Digital Commons Network^™

Utilising 'Filter Cake' For Low-Carbon Non-Structural Concrete: A Sustainable Approach To Waste Management, Feysal Shifa, Imrose B. Muhit, David J. Hughes, Thadsha Suntharalingam

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

Scott Bros (SB) Ltd.’s recycling plant for soil and aggregate washing is projected to generate 225,000 tonnes of residual waste material, known as 'filter cake,' annually. This high-volume, low-value waste stream presents significant management and disposal challenges. This study explores the potential of using 'filter cake' as a raw material in low-carbon non-structural (non-standard) concrete production, contributing to the circular economy. The research aimed to develop low-carbon concrete by maximising recycled ingredients and minimising CEM-I content. Concrete cube samples (150 mm) were prepared, cured, and tested according to BS 8500 and BS 12390 standards. The study investigated the 28-day compressive …

Structural Behaviour Of Preflex Beams In Bridges During Concrete Repair And Maintenance, Liam Simpson, Imrose Muhit

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

Preflex beams are composite structural members that combine a steel universal beam with reinforced concrete, enabling longer spans with reduced deflection. Their strength and stiffness rely on a preflexion process, where the bottom flange is initially placed in tension and later compressed by the surrounding concrete. Despite their advantages, repairing preflex beams, particularly the bottom flange concrete, presents challenges due to its role in load distribution and deflection control. This study investigates the structural behaviour of preflex beams when the bottom flange concrete, an integral component of the load distribution mechanism, is altered during concrete repairs, addressing the need for …

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 …

Interaction Of Cementitious Systems Containing Nontraditional And Natural Pozzolans (Nnps) With Chloride-Based Deicers, Raikhan Tokpatayeva, Alberto Castillo, Jan Olek

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

Given the growing scarcity of traditional supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), interest in non-traditional and natural pozzolans (NNPs) is increasing. While much of prior research has focused on fundamental physical properties and mechanical performance, durability - particularly scaling resistance - remains a concern for concrete exposed to deicing salts. This study evaluated the matrix-deicer interactions of paste samples containing 25% of 11 different NNPs - including three calcined clays (CCs), three volcanic ashes (VAs), two fluidized bed combustion ashes (FBCs) and three ground bottom ashes (GBAs). Paste samples were exposed to CaCl2, MgCl2 and NaCl solutions and subjected to 50 freeze-thaw …

Transition To Net Zero And Low Carbon Technologies: Case Studies From The Second Largest Construction Industry – India, Sunanda Manjrekar

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

No abstract provided.

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 …

Enhancing The Durability Of Concrete Structures Through Digital Twins And Advanced Numerical Simulation, Tetsuya Ishida, Yuya Takahashi

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

This study applies a digital twin–based multi-scale and multi-physics simulation framework for durability assessment of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. The framework integrates thermo-hygro-chemical and structural analyses using DuCOM–COM3 to capture time-dependent deterioration processes such as fatigue and corrosion, and to assess their effects on structural performance under realistic environmental and loading conditions. Two case studies illustrate the methodology. The first addresses the fatigue behaviour of RC bridge slabs under moving wheel loads in both dry and wet environments. Numerical simulations reproduced field-observed deterioration patterns, including top-surface disintegration in wet conditions, and led to the development of a simplified predictive equation …

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 …

Revising Specifications To Enable New Materials And Adapting To Performance Of Low-Clinker Concretes, Robert Douglas Hooton, Lawrence Sutter

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

To support the concrete industry’s goals of meeting net-zero carbon-dioxide emissions by 2050, new types of lower-clinker cements are being developed for use. While Portland cement will continue to be used as part of the cementitious materials in the bulk of applications, use of Portland cement as the sole binder in concrete is diminishing globally. Reducing the clinker content of concretes is complicated by the limited and diminishing availability of traditionally used Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs), such as fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slags, whether added as separate additions to concrete or as components of blended cements. This …

Sulfate Addition To Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag For Use As A Supplementary Cementitious Material In Concrete, Kevin Scully, Michal Drewniok

