermal activation and mechanical loads, at a nominal stress of around 200 MPa. These results represent the main design limitations of SMA/PMC systems in terms of maximum allowable stresses during both static and cyclic actuation.     

Pull-Out Strength and Bond Behavior of Prestressing Strands in Prestressed Self-Consolidating Concrete

With the extensive use of self-consolidating concrete (SCC) worldwide, it is important to ensure that such concrete can secure uniform in-situ mechanical properties that are similar to those obtained with properly consolidated concrete of conventional fluidity. Ensuring proper stability of SCC is essential to enhance the uniformity of in-situ mechanical properties, including bond to embedded reinforcement, which is critical for structural engineers considering the specification of SCC for prestressed applications. In this investigation, Six wall elements measuring 1540 mm × 2150 mm × 200 mm were cast using five SCC mixtures and one reference high-performance concrete (HPC) of normal consistency to evaluate the uniformity of bond strength between prestressing strands and concrete as well as the distribution of compressive strength obtained from cores along wall elements. The evaluated SCC mixtures used for casting wall elements were proportioned to achieve a slump flow consistency of 680 ± 15 mm and minimum caisson filling capacity of 80%, and visual stability index of 0.5 to 1. Given the spreads in viscosity and static stability of the SCC mixtures, the five wall elements exhibited different levels of homogeneity in in-situ compressive strength and pull-out bond strength. Test results also indicate that despite the high fluidity of SCC, stable concrete can lead to more homogenous in-situ properties than HPC of normal consistency subjected to mechanical vibration.     

Investigation into the Performance of NiTi Shape Memory Alloy Wire Reinforced Sn-Bi Self-Healing Metal Matrix Composite

Self-healing materials have the potential to create a paradigm shift in the life cycle design of engineered structures, by changing the relation between material damage and structural failure, affecting structures’ lifetime, safety, and reliability. However, the knowledge of self-healing capabilities in metallic materials is still in its infancy compared to other material systems because of challenges in the synthesis of organized and complex structures. This paper presents a study of a metal matrix composite system that was synthesized with an off-eutectic Tin (Sn)-Bismuth (Bi) alloy matrix, reinforced with Nickel–Titanium (NiTi) shape memory alloy (SMA) wires. The ability to close cracks, recover bulk geometry, and regenerate strength upon the application of heat was investigated. NiTi wires were etched and coated in flux before being incorporated into the matrix to prevent disbonding with the matrix. Samples were subjected to large deformations in a three-point bending setup. Subsequent thermo-mechanical testing of the composites confirmed the materials’ ability to restore their geometry and recover strength, without using any consumable components. Self-healing was accomplished through a combination of activation of the shape memory effect in the NiTi to recover the samples’ original macroscopic geometry, closing cracks, and melting of the eutectic material in the matrix alloy, which resealed the cracks. Subsequent testing indicated a 92% strength recovery.     

Experimental Investigation of the Stress–Strain Behavior and Strength Characterization of Rubberized Reinforced Concrete

Due to the rapid increase in population, the use of automobile vehicles increases day by day, which causes a considerable increase in the waste tires produced worldwide. Research studies are in progress to utilize scrap tires and waste rubber material in several fields to cater the pollution problems in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. In this research, the shredded waste tires were used in concrete to replace fine aggregates in different percentages. The fine aggregates in the rubberized concrete were replaced 10%, 15%, and 20% by rubber. The stress–strain behavior of the concrete models is then determined and compared with the already established analytical models, i.e., Modified Kent and Park Model, Mander’s model, and Razvi and Saatcioglu Model. A total of 12 standard concrete cylinders and 18 models of each type of concrete, i.e., normal concrete, reinforced rubberized concrete with 10%, 15%, and 20% addition of rubber, were fabricated. Specimens fabricated in each replacement of rubber were laterally confined, employing 3 in (76 mm) and 6 in (152 mm) c/c tie spacing. The model and cylinders were subjected to uni-axial compression tests using Universal Testing Machine (UTM). The drop in compressive strength, stress–strain constitutive law, strain limits, and overall behavior of the rubberized reinforced concrete were explored experimentally. The results were then compared with the analytical results of the established models. The research can help explore the possible future for the use of rubberized concrete for the potential application as a structural material.     

