Full utilization of mechanical properties of glass fiber fabric-reinforced cement composites is very limited due to a low bond strength between fibers and the binder matrix. An experimental setup was developed and evaluated to correlate the mortar penetration depth with several key parameters. The studied parameters included fresh mortar properties, compressive and flexural strengths of mortar, the fabric/mortar bond strength, fabric pullout strength, and a single-lap shear strength. Results showed that an average penetration of mortar did not exceed 100 µm even at a higher water-to-binder ratio. The maximum particle size of the used fillers should be below an average spacing of single glass fibers, which in this case was less than 20 µm to avoid the sieving effect, preventing effective penetration. The pullout strength was strongly affected by the penetration depth, while the single-lap shear strength was also additionally affected by the mechanical properties of the mortar.

First-year ice ridges are one of the main load scenarios that off-shore structures and vessels operating in ice-covered waters have to be designed for. For simulating such load scenarios, the knowledge gap on ice mechanical properties from the consolidated part of first-year ridges has to be filled. In total 410 small-scale uniaxial compression tests were conducted at different strain rates and ice temperatures on ice from the consolidated layer of 6 different first-year ridges in the sea around Svalbard. For the first time uniaxial tensile tests were performed on ice from first-year ridges using a new testing method. Ice strength was evaluated for different ice type, which are determined for each specimen based on a proposed ice classification system for ice from first-year ridges. 78% of all samples contained mixed ice with various compounds of brecciated columnar and granular ice. Ice strength of mixed ice showed isotropy, except for the samples containing mainly columnar ice crystals. For horizontal loading, mixed ice was stronger than columnar and granular ice. The residual strength of ductile ice depended on the strain rate. At 1.5% strain remained 70% of peak strength at 10−4 s−1 and 50% at 10−3 s−1. Ductile failure dominated for 75% of all mixed ice tests at 10−3 s−1 and − 10 °C. Ductile compressive strength was generally higher than brittle compressive strength for mixed ice. Brine volume was the main parameter influencing the tensile strength of the mixed ice which was between 0.14 MPa and 0.78 MPa measured at constant ice temperature of −10 °C.

The results from 3 years of comprehensive field investigations on first-year ice ridges in the Arctic are presented in this paper. The scopes of these investigations were to fill existing knowledge gaps on ice ridges, gain understanding on ridge characteristics and study internal properties of ice. The ability of developing reliable simulations and load predictions for ridge-structure interactions is the final principal purpose, but beyond the scope of this paper. The presented data comprise ridge geometry, ice block dimensions from ridge sails, ice structure in the ridge and values on the ridge porosity and the degree of consolidation. The total ridge thickness conformed to other ridges studied in the same regions. The consolidated layer thickness was on average 2–3 times the level ice thickness. Minimum 33% and in average 90% of the ridge keel area was consolidated. The distribution of ice block sizes and block shapes within a ridge appears to be predictable. A new approach for deriving a possible ridging scenario and ridge age is presented. Different steps of the ridge building process were identified, which are in good agreement with earlier simulated ridging events. After formation of very thin lead ice between two floes deformation occurs through rafting and ridging until closure of the lead. Subsequently the adjacent level ice floe fractures proceeding ridge formation until ridging forces exceed driving forces. A time span of 10 days could be assessed for a possible ridge formation date, estimating the ridge age of the studied ridge located east of Edgeøya at 78° N to be 7 to 8 weeks.

Concrete is a well-established and the most used but also well-characterized building material in the world. However, many old and new-build structures suffer from premature failures due to extensive deterioration and decreased load-bearing capacity. Consequently, structural monitoring systems are essential to ensure safe usage of concrete structures within and beyond the designed life. Traditional monitoring systems are based on metallic sensors installed in crucial locations throughout the structure. Unfortunately, most of them have a relatively low reliability and very short life span when exposed to often very harsh environments. The ideal solution is therefore to develop a smart concrete having itself self-sensing capability. A number of studies show that conductive cementitious matrixes will undergo changes in their electrical resistivity with variations of stresses, strains or, developing microcracking. This can be used as a reliable tool to measure changes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of several non-conductive matrixes, with special focus on Portland cement based materials showing self-sensing capabilities by description of detection mechanisms, sensing capabilities, limitations and potential applications.  

