Digital Commons Network^™

Use Fibre Optic Sensor Systems For Structural Integrity Monitoring In Ageing Sewer Concrete Structures And Pipelines, Matthas Fabian, Joanna Coote, Richard Harry Scott, Heriberto Bustamante, Tong Sun, Kenneth Thomas Victor Grattan

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

Fibre Bragg Gratings (FBGs) form the basis of a valuable class of sensors that have a number of applications in industry and are formed as a periodic variation in the refractive index of an optical fibre that reflects light at a specific wavelength depending on the strain applied to the fibre – this effect can be related to and then calibrated against the parameter to be measured. A number of different types of sensors have been developed for monitoring sewer structures, detecting strain and potential leaks in sewer pipelines by embedding fibres along the pipeline route and for monitoring the …

Toward Durable 3d Printed Structures, David A. Lange, Chenyue Shen

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

Durability of 3-D printable concrete begins with control of flow and consolidation of the fresh material. 3D printed concrete needs to be fluid-like for pumping and extrusion but solid-like during placement to support the printed structure. High quality 3D printed materials must have excellent consolidation and a low volume of trapped voids. In practice, achieving this balance is challenging. This research addresses these challenges by leveraging machine learning and numerical simulation to model the fresh behavior of cement-based materials for 3-D printing. It begins with rheological characterisation to understand how mixture design factors influence rheological properties, laying the foundation for …

Chloride Transport In Low Clinker Content Concretes And Modeling, Pu Yang, Narayanan Neithalath, Manu Santhanam, Yuvaraj Dhandapani

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

Chloride ion transport behaviour has been reported to be significantly influenced by the use of supplementary cementing materials in concrete, both due to physical effects such as pore structure refinement and chemical effects including chloride binding. This paper provides experimental results on diffusion of chloride ions through concretes containing limestone calcined clay as a cement replacement material at ~50% replacement level, demonstrating the beneficial effects of high-volume replacement of cement with calcined clay. A numerical simulation framework that considers the pore structure of concrete, the concentration-dependence of diffusion coefficient, and Freundlich binding is also presented. The diffusion model is augmented …

Challenges And Opportunities In Concrete Precast Sector And Its Transition To A Net-Zero Future, Sreejith Nanukuttan, Rory Doherty, Daniel Mcpolin, Marios Soutsos, Mark Russell

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

This article explores key factors shaping the transition of the precast concrete sector toward net-zero carbon. While not exhaustive, it highlights areas of scientific and technical interest for a specialist audience. The discussion is structured around priority themes: beginning with cement and clinker replacement, followed by production efficiency improvements, rethinking steel usage, carbon sequestration strategies, and, finally, structural optimisation or volume reduction. These areas are often interdependent: for instance, clinker replacement, production efficiency, and structural optimisation are all influenced by the 16 – 18 hour production cycle typical of precast manufacturing. Unlike the readymix sector, precast operates on a fast-paced, …

Enhancing Concrete Circularity In Construction: The Recyclebim Framework In Closing Material Loops, Miguel Azenha, Artur Kuzminykh, José Granja, Manuel Parente, M. Albadri, P. González-Cabaleiro, R. Túñez-Alcalde, Lucía Díaz-Vilariño, C. Cao, N. Ukrainczyk, E. Koenders, A. J. Babafemi, M. Colyn, W. De Villiers, A. Ditlhokwa, H. Els, K. Timm, G. Van Zijl, E. Ameh, J. Immelman, V. Ndjate, L. Petrik, E. Ciampi, G. Nisivoccia, M. G. Orecchio, E. Sandonis, V. Garcia, D. Garcia, A. Delaplace

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

Despite significant progress in digitalisation across various sectors, the development of data-driven applications in the built environment remains ongoing, with a focus on improving labour productivity and addressing global sustainability challenges. The circular economy framework for reusing and recycling construction materials is still underexplored. Metrics on the amount and impact of construction and demolition waste (CDW) highlight the need for more effective circularity strategies. Although the circular economy seeks to minimise waste, maximise material reuse, and reduce environmental impacts, practical implementation within the construction sector requires further development—an area where digital technologies can offer substantial support. This study introduces the …

Decalcification Of Calcium Silicate Hydrate By Sulfate Attack: Material Degradation By Heterogeneous Charges, Muhan Wang, Xiangming Zhou, Chengbo Liu, Pan Wang, Dongshuai Hou

