Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Bridal creeper'

This thesis reports on research that examines the early stage invasion process of Asparagus asparagoides (L.) W. Wight (bridal creeper), primarily a bird-dispersed weed, in a remnant vegetation patch. The study site is on Phillip Island, approximately 100 kilometres south east of Melbourne, Victoria. Asparagus asparagoides invasion of the remnant vegetation reserve is a relatively recent phenomenon. Landscape elements that affect bird dispersal and vegetation types that affect seedling establishment may be important factors that limit or enhance the spread of A. asparagoides. A systematic sampling strategy was adopted and data collected for a variety of landscape and vegetative variables including cover and abundance of A. asparagoides and the data were presented in a Geographic Information System (GIS). Preliminary results show that the distribution of A. asparagoides within a remnant vegetation patch is not random. It appears to have entered the reserve from two boundaries, spreading toward the centre, which to date remains sparsely colonised despite the capacity of this weed to spread rapidly over long distances by birds. A number of other outcomes are noted. Asparagus asparagoides establishment is prevented in pasture where sheep and cattle graze, and paddocks subjected to tillage practices. The exclusion of grazing in fenced off vegetation in pastures demonstrates rapid weed establishment and colonisation several hundred metres from main infestation. Field observation and visual inspection of temporal progress of invasion (using above ground weed density with tuber appearance to infer age) appear to suggest that invasion into remnant is associated with the track network. This age/density assumption is strengthened when spatial distribution is examined using a data set where low-density values for A. asparagoides are removed and compared with a data set using all A. asparagoides density values. The mapping of A. asparagoides in fenced off farm remnants suggests that velocity of spread at 191m/yr is a considerable underestimate. Subsequent analysis shows that the spatial distribution of A. asparagoides is not completely spatially random while intensity surface analysis highlights regions of low and high intensity located near track network. Mapping a density surface within GIS provided confirmatory evidence for the establishment of satellite clusters along the track network. The change in the intensity surface observed using the two data sets (lowdensity values and all density values) is also consistent with an expanding invasion occurring between two time periods. Spatial point pattern analysis using K-function statistics shows that xxii the clustering observed using GIS appears to be occurring at two scales or distances (130m- 160m and 195m-205m). The association between tracks and the invasion process observed in the initial stages of the study is examined. There is a change in density as a function of distance from a track where the density of A. asparagoides appears to reduce the further away from the track a site is and this relationship holds regardless of track width. The final stages of the study look at the development of a predictive model. Visual exploration of the data through mapping in a GIS and field observation made during data collection provide the starting point for the development of logistic models to estimate the probability of A. asparagoides presence. Finally the best overall logistic model is applied to a second independent site to determine the general applicability of the model. A number of variables that impact on the presence of A. asparagoides, particularly during the initial stages of the invasion process, are identified. While all the identified variables and the overall model are statistically significant, the model is found to correctly predict presence/absence in only 67% of cases overall. The model however could be expected to correctly predict the presence of A. asparagoides in 74% of cases and has a false positive rate of 40%. The model is applied at a second independent site and found to have an overall percent correct rate of 80% and correctly predicted A. asparagoides presence in 94% of cases. The variables identified as influential in the early stage of invasion are relatively easy to acquire by simple field survey that does not require specialist skills. When considering the model as a tool for the management of remnant vegetation communities, high false positive rates may lead to limited resources being spent on searching sites where there is no weed. However, a high false negative rate would have a larger impact on the management of the weed since the undetected infestations would form sources for new propagules. The model performs well from this point of view in that it provided low false negative rates at both sites. The value of the predictive model is its ability to provide managers with information regarding specific areas to target for weed eradication and management can use the model to assess the effectiveness of any control measures by going back to obtain new cover density data, then using the model to examine the changes over time. The model also provides a starting point for the development of a generic model of A. asparagoides invasion at sites outside of Phillip Island and could also provide the starting point for developing models that could be used for other bird-dispersed fleshy-fruited weed species.

