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Albert de la Fuente
Civil and Environmental Engineering of UPC BarcelonaTECH, Jordi Girona 1-3, 08034 Barcelona, Spain

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Journal article
Published: 06 July 2021 in Sustainability
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With increasing construction activity and concrete consumption globally, the economic, environmental, and social impacts of human activities continue to increase rapidly. Therefore, it is imperative to assess the choice and construction of each structure and structural component from a sustainability-based perspective. In this study, such a multi-criteria decision-making approach using the MIVES method is applied to the choice of grouped continuous flight auger (CFA) piles. Different alternatives of CFA piles are studied: length (10 and 20 m), reinforcement (steel cage reinforcement and structural fibers), and aggregates (natural crushed aggregates and recycled aggregate concrete sourced from stationary and mobile recycling plants), based on experimentally verified mix designs. All alternatives were analyzed considering economic, environmental, and social requirements, using a decision-making tree with eight criteria and eleven indicators, with weights assigned by an expert panel. The results of the analysis showed a clear advantage in terms of all three sustainability requirements for CFA piles with steel fibers and recycled aggregate concrete, with all solutions with steel cage reinforcement having significantly lower values of the sustainability index. Such results demonstrate the need for implementing innovative solutions even in structural members such as CFA piles that are often considered in insufficient detail.

ACS Style

Irene Josa; Nikola Tošić; Snežana Marinković; Albert de la Fuente; Antonio Aguado. Sustainability-Oriented Multi-Criteria Analysis of Different Continuous Flight Auger Piles. Sustainability 2021, 13, 7552 .

AMA Style

Irene Josa, Nikola Tošić, Snežana Marinković, Albert de la Fuente, Antonio Aguado. Sustainability-Oriented Multi-Criteria Analysis of Different Continuous Flight Auger Piles. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (14):7552.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Irene Josa; Nikola Tošić; Snežana Marinković; Albert de la Fuente; Antonio Aguado. 2021. "Sustainability-Oriented Multi-Criteria Analysis of Different Continuous Flight Auger Piles." Sustainability 13, no. 14: 7552.

Journal article
Published: 04 July 2021 in Materials
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Currently, millions of tons of textile waste from the garment and textile industries are generated worldwide each year. As a promising option in terms of sustainability, textile waste fibers could be used as internal reinforcement of cement-based composites by enhancing ductility and decreasing crack propagation. To this end, two extensive experimental programs were carried out, involving the use of either fractions of short random fibers at 6–10% by weight or nonwoven fabrics in 3–7 laminate layers in the textile waste-reinforcement of cement, and the mechanical and durability properties of the resulting composites were characterized. Flexural resistance in pre- and post-crack, toughness, and stiffness of the resulting composites were assessed in addition to unrestrained drying shrinkage testing. The results obtained from those programs were analyzed and compared to identify the optimal composite and potential applications. Based on the results of experimental analysis, the feasibility of using this textile waste composite as a potential construction material in nonstructural concrete structures such as facade cladding, raised floors, and pavements was confirmed. The optimal composite was proven to be the one reinforced with six layers of nonwoven fabric, with a flexural strength of 15.5 MPa and a toughness of 9.7 kJ/m2.

ACS Style

Payam Sadrolodabaee; Josep Claramunt; Mònica Ardanuy; Albert de la Fuente. A Textile Waste Fiber-Reinforced Cement Composite: Comparison between Short Random Fiber and Textile Reinforcement. Materials 2021, 14, 3742 .

AMA Style

Payam Sadrolodabaee, Josep Claramunt, Mònica Ardanuy, Albert de la Fuente. A Textile Waste Fiber-Reinforced Cement Composite: Comparison between Short Random Fiber and Textile Reinforcement. Materials. 2021; 14 (13):3742.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Payam Sadrolodabaee; Josep Claramunt; Mònica Ardanuy; Albert de la Fuente. 2021. "A Textile Waste Fiber-Reinforced Cement Composite: Comparison between Short Random Fiber and Textile Reinforcement." Materials 14, no. 13: 3742.

Journal article
Published: 01 July 2021 in Fibers
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The bending performance of a basalt-polypropylene fiber-reinforced concrete (HBPFRC) was characterized by testing 24,400 × 100 × 100 mm3 prismatic specimens in a four-point bending test JSCE-SF4 configuration. The type and content of both fibers were varied in order to guarantee different target levels of post-cracking flexural performance. The results evidenced that mono-micro basalt fiber reinforced concrete (BFRC) allows the increase of the flexural strength (pre-cracking stage), while macro polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete (PPFRC) can effectively improve both bearing capacity and ductility of the composite for a wide crack width range. Compared with the plain concrete specimens, flexural toughness and equivalent flexural strength of macro PPFRC and the hybrid fiber-reinforced concrete (HFRC) increased by 3.7–7.1 times and 10–42.5%, respectively. From both technical and economic points of view, the optimal mass ratio of basalt fiber (BF) to polypropylene fiber (PPF) resulted in being 1:2, with a total content of 6 kg/m3. This HFRC is seen as a suitable material to be used in sewerage pipes where cracking control (crack formation and crack width control) is of paramount importance to guarantee the durability and functionality of the pipeline as well as the ductility of the system in case of local failures.

