Publicação
Integrated approach for the optimization of structural systems for the pre-fabrication industry using high performance materials and advanced numerical tools
| Resumo: | The corrosion of steel reinforcements is a significant challenge in reinforced concrete structures, particularly in aggressive environments. This issue not only compromises the structural integrity of concrete beams but also contributes to substantial economic, social, and environmental costs due to frequent repair or demolition. To address these limitations, this research investigates the potential of hybrid reinforcement systems combining Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) bars and steel bars, along with steel fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC), to develop durable, cost-effective, and high-performing prefabricated thin-web beams. This research adopts a multidisciplinary approach, integrating experimental, numerical, and analytical methods. Experimental work involved testing large-scale hybrid beams reinforced with prestressed GFRP and steel bars, alongside SFRC elements. The research also involved the optimization of hybrid reinforcement ratios to achieve cost-effective designs with improved structural performance. Metaheuristic algorithms were employed to identify balanced reinforcement configurations, ensuring efficient material use while meeting design requirements for flexural resistance. The optimization framework incorporated constitutive models and experimental data, offering a practical approach to designing hybrid-reinforced SFRC beams for prefabrication industries. Numerical modeling formed a critical part of this study, utilizing finite element analysis (FEA) to simulate the nonlinear behavior of hybrid-reinforced SFRC beams. Advanced computational tools, including 2D and 3D finite element models, were developed to investigate fracture mechanisms, crack propagation, and tension stiffening effects. The simulations incorporated global resistance methods to evaluate safety margins and reliability under service and ultimate limit state conditions. The results were validated against experimental data, providing insights into the accuracy of numerical models in predicting the structural response of hybrid-reinforced beams. The outcomes of this research not only advance the understanding of hybrid reinforcements but also present a practical pathway for developing durable and sustainable concrete beams tailored for aggressive environments. These findings are expected to inform future studies and pave the way for broader adoption of hybrid reinforcement systems in construction practices. |
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| Autores principais: | Shahrbijari, Kamyar Bagherinejad |
| Assunto: | Finite element analysis (FEA) GFRP Hybrid reinforcement systems SFRC Structural optimization Análise de elementos finitos (FEA) Otimização estrutural PRFV Sistemas de reforço híbridos Engenharia e Tecnologia::Engenharia Civil |
| Ano: | 2025 |
| País: | Portugal |
| Tipo de documento: | tese de doutoramento |
| Tipo de acesso: | acesso aberto |
| Instituição associada: | Universidade do Minho |
| Idioma: | inglês |
| Origem: | RepositóriUM - Universidade do Minho |
| Resumo: | The corrosion of steel reinforcements is a significant challenge in reinforced concrete structures, particularly in aggressive environments. This issue not only compromises the structural integrity of concrete beams but also contributes to substantial economic, social, and environmental costs due to frequent repair or demolition. To address these limitations, this research investigates the potential of hybrid reinforcement systems combining Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) bars and steel bars, along with steel fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC), to develop durable, cost-effective, and high-performing prefabricated thin-web beams. This research adopts a multidisciplinary approach, integrating experimental, numerical, and analytical methods. Experimental work involved testing large-scale hybrid beams reinforced with prestressed GFRP and steel bars, alongside SFRC elements. The research also involved the optimization of hybrid reinforcement ratios to achieve cost-effective designs with improved structural performance. Metaheuristic algorithms were employed to identify balanced reinforcement configurations, ensuring efficient material use while meeting design requirements for flexural resistance. The optimization framework incorporated constitutive models and experimental data, offering a practical approach to designing hybrid-reinforced SFRC beams for prefabrication industries. Numerical modeling formed a critical part of this study, utilizing finite element analysis (FEA) to simulate the nonlinear behavior of hybrid-reinforced SFRC beams. Advanced computational tools, including 2D and 3D finite element models, were developed to investigate fracture mechanisms, crack propagation, and tension stiffening effects. The simulations incorporated global resistance methods to evaluate safety margins and reliability under service and ultimate limit state conditions. The results were validated against experimental data, providing insights into the accuracy of numerical models in predicting the structural response of hybrid-reinforced beams. The outcomes of this research not only advance the understanding of hybrid reinforcements but also present a practical pathway for developing durable and sustainable concrete beams tailored for aggressive environments. These findings are expected to inform future studies and pave the way for broader adoption of hybrid reinforcement systems in construction practices. |
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