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Structural Concrete and Composites: Processes, Corrosion and Modeling

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Construction and Building Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 August 2024) | Viewed by 13055

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Eduardo Torroja Institute of Construction Sciences (IETcc-CSIC), Callede Serrano Galvache, 4, 28033 Madrid, Spain
Interests: study of corrosion mechanisms using electrochemical techniques; monitoring of structures using corrosion sensors; development of corrosion rate measurement methods; study and monitoring of repair solutions: surface inhibitors, cathodic protection
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Guest Editor
Department of Architectural Constructions, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
Interests: architecture and sports; reinforced concrete; architectural restoration; sustainable construction; structural arches; energy efficiency; BMS (building management system); predictive analytics; environmental impact; occupant health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Eduardo Torroja Institute of Construction Sciences (IETcc-CSIC), Callede Serrano Galvache, 4, 28033 Madrid, Spain
Interests: study of corrosion mechanisms using electrochemical techniques; monitoring of structures using corrosion sensors; development of corrosion rate measurement methods; study and monitoring of repair solutions: surface inhibitors, cathodic protection

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The durability of reinforced concrete structures is compromised by corrosion of the reinforcement; these elements undergo physical, chemical and electrochemical processes that affect the concrete-steel interface. The aim of this special issue is to study models that analyse these processes on real structures and in the laboratory in order to improve the equations that define the standard codes and to evaluate the behaviour of these structures in stages of prevention and repair of corrosion pathologies. For all these reasons, it is important to research all the variables that influence the corrosion of reinforcement in real structures through continuous monitoring and data collection that help us to understand these processes and improve the useful life of our buildings and infrastructures.

Dr. Javier Sánchez Montero
Dr. Pascual Saura-Gómez
Dr. Julio Emilio Torres Martín
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • concrete
  • reinforced concrete composites
  • concrete structure
  • cement
  • corrosion
  • experimental testing
  • modeling
  • fracture
  • carbonation
  • chlorides

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 3864 KiB  
Article
New Methodology for Evaluating Strength Degradation from Temperature Increase in Concrete Hydration under Adiabatic Conditions
by Adelino V. Lopes and Sergio M. R. Lopes
Materials 2024, 17(19), 4830; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17194830 - 30 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 715
Abstract
Cement-based construction materials, commonly known as “cement concrete”, result from the hydration reaction of cement, which releases heat. Numerous studies have examined the heat of cement hydration and other thermal properties of these materials. However, a significant gap in the literature is the [...] Read more.
Cement-based construction materials, commonly known as “cement concrete”, result from the hydration reaction of cement, which releases heat. Numerous studies have examined the heat of cement hydration and other thermal properties of these materials. However, a significant gap in the literature is the assessment of the impact of the hydration temperature on the material’s strength, particularly compressive strength. This work presents an experimental methodology that consistently estimates the temperature evolution of a mixture used to manufacture concrete or mortar during the first hours of Portland cement hydration. The methodology aims to ensure results that correspond to an infinite medium (adiabatic conditions), where there are no heat losses to the surroundings. Results obtained under adiabatic conditions (simulating an infinite medium) indicate that a ready-made mortar (Portland cement: sand: water; 1:2.5:0.5) can reach temperatures of approximately 100 °C after 48 h of hydration. Under these conditions, compressive strength decreases by up to 20%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Concrete and Composites: Processes, Corrosion and Modeling)
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19 pages, 7319 KiB  
Article
Experimental Study on Shear Strengthening of Reinforced Concrete Beams by Fabric-Reinforced Cementitious Matrix
by Chanseo Jung, Yujae Seo, Junseo Hong, Jinhyeong Heo, Hae-Chang Cho and Hyunjin Ju
Materials 2024, 17(17), 4336; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17174336 - 1 Sep 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1634
Abstract
In this study, an experiment was conducted to investigate the shear performance of reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened using fabric-reinforced cementitious matrices (FRCM). Four reinforced concrete beams, including a control specimen, were fabricated, and the shear strengthening effect of the FRCM was investigated [...] Read more.