Thesis (Ph.D)--Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2010.
Committee Co-Chair: Kimberly Kurtis; Committee Co-Chair: Lawrence Kahn; Committee Member: Arun Gokhale; Committee Member: James Lai; Committee Member: T. Russell Gentry. Part of the SMARTech Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Collection.

Post-tensioned concrete is a building technology which provides a compressive force to concrete via steel tendons. This combination of steel and concrete allows for the construction of lighter and stiffer structures. Post-tensioned concrete is widely utilized throughout the United States highway system and bridge construction. Over time, the force in the prestressing strands is reduced by delayed strains in the concrete. The accurate estimation of this prestress loss is vital for making good decisions about the remaining capacity of a structure and the infrastructure system at large. The Varina-Enon Bridge is a post-tensioned concrete box-girder bridge in Richmond Virginia. Cracks in the bridge prompted an investigation into the magnitude of prestress loss experienced by the structure. To estimate prestress loss, a computer model of the structure was created. In addition, data from sensors previously installed on the bridge were used to back calculate prestress loss. It was found that the estimation of losses from the field closely matched those estimated at the construction of the bridge. Additionally, more updated loss models estimated similar, or slightly smaller values for prestress loss.
Master of Science
Post-tensioned concrete is a building technology which provides a compressive force to concrete via steel tendons. This combination of steel and concrete allows for the construction of lighter and stiffer structures. Post-tensioned concrete is widely utilized throughout the United States highway system and bridge construction. Over time, the force in the prestressing strands is reduced by delayed strains in the concrete. The accurate estimation of this prestress loss is vital for making good decisions about the remaining capacity of a structure and the infrastructure system at large. The Varina-Enon Bridge is a post-tensioned concrete box-girder bridge in Richmond Virginia. Cracks in the bridge prompted an investigation into the magnitude of prestress loss experienced by the structure. To estimate prestress loss, a computer model of the structure was created. In addition, data from sensors previously installed on the bridge were used to back calculate prestress loss. It was found that the estimation of losses from the field closely matched those estimated at the construction of the bridge. Additionally, more updated loss models estimated similar, or slightly smaller values for prestress loss.

Accurate camber prediction in prestressed concrete bridge beams is important to all parties involved in bridge design and construction. Many current prestress loss prediction methods, necessary for proper camber calculation, were developed many years ago and are predicated on assumptions that may no longer be valid as higher strength concrete, wider beam spacing, and longer span lengths become more commonplace. This throws into question which models are appropriate for use in camber calculation by the bridge engineers and contractors of today. Twenty-seven high-strength concrete modified 79 in. Bulb Tee beams with a design compressive strength of 9,000 psi were periodically measured to determine camber growth. Most available models for concrete creep and shrinkage were used to calculate creep and shrinkage strain. The modulus of elasticity equation of each model was used to predict modulus of elasticity of the studied mix. The Shams and Kahn compressive strength and modulus of elasticity equations were modified in order to approximate measured modulus of elasticity. The creep, shrinkage, and modulus of elasticity equations were used as inputs to an incremental time step method. The time-dependent change in beam curvature calculated by the time step method was used to calculate theoretical camber using the Moment-Area method. Predicted camber, using inputs from each considered model, was then compared with measured camber to determine the most accurate camber prediction models. Season of casting was also examined to determine what, if any, affect ambient temperature has on camber growth. For the studied beams, the Shams and Kahn Model for creep, shrinkage, and modulus of elasticity, used as inputs for an incremental time step analysis, were found to most accurately predict camber values. Lower concrete compressive strength was observed for test cylinders from beams cast in summer versus beams cast in winter. Differences in beam deflection based on season of casting showed mixed results.
Master of Science

