Prediction of compressive strength of concrete

The paper, which summarises a survey and an analysis of empirical strength laws, was undertaken with a view to formulating a strength law interrelating the water-cement ratio-which determines the porosity of the hardened cement-paste-and Powers's Gel/Space ratio, giving the relative strength of the cement stone. Accordingly, a graphical procedure is given for predicting the strength of ordinary concretes for a given water-cement ratio and lean air-entrained concretes for a given “equivalent” water-cement ratio. Compressive strength may also be predicted by means of numerical formulae.     

Prediction of drug solubility in ternary solvent mixture

Applicability of the combined, nearly ideal, binary solvent/Redlich-Kister equation for calculating drug solubility in ternary mixtures is presented. The advantages of the proposed model are discussed and compared with a recently published equation that calculates the solute solubility in ternary solvent mixtures based on the mixture response methodology.     

Prediction of FRP-confined compressive strength of concrete using artificial neural networks

Strengthening and retrofitting of concrete columns by wrapping and bonding FRP sheets has become an efficient technique in recent years. Considerable investigations have been carried out in the field of FRP-confined concrete and there are many proposed models that predict the compressive strength which are developed empirically by either doing regression analysis using existing test data or by a development based on the theory of plasticity. In the present study, a new approach is developed to obtain the FRP-confined compressive strength of concrete using a large number of experimental data by applying artificial neural networks. Having parameters used as input nodes in ANN modeling such as characteristics of concrete and FRP, the output node was FRP-confined compressive strength of concrete. The idealized neural network was employed to generate empirical charts and equations for use in design. The comparison of the new approach with existing empirical and experimental data shows good precision and accuracy of the developed ANN-based model in predicting the FRP-confined compressive strength of concrete.     

Prediction of potential compressive strength of Portland clinker from its mineralogy

Based on a statistical model first applied for prediction of compressive strength up to 28 d from the microstructure of Portland cement, potential compressive strength of clinker has been predicted from its mineralogy. The prediction model was evaluated by partial least squares regression. The mineralogy was described by patterns from X-ray diffraction analysis in the 2θ-regions 29.88–30.70° and 32.90–34.10° (using CuKα-radiation).It has been shown that prediction of potential compressive strength of clinker up to 28 d from the observed variation in the mineralogy gave a significant variation of the strength at both 1 and 28 d. Sensitivity analysis based on simulation, optimisation and prediction made it possible to study the influence of the mineralogy on the strength in more detail.     

基于超声波测试的片岩单轴抗压强度预测模型

岩石单轴抗压强度是岩土工程中最基础、最重要的参数之一,建立其快速、方便、经济的预测方法一直是岩土界的研究热点。为了获取片岩单轴抗压强度的预测模型,基于超声波试验和单轴压缩试验数据,对福建某矿山的片岩岩样分别开展了单轴抗压强度与纵波波速、横波波速、纵波模量、横波模量、动弹性模量和静弹性模量的回归性分析,并各自建立了线性、对数、多项式、指数函数和幂函数5种回归模型。分析表明,除了动弹性模量以外,其他参量都易受空间变异性和各向异性影响,不适合用于片岩单轴抗压强度的预测。最终,通过拟合度、所包含参量、量纲平衡、测试方法以及显著性分析,确定基于动弹性模量建立的线性回归模型是最合理、可靠、方便的片岩单轴抗压强度预测模型。研究成果可为开展岩石单轴抗压强度预测的相关理论研究和工程应用提供参考和帮助。     

Prediction of solid block masonry prism compressive strength using FE model

Masonry strength is dependent upon characteristics of the masonry unit, the mortar and the bond between them. Empirical formulae as well as analytical and finite element (FE) models have been developed to predict structural behaviour of masonry. This paper is focused on developing a three dimensional non-linear FE model based on micro-modelling approach to predict masonry prism compressive strength and crack pattern. The proposed FE model uses multi-linear stress–strain relationships to model the non-linear behaviour of solid masonry unit and the mortar. Willam–Warnke’s five parameter failure theory developed for modelling the tri-axial behaviour of concrete has been adopted to model the failure of masonry materials. The post failure regime has been modelled by applying orthotropic constitutive equations based on the smeared crack approach. Compressive strength of the masonry prism predicted by the proposed FE model has been compared with experimental values as well as the values predicted by other failure theories and Eurocode formula. The crack pattern predicted by the FE model shows vertical splitting cracks in the prism. The FE model predicts the ultimate failure compressive stress close to 85% of the mean experimental compressive strength value.     

