Behavior of CFRP-confined concrete cylinders with a compressive steel reinforcement

The paper presents results of an experimental investigations carried out to estimate the cooperation between a steel bar reinforcement and round concrete cylinders confined by a carbon-epoxy composite, concerning the increase in the concrete compression strength due the composite wrapping. The steel bar reinforcement with its yield stress considerably increases the bearing capacity of concrete. This also happens above the unconfined concrete strength of specimens. The onset of reinforcement yielding roughly coincides with reaching of the unconfined concrete strength at a compressive strain of ≈0.20%, and therefore it does not produce a change in the tangent modulus of the stress-strain relationships above the limit of linearity. __________ Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 43, No. 3, pp. 293–308, May–June, 2007.     

The effect of pretensioned FRP windings on the behavior of concrete columns in axial compression

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation of concrete columns confined by wound pretensioned epoxy-impregnated carbon filament yarns. The yarn winding equipment, with the ability to set the desired pretension force and thereby to produce confined concrete specimens with different initial lateral pressure, was developed at the Institute of Polymer Mechanics. It is shown that the pressure in creases the axial stress at which intense internal cracking of concrete develops.     

Stability of round concrete columns confined by composite wrappings

External confinement by the wrapping of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) sheets is a very effective method for the strengthening and retrofit of round concrete columns. The stability and strength of concrete columns confined by carbon FRP jackets in which the fibers are oriented in the hoop direction was studied. Stability tests were conducted on hinged plain and confined concrete columns of different slenderness. The theoretically predicted critical stress at the on set of in stability was compared with that obtained experimentally, and a good agreement between them was observed. Russian translation published in Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 43, No. 5, pp. 657–666, September–October, 2007.     

Behavior of concrete cylinders confined by a carbon composite 3. Deformability and the ultimate axial strain

Results of an experimental investigation into the mechanical properties of concrete cylinders confined by a carbon-epoxy composite wrapping are presented. It is shown that, for all the con fined con crete spec i mens tested, the loading paths in the normalized stress space follow a single master curve, what ever the concrete strength and confinement intensity. At stresses in the confined concrete exceeding the strength of plain concrete, the tangent modulus was found to depend on the slope angle of the master curve and the asymptotic value of the differential Poisson ratio (the first derivative of the lateral strain with respect to the axial one). Formulas for predicting the ultimate axial strain and the tangent modulus are derived and compared with the corresponding fib (fédération internationale du béton) recommendations. Russian translation published in Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 42, No. 4, pp. 433–448, July–Au gust, 2006.     

Behavior of concrete cylinders confined by carbon composite 2. Prediction of strength

The mechanical behavior of round concrete cylinders confined by a carbon-epoxy composite wrapping is analyzed concerning the increased concrete compression strength due the wrapping. It is shown that the loading trajectories in the normalized stress space fit into a single master curve for all the concrete batches and jacket thicknesses investigated. The loading paths ended at failure of the composite wrapping from the increased internal lateral pressure. The strength of the composite was determined by split-disc tests of composite rings, but the strength of composite jackets realized on concrete specimens did not reach the strength of the rings. Therefore, a coefficient of composite strength reduction was introduced. A simple formula for predicting the strength of confined concrete is derived, and a comparison with fib (fédération internationale du béton) recommendations for strength predictions is given. Russian translation published in Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 42, No. 2, pp. 165–178, April–May, 2006.     

Stability analysis of CFRP-wrapped concrete columns strengthened with external longitudinal CFRP sheets

The external confinement by CFRP wrappings is a very efficient method to increase the load-carrying capacity of round concrete columns. Nevertheless, the serviceability of such columns under loads exceeding the strength of unconfined concrete is limited by different factors. One of them is the reduced stability of the columns due to the significantly reduced tangent elastic modulus inactive loading. To increase the critical load of buckling instability of concrete columns, an additional longitudinal composite reinforcement can be used. In this paper, the stability and strength of concrete columns confined by circumferential wrappings and strengthened with a longitudinal external CFRP reinforcement are studied. Plain and confined columns of length 300 and 1500 mm were tested. Theoretical predictions show that the additional longitudinal reinforcement is efficient in improving the stability of confined columns in the region of moderate slenderness. The prediction for the ultimate strength and stability of the columns coincides rather well with experimental results. __________ Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 44, No. 3, pp. 295–308, May–June, 2005.     

A refined stress-strain analysis in the load transfer zone of flat specimens of high-strength unidirectional composites in uniaxial tension 2. Finite-element parametric analysis

A detailed finite-element analysis of the stress-strain state in the load transfer zone of uneasily tensioned flat test specimens made of a high-strength unidirectional carbon fiber-epoxy composite is carried out with account of the elastoplastic behavior of a structural polyurethane adhesive. Various schemes of introduction of external loads into the specimens are considered. A numerical finite-element analysis of different configurations of specimen tabs allowed us to put forward a technique for significantly reducing the dangerous concentration of operating stresses. __________ Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 43, No. 1, pp. 43–58, January–February, 2007.     

