Sharif Digital Repository

The application of superabsorbent polymer (SAP) as an internal curing agent for cement based composites results in benefits such as reduced autogenous shrinkage and cracking. However, a reduction in compressive and flexural strength usually occurs due to the empty voids remained in the matrix after deswelling of SAP particles. Nanoparticles are good candidates for improving the mechanical performance of cementitious materials, due to their multiple mechanisms of action, not the least their high pozzolanic activity.In the present work, the capability of amorphous nano-SiO2 (NS) as the most widely used nanoparticle in cementitious materials, for retrieving mechanical properties of... 

The environmental impact of asbestos fibers on human health and their consequent safety-related problems indicate that there is a significant need to replace this material in all asbestos-containing products. Many different types of fibers have been introduced to replace asbestos fibers. In this study, the performance of silica nano-particles combined with waste paper pulp fibers (sulfite fibers) has been investigated. Different mechanical (compressive and flexural strengths and bending performance), durability (water absorption), physical (bulk density and flowability), and microstructural (scanning electron microscopy) tests were conducted to examine the properties of manufactured green... 

Nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (nHA) of 50 nm average diameter and length to diameter ratio of >3 was synthesized by biomimetic method. Non-isothermal sintering improved densification behavior and mechanical properties of apatite to 0.88 maximum fractional density, 70MPa bending strength, 148MPa compressive strength and 2.53GPa microhardness at sintering temperature of 1250°C. Higher sintering temperatures resulted in the decomposition of the apatite and in-situ biphasic calcium phosphate HAP/TCP formation. This process lowered apatite densification and weakened mechanical properties of the sintered specimen. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission... 

Semisolid stir joining has been under deliberation as a possible method for joining of copper alloys. In this study, the effect of temperature and rotational speed of stirrer on macrostructure evaluation and mechanical properties of samples were investigated. Optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction were performed for macro and microstructural analysis. A uniform micro-hardness profile was attained by semisolid stir joining method. The ultimate shear strength and bending strength of welded samples were improved in comparison with the cast sample. There is also lower area porosity in welded samples than the cast metal. The mechanical properties were improved by increasing temperature and... 

The high hydration potential of CaO and MgO phases restricted the application of Mag-Dol refractory composites. In this study, the impact of nano-silica (SiO2) addition on the physical, mechanical, thermo-mechanical as well as microstructure of Mag-Dol refractory composites is investigated. Mag-Dol compositions were prepared by using calcined dolomite and magnesite particles (micron, 0–1, 1–3, 3–5, and 5–8 mm), liquid resin, and 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5 wt% nano SiO2 as additives. Specimens were heated up to 1650 °C for the 3 h soaking period. Fired specimens were characterized by physical (apparent porosity, bulk density, and hydration resistance), mechanical (cold crushing strength), and... 

This research investigates the flexural behavior of a polymer concrete beam/pile encased with carbon fiber sleeve. The mechanical properties of carbon fiber sleeves in tension and cement and polymer concrete in compression were determined. Polymer concrete beams were tested in flexure to determine the bending moment capacity. Then, the test results were compared to the theoretical model results. Finally, a parametric study was conducted to determine the influence of beam/pile parameters on the capacity of the element. Based on the investigation, carbon fiber sleeve filled with polymer concrete exhibits outstanding structural performance including ductility and bending capacity. © 2017 Taylor... 

A new universal structural joint was developed. While in bending it has a high rotational capacity, which can be accompanied by large bending stiffness and strength, in shear, it also has a very high shear deformation capacity, which can again be accompanied with large shear stiffness and strength. While the former characteristic makes it a good candidate for being used as a beam-to-column joint, the latter makes it highly applicable in connecting braces of a braced frame to the frame members. The experimental study carried out previously on this joint, concentrated on the performance of its steel specimens under 'monotonie' shear loading as well as that of its aluminium specimens under both... 

This paper investigates the static and dynamic characteristics of composite thin-walled beams that are constructed from a single-cell box. The structural model considered herein incorporates a number of nonclassical effects, such as material anisotropy, transverse shear, warping inhibition, nonuniform torsional model and rotary inertia. The governing equations were derived using extended Hamilton's principle and solved using extended Galerkin's method. The effects of fiber orientation on static deflection and natural frequencies are considered and a number of important conclusions are outlined. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved  

Influence of length and volumetric percentage of steel fibres on energy absorption of concrete slabs with various concrete strengths is investigated by testing 28 small steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) slabs under flexure. Variables included; fibre length, volumetric percentage of fibres and concrete strength. Test results indicate that generally longer fibres and higher fibre content provide higher energy absorption. The results are compared with a theoretical prediction based on random distribution of fibres. The theoretical method resulted in higher energy absorption than that obtained in experiment. A design method according to allowable deflection is proposed for SFRC slabs within... 

This paper presents results of an experimental study to evaluate a retrofit technique for strengthening shear deficient short concrete columns. In this technique a ferrocement jacket reinforced with expanded steel meshes is used for retrofitting. Six short concrete columns, including four strengthened specimens, were tested. Specimens were under a constant compressive axial force of 15% of column axial load capacity based on original concrete gross, A g, and the concrete compressive strength, fc′. Main variables were the spacing of ties in original specimens and the volume fraction of expanded metal in jackets. Original specimens failed before reaching their nominal calculated flexural...