A cement-based matrix incorporating conductive materials such as carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers can have self-sensing capability. Both nanomaterials are characterized by excellent physical, mechanical and electrical properties. A disadvantage is that due to their hydrophobic nature it is very difficult to ensure uniform dispersion throughout the cementitious matrix. To overcome this problem a new nanomodified cement containing in-situ attached CNFs was developed leading to a very homogenous and conductive binder matrix. This study aimed to compare the piezoresistive responses of two types of matrixes, one based on the nanomodified cement and the second containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Several mortars were prepared containing either MWCNTs or the nanomodified cement, which partially replaced the untreated cement. The effective amount of the carbon nanomaterials was the same for both types of mixes and ranged from 0 wt.% to 0.271 wt.%, calculated by the all binder weight. Changes in the electrical properties were determined while applying compressive load. The results showed that the binders based on the nanomodified cement have significantly better load sensing capabilities and are suitable for applications in monitoring systems.

Commonly used humidity sensors are based on metal oxides, polymers or carbon. Their sensing accuracy often deteriorates with time, especially when exposed to higher temperatures or very high humidity. An alternative solution based on the utilization of Portland cement-based mortars containing in-situ grown carbon nanofibers (CNFs) was evaluated in this study. The relationship between the electrical resistivity, CNF content and humidity were determined. The highest sensitivity was observed for samples containing 10 wt.% of the nanomodified cement which corresponded to 0.27 wt.% of CNFs. The highest calculated sensitivity was approximately 0.01024 per 1% change in relative humidity (RH). The measured electrical resistivity is a linear function of the RH in the humidity range between 11% and 97%. The percolation threshold value was estimated to be at around 7 wt.% of the nanomodified cement, corresponding to ~0.19 wt.% of CNFs.

Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) were directly synthesized on Portland cement particles by chemical vapor deposition. The so-produced cements contained between 2.51–2.71 wt% of CNFs; depending on the production batch. Several mortar mixes containing between 0 and 10 wt% of the modified cement were produced and the electrical properties at various ages and the load sensing capabilities determined. The percolation threshold related to the electrical conductivity was detected and corresponded to the amount of the present CNFs, 0.271, 0.189, 0.135 and 0.108 wt%. The observed threshold depended on the degree of hydration of the Portland cement. The studied mortars showed a strong piezoresistive response to the applied compressive load reaching a 17% change of the electrical resistivity at an applied load of 3.5 MPa and 90% at 26 MPa. This initial study showed that the studied material is potentially suitable for future development of novel fully integrated monitoring systems for concrete structures.

A nanomodified cement consisting of particles with in situ synthesized carbon nanofibers was developed to introduce a strong load-sensing capability of the hydrated binder matrix. The material was produced using chemical vapor deposition. The nanomodified cement contained 2.71 wt% of carbon nanofibers (CNFs). The electrical properties of the composite were determined. Several mortar samples were prepared by partially substituting ordinary Portland cement with 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 wt% of the nanomodified cement. Additionally an ordinary Portland cement mortar was used as reference. The results show that the strongest piezoresistive response and therefore the best load-sensing was obtained for the mortar containing the highest amount of CNFs. This mortar contained 10 wt% of nanomodified cement. The fractional change in electrical resistivity of this mortar was 82% and this mortar had a compressive strength of 28 MPa.

Mortar sensors were fabricated as beams incorporating different amounts of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) synthesized in-situ on cement particles. Changes in electrical resistivity were measured and compared to recorded changes in compressive stress, temperature, and humidity. Sensing mechanisms and corresponding models were developed. The findings of the study indicate that the piezoresistive effect is influenced by the critical concentration of CNFs inside the composite matrix and the tunneling effect. In addition, water absorption and desorption, as well as the amount of chemically bound water played an important role in humidity sensing. Thermal fluctuation-induced tunneling conduction was dominant for the temperature sensitivity.

Mortar beams incorporating carbon nanofibers (CNFs), which were synthesized in situ on Portland cement particles, were used to produce nanomodified Portland cement sensors (SmartCem sensors). SmartCem sensors exhibited an electrical response comparable to a thermistor with a temperature coefficient of resistivity of − 0.0152/ °C. The highest temperature sensing was obtained for the SmartCem sensor, which contained ~ 0.271 wt.% of CNFs. The calculated temperature sensitivity was approximately 11.76% higher in comparison with the mortar beam containing only unmodified Portland cement. SmartCem sensors were used to monitor the cement hydration in large-scale self-compacting concrete beams. The measurements were conducted after casting for 7 days. Additionally, commercially available thermocouple and humidity sensors were used as references. The results showed that changes in electrical resistivity measured by the SmartCem sensor were well aligned with the ongoing hydration processes.

