Characterization, Applications and New Technologies of Civil Engineering Materials and Structures

Indeterminate structures refer to structures where internal forces and reactions cannot be determined using only the equations of static equilibrium.  Indeterminate structures have more unknown forces and reaction forces than equations of static equilibrium that can be used to determine them. Indeterminate structures are often used in engineering to create complex, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing structures. There are various types of indeterminate structures used in engineering and...

Ferro-cement is a distinctive construction material that represents an innovative variant of reinforced concrete, characterized by its unique composition and the method by which it is formed. Unlike standard reinforced concrete, which relies on larger steel bars for reinforcement, ferro-cement utilizes densely packed layers of mesh or fine rods, fully encased in cement mortar. This composition allows for the creation of structures that are significantly thinner and more flexible than their...

Creep in concrete, the gradual deformation under prolonged stress, significantly impacts the integrity of structures. For reinforced concrete beams, it can be a vital design consideration, as it increases deflection, sometimes necessitating additional design measures. In columns, especially slender ones under eccentric loads, creep can cause buckling, compromising their stability. However, creep can be beneficial in indeterminate structures by mitigating stresses that arise from shrinkage,...

Reinforced concrete is a composite material used extensively in construction, combining the compressive strength of concrete with the tensile strength of steel. This synergy is essential as concrete, while excellent at resisting compression, is weak under tension. Steel bars, or rebars, are embedded in the concrete to handle these tensile forces. The choice of steel is strategic; it shares a similar coefficient of thermal expansion with concrete, which ensures uniformity in response to...

Fiber-reinforced concrete significantly enhances the structural and nonstructural properties of traditional concrete by incorporating fibers like steel, glass, and polymers. These fibers, varying from natural ones such as sisal and cellulose to manufactured ones like polypropylene and Kevlar, are mixed into hydraulic cement with aggregates. Steel fibers, often preferred for their robustness, contribute to improved ductility, toughness, and post-cracking performance. The concrete is classified...