ACS Style

Zhiyun Deng; Xinrong Liu; Ninghui Liang; Albert de la Fuente; Haoyang Peng. Flexural Performance of a New Hybrid Basalt-Polypropylene Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Oriented to Concrete Pipelines. Fibers 2021, 9, 43 .

AMA Style

Zhiyun Deng, Xinrong Liu, Ninghui Liang, Albert de la Fuente, Haoyang Peng. Flexural Performance of a New Hybrid Basalt-Polypropylene Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Oriented to Concrete Pipelines. Fibers. 2021; 9 (7):43.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Zhiyun Deng; Xinrong Liu; Ninghui Liang; Albert de la Fuente; Haoyang Peng. 2021. "Flexural Performance of a New Hybrid Basalt-Polypropylene Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Oriented to Concrete Pipelines." Fibers 9, no. 7: 43.

Journal article
Published: 19 June 2021 in Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology
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For long-distance rock pipe jacking, the coupled actions of mud float and sediment generate pipe-rock interactions, which are challenging from the analysis point of view and the general methods available for calculating the friction resistance of pipe-soil can lead to unrepresentative results. These friction forces must be quantified properly, as the magnitude of those determines the technical and economical construction requirements. In this regard, a novel approach that combines experimental and numerical stages is proposed in this research paper for dealing with the assessment of these friction forces. The results derived from the proposed approach were compared and validated with others obtained from a practical case, with satisfactory outcomes. The approach proposed herein is found to be a valuable guide for assessing the magnitude of the frictional forces that occur during the pipe jacketing and for identifying the parameters that govern the magnitude of these forces. Eventually, design and construction optimization and productivity-oriented measures can be derived from the application of the method.

ACS Style

Zhiyun Deng; Ninghui Liang; Xinrong Liu; Albert de la Fuente; Peng Lin; Haoyang Peng. Analysis and application of friction calculation model for long-distance rock pipe jacking engineering. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology 2021, 115, 104063 .

AMA Style

Zhiyun Deng, Ninghui Liang, Xinrong Liu, Albert de la Fuente, Peng Lin, Haoyang Peng. Analysis and application of friction calculation model for long-distance rock pipe jacking engineering. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology. 2021; 115 ():104063.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Zhiyun Deng; Ninghui Liang; Xinrong Liu; Albert de la Fuente; Peng Lin; Haoyang Peng. 2021. "Analysis and application of friction calculation model for long-distance rock pipe jacking engineering." Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology 115, no. : 104063.

Technical paper
Published: 17 May 2021 in Structural Concrete
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An experimental program consisting in producing and testing reinforced concrete pipes (RCPs) under the three‐edge bearing tests considering different types of reinforcement was carried out. Four types of RCPs were produced, these reinforced with: (1) polypropylene macrofibers; (2) basalt microfibers; (3) combination of both (hybrid reinforcement); and (4) plain concrete. The analysis of the crack patterns and both service and ultimate mechanical responses allowed concluding that the use of fibers do not lead to an effective increase of the first cracking load; however, both types of fibers allowed a better crack width control respect to the standard RCP. In this regard, basalt microfiber reinforced concrete led to a better response caused by concentrated loads (jacketing) whilst polypropylene macrofibers increased the concrete pipe performance in terms of bearing capacity and flexural crack control. The hybrid fiber reinforced concrete was found to be the most suitable alternative for increasing the load bearing capacity and the crack width control for service loads. These incipient experimental results permit to conclude that this type of hybrid basalt‐polypropylene fiber reinforced concretes are an interesting alternative to traditional steel‐cage RCPs.

ACS Style

Zhiyun Deng; Xinrong Liu; Peng Chen; Albert de la Fuente; Xiaohan Zhou; Ninghui Liang; Yafeng Han; Libing Du. Basalt‐polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete for durable and sustainable pipe production. Part 1: Experimental program. Structural Concrete 2021, 1 .