Prediction of standard compressive strength of cement by means of accelerated testing

The present study was undertaken with a view to an accelerated testing method which would permit prediction of standard compressive strength of cement within 24 hours at most. Test specimens were 11.3×11.3 mm dry cement cylindrical compacts (average porosity 22.6% and 26.8%) cured, for 24 hours at 21°C or for 3 hours at 100°C, in distilled water or in a super-satured lime solution. A linear relation was established between the cement and the compact strength for all the four curing regimes studied. The 24 hour curing in distilled water at 21°C, however, was considered preferable, permitting strength prediction within ±11.5 kg per sq.cm at 95% confidence level. Further study on cements with a wider range of properties will be needed, however, before the method can be recommended as a substitute for current standard procedures.

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Résumé On a entrepris cette étude en vue d'obtenir une méthode d'essais accélérés qui permettrait de prédire dans un délai de24 heures au plus la résistance normale en compression du ciment. Les éprouvettes étaient des agglomérés de ciment sec (porosité moyenne: 22,6 et 22,−%) conservés24 heures à21°C ou3 heures à100°C, dans de l'eau distillée ou dans une solution de chaux sursaturée. On a établi une relation linéaire entre le ciment et la résistance à l'état compacté pour les4 régimes de conservation étudiés. Il est apparu que la conservation de24 heures en eau distillée à21°C était préférable, permettant de prédire la résistance à+ou −11,5 kg/cm² près pour une crédibilité de 95%. D'autres études sur les ciments portant sur une gamme plus large de propriétés seraient cependant nécessaires avant que la méthode puisse être recommandée comme un substitut des méthodes normales ordinaires.

     

Investigation into the synergistic effects in ternary cementitious systems containing portland cement, fly ash and silica fume

This research was primarily conducted to verify the presence of synergistic effects in ternary cementitious systems containing portland cement (OPC), class C fly ash (FA) and silica fume (SF). A subsequent objective of the study was to quantify the magnitude of the synergy and to determine its source. For a ternary mixture containing 20% FA and 5% SF by mass, the synergistic effect was observed mostly at later ages (7 days onward) and it resulted in an increased compressive strength and resistance to chloride ion penetration as well as a reduced rate of water absorption (sorptivity) compared to predictions based on individual effects of FA and SF in respective binary systems. The observed synergy was attributed to both chemical and physical effects. The chemical effect manifested itself in the form of an increased amount of hydration products. The physical effect associated with packing density was, somewhat contrary to general belief, not due to an optimized particle size distribution of the binder components of the ternary cementitious system. Instead, it was the result of smaller initial inter-particle spacing caused by lower specific gravities of both FA and SF which, in turn, led to a lower volumetric w/cm. If the mixture design was adjusted to account for these differences, the physical effect would be diminished.     

Binary and ternary effects of ground dune sand and blast furnace slag on the compressive strength of mortar

The aim of this study is to promote the use of available natural dune sand from desert areas as a partial cement replacement. Binary and ternary combinations of ground dune sand (GDS), Portland cement (PC) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) were investigated for their effects on the compressive strength of mortar cured under standard or autoclave curing conditions. The results showed that the compressive strength decreased significantly with increasing GDS and GGBS contents under standard curing. However, with autoclave curing, all of the binary and ternary mixtures yielded mortar with a compressive strength higher than that of the control sample. The autoclave-cured ternary combination of 30% GDS, 50% PC and 20% GGBS showed the highest compressive strength. It is possible to use a PC content as low as 10% since the mixture of 30% GDS, 10% PC and 60% GGBS displayed strength comparable to the control sample.     

Prediction of compressive strength of concrete with fly ash as sand replacement material

Fly ash (FA) acts as a partial replacement material for both Portland cement and fine aggregate. The published information on FA as sand (fine aggregate) replacement material (SRM) is limited and rational guidelines to estimate the compressive strength of concrete are not available. This aspect was investigated and a formula to predict the compressive strength of concrete at 28 day is suggested in this paper. This formula, containing cementing efficiency factor, k, of FA, is useful also when the quantity of FA used is more than that of sand replaced. Application of the formula to the test data in published literature, indicate that it can estimate the compressive strength of concrete containing different levels of sand replacement by fly ash.     

Ordinary Portland Cement composition for the optimization of the synergies of supplementary cementitious materials of ternary binders in hydration processes

The synergistic effects of using several supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), such as Blast Furnace Slags plus Limestone Filler or Fly Ashes, depend on the OPC composition. When using an OPC which is poor in C₃A and alkalis in ternary formulations, a similar initial strength gain to that of a plain OPC is detected and at longer hydration ages, the formation of monocarboaluminate, hemicarbonate and hydrotalcite instead of monosulphate can be seen. If an OPC with a higher C₃A content and alkalis is used with SCMs, the higher availability of Al causes the early formation of monocarboaluminate and a lower initial strength gain. At longer hydration times, in ternary blends with both OPCs, the mechanical strengths are higher and the C-S-H gels formed are richer in Al and poorer in C/S ratio with a subsequent lowering of the alkali content in the pore solution when compared to that in plain OPC.     