The objective of the research presented in this thesis was to develop a concrete bridge deck topping mixture that resists the effects of differential shrinkage by decreasing shrinkage and increasing creep. . In addition, the amount of tensile creep that concrete experiences under long-term tensile stresses were quantified and compared to compressive creep values in order to gain a better understanding of how concrete behaves under tension. Test results show that the amount of tensile creep exceeded compressive creep by a factor of 2-5. Various shrinkage and creep models were compared against test data in order to quantify results and determine the best model to use for the mixes examined during this research project. Data analysis revealed that the AASHTO time dependent effects (shrinkage and creep) models outperformed the other models used in this research project. Other material property data including compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, Young's modulus of elasticity, and unrestrained shrinkage was also collected to compare against a common bridge deck topping mix to ensure that the mixes used in this research project are suitable for use in the field. A parametric study utilizing the Age Adjusted Effective Modulus (AAEM) method was performed which showed that the most important factor in reducing tensile stresses was to decrease the amount of shrinkage experienced by the concrete bridge deck topping mixture. Three concrete mixtures, one included saturated lightweight aggregates (SLWA), one including ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), and one incorporating both were tested. Preliminary results show that the inclusions of SLWA into a concrete mixture reduced shrinkage by 25% and overall tensile stress by 38%.
Master of Science

To make sound decisions about the remaining life of a structure, the precise calculation of the prestress losses is very important. In post-tensioned structures, the prestress losses due to creep and shrinkage can cause serviceability issues and can reduce flexural capacity. The Varina-Enon Bridge is a cable-stayed, precast, segmental, post-tensioned box girder bridge located in Richmond, Virginia. Observation of flexural cracks in the bridge by inspectors promoted a study regarding long-term prestress losses in the structure. For understanding and sustaining the structure throughout its remaining service life, accurately quantifying prestress losses is important. Two approaches are used to predict long-term prestress losses on the Varina-Enon Bridge. The first approach involves a finite element computer model of the bridge which run a timedependent staged-construction analysis to obtain predicted prestress losses using the CEB-FIP '90 code expressions for creep and shrinkage. The second approach involves the compilation of data from instrumentation mounted in the bridge to back calculate the effective prestress force. The analysis using the computer model predicted the prestress losses as 44.6 ksi in Span 5, 47.9 ksi in Span 6, 45.3 ksi in Span 9, and 45.9 ksi in Span 11. The prestress losses estimated from field data were 50.0 ksi in Span 5, 48.0 ksi in Span 6, 46.7 ksi in Span 9, and 49.1 ksi in Span 11. It can be seen that relative to the results of field data estimations, the finite element analyses underestimated prestress loss, but given the degree of uncertainty in each form of estimation, the results are considered to fit well.
Master of Science
In order to apply a precompression force to concrete structures, post-tensioned concrete employs stressed steel strands. To construct lighter, stiffer structures, this popular building technology can be used. The steel strands undergo a reduction in force known as prestress losses over time. To make good decisions about the remaining life of a structure, the precise calculation of the prestress losses is very important. The Varina-Enon Bridge is a post-tensioned concrete box-girder bridge in Richmond Virginia. In July of 2012, observation of flexural cracks in the bridge by the inspectors promoted a study regarding long-term prestress losses in the structure. Two techniques are used to predict long-term prestress losses for this bridge. A computer model of the bridge is used in the first method to calculate losses using the design code. In order to measure prestress losses, the second technique used data from sensors mounted on the bridge. It was found that the estimation of losses closely matched those predicted at the time of the bridge construction and the computer model results. Based on this the final conclusion is made that the prestress loss in the Varina-Enon Bridge is not significantly more than expected.

