Recent Progress in Steel and Composite Structures includes papers presented at the XIIIth International Conference on Metal Structures (ICMS 2016, Zielona Gra, Poland, 15-17 June 2016). The contributions focus on the progress made in theoretical, numerical and experimental research, with special attention given to new concepts and algorithmic proc

This monograph is written based on the author's research on the assessment, control, and repair of cracking of early-age concrete in the recent decade. The technique of internal curing for increasing cracking resistance of early-age concrete is further developed through experimental and theoretical research. It establishes models for predicting the internal relative humidity and autogenous shrinkage of internally cured concrete at early age; reveals the variation law and mechanism of early-age tensile creep of internally cured concrete; and explores the variation law and mechanism of early-age cracking resistance of internally cured concrete under continuous restrained condition or uniaxial restrained condition. It is designed as a reference work for professionals or practitioners and a textbook for undergraduates or postgraduates. As such, this book provides valuable knowledge, useful methods, and practical experience that can be considered in the field of concrete cracking control.

Restraint and intrinsic stresses in concrete at early ages are vitally important for concrete structures which must remain free of water-permeable cracks, such as water-retaining structures, tunnel linings, locks and dams. The development of hydration heat, stiffness and strength, also the degree of restraint and, especially for high-strength concrete, non-thermal effects, are decisive for sensitivity to cracking. Determining thses stresses in the laboratory and in construction components has led to a clearer understanding of how they develop and how to optimize mix design, temperature and curing conditions. New testing equipment has enabled the effects of all the important parameters to be qualified and more reliable models for predictiong restraint stresses to be developed. Thermal Cracking in Conrete at Early Ages contains 56 contributions by leading international specialists presented at the RILEM Symposium held in October 1994 at the Technical University of Munich. It will be valuable for construction and site engineers, concrete technologists and scientists.

This book provides practicing engineers with a step by step approach for making durable concrete with optimum use of the local materials available within the various regions of the United States. It further includes actual concrete mixture proportions for high performance concrete for strength and durability under various aggressive environments based on the author’s experience in the field, and support this with illustrative case studies. Examples for concrete mixture proportions, based on the current industry practice and standards, are highlighted to assist engineers in meeting the intended performance requirements (for specific environment conditions) for durable concrete. Covering an important topic for the construction and building materials industries, this book delivers the most up-to-date industry practices and advances in concrete construction from the perspective of a practicing engineer with over 40 year experience. Maximizes practicing engineers’ understanding of best design and construction practices in fabricating, delivery, and installation of concrete, consistent with current knowledge on concrete durability Discusses quality control and testing requirements during design and construction, including mixing, production, and placement of concrete and tolerances for slump and air content Emphasizes real-world examples of optimal concrete mixtures, suitable for selected service conditions and applications, based on prior successful records of projects within the US Addresses the role of innovative admixtures in concrete placement in cold weather conditions below 32F and meeting the strength and durability requirements Serves as a valuable resource for students in graduate programs

There is an urgent need for innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable approaches to reduce the tremendous environmental impact of conventional cement and cement-based technologies. Consuming a significantly lower quantity of natural resources than conventional cements, with the added ability to effectively sequestering carbon, magnesia cements offer great potential in this area. Magnesia Cements: From Formulation to Application explores the latest developments in this exciting area, reviewing the unique properties offered by these cements, including superior strength, fire resistance, and exceptional ability to bond to a wide range of aggregates, and highlighting their potential role in making cement production and usage more sustainable. Providing detailed analysis of the chemistry, properties, manufacture, and both traditional and novel applications, Magnesia Cements: From Formulation to Application is ideally suited for materials scientists, cement chemists, ceramicists, and engineers involved with the design, development, application and impact assessment of magnesia cements across both academia and industry. - Provides formulary information research into more environmentally friendly cement systems - Discusses chemical phase analysis and the impact of formulation - Applies analysis and history of global uses to provide support for future environmentally stable industrial, building, and non-building applications

Early age cracking of bridge decks is a national problem, and may substantially reduce service lives and increase maintenance costs. Cracking occurs when the tensile stress exceeds the tensile strength of the concrete. This is a time-dependent phenomenon, since both the stress and strength change at early ages. Moisture loss increases stress (with increasing shrinkage) and impairs strength gain. Internal curing is one method that has been suggested to reduce early age bridge deck cracking, particularly of concretes with low water to cementitious materials (w/cm) ratios. Many state highway agencies have implemented high performance concrete (HPC) for bridge decks. The low permeability of HPC is used to protect reinforcing steel and prevent corrosion. However, if the concrete cracks, then the protection may be greatly diminished. Transverse cracks due to concrete shrinkage allow water and corrosive chemicals to quickly reach the reinforcing steel causing corrosion and shortening the lifespan of the bridge deck. Reducing shrinkage cracking has been the focus of recent research into mitigation strategies. One unintended consequence of the use of high performance concrete may be early-age cracking. Field studies have shown that, in some cases, high performance concrete bridge decks have cracked less than a year after placement. The use of internal curing to reduce autogenous shrinkage was investigated in this study. One method of internal curing was through the use of coarse aggregates with high absorption capacities. Another method discussed is the use of a partial replacement of the fine aggregate with a structural lightweight aggregate with a very high absorption capacity. Bridge deck cracking is also affected by the nominal maximum size coarse aggregate. The effect on shrinkage with increasing size is discussed. ODOT's District 12, located in Northeastern Ohio, found in an investigation of 116 HPC bridge decks placed between 1994 and 2001 that bridges with little or no cracking used coarse aggregate with an absorption> 1 %, while 75 % of bridges with unacceptable cracking used coarse aggregate with absorption 1 %. This report discusses the laboratory investigation of the field results to determine the better ways to prevent bridge deck cracking-- internal curing or paste reduction by using an aggregate blend. The laboratory investigation found that the strongest effect on cracking was due to the replacement of a small maximum size coarse aggregate with an optimized coarse aggregate gradation. Increasing the coarse aggregate absorption level from