External Sulfate Attack on Cementitious Binders: Limitations and Effects of Sample Geometry on the Quantification of Expansion Stress

The hollow cylinder method was used to estimate the expansion stress that can occur in concrete due to the crystallisation pressure caused by the formation of ettringite and/or gypsum during external sulphate attack. Hardened cement paste hollow cylinders prepared with Portland cement were mounted in stress cells and exposed to sodium sulphate solutions with two different concentrations (3.0 g L SO₄²⁻ and 30.0 g L SO₄²⁻). Microstructural analysis and finite element modelling was used to evaluate the experimental observations. The expansion stress calculation was verified for a range of diameter/length ratios (0.43–0.60). Thermodynamically predicted maximum expansion stresses are larger than expansion stresses observed in experiments because the latter are affected by the sample geometry, degree of restraint, pore size distribution and relaxation processes. The results indicate that differences in self-constraint at the concave inner and convex outer surfaces of the hollow cylinder lead to an asymmetric expansion stress when ettringite is formed. This leads to macroscopic longitudinal cracks and ultimately failure. Heavy structural components made of concrete are likely to support larger maximum expansion stresses than observed by the hollow cylinder method due to their self-constraint.     

Machine Learning Enhanced Dynamic Response Modelling of Superelastic Shape Memory Alloy Wires

Superelastic shape memory alloy (SMA) wires exhibit superb hysteretic energy dissipation and deformation capabilities. Therefore, they are increasingly used for the vibration control of civil engineering structures. The efficient design of SMA-based control devices requires accurate material models. However, the thermodynamically coupled SMA behavior is highly sensitive to strain rate. For an accurate modelling of the material behavior, a wide range of parameters needs to be determined by experiments, where the identification of thermodynamic parameters is particularly challenging due to required technical instruments and expert knowledge. For an efficient identification of thermodynamic parameters, this study proposes a machine-learning-based approach, which was specifically designed considering the dynamic SMA behavior. For this purpose, a feedforward artificial neural network (ANN) architecture was developed. For the generation of training data, a macroscopic constitutive SMA model was adapted considering strain rate effects. After training, the ANN can identify the searched model parameters from cyclic tensile stress–strain tests. The proposed approach is applied on superelastic SMA wires and validated by experiments.     

Study on a Chiral Structure with Tunable Poisson’s Ratio

A chiral structure with a negative Poisson’s ratio containing a hollow circle with varying diameters was designed, and the finite element method was used to investigate the variation in the Poisson’s ratio when the hollow circle diameter was varied (d = 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 mm). The simulation results showed that the Poisson’s ratio was sensitive to the hollow circle diameter, and the minimum Poisson’s ratio was −0.43. Three specimens with different hollow circle diameters (d′ = 0, 1, and 3 mm) were 3D-printed from thermoplastic polyurethane, and the Poisson’s ratio and equivalent elastic modulus were measured. In the elastic range, the Poisson’s ratio increased and the equivalent elastic modulus decreased as the hollow circle diameter increased. The simulation and experimental results showed good agreement. The proposed structure is expected to be applicable to protective sports gear owing to its high energy absorption and the fact that its properties can be modified as required by adjusting the geometric parameters of the unit cell.     