Innovative Intelligent Railways, In2Rail, is a European Horizon 2020 Project with the objective to enhance capacity, increase reliability and reduce Life Cycle Costs of European Railways. Bridges and Tunnels is the main focus in Work Package 4. The aim is to study, benchmark and further develop new Inspection Technologies in order to create more proactive maintenance procedures. In this paper some preliminary results are presented.

The microstructure of building materials greatly influences engineering properties like permeability, strength and durability. To determine this microstructure, different techniques were developed, each with its own limitations. The purpose of this study on concrete and natural building stones was to compare and to combine data obtained by X-ray computed micro-tomography (micro-CT), water absorption under vacuum and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). Pore-size distribution curves ranging from 10 nm to 1 mm and total porosity results were obtained. Furthermore, micro-CT revealed the presence of an interfacial transition zone (ITZ) and of micro-cracks inside the aggregates of the concrete samples after mercury intrusion. Micro-CT visualized mercury inside large air bubbles within the concrete samples. Both micro-CT and MIP were compared and their respective advantages and disadvantages discussed. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The influence of the curing regime on the mechanical properties and microstructure of ultra-high-strength mortar was studied. Nine different curing procedures were applied in which the start and duration of the heat treatment were varied. The studied mortars had a water-to-binder ratio of 0·17 and additions of amorphous silica fume and fine quartz filler. The microstructure and microchemistry were investigated by electron scanning microscopy and mercury intrusion porosimetry. The results revealed that longer heating times increased the degree of hydration, refined the microstructure and resulted in higher ultimate compressive strength, Very late and very early application of the heat treatment caused a lower degree of hydration and a smaller long-term increase of compressive strength. The scanning electron microscopy investigation revealed the formation of one hydration rim around anhydrous cement particles and the presence of a hollow shell in all investigated specimens. © 2007 Thomas Telford Ltd.

Several compositions of cement paste samples containing multiwalled carbon nanotubes were produced using a small-size vacuum mixer. The mixes had water-to-binder ratios of 0.25 and 0.3. Sulfate resistant cement has been used. The multiwalled carbon nanotubes were introduced as a water suspension with added surfactant admixtures. The used surfactant acted as plasticizing agents for the cement paste and as dispersant for the multiwalled carbon nanotubes. A set of beams was produced to determine the compressive and flexural strengths. The scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope studies of fractured and polished samples showed a good dispersion of multiwalled carbon nanotubes in the cement matrix. The studies revealed also sliding of multiwalled carbon nanotubes from the matrix in tension which indicates their weak bond with cement matrix. In addition to multiwalled carbon nanotubes also steel wires covered with ferrite needles were investigated to determine the bond strength between the matrix and the steel wire. These later samples consisted of 15-mm-high cylinders of cement paste with vertically cast-in steel wires. As reference, plain steel wires were cast, too. The bond strength between steel wires covered with nano-sized Fe needles appeared to be lower in comparison with the reference wires. The scanning electron microscope studies of fractured samples indicated on brittle nature of Fe needles resulting in shear-caused breakage of the bond to the matrix. © 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The present study investigated the effects of the method of surface decoration on the wetability of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and the mechanical properties of the cement paste incorporating these dispersions. The results showed that stable and homogenous dispersions of MWCNTs in water can be obtained by using surface functionalisation combined with decoration using polyacrylic acid polymers. The cement paste specimens incorporating these dispersions revealed good workability and an increase in the compressive strength of nearly 50% even with only a small addition of the MWCNTs, namely 0-045-0-15% of the cement weight. These results indicate the existence of chemical bonds between the OH groups of the functionalised MWCNTs and probably the C-S-H phase of the cement matrix, which enhanced the transfer of stresses. A second method that was studied included decoration of MWCNTs with polyacrylic acid polymers and gum Arabic. These dispersions appeared to be homogeneous only for approximately 2 h after which a progressive sedimentation occurred. Good workability was found for the cement pastes produced with all of the dispersions; the only significant difference being the slower hydration of the cement incorporating gum Arabic. The mechanical properties of the cement pastes incorporating MWCNTs treated with polyacrylic polymers were unchanged.