基于成熟度的二灰稳定碎石抗压强度预测方法

为给沥青路面施工方案提供决策依据,在不同养护温度条件下、养护龄期分别为7、 14、 28、 42、 60、 90 d时,于实验室内测量4种二灰稳定碎石试件的抗压强度;结合活化能关系和度时积方程,分别构建基于成熟度的二灰稳定碎石抗压强度的3种预测模型;通过数据回归法和电子扫描显微镜结果对预测模型进行修正;将3种模型的预测值与实测值进行对比,验证预测模型的准确性。结果表明:二灰稳定碎石试件的抗压强度与龄期、温度均正相关,养护温度的影响大于养护龄期和二灰质量比的影响;活化能成熟度方程可以将不同温度下的实际养护龄期换算为标准温度下的等效龄期,该预测方便但预测结果误差较大。在恒定温度条件下,度时积成熟度方法在预测早期抗压强度时更接近实际值,但在龄期为14 d以后预测值较实际值略小。在变温度养护条件下,需要将近似基准温度设置为7℃,度时积成熟度方法预测二灰稳定碎石试件抗压强度不受二灰质量比、养护温度等因素干扰,具有更高的实用性。     

Thermodynamic equilibrium calculations in cementitious systems

This review paper aims at giving an overview of the different applications of thermodynamic equilibrium calculations in cementitious systems. They can help us to understand on a chemical level the consequences of different factors such as cement composition, hydration, leaching, or temperature on the composition and the properties of a hydrated cementitious system. Equilibrium calculations have been used successfully to compute the stable phase assemblages based on the solution composition as well as to model the stable phase assemblage in completely hydrated cements and thus to asses the influence of the chemical composition on the hydrate assemblage. Thermodynamic calculations can also, in combination with a dissolution model, be used to follow the changes during hydration or, in combination with transport models, to calculate the interactions of cementitious systems with the environment. In all these quite different applications, thermodynamic equilibrium calculations have been a valuable addition to experimental studies deepening our understanding of the processes that govern cementitious systems and interpreting experimental observations. It should be carried in mind that precipitation and dissolution processes can be slow so that thermodynamic equilibrium may not be reached; an approach that couples thermodynamics and kinetics would be preferable. However, as many of the kinetic data are not (yet) available, it is important to verify the results of thermodynamic calculations with appropriate experiments. Thermodynamic equilibrium calculations in its different forms have been applied mainly to Portland cement systems. The approach, however, is equally valid for blended systems or for cementitious systems based on supplementary cementitious materials and is expected to further the development of new cementitious materials and blends.     

Optimization of ternary cementitious mortar blends using factorial experimental plans

Producing cements incorporating high-volume replacement of ordinary portland cement (OPC) by recycled industrial by-products is perceived as the most promising venture for the cement and concrete industry to meet its environmental obligations. However, the two-component (binary) cements thus produced are often associated with shortcomings such as the need for extended moist-curing, increased use of chemical admixtures, low early age strength, increased cracking tendency due to drying shrinkage, and de-icing salt scaling problems. There is need for research to investigate whether high-volume replacement multi-component (ternary and quaternary) cements could be optimized with synergistic effects allowing component ingredients to compensate for any mutual shortcomings. This study uses factorial experimental plans to investigate the performance of OPC-silica fume (SF)-class F fly ash (FA) and OPC-SF-ground granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) ternary cementitious blends. Response surfaces for the superplasticizer requirement to achieve a constant flow, setting time, drying shrinkage up to 112 days, compressive strength at 1, 7, 28 and 56 days, and for the sulfate expansion up to 9-months were obtained for up to 20%, 60%, and 60% replacement levels of OPC by SF, FA and GBFS, respectively. A multiparametric optimization is used to establish response surfaces for a desirability function, which is used to rate ternary cementitious blends. Results indicate that when rheological, mechanical, durability and cost requirements are combined; the use of costly mineral admixtures such as silica fume is not economic in ternary OPC-SF-FA or OPC-SF-GBFS blends beyond levels of about 3 to 5% Moreover, it is shown that the major hurdle for high-volume replacement of OPC with class F fly ash is compromising the early age performance. Results also indicate that a good quality high-fineness GBFS can be used at replacement levels of OPC up to 60% without major disadvantages.     

On compressive strength variation in concrete

The interrelationship of the standard deviation, the coefficient of variation, and the compressive strength of concrete was studied on 32 building sites and 14 ready-mix plants, with more than 30,000 observations analysed. While the standard deviation was found to be practically strength-independent when overall values were considered, the coefficient of variation showed such independence in its daily values. It was further concluded that formal compliance with a set of nominal requirements does not necessarily secure the expected strength variation, in which respect the actual level of supervision is the dominant factor. The average overal standard deviation was of the order of 60 kg. per sq. cm. and the daily coefficient of variation—of the order of 10%, irrespective of nominal conditions of concrete production.     