AMA Style

Zhiyun Deng, Xinrong Liu, Peng Chen, Albert de la Fuente, Xiaohan Zhou, Ninghui Liang, Yafeng Han, Libing Du. Basalt‐polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete for durable and sustainable pipe production. Part 1: Experimental program. Structural Concrete. 2021; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Zhiyun Deng; Xinrong Liu; Peng Chen; Albert de la Fuente; Xiaohan Zhou; Ninghui Liang; Yafeng Han; Libing Du. 2021. "Basalt‐polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete for durable and sustainable pipe production. Part 1: Experimental program." Structural Concrete , no. : 1.

Preprint
Published: 02 April 2021
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The bending performance of a basalt-polypropylene fiber-reinforced concrete (HBPFRC) was characterized by testing 24 400×100×100 mm3 prismatic specimens in a four-point bending test JSCE-SF4 configuration. The type and content of both fibers was varied in order to guarantee different target levels of post-cracking flexural performance. The results evidenced that mono-micro basalt fiber reinforced concrete (BFRC) allows the increase of the flexural strength (pre-cracking stage), while macro polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete can effectively improve both bearing capacity and ductility of the composite for a wide crack width range. Compared with the plain concrete specimens, flexural toughness and equivalent flexural strength of macro polypropylene fiber-reinforced concrete (PPFRC) and the hybrid fiber-reinforced concrete (HFRC) increased by 3.7~7.1 times and 10%~42.5%, respectively. From both technical and economic points of view, the optimal mass ratio of basalt fiber to polypropylene fiber resulted to be 1:2, with a total content of 6 kg/m3. This HFRC is seen as a suitable material to be used in sewerage pipes where cracking control (crack formation and crack width control) is of paramount importance to guarantee the durability and functionality of the pipeline as well as the ductility of the system in case of local failures.

ACS Style

Zhiyun Deng; Liu Xinrong; Liang Ninghui; Albert de la Fuente; Haoyang Peng. Flexural Performance of a New Hybrid Basalt-polypropylene Fiber-reinforced Concrete Oriented to Concrete Pipelines. 2021, 1 .

AMA Style

Zhiyun Deng, Liu Xinrong, Liang Ninghui, Albert de la Fuente, Haoyang Peng. Flexural Performance of a New Hybrid Basalt-polypropylene Fiber-reinforced Concrete Oriented to Concrete Pipelines. . 2021; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Zhiyun Deng; Liu Xinrong; Liang Ninghui; Albert de la Fuente; Haoyang Peng. 2021. "Flexural Performance of a New Hybrid Basalt-polypropylene Fiber-reinforced Concrete Oriented to Concrete Pipelines." , no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 10 March 2021 in Sustainability
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The design of sustainable sewerage infrastructure is fundamental for achieving long-term sustainability goals. Piping systems are essential components in the water supply chain and in waste disposal systems worldwide. Among possible designs for concrete pipes, steel cages consisting of curved rebars have been predominantly used as reinforcement. However, structural fibres have emerged as an attractive technical and economical alternative for substituting steel cages. Due to increasing urbanisation, thousands of kilometres of pipes will be constructed in the near future. At present, decisions regarding reinforcement of concrete pipes are primarily cost-driven. To consider other aspects, it is fundamental to identify and quantify potential sustainability issues properly. Hence, this paper focuses on the sustainability analysis of reinforced concrete pipes using a multi-criteria decision-making method. A model based on criteria, indicators, weights and value functions is developed and calibrated by assessing various concrete reinforcement strategies (steel bars or steel/synthetic fibres). The main contributions of the article are the proposal and application of a model for the case of concrete pipes which can be adapted for other case studies; determining how different typologies of pipes contribute to the overall sustainability of infrastructure systems; and the use and application of a robust and interesting multi-criteria decision-making methodology. The results show that fibre reinforced concrete pipes are promising alternatives in social, economic and environmental terms. Both the model and results are expected to be useful to stakeholders in decision-making processes.

ACS Style

Irene Josa; Albert de la Fuente; Maria Casanovas-Rubio; Jaume Armengou; Antonio Aguado. Sustainability-Oriented Model to Decide on Concrete Pipeline Reinforcement. Sustainability 2021, 13, 3026 .

AMA Style

Irene Josa, Albert de la Fuente, Maria Casanovas-Rubio, Jaume Armengou, Antonio Aguado. Sustainability-Oriented Model to Decide on Concrete Pipeline Reinforcement. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (6):3026.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Irene Josa; Albert de la Fuente; Maria Casanovas-Rubio; Jaume Armengou; Antonio Aguado. 2021. "Sustainability-Oriented Model to Decide on Concrete Pipeline Reinforcement." Sustainability 13, no. 6: 3026.

