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25 pages, 4824 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Leveraging Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) for Optimized Decision Making in Adobe Construction Materials

by Jorge Albuja-Sánchez and Andreina Damián-Chalán

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 1760; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14051760 - 21 Feb 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 658

Abstract

Adobe construction is a longstanding practice in South America and is characterized by its affordability, accessibility, and ecological sustainability. However, the decision-making process regarding the choice of construction materials often relies on subjective factors, disregarding economic implications throughout the life cycle of a [...] Read more.

Adobe construction is a longstanding practice in South America and is characterized by its affordability, accessibility, and ecological sustainability. However, the decision-making process regarding the choice of construction materials often relies on subjective factors, disregarding economic implications throughout the life cycle of a building. This study aimed to introduce life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) as a valuable tool for optimizing decision making in the context of adobe construction materials in South America. This study emphasizes the significance of considering the life-cycle costs associated with adobe construction materials and their impact on decision-making processes. A comprehensive case study was conducted in South America to examine the various adobe construction scenarios. The life-cycle costs of different adobe materials and their associated maintenance strategies were assessed over a period of several decades, considering factors such as material acquisition, construction, maintenance, and repair. The values used in this study are specific to Ecuador, the country where the investigation was conducted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Reliability Structures and Materials in Civil Engineering)

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13 pages, 10610 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Response and Damage Characteristics of Large Reinforced Concrete Slabs under Explosion

by Jian Yao, Senwang Li, Peng Zhang, Shuxin Deng and Guangpan Zhou

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(23), 12552; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132312552 - 21 Nov 2023

Viewed by 916

Abstract

To investigate the damage characteristics of reinforced concrete (RC) buildings during explosive incidents, a large RC slab (4 m × 5 m × 0.15 m) was meticulously designed, fabricated, and subjected to explosion experiments, which were complemented by comprehensive numerical simulations. The dynamic [...] Read more.

To investigate the damage characteristics of reinforced concrete (RC) buildings during explosive incidents, a large RC slab (4 m × 5 m × 0.15 m) was meticulously designed, fabricated, and subjected to explosion experiments, which were complemented by comprehensive numerical simulations. The dynamic response parameters of the RC slabs under 0.5–1 kg TNT explosions were tested using polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) pressure sensors, displacement sensors, and acceleration sensors. The damage morphologies under 5–40 kg TNT explosions were investigated using ANSYS/LS–DYNA 17.0 software. The results show that, with an increase in TNT charge, the RC slab gradually showed minor damage (5 kg), moderate damage (10–20 kg), heavy damage (25 kg), and complete destruction (30–40 kg). For the 20 kg TNT explosion condition, a 1020 mm × 760 mm explosion crater appeared on the top surface, which was in agreement with the 934 mm × 906 mm explosion crater obtained from the simulation. Based on the results, suitable P–I (pressure–impulse) curves for the 4 m × 5 m × 0.15 m RC slab were established. The results can provide a reference for damage assessments of large-sized buildings during explosion accidents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Reliability Structures and Materials in Civil Engineering)

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37 pages, 12290 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Time-Dependent Behavior of Deeply Buried Tunnels in Soft Rock Environments and Relevant Measures Guaranteeing Their Long-Term Stability

by Wadslin Frenelus and Hui Peng

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(18), 10542; https://doi.org/10.3390/app131810542 - 21 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1354

Abstract

The time-dependent behavior and long-term stability of deep-buried tunnels in soft rocks have received lots of considerations in tunnel engineering and allied sciences. To better explore and deepen the engineering application of rock creep, extensive research studies are still needed, although fruitful outcomes [...] Read more.