Numerical modeling of deformation and fracture of a multiphase polymer concrete

A numerical method for predicting the deformational and strength characteristics of a calcite-quartzitic polymer concrete from the known properties of its components is developed based on the finite-element method. Components of the material are assumed elastic and isotropic, and the filler particles are modeled by round inclusions perfectly bonded to the polymer matrix. The size distribution of the inclusions correspond to that of actual fillers. The destruction process of the components is simulated by sequentially excluding the particles in which the maximum principal stress has achieved the ultimate value for this component. A comparison of calculated and experimental characteristics of the polymer concrete showed errors of 2–4% for the elastic modulus and about 10% for the ultimate strength if the finite-element cell included not less than 20–30 average-size particles and 2–5 large ones. __________ Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 42, No. 6, pp. 817–824, November–December, 2006     

Deformability and strengh of expanded polystyrene (EPS) under short-term shear loading

Data obtained in investigating the ultimate strength and deformability of expanded polystyrene under short-term shear loading according to EN 12090 are discussed. Linear regression equations are used for describing the ultimate shear strength and modulus in relation to the density of EPS. A correlation is found to exist between the ultimate strength of EPS and its density and specimen thickness. An empirical dependence between the shear modulus and density of EPS is established. The strains corresponding to the conditional limit of proportionality and to the ultimate shear strength of EPS in short-term loading are determined. __________ Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 43, No. 1, pp. 121–134, January–February, 2007.     

Bond-slip behavior of CFRP plate-concrete interface

The paper deals with evaluation of the bond performance between a CFRP plate and concrete with respect to various compressive strengths of concrete and bond lengths of the CFRP plate as parameters. To consider stress conditions in the tensile zone of reinforced concrete (RC) structures, double-lap axial tension tests were conducted for eight specimens with CFRP plates bonded to concrete prisms. In addition, a simple linear bond-slip model for the CFRP plate/concrete joints, developed from the bond tests, was used. To verify the model proposed, a total of seven RC beams were strengthened with CFRP plates and tested in flexure employing various bond lengths, strengthening methods, and numbers of CFRP plates. A nonlinear finite-element analysis, with the bond–slip model incorporated in the DIANA program, was performed for the strengthened RC beams. Also, the results of flexural test and analytical predictions are found to be in close agreement in terms of yield and ultimate loads and ductility.     

The ultimate state of polymeric materials and laminated and fibrous composites under asymmetric high-cycle loading

The prediction of the high-cycle fatigue strength of polymeric and composite materials in asymmetric loading is considered. The problem is solved on the basis of a nonlinear model of ultimate state allowing us to describe all typical forms of the diagrams of ultimate stresses. The material constants of the model are determined from the results of fatigue tests in symmetric reversed cycling, in a single fatigue test with the minimum stress equal to zero, and in a short-term strength test. The fatigue strength characteristics of some polymers, glass-fiber laminates, glass-fiber-reinforced plastics, organic-fiber-reinforced plastics, and wood laminates in asymmetric tension-compression, bending, and torsion have been calculated and approved experimentally. __________ Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 44, No. 1, pp. 87–102, January–February, 2008.     

Deformations of pressure vessel domes in asymmetric winding

The deformation of pressure vessel domes in asymmetric winding with the use of two families of yarns is accompanied by shear deformations and torsion. For the case of large deformations, a system of equations for describing the stress-strain state of an asymmetrically reinforced netlike shell of revolution loaded with an internal pressure is obtained. It is shown that the shear deformations depend on the deformations of both the yarn families and the deformations of meridians and parallels of the shell. As an example, the dome of a pressure vessel in a deformed state is calculated for an initial equilibrium shape determined on the assumption that the yarns are inextensible. __________ Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 42, No. 4, pp. 425–432, July–August, 2006.     

On the mechanical and thermomechanical properties of low-density polyethylene/ethylene-α-octene copolymer blends

Blends of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and ethylene-octene copolymer (EOC) were obtained. The effect of EOC content and absorbed radiation dose on the mechanical and thermomechanical properties of LDPE/EOC blends are investigated. Particular attention is given to a tensile stress-strain analysis and the “form-memory” effect of the blends. With growing LDPE content, the elastic modulus, the yield stress, and the thermorelaxation and residual stresses of the blends increase, but the ultimate elongation at break decreases, which is caused by the higher crystallinity of polyethylene. As a result of radiation-induced cross-linking, the elastic modulus, the yield stress (at a 1% strain), the ultimate yield strength, and the thermorelaxation and residual stresses increase, while the ultimate elongation at break and the melt flow-behavior index decrease, which is confirmed by the growing gel fraction in the blend. __________ Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 44, No. 2, pp. 279–286, March–April, 2008.     