The compressive strength and electrical resistivity of hardened pastes produced either from nanomodified Portland sulfate-resistant cement (CHH) or a mixture of nanomodified and pristine sulfate-resistant cements were determined. The nanomodification included grow carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon nanofibres (CNFs) on the cement particles. Pastes having a water-to-binder ratio of 0-5 were produced. The test results revealed that partial replacement of sulfate-resistant cement by CHH cement decreased the electrical resistivity of the 28 day old specimens but worsened the mechanical properties. The lower compressive strength was attributed to a lower degree of hydration of the CHH cement. The addition of a mixture of surfactants enabled the production of specimens consisting entirely of CHH cement. The hardened material obtained was characterised by a nearly doubled compressive strength in comparison with the reference specimens made from pristine sulfate-resistant cement. This was attributed to a high degree of hydration as well as reinforcing action of the CNTs and CNFs. The electrical resistivity was lowered by one order of magnitude classifying this material as a semiconductor.

The basic mechanical properties, frost durability and the bond strength with normal strength concretes of the ultra high strength (UHS) mortars and concretes were studied. The produced mixes had plastic or fluid-like consistency. The 28-day compressive strength varied between 170 and 202 MPa for the heat-treated specimens and between 130 and 150 MPa for the non-heat-treated specimens. The shrinkage values were two times higher for the UHS mortars in comparison with the UHS concretes. After the initial shrinkage, swelling was noticed in the UHS mortars. The lowest creep values were measured for the non-heat-treated UHS concretes. The frost-deicing salts durability of the UHS mortars and concretes appeared to be very good even despite the increased water uptake of the UHS concretes. The study of the hybrid concrete beams indicated the formation of low strength transition zone between the UHS mortar and normal strength concrete. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

This book focuses on the application of carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers in traditional concretes based on Portland cement. Fundamental information is given related to the production technologies of carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers, as well as concretes and methods of incorporation. It also contains a section focusing on the possible negative effects of carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers on animals and humans.

The book indicates benefits and possible problems related to the application of carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers in concrete. It is designed to be easy to access and digest for the reader, aiming to reach an audience, not only from academia, but also from the construction industry, materials producers, and contractors who might work with nanomaterials.

The majority of concrete used nowadays is based on matrixes formed by hydrating Portland cement. Latest developments in nanosciences introduced a new generation of nano-sized materials possessing often remarkable mechanical and physical properties. These materials can be also used to improve or alter the characteristics of the binder matrixes based on Portland cement. The results showed that mechanical properties such as compressive and flexural strength can be increased by up to 50% by addition of for example 0.23wt% of carbon nanotubes. Carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibres and/or nanosilica appeared to improve also the frost resistance. Other properties, such as autogenous shrinkage decreased significantly after addition of carbon nanofibres. Nanosilica enabled an immense densification of the hydrated binder matrix, which in turn improved for instance the durability and mechanical properties. © (2010) Trans Tech Publications.

Concrete contains up to 80 volume percentage of aggregates which forces producers to use extensively available local resources to avoid very high transportation costs and related carbon dioxide emissions. In addition, many regions around the world face increasing problems to obtain good quality natural aggregates and the only alternative is to use various types of wastes, industrial by products or recycled concrete. If application of these types of aggregates in normal concretes is rather common, the situation is quite different in the case of the self-compacting concrete.

This chapter will focus on reviewing current Stata of the art on utilization of aggregates produced from wastes and industrial by products. A number of currently available waste streams are described and their potential for application in self-compacting concrete is evaluated. Effects on fresh and hardened concrete properties are described. In addition, basic physical properties and durability aspects are addressed as well.

The effect of carbon nanotubes (CNT), carbon nanofibers (CNF) and nano-sized silica (NS) on the frost durability of mortars was investigated. The test specimens were produced using Portland cement as binder and water to binder ratios of 0.5 and 0.33. CNT and CNF were added as water dispersion with superplasticizers. The NS was intermixed with micro silica and added as slurry. The frost durability was determined by a modified CIF method. The results showed that in the case of addition of nano-sized fibers a positive effect can be only found if the binder matrix is homogenous and dense. The combination of CNTs and NS resulted in the lack of any frost damage even after 180 freeze-thaw cycles.

