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Construction Materials
Special Issues
Modelling and Analysis of Concrete Degradation
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Modelling and Analysis of Concrete Degradation

A special issue of Construction Materials (ISSN 2673-7108).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2024) | Viewed by 8625

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Giovanna Xotta

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Padua, 35131 Padova, Italy
Interests: finite element method; computational mechanics; constitutive modeling; concrete; soils; multiscale modeling; coupled problems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Flora Faleschini

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy
Interests: use of recycled components for structural materials; reinforced concrete structures design and assessment; seismic assessment of reinforced concrete structures; assessment; rehabilitation; strengthening and retrofit of buildings and bridges
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Ignacio Carol

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Guest Editor
School of Civil Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
Interests: numerical modelling; zero-thickness interface elements; multiscale modelling; coupled processes; concrete; geomaterials; fracture mechanics; concrete durability
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The deterioration of concrete is a fundamental issue, and its complete understanding is, to date, an open task.

When subjected to increasing mechanical loads, this material initially develops distributed micro-cracks, some of which then, by coalescence, may lead to localized macro-cracks, while the rest of the micro-cracks unload. Its highly heterogeneous nature also plays a key role in the cracking process.

Over the past decades, several models have been proposed to describe these complex mechanisms, and many are currently under study. These include classical models based on the continuous approach, smeared and discrete cohesive crack models, and more recent techniques such as XFEM, phase field, etc. In addition, as mentioned above, since it is a highly heterogeneous material, multiscale models, such as micro- or meso-mechanical ones, have also been developed based on the physics of microstructures.

However, degradation is caused by mechanical as well as environmental loads, and the effect of the latter is crucial because of the interaction effects and the coupling of the properties of heat transport, humidity, and chemical agents with the mechanical response. Therefore, multiphysics models, including mechanical and creep/diffusion/transport equations, are needed for a proper understanding and evaluation of the potential degradation mechanisms that may affect concrete and act simultaneously.

Further, the addition of recycled materials, both as alternative binder or aggregates, increases the uncertainty of its response under mechanical and environmental loads, requiring proper experimental testing to calibrate and validate novel detailed and simplified models for reinforced concrete life cycle evaluation.

This Special Issue will gather contributions on all those and related topics, including experimental, theoretical, and numerical modeling of concrete degradation.

Dr. Giovanna Xotta
Dr. Flora Faleschini
Prof. Dr. Ignacio Carol
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Construction Materials is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1000 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • concrete
  • degradation
  • modeling
  • multiscale
  • multiphysics
  • recycled materials
  • life cycle