Investigation of Adhesion Properties of Tire—Asphalt Pavement Interface Considering Hydrodynamic Lubrication Action of Water Film on Road Surface

To obtain the tire–pavement peak adhesion coefficient under different road states, a field measurement and FE simulation were combined to analyze the tire–pavement adhesion characteristics in this study. According to the identified texture information, the power spectral distribution of the road surface was obtained using the MATLAB Program, and a novel tire hydroplaning FE model coupled with a textured pavement model was established in ABAQUS. Experimental results show that here exists an “anti-skid noncontribution area” for the insulation and lubrication of the water film. Driving at the limit speed of 120 km/h, the critical water film thickness for the three typical asphalt pavements during hydroplaning was as follows: AC pavement, 0.56 mm; SMA pavement, 0.76 mm; OGFC pavement, 1.5 mm. The road state could be divided into four parts dry state, wet sate, lubricated state, and ponding state. Under the dry road state, when the slip rate was around 15%, the adhesion coefficient reached the peak value, i.e., around 11.5% for the wet road state. The peak adhesion coefficient for the different asphalt pavements was in the order OGFC > SMA > AC. This study can provide a theoretical reference for explaining the tire–pavement interactions and improving vehicle brake system performance.     

Unified Stress–Strain Model of FRP-Confined Square and Circle Rubber Concrete Columns

Studying the stress–strain relationship of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP)-confined rubber concrete (RuC) plays an important role in its application in engineering projects. Most of the existing stress–strain relationship models are established based on the test data of FRP-confined rubber concrete with circular cross-sections, and the effect of the section shape is not considered. Therefore, an analysis-oriented stress–strain model of FRP-confined circular and square rubber concrete columns was studied in this paper for the first time. A database that includes the rubber particle content and section shape on the peak stress-peak strain and axial–lateral strain relationship of FRP-confined rubber concrete was established by collecting 235 test data from the literature. By modifying the key parameters in the existing FRP-confined normal concrete stress–strain relationship model, a unified stress–strain relationship model of FRP-confined RuC with circular and square columns is established. The proposed model is verified, and a good accuracy of the model is proven.     

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.     

Experimental and Numerical Analysis of the Deformation Behavior of Adaptive Fiber-Rubber Composites with Integrated Shape Memory Alloys

Fiber-reinforced rubber composites with integrated shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator wires present a promising approach for the creation of soft and highly elastic structures with adaptive functionalities for usage in aerospace, robotic, or biomedical applications. In this work, the flat-knitting technology is used to develop glass-fiber-reinforced fabrics with tailored properties designed for active bending deformations. During the knitting process, the SMA wires are integrated into the textile and positioned with respect to their actuation task. Then, the fabrics are infiltrated with liquid silicone, thus creating actively deformable composites. For dimensioning such structures, a comprehensive understanding of the interactions of all components is required. Therefore, a simulation model is developed that captures the properties of the rubber matrix, fiber reinforcement, and the SMA actuators and that is capable of simulating the active bending deformations of the specimens. After model calibration with experimental four-point-bending data, the SMA-driven bending deformation is simulated. The model is validated with activation experiments of the actively deformable specimens. The simulation results show good agreement with the experimental tests, thus enabling further investigations into the deformation mechanisms of actively deformable fiber-reinforced rubbers.     

Impact of Freeze–Thaw Cycles on the Long-Term Performance of Concrete Pavement and Related Improvement Measures: A Review

Freeze–thaw damage is one of the most severe threats to the long-term performance of concrete pavement in cold regions. Currently, the freeze–thaw deterioration mechanism of concrete pavement has not been fully understood. This study summarizes the significant findings of concrete pavement freeze–thaw durability performance, identifies existing knowledge gaps, and proposes future research needs. The concrete material deterioration mechanism under freeze–thaw cycles is first critically reviewed. Current deterioration theories mainly include the hydrostatic pressure hypothesis, osmolarity, and salt crystallization pressure hypothesis. The critical saturation degree has been proposed to depict the influence of internal saturation on freeze–thaw damage development. Meanwhile, the influence of pore solution salinity on freeze–thaw damage level has not been widely investigated. Additionally, the deterioration mechanism of the typical D-cracking that occurs in concrete pavement has not been fully understood. Following this, we investigate the coupling effect between freeze–thaw and other loading or environmental factors. It is found that external loading can accelerate the development of freeze–thaw damage, and the acceleration becomes more evident under higher stress levels. Further, deicing salts can interact with concrete during freeze–thaw cycles, generating internal pores or leading to crystalline expansion pressure. Specifically, freeze–thaw development can be mitigated under relatively low ion concentration due to increased frozen points. The interactive mechanism between external loading, environmental ions, and freeze–thaw cycles has not been fully understood. Finally, the mitigation protocols to enhance frost resistance of concrete pavement are reviewed. Besides the widely used air-entraining process, the freeze–thaw durability of concrete can also be enhanced by using fiber reinforcement, pozzolanic materials, surface strengthening, Super Absorbent Polymers (SAPs), and Phase Change Materials. This study serves as a solid base of information to understand how to enhance the freeze–thaw durability of concrete pavement.     

