New Model for the Analysis of Size-Scale Effects on the Ductility of Reinforced Concrete Elements in Bending

The well-known cohesive crack model describes strain localization with a softening stress variation in concrete members subjected to tension. An analogous behavior is also observed in compression, when strain localization takes place in a damaged zone and the stress reaches the compression strength with surface energy dissipation. In the present paper, we propose the new concept of overlapping crack model, which is analogous to the cohesive one and permits us to simulate material interpenetration due to crushing. The two aforementioned elementary models are merged into a more complex algorithm able to describe both cracking and crushing growths during loading processes in reinforced concrete members. A numerical procedure based on elastic coefficients is developed, taking into account the proposed constitutive laws in tension and compression. With this algorithm, it is possible to effectively capture the flexural behavior of reinforced concrete beams by varying the reinforcement percentage and/or the beam depth.     

Groundwater Flow and Contaminant Transport Simulation with Imprecise Parameters

A methodology has been developed in this study wherein a genetic algorithm (GA) is used to find a global optimal solution to a groundwater flow and contaminant problem by incorporating an artificial neural network (ANN) to evaluate the objective function within the genetic algorithm. The study shows that an ANN-GA technique can be used to find the uncertainties in output parameters due to imprecision in input parameters. The ANN-GA methodology is applied to five case studies involving radial flow in a well, one-dimensional solute transport in steady uniform flow, a two-dimensional heterogeneous steady flow, a two-dimensional solute transport, and a two-dimensional unsteady groundwater flow to demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of the developed algorithm. The results show that, with this approach, one can successfully measure the uncertainty in groundwater flow and contaminant transport simulations and achieve a considerable reduction in computational effort when compared to the vertex method that has been widely used in the past.     

Large-Bar Connection for Precast Bridge Bents in Seismic Regions

A new beam-to-column connection has been developed for assembling precast concrete bridge bents in regions of high seismicity. The connection is made with a small number of large column bars, which are grouted into large corrugated-metal ducts embedded in the cap beam. Bents built with these connections can be erected quickly and permit generous construction tolerances. To evaluate the seismic performance of the proposed connection, lateral-load tests were performed on three manifestations of the connection, as well as on a comparable cast-in-place connection. The tests demonstrated that the force-displacement response and damage progression in the precast connection are similar to those of typical cast-in-place concrete connections. Deliberate partial debonding of the longitudinal reinforcement only slightly affected the force-displacement response and observed damage.     

Understanding the Corrosion and Remedial Measures to Control the Deterioration of Reinforcement Steel Bars by Modification in Their Chemistry and Application of Surface Coatings

Corrosion of reinforcement bars embedded in structures near coastal areas is a serious problem and has been attributed to many premature distresses of structures. The passivity imparted by the alkalinity of the cement to reinforcement steel surface becomes ineffective when chloride concentration at the steel surface exceeds a critical threshold value. Under such a situation, the total loss of the steel thickness per unit area is negligibly small in comparison to penetration rate at certain susceptible part of the reinforcement bars. As a result of increase in stress intensity factor at the tip of localized pits formed on the surface of rebars, the tensile strength of the concrete structures which is mainly imparted by the steel reinforcement bars, is adversely affected and results in collapse of structures. Many techniques have been developed to control the corrosion problems associated with rebars. These include use of corrosion resistant alloys, corrosion inhibitors, cathodic protection and use of organic/metallic coatings on surface of steel bars. Amongst these techniques, the applications of surface coatings appear an effective and economical method to control corrosion of steel rebars. However, the efficacy and mechanism of their protective action are still matter of controversy and subject matter of studies all over the world. The present work is in continuation of our earlier studies published in different scientific journals where the above aspects had been addressed. This paper incorporates experimental results and literature review in understanding the corrosion and remedial measures to control the deterioration of reinforcement steel bars by modification in their chemistry and application of surface coatings. A brief historical background is given on development of reinforcement concrete structures. Various types of reinforcement bars used in construction industries and their merits and demerits are described. It has been established by the experimental proofs that the current scenario of protecting steel rebars used in chloride contaminated concrete, is not at all satisfactory. Amongst the protective coatings, metallic coated rebars appear to be more effective than organic based coatings. Causes and mechanism of deterioration of coated and bare steel rebars are discussed by providing experimental evidences.     