In this study, an experiment was conducted to investigate the shear performance of reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened using fabric-reinforced cementitious matrices (FRCM). Four reinforced concrete beams, including a control specimen, were fabricated, and the shear strengthening effect of the FRCM was investigated on eight shear specimens, with the strengthening type and shear reinforcement as key variables. In particular, the digital image correlation (DIC) technique was applied to closely analyze the deformation of reinforced concrete beams subjected to shear forces. The average shear strain–shear stress curve of each specimen was derived, and the contributions of shear and bending to the vertical deflection and the change in the principal strain angle with increasing shear force were analyzed. The experiment results showed that all specimens failed with diagonal cracks within the shear span. In the specimens without shear reinforcement, the shear strength increased by up to 65% according to the FRCM strengthening, while in the specimens with shear reinforcement, only the sided bond strengthened specimen showed a strength increase of 16% compared to the control specimen. Based on displacement data of the DIC, it was confirmed that FRCM strengthening can control the deformation of the RC beam. To evaluate the shear strength of the FRCM-strengthened RC beams, a shear strength model was proposed by considering the contributions of the concrete section, shear reinforcement, and FRCM. The proposed model was capable of reasonably evaluating the shear strength of RC beams strengthened with FRCM, considering the shear contribution of FRCM and bond capacity between FRCM and concrete substrate, in which the shear strength of specimens was underestimated by 28% to 35%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Concrete and Composites: Processes, Corrosion and Modeling)
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23 pages, 7200 KiB  
Article
The Application of Converter Sludge and Slag to Produce Ecological Cement Mortars
by Malgorzata Ulewicz, Jakub Jura, Adam Zieliński and Jacek Pietraszek
Materials 2024, 17(17), 4295; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17174295 - 30 Aug 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1025
Abstract
The paper presents an analysis of the effective use of a mixture of steel sludge (S1) and slag (S2) from the converter process of steel production for the production of cement mortars. Metallurgical waste used in the research, which is currently deposited in [...] Read more.
The paper presents an analysis of the effective use of a mixture of steel sludge (S1) and slag (S2) from the converter process of steel production for the production of cement mortars. Metallurgical waste used in the research, which is currently deposited in waste landfills and heaps near plants, posing a threat to groundwater (possibility of leaching metal ions present in the waste), was used as a substitute for natural sand in the range of 0–20% by weight of cement (each). The obtained test results and their numerical analysis made it possible to determine the conditions for replacing part of the sand in cement mortars with a mixture of sludge and slag from a basic oxygen furnace (BOF) and to determine the effects of such modification. For the numerical analysis, a full quadratic Response Surface Model (RSM) was utilized for two controlled factors. This model was subsequently optimized through backward stepwise regression, ensuring the inclusion of only statistically significant components and verifying the consistency of residual distribution with the normal distribution (tested via Ryan-Joiner’s test, p > 0.1). The designated material models are helpful in designing ecological cement mortars using difficult-to-recycle waste (i.e., sludge and converter slag), which is important for a circular economy. Mortars modified with a mixture of metallurgical waste (up to 20% each) are characterized by a slightly lower consistency, compressive and flexural strength, and water absorption. However, they show a lower decrease in mechanical strength after the freezing–thawing process (frost resistance) compared to control mortars. Mortars modified with metallurgical waste do not have a negative impact on the environment in terms of leaching heavy metal ions. The use of a mixture of sludge and steel slag in the amount of 40% (slag/sludge in a 20/20 ratio) allows you to save 200 kg of sand when producing 1 m3 of cement mortar (cost reduction by approx. EUR 5.1/Mg) and will also reduce the costs of the environmental fee for depositing waste. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Concrete and Composites: Processes, Corrosion and Modeling)
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18 pages, 2664 KiB  
Article
Experimental Investigation and Bayesian Assessment for Permeability Characteristics of Lightweight Ceramsite Concrete
by Min Li, Yongjun Wang, Mengzhang Chen, Lin Zhang, Yinshan Xu, Hongbo Zhao and Jiaolong Ren
Materials 2024, 17(16), 4112; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17164112 - 20 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1005
Abstract
Ceramsite concrete is one of the most widely used lightweight concretes at present. Although mechanical properties of ceramsite concrete have been extensively discussed, its permeability characteristics are neglected in previous studies. Considering the importance of permeability resistance to concrete, the permeability grade and [...] Read more.