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

Sulfate attack is a key factor limiting the durability of concrete in aggressive environments, primarily through the degradation of calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H), the main binding phase of cement. This study investigates the molecular mechanisms of C–S–H decalcification under sulfate exposure by combining semi-empirical Born–Oppenheimer molecular dynamics (BOMD) with density functional theory (DFT). A C–S–H model with a Ca/Si ratio of 1.5 was simulated in aqueous environments with and without sulfate ions. BOMD trajectories revealed that while C–S–H remained largely stable in pure water, sulfate ions rapidly promoted Ca²⁺ desorption, leading to silicate chain fragmentation and Q²→Q¹ transitions. Electronic structure …

Fractal Characterisation Of Crack Tortuosity And Its Correlation With Permeability In Concrete, Yuan Shen, Tamon Ueda

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

This study investigated fracture behaviour in four concrete grades (C40-C70) through controlled splitting tests. Using high-resolution 3D profilometry, we quantitatively characterised crack surface morphology and proposed a novel fractal dimension metric for tortuosity D_T. Post-repair permeability tests on 12 specimens (24 fracture surfaces) revealed: (1) conventional tortuosity showed weak permeability correlation (R²<0.350), while (2) D_T demonstrated superior predictive capability (R²=0.430). The developed fractal tortuosity index provides a robust multiscale quantification method for crack flow mechanism analysis.

Utilisation Of Semi-Naturally Carbonated Steelmaking Slag As Concrete Aggregate, Sumire Nakamura, Yuichiro Kawabata

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

Steelmaking slag has emerged as a promising material for low-carbon concrete, owing to its ability to sequester CO₂ through carbonation. However, CO2 sequestration by steelmaking slag and its utilisation is still far from practical application due to the high energy consumption and cost of the accelerated carbonation process. Anticipating that optimising the pre-natural carbonation during storage would reduce the energy and cost for accelerated carbonation, this study focused on the natural carbonation potential of steelmaking slag. In addition, the applicability of naturally carbonated steelmaking slag as aggregate for concrete was investigated. The long-term exposure experiment simulating outdoor storage demonstrated that …

Deploying 3d Concrete Printing For Large-Scale Building Construction In Saudi Arabia: A Case Study, Zakiah Yousif Altehaini, Mohammed Ahmad Dayili, Meshari Ali Alrajab, Adel Nasser Alharbi, Ali Khudhran Alutaibi, Eyad Hamzah Garatly

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

This paper details the successful large-scale implementation of 3D concrete printing (3DCP) for the construction of large building in remote area of Saudi Arabia. As one of the first religious buildings in the region constructed using additive manufacturing, this project showcases 3DCP's technological and environmental potential for contemporary building. In order to ensure sustainability and cost effectiveness, the mosque was constructed using a COBOD BOD2 gantry printer and a customised concrete mix made up of 99% locally sourced materials and 1% CEMEX D-fab admixture. To maximise thermal insulation and accommodate mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, the structure included a …

Surface Morphology, Bond Strength And Failure Behaviour Of Steel Vs Basalt Rebars In Alkali Activated Concrete, Ansu Mary Alex, Sreejith Nanukuttan, Adeline Mccartney, Marios Soutsos, Daniel Mcpolin

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

This microscopic characteristics of basalt bars after exposure to alkaline solutions and pullout performance of steel and basalt rebars embedded in conventional and alkali-activated concrete were studied. The overarching goal is to assess the potential of basalt rebars as an alternative to conventional steel reinforcement in alkali activated concrete elements. To understand their durability in alkaline environments, especially within alkali-activated concrete (AAC), steel and basalt rebars were subjected to an accelerated exposure test in high-pH simulated concrete pore solutions, for 24hrs. This aimed to replicate the aggressive internal environment typically found in AAC and mixes with supplementary cementitious materials. Post-exposure …

Leapp Basic Code Sight Word Vocabulary Screener, Chenell Loudermill, Tamar Greenwell

Purdue-LEaPP Assessment Toolkit

The LEaPP Basic Code Sight Word Vocabulary Screener can be used to determine which words a learner has in their sight word vocabulary. These words are organized according to the concepts on the LEaPP Scope and Sequence Progress Monitoring Form. The list contains phonetic and non-phonetic words that are frequently used in early reading text and each set has an established criteria for mastery. The accompanying PowerPoint deck allows for quick examination of a learners’ sight word vocabulary. This document contains instructions for use and the record form.

