RCAAP Repository

It is common in coastal cities as Rio de Janeiro, that buildings located close to the shoreline have their basements below water table level. In most cases, the engineering solution for these buildings is to design a massive anti-flotation slab to satisfy, principally, the issues related to structural dimensioning and calculation hypothesis. On the other hand, the execution of this solution imply in significant construction problems related to reinforced concrete watertightness and durability. This paper presents a case study about challenges and solutions devised to execute an anti-flotation, 1m thick, 1200m³ reinforced concrete slab for the new Museu de Imagem e Som (MIS) - Sound and Image Museum, located at 50m from the seashore, at Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro, RJ. The results show that concrete proportions, concreting plan and pouring method adopted were decisive in obtaining a watertight structure, avoiding thus the employment of traditional waterproofing alternatives.

Concrete, in its fresh state, has flow characteristics that are crucial to its proper launch and densification. These characteristics are usually measured through empirical testing as the slump test, but this test does not quantify completely the material behavior. Since this material is characterized as a Bingham fluid, it is essential the study of its rheological behavior to verify its properties even in fresh state. The use of classical rheology has been employed by the scientific community to obtain rheological parameters determinants to characterize this material, such as yield stress, plastic viscosity and evolution of shear stress to shear rate. Thus, this present study aims to determine the rheological behavior of different cement pastes produced with cement CP III 40 RS, varying between them the hydration periods (20 and 60 min), the water-cement ratio (0.40, 0.45 and 0.50) and the use or not of additive. Samples were assayed by flow test to determine the rheological parameters showing the effect of the variables mentioned above in these parameters.

This work presents a model to predict the flexural behavior of reinforced concrete slabs, combining the Mazars damage model for simulation of the loss of stiffness of the concrete during the cracking process and the Classical Theory of Laminates, to govern the bending of the structural element. A variational formulation based on the principle of virtual work was developed for the model, and then treated numerically according to the Finite Difference Energy Method, with the end result a program developed in Fortran. To validate the model thus proposed have been simulated with the program, some cases of slabs in flexure in the literature. The evaluation of the results obtained in this study demonstrated the capability of the model, in view of the good predictability of the behavior of slabs in flexure, sweeping the path of equilibrium to the rupture of the structural element. Besides the satisfactory prediction of the behavior observed as positive aspects of the model to its relative simplicity and reduced number of experimental parameters necessary for modeling.

This study presents the development and behavior analysis of high performance fiber reinforced cement composites (HPFRCC). The describedmaterials were specifically developed for application as a transition layer: a repair layer that constitutes the stressed chord of reinforcedconcrete beams strengthened in flexure with carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP). Nineteen different composites were produced by thehybridization process, varying the conventional short steel fiber and steel microfiber (manufactured exclusively for this research) contentsto modify the microstructure of the material, thus enhancing the stress transfer process from the cement matrix to the fibers. To analyze theresponse to flexural loading, the composites underwent three point bending tests in notched prism specimens. The response of the materialwas obtained considering strength and tenacity parameters (flexural and fracture). There was evidence of high performance by the composites with a pseudo-hardening behavior.

In this work, comments are made about indirect methods and direct Chapelle's method applied to the determination of the reactivity of pozzolanic materials. The Chapelle's method is based on the lime-pozzolan reaction and quantifies the pozzolanic reactivity of any material intended to be applied by the cement industry. This lime consumption determination by the pozzolan through this reaction can be made with mass proportions - lime:pozzolan 1:1, as originally proposed by Chapelle or 2:1, as specified in Brazilian and French Standards. Comparative results with both proportions are presented for sugar cane bagasse ash, rice rusk ash, silica fume, fly ash, and metakaolin, commonly studied in our country. Statistical calculations showed that for some materials of similar characteristics to the researched RHA, FA e MK at issue, essays carried out with only 1g of CaO may be underestimating the amounts of CaO consumed per gram of pozzolanic material that can be obtained. Comments were made about the Brazilian and French Standards based on this method and emphasized the expression of lime consumption per mass of the amorphous phase of these materials, as determined by X ray diffraction analysis with the Rietveld refinement method.

