Abstract
This paper presents a new mathematical simulation using data validation through machine learning for the sustainable construction of smart concrete structures equipped with piezoelectric patches. The framework leverages the selfsensing characteristics of piezoelectric materials to meet the pressing demands for sustainable, intelligent, and resilient infrastructure. The dynamic electromechanical behavior of concrete elements under different working conditions and environmental influences is simulated based on a detailed mathematical model. These simulations are then validated by the use of machine learning algorithms that have been trained on experimental and synthetic data in order to improve the accuracy and robustness for future real-world applications. Simulation of the mathematics along with supervised learning models reveals how the system can support in detection of an anomaly and help make decisions proactively. The research also contributes towards smart infrastructure domain by offering a sustainable nd globally conformable, scalable, and adaptive framework. When applied in combination, power of simulation and data-driven validation supports a revolution in civil engineering design and maintenance pipeline towards an efficient, long-lasting, and intelligent built world.
Key Words
machine learning algorithm; mathematics simulation; nonlinear phase velocity; piezoelectric patch; smart concrete structures; sustainable construction
Address
(1) Fuad A. Al-Bataineh:
Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Al-al Bayt University, P.O. Box 130040, Mafraq 25113, Jordan;
(2) Omar Asad Ahmad:
Department of Civil Engineering Faculty of Engineering, Amman Arab University, 11953 Amman, Jordan;
(3) A'kif Al-Fugara:
Department of Surveying Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Al Al-Bayt University, Mafraq 25113, Jordan;
(4) Wafeek Mohamed Ibrahim:
Department of Architecture, College of Architecture & Planning, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia;
(5) Nejib Ghazouani:
Mining Research Center, Northern Border University, Arar 73213, Saudi Arabia;
(6) Hamed Safarpour:
Independent researcher.
Abstract
This paper examines the ACI-318 guidelines for span-to-depth ratios in solid non-prestressed one-way slabs, focusing on deflection control when nonstructural element damage is not a concern. ACI-318's current guidelines offer conservative slab thickness estimates by presenting slab thickness as a portion of the span, with modifications for steel yield strength and concrete density. However, these guidelines do not account for key design factors like live load and concrete compressive strength, often leading to conservative slab thickness with minimum steel reinforcement ratio. The introduction of the Bischoff formula for the effective moment of inertia in the ACI-318-25 code, which predicts larger deflections compared to the older Branson formula, prompts a reassessment of these span-to-depth ratios. This paper aims to evaluate the compatibility of ACI-318's provided span-to-depth limits and the deflection predicted using the Bischoff formula and to develop a more efficient span-to-depth ratio formula that incorporates design factors influencing deflection. A parametric study was conducted to evaluate the impact of concrete compressive strength, live load, and slab span on deflection. Based on this study, a new span-todepth ratio formula was derived from deflection calculations and ACI deflection limits. The proposed formula was verified against selected slabs designed using different values of design parameters, and the predicted deflections remained within ACI-318 limits, demonstrating that the new formula offers a more efficient design approach.
Key Words
deflection control; deflection limits; one-way slab; span-to-depth ratio
Address
(1) Hamdy A. Elgohary:
Civil Engineering Department, College of Engineering and Architecture, Umm Al-Qura University, Saudi Arabia;
(2) Hamdy A. Elgohary:
Structural Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt;
(3) Ashraf Ashour:
Faculty of Engineering and Informatics, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK;
(4) Jong Wan Hu:
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea;
(5) Jong Wan Hu:
Incheon Disaster Prevention Research Center, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Korea;
(6) Mohamed A. El Zareef:
Civil Engineering Department, College of Engineering and Architecture, Umm Al-Qura University, Saudi Arabia;
(7) Mohamed A. El Zareef:
Structural Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt.
Abstract
The study is an experimental investigation on durability properties of normal- and medium-strength one-part geopolymer concrete designed for a targeted compressive strength of 30 MPa and 50 MPa, respectively. The properties were studied in terms of compressive strength, sulfate resistance, chloride resistance, bulk density, volume of permeable voids, sorptivity, water penetration depth, initial surface absorption and microstructural studies. Results showed that approximately 90% of the targeted compressive strength was achieved in initial 7 days. The strength loss in normal-and medium-strength onepart GPC was 7% and 5%, respectively, after immersion of concrete in 5% MgSO4 solution for 180 days. The measured values of permeable voids, chloride penetration depth, sorptivity, initial surface absorption, water penetration depth decreased in medium-strength one-part GPC relative to normal-strength one-part GPC. The microstructure of the concretes was studied using SEM, EDS, FITR and XRD which confirmed polymerization reaction with formation of three-dimensional aluminosilicate network of C-(N)-A-S-H gel.