The compressive strength and electrical resistivity for hardened pastes produced from nanomodified Portland SR cement (CHH- Carbon Hedge Hog cement) were studied. The nanomodification included growing of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon nanofibers (CNFs) on the cement particles. Pastes having water to binder ratio of 0.5 were produced. The obtained hardened material was characterized by increased compressive strength in comparison with the reference specimens made from pristine SR cement, which was attributed to reinforcing action of the CNTs and CNFs. The electrical resistivity of CHH composite was lower by one order of magnitude in comparison with reference Portland cement paste

The effect of magnesia on ternary systems composed of limestone, metakaolin and calcium hydroxide, alkali activated with sodium silicate, sodium hydroxide, and sodium sulphate was studied by determination of the compressive strength, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry (TG), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Pastes activated with sodium silicate and sodium sulphate showed strength regression caused by a formation of an unstable prone to cracking geopolymer gel. The presence of magnesia in sodium hydroxide-activated system hindered this trend by promoting a formation of more stable crystalline phases intermixed with brucide. In general, magnesia densified the binder matrix by promoting a formation of amorphous phases while sodium hydroxide produced the most porous microstructure containing high amount of crystalline phases.

The influence of the cement paste-aggregate interfacial transition zone (ITZ) on the frost durability of high-performance silica fume concrete (HPSFC) has been studied. Investigation was carried out on eight non-air-entrained concretes having water-to-binder (W/B) ratios of 0.3, 0.35 and 0.42 and different additions of condensed silica fume. Studies on the microstructure and composition of the cement paste have been made by means of environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM)-BSE, ESEM-EDX and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) analysis. The results showed that the transition zone initiates and accelerates damaging mechanisms by enhancing movement of the pore solution within the concrete during freezing and thawing cycles. Cracks filled with ettringite were primarily formed in the ITZ. The test concretes having good frost-deicing salt durability featured a narrow transition zone and a decreased Ca/Si atomic ratio in the transition zone compared to the bulk cement paste. Moderate additions of silica fume seemed to densify the microstructure of the ITZ. © 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reactive powder concrete (RPC) is an ultra high performance material which development was strongly associated with the maximization of the packing density. This paper presents an alternative approach for the optimization of the mix design of RPC by using the determination of the water demand of binary, ternary and polydisperse mixes. Measurements of the water demand of quartz/sand and quartz/sand/cement/silica fume mixes were performed. The control mixes-having water to binder ratio of 0.187, 25% of silica fume and 5% of superplasticizer measured from cement content-were produced for the assessment of fresh concrete properties and compressive strength. The concretes were heat-treated at 90 degrees C. The results showed that maximum compressive strength was obtained in concretes having binary quartz/sand mixes characterized by the highest packing density. The best rheorogical properties were obtained in mixes, which had the highest packing density when measured on polydisperse mixes containing all RPC components.

Carpet fibres have demonstrated the potential to mitigate early-age cracking and improve tensile properties in concrete. However, a detailed analysis of the varied types of standard carpet fibres in reinforced concrete has been lacking. This study aims to bridge this gap by investigating the performance of concrete reinforced with widely used waste carpet fibres, namely Nylon, Polypropylene, Polytrimethylene terephthalate, and Polyester. The study employs fibres at 0.3 % and 0.5 % volume fractions with a 12 mm length. The research examines mechanical properties, shrinkage and cracking behaviour, pore structure, microstructure, and the ITZ. Results show that 0.3 % fibre volume yielded optimal performance based on GRA analysis. All fibre types reduced shrinkage compared to the control with no fibres. Nylon T1 at 0.3 % achieved a 22.3 % reduction at 90 days. Furthermore, fibre inclusion enhanced flexural and splitting tensile strengths up to 12 % and 39 % respectively due to fibre bridging, pore refinement, and reduced porosity. Notably, individual fibre mechanical properties influenced concrete performance significantly. Hydrophilic fibres exhibited a thinner 10 µm ITZ compared to 15 µm for hydrophobic fibres, contributing to denser interfacial regions and improved bonding. This study demonstrates the potential of carpet fibre-reinforced concrete as a sustainable solution, offering enhanced mechanical properties, shrinkage mitigation, and effective utilization of carpet waste, addressing critical issues in construction and waste management sectors.

Digital transformation of concrete technology is one of the current“hot topics”tackled byboth academia and industry. Thefinal goal is to fully integrate the already existing advancedconcrete technologies with novel sensors, virtual reality, or Internet of things to create self-learning and highly automated platforms controlling design, production, and long-termusage and maintenance of concrete and concrete structures. The digital transformationshould ultimately enhance sustainability, elongate service life, and increase technologicaland cost efficiencies. This review article focuses on up-to-date developments. It explorescurrent pathways and directions seen in research and industrial practices. It indicatesbenefits, challenges, and possible opportunities related to the digital transformation ofconcrete technology.

