Application of lime-based textile-reinforced mortars (TRMs) for strengthening of masonry structures have received a growing attention in recent years. An extensive effort has been devoted to ...understanding of the performance of these composites and their effectiveness in improving the seismic safety of existing masonry structures. Nevertheless, several aspects regarding the durability and mechanics of these composites still remain unknown. This letter is an effort on highlighting those aspects considering both experimental and numerical modelling approaches.
This paper presents a multi-level experimental and analytical investigation on the mechanical performance of TRM composites used for strengthening existing masonry structures. Micro (fabric-to-mortar ...bond), meso (TRM-to-substrate bond), and macro (TRM tensile response and in-plane and the out-of-plane ressponse of TRM-strengthened masonry) response of TRMs are combined and investigated in-depth for this reason. These results help to understand the mechanisms controlling the response of these composites and their performance at the structural scale.
This micro-article introduces a method for integrating Large Language Models with geometry/mesh generation software and multiphysics solvers, aimed at streamlining physics-based simulations. Users ...provide simulation descriptions in natural language, which the language model processes for geometry/mesh generation and physical model definition. Initial results demonstrate the feasibility of this approach, suggesting a future where non-experts can conduct advanced multiphysics simulations by simply describing their needs in natural language, while the code autonomously handles complex tasks like geometry building, meshing, and setting boundary conditions.
•A novel method integrating LLMs with simulation software for physics-based modelling is introduced.•Natural language can streamline geometry creation and model setup in physics-based simulations.•A three-step roadmap for progressively integrating LLMs in simulation technology is presented.
Understanding the role of curing conditions on the microstructure and phase chemistry of alkali-activated materials (AAMs) is essential for the evaluation of the long-term performance as well as the ...optimization of the processing methods for achieving more durable AAMs-based concretes. However, this information cannot be obtained with the common material characterization techniques as they often deliver limited information on the chemical domains and proportions of reaction products. This paper presents the use of PhAse Recognition and Characterization (PARC) software to overcome this obstacle for the first time. A single precursor (ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GBFS)) and a binary precursor (50% GBFS-50% fly ash) alkali-activated paste are investigated. The pastes are prepared and then cured in sealed and unsealed conditions for up to one year. The development of the microstructure and phase chemistry are investigated with PARC, and the obtained results are compared with independent bulk analytical techniques X-ray Powder Fluorescence and X-ray Powder Diffraction. PARC allowed the determination of the type of reaction products and GBFS and FA's spatial distribution and degree of reaction at different curing ages and conditions. The results showed that the pastes react at different rates with the dominant reaction products of Mg-rich gel around GBFS particles, i.e., Ca-Mg-Na-Al-Si, and with Ca-Na-Al-Si gel, in the bulk paste. The microstructure evolution was significantly affected in the unsealed curing conditions due to the Na
loss. The effect of the curing conditions was more pronounced in the binary system.
This paper demonstrates the use of peridynamics and discrete multiphysics to assess micro crack formation and propagation in asphalt at low temperatures and under freezing conditions. Three scenarios ...are investigated: (a) asphalt without air voids under compressive load, (b) asphalt with air voids and (c) voids filled with freezing water. The first two are computed with Peridynamics, the third with peridynamics combined with discrete multiphysics. The results show that the presence of voids changes the way cracks propagate in the material. In asphalt without voids, cracks tend to propagate at the interface between the mastic and the aggregate. In the presence of voids, they 'jump' from one void to the closest void. Water expansion is modelled by coupling Peridynamics with repulsive forces in the context of Discrete Multiphysics. Freezing water expands against the voids' internal surface, building tension in the material. A network of cracks forms in the asphalt, weakening its mechanical properties. The proposed methodology provides a computational tool for generating samples of 'digital asphalt' that can be tested to assess the asphalt properties under different operating conditions.
The structural effectiveness of textile reinforced mortar (TRM) composites relies on their load transfer capacity to the substrate and the interaction between textile and mortar. The bond plays a ...crucial role in mechanism of TRM composites. Despite some recent investigations, a deep understanding still needs to be gained on the textile-to-mortar bond to develop suitable analytical and numerical predictive models, improve test methods, and orient design criteria. This work describes a laboratory study in which pull-out tests were carried out to investigate the effect of the slip rate and cyclic loading on the textile-to-mortar bond behaviour. Alkali-resistant glass fabric and sgalvanised ultra-high tensile strength steel cords embedded in two different lime-based mortars were tested. The pull-out response was sensitive to the strain rate at low rates. Cyclic loading produced a strength degradation, which reduced with the number of cycles.
During the initial design phases of complex multi-disciplinary systems such as urban tunnelling, the appraisal of different design alternatives can ensure optimal designs in terms of costs, ...construction time, and safety. To enable the evaluation of a large number of design scenarios and to find an optimal solution that minimises impact of tunnelling on existing structures, the design and assessment process must be efficient, yet provide a holistic view of soil-structure interaction effects. This paper proposes an integrated tunnel design tool for the initial design phases to predict the ground settlements induced by tunnelling and building damage using empirical and analytical solutions as well as simulation-based meta models. Furthermore, visualisation of ground settlements and building damage risk is enabled by integrating empirical and analytical models within our Building Information Modelling (BIM) framework for tunnelling. This approach allows for near real-time assessment of structural damage induced by settlements with consideration of soil-structure interaction and non-linear material behaviour. Furthermore, because this approach is implemented on a BIM platform for tunnelling, first, the design can be optimised directly in the design environment, thus eliminating errors in data exchange between designers and computational analysts. Secondly, the effect of tunnelling on existing structures can be effectively visualised within the BIM by producing risk-maps and visualising the scaled deformation field, which allows for a more intuitive understanding of design actions and for collaborative design. Having a fully parametric design model and real-time predictions therefore enables the assessment and visualisation of tunneling-induced damage for large tunnel sections and multiple structures in an effective and computationally efficient way.
Full characterization of the bond behavior between Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRPs) and masonry in externally bonded reinforcement (EBR) technique is crucial at the design stage or structural ...performance prediction. In this regard, a full-field assessment technique seems to be valuable for an adequate characterization of the bond behavior.
The digital image correlation (DIC) and feature tracking techniques have been used in this study for investigating the evolution of strains and deformation during uniaxial tensile tests and shear debonding tests in FRP-masonry systems. The results show that the DIC is a valuable technique for characterization of the bond behavior and investigating its three-dimensional aspects. The DIC was also found applicable for following the matrix crack development in Steel Reinforced Grout (SRG) specimens. Feature tracking method was used for monitoring the strains development on the steel fibers in SRG specimens during tensile tests.
This paper aims to provide a review of the current literature on the durability of textile-reinforced concrete and mortar (TRC/TRM) composites. Most previous studies have focused on the role of ...chemical attacks, freeze-thaw conditions, and high temperatures on the mechanical performance of these composites. Information on the long-term performance of TRCs under synergistic action of mechanical and environmental loads is scarce. Considering the variety of fabrics and matrices used for the production of TRC composites, the existing data are still very limited and comprehensive studies are needed in this field. Additionally, due to the lack of standard procedures, different approaches are often followed for durability or post-ageing mechanical tests, or sufficient data on the curing and post-ageing preparation procedures followed are not provided. These have led to incompatibility of the existing data and in some cases contradictory results on the durability of these materials.
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