Original article
Published: 19 January 2021 in Energy Efficiency
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This paper presents a new energy efficiency-based classification approach for street lighting. This approach considers the improvement of visual performance by correcting the standard photometry system (photopic) by the mesopic system, recommended within the CIE 191:2010 and the operational hours of the lighting system, aspects that are usually disregarded by the most-used energy classifications. The method proposed here is based on the value function concept, which allows standardizing an energy performance indicator, representing a satisfaction degree. To validate the approach proposed, a case study in 13 representative streets of the Eixample District of Barcelona is carried out, comparing results with those obtained by other three energy efficiency classifications used in Spain, Netherlands, and Italy. These results derived from the application of the method supports decision-making when using different energy classifications and straightforward to quantify potential energy savings.

ACS Style

Lizeth A. Sánchez-Balvás; Jose Juan De Felipe; Jesús M. Quintero; Albert De La Fuente. An energy efficiency-based classification approach for street lighting by considering operational factors: a case study of Barcelona. Energy Efficiency 2021, 14, 1 -32.

AMA Style

Lizeth A. Sánchez-Balvás, Jose Juan De Felipe, Jesús M. Quintero, Albert De La Fuente. An energy efficiency-based classification approach for street lighting by considering operational factors: a case study of Barcelona. Energy Efficiency. 2021; 14 (1):1-32.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Lizeth A. Sánchez-Balvás; Jose Juan De Felipe; Jesús M. Quintero; Albert De La Fuente. 2021. "An energy efficiency-based classification approach for street lighting by considering operational factors: a case study of Barcelona." Energy Efficiency 14, no. 1: 1-32.

Journal article
Published: 19 January 2021 in Construction and Building Materials
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Large amounts of nonrenewable resources are depleted by the construction industry in addition to the generation of million tons of mineral waste and carbon dioxide gas every year. For the sake of a more sustainable consumption pattern of building materials, as well as for reducing the waste flux to landfills, the use of recycled materials and wastes should be researched and motivated. In this sense, textile waste (TW) nonwoven fabric from residues of the garments and textile industries are investigated as internal reinforcement for cement-based matrices to enhance ductility and cracking control. To this end, an extensive experimental program was carried out to characterize both the mechanical and durability properties of the composite. The results were compared with those obtained from flax nonwoven fabric, taken as a reference (FNH and FH composites). All the composites showed a remarkable improvement in terms of toughness and post-cracking stress-bearing capacity, six being the optimum number of TW reinforcing layers. Through the analysis of the results obtained, the feasibility of using TW composite as a potential construction material in non-structural applications was confirmed. The extension to structural applications of low-medium responsibility is still required further research; nonetheless, the results are promising to this respect.

ACS Style

Payam Sadrolodabaee; Josep Claramunt; Monica Ardanuy; Albert de la Fuente. Characterization of a textile waste nonwoven fabric reinforced cement composite for non-structural building components. Construction and Building Materials 2021, 276, 122179 .

AMA Style

Payam Sadrolodabaee, Josep Claramunt, Monica Ardanuy, Albert de la Fuente. Characterization of a textile waste nonwoven fabric reinforced cement composite for non-structural building components. Construction and Building Materials. 2021; 276 ():122179.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Payam Sadrolodabaee; Josep Claramunt; Monica Ardanuy; Albert de la Fuente. 2021. "Characterization of a textile waste nonwoven fabric reinforced cement composite for non-structural building components." Construction and Building Materials 276, no. : 122179.

Short communication
Published: 09 January 2021 in Case Studies in Construction Materials
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Fiber reinforced mortars (FRM) are growingly used in several fields of building technology (e.g., façade panels, roofing, raised floors and masonry structures) as building elements. One of the promising type of fiber for these composite materials can be textile waste originated from cloth wastes. The use of this sort of recycled materials and wastes as cement reinforcement within the building sector can play a relevant role in sustainability, both the environmental, economic and social perspectives. In this paper, the design mechanical properties (flexural and compressive strengths at 7, 28 and 56 days as well as toughness and stiffness) together with durability properties of cement pastes reinforced with short Textile Waste Fiber (TWF) in contents ranging from 6 to 10 % by weight fraction cement was investigated. The results were compared with those obtained from Kraft Pulp pine Fiber (KPF), taken as reference. The main conclusion is the feasibility of using this type of fiber as potential reinforcement in construction materials with the optimum dosage of 8%. Although the flexural resistance and toughness of the TWF composite are lower than KPF control by almost 9%, the compressive strength and stiffness together with durability properties have proven to be enhanced respect to the reference composite.