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 3356 KiB  
Article
Comparison of the Corrosion Resistance of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete with Steel and Polypropylene Fibers in an Acidic Environment
by Sergii Kroviakov, Vitalii Kryzhanovskyi and Daria Hedulian
Constr. Mater. 2025, 5(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/constrmater5010006 - 1 Feb 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 691
Abstract
Rigid road pavements and industrial floors are not only subjected to moving traffic loads, but can also be exposed to environmental influences such as acid attack. The strength and corrosion resistance of fiber-reinforced concrete with steel fibers (15–25 kg/m3) and polypropylene [...] Read more.
Rigid road pavements and industrial floors are not only subjected to moving traffic loads, but can also be exposed to environmental influences such as acid attack. The strength and corrosion resistance of fiber-reinforced concrete with steel fibers (15–25 kg/m3) and polypropylene fibers (2–3 kg/m3) in an acidic environment were compared. The influence of the amount and type of dispersed reinforcement on water absorption and the volume of permeable voids, which in turn characterizes the durability of fiber-reinforced concrete under the action of acids, was determined. The change in the compressive strength of the studied fiber-reinforced concrete after 12 months of exposure in an acidic environment was studied. At low dosages of fibers (15 kg/m3 for steel and 2 kg/m3 for polypropylene fibers), dispersed reinforcement has little effect on the corrosion resistance of concrete. In turn, the decrease in the compressive strength of concrete without fibers after 12 months of aging in acid medium led to a reduction in the design class of the concrete from C25/30 to C20/25. At a higher consumption of dispersed reinforcement (25–30 kg/m3 of steel fiber and 2.5–3.0 kg/m3 of polypropylene fiber), fiber-reinforced concrete had a higher corrosion resistance while maintaining the design compressive strength class C25/30. Structural changes in fiber-reinforced concrete after aging in an acidic environment were determined by X-ray diffraction analysis and compared with samples aged in water. It has been experimentally confirmed that the efficiency of polypropylene fibers in an acidic environment is not lower than that of steel fibers. However, the use of polypropylene fibers is economically advantageous. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modelling and Analysis of Concrete Degradation)
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27 pages, 6876 KiB  
Article
Impact of Freeze–Thaw Cycling on the Mechanical and Durability Properties of Rapid Repair-Based Overlay Systems
by Noah A. Thibodeaux, Md Maruf Hasan, Matthew J. Bandelt and Matthew P. Adams
Constr. Mater. 2025, 5(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/constrmater5010003 - 22 Jan 2025
Viewed by 744
Abstract
Rapid repair materials (RRMs) have been used in concrete overlay systems to rehabilitate infrastructure for many years. The bond performance between RRMs and a concrete substrate is crucial for maintaining the desired performance and can deteriorate due to freeze–thaw action. In the case [...] Read more.
Rapid repair materials (RRMs) have been used in concrete overlay systems to rehabilitate infrastructure for many years. The bond performance between RRMs and a concrete substrate is crucial for maintaining the desired performance and can deteriorate due to freeze–thaw action. In the case of partial depth repairs (PDRs), the mechanical and durability properties at the interface between the substrate and repair materials have not been thoroughly studied resulting in frequent failures. There is limited research on the freeze–thaw durability of RRM overlay–substrate interface, and no standardized test methods exist for evaluating the performance under freeze–thaw cycling. The proposed experimental procedure combines freeze–thaw cycling of an overlay–substrate specimen with pull-off testing of the overlay. Three RRM overlay systems were used consisting of calcium sulfoaluminate cement and ordinary Portland cement (PC), and a ternary blend of PC, calcium aluminate cement, and calcium sulfate cement. A correlation between tensile bond strength and fundamental transverse frequency in composite specimens was observed, and the results demonstrated that RRMs can maintain robust adhesion following 300 cycles of freeze–thaw exposure. Furthermore, the employed testing methodology elicited bond-only failures, underscoring the necessity for continued investigation into optimal conditioning intervals and substrate integrity to enhance the durability of repair systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modelling and Analysis of Concrete Degradation)
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22 pages, 2634 KiB  
Article
Study of Reinforced Concrete with the Addition of Pozzolanic against the Penetration of Chlorides through Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy
by Anilé Ossorio Domínguez, Romildo Dias Toledo Filho, José Antônio da Cunha Ponciano Gomes, Ralph dos Santos Silva, Eduardo Alencar de Souza and Adriana Barbosa da Silva
Constr. Mater. 2024, 4(1), 194-215; https://doi.org/10.3390/constrmater4010011 - 2 Feb 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1498
Abstract
The present work analyzes the behavior in terms of corrosion resistance of three reinforced concrete formulations over a period of 1 year. The samples were subject to a monitoring methodology using the Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIE) technique, working only with the real component [...] Read more.
