Surface and Interface Behavior of Smart Concretes

Dear Colleagues,

The interface bond between materials used in reinforced concrete (RC) significantly affects the structural performance of an RC member. Enhancing bond strength and interface phenomena between ingredients provides more appropriate composite behavior in an RC member. Although extensive studies have been conducted in this field, efforts are still required, as there has been a growing tendency to introduce new generations of concrete compositions to enhance their performance and utility. The addition of advanced additives such as locally produced fillers, different aggregates (natural, artificial, and recycled), chemical and mineral admixtures, nanomaterials, and waste materials within the concrete mixture are the main new compositions of smart concretes.

Accordingly, this Special Issue of Materials aims to publish state-of-the-art studies on interface phenomena as well as bond behavior of new concrete generations. Submissions in the fields of both experimental and numerical studies are welcome. The addressed areas of research include but are not limited to:

• Studying the surface and interface phenomena in reinforced concrete;
• Considering new concrete generations in the field of the interface bond, including geopolymer concrete, self-consolidating concrete, lightweight aggregate concrete, clay-based concrete, nanoconcrete, recycled aggregate concrete, rubberized concrete, silica fume concrete, slag concrete, fly ash concrete, and engineered cementitious composite;
• Numerical modeling of an RC member considering the bond-slip phenomenon and interfacial transition zone (ITZ);
• Re-consideration of standard provisions, in concrete design codes, for bond in different types of concrete composition;
• Advanced characterization methods for smart concretes.

Prof. Dr. Phuong Nguyen-Tri
Prof. Dr. Lotfi Guizani
Dr. Seyed Sina Mousavi Ojarestaghi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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• Rebar/concrete interfacial properties
• Cement–aggregate interfacial transition zone (ITZ)
• Bond in different types of concrete
• Bond of different types of reinforcement in new concrete generations
• Bond in cracked concrete
• Use of recycled and waste materials for enhancing the bond
• Bond in nanoconcrete
• Bond in bioconcrete
• Effect of concrete composition on bond under severe loading conditions (corrosion, fire, etc.)
• Self-healing at the rebar–concrete interface to mitigate the bond reduction
• Influence of inorganic or organic coating on bond in new concrete generations
• Standard provisions for bond
• Numerical modeling of bond