Abstract
Temperature affects deflection, leading to the inaccurate assessment of a bridge's condition, so it is necessary to separate the deflection effect caused by temperature. This study therefore proposes a joint algorithm that employs singular value decomposition (SVD), wavelet threshold denoising (WTD), and robust local mean decomposition (RLMD) for temperature effect separation. First, the signal underwent initial noise reduction via SVD. WTD was then employed to further eliminate noise and obtain the final noise reduction signal. Finally, RLMD was used to separate the noise reduction signal to identify the daily temperature difference effect, annual temperature difference effect, and long-term deflection of the bridge monitoring signal. The results revealed that the effect of SVD-WTD joint noise reduction is superior to using SVD or WTD methods alone, and the accuracy of separating the various temperature effects is significantly improved. The daily temperature difference effect separated from the measured data is continuous in time, and the daily and annual temperature difference effects at the corresponding measurement points are spatially correlated. The deflection components separated from the simulated signals and measured data have periodicity and similar change trends, verifying that the proposed method can effectively separate the temperature effect components in the bridge deflection monitoring signals.
Key Words
bridge deflection monitoring; robust local mean decomposition; singular value decomposition; temperature effect separation; wavelet threshold
Address
(1) Dongmei Tan, An Li, Wenjie Li, Baifeng Ji, Yu Tao, Hao Luo:
Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Hongshan District, Wuhan City, People's Republic of China;
(2) Baifeng Ji:
Hainan Institute, Wuhan University of Technology, Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City, Sanya City, Hainan Province, People's Republic of China.
Abstract
Concrete's alkali characteristic makes it susceptible to attack by acidic solutions. Concrete degradation caused by sulfuric acid is a global issue that costs billions of dollars annually. Also, the negative implications of cement production urge using supplementary cementitious materials to produce more durable and sustainable binding materials. Therefore, this study addresses these challenges by investigating the durability and sustainability of blended cement with ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) as a partial substitute when subjected to a 5% sulfuric acid solution to identify chemical durability performance. The weight loss and mechanical properties were measured and compared to the control mixes. The effect of different mixture design parameters, including water/binder (w/b) ratio, GGBFS replacement content, and polycarboxylate superplasticizer content, on cement mortar's resistance to sulfuric acid was investigated. Experimental results revealed that the weight loss was adversely proportional to the GGBFS replacement content. Moreover, the weight loss was inversely related to the polycarboxylate superplasticizer content at the ratio of 0.4 w/b, while it was directly proportional at 0.44 and 0.48 w/b ratios. SEM analysis revealed that the properties and behavior of cement-GGBFS mortar mixtures can significantly be altered by sulfuric acid attack, leading to changes in microstructure and the formation of different hydration products. The findings of this study show that incorporating GGBFS with appropriate superplasticizer amounts can reduce the carbon footprint of GGBFS blended cement.
Abstract
In this paper, a refined shear deformation plate theory which eliminates the use of a shear correction factor was presented for the natural frequency analysis of in-plane bi-directional functionally graded (IBFG) plates under various boundary conditions. Unlike any other theory, the number of unknown functions involved is only four, as against five in case of other shear deformation theories. Material properties of IBFG are assumed to vary continuously along with two different directions simultaneously, i.e., the longitudinal and transversal ones, respectively. Governing equations and boundary conditions are derived. Analytical solutions were obtained for buckling analysis of (IBFG) plates. Several numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the performance and effectiveness of the proposed theory. The effects of material gradations, boundary conditions and aspect ratios on IBFG plate responses are examined in detail as well. The analysis of the numerical results confirms that material grading; boundary condition and other design parameters have a significant influence on the frequency response characteristics of a single/multi-directional porous FG structure. The study demonstrates that material gradation, aspect ratio, and boundary conditions significantly influence the dynamic and buckling behavior of IBFG plates. Higher aspect ratios and stiffer boundary conditions increase natural frequencies, while specific material gradations optimize stiffness and mass distribution. The proposed theory accurately predicts these responses, providing a simplified yet robust framework for designing advanced engineering structures.
Key Words
boundary conditions; in-plane bi-directional functionally graded (IBFG) plates; natural frequency; refined plate theory
Address
(1) Mohamed Saad:
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Tiaret, BP 78 Zaaroura, 14000 Tiaret, Algeria;
(2) Latifa Ould Larbi, Hassen Ait Atmane:
Laboratory of Structures, Geotechnics and Risks, Department of Civil Engineering, Hassiba Benbouali University of Chlef, Algeria;
(3) Lazreg Hadji:
Department of Civil Engineering, University of Tiaret, BP 78 Zaaroura, 14000 Tiaret, Algeria;
(4) Royal Madan:
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Graphic Era (Deemed to be University) Dehradun- 248002, Uttarakhand, India.
