A hybrid approach based on an improved gravitational search algorithm and orthogonal crossover for optimal shape design of concrete gravity dams

A hybrid approach based on an improved gravitational search algorithm (IGSA) and orthogonal crossover (OC) is proposed to efficiently find the optimal shape of concrete gravity dams. The proposed hybrid approach is called IGSA-OC. The hybrid of IGSA and the OC operator can improve the global exploration ability of the IGSA method, and increase its convergence rate. To find the optimal shape of concrete gravity dams, the interaction effects of dam–water–foundation rock subjected to earthquake loading are considered in this study. The computational cost of the optimal shape of concrete gravity dams subjected earthquake loads is usually high. Due to this problem, the weighted least squares support vector machine (WLS-SVM) regression as an efficient metamodel is utilized to considerably predict dynamic responses of gravity dams by spending low computational cost. To testify the robustness and efficiency of the proposed IGSA-OC, first, four well-known benchmark functions in literatures are optimized using the proposed IGSA-OC, and provides comparisons with the standard gravitational search algorithm (GSA) and the other modified GSA methods. Then, the optimal shape of concrete gravity dams is found using IGSA-OC. The solutions obtained by the IGSA-OC are compared with those of the standard GSA, IGSA and particle swarm optimization (PSO). The numerical results demonstrate that the proposed IGSA-OC significantly outperforms the standard GSA, IGSA and PSO.     

Superhydrophobic concrete surfaces with integrated microtexture

Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) is characterized by a densely packed mix-design, which can offer attractive surface properties for architectural building facades. A technical challenge for aesthetic applications is the protection against fouling. This work demonstrates that water-repellent concrete can be obtained just after demoulding by replicating the features of micro-pillared moulds made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Moreover, the negative replica of the microtextured UHPC surface can be used as a master to template for other UHPC samples, constituting a cost-effective route to fabricate large-scale microtextured concrete pieces. The chemical functionalization of UHPC with a low surface energy material is obtained by transferring residues from the PDMS mould or by spraying siloxane-based compounds to form a homogenous surface film. The latter preparation method showed superhydrophobic properties with static contact angles reaching up to 164° and contact angle hysteresis reaching as low as 2.5°. This process enables the manufacture of water-repelling, self-cleaning concrete. Raindrops slide off the concrete surface, carrying debris away.     

Application of the pressure grouting in the hydraulic tunnels

Present paper presents the application of pressure grouting in hydraulic tunnels subjected to high internal pressure of water. Structural analysis of the pressure grouting used for pre-stressing of concrete lining is shown along with the methods used to control the pressure grouting effects. The paper also presents a new experimental method for measuring the loss of water along the complete tunnel under operating conditions and a mathematical model for the evaluation of tunnel impermeability and functionality. All presented test methods have been developed and all measurements were performed by the “Jaroslav Cerni” Institute for Development of Water Resources in Belgrade (Serbia). These methods are presented on the example of a hydraulic tunnel of the “Bajina Basta” pumped storage plant in Serbia, during the stages of its construction and operation.     

钢管混凝土受压短柱刚度的试验研究

针对混凝土强度对钢管混凝土受压短柱刚度的影响,进行了试验研究。结果表明,随着混凝土强度的增高,混凝土弹性模量的增大,构件的竖向和抗弯刚度均增大。混凝土强度对钢管混凝土受压短柱刚度的影响程度为：轴压构件>小偏压构件>大偏压构件。     

基于SMP强度准则的预应力混凝土管桩的挤土效应分析

预应力混凝土管桩在沉桩过程中,将发生挤土效应和土塞效应,二者是有机统一的。基于SMP强度准则,考虑土塞效应,分析了预应力混凝土管桩的挤土效应及土塞效应,并推导了预应力混凝土管桩的应力场及位移场的计算公式。通过实例表明,基于考虑中间主应力的SMP强度准则推导得到的预应力混凝土管桩的应力状态及位移场的计算公式,在实际工程中具有一定的现实指导意义。     

养护方式对不同龄期混凝土力学性能影响试验研究

在五种不同的养护条件下,考察了养护方式对不同龄期混凝土力学性能的影响。试验结果表明:混凝土早期抗压强度受温度的影响相对较明显,养护温度越高,其早期抗压强度值越大,而后期强度值反而越低;混凝土潮湿养护时间越长、早期养护温度越低,越有利于后期抗压强度的增长;随着养护龄期的延长,7d表面保持润湿的混凝土能获得与标养试件相近的抗压强度和回弹强度换算值。     

CFRP confinement of bridge columns damaged by premature concrete deterioration: a case study in Texas

In 1998, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) identified two concrete distress mechanisms occurring on its bridge over Lake Ivie in the west central part of the state: alkali – silica reaction (ASR) and delayed ettringite formation (DEF), collectively referred to by TxDOT as premature concrete deterioration (PCD). The agency sponsored two research projects to investigate the problem. One focused on determining the remaining capacity of PCD-damaged concrete members with a case study of the Lake Ivie bridge and the other assessed treatments that could be applied to members with PCD damage. Based on findings of the study, TxDOT applied a system that waterproofed the damaged columns and then confined them using resin-bonded carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) fabric strips. This paper describes the efforts of TxDOT to mitigate PCD damage for its Lake Ivie bridge.     

超声法检测钢管混凝土缺陷试验研究及工程应用

试验研究结果表明:不存在声波短路现象,但在脱空界面会发生声波断路现象。由于目前无法解决钢管混凝土的脱空,如何解决声波断路现象成了检测的关键。工程实践证明,在脱空层注入裂缝修补胶后,可采集到有效波形、准确判读首波,有效解决声波断路问题。     

自密实混凝土的试验研究

自密实混凝土是在低水胶比、低水泥用量的前提下选择适合的配合比设计方法,在不同级配的粗细骨料、不同特性的胶结材料、不同功能要求的混凝土外加剂中选择适合的原材料配制的混凝土。自密实混凝土发明以来,以其良好的工作性能和力学性能在土木建筑工程领域得到广泛应用。通过正交试验测得的试验数据,以新拌合混凝土的坍落度、坍落扩展度以及混凝土硬化28天后的抗压强度和劈裂抗拉强度为考核指标以满足自密实混凝土的工作性能要求,为自密实混凝土推广应用提供依据。     

一种新型混凝土输送泵液压系统设计

设计一种新型混凝土输送泵液压系统,实现了单泵驱动多负载的关键技术。提出用4个液压泵并联结构来替代现有的三联泵串联结构的方案,确保单一液压泵发生故障时系统仍能正常工作,实现了在液压系统不停机情况下的维修,进一步提升了混凝土输送泵液压系统的可靠性。