ACS Style

Payam Sadrolodabaee; Josep Claramunt; Monica Ardanuy; Albert de la Fuente. Mechanical and durability characterization of a new textile waste micro-fiber reinforced cement composite for building applications. Case Studies in Construction Materials 2021, 14, e00492 .

AMA Style

Payam Sadrolodabaee, Josep Claramunt, Monica Ardanuy, Albert de la Fuente. Mechanical and durability characterization of a new textile waste micro-fiber reinforced cement composite for building applications. Case Studies in Construction Materials. 2021; 14 ():e00492.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Payam Sadrolodabaee; Josep Claramunt; Monica Ardanuy; Albert de la Fuente. 2021. "Mechanical and durability characterization of a new textile waste micro-fiber reinforced cement composite for building applications." Case Studies in Construction Materials 14, no. : e00492.

Journal article
Published: 05 January 2021 in Materials and Structures
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In the context of the evaluation of the load-bearing capacity of a steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) elevated slab recently built in northern Italy, this paper presents the study addressing the effects of fibre distribution and orientation. An extensive experimental programme was carried out in a collaboration between Politecnico di Milano and Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. The programme included mechanical tests on four shallow beams and six notched standard beams. Additionally, uniaxial tensile tests (UTTs), double edge wedge splitting tests (DEWSTs) and double punching tests (DPTs) on 192 drilled core samples extracted from the shallow beams were performed. Inductive tests, measuring the self-induction change that occurs when a SFRC sample is placed inside a coil, were performed on all samples subjected to DPTs to assess fibre distribution. This paper compares direct and indirect tensile tests for the definition of the FRC post-cracking constitutive law, highlighting advantages and disadvantages of each test type. A comparison between standard and non-standard mechanical tests is also presented. Mechanical and non-destructive tests on drilled core samples extracted in different directions and at different locations have allowed the evaluation of the effects of fibre distribution and fibre orientation which provide an estimation of the possibility of using these tests as simplified tests for production control.

ACS Style

Paolo Martinelli; Matteo Colombo; Pablo Pujadas; Albert de la Fuente; Sergio Cavalaro; Marco di Prisco. Characterization tests for predicting the mechanical performance of SFRC floors: identification of fibre distribution and orientation effects. Materials and Structures 2021, 54, 1 -13.

AMA Style

Paolo Martinelli, Matteo Colombo, Pablo Pujadas, Albert de la Fuente, Sergio Cavalaro, Marco di Prisco. Characterization tests for predicting the mechanical performance of SFRC floors: identification of fibre distribution and orientation effects. Materials and Structures. 2021; 54 (1):1-13.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Paolo Martinelli; Matteo Colombo; Pablo Pujadas; Albert de la Fuente; Sergio Cavalaro; Marco di Prisco. 2021. "Characterization tests for predicting the mechanical performance of SFRC floors: identification of fibre distribution and orientation effects." Materials and Structures 54, no. 1: 1-13.

Journal article
Published: 04 January 2021 in Materials and Structures
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The paper presents an experimental program carried out to check the load bearing capacity of a steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) floor in northern Italy. The extensive mechanical characterization focused on the suitability of 3 non-standardized test methods for quality control and tensile constitutive curve assessment was performed, this consisting of: uniaxial tensile test (UTT), double edge wedge splitting test (DEWST) and double punching test (DPT) to characterize the post-cracking mechanical properties of the material. The joint experimental programme, carried out at the Politecnico di Milano and at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, included the flexural characterization of four shallow beams (1.5 × 0.5 × 0.25 m3) and six standard notched beams (0.55 × 0.15 × 0.15 m3). All the samples were produced from the same batch and with the same SFRC mix which was applied for the floor. After that, 192 cores were drilled from the shallow beams and subjected to either UTTs, DEWSTs or DPTs. The stress level, the scatter and the constitutive curves derived from the non-standardized tests were identified and analysed. The calculated constitutive curves were used to predict the behaviour of the shallow beams.

ACS Style

Paolo Martinelli; Matteo Colombo; Albert de la Fuente; Sergio Cavalaro; Pablo Pujadas; Marco di Prisco. Characterization tests for predicting the mechanical performance of SFRC floors: design considerations. Materials and Structures 2021, 54, 1 -16.

AMA Style

Paolo Martinelli, Matteo Colombo, Albert de la Fuente, Sergio Cavalaro, Pablo Pujadas, Marco di Prisco. Characterization tests for predicting the mechanical performance of SFRC floors: design considerations. Materials and Structures. 2021; 54 (1):1-16.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Paolo Martinelli; Matteo Colombo; Albert de la Fuente; Sergio Cavalaro; Pablo Pujadas; Marco di Prisco. 2021. "Characterization tests for predicting the mechanical performance of SFRC floors: design considerations." Materials and Structures 54, no. 1: 1-16.