Despite the advantageous benefits offered by self-compacting concrete, its uses are still limited due to the high pressure exerted on the formwork. Different parameters, such as those related to concrete mix design, the properties of newly poured concrete, and placement method, have an impact on form pressure. The question remains unanswered on the degree of the impact for each parameter. Therefore, this study aims to study the level of impact of these parameters, including slump flow, T500 time, fresh concrete density, air content, static yield stress, concrete setting time, and concrete temperature. To mimic the casting scenario, 2 m columns were cast at various casting rates and a laboratory setup was developed. A pressure system that can wirelessly and continuously record pressure was used to monitor the pressure. Each parameter’s impact on the level of pressure was examined separately. Casting rate and slump flow were shown to have a greater influence on pressure. The results also demonstrated that, while higher thixotropy causes form pressure to rapidly decrease, a high casting rate and high slump flow lead to high pressure. This study suggests that more thorough analysis should be conducted of additional factors that may have an impact, such as the placement method, which was not included in this publication.

Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) offers favourable properties which help accelerate the casting time, especially in congested reinforced structures but when casting with SCC uncertainty remains a challenge on the behaviour of its formwork pressure. Researchers have introduced several design models to predict pressure and its behaviour. This research aims to assess the design models that have been reported in the literature. The assessment was carried out through a series of rigorous laboratory tests and the results from the tests served as input for the mathematical model evaluation. Twelve concrete columns with 2 m height were cast in the laboratory to study the effect of varying the input parameters in the existing design models. The formwork pressure was documented by a pressure monitoring system, with the capacity to produce instant results for real-time remote monitoring of the pressure development during and after concrete casting. The formwork pressures were calculated according to the current design models and were compared with pressure data acquitted from the laboratory tests. The results showed that the pressure predicted by the design models was typically greater than the pressure observed during the laboratory tests. The DIN18218 design model showed a relatively close approximation of the pressure distribution over the formwork height and casting time. The limitation of the models is observed when the casting rate varies, and models are sensitive to the input parameters. Thus, additional development of the current design models is needed to enable reliable estimations of the pressure, for example, in the case of low and high casting rates. The laboratory tests also showed that high casting rates and high slump flows generate higher pressures whereas higher thixotropy results in faster pressure reduction during construction.

The maximum amount of lateral formwork pressure exerted by self-compacting concrete is essential to design a technically correct, cost-effective, safe, and robust formwork. A common practice of designing formwork is primarily based on using the hydrostatic pressure. However, several studies have proven that the maximum pressure is lower, thus potentially enabling a reduction in the cost of formwork by, for example, optimizing the casting rate. This article reviews the current knowledge regarding formwork pressure, parameters affecting the maximum pressure, prediction models, monitoring technologies and test setups. The currently used pressure predicting models require further improvement to consider several pressures influencing parameters, including parameters related to fresh and mature material properties, mix design and casting methods. This study found that the maximum pressure is significantly affected by the concretes’ structural build-up at rest, which depends on concrete rheology, temperature, hydration rate and setting time. The review indicates a need for more in-depth studies.

The prediction of formwork pressure exerted by self-compacting concrete (SCC) remains a challenge not only to researchers but also to engineers and contractors on the construction site. This article aims to utilize shallow neural networks (SNN) and deep neural networks (DNN) using Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) approach to develop a prediction model based on real-time data acquitted from controllable laboratory testing series. A test setup consisting of a two-meter-high column, ø160 mm, was prepared and tested in the laboratory. A digital pressure monitoring system was used to collect and transfer the data to the cloud on a real-time basis. The pressure was monitored during- and after casting, following the pressure build-up and reduction, respectively. The two main parameters affecting the form pressure, i.e., casting rate and slump flow, were varied to collect a wide range of input data for the analysis. The proposed model by DNN was able to accurately predict the pressure behavior based on the input data from the laboratory tests with high-performance indicators and multiple hidden layers. The results showed that the pressure is significantly affected by the casting rate, while the slump flow had rather lower impact. The proposed model can be a useful and reliable tool at the construction site to closely predict the pressure development and the effects of variations in casting rate and slump flow. The model provides the opportunity to increase safety and speeding up construction while avoiding costly and time-consuming effects of oversized formwork.