Ceramsite concrete is one of the most widely used lightweight concretes at present. Although mechanical properties of ceramsite concrete have been extensively discussed, its permeability characteristics are neglected in previous studies. Considering the importance of permeability resistance to concrete, the permeability grade and residual compressive strength after permeability of ceramsite concrete are analyzed in this study. The influence of ceramsite content and size on the permeability grade and residual strength of ceramsite concrete were investigated by the orthogonal experimental method. To further understand the above influence, an improved Bayesian framework for small sample data is also established to analyze the permeability grade and residual strength. Results show that the water–binder ratio and the content of 20–30 mm ceramsite aggregates are the most and least significant influencing factors affecting the permeability characteristics, respectively. The 5–10 mm and 10–20 mm ceramsite aggregates play secondary roles. Increasing 5–10 mm and 10–20 mm ceramsite aggregates is not helpful for improving the permeability resistance of ceramsite concrete. Compared with the orthogonal method, the proposed Bayesian framework is a useful tool for revealing the effects of various factors, which can cut the time cost and provide parameter visualization for the analysis process. Results show that the permeability resistance and residual strength of ceramsite concrete are improved significantly under optimal conditions. The permeability grade and residual strength are increased 200% and 80.3%, respectively. In addition, the residual strength may be more suitable for evaluating the permeability characteristics than the permeability grade. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Concrete and Composites: Processes, Corrosion and Modeling)
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15 pages, 3931 KiB  
Article
Examining the Workability, Mechanical, and Thermal Characteristics of Eco-Friendly, Structural Self-Compacting Lightweight Concrete Enhanced with Fly Ash and Silica Fume
by Zehra Funda Akbulut, Demet Yavuz, Taher A. Tawfik, Piotr Smarzewski and Soner Guler
Materials 2024, 17(14), 3504; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17143504 - 15 Jul 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1296
Abstract
This study compares the workability, mechanical, and thermal characteristics of structural self-compacting lightweight concrete (SCLWC) formulations using pumice aggregate (PA), expanded perlite aggregate (EPA), fly ash (FA), and silica fume (SF). FA and SF were used as partial substitutes for cement at a [...] Read more.
This study compares the workability, mechanical, and thermal characteristics of structural self-compacting lightweight concrete (SCLWC) formulations using pumice aggregate (PA), expanded perlite aggregate (EPA), fly ash (FA), and silica fume (SF). FA and SF were used as partial substitutes for cement at a 10% ratio in various mixes, impacting different aspects: According to the obtained results, FA enhanced the workability but SF reduced it, while SF improved the compressive and splitting tensile strengths more than FA. EPA, used as a fine aggregate alongside PA, decreased the workability, compressive strength, and splitting tensile strength compared to the control mix (K0). The thermal properties were altered by FA and SF similarly, while EPA notably reduced the thermal conductivity coefficients. The thermal conductivity coefficients (TCCs) of the K0–K4 SCLWC mixtures ranged from 0.275 to 0.364 W/mK. K0 had a TCC of 0.364 W/mK. With 10% FA, K1 achieved 0.305 W/mK; K2 with 10% SF reached 0.325 W/mK. K3 and K4, using EPA instead of PA, showed significantly lower TCC values: 0.275 W/mK and 0.289 W/mK, respectively. FA and SF improved the thermal conductivity compared to K0, while EPA further reduced the TCC values in K3 and K4 compared to K1 and K2. The compressive strength (CS) values of the K0–K4 SCLWC mixtures at 7 and 28 days reveal notable trends. Using 10% FA in K1 decreased the CS at both 7 days (12.16 MPa) and 28 days (22.36 MPa), attributed to FA’s gradual pozzolanic activity. Conversely, K2 with SF showed increased CS at 7 days (17.88 MPa) and 28 days (29.89 MPa) due to SF’s rapid pozzolanic activity. Incorporating EPA into K3 and K4 reduced the CS values compared to PA, indicating EPA’s lower strength contribution due to its porous structure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Concrete and Composites: Processes, Corrosion and Modeling)
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13 pages, 2137 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Concrete Durability and Strength with Fly Ash, Steel Slag, and Rice Husk Ash for Marine Environments
by Rodolfo Barragán-Ramírez, Andrés González-Hernández, Jorge Bautista-Ruiz, Michel Ospina and Willian Aperador Chaparro
Materials 2024, 17(12), 3001; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17123001 - 19 Jun 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1367
Abstract
The effect of an alternative source of silica, based on class F fly ash mixed with blast furnace slag and activated by rice husk ash (RHA), to produce concrete exposed to marine environments was evaluated. Four mixtures activated by the combination of 85% [...] Read more.