Role of matrix alloy chemistry on the interfacial reaction and solidification of metal matrix composites

Equilibrium Si content required to suppress the interfacial reaction in 2124 Al/SiC and A356 Al/SiC has been thermodynamically predicted by combining Wilson equation with the Miedema model. In 2124 Al/SiC composites, good agreement between thermodynamically calculated and experimental result has been observed in the solid and semi solid state reaction. At higher temperature above 750°C, thermodynamically calculated results are much higher than that of experimental values. Strong influence of reinforcement size and volume fraction on the extent of interfacial reaction is also observed in 2124 Al/SiC composites. In these composites, formation of protective layer of Al₄C₃ crystals over SiC surface plays significant role in predicting the equilibrium Si content. The influence of reinforcement particle size and volume fraction on the extent of reaction has not been observed in A356 Al/SiC composites and irrespective of reaction temperature the thermodynamically calculated equilibrium Si contents for A356 Al/SiC composites agrees well with the experimental results.     

Pipe Index Vector: A Method to Improve Genetic-Algorithm-Based Pipe Optimization

This paper proposes a methodology for the optimal design of water distribution systems based on genetic algorithms. The objective of the optimization is to minimize the capital cost, subject to ensuring adequate pressures at all nodes during peak demands. The proposed method is novel in that it involves the use of a pipe index vector to control the genetic algorithm search. The pipe index vector is a measure of the relative importance of pipes in a network in terms of their impact on the hydraulic performance of the network. By using the pipe index vector it is possible to exclude regions of the search space where impractical and infeasible solutions exist. By reducing the search space it is possible to generate feasible solutions more quickly and hence process much healthier populations than would be the case in a standard genetic algorithm. This results in optimal solutions being found in a fewer number of generations resulting in a substantial saving in terms of computational time. The method has been tested on several networks, including networks used for benchmark testing least cost design algorithms, and has been shown to be efficient and robust.     

Computer-Simulated Particle Packing

Studies have been made on the effects of the fractional composition in a bidispersed mixture on the porosity in the formation of filters by free pouring. A nomogram has been drawn up for the dependence of the porosity on the component contents and sizes. A method is proposed for forecasting the porosity from the component contents. A rapid computer method has been developed for establishing the porosities of planar items.     

Optimization of Pile Groups Using Hybrid Genetic Algorithms

This paper presents an automated optimal design method using a hybrid genetic algorithm for pile group foundation design. The design process is a sizing and topology optimization for pile foundations. The objective is to minimize the material volume of the foundation taking the configuration, number, and cross-sectional dimensions of the piles as well as the thickness of the pile cap as design variables. A local search operator by the fully stressed design (FSD) approach is incorporated into a genetic algorithm (GA) to tackle two major shortcomings of a GA, namely, large computation effort in searching the optimum design and poor local search capability. The effectiveness and capability of the proposed algorithm are first illustrated by a five by five pile group subjected to different loading conditions. The proposed optimization algorithm is then applied to a large-scale foundation project to demonstrate the practicality of the algorithm. The proposed hybrid genetic algorithm successfully minimizes the volume of material consumption and the result matches the engineering expectation. The FSD operator has great improvement on both design quality and convergence rate. Challenges encountered in the application of optimization techniques to design of pile groups consisting of hundreds of piles are discussed.     

New Approach for Estimating the Deflection of Beams Reinforced with FRP Reinforcement

Due to concerns with corrosion, the use of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) as a replacement to conventional steel reinforcement has greatly increased over the last decade. Researchers have identified the distinctive mechanical and bond properties of FRP reinforcement that prevent the use of existing relationships to establish serviceability of concrete structures reinforced with such products. Although studies have modified these empirical relationships to describe the behavior of structures reinforced with FRP reinforcement, this paper will provide a new approach to estimate deflection of concrete beams by considering material properties of the reinforcement and incorporating the effects of tension stiffening. Accuracy and precision of the approach was established by performing a statistical analysis on a database containing 171 FRP-reinforced concrete beams. Results were compared to those from existing proposed relationships and indicate the potential of the method to estimate deflection at various service conditions.     

基于工序加工能力的并行公差优化设计新方法

文献[1]提出了一种基于工序加工能力的并行工序公差优化设计方法,并用优化算法求解优化模型,本文提出了一种将遗传算法与复合形算法相结合而构成的遗传复合形算法。在遗传算法初始化之后,用复合形法先进行局部寻优,选出较好的个体,再用遗传算法在全局寻求最优解,将其应用于并行公差模型,与资料[1]中结果做比较,发现较以前的算法有较大改进。     

Resource Allocation for Concrete Batch Plant Operation: Case Study

A concrete batch plant is an important element in any concrete construction process, whether it is working as a central mixing plant onsite or is offsite supplying ready mixed concrete to a project. This study tackles the problem of optimizing plant production to maximize profit and, if possible, revenue. A linear programming model has been designed to optimize the plant operation. The maximum production rate for each type of concrete can be obtained by solving the model under the given constraints. A sensitivity analysis is conducted to provide management with a flexible range of prices per cubic yard (cubic meter) and material storage limits. In addition, a model has been designed to determine the optimal number of transit mixers based upon the required quantity of concrete. A chart has been developed to determine the quantities of concrete ingredient materials required daily to organize the available storage space and to plan their delivery.     