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

The drive towards net-zero carbon emissions within the cement and concrete industry has seen the utilisation of lower embodied carbon materials such as ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS). This can however lead to overlooking the technical performance of such materials. Current EN standards restrict additions to GGBS, limiting the sulfate optimisation of the aluminate rich material and thus potentially impacting the performance of the resultant concrete. In the UK and Ireland, GGBS is generally added as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) to the concrete mixer opposed to inter-grinding or blending in a binary or ternary cementitious system. Although practical in …

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 …

Mdea-Enhanced Co2 Sequestration Via Steel Slag Waste: Mechanisms And Microstructural Evolution During Aqueous Carbonation, Yanming Liu, Tao Shi, Xiangming Zhou

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

The current CO2 sequestration efficiency (CO2 SE) of steel slag waste (SSW) remains relatively low, and the underlying mechanisms of the carbonation reaction are not fully understood, limiting its potential for resource utilisation. In this study, N-methyl diethanolamine (MDEA) was introduced into an aqueous carbonation system to enhance the CO2 SE of SSW, and the associated reaction mechanisms and microstructural evolutions were systematically investigated. The results indicate that the addition of 5 wt.% MDEA increased the CO2 sequestration rate (CO2 SR) to 14.44%, representing a 68.5% improvement over the control group. MDEA enhanced CO2 dissolution and diffusion in the aqueous …

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.

Durability Of Cement-Based Materials In Deep Seas: A Review Of Chemical Aspects With New Results, Keisuke Takahashi, Yuichiro Kawabata, Hong Wong

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

The application of cement-based materials in deep-sea environments presents serious durability challenges due to high hydrostatic pressure and low temperatures. This study reviews previous research and presents new findings from field exposure tests, including a 3-year exposure at 3500 m depth. Portland cement (PC) and blast furnace slag (BFS)-blended systems exhibited severe degradation, with BFS-based specimens showing complete disintegration. Microstructural analysis revealed calcium leaching, C–S–H decalcification, and secondary phase formation such as ettringite and Mg-based hydrates. In contrast, calcium aluminate cement (AC) demonstrated excellent resistance, retaining its shape and chemical integrity even after long-term exposure. Thermodynamic modelling partially supported these …

Investigation Of Corrosion Resistance Of Fly Ash Self-Compacting Mortar, Md Marghoobul Haque, Supratic Gupta

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

One of the leading reasons for failure of structural members is corrosion of reinforcement. Structures corresponding to the marine environment like ports, harbours and bridges are more susceptible towards the risk of corrosion. Chlorides are one of the main reasons for the initiation of corrosion which can penetrate from various sources like the marine atmospheric environment or the use of deicing salts in the colder regions. Corrosion is a long-term process, so, in this research, an accelerated corrosion testing of self-compacting mortar has been performed to understand the behaviour of addition of fly ash in the mortar mixes against the …

3d Rbsm Conduit Model For Simulating Moisture Transport In Compressively Damaged Concrete, Dawei Ren, Kohei Nagai

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

This study investigates the simulation of moisture transport in concrete under compressive damage using the 3D RBSM Conduit model. The model combines stress-strain responses from concrete compression experiments with detailed crack data, providing a realistic representation of crack development under varying load conditions. By implementing both unlubricated and lubricated compression tests, different failure modes were observed, influencing penetration patterns. Simulations show that the distribution of cracks significantly accelerates moisture penetration within the concrete. Notably, uniformly distributed cracks, typical of lubricated tests, facilitate deeper and faster moisture transport compared to more localized cracks observed in unlubricated tests. This study validates the …

Development Of Mesoscale Model For Volumetric Deformation Of Cementitious Materials In Deep-Sea Environment, Taito Miura, Ryosuke Hatta, Ryuta Amatsubo, Yuchiro Kawabata, Keisuke Takahashi

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

This study developed a mesoscale mechanical model capable of reproducing the volumetric deformation behaviour of cementitious materials in deep-sea environments. In the analysis, the rigid-body spring model (RBSM), a mesoscale mechanical model, was integrated with a truss network model (TNM) capable of evaluating mass transport, forming the RBSM-TNM framework. To assess the volumetric change of the skeleton under hydrostatic pressure, a creep model was applied to the mechanical springs representing the mechanical response of the skeleton. Additionally, the truss network model was employed to evaluate water penetration from the surface. Furthermore, based on the concept of poromechanics, the model was …