The effect of an alternative source of silica, based on class F fly ash mixed with blast furnace slag and activated by rice husk ash (RHA), to produce concrete exposed to marine environments was evaluated. Four mixtures activated by the combination of 85% NaOH 14M + 15% RHA were manufactured to achieve a liquid/solid ratio of 0.20. Fly ash was incorporated into the steel slag mixture at addition percentages of 20, 40, 60, and 80%, and evaluated at 28, 900, and 1800 days for pore and chloride ion absorption. In general, including rice husk ash in the mixture of fly ash and steel slag significantly affected mechanical performance because it was possible to obtain concrete with high mechanical resistance. Concerning the durability evaluation, the effect of the activator generated by rice husk ash was observed, and the increase in steel slag added to the cementitious samples improved the capacity of the material to resist the penetration and diffusion of chloride ions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Concrete and Composites: Processes, Corrosion and Modeling)
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19 pages, 5056 KiB  
Article
Multifaceted Analysis of the Thermal Properties of Shielding Cement-Based Composites with Magnetite Aggregate
by Roman Jaskulski, Krzysztof Liszka and Daria Jóźwiak-Niedźwiedzka
Materials 2024, 17(12), 2936; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17122936 - 15 Jun 2024
Viewed by 756
Abstract
The paper presents and discusses the results of a study of the thermal properties of cement composites with different contents of magnetite aggregate (0%, 20%, 40% and 60% by volume). The effect of grain size on the evaluated thermal properties was also investigated. [...] Read more.
The paper presents and discusses the results of a study of the thermal properties of cement composites with different contents of magnetite aggregate (0%, 20%, 40% and 60% by volume). The effect of grain size on the evaluated thermal properties was also investigated. For this purpose, concrete containing 50% by volume of magnetite aggregate with four different fractions (1–2 mm, 2–4 mm, 4–8 mm and 8–16 mm) was used. Thermal parameters were evaluated on specimens fully saturated with water and dried to a constant mass at 65 °C. The series with varying grain sizes of magnetite achieved thermal conductivity values in the range of 2.76–3.03 W/(m·K) and 2.00–2.21 W/(m·K) at full water saturation and after drying to a constant mass, respectively. In the case of the series with 20% magnetite by volume, the thermal conductivity was 2.65 W/(m·K) and 1.99 W/(m·K) for the material fully saturated with water and dried to a constant mass, respectively. The series with a 60% volume share of magnetite obtained values of this parameter of 3.47 W/(m·K) and 2.66 W/(m·K), respectively, under the same assumptions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Concrete and Composites: Processes, Corrosion and Modeling)
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15 pages, 3474 KiB  
Article
3D FRP Reinforcement Systems for Concrete Beams: Innovation towards High Performance Concrete Structures
by Handong Yan, Jiabao Zhao, Jianli Yin and Wei Sun
Materials 2024, 17(12), 2826; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17122826 - 10 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1314
Abstract
Despite the advantages of using lightweight and non-corrosive carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) reinforcements in concrete structures, their widespread adoption has been limited due to concerns regarding the brittle failure of CFRP rupture and its relatively softer load-deflection stiffness. This work offers logical [...] Read more.
Despite the advantages of using lightweight and non-corrosive carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) reinforcements in concrete structures, their widespread adoption has been limited due to concerns regarding the brittle failure of CFRP rupture and its relatively softer load-deflection stiffness. This work offers logical solutions to these two crucial problems: using aggregate coating to strengthen the CFRP-concrete bond and ultimately the load-deflection stiffness, and using CFRP-concrete debonding propagation to create pseudo-ductile behavior. Subsequently, the concrete cracking behavior, the apparent CFRP modulus with aggregates, and the post-peak capacity and deflection of three-dimensional (3D) CFRP-reinforced concrete are all described by equations derived from experiments. These formulas will be helpful in the future design of non-prismatic concrete components for low-impact building projects. The potential of this innovative design scheme in terms of increased capacity and deflections with less concrete material is demonstrated through comparisons between non-prismatic CFRP-reinforced concrete and measured steel reinforced equivalency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Concrete and Composites: Processes, Corrosion and Modeling)
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20 pages, 4245 KiB  
Article
Carbon Emission Optimization of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete Using Machine Learning Methods
by Min Wang, Mingfeng Du, Yue Jia, Cheng Chang and Shuai Zhou
Materials 2024, 17(7), 1670; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17071670 - 5 Apr 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1991
Abstract
Due to its exceptional qualities, ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) has recently become one of the hottest research areas, although the material’s significant carbon emissions go against the current development trend. In order to lower the carbon emissions of UHPC, this study suggests a machine [...] Read more.