The Varina-Enon Bridge is a cable-stayed, precast, segmental, post-tensioned box girder bridge located in Richmond, Virginia. Inspectors noticed flexural cracking in July of 2012 that prompted concerns regarding long-term prestress losses in the structure. Prestress losses could impact the future performance, serviceability, and flexural strength of the bridge. Accurately quantifying prestress losses is critical for understanding and maintaining the structure during its remaining service life. Long-term prestress losses are estimated in the Varina-Enon Bridge using two methods. The first utilizes a time-dependent staged-construction analysis in a finite element model of the full structure to obtain predicted prestress losses using the CEB-FIP '90 code expressions for creep and shrinkage. The second method involves collecting data from instrumentation installed in the bridge that is used to back-calculate the effective prestress force. The prestress losses predicted by the finite element model were 44.9 ksi in Span 5, 47.8 ksi in Span 6, and 45.3 ksi in Span 9. The prestress losses estimated from field data were 50.0 ksi in Span 5, 48.0 ksi in Span 6, and 46.7 ksi in Span 9. The field data estimates were consistently greater than the finite element model predictions, but the discrepancies are relatively small. Therefore, the methods used to estimate the effective prestress from field data are validated. In addition, long-term prestress losses in the Varina-Enon Bridge are not significantly greater than expected.
Master of Science
Post-tensioned concrete uses stressed steel strands to apply a precompression force to concrete structures. This popular building technology can be used to create lighter, stiffer structures. Over time, the steel strands experience a reduction in force known as prestress losses. Accurately quantifying prestress losses is critical for understanding and maintaining a structure during its remaining service life. The Varina-Enon Bridge is a cable-stayed, prestressed box girder bridge located in Richmond, Virginia. Inspectors noticed cracking in July of 2012 that prompted concerns regarding long-term prestress losses in the structure. Prestress losses were estimated using two methods. The first method utilized a computer model of the full bridge. The second method used data from sensors installed on the bridge to back calculate prestress losses. It was found that the prestress losses estimated from field data were slightly greater than, but closely aligned with, the computer model results. Therefore, it was concluded that the Varina-Enon Bridge has not experienced significantly more prestress losses than expected.

Due to a European energy concept for reducing energy consumption and also the concept of sustainable development, there is a growing demand for reduced energy consumption during the operation of the building and hence increasing demands on the thermal and mechanical properties of the building envelope. For this reason, it is necessary to look for materials that could meet both thermal and mechanical properties, as well as mechanical resistance and loadability, especially for the application for the foundations of the house, the base of the house and for application to structural details for elimination of the thermal bridges between interior and exterior boundaries. The main motivation for choosing the topic of thesis was to find materials derived from recycled or secondary raw materials that would be suitable for manufacturing composite applicable for structural details in the envelope of the building and for insulating in humid environment. An economic and environmental aspect plays an important role in the choice of material. The main theme of the thesis is the laboratory manufacturing of a composite with a thermoplastic matrix derived from recycled plastic materials and waste foam as a phase. Has been developed a unique Waste-based Particle Polymer Composite (WPPC) made from recycled foam and polypropylene. However, before WPPC can be reliably used by construction designers, physical properties of WPPC must be accurately identified. Therefore, it was designed laboratory manufacturing system and sample testing system, it was studied thermal, mechanical, thermomechanical and moisture absorptivity of WPPC. Application of finished composite material with satisfying thermal insulation properties to structural details to eliminate the thermal bridge, was the next step. These are details of the unloaded, prefabricated balconies, windows, atics, as well as basement constructions and the heel of the central load-bearing wall, the terrain flooring and the staircase wall

Corrosion of steel tendons is a major problem for post-tensioned concrete, especially because corrosion of the steel strands is often hard to detect inside grouted ducts. Non-metallic tendons can serve as an alternative material to steel for post-tensioning applications. Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), given its higher strength and elastic modulus, as well as excellent durability and fatigue strength, is the most practical option for post-tensioning applications. The primary objective of this research project was to assess the feasibility of the use of innovative carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) tendons and to develop guidelines for CFRP in post-tensioned bridge applications, including segmental bridges and pier caps. An experimental investigation and a numerical simulation were conducted to compare the performance of a scaled segmental bridge model, post-tensioned with two types of carbon fiber strands and steel strands. The model was tested at different prestress levels and at different loading configurations. While the study confirms feasibility of both types of carbon fiber strands for segmental bridge applications, and their similar serviceability behavior, strands with higher elastic modulus could improve structural performance and minimize displacements beyond service loads. As the second component of the project, a side-by-side comparison of two types of carbon fiber strands against steel strands was conducted in a scaled pier cap model. Two different strand arrangements were used for post-tensioning, with eight and six strands, respectively representing an over-design and a slight under-design relative to the factored demand. The model was tested under service and factored loads. The investigation confirmed the feasibility of using carbon fiber strands in unbonded post-tensioning of pier caps. Considering both serviceability and overload conditions, the general performance of the pier cap model was deemed acceptable using either type of carbon fiber strands and quite comparable to that of steel strands. In another component of this research, creep stress tests were conducted with carbon fiber composite cable (CFCC). The anchorages for all the specimens were prepared using a commercially available expansive grout. Specimens withstood 95% of the guaranteed capacity provided by the manufacturer for a period of five months, without any sign of rupture.