Shrinkage is one of the least desirable attributes in concrete. Large areas of exposed concrete surfaces , such as in shotcrete tunnel linings, where it is practically impossible to make a moist cure, are highly susceptible to plastic shrinkage at early ages. The autogenous and drying shrinkage can lead to states of greater than threshold strength, causing fracture, mechanical damage and lack of durability of concrete structures. The addition of fibers can greatly reduce plastic shrinkage, but has limited effect in mitigating autogenous and drying shrinkage. To evaluate the performance of polypropylene and steel fibers to understand their effect on shrinkage of concrete, a study was carried out to relate the loss of water from the paste and the shrinkage during the first 28 days of age, and compare it with a control mix without fiber. The loss of water was obtained by the weight loss of the specimens at different ages, since the only component that could contribute for the loss of weight was the water lost by the paste of the concrete. And the paste itself is the only source of shrinkage. Uniaxial compressive tests from very early ages enabled the determination of time when plastic shrinkage ended. It was observed that the control concrete mix lost three times more water and developed plastic and drying shrinkage 60 % higher than the fiber reinforced concrete mixes. It was possible to demonstrate that the reduced loss of water caused by the incorporation of fibers is related to the mitigation of plastic shrinkage. It was observed that the fibers are effective to restrain the movement of water through the cement paste in the plastic state, however such effect is limited after concrete starts the hardening state.

Commercial coal production in the southern region of Brazil has been occurring since the beginning of the twentieth century. Due to the geological characteristics of the region, large amounts of solid wastes are generated. The aim of this work was to evaluate the use of coal waste to produce concrete paving blocks. A procedure to process the coal waste with the purpose of reducing the sulfur content and changing the particle size distribution of the material to meet the specification of fine aggregates was developed. The methodology considered the following steps: (a) sampling of a coal mining waste; (b) gravity separation of the fraction with specific gravity between 2.4 and 2.8; (c) comminution of the material and particle size analysis; (d) technological characterization of the material and production of concrete paving blocks; and (e) acidity generation prediction (environmental feasibility). The results showed that the coal waste considered in this work can be used to replace conventional sand as a fine aggregate for concrete paving blocks in a proportion of up to 50%. This practice can result in cleaner coal production and reduce the demand for exploitation of sand deposits.

The structural materials, as reinforced concrete, steel, wood and aluminum, when heated have their mechanical proprieties degraded. In fire, the structures are subject to elevated temperatures and consequently the load capacity of the structural elements is reduced. The Brazilian and European standards show the minimal dimensions for the structural elements had an adequate bearing capacity in fire. However, several structural checks are not contemplated in methods provided by the standards. In these situations, the knowledge of the temperature distributions inside of structural elements as function of time of exposition is required. The aim of this paper is present software developed by the authors called ATERM. The software performs the thermal transient analysis of two-dimensional structures. The structure may be formed of any material and heating is provided by means of a curve of temperature versus time. The data input and the visualization of the results is performed thought the GiD software. Several examples are compared with software Super TempCalc and ANSYS. Some conclusions and recommendations about the thermal analysis are presented

This work deals with an improvement of an anisotropic damage model in order to analyze reinforced concrete structures submitted to reversal loading. The original constitutive model is based on the fundamental hypothesis of energy equivalence between real and continuous media following the concepts of the Continuum Damage Mechanics. The concrete is assumed as an initial elastic isotropic medium presenting anisotropy, permanent strains and bimodularity induced by damage evolution. In order to take into account the bimodularity, two damage tensors governing the rigidity in tension or compression regimes are introduced. However, the original model is not capable to simulate the influence of the previous damage processes in compression regimes. In order to avoid this problem, some conditions are introduced to simulate the damage unilateral effect. It has noted that the damage model is agreement with to micromechanical theory conditions when dealing to unilateral effect in concrete material. Finally, the proposed model is applied in the analyses of reinforced concrete framed structures submitted to reversal loading. These numerical applications show the good performance of the model and its potentialities to simulate practical problems in structural engineering.