Experimental Assessment and Numerical Modeling of the Bond–Slip Correlation for Steel Rebars in r.c. Members

Refined non-linear static or dynamic analyses are increasingly used to assess the behavior of new and existing reinforced concrete structures. To perform these analyses, an adequate knowledge of the force–displacement, bending moment–curvature, and bending moment–rotation curves of relevant parts of structural members is needed, and modeling the bond–slip correlation for steel rebars becomes fundamental. The paper presents the results of an experimental campaign on r.c. specimens under tension, aiming, differently from previous studies, to better reproduce the bond–slip relationship accounting for the local confinement and anchorage conditions of real structural members. Resorting to an original numerical procedure allowing us to predict the relative displacement between steel reinforcement and the surrounding concrete in a reinforced concrete element, once assigned the stress in the naked steel bar and the bond–slip law, the experimental results are compared with the numerical outcomes obtained by adopting codified bond–slip laws. The comparison highlights that experimental values of sliding are well below those that are commonly given in existing bond slip laws, such as that adopted by the CEB-FIP Model Code. A new bond–slip model, which is able to satisfactorily predict actual strain fields and slips along the investigated r.c. elements, is thus proposed with the final aim of extending its implementation into non-linear analyses of r.c. structures.     

The Performance of Concrete Made with Secondary Products—Recycled Coarse Aggregates,Recycled Cement Mortar,and Fly Ash–Slag Mix

The properties of cement concrete using waste materials—namely, recycled cement mortar, fly ash–slag, and recycled concrete aggregate—are presented. A treatment process for waste materials is proposed. Two research experiments were conducted. In the first, concretes were made with fly ash–slag mix (FAS) and recycled cement mortar (RCM) as additions. The most favorable content of the concrete additive in the form of RCM and FAS was determined experimentally, and their influence on the physical and mechanical properties of concrete was established. For this purpose, 10 test series were carried out according to the experimental plan. In the second study, concretes containing FAS–RCM and recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) as a 30% replacement of natural aggregate (NA) were prepared. The compressive strength, frost resistance, water absorption, volume density, thermal conductivity, and microstructure were researched. The test results show that the addition of FAS–RCM and RCA can produce composites with better physical and mechanical properties compared with concrete made only of natural raw materials and cement. The detailed results show that FAS–RCM can be a valuable substitute for cement and RCA as a replacement for natural aggregates. Compared with traditional cement concretes, concretes made of FAS, RCM, and RCA are characterized by a higher compressive strength: 7% higher in the case of 30% replacement of NA by RCA with the additional use of the innovative FAS–RCM additive as 30% of the cement mass.     