Computational Modelling Of 3d Mesostructure Of Recycled Aggregate Concrete, Yi Ding, Gert Van Der Heijden, Mingzhong Zhang

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

Recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) has a complex mesostructure with heterogeneous compositions of aggregates, interfacial transition zones (ITZs), and mortar. It is still a big challenge to simulate the 3D mesostructure of RAC accounting for its inherent characteristics, which plays a crucial role in its mechanical properties and long-term durability. This study introduces an advanced computational framework based on Voronoi tessellation approach to generate the highly realistic 3D mesostructured of RAC. The proposed framework can address the key challenges in simulating irregular aggregate morphology and spatial distribution while effectively incorporating the multi-phase structure of RAC which consists of old and new …

Evaluation Of Ionic Behaviours Under Electric Field With Integrated Chemo-Electric Numerical Platform, Kai Matsutani, Zhao Wang, Yuya Takahashi, Tetsuya Ishida

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

Chloride ion plays a critical role in terms of steel corrosion for reinforced concrete structures, which leads to structural degradation. To investigate the macro-cell corrosion and mechanical deterioration, an integrated chemo-electric numerical platform has been developed with spatial-averaged modelling of steel and concrete. The verification of macro-cell circuit in structural concrete induced by applied charge has been achieved, while the ionic behaviors under impressed charge evaluated by this platform remains unverified. This study numerically investigates the ionic behavior of chloride under both ponding and electrophoresis conditions with the integrated platform. Comparison between numerical simulation and available experimental data shows the …

Exploring Aerial Additive Manufacturing With Cementitious Materials Using Autonomous Drones, Richard James Ball, Barrie Dams, Paul Shepherd, Binling Chen

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

Aerial additive manufacturing (AAM) represents a novel approach to construction by enabling untethered autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs, or drones) to deposit cementitious materials in mid-flight, overcoming geometric and accessibility limitations associated with ground-based additive manufacturing. This study presents research to investigate the structural viability of cementitious mixes tailored for aerial extrusion, focusing on rheological optimisation, mechanical performance, and deposition feasibility. Pseudoplastic behaviour was achieved through the use of hydrocolloids, enabling low viscosity under shear for extrusion while rapidly stiffening post-deposition to maintain layer geometry. Fibre reinforcement and inorganic fullerene tungsten disulphide (IF-WS₂) nanoparticles were incorporated to enhance flexural strength, …

Microstructure Characterisation Of Alkali-Activated Fly Ash-Slag Paste At Elevated Temperatures, Wenlin Tu, Mingzhong Zhang

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

Alkali-activated fly ash-slag (AAFS) cured at ambient temperature has been considered as a promising eco-friendly alternative to traditional cement-based binders, offering reduced carbon emissions and enhanced durability. However, understanding how these materials respond to extreme conditions, particularly at high temperatures, remains a critical area of study. Therefore, it is essential to investigate this material for ensuring their reliability in fire-prone and high-temperature environments. This paper presents a systematic experimental study on microstructural and damage evolution in AAFS paste exposed to elevated temperatures (from 20 °C to 800 °C) in terms of changes in phase assemblage and pore structural characteristics as …

Recent Advances In Geopolymer Feedstocks Activation For Sustainable Cement Production, Oluyemi Kehinde, David J. Hughes, Emeka H. Amalu, Dali Bondar

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

The growing environmental and safety issues posed by human activities have underlined the importance of Ordinary Portland Cement production, which is a major contributor to carbon dioxide emissions that impede Net Zero goals. The urgent need to produce cement substitutes with reduced carbon footprints has prompted research on geopolymers formed from industrial mineral wastes. These materials provide promising sustainable development solutions, but the selection of appropriate activation methods remains a significant constraint to their widespread industrial and economical application. A systematic review using the PRISMA protocol included 302 recent and relevant papers, identifying four principal activation strategies and their combinations …

Steel Fibre Reinforced Self-Compacting Geopolymer Concrete Structural Members, Jubilant Nyasha Chidziya, Chikako Fujiyama