Leapp Advanced Code Sight Word Vocabulary Screener, Chenell Loudermill, Tamar Greenwell

Purdue-LEaPP Assessment Toolkit

The LEaPP Advanced Code Sight Word Vocabulary Screener can be used to determine which words a learner has in their sight word vocabulary. These words are organized according to the concepts on the LEaPP Scope and Sequence Progress Monitoring Form, starting with advanced concepts. The list contains phonetic and non-phonetic words that are frequently used in early reading text and each set has an established criteria for mastery. The accompanying PowerPoint deck allows for quick examination of a learners’ sight word vocabulary. This document contains instructions for use and the record form.

Leapp Basic Code Sight Word Vocabulary Screener Powerpoint Set 1-5, Chenell Loudermill, Tamar Greenwell

Purdue-LEaPP Assessment Toolkit

This slide deck contains the words for the LEaPP Basic Code Sight Word Vocabulary Screener. The deck is organized by set and contains directions for use.

Leapp Advanced Code Sight Word Vocabulary Screener Powerpoint Set 1-12, Chenell Loudermill, Tamar Greenwell

Purdue-LEaPP Assessment Toolkit

This slide deck contains the words for the LEaPP Advanced Code Sight Word Vocabulary Screener. The deck is organized by set and contains directions for use.

Responsive Functional Polymers And Nano-Particles For Active Control Of Concrete During Processing, Geert De Schutter

C3 Symposium 2025

The presentation summarizes two options to achieve active rheology control of concrete: switchable functional polymers and responsive nano-particles. Some potential applications are described, and remaining challenges are discussed.

Real-Time Concrete Strength Estimation Using Electro-Mechanical Impedance And 1d Cnn, Rui He, Guangshuai Han, Na (Luna) Lu, Yining Feng

C3 Symposium 2025

This study presents a field-validated deep learning model for real-time, in-situ concrete strength estimation using piezoelectric sensors and electro-mechanical impedance (EMI) signal processing. Addressing the limitations of prior research—namely, narrow datasets and poor field applicability—we constructed a diverse database comprising over 775 data points across 28 mix designs and 107 sensor deployments. A novel 1D Convolutional Neural Network (1DCNN) with a baseline correction mechanism was developed to analyze time-series EMI signals. Our model achieved a mean absolute error of 2.68 MPa and an R² of 0.96 in testing, outperforming conventional methods. Transfer learning techniques further enhanced adaptability to new mix …

Utilization Of Fbc Ash Using A Mineral Carbonation, Jinyoung Yoon, Heejung Jun

C3 Symposium 2025

This study evaluates indirect carbonation for CO₂ sequestration and high-purity CaCO3 production using FBC fly ash (HFA) and bottom ash (HBA). NH₄Cl extraction showed higher calcium recovery than DI water, with CaCO3 yields of 10.2 wt.% (HFA) and 8.4 wt.% (HBA). CO2 capture capacities were 45.0 kg and 36.8 kg per ton of ash. Vaterite formation occurred under low pH conditions. Carbonation residues had lower compressive strength but improved durability. This process supports sustainable waste management, circular economy principles, and CCUS by utilizing industrial by-products and generating high-purity CaCO3 for environmental and construction applications.

Experimental Study About Various Factors That Influence Quantitative Accuracy Of Co2 Content In Carbonated Cementitious Material, Kazuya Yamashita, Kazuto Tabara, Hiroyuki Kameda, Sho Yoshino

C3 Symposium 2025

We investigated a method to accurately quantify the amount of CO2 fixed in concrete. There are major measurement methods which have different sample decomposition process by acid (AC) and thermal decomposition (TC) method, and the type of CO2 which is able to be quantified is determined by the decomposition methods. Theoretically AC method can quantify only inorganic carbon in cementitious materials. On the other hand, CO2 content by TC method would be affected by organic and elemental carbon containing in the sample, because TC method cannot recognize those. In this study, we designed to compare the CO2 content of cement …