Calculation of the Ultimate State of Reinforced Plastics and Unoriented Polymers in Asymmetric High-Cycle Tension–Compression

The fatigue failure of reinforced plastics and unoriented polymers under a joint action of static and high-cycle loadings is considered. The fatigue failure strength is estimated from stress range diagrams with a static tensile component. The models of ultimate state are constructed based on the hypothesis of existence of a unified ultimate diagram invariant with respect to the number of cycles to failure. The unified diagram is given by a transcendental power function whose exponent characterizes the sensitivity of the material to the stress-cycle asymmetry. The models of ultimate state make it possible to span practically all forms of ultimate diagrams of composite and polymer materials, including concave, rectilinear, S-shaped, and convex ones.     

Strengthening of RC beams with an innovative timber-FRP composite system

The results of a theoretical and experimental research project on the use of an innovative technique for strengthening concrete beams are presented. A spacer element is inserted between the tension side of a beam and the composite material to increase its lever arm and to enhance the over all stiffness of the strengthened beam. The main aim of this exploratory project was to increase the ultimate failure load of strengthened beam specimens, whilst guaranteeing acceptable over all deflections at the serviceability limit states. This resulted into a significant reduction in the amount of FPR required and in a better utilization of the materials employed. A preliminary theoretical study was carried out to investigate the effect of Young’s modulus, failure strain, and thickness of the element to be used as a spacer in order to determine the best possible candidate material. Three tests on 2.5-m-long beams were carried out, and different anchorage techniques were used to try and prevent the debonding of the strengthening system. The results from this pilot study are very promising, as the strengthening system ensures an adequate initial stiffness along with an improved ultimate flexural capacity. Russian translation published in Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 44, No. 3, pp. 403–416, May–June, 2008.     

混凝土轴拉加卸载随机损伤模型的建立与试验验证

为了分析及深入探讨混凝土在受拉加载及卸载情况下的力学特性,基于随机损伤本构关系提出了一种混凝土轴拉加卸载模型,推导出了混凝土加卸载的应力 应变关系表达式.为了印证理论表达式,进行了混凝土轴向拉伸及加卸载的试验研究,测得了混凝土的材料参数及其相应的轴拉加卸载应力-应变曲线.结合模型的计算结果,对混凝土的轴拉加卸载试验结果进行了对比分析,结果表明:混凝土轴拉加卸载模型能够预测混凝土的极限强度,同时能描述混凝土的强度软化、加载过程中的弹模折减及卸载后的塑性变形.     

Finite-element modeling of the interaction of reinforcement with concrete matrix

A finite-element model of a reinforced concrete beam with rebars modeled by a 3-D deformable body has been developed. An analysis of the stress-strain state of the beam allowed us to determine the stress distribution on cross sections of the rebars and the location of zones with cracks in concrete. It is found that the break of bond between the reinforcement and concrete goes outside the areas of intensely cracked concrete matrix. __________ Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 44, No. 3, pp. 309–316, May–June, 2008.     

Nanocomposites based on a styrene-acrylate copolymer and organically modified montmorillonite 1. Mechanical properties

The preparation of polymer nanocomposites by mixing a solution of a styrene-acrylate copolymer with a suspension of organically modified montmorillonite in dimethyl formamide is described. Seven different compositions with organomontmorillonite content from 0 to 7 wt.% were prepared and tested. Results of their X-ray diffraction analysis are presented. Data on the influence of organomontmorillonite content on the tensile stress-strain curves, elastic modulus, strength, and ultimate elongation of the nanocomposites are obtained. The concentration dependences of elastic properties of materials with differently oriented platelike nanoparticles is analyzed by using an algorithm elaborated for stepwise calculations of elastic constants with account of the features of structural hierarchy of intercalated and exfoliated nanocomposites. __________ Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 42, No. 3, pp. 375–388, May–June, 2006.     

Markov processes on partitions

We introduce and study a family of Markov processes on partitions. The processes preserve the so-called z-measures on partitions previously studied in connection with harmonic analysis on the infinite symmetric group. We show that the dynamical correlation functions of these processes have determinantal structure and we explicitly compute their correlation kernels. We also compute the scaling limits of the kernels in two different regimes. The limit kernels describe the asymptotic behavior of large rows and columns of the corresponding random Young diagrams, and the behavior of the Young diagrams near the diagonal. Our results show that recently discovered analogy between random partitions arising in representation theory and spectra of random matrices extends to the associated time– dependent models.     

Water Resistance of Polyester Polymer Concrete

The results of experimental investigation of polyester resin and polymer concrete at a long-term (four-year) exposure to water and air with 98% RH are presented. The polymer concrete was composed of a polyester resin as a binder, lime flour, quartz sand, and granite chips. The resin content in concrete was 20 wt.%. The features of sorption properties of the materials investigated are discussed. Data on the water effect on the compressive strength in short-term loading are reported. The creep tests of virgin polymer-concrete specimens were carried out for five years at different stress levels from 0.11 to 0.44 of the short-term prismatic strength. The effect of moisture on the creep behavior was also studied.