Packing density of particles is regarded as a key factor affecting workability of cementitious mixtures. While the value can be easily measured, and several models exist for estimating the parameter, no generally accepted definition exist for the optimal packing. Current study aims at exploring the concept of optimal packing in mortars and paste using particle packing and excess water layer theories. A semiempirical method is used for calculating water demand of mixtures based on their specific surface area. The approach allows for estimating optimal packing considering water demand and water to cement ratio of mixtures in addition to packing density. 

Mortar and concrete can be divided into two phases of solids and water where water fills the voids between the grains and also coats the surface of particles. The current study investigates the influence of the thickness of coating water on flow spread of mortars and concretes. The article aims at correlating consistency of concretes to consistency of mortars. It was found that the flow behavior of granular mixtures can be directly related to the average water film thickness that envelops the particles. The concept was tested on mortar and concrete mixtures with different cement types, aggregate grading, aggregate shape, fineness and proportioning; proving water film thickness to be the most critical parameter affecting the flow. The results of the study indicate the possibility of predicting the flowability of mixtures by knowing the enveloping water film thickness. In addition, the relation between flowability of mixtures measured in different sizes of slump cone is explored to enable translating flow of mortars measured in mini-slump cone to flow of concrete obtained from Abram’s cone.

Workability in the fresh state is one of the most important factors in design and production of concrete and can be related to the water demand of the mixture, which in addition to other factors is a function of the particle shape of aggregates and binders and their specific surface area. While it is known that the shape of fine particles has a significant effect on the water demand, there are uncertainties regarding how the various shape parameters would affect the specific surface area, mainly because up to now many of the shape parameters have not yet been clearly defined and there are no commonly accepted methods for their measurement and/or estimation. In this research, the actual particle shapes were replaced with regular convex polyhedrons to calculate the total specific surface area using the size distribution curves of the samples. The obtained results indicate that while, in some cases, the assumption of a spherical particle shape leads to an acceptable estimation of the specific surface area when compared with Blaine test results, the specific surface area of powders with more angular particles could be calculated more accurately with the assumption of a polyhedron shape rather than a sphere.

Mortars can be studied as mixtures of solid and flowable phases. The volume of the flowable phase required for deformation depends on the solid phase surface area according to excess layer theories. This paper examines the relation between the specific surface area of constituents in mortars and their flow. The flowable phase volume was divided by the solid phase surface area to obtain the layer thickness surrounding the surface of the particles. The results suggested that the amount of water and paste needed to ensure flow could be estimated from the packing density and specific surface area of the particles.

The concepts of particle packing and water/paste layer theory are commonly used for basis of concrete mix design models. While particle packing insists on achieving fewer voids in aggregate matrix by adding fine aggregate, water/paste layer theories state that increasing the amount of fines will lead to higher water demand since the specific surface area of particles will increase. In order to calculate the thickness of excess paste, it is essential to quantify the shape of particles. However, there are uncertainties regarding how the various shape parameters would affect the packing and specific surface, mainly because up to now many of the shape parameters are not yet clearly defined and there are no commonly accepted methods for their measurement. In addition, the term “shape” needs to be defined, some research suggest that for obtaining an appropriate shape factor several parameters need to be measured e.g. flakiness, elongation, sphericity, convexity etc. The paper aims to derive a shape factor based on variation of packing from the packing of ideal spheres with the same particle size distribution as the studied aggregate and to apply the shape factor to calculate an approximate specific surface area value.

The specific surface area (SSA) of constituents in a concrete mixture has a significant effect on its workability in fresh state. Excess layer theories relate the SSA to the flow behaviour of mixtures and can be used as part of an approach to mix design. However, measurement of SSA is complex and includes several issues, and thus is commonly replaced by mathematical estimation of the parameter. The mathematical approximation of surface area is based on the assumption of a spherical shape for the particles, which leads to failure of taking into account the effect of shape and the square–cube law. The article explores the possibility of replacing the assumption of a spherical shape with that of Platonic solids as the representative shape to account for the angularity of aggregates. The calculation was conducted based on information on the particle size distribution (PSD) obtained from dry sieving method. A calculated surface area on the assumption of a dodecahedron shape for natural aggregates and a cubical shape for crushed aggregates showed good agreement with SSA measurements conducted by X-ray microtomography. Furthermore, the effect of changes in PSD on the accuracy of the approach was also studied. It was found that the estimated value of SSA was improved in comparison with the traditional way of calculation on the assumption of a spherical shape.