Review
Published: 12 November 2020 in Materials
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Fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) is increasingly used in structural applications owing to its benefits in terms of toughness, durability, ductility, construction cost and time. However, research on the creep behavior of FRC has not kept pace with other areas such as short-term properties. Therefore, this study aims to present a comprehensive and critical review of literature on the creep properties and behavior of FRC with recommendations for future research. A transparent literature search and filtering methodology were used to identify studies regarding creep on the single fiber level, FRC material level, and level of structural behavior of FRC members. Both experimental and theoretical research are analyzed. The results of the review show that, at the single fiber level, pull-out creep should be considered for steel fiber-reinforced concrete, whereas fiber creep can be a governing design parameter in the case of polymeric fiber reinforced concrete subjected to permanent tensile stresses incompatible with the mechanical time-dependent performance of the fiber. On the material level of FRC, a wide variety of test parameters still hinders the formulation of comprehensive constitutive models that allow proper consideration of the creep in the design of FRC elements. Although significant research remains to be carried out, the experience gained so far confirms that both steel and polymeric fibers can be used as concrete reinforcement provided certain limitations in terms of structural applications are imposed. Finally, by providing recommendations for future research, this study aims to contribute to code development and industry uptake of structural FRC applications.

ACS Style

Nikola Tošić; Stanislav Aidarov; Albert De La Fuente. Systematic Review on the Creep of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete. Materials 2020, 13, 5098 .

AMA Style

Nikola Tošić, Stanislav Aidarov, Albert De La Fuente. Systematic Review on the Creep of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete. Materials. 2020; 13 (22):5098.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Nikola Tošić; Stanislav Aidarov; Albert De La Fuente. 2020. "Systematic Review on the Creep of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete." Materials 13, no. 22: 5098.

Journal article
Published: 21 October 2020 in Cement and Concrete Composites
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The objective of this paper is to analyse the mechanical behaviour of polypropylene fibre reinforced concrete subjected to load cycles and propose a model to predict the crack-opening increase and mechanical performance evolution over the cycles. Fatigue tests were performed in pre-cracked specimens with 2 fibre types and contents to assess the evolution of the crack-opening for prescribed numbers of load cycles. The residual flexural tensile strength was assessed before and after these tests to estimate the impact of the cycles in the remaining resistant capacity of the specimens. Results suggest that the mechanism of crack propagation is independent of the fibre type and content. The accumulated damage due to the cycles produces an offset in the quasi-static residual tensile strength curve. These findings underpin the proposal of a model to predict the evolution of the crack-opening and the remaining resistant capacity. An optimisation procedure is proposed to derive the model parameters using a limited number of initial load cycles. This paper provides knowledge and data that may aid further research and contribute to the future development of design recommendations.

ACS Style

Debora Martinello Carlesso; Sergio Cavalaro; Albert de la Fuente. Flexural fatigue of pre-cracked plastic fibre reinforced concrete: Experimental study and numerical modeling. Cement and Concrete Composites 2020, 115, 103850 .

AMA Style

Debora Martinello Carlesso, Sergio Cavalaro, Albert de la Fuente. Flexural fatigue of pre-cracked plastic fibre reinforced concrete: Experimental study and numerical modeling. Cement and Concrete Composites. 2020; 115 ():103850.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Debora Martinello Carlesso; Sergio Cavalaro; Albert de la Fuente. 2020. "Flexural fatigue of pre-cracked plastic fibre reinforced concrete: Experimental study and numerical modeling." Cement and Concrete Composites 115, no. : 103850.

Journal article
Published: 18 August 2020 in Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
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One of the main challenges in assisting displaced persons who have lost their homes as a result of a natural hazard is the provision of adequate post-disaster accommodations, such as temporary housing. Although the need for temporary housing has increased around the world in recent years, it has been criticized on economic, environmental, and social grounds. A universal approach to post-disaster accommodations cannot successfully deal with this issue because each recovery process involves a unique set of conditions. Therefore, rather than defining a specific strategy, this study aims to present an approach capable of producing customized strategies based on contextual and social conditions. To this end, first, the main factors influencing the choice of post-disaster accommodations are identified through five case studies. It is concluded that all of the factors can be organized into three main vertices to simplify the highly complex issues involved in post-disaster accommodations. The case studies also show that the decision-making process consists of two main parts. To date, a recurring failure to distinguish between these two parts has led to unsuitable outcomes. Thus, this paper presents a new decision-making methodology, consisting of multiple steps, phases, and indicators based on the main vertices.

