Abstract
Concrete is widely used in construction due to its durability and strength. However, structures made of concrete may weaken over time due to a variety of reasons, such as cracks, chemical attack, and environmental factors. This necessitates the development of new techniques to improve the lifespan and sustainability of concrete structures. Bio-concrete and self-healing techniques have emerged as viable approaches to address the challenges of concrete degradation. This literature review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the advancements made in bio-concrete and self-healing technologies for concrete. The review begins by discussing the fundamental principles of bio-concrete, which is defined as the incorporation of bacteria or other microorganisms into the concrete matrix. These bacteria are capable of producing calcite precipitation, thereby sealing cracks and enhancing the concrete’s self-healing properties. Moreover, the review explores the mechanical and chemical characterization techniques used to assess the performance of bio-concrete as a self-healing concrete. It analyzes the results of various experimental studies and field applications that offer insights into the performance and effectiveness of these technologies under diverse environmental conditions. Overall, this literature review aims to consolidate the current knowledge and advancements in bio-concrete and self-healing technologies. The findings from this review can serve as a valuable resource for researchers, engineers, and practitioners involved in the design, construction, and maintenance of concrete infrastructure. This contribution ultimately promotes the development of more sustainable and durable concrete materials.
Sustainable Restoration Techniques for Historic Buildings in Tyre City
July 23, 2023Abstract
The intervention of historic buildings is a complex and evolving phenomenon; all aspects of sustainability must be considered. The possibility of these restored buildings collapsing can cause significant damage to the economy, social life, environment, and cultural heritage due to inappropriate interventions and decisions. Therefore, an integrated approach to managing these historic buildings is needed to achieve a sustainable level of restoration. The responsibility to transmit cultural heritage to future generations makes sustainable construction even more important. In this article, common types of interventions are analyzed to create a guide for an integrated approach to sustainability and structural behavior according to international standards and methods. As a case study, the city of Tyre (Sour) was analyzed, and several cases have been studied to highlight the necessary aspects for sustaining historic buildings. By considering all structurally or pathologically important aspects explained below in two sections—macro and micro approaches—this article presents the main sustainability methods and techniques.
An Experimental and Numerical Evaluation of the Structural Performance of Concrete Beams Containing Bamboo Shear Reinforcement
June 19, 2023Abstract
Alternatives to steel reinforcement in concrete are being actively investigated for environmental, economic, and durability concerns. Several studies suggest that bamboo is a potential substitute for steel reinforcement. In this study, the shear behavior of five reinforced concrete beams incorporating bamboo strips as shear reinforcement at different spaces and configurations were assessed. Structural concrete having a compressive strength of 25 MPa was used for this purpose. The experimental program involved applying four point bending test to the beams to determine their load deflection curves, crack pattern, and strain distribution. In addition, a numerical analysis was conducted for validation and prediction purposes. It was observed that including bamboo strips as shear reinforcement influenced a more brittle behavior with marginal differences when changing their spacing. On the contrary, the spacing was decisive for the load carrying capacity, as smaller spacing caused higher capacity. Strain distribution results followed a similar pattern to that of the deflection. All the curves exhibited a brittle shear failure evidenced by the crack propagation process. Further, the numerical study performed produced accurate results in comparison with the results obtained experimentally, in terms of both the load deflection curves and the crack pattern.
