A Comparative Investigation on Normal and High Strength Concrete Beams under Torsion

In this study, an experimental investigation was done to study the behaviour of Normal Strength Concrete (NSC) and High Strength Concrete (HSC) Plain beams under torsion with the concrete mix of M40 and M100. No mineral admixtures are used to obtain the required strength of concrete. Eight NSC beams and eight HSC beams whose width was varying with 75 mm, 100 mm, and 150 mm; depth varying as 75 mm, 100 mm, 150 mm and 200 mm; and span of the beams varying 600 mm, 800 mm and 1200 mm were casted and cured to stud the effect of torsion. The principle aim of this study was to understand the torsional behaviour of the NSC and HSC beams for rotation, cracking, size effect and torsional strength. A standard torsional loading method was used for conducting the testing of beams. The results obtained were compared with different theories and code equations. It was observed that the torsional strength of the beam increases with the increase in strength of concrete. HSC beams have higher torsional strength than the NSC beams which has the same amount of reinforcement.

Analysis of Damage Evolution in Concrete under Fatigue Loading by Acoustic Emission and Ultrasonic Testing

The fatigue process of concrete under compressive cyclic loading is still not completely explored. The corresponding damage processes within the material structure are especially not entirely investigated. The application of acoustic measurement methods enables a better insight into the processes of the fatigue in concrete. Normal strength concrete was investigated under compressive cyclic loading with regard to the fatigue process by using acoustic methods in combination with other nondestructive measurement methods. Acoustic emission and ultrasonic signal measurements were applied together with measurements of strains, elastic modulus, and static strength. It was possible to determine the anisotropic character of the fatigue damage caused by uniaxial loading based on the ultrasonic measurements. Furthermore, it was observed that the fatigue damage seems to consist not exclusively of load parallel oriented crack structures. Rather, crack structures perpendicular to the load as well as local compacting are likely components of the fatigue damage. Additionally, the ultrasonic velocity appears to be a good indicator for fatigue damage beside the elastic modulus. It can be concluded that acoustic methods allow an observation of the fatigue process in concrete and a better understanding, especially in combination with further measurement methods.

An Auto-Calibrating Semi-Adiabatic Calorimetric Methodology for Strength Prediction and Quality Control of Ordinary and Ultra-High-Performance Concretes

A timely knowledge of concrete and ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) strength is possible through the so-called strength-equivalent time (Et) curves. A timely knowledge of concrete strength is useful, for instance, to precisely determine when the shores of a hardening structural element can be safely removed. At the present time, the preparation of the strength-Et curves requires time-consuming and labor-intensive testing prior to the beginning of construction operations. This paper proposes an innovative method to derive the strength-Et and total heat-Et curves for both normal strength and UHPC. Results confirmed that the proposed method is fast, inexpensive, self-calibrating, accurate and can detect any variation of the concrete mix proportions or components quality. In addition, the quality of predictions of strength–maturity curves can be constantly improved as the specimens’ population increases. Finally, results obtained with the proposed method were compared with those obtained using standard methods, showing a good agreement.

Nutritional Factors Related to Muscle Weakness 1 Year after Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Case-Control Study

<b><i>Objectives:</i></b> Prolonged muscle weakness after total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains a problem. Despite increasing physical activity up to 3 years after surgery, muscle strength was decreased to 80–90% of the healthy side 2 years after THA. The objective of the present study was to identify the nutritional factors related to muscle weakness 1 year after THA. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Persons who underwent THA were divided into 2 groups according to the cutoff point of knee extensor strength that represents functional limitation: a normal-strength group of 71 persons and a muscle weakness group of 91 persons. The investigators assessed lower limb isometric strength, the 10-m timed gait test, and daily intakes of energy and nutrients from preoperative to 1 year after THA. The differences in nutrient intakes between the 2 groups (normal-strength group and muscle weakness group) were examined by multiple logistic regression analysis. <b><i>Results:</i></b> There was a significant difference between the groups in energy intake. Daily protein intake was related to knee extension strength gain above the cutoff point 1 year after THA. <b><i>Conclusions and Implications:</i></b> The present study suggested that to prevent prolonged muscle weakness after THA, a sufficient protein intake as well as an exercise intervention may be needed even half a year or after.