The present work analyzes the behavior in terms of corrosion resistance of three reinforced concrete formulations over a period of 1 year. The samples were subject to a monitoring methodology using the Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIE) technique, working only with the real component over time. Three mixtures were used, one conventional without pozzolanic addition (REF) and two others with pozzolanic additions, rice husk ash (RHA) and metakaolin (MK). Prototypes were created and exposed to the action of a 165 g/L NaCl sodium chloride solution. The characterization of the materials was carried out by determining the chloride diffusion profile (ASTM 1556), analyzing images using tomography and with the support of analytical techniques such as X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffraction. The monitoring methodology using EIE demonstrated the positive effect of the insertion of pozzolans, rice husk ash (RHA) and metakaolin (MK) in delaying the process of chloride diffusion in the concrete, resulting in greater resistance to corrosion. The EIE also showed that the active mineral addition in concrete, resulting in aluminum-silicic composition (MK), had a predominant protective effect on the steel/concrete interface against the attack of chloride ions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modelling and Analysis of Concrete Degradation)
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9 pages, 354 KiB  
Communication
Influence of the Ambient Relative Humidity on the Very-Long-Term DEF
by Thierry Houndonougbo, Boumediene Nedjar, Loic Divet and Jean-Michel Torrenti
Constr. Mater. 2023, 3(4), 405-413; https://doi.org/10.3390/constrmater3040026 - 10 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1340
Abstract
Relative humidity is a key parameter for the development of delayed ettringite formation (DEF). Here, new results of very-long-term experiments (10 years) are presented. It is observed that for a relative humidity of 96%, swelling could occur after several years but with a [...] Read more.
Relative humidity is a key parameter for the development of delayed ettringite formation (DEF). Here, new results of very-long-term experiments (10 years) are presented. It is observed that for a relative humidity of 96%, swelling could occur after several years but with a slower kinetics. A model coupling the kinetics of swelling with the internal relative humidity is presented. It is shown that this model can reproduce the experimental behavior. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modelling and Analysis of Concrete Degradation)
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15 pages, 17678 KiB  
Article
Strength and Resistance to Sulfates, Carbonation and Chlorides Ingress by Substitution of Binder by Hydrotalcite in Several Cement Types
by Carmen Andrade, Ana Martínez-Serrano, Miguel Ángel Sanjuán and José A. Tenorio
Constr. Mater. 2023, 3(3), 305-319; https://doi.org/10.3390/constrmater3030020 - 30 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1508
Abstract
Currently, the cement sector has become aware of the economic and environmental advantages of replacing clinker with other supplementary cementitious materials that have a lower carbon footprint in the design of eco-cements. In this study, hydrotalcite, a natural as well as synthetic clay, [...] Read more.
Currently, the cement sector has become aware of the economic and environmental advantages of replacing clinker with other supplementary cementitious materials that have a lower carbon footprint in the design of eco-cements. In this study, hydrotalcite, a natural as well as synthetic clay, which can be fabricated at the cement plant site, was used as such an addition. The objective of this work was to evaluate the behavior of its physical–mechanical properties and durability in pastes and mortars, using a magnesium-type commercial hydrotalcite, Mg6Al2(OH)16CO3·4H2O, as a substitute material for 10, 20 and 30% by weight of ordinary Portland cement (OPC). The mechanical strength was not affected by the substitution, the resistance to chlorides increased, as the hydrotalcite (HT) was able to bind chlorides, and the resistance to carbonation increased at 3 months but was almost the same as the reference specimen at 6 months, which indicates the need to have longer test durations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modelling and Analysis of Concrete Degradation)
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18 pages, 17124 KiB  
Article
Application of Bilinear Softening Laws and Fracture Toughness of Foamed Concrete
by Malik Ridwan Maulana, Hilton Ahmad and Sugiman Sugiman
Constr. Mater. 2023, 3(3), 287-304; https://doi.org/10.3390/constrmater3030019 - 3 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1621
Abstract
This study examined the fracture and failed performance of foamed concrete materials by testing normalized notched beams under three-point bending via three methods: inverse analysis, digital image correlation (DIC), and finite element modeling (FEM). It also discussed both experimental and FEM characteristics. However, [...] Read more.
This study examined the fracture and failed performance of foamed concrete materials by testing normalized notched beams under three-point bending via three methods: inverse analysis, digital image correlation (DIC), and finite element modeling (FEM). It also discussed both experimental and FEM characteristics. However, inverse analysis is only applicable for specimens with a notch height of 30 mm. Bilinear softening of the tested beams was estimated to identify the fracture energy (GF), critical crack length (ac), and elastic modulus (E). Additionally, the fracture toughness was calculated by adopting the double-K method (initiation fracture, unstable fracture, and cohesive fracture). Two-dimensional FEA modeling of the fracture was conducted using the traction-separation law (TSL), incorporating the extended finite element method (XFEM) and cohesive zone (CZM) techniques. A finite element sensitivity for the XFEM and CZM was performed, with the global mesh size of 2 and the damage stabilization cohesion of 1 × 10−5 showed good convergence and were used in other models. Further comparison of the DIC experiment findings with those from the FEM demonstrated good agreement in terms of crack propagation simulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modelling and Analysis of Concrete Degradation)
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