The reduction of binder content in cementitious systems is an effective way to mitigate environmental impacts without increasing costs. The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of content binder on bond strength of mortar-brick interface. For thus, it was studied mortars produced with two limestone fines with different particle size distribution. The limestone fines were added at rates of 0% to 60% at increments of 15% as partial volume replacement of binder. Mortars were prepared in proportion of 1:3 (binder + limestone: sand) in volume. The water content was kept constant and equal to 18% in relation to total weight of solids. The mechanical property of mortars was evaluated by tensile strength and the performance of interface by bond strength tests at 14 days. Results indicate that is possible make mortars with 45% less than binder without reducing bond strength. Thus, the use of appropriate particles of limestone can produce more environmentally friendly concrete and rendering mortars by reducing its binder factor without affecting its performance.

Strengthening of reinforced concrete columns by jacketing is one of the most common structural rehabilitation techniques in Brazil. For adequate performance, it is necessary, among others, to avoid detachment of the new concrete layer (strengthening material) from the old concrete substrate when the strengthened member is again in service conditions. This paper describes the test results of eight reinforced concrete rectangular columns subjected to combined compression and one-axis bending to evaluate the efficiency of using sleeve wedge bolts across the new concrete/old concrete interface to avoid detachment. The strengthening technique, in this case, consists of adding a layer of self-compacting concrete to one face of the column. Two columns tested were monolithic and named PO (original column) e PR (reference column). The other six columns were strengthened using a new 35 mm thick self-compacting concrete layer attached to the column face subjected to highest compressive stresses. Column PO had a 120mm by 250 mm rectangular cross section and its results gave information about column behavior without the use of strengthening. Column PR had a 155mm by 250 mm rectangular cross section and its cross section dimensions matched the strengthened columns but it was cast monolithically. To improve bond conditions between the existing concrete and the new concrete, the concrete surface was roughened and the outermost aggregate was exposed using hydro jetting. Holes along the concrete surface were made to insert the wedge bolts responsible for increasing the bond between the two concrete surfaces. The difference among the six strengthened columns was the position and amount of bolts used. Results indicate that the position and amount of the bolts alters significantly the strength capacity of the columns, since premature rupture by concrete detachment was delayed.

The sector of ornamental rocks produces significant volume of waste during the sawing of the blocks and demand to find ways to recycle, given its environmental impact. Considering the possibilities of use of industrial by-products as mineral admixtures, aiming at sustainable development in the construction industry, this paper aims to study the performance of the processing sludge of ornamental rocks and grinding after heat treatment, based on their potential application as partial substitute for cement. The residue was characterized, cast and milled to produce glassy material. Was analyzed the mechanical performance and pozzolanic activity with partial replacement of cement by waste in natural condition and after heat treatment in mortars for comparison. The results were promising, so it was possible to verify that after heat treatment, the treated waste is presented as a material with pozzolanic characteristics.

New live load models for highway bridge design in Brazil are under development by assembling real traffic database, traffic simulations, analytical-numerical modeling of the dynamic interaction between vehicle and structure and statistical extrapolations. This paper presents and discusses the results obtained in the first stages of this work which includes the comparison between the static effects due to the actual traffic of heavy vehicles and those generated by the live load model given in the current national code NBR 7188. It is demonstrated that this live load model is not appropriate to represent the actual traffic effects and may be, in some cases, non-conservative. The present work deals with short span bridges for two lanes single carriageway under free flow traffic scenarios. The representative static effects in these bridges due to the actual traffic of heavy vehicles are obtained by extrapolating its probability density functions to a certain return period. To this purpose, a traffic database was constructed by gathering data from several weighing stations in Brazilian highways which was then applied to perform traffic simulations through a specially developed computational tool.

