Nattapong Damrongwiriyanupap

Modeling of axially loaded nanowires embedded in elastic substrate media with inclusion of nonlocal and surface effects

Nonlocal and surface effects are incorporated into a bar-elastic substrate element to account for small-scale and size-dependent effects on axial responses of nanowires embedded in elastic substrate media. The virtual displacement principle, employed to consistently derive the governing differential equation as well as the boundary conditions, forms the core of the displacementbased finite element formulation of the nanowire-elastic substrate element. The element displacement shape functions, analytically derived based on homogeneous solution to the governing differential equilibrium equation of the problem, result in the exact element stiffness matrix and equivalent load vector. Two numerical simulations employing the proposed model are performed to study characteristics and behavior of the nanowire-substrate system. The first simulation involves investigation of responses of the wire embedded in elastic substrate. Thesecond examines influences of several system parameters on the contact stiffness and reveals the size-dependent effect on the effective Youngs modulus of the system.

Exact Stiffness for Beams on Kerr-Type Foundation: The Virtual Force Approach

This paper alternatively derives the exact element stiffness equation for a beam on Kerr-type foundation. The shear coupling between the individual Winkler-spring components and the peripheral discontinuity at the boundaries between the loaded and the unloaded soil surfaces are taken into account in this proposed model. The element flexibility matrix is derived based on the virtual force principle and forms the core of the exact element stiffness matrix. The sixth-order governing differential compatibility of the problem is revealed using the virtual force principle and solved analytically to obtain the exact force interpolation functions. The matrix virtual force equation is employed to obtain the exact element flexibility matrix based on the exact force interpolation functions. The so-called “natural” element stiffness matrix is obtained by inverting the exact element flexibility matrix. One numerical example is utilized to confirm the accuracy and the efficiency of the proposed beam element on Kerr-type foundation and to show a more realistic distribution of interactive foundation force.

A Mix Design Procedure for Alkali-Activated High-Calcium Fly Ash Concrete Cured at Ambient Temperature

This research focuses on developing a mix design methodology for alkali-activated high-calcium fly ash concrete (AAHFAC). High-calcium fly ash (FA) from the Mae Moh power plant in northern Thailand was used as a starting material. Sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate were used as alkaline activator solutions (AAS). Many parameters, namely, NaOH concentration, alkaline activator solution-to-fly ash (AAS/FA) ratio, and coarse aggregate size, were investigated. The 28-day compressive strength was tested to validate the mix design proposed. The mix design methodology of the proposed AAHFAC mixes was given step by step, and it was modified from ACI standards. Test results showed that the 28-day compressive strength of 15–35 MPa was obtained. After modifying mix design of the AAHFAC mixes by updating the AAS/FA ratio from laboratory experiments, it was found that they met the strength requirement.

A Thermo-Hygro-Coupled Model for Chloride Penetration in Concrete Structures

Corrosion damage due to chloride attack is one of the most concerning issues for long term durability of reinforced concrete structures. By developing the reliable mathematical model of chloride penetration into concrete structures, it can help structural engineers and management agencies with predicting the service life of reinforced concrete structures in order to effectively schedule the maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation program. This paper presents a theoretical and computational model for chloride diffusion in concrete structures. The governing equations are taking into account the coupled transport process of chloride ions, moisture, and temperature. This represents the actual condition of concrete structures which are always found in nonsaturated and nonisothermal conditions. The fully coupled effects among chloride, moisture, and heat diffusion are considered and included in the model. The coupling parameters evaluated based on the available material models and test data are proposed and explicitly incorporated in the governing equations. The numerical analysis of coupled transport equations is performed using the finite element method. The model is validated by comparing the numerical results against the available experimental data and a good agreement is observed.

Diffusion of Multi-Ionic Species in Recycled Aggregate Concrete

In recent years, recycled aggregate concrete has been used in reinforced concrete structures. Concrete structures exposed to chloride environment often encountera premature deterioration due to corrosion of steel reinforcement. In order to avoid unplanned maintenances or repairs, it is necessary to develop a reliable prediction model for the chloride diffusion in concrete. The basic formulation of the transport theory will be presented first and then its application to Recycled Aggregate Concrete (RAC) will follow. Chloride diffusion in RAC is different from the diffusion in regular concrete, because the material parameters of RAC such as chloride diffusion coefficient are different from those of regular concrete. In this paper, a multi-scale and multi-phase model will be developed to characterize theinternal structure of the recycled aggregate with a layer of residual cement paste on the surface of natural aggregate and another layer of surface treatment material on the surface of the residual cement paste. The multi-scale and multi-phase model will also be used to characterize the chloride diffusion coefficient of RAC. The numerical analysis of the diffusion equations is performed by using finite element method.

A probabilistic prediction model for the corrosion initiation time of steel reinforcement in concrete structures

This paper presents an analytic method for predicting the probabilistic features of corrosion initiation time of reinforcement in concrete structures subjected to chloride environments. By using the analytic solution of non-linear chloride diffusion equation, and using statistic data for thickness of concrete cover, water-to-cement ratio, curing time, chloride diffusion coefficient, surface chloride concentration and chloride threshold value, both the mean and standard deviation of the corrosion initiation time can be calculated analytically.