Self-sensing road pavements can autonomously monitor their stress/strain and damage states without the need for embedded sensors. This kind of multifunctional pavements could be used for the realisation of autonomous structural health monitoring (SHM) systems. Moreover, it would permit to collect important traffic data for traffic-monitoring analysis and the development of Vehicle to Infrastructure Communication (V2I) tools, hence contributing to the digitalisation of the transport sector. The sensing mechanism is based on the piezoresistive effect, consisting of a change in the electrical response of the road material when subjected to stress/strain or damage. This paper aims to investigate the piezoresistive behavior of conductive asphalt mixtures with electric arc furnace slag (EAFS) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) for self-sensing application. The results showed that asphalt mixtures with EAFS as fine aggregate and 7 wt% of GNPs exhibited excellent self-sensing properties for both traffic monitoring and SHM systems.

Structural health monitoring (SHM) of road pavements is an essential task, which can help the decision-making process for timely maintenance actions. Embedded sensors are typically used to collect long-term monitoring data. However, the main drawbacks of intrusive sensors concern the risk of premature damage and the incompatibility of the sensors with the host material. Self-sensing asphalt mixtures can be used to overcome these limitations. These kinds of smart materials can autonomously monitor their strain and damage states without the need for embedded sensors. The sensing mechanism is based on the piezoresistive effect, consisting of a change in the electrical conductivity of the material when subjected to external loading. To endow the asphalt mixture with piezoresistive function, a proper amount of conductive additive should be incorporated without compromising the mechanical performance of the pavement. The present work aims to design piezoresistive asphalt mixtures for the development of SHM and traffic management systems. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) were added to the asphalt mixture with this purpose, and the piezoresistive response was tested at laboratory scale. The results show that piezoresistive asphalt mixtures have excellent self-sensing properties and can be effectively used for SHM, traffic detection and weigh-in-motion applications.

New classes of sustainable cementitious materials are needed to improve the environmental impact of cement-based building materials. This study describes the recent work carried out on cementitious materials made with various straw-fibre based additions. The straw was used as unprocessed and chemically processed. The chemical processing enabled fibre extraction down to the micro and nano scale. The different fibres, before and after processing, as well as the fibre-hydrated cement paste composites were characterized and the mechanical properties of the different materials were determined.

Clinkers of high alumina cements are separated into three granular formulations with particle sizes in the range 0.6-0.71 mm, 0.71-1.18 mm and greater than 1.18 mm. These are used to manufacture consolidated samples of porous concrete in an autoclave. The acoustic and microscopic properties of loose and consolidated porous samples of concrete are investigated using both experimental methods and mathematical modelling. Values of porosity, flow resistivity, tortuosity and parameters of the pore size distribution are determined and used to predict closely the sound speed, acoustic attenuation and normal incidence absorption coefficient of these materials. It is shown that high alumina cements do not require additional binders for consolidation and that the structural bonds in these cements are developed quickly between individual clinkers in the presence of water. The hydration product build-up during the consolidation process is insignificant which ensures good acoustic performance of the consolidated samples resulting from a sufficient proportion of the open pores. The value of porosity in the consolidated samples was found to be around 40%, which is close to that measured in some commercial acoustic absorbers. This work provides a foundation for the development of acoustically efficient and structurally robust materials, which can be integrated in environmentally sustainable concrete and masonry structures. © 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Alkali-activated slag (AAS) based materials is one the alternative cementitious binders enabling to reduce CO2 footprint of concrete. In general, AAS concretes have good mechanical properties and excellent durability but suffer from very high drying shrinkage, which can be up to six times higher than observed in Portland cement based concretes. In this study, shrinkage and creep coefficient of alkali-activated high-MgO slag concretes were modelled using ACI-209R-92, GL2000 and CEBMC90-99 models. The predicted data were compared with actual measured values for laboratory cured high-MgO AAS concrete activated with 10 wt.% sodium silicate (Mix SS10), 10 wt.% sodiumcarbonate (Mix SC10) and a combination of both (Mix SC5+SS5). The results showed that the measured shrinkage values of SC-activated slag concrete were two times higher than predicted by the ACI 209R model, and about three times higher when SS- and (SC+SS) were used as alkaliactivators. The GL2000 model showed a relatively good prediction of the creep coefficient of SS-activated slag concrete, Figure 1. However, in the case of concretes activated with the (SC+SS) and SC the actual measured values were three to four times higher. The shrinkage of AAS concrete was strongly affected by curing conditions, activator type and dosage, chemical composition and fineness of the precursor. The study showed that existing models should be modified to account for all parameters specific for alkali activated systems.