The time-dependent behavior and long-term stability of deep-buried tunnels in soft rocks have received lots of considerations in tunnel engineering and allied sciences. To better explore and deepen the engineering application of rock creep, extensive research studies are still needed, although fruitful outcomes have already been obtained in many related investigations. In this article, the Weilai Tunnel in China’s Guangxi province is studied, taking its host rocks as the main research object. In fact, aiming at forecasting the time-varying deformation of this tunnel, a novel elasto-visco-plastic creep constitutive model with two variants is proposed, by exploiting the typical complex load–unload process of rock excavation. The model is well validated, and good agreements are found with the relevant experimental data. Moreover, the time-dependent deformation rules are properly established for the surrounding rocks, by designing two new closed-form solutions based on the proposed creep model and the Hoek–Brown criterion. To investigate the effects of the major creep parameters and the geological strength index (GSI) of the surrounding rocks on the time-dependent trend of the tunnel, an in-depth parametric study is carried out. It is shown that the convergence deformation of the surrounding rocks is remarkably influenced by the GSI and creep parameters. The convergence deformations calculated from the closed-form solutions conform well to the on-site monitoring data. In only 27 days after excavation, the creep deformation of the Weilai tunnel overtakes 400 mm, which is enormous. To guarantee the long-term stability of this tunnel, a robust support scheme and its long-term monitoring with appropriate remote sensors are strongly suggested. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Reliability Structures and Materials in Civil Engineering)

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19 pages, 4200 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Analytical Hierarchy Process for Multicriteria Assessment of Reinforced Concrete Slabs

by Ítalo Linhares Salomão and Placido Rogério Pinheiro

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(17), 9604; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13179604 - 24 Aug 2023

Viewed by 777

Abstract

The decision regarding which slab type should be used in a building is generally made by the structural engineer, considering structural efficiency and compatibility with the architectural design, as well as the costs related to the amount of material used in each option. [...] Read more.

The decision regarding which slab type should be used in a building is generally made by the structural engineer, considering structural efficiency and compatibility with the architectural design, as well as the costs related to the amount of material used in each option. Because of the technical responsibilities inherent to this specialty, the decision-making process neglects to encompass various other factors of consequence that influence the construction process. These considerations include productivity, the visual and aesthetic characteristics of the slab, waste generation, and thermal and acoustic comfort. This paper aims to develop a multicriteria method to assist stakeholders in selecting the most suitable structural system for slabs based on project needs and objectives. The study utilized the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and information from bibliographic research, expert opinion using the Delphi Method, and machine learning on a dataset of over 2000 previously constructed slabs to achieve this goal. The analysis showed that the conventional solid slab type was the top priority, followed by the two-way waffle slab, one-way waffle slab, solid flat slab, and waffle slab. Additionally, the proposed AHP method was effective in developing a decision-making model for companies and the construction sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Reliability Structures and Materials in Civil Engineering)

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17 pages, 6171 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study on the Fracture of Cementitious Materials in Terms of the Rate of Acoustic Emissions in the Natural Time Domain

by Dimos Triantis, Ilias Stavrakas, Andronikos Loukidis, Ermioni D. Pasiou and Stavros K. Kourkoulis

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(10), 6261; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13106261 - 20 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 999

Abstract

A novel approach for describing the acoustic activity in brittle structural materials while they are loaded mechanically at levels close to those causing macroscopic fracture is proposed. It is based on the analysis of the rate of acoustic emissions in terms of the [...] Read more.

A novel approach for describing the acoustic activity in brittle structural materials while they are loaded mechanically at levels close to those causing macroscopic fracture is proposed. It is based on the analysis of the rate of acoustic emissions in terms of the Natural Time concept. Experimental data from protocols with either intact or notched beams, made of cementitious materials, subjected to three-point bending are analyzed. It is concluded that in case the acoustic activity is described with the aid of the F-function in the Natural Time domain, its evolution is governed by a power law, independently of geometrical details and the type of the loading scheme. It appears that the onset of validity of this law provides an interesting pre-failure indicator. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Reliability Structures and Materials in Civil Engineering)

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13 pages, 1924 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Waste Silt as Filler in Hot Mix Asphalt: A Laboratory Characterization

by Abbas Solouki, Piergiorgio Tataranni, Giulia Tarsi and Cesare Sangiorgi

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(6), 3473; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13063473 - 8 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1188

Abstract

Several studies aimed to improve both the performance and environmental impact of asphalt pavements using waste and recycled materials as fillers. This study focused on the effect of untreated and thermally treated silt as a filler in hot mix asphalt (HMA). The silt [...] Read more.