Foram realizados estudos das ações e suas combinações, que possam ocorrer nas pontes; também foram apresentados as principais características das pontes em vigas mistas e os tabuleiros utilizados, os conectores de cisalhamento que são utilizados na ligação aço/concreto e os efeitos da retração e fluência das vigas mistas. No estudo desses efeitos realizou-se uma análise elástica; a seção transversal foi considerada idealizada e as tensões atuantes na seção mista foram obtidas através do método das tensões admissíveis. Este procedimento foi baseado por Djuric (1963) posteriormente por Mason (1976), considerando interação completa entre aço/concreto e o carregamento sendo aplicado no tempo t=0 e no tempo t='infinito'. Verificou-se ao longo do tempo um aumento do deslocamento e uma redistribuição de tensões na seção mista devido os efeitos da retração e fluência
It was achieved studies of the actions and it’s combinations that can happen at the bridges also it was presented the main characteristics of the bridges in composite beams and the slab applied the shear connectors that are utilized at the joining steel/concrete and the effects of the shrinkage and creep of the composite beams. In the study these effects come about an analysis elastic the cross-section was considered idealized and the stresses that actuate at the composite section were obtained through the method admissible stresses. This procedure was based by Djuric (1963) later by Mason (1976) considering full interaction between steel/concrete and the load being applied at the time t=0 and at the time t='infinite'. It was verified along the time a rise of the deflection and a redistribution of the stresses at the composite section due to the effects of the shrinkage and creep

The subject of my diploma thesis is a detailed static calculation of the post-tensioned concrete road bridge across Bystrica creek near Banska Bystrica in Slovakia. The bridge is element of turning ramp a motorway R1. The spatial curvature continuous bridge has 9 fields. It was made a spatial curvature computational model of the bridge for a structural analysis. The model was comparison with a straight computational model of the bridge. It is made comparison effect of the construction bridge in stages on the size of the internal forces too. The load-bearing structure was checked according to CSN EN 1992-1-1, CSN EN 1992-2 and CSN 73 6214.

Prestressed concrete construction relies on the application of compressive stresses to concrete elements. The prestressing force is typically applied through the tensioning of strands that react against the concrete and induce compression in the concrete. Loss of prestress is the decrease of this pre-applied stress. The conservative estimation of the prestress losses is imperative to prevent undesired cracking of the prestressed element under service loads. A large fraction of the prestress losses is a consequence of concrete deformations. This fraction of the losses can be identified as strain-related losses, and these occur due to instantaneous elastic shortening, and time-dependent creep and shrinkage. Creep and shrinkage of concrete depend on many factors that are extremely variable within concrete structures. The time-dependent behavior of concrete is not well-understood, but recent findings in the topics of concrete creep and shrinkage provide a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms affecting the nature of these two phenomena. However, current design practices and prestress loss estimation methods do not reflect the state-of-the-art knowledge regarding creep and shrinkage. The main objective of this dissertation was the study and estimation of strain-related prestress losses in simply supported pretensioned bridge girders. Simply supported pretensioned girders are widely designed, produced and frequently used in bridge construction. Due to this common use, pretensioned concrete bridge girders has become fairly standardized elements, which results in a reduced variability in the behavior of pretensioned bridge girders, as compare to that of less standardized concrete structures. Hence, a simplified method was calibrated to estimate prestress losses within pretensioned girders to an adequate level of accuracy. To achieve an acceptable accuracy experimental data from the monitoring of pretensioned simply supported girders was used for the calibration of the method. The accuracy of this simplified method is comparable to that achievable using more elaborate methods developed for generic concrete structures.
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碩士
國立交通大學
土木工程系所
94
In this thesis , the stresses in connected slab , which is occurred by the differential shrinkage and creep, was investigated between new constructed and old bridge. A finite element model is established by Diana, a commercial finite element program, to explore the effect of stress in the connection slab for different environment and time after new bridge was built .The results of FE-analysis show that the shear stress is maximum at two end of the joint .Delaying the time to joint the new and old bridge and joint it at higher humidity and lower temperature will reduce the stress occur in the slab , too.