Cavity formation during tensile straining of particulate and short fibre metal matrix composites

The formation of cavities in commercially pure aluminium composites, made by both powder and casting routes and reinforced with alumina (short fibres, angular particles and spherical particles), has been monitored using periodic density measurements during tensile testing and microstructural examinations. Stable cavities always form well before final failure, usually adjacent to the reinforcement, particularly when it is elongated in the loading direction and has a relatively flat surface normal to the stress axis. Sharp corners are not favoured cavitation sites and cavities can form at spherical particles, although the incidence is somewhat less than for angular particles. Cavitation occurred earlier for higher reinforcement contents and with powder-route, as opposed to cast, material, although the void contents and composite strains at failure were similar. A simple geometrical model is proposed, allowing prediction of the failure strain as a function of the reinforcement content, aspect ratio and strain to failure of the unreinforced matrix. The data presented are in good agreement with predictions from this model.     

多目标多约束混合流水车间插单重调度问题研究

研究了多目标多阶段混合流水车间的紧急订单插单重调度问题，综合考虑工件批量、刀具换装时间、运输能力等约束。先以最小化订单完工时间和最小化总运输时间为双目标建立静态初始订单调度模型，再针对紧急订单插单干扰，增加最小化总加工机器偏差值目标，建立三目标重调度优化模型，并分别用NSGA-II算法与融合基于事件驱动的重调度策略和重排插单策略的NSGA-III算法对两个模型进行求解。最后，以某实际船用管类零件生产企业为案例，先对NSGA-II算法和NSGA-III算法的性能进行评估，得到NSGA-II算法更适用于解决双目标优化问题而NSGA-III算法在解决三目标优化问题时表现更优的结论，再将所建模型与所提算法应用于该企业的十组插单案例中，所得优化率接近三分之一，验证了实用性和有效性。      

Analytic Model of Long-Span Self-Shored Arch Bridge

An innovative self-shoring staged construction method was developed to build the world’s longest reinforced composite concrete arch bridge across the Yangtze River at Wanxian, in Chongqing, China. The method uses a steel tube truss frame constructed by the conventional cantilever launching technique. This steel frame with concrete-filled tubes performs the dual role of arch falsework and arch main reinforcement for the final reinforced concrete arch bridge. An optimized schedule for concrete placement was proposed to control the stresses, deflections, and stability of the arch rib during construction. The time dependent effects of concrete, the nonlinear stress-strain relationship of steel and concrete, as well as the geometric nonlinearility were considered. Control information at various stages of construction can be provided using the model developed. A program was developed to conduct parametric studies for selection of the final construction scheme and to direct the construction progress by monitoring and comparing actual and predicted stress and deflection.     

Investigation of Bond in Concrete Structures Strengthened with Near Surface Mounted Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Strips

Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) materials are currently produced in different configurations and are widely used for the strengthening and retrofitting of concrete structures and bridges. Recently, considerable research has been directed to characterize the use of FRP bars and strips as near surface mounted reinforcement, primarily for strengthening applications. Nevertheless, in-depth understanding of the bond mechanism is still a challenging issue. This paper presents both experimental and analytical investigations undertaken to evaluate bond characteristics of near surface mounted carbon FRP (CFRP) strips. A total of nine concrete beams, strengthened with near surface mounted CFRP strips were constructed and tested under monotonic static loading. Different embedment lengths were used to evaluate the development length needed for effective use of near surface mounted CFRP strips. A closed-form analytical solution is proposed to predict the interfacial shear stresses. The model is validated by comparing the predicted values with test results as well as nonlinear finite element modeling. A quantitative criterion governing the debonding failure of near surface mounted CFRP strips is established. The influence of various parameters including internal steel reinforcement ratio, concrete compressive strength, and groove width is discussed.     