Engineering Performance Of Semi-Flowable Concrete With High-Volume Indigenous Scms, Arash Aghaeipour, Jingjie Wei, Kamal H. Khayat, Roberta Alfani, Erisa Myrtja

C3 Symposium 2025

Enhancing clinker efficiency and increasing limestone filler (LF) in binder are essential for engineering applications. This study explores the high-volume substitution of Portland cement, with 50 wt.% LF and up to 30 wt.% traditional SCMs, in semi-flowable concrete (SFC), evaluating properties of SFC. A slump of 200 mm was achieved, with retentions above 130 mm after 70 minutes for SFC mixtures. The 28-day compressive and flexural strengths of SFC exceeded 30 MPa and 3.2 MPa, respectively, meeting structural performance benchmarks (ACI 318, ASTM C94). LF replacement rate in binder exceeding 10% reduces strength of SFC due to LF’s lack of …

Anisotropic Residual Stress Measurements In Additively Manufactured 316 Stainless Steel Parts, Rajeshree Varma, Donovan Stumpf, Paul R. Mort

15th International Conference on Shot Peening

Additive manufacturing (AM) using laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) is increasingly used to produce complex parts for industries like aerospace and medical devices. The intrinsic characteristics of AM – layer-wise deposition and rapid thermal cycling – generate significant, anisotropic, residual stresses that can compromise part quality and performance. Recent studies highlight how these stresses are strongly influenced by process parameters and build orientation. X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques, including sin²ψ and advanced two-dimensional approaches, have become the preferred methods for non-destructive, directionally resolved measurement of residual stress in AM metals. This review surveys advancements in XRD residual stress methods with a …

Fourier Analyses Of Optical Profilometry As An Inferential Measurement For Impact Coverage., Langdon Feltner, Paul Mort

15th International Conference on Shot Peening

A critical consideration in peening process design is achieving sufficient impact coverage. Conventional methods for assessing coverage rely on manual inspection, which is time-consuming and poorly suited for automated control. In this work, we investigate the use of frequency-domain analysis to quantify surface modification in peened samples using optical profilometry (OP) data. Three-dimensional surface maps of Almen strips were acquired using a high-resolution OP system and analyzed via fast Fourier transform (FFT) to compute spatial power spectral densities (PSDs). PSD maps and radially averaged profiles reveal consistent amplification of harmonic components similar to the nominal particle size, with increasing intensity …

Enhancing High Cycle Fatigue Perfomance Of Electron Beam Melted Ti6al4v: A Study On Shot Peening And Hot Isostatic Pressing, Naghmeh M. Mojib, Dwayne D. Arola, Ramulu Mamidala

15th International Conference on Shot Peening

The qualification of electron beam powder bed fusion (PBF-EB) for safety-critical applications is hindered by variability in high cycle fatigue performance, largely due to surface roughness and internal defects. While Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) effectively reduces internal porosity, it does not address surface-initiated fatigue failures. This study investigated the combined effects of HIP and shot peening on enhancing the fatigue performance of PBF-EB Ti6Al4V. Over 50 specimens, including both vertical and horizontal build orientations, underwent high cycle fatigue testing per ASTM E466. X-Ray computed tomography confirmed decrease in defect distribution following HIP, while shot peening resulted in a more uniform …

Investigations On The Fatigue Strength Of Threads Produced By Different Fabrication Techniques, Philippe Du Maire, Jürgen Hoffmeister, Andreas Öchsner, Michael Johlitz

15th International Conference on Shot Peening

The increasing importance of sustainability in engineering demands the development of long-lasting, high-performance components that reduce material and energy consumption over time. This study investigates how different thread manufacturing processes, i.e., cutting, rolling, and deep rolling, affect the fatigue strength of bolts made from 42CrMo4+QT steel. Cylindrical specimens with M12 threads were subjected to cyclic tensile loading with constant mean stress. Fatigue strength was evaluated using the staircase method, and supporting analyses included X-ray diffraction for residual stress, and full width half maximum examination and Vickers microhardness measurements. Results show that thread rolling significantly improves fatigue strength, achieving 113.8 MPa …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Localized Masking To Prevent Changes In Residual Stress When Shot Peening, James R. Harrison, James Pineault, Tom Mills