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

Geopolymer concrete (GPC) is an innovative and sustainable alternative to ordinary Portland cement concrete (OPC) for structures in seismic prone areas owing to tough and ductile performance due to strong bond with steel reinforcement. However, the application of GPC in construction projects is low due to limited understanding of the long-term performance of structural members. The objective of this study is to examine the effects of steel fibres on the flexural properties of self-compacting geopolymer concrete (SCGC) and OPC beams. The study involved investigation of the fresh and mechanical properties of concrete. Structural parameters such as toughness, and ductility index …

Durability Performance Of 3d-Printed Ultra-High Strength Concrete Incorporating Corrosion Inhibitor, Jyotish Kumar Das, M. Mirza Abdillah Pratama, Behzad Nematollahi, Maurizio Guadagnini

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

This paper reports preliminary results on the durability performance of a 3D-printed ultra-high strength concrete (3DP-UHSC). A nitrite-based compound was added at varying dosages (0%, 2%, and 4% by mass of binder) to the developed 3DP-UHSC as a corrosion inhibitor. The effects of the corrosion inhibitor on the workability of fresh mixes and the mechanical properties (compressive and flexural strengths in various directions) of the 3DP-UHSC mixes were studied. Furthermore, the durability performance of the 3DP-UHSC was assessed by conducting porosity, water absorption, and chloride permeability measurements. Mould-cast specimens were also prepared and tested for comparison purposes. The results indicated …

Incorporating An Innovative Kennel In A Guide Dog Program Based On The Health And Welfare Of Dogs And Humans, Naoko Koda, Miwa Murata, Sakura Mizuta

People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice

During guide dog training, dogs live in kennels and lack house training. The demand for guide dogs that can live easily with their users who are visually impaired is increasing. The Kansai Guide Dogs for the Blind Association (KGBDA) in Japan built an innovative wooden kennel (Mokka Terrace) that is more similar to homes than general kennels and that efficiently controlled dogs and reviewed their operations. This study conducted a literature survey, participant observations, and semi-structured interviews with staff to clarify the background and consensus-building process involved in creating the Mokka Terrace, corresponding efforts, and its strengths, issues, and prospects. …

A Novel Approach For Geopolymer Setting Control: Heat Pre-Treatment Of Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag, Zhuguo Li, Ko Ikeda

C3 Symposium 2025

This study aimed to develop a technology for delaying the setting of geopolymer (GP) or alkali-activated material (AAM) that utilizes ground granulated blast-furnace slag (BFS) as a precursor. The approach involved pre-treating the BFS through heating. A detailed investigation was conducted to understand how the heating temperature and duration influenced the chemical characteristics of the BFS, as well as the setting behavior and compressive strength of the resulting GP. The experimental results indicated that when BFS was heat-treated at temperatures below 750°C, it maintained its amorphous state regardless of the heating time. Consequently, its reactivity remained almost equivalent to that …

Individuals’ Experiences Of Care Partner Involvement In Heart Disease Management: A Pilot Study, Elizabeth Richards

School of Nursing Faculty Publications

Introduction: Heart disease impacts both those diagnosed and their families, often due to lifestyle modifications that can alter family dynamics. While existing literature focuses on men and married individuals, understanding care partner involvement for both men and women independent of marital status is important, given gender disparities in heart disease experiences, caregiving roles, and widowhood rates. We explored differences in characteristics of men and women with heart disease, with and without a care partner. Additionally, we explored involvement of care partner beyond spousal relationships. We further examined gender differences in these experiences. Method: Cross-sectional Prolific survey pilot data of persons …

Reference At A Remote Field Station: A Case Study Of Ecology, Environmental Science And Geology Fieldwork At An Embedded Library, Thomas Gerrish

Libraries Faculty and Staff Scholarship and Research

Purpose Field station libraries, particularly those serving biological and marine research stations, represent a unique but understudied class of special libraries. This case study investigates reference services at the remote University of Michigan Biological Station (UMBS) to provide a baseline assessment of how such services support the information needs related to research in ecology, geology and environmental science.

Design/methodology/approach The study recorded, coded and analyzed 209 reference transactions from the 2022 and 2023 summer sessions, revealing trends in patron inquiries and the role of the reference desk. Further, the case study examined the organizational structure, community interaction and mission of …

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 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.