Several studies aimed to improve both the performance and environmental impact of asphalt pavements using waste and recycled materials as fillers. This study focused on the effect of untreated and thermally treated silt as a filler in hot mix asphalt (HMA). The silt used in the study was a byproduct from a local aggregate production plant in Bologna, Italy. Mineral and chemical analyses revealed that the waste silt required thermal treatment at 750 °C for 2 h. The study compared the use of calcined silt, untreated silt, and a common limestone filler in the production of asphalt mastics and HMA specimens. The rheological properties of the mastics were analyzed using frequency sweep and multiple stress creep recovery tests. The physical and mechanical characteristics of the HMAs were evaluated through the air voids content, Marshall stability and indirect tensile strength tests. Additionally, the water susceptibility and thermal sensitivity of the HMAs were evaluated through the indirect tensile strength ratio and indirect tensile stiffness modulus at different testing temperatures. The results showed that the addition of calcined silt had no significant effect on the rheological properties of the mastic or the optimal binder content. However, the samples produced with thermally treated silt showed the highest stiffness and resistance to rutting compared with the other samples. On the other hand, the addition of untreated silt slightly decreased the stiffness value of the samples. In conclusion, the use of waste silt as a filler has potential as a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for HMAs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Reliability Structures and Materials in Civil Engineering)

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14 pages, 1083 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Machine Learning to Predict the Mechanical Characteristics of Concrete Containing Recycled Plastic-Based Materials

by Sina Rezvan, Mohammad Javad Moradi, Hamed Dabiri, Kambiz Daneshvar, Moses Karakouzian and Visar Farhangi

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(4), 2033; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13042033 - 4 Feb 2023

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 2460

Abstract

One of the practical ways to overcome the adverse environmental effects of plastic bottle waste is to implement bottles into concrete, one of the most widely used materials in the construction industry. Plastic bottles are mainly made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and can [...] Read more.

One of the practical ways to overcome the adverse environmental effects of plastic bottle waste is to implement bottles into concrete, one of the most widely used materials in the construction industry. Plastic bottles are mainly made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and can be used as a fiber to reinforce concrete. In recent years, PET fiber-reinforced concrete (PFRC) has attracted researcher attention, and several experimental studies have been conducted. This paper aims to present the benefits of using PET fiber as a reinforcing element in concrete using a machine learning approach. By considering the effect of PET fibers in concrete, engineers and stakeholders may be encouraged to further use these recycled materials. The proposed network was successfully able to capture the response of PFRC with high accuracy (mean squared error (MSE) of 7.11 MPa and R coefficient of 98%). The results of the proposed network show that the amount of PET fiber usage in concrete has a significant effect on the compressive strength of PFRC. Moreover, the PFRC’s response considering the variation of mechanical and geometrical properties of PET fiber mainly depends on the fiber’s shape. The most effective shapes of PET fiber are shapes with deformation, followed by embossed and irregular shapes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Reliability Structures and Materials in Civil Engineering)

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Review

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30 pages, 11930 KiB

Open AccessReview

Assessment of Interlocking Concrete Block Pavement with By-Products and Comparison with an Asphalt Pavement: A Review

by Webert Silva, Luís Picado-Santos, Suelly Barroso, Antônio Eduardo Cabral and Ronaldo Stefanutti

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(10), 5846; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13105846 - 9 May 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3617

Abstract

This paper aims to review the performance analysis of interlocking concrete block pavement with by-products such as coconut fibers, and construction and demolition recycled materials, and to compare their skills with asphalt pavement, especially for light-traffic urban road applications. The focus is on [...] Read more.

This paper aims to review the performance analysis of interlocking concrete block pavement with by-products such as coconut fibers, and construction and demolition recycled materials, and to compare their skills with asphalt pavement, especially for light-traffic urban road applications. The focus is on mechanical behavior (mix parameters and the influence of by-products), pavement design, sustainability (the heat island effect), the management of contaminant concentrations within infiltration related to permeability, and Life Cycle Assessment. Considering the overall performance analysis, interlocking concrete block pavement was the most attractive alternative because it was approximately 33–44% cheaper in the maintenance process, cooler over a range of 2.2–15 °C, and more permeable by 0.4 cm/s to 0.6 cm/s than asphalt pavement, saving costs and improving drainage and human thermal comfort. However, asphalt pavement was around 35% cheaper during the construction phase (mainly due to energy consumption), and it presented a 32% lower nitrogen oxide concentration. This paper showed the advantages and disadvantages of both types of pavements. A further breakdown should be developed and integrated into the decision-making process about choosing between solutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Reliability Structures and Materials in Civil Engineering)

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