ACS Style

S. M. Amin Hosseini; Albert de la Fuente; Oriol Pons; Carmen Mendoza Arroyo. A Decision Methodology for Determining Suitable Post-Disaster Accommodations: Reconsidering Effective Indicators for Decision-making Processes. Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management 2020, 17, 1 .

AMA Style

S. M. Amin Hosseini, Albert de la Fuente, Oriol Pons, Carmen Mendoza Arroyo. A Decision Methodology for Determining Suitable Post-Disaster Accommodations: Reconsidering Effective Indicators for Decision-making Processes. Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. 2020; 17 (3):1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

S. M. Amin Hosseini; Albert de la Fuente; Oriol Pons; Carmen Mendoza Arroyo. 2020. "A Decision Methodology for Determining Suitable Post-Disaster Accommodations: Reconsidering Effective Indicators for Decision-making Processes." Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management 17, no. 3: 1.

Journal article
Published: 01 July 2020 in Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology
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Fibre reinforced concrete (FRC) is increasingly used in tunnel segmental linings constructed with tunnel boring machines. Several codes include the FRC as a structural material and specific guidelines cover the design of FRC precast segmental linings. All of these consider the traditional limit state format, applying partial safety factors to the loads (γL) and material strengths (γM). Often, the γM applied to the residual tensile strength of FRC is assumed the same as for concrete in compression. However, the variability in the determination of the residual tensile strength may be several times bigger than that of the compressive strength. In this context, the application of the same γM should be revised as it could lead to reliability indexes lower than the established for traditional reinforced concrete structures. The objective of this paper is to estimate safety factors for the residual flexural response of FRC used in tunnels segments, considering the variability of the material in both the material characterisation test and in the real-scale structure. After a study about the influence of the element size on the variability, an evaluation of the structural reliability of the segmental linings made with FRC is performed using the FORM method and a database of real-scale test results compiled from existing literature. Based on that, values of γM are proposed according to different failure consequences levels and relative economic costs required to increase the structural safety.

ACS Style

V. Cugat; S.H.P. Cavalaro; J.M. Bairán; Albert de la Fuente. Safety format for the flexural design of tunnel fibre reinforced concrete precast segmental linings. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology 2020, 103, 103500 .

AMA Style

V. Cugat, S.H.P. Cavalaro, J.M. Bairán, Albert de la Fuente. Safety format for the flexural design of tunnel fibre reinforced concrete precast segmental linings. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology. 2020; 103 ():103500.

Chicago/Turabian Style

V. Cugat; S.H.P. Cavalaro; J.M. Bairán; Albert de la Fuente. 2020. "Safety format for the flexural design of tunnel fibre reinforced concrete precast segmental linings." Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology 103, no. : 103500.

Journal article
Published: 20 February 2020 in Building and Environment
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Temporary housing units (THUs), which are provided after disasters, are crucial in terms of sustainability pillars (economic, social, and environmental). In general, THUs, which are regular houses with minimum space and facilities, incorporate some negative aspects of the building industry. Additionally, as large numbers of THUs are usually provided in a short time and under emergency situations, some negative impacts of these units escalate. In this context, this study aims at reducing some negative impacts of THUs by applying a novel optimization model that maximises sustainability indexes by simulating the design of interior geometries for THUs. This method is based on the coupling of artificial intelligence and a multi-criteria decision-making model for sustainability assessment. The proposed model generates optimal solutions using a backtracking algorithm together with a binary search. To evaluate the sustainability indexes, an Integrated Value Model for Sustainability Assessment (MIVES) is applied. This novel method enables decision makers to automatically generate the most suitable alternative solutions for the early design stage of THUs. The results confirm that small changes in the interior geometric design can remarkably affect the sustainability indexes of THUs.

ACS Style

S.M. Amin Hosseini; Reza Yazdani; Albert de la Fuente. Multi-objective interior design optimization method based on sustainability concepts for post-disaster temporary housing units. Building and Environment 2020, 173, 106742 .

AMA Style

S.M. Amin Hosseini, Reza Yazdani, Albert de la Fuente. Multi-objective interior design optimization method based on sustainability concepts for post-disaster temporary housing units. Building and Environment. 2020; 173 ():106742.

Chicago/Turabian Style

S.M. Amin Hosseini; Reza Yazdani; Albert de la Fuente. 2020. "Multi-objective interior design optimization method based on sustainability concepts for post-disaster temporary housing units." Building and Environment 173, no. : 106742.