Multi-objective Optimization of Welding Parameters in MMAW for Nano-structured Hardfacing Material Using GRA Coupled with PCA

Hardfacing is one of the most productive and practical approaches to cut down operating expense on the maintenance front and at the same time to improve performance and reliability of the equipment. Presence of nano-particles in hard facing materials significantly enhances surface area to volume ratio and accordingly it improves conductivity, hardness, heat and wear resistant properties. The main objective of this paper is to efficiently apply manual metal arc welding process for hardfacing of nano-structure based electrode. The most important process variables that have been considered in conducting the experiments are welding current, arc voltage and welding speed; while the response parameters include weld bead width, reinforcement and bead hardness, respectively. Taguchi’s (L25) orthogonal array has been used to perform the experimental runs. A combination of grey relational analysis coupled with principal component analysis has been applied to identify optimal settings of the input process parameters. Moreover, the exact input and output welding parameters have been examined with the help of genetic algorithm. Finally, confirmation test has also been carried out with the optimal welding process parameters to validate the experiment result.     

基于遗传算法的炼钢-连铸重计划方法

针对多约束的炼钢-连铸重计划问题,提出了一种按扰动时炉次的状态进行炉次分类求解的重计划方法.将重计划问题中的约束分成强制约束和柔性约束两类,针对正在作业炉次设计了基于时间顺推和遗传算法的混合算法,针对未作业炉次设计了基于时间倒推和遗传算法的混合算法,通过强制约束结合混合算法搜寻可行解,然后在可行解中利用柔性约束搜寻最优解.采用钢厂的生产实绩数据进行仿真实验验证了该方法的可行性和有效性.      

Competent Genetic-Evolutionary Optimization of Water Distribution Systems

A genetic algorithm has been applied to the optimal design and rehabilitation of a water distribution system. Many of the previous applications have been limited to small water distribution systems, where the computer time used for solving the problem has been relatively small. In order to apply genetic and evolutionary optimization technique to a large-scale water distribution system, this paper employs one of competent genetic-evolutionary algorithms—a messy genetic algorithm to enhance the efficiency of an optimization procedure. A maximum flexibility is ensured by the formulation of a string and solution representation scheme, a fitness definition, and the integration of a well-developed hydraulic network solver that facilitate the application of a genetic algorithm to the optimization of a water distribution system. Two benchmark problems of water pipeline design and a real water distribution system are presented to demonstrate the application of the improved technique. The results obtained show that the number of the design trials required by the messy genetic algorithm is consistently fewer than the other genetic algorithms.     

Development of FRP Shear Bolts for Punching Shear Retrofit of Reinforced Concrete Slabs

A fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) shear bolt system has been recently developed at the University of Waterloo in Canada. The system is used to protect previously built reinforced concrete (RC) slabs against brittle punching shear failure. The system requires drilling small holes in a RC slab around the perimeter of a column, inserting bolts into the holes, and anchoring the bolts at both external surfaces of the slab. Many existing RC slabs have been built without any shear reinforcement. Also, many of these slabs are in corrosive environments, e.g., parking garages, where the use of deicing salts accelerates reinforcement corrosion and concrete deterioration. Therefore, FRPs are ideal materials to be used for such retrofit. The challenge, however, is the development of mechanical end anchorages for FRP rods that are efficient, aesthetic, cost effective, and that can be installed on site. The research presented in this paper includes development of FRP bolts with mechanical anchorages and the results of testing done using the developed systems. A new anchorage technique for the FRP rods based on crimping the rod ends with the aluminum fittings was developed. The testing was done on isolated slab-column specimens representing interior slab-column connections in a continuous flat plate system. The specimens were subjected to simulated gravity loading. The developed FRP bolts worked very well in improving the performance of the slab-column connections and showing the benefits of using FRP in punching shear retrofit of reinforced concrete slabs in corrosive environments.     

Permutation-Based Elitist Genetic Algorithm for Optimization of Large-Sized Resource-Constrained Project Scheduling

The resource-constrained project scheduling problem (RCPSP) has received the attention of many researchers because its general model can be used in a wide variety of construction planning and scheduling applications. The exact procedures and priority-rule-based heuristics fail to search for the optimum solution to the RCPSP of large-sized project networks in a reasonable amount of time for successful application in practice. This paper presents a permutation-based elitist genetic algorithm for solving the problem in order to fulfill the lack of an efficient optimal solution algorithm for project networks with 60 activities or more as well as to overcome the drawback of the exact solution approaches for large-sized project networks. The proposed algorithm employs the elitist strategy to preserve the best individual solution for the next generation so the improved solution can be obtained. A random number generator that provides and examines precedence feasible individuals is developed. A serial schedule generation scheme for the permutation-based decoding is applied to generate a feasible solution to the problem. Computational experiments using a set of standard test problems are presented to demonstrate the performance and accuracy of the proposed algorithm.