The Carajás railway is operated by Vale SA and is used to transport the Brazilian production of iron ore mine located in the state of Pará until Itaqui harbor in Maranhão state. With 892 km in length, the railway will be doubled due to the prospect of increased production, which requires verification of the structures of bridges to ensure safety under loading up to 23% larger. The railway bridge in reinforced concrete has five hyperstatic spans with 25 m long and was built over Sororó river in the southeast of Pará. To better evaluate its structural performance under current loadings, several structural elements were monitored with strain gages and the concrete was characterized by non-destructive and destructive testing on the structure. This information was used in a computer model to estimate the future structural behavior. The methodology was satisfactory as the estimated structural performance for future loadings, meeting the recommendations of the Brazilian technical standards.

A. lumbricoides has been associated to the ABO System by various authors. The objective was to detect ABO System epitopes in A. lumbricoides of groups O, A, B and AB patients. 28 adult parasites were obtained from children to be used as assay material. The patients ABO blood groups were determined. Extracts of A. lumbricoides [AE] were prepared by surgical remotion of the cuticle and refrigerated mechanical rupture. Agglutination Inhibition (AI) and Hemoagglutination Kinetics (HK) tests were used with the [AE]. Of the 28 [AE], eight belonged to O group patients, 15 to A group, three to B group and the remaining two to AB children. The AI Test showed A epitopes in two [AE] of group A patients and B epitopes in two [AE] of group B patients. The HK Test showed B antigenic determiners in two [AE] of group B patients and in two [AE] of group AB patients as well as A antigenic determiners in one [AE] of A group patient. Of the 28 [AE] studied in both tests B epitopes were detected in all [AE] from B and AB patients and A epitopes in three of the 15 [AE] of group A patients. The experiments carried out suggest that A. lumbricoides might absorb A and B antigens from the host, and/or modify the cuticular carbohydrates expression as a kind of antigenic mimicry.

Una virus (UNAV), Togaviridae family, is widely distributed in South America, where infections have been detected in mosquitoes and vertebrate hosts (humans, birds and horses). We analyzed human sera from Córdoba inhabitants aged 44 to 89 years and using a neutralization test, we found a prevalence of UNAV antibodies of 3.8% (3/79). The low titers detected suggest past infections probably acquired in rural areas of the Province of Córdoba (central Argentina). None sera were found positive for MAYV neutralizing antibodies. This is the first report of human infections by UNAV in Argentina.

Tuberculous brain abscesses in AIDS patients are considered rare with only eight cases reported in the literature. We describe the case of a 34-year-old woman with AIDS and previous toxoplasmic encephalitis who was admitted due to headache and seizures. A brain computed tomography scan disclosed a frontal hypodense lesion with a contrast ring enhancement. Brain abscess was suspected and she underwent a lesion puncture through a trepanation. The material extracted was purulent and the acid-fast smear was markedly positive. Timely medical and surgical approaches allowed a good outcome. Tuberculous abscesses should be considered in the differential diagnosis of focal brain lesions in AIDS patients. Surgical excision or stereotactic aspiration, and antituberculous treatment are the mainstay in the management of these uncommon lesions.

Os pacientes com infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana (VIH) apresentam maior frequência de bacteremia associada a Salmonella não-typhi. Porém, complicações focais têm sido raramente descritas. Os autores relatam um caso de abscesso hepático devido a Salmonella enteritidis em paciente com infecção pelo VIH que retornou recentemente a São Paulo de uma viagem pelo Caribe. Após drenagem percutânea do abscesso e tratamento antimicrobiano, observou-se melhora clínica e radiológica. Segundo nossa revisão, este é o primeiro caso descrito de abscesso hepático por Salmonella não-typhi em paciente com infecção pelo VIH no Brasil.

No summary/description provided

No summary/description provided