Subcritical crack growth and long-term strength in rock and cementitious material

High-strength and ultra low-permeability concrete (HSULPC) is a strong candidate for a radioactive waste package containing transuranic radionuclides (TRU waste) for geological disposal. Knowledge of the time-dependent fracturing of HSULPC and surrounding rock mass is essential to assess the long-term stability of such underground repositories. We have measured crack velocity in andesite and HSULPC both in air and water to examine subcritical crack growth by the Double-Torsion method. In air, the crack velocity in andesite increased when the temperature and relative humidity increased. On the other hand, the temperature and relative humidity had little effect on the crack velocity in HSULPC in air. In water, the crack velocity increased when the temperature was higher for both andesite and HSULPC. Using these experimental results, the long-term strength was estimated. It was shown that the long-term strength of HSULPC was higher than that of andesite. In air, the long-term strength for andesite was affected by the temperature and relative humidity. The long-term strength for andesite decreased when the temperature or relative humidity increased. For HSULPC, the change of the long-term strength with varying temperature or relative humidity was smaller than andesite in air. In water, the long-term strength for both materials decreased with increasing the temperature. Comparing the long-term strength of andesite and HSULPC at the same environmental conditions, it was recognized that the decrease of the long-term strength of HSULPC is smaller than that of andesite. The long-term strength in water was smaller than that in air for both materials.     

Prediction of the concrete compressive strength by means of core testing using GMDH-type neural network and ANFIS models

Assessment of insitu concrete strength by means of cores cut from hardened concrete is accepted as the most common method, but may be affected by many factors. Group method of data handling (GMDH) type neural networks and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS) were developed based on results obtained experimentally in this work along with published data by other researchers. Genetic algorithm (GA) and singular value decomposition (SVD) techniques are deployed for optimal design of GMDH-type neural networks. Samples incorporated six parameters with core strength, length-to-diameter ratio, core diameter, aggregate size and concrete age considered as inputs and standard cube strength regarded as the output. The results show that a generalized GMDH-type neural network and ANFIS have great ability as a feasible tool for prediction of the concrete compressive strength on the basis of core testing. Moreover, sensitivity analysis has been carried out on the model obtained by GMDH-type neural network to study the influence of input parameters on model output.     

Studies on optimization of silica nanoparticles dosage in cementitious system

Optimization of silica nanoparticles (SNPs) dosage in cementitious system was carried out analytically as well as experimentally by understanding the early stage hydration reaction of tricalcium silicate (C₃S). XRD and TGA results show the maximum nucleation effect of SNPs at 8 h, when the rate of product formation was higher than the control (∼66% additional CSH and ∼61% more CH with 10% SNPs addition). While at 24 h of hydration, ∼25% additional CSH was formed and CH content reduced by ∼32% with 10% addition showing the pozzolanic effect of SNPs. Further, FTIR results reveal that SNPs accelerate the polymerization in silicate chain and with 10% SNPs addition more crystalline (probably tobermorite like) structure is formed. This is responsible for the formation of highly compact and dense microstructure at 24 h as observed in electron micrographs, which may be responsible for the slow hydration rate at later age. XRD, FTIR and TGA studies on C₃S revealed that up to 5% addition of SNPs is beneficial, whereas higher dosages do not contribute significantly. Based on these investigations, studies were performed on cement paste, mortar and concrete samples, which revealed that 2–3% addition of SNPs is the optimum quantity for significant contribution in strength properties.     

三元混合物的爆炸极限实验

参照国标GB/12474-90的有关规定,设计了一套测试可燃气体爆炸极限的实验装置。系统地测量了三元混合物R290+R152a+R134的爆炸极限,积累了爆炸极限数据,绘制了爆炸极限曲线。混合物的临界爆炸比(CFR),随着R290/R152a体积比的增大而增大。     

三维网络结构增强金属基复合材料的抗压强度模型

利用混合定则和参照Zum-Gahr 模型、Khruschov 模型, 建立了一种连续网络结构增强金属基复合材料的抗压强度模型, 并进一步对模型进行了修正。通过压力和负压浸渗技术制备了不同增强相体积分数的复合材料, 测试了其抗压强度值, 将试验数据与模型进行了拟合, 数据基本在模型限定范围内。形成的相互贯穿、相互缠绕的网络结构增强复合材料的抗压强度与增强相的体积分数在上限时呈线性关系, 且随体积分数的增加而增加; 在下限时呈非线性关系, 当增强相体积分数超过80 %以上时, 抗压强度明显增加。与基体相比, 复合材料的抗压强度有明显提高。