15th International Conference on Shot Peening

When shot peening components, it is common practice to mask certain localized regions where peening roughness is not desirable. For example, surfaces that have been highly machined such as bearing races or areas of interference-fit may require masking to protect them from the cold working effects of shot peening. Oftentimes shot peening the grip sections of fatigue test coupons can prevent cracking and failures due to fretting fatigue in the grip area but could affect the outcome of the test if applied to the gauge section of the coupons. Thus, maintaining an “as machined” surface roughness is the most common …

Methodologies And Applications Of Precision Shot Peening To Hole Or Slot Geometry, James C. Hoffman

15th International Conference on Shot Peening

Shot peening, a commonly used method of fatigue and surface enhancement, is a critical process in many of the components in the aerospace industry. When it comes to small holes and/or slot geometries in these components, the process can become a challenge when these features are smaller than a conventional size Almen strip. In these cases, a decision must be made about how to process this type of geometry. Oftentimes, the method to apply the shot peen process is already defined in a process specification or part print so we must adhere to that method. If a method is not …

The E-Strip® As A Tool For Predictive Maintenance To Monitor And Control Shot Peening Processes, Walter A. Beach, Scott Glasier

15th International Conference on Shot Peening

The primary objective of this paper is to demonstrate the E-Strip® is capable of providing real-time feedback to the machine controller for making necessary process adjustments due to external forces, such as machine wear. Adjustments may include regulating air pressure and shot flow within pre-defined tolerances dictated by specification. It is anticipated that this integrated approach will significantly reduce variations in intensity levels observed from part to part and lot to lot.

Improving Fatigue Strength And Life Of Single Crystal Cmsx-4, Jochen Peter Fuhr, Lloyd Hackel, Nicolau I. Morar, Noah Holtham, Keivan Davami, Montu Sharma, Rajkumar Roy

15th International Conference on Shot Peening

The deep penetration of laser peening (LP) and retention of residual stress at high temperature by LP is significant in improving fatigue life and strength of superalloys exposed to high temperature and corrosion. Single crystal CMSX-4, was evaluated for stress relaxation and both fatigue life and fatigue strength of material that was LP-treated compared to non-LP and shot-peened (SP) specimens. LP was done with multiple layers using a 20 J/pulse laser where the laser high energy enabled using a 5 mm spot size on the metal surface. Stress measurements by the slitting technique showed the plastic penetration depth exceeded SP …

Hands-On Stem In Ghana: Inspiration For Culturally Relevant Pedagogy Globally, Alhassan Issifu, Mawuena A. Hanson, Heather R. Beem

Journal of Pre-College Engineering Education Research (J-PEER)

Many educators are increasingly seeking culturally relevant pedagogies they can employ to effectively engage their students. In Ghana a substantive set of hands-on STEM content has been created, incorporating locally available materials and cultural approaches while maintaining alignment to the national curricula. Against a backdrop of almost no public primary or junior high schools in the country containing any lab equipment, this approach leverages and celebrates the abundance of what is available within the locality. This challenges narratives of what is considered “good” and recenters power back with those in the classroom. Three sample activities and three firsthand stories are …

Community Survey Report: The Rebuild Survey Conducted In Response To The January 2025 Palisades Fire And Eaton Fire In Los Angeles County, Andrew J. Whelton, Cristiane Ferrarezzi, Lauryn Spearing, Anna Hoover, Mónica Palomo, Caitlin Proctor, Jianxi Su, Joseph Toland

Resilience to Emergencies and Disasters

No abstract provided.

Novel Biomolecule-Infused Gelatin Injectable For Treatment Of Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injury, Ananya Tadikonda, Sunjay Anekal, Lena W. Chen, Gabriel Sobczak, Troy Wesson, Carmilya Jackson, Marisa A. Egan, Julie C. Liu, Patrick R. Finnegan, Stacey Halum

School of Chemical Engineering Faculty Publications

Objective

Unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) due to recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (RLN) is a major cause of voice disorders. We have recently identified three biomolecules (agrin, acetylcholine, and neuregulin) with the potential to promote reinnervation after RLN injury. This study aimed to determine if a gelatin injectable with the reinnervating biomolecules will induce site-specific amplification of neurotrophic factor release and reinnervation after RLN injury in unilateral vocal fold paralysis.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice underwent RLN transection with the following treatment allocations: saline control (N = 16), biomolecule cocktail only (N = 16), and biomolecule-infused gelatin (N = …