Due to its exceptional qualities, ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) has recently become one of the hottest research areas, although the material’s significant carbon emissions go against the current development trend. In order to lower the carbon emissions of UHPC, this study suggests a machine learning-based strategy for optimizing the mix proportion of UHPC. To accomplish this, an artificial neural network (ANN) is initially applied to develop a prediction model for the compressive strength and slump flow of UHPC. Then, a genetic algorithm (GA) is employed to reduce the carbon emissions of UHPC while taking into account the strength, slump flow, component content, component proportion, and absolute volume of UHPC as constraint conditions. The outcome is then supported by the results of the experiments. In comparison to the experimental results, the research findings show that the ANN model has excellent prediction accuracy with an error of less than 10%. The carbon emissions of UHPC are decreased to 688 kg/m3 after GA optimization, and the effect of optimization is substantial. The machine learning (ML) model can provide theoretical support for the optimization of various aspects of UHPC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Concrete and Composites: Processes, Corrosion and Modeling)
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20 pages, 5315 KiB  
Article
Effect of Sulfate Attack on the Expansion Behavior of Cement-Treated Aggregates
by Qi Wang, Jiankun Liu, Pengcheng Wang, Jiangxin Liu and Mingzhi Sun
Materials 2024, 17(3), 660; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17030660 - 29 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1333
Abstract
The expansion induced by sulfate attack on cement-treated aggregates (SACA) is a well-known problem that can be solved. It causes obvious heaves in road bases and railway subgrades. In this paper, the effects of the sodium sulfate content, cement content, degree of compaction, [...] Read more.
The expansion induced by sulfate attack on cement-treated aggregates (SACA) is a well-known problem that can be solved. It causes obvious heaves in road bases and railway subgrades. In this paper, the effects of the sodium sulfate content, cement content, degree of compaction, sulfate types, attack types, aluminum ion supply, concentration of curing sulfate solution, and temperature on the expansion behavior induced by SACA were investigated over 60 days in the laboratory. Based on the Sobol sensitivity analysis method, the influence of the sensitivity of each factor on the expansion was quantitatively analyzed, and the dominant factor of expansion was proposed. Results show that sulfate content is the domain factor of expansion that is induced by SACA, and it presents a logarithmic function relationship with strain. The 0.5% sodium sulfate content is the minimum sulfate content which causes the expansion that is induced by SACA. When the sulfate content is less than 1%, the expansion induced by SACA is minor. When the sulfate content is between 1% and 3%, the expansion behavior is expressed in four stages as follows: rapid strain increase, followed by a short stagnation period, then a significant strain increase and, finally, constant strain. When the sulfate content is greater than 5%, there are two stages comprising the expansion behavior as follows: the rapid strain increases and constant strain occurs. Greater sulfate content, greater degree of compaction, and lower temperature have positive effects on the expansion induced by SACA. The cement content does not have a consistent effect on expansion behavior. Compared with a sodium sulfate attack, both the reaction rate and expansion of cement-treated aggregates that are attacked by gypsum are smaller, and the attack period is also longer. When the sulfate content is greater than 1%, the addition of kaolin promotes the progression of the expansion induced by SACA. A small amount of water is sufficient for the demand for the sulfate attack. When the sulfate content is at a certain level, the expansion induced by SACA that is under external attack is much smaller than the expansion that is under internal attack. This study is expected to serve as a reference for future research on the mechanics of SACA, and it attempts to provide theoretical support for amending expansions that are induced by SACA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Concrete and Composites: Processes, Corrosion and Modeling)
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