Journal article
Published: 09 February 2020 in Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology
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Concentrated loads induced during the excavation stage by Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) is still a matter of discussion into the tunnelling construction field, this having a strong impact from both the technical (e.g., durability and service conditions) and the economic perspectives. Fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) has been gaining acceptance as a structural material for producing precast segments as this has proven to lead to various advantages respect to the traditional reinforced concrete, especially for improving the crack control during transient loading situations. In this sense, several experimental programs and numerical studies were previously carried out in which the different geometric and mechanical governing variables were analyzed and, from the results, valuable conclusions were derived. Nonetheless, there are still observed lacks and gaps related with the optimum reinforcement design (FRC strength class and/or amount of traditional steel bar reinforcement) which is often hindering the use of fibers as main reinforcement for concrete segments. The main purpose of the research consist in developing a parametric analysis related with the TBM-thrust effects on FRC segments by means of using a non-linear 3D FEM, previously calibrated with full-scale tests. The results are used to determine the range of FRC strength classes suitable for controlling the crack with during the TBM thrust phase. The results and conclusions are expected to be useful for tunnels designers when establishing the FRC mechanical requirements.

ACS Style

Alejandro Nogales; Albert de la Fuente. Crack width design approach for fibre reinforced concrete tunnel segments for TBM thrust loads. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology 2020, 98, 103342 .

AMA Style

Alejandro Nogales, Albert de la Fuente. Crack width design approach for fibre reinforced concrete tunnel segments for TBM thrust loads. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology. 2020; 98 ():103342.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Alejandro Nogales; Albert de la Fuente. 2020. "Crack width design approach for fibre reinforced concrete tunnel segments for TBM thrust loads." Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology 98, no. : 103342.

Journal article
Published: 14 November 2019 in Journal of Cleaner Production
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A model to evaluate the sustainability of structural elements is developed. MIVES is proved to be an adequate sustainability assessment tool in these cases. Girders and trusses made of timber, concrete and steel are analysed. Timber and concrete trusses achieve the highest global sustainability indexes.

ACS Style

I. Josa; O. Pons; A. de la Fuente; A. Aguado. Multi-criteria decision-making model to assess the sustainability of girders and trusses: Case study for roofs of sports halls. Journal of Cleaner Production 2019, 249, 119312 .

AMA Style

I. Josa, O. Pons, A. de la Fuente, A. Aguado. Multi-criteria decision-making model to assess the sustainability of girders and trusses: Case study for roofs of sports halls. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2019; 249 ():119312.

Chicago/Turabian Style

I. Josa; O. Pons; A. de la Fuente; A. Aguado. 2019. "Multi-criteria decision-making model to assess the sustainability of girders and trusses: Case study for roofs of sports halls." Journal of Cleaner Production 249, no. : 119312.

Conference paper
Published: 21 June 2019 in IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science
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Factors such as global urbanization, scarcity of land, and rising land prices will increase the need for high-rise buildings. Population growth has led to dense life in residential high-rise buildings (RHRB). On the one hand, RHRB have benefits such as the maximization of land use. On the other hand, disadvantages such as ignoring features of cultural context, difficulties in guaranteeing natural ventilation and the high maintenance expenses are considered as their weaknesses. According to previous studies, most current RHRB do not consider social cohesion and local identity. Studies have proven that dimensions of social sustainability have been scarcely considered. The main objective in sustainability assessment of RHRB consist in reducing the environmental impact and increasing the efficiency and residents' satisfaction. Recent studies have considered modern methods for assessing the sustainability; in this regard, multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approaches are one of the most common alternatives to assess sustainability. The aim of this research is to develop a MCDM tool oriented to specifically assessing sustainability by using the Integrated Value Model for Sustainability Assessment (MIVES). The MIVES approach allows minimizing subjectivity in decision making while objectively integrating economic, environmental and social factors. In this paper, a new sustainability assessment model, which has been specifically configured to analyse social parameters for high-rise residential buildings, is presented. The findings show that most of the RHRB aspects positively affect the characteristics of the buildings and surroundings, while also affecting the psychological needs of humans.

ACS Style

B Maleki; M D M Casanovas Rubio; S.M. Amin Hosseini; A De La Fuente Antequera. Multi-Criteria Decision Making in the Social Sustainability Assessment of High-Rise Residential Buildings. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science 2019, 290, 012054 .

AMA Style

B Maleki, M D M Casanovas Rubio, S.M. Amin Hosseini, A De La Fuente Antequera. Multi-Criteria Decision Making in the Social Sustainability Assessment of High-Rise Residential Buildings. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science. 2019; 290 (1):012054.

Chicago/Turabian Style

B Maleki; M D M Casanovas Rubio; S.M. Amin Hosseini; A De La Fuente Antequera. 2019. "Multi-Criteria Decision Making in the Social Sustainability Assessment of High-Rise Residential Buildings." IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science 290, no. 1: 012054.