Manufacturing Elements with Small Cross-Sections of 17-4 PH Steel (1.4542) with the Application of the DMLS Additive Manufacturing Method

The application of direct metal laser sintering renders it possible to manufacture models with complex geometries. However, there are certain limits to the application of this method connected with manufacturing thin-walled cuboidal elements, as well as cylinders and holes with small diameters. The principal objective of the research was to determine the accuracy of manufacturing geometries with small cross-sections and the possibility of application in heat exchangers that are radiators with radially arranged ribs. To that end, four specimens were designed and manufactured; their geometries of representations assumed for the purpose of research (analysis) changed dimensions within the following scope: 10–0.1 mm. The specimens to be applied in the research were manufactured with 17-4 PH stainless steel (1.4542) with the application of 3D-DMLS printing and an EOS M270 printer. The measurement of accuracy was performed with the application of an optical stereomicroscope (KERN OZL-466). In addition to that, research into the chemical composition of the material, as well as the size of spherical agglomerates, was conducted with the application of a scanning electron microscope. The analysis of the chemical composition was conducted as well (after the sintering process). The analysis of the results based on the values received by means of measurements of the manufactured geometries was divided into three parts. Based on this, it is possible to conclude that the representation of models manufactured with the application of DMLS was comparable with the assumptions, and that the deviations between a nominal dimension and that received in the course of the research were within the following scope: 0–0.1 mm. At the final stage of research and based on the received results, two heat exchangers were manufactured.     

Deviations of the SLM Produced Lattice Structures and Their Influence on Mechanical Properties

Selective laser melting (SLM) is an additive manufacturing technology suitable for producing cellular lattice structures using fine metal powder and a laser beam. However, the shape and dimensional deviations occur on the thin struts during manufacturing, influencing the mechanical properties of the structure. There are attempts in the literature to describe the actual shape of the struts’ geometry, however, on a smaller data sample only, and there is a lack of a universal FEA material model applicable to a wider range of lattice structure diameters. To describe the actual dimensions of the struts, a set of lattice structures, with diameters ranging from 0.6 to 3.0 mm, were manufactured using SLM. These samples were digitized using micro-computed tomography (μCT) and fully analyzed for shape and dimensions. The results show large deviations in diameters of inscribed and circumscribed cylinders, indicating an elliptical shape of the struts. With increasing lattice structure diameter, the deviations decreased. In terms of the effect of the shape and dimensions on the mechanical properties, the Gaussian cylinder was found to describe struts in the diameter range of 1.5 to 3.0 mm sufficiently well. For smaller diameters, it is appropriate to represent the actual cross-section by an ellipse. The use of substitute ellipses, in combination with the compression test results, has resulted in FEA material model that can be used for the 0.6 to 3.0 mm struts’ diameter range. The model has fixed Young’s and tangential modules for these diameters and is controlled only by the yield strength parameter (YST).     

Concrete Durability after Load Damage and Salt Freeze–Thaw Cycles

To determine how the performance of concrete changes after initial load damage and salt freezing, concrete samples were first subjected to loading and unloading, and were then put into salt solutions to carry out rapid freeze–thaw cycle (FTC) experiments. Salt solutions were created based on the saline soil of western Jilin, China, for use in salt freeze–thaw testing. This determined the change law of the compressive strength and the dynamic elastic modulus (DEM). Additionally, low-field nuclear magnetic resonance technology and a scanning electron microscope were applied to investigate the pore characteristics and microstructure of concrete samples after FTCs. This study found that when the concrete specimens were subjected to an initial load of 0.3f under 50 FTCs, the loss in the compressive strength increased by 24% when the concrete was subjected to freeze–thaw cycles in freshwater and increased by 24% when concrete was subjected to freeze–thaw cycles in a 6.8% composite salt solution compared with the specimens without the initial load. When the concrete was subjected to FTCs in a 6.8% composite salt solution 50 times, the loss in the compressive strength increased by 110% for concrete without an initial load and increased by 109% when the concrete was subjected to an initial load of 0.3f compared with the specimens under FTCs in freshwater. The persistent effect of the FTCs also aggravated chloride ion erosion in the concrete, which gradually reduced the concrete’s permeability resistance. Internal pores in the concrete, especially the proportion of above-medium-sized pores, gradually increased along with the increase in the number of FTCs. There is a good linear correlation between the change rule of compressive mechanical properties and the change rules of mass, DEM, and pore characteristics inside the concrete under rapid FTCs in different salt solutions.