In bridge deck concrete, early-age cracking can lead to substantial serviceability and structural integrity issues over the lifespan of the bridge. An understanding of the temperature, stress, and strength development of concrete can aid determining the early-age cracking susceptibility. This project, funded by the Texas Department of Transportation, evaluated these properties for various bridge deck materials and mixture proportions. The research presented in this thesis involved a laboratory testing program that used a combination of semi-adiabatic calorimetry, rigid cracking frame, free shrinkage frame, and match cured cylinder testing program that allowed the research team to simulate the performance of common bridge deck mixture designs under hot and cold weather conditions. In this program, the semi-adiabatic calorimetry was used, with previously generated models, to generate the temperature profile of the mixture. The rigid cracking frame and free shrinkage frame were used to evaluate the restrained stress development and the unrestrained volume changes, respectively, under the simulated temperatures. The match-cure cylinder testing program allowed the research team to generate a strength development profile for the concrete mixtures under the various simulated temperature profiles. Results from the laboratory program revealed that in hot weather simulations, ground granulated blast furnace slag mixtures developed the lowest stress / strength ratios, and in cold weather simulations, Class F fly ash mixtures developed the lowest stress / strength ratios. In general, use of SCMs and limestone coarse aggregate results in mixtures that generate less heat and lower stress / strength ratios. Isothermal testing showed that shrinkage reducing admixtures were effective in reducing early-age strains from chemical shrinkage. In addition to the laboratory testing program, a field testing program was completed to measure the temperature development of four bridge decks during the winter and summer months. The recorded concrete temperatures and the effects of the environmental conditions at the time of the pour will aid in the calibration and validation of the temperature prediction component of ConcreteWorks for bridge deck construction. In addition, experience gained through these field pours resulted in an optimized instrumentation procedure that will aid in the successful collection of data in future projects.
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Due to their structural efficiency and architectural elegance, concrete arches have long been used in bridge applications. However, the construction of concrete arches requires significant temporary supporting structures, which prevent their widespread use in modern bridges. A relatively new form of arch bridges is the network arch, in which a dense arrangement of inclined hangers is used. Network arches are subjected to considerably smaller bending moments and deflections than traditional arches and are therefore suitable for modern, accelerated construction methods in which the arches are fabricated off-site and then transported to the bridge location. However, service-level stresses, which play a critical role in the performance of the structure, are relatively unknown for concrete network arches and have not been sufficiently investigated in the previous research on concrete arches. The primary objective of this dissertation is to improve the understanding of short-term and time-dependent stresses in concrete arches, and more specifically, concrete network arches. The research presented herein includes extensive field monitoring of the West 7th Street Bridge in Fort Worth, Texas, which is the first precast network arch bridge and probably the first concrete network arch bridge in the world. The bridge consists of twelve identically designed concrete network arches that were precast and post-tensioned before they were transported to the bridge site and erected. A series of vibrating wire gages were embedded in the arches and were monitored throughout the construction and for a few months after the bridge was opened to traffic. The obtained data were processed, and structural response parameters were evaluated to support the safe construction of the innovative arches, identify their short-term and time-dependent structural behavior, and verify the modeling assumptions. The variability of stresses among the arches was also used to assess the reliability of stress calculations. The results of this study provide valuable insight into the elastic, thermal, and time-dependent behavior of concrete arches in general and concrete network arches in particular. The knowledge gained in this investigation also has broader applications towards understanding the behavior of indeterminate prestressed concrete structures that are subjected to variable boundary conditions and thermal and time-dependent effects.