i-manager's Journal on Structural Engineering (JSTE)


Volume 12 Issue 2 July - September 2023

Research Paper

Experimental Study on Partial Replacement of Cement in Concrete by Sugarcane Bagasse Ash

Gopinath G.* , Ashok Kumar S.**, Aruna Devi A.***
* Department of Technical CDR & CO Construction, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.
** Department of Temporary Work Team, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.
*** Department of Civil Engineering, Renganayagi Varatharaj College of Engineering, Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, India.
Gopinath, G., Kumar, S. A., and Devi, A. A. (2023). Experimental Study on Partial Replacement of Cement in Concrete by Sugarcane Bagasse Ash. i-manager’s Journal on Structural Engineering, 12(2), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.26634/jste.12.2.20223

Abstract

The exploratory review aims to research the utilization of sugar bagasse concrete as a partial replacement for conventional concrete to enhance the strength and durability of cement. An experimental study investigates the impact of sugar bagasse concrete on strength. According to the study, the application of sugarcane bagasse ash as a substitute material for cement yielded promising results due to its chemical composition, fineness, and well-controlled incineration process. Although many forms of ash do not exhibit hydraulic or pozzolanic reactivity, they can still be used as inert materials in civil construction. Tests including the slump cone test, compressive test, and tensile strength were conducted on concrete incorporating sugarcane bagasse ash as a cement substitute. The findings indicated that the sugarcane bagasse ash sample possessed physical qualities similar to those of cement. Hence, sugarcane bagasse debris can be used as a partial substitute for cement in concrete. The aim of this initiative is to replace cement with sugar bagasse ash at varying percentages. After a curing period of 7 to 28 days, the strength characteristics will be compared with those of traditional concrete, utilizing the concrete grade in this work. Utilizing sugarcane bagasse instead of regular concrete is expected to reduce costs.

Research Paper

Shear Properties of Engineered Cementitious Composites using Polyvinyl Alcohol Fiber

Shankar H. Sanni* , Vijayakumar Javalagaddi**, Pradeep Reddy***
*-*** Department of Civil Engineering, Basaveshwar Engineering College, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India.
Sanni, S. H., Javalagaddi, V., and Reddy, P. (2023). Shear Properties of Engineered Cementitious Composites using Polyvinyl Alcohol Fiber. i-manager’s Journal on Structural Engineering, 12(2), 8-15. https://doi.org/10.26634/jste.12.2.20128

Abstract

The utilization of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) fibers in Engineering Cementitious Composites (ECC) has garnered significant attention in the realm of construction materials. This composite, formed from cement and ultra-ductile fibers, demonstrates exceptional properties, including high strength, resistance to elevated temperatures and corrosion, making it indispensable in structural engineering. Notably effective in seismic-resistant infrastructure and enduring structures subjected to harsh environmental conditions, ECC with PVA fibers stands out for its ductility and strainhardening capabilities. This study delves into ECC by incorporating various materials like cement, fly ash, sand, PVA fibers, and superplasticizer. PVA fibers, despite being costly, significantly augment ECC's ductility, strain-hardening behavior, and energy absorption properties. The inclusion of these fibers bolsters both shear and compression strength, elevating overall structural performance. Unlike conventional concrete, ECC showcases a remarkable tensile strain capacity of 3-7%, contributing to its distinct characteristics. The literature review consolidates studies investigating PVA fiber's impact on ECC's mechanical properties, emphasizing enhancements in strength, toughness, and crack control. Factors such as fiber types, density, and additives are explored, showcasing how ECC with PVA fibers can augment performance and sustainability in construction materials. Findings reveal an increase in compressive strength at 7 days with added PVA fibers, albeit with some variations at 28 days. Similarly, shear strength escalates with increased PVA fiber content up to 1.5%, enhancing bonding and load-bearing capacity. However, higher fiber content at 2% causes increased water consumption, reducing load-carrying capacity. ECC fortified with PVA fibers demonstrates superior strength and durability compared to traditional concrete, overcoming brittleness and crack susceptibility. The research highlights the influence of fiber content on enhancing bonding and shear strength, establishing the potential for ECC with PVA fibers to revolutionize construction materials and practices.

Research Paper

An Experimental Study on Alkali Resistant Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete

Zubaid Hamid* , Ashuvendra Singh**
* Engineering Consultancy, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
** Department of Civil Engineering, Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, Dehradun, India.
Hamid, Z., and Singh, A. (2023). An Experimental Study on Alkali Resistant Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete. i-manager’s Journal on Structural Engineering, 12(2), 16-22. https://doi.org/10.26634/jste.12.2.20207

Abstract

Typical concrete has high compressive strength, low tensile strength, low resistance to cracks, and low elasticity. For tensile strength, concrete is strengthened by steel, but the tensile strength of concrete in itself does not improve. Alkaliresistant CEM-FIL glass fiber, a high tensile strength thin glass fiber material, is blended with a concrete mixture at a weight ratio of 0 to 3%. Specimen sample of concrete grade of M20, was developed and cast for post-testing. After seven and twenty-eight days, compression and flexural experiments were performed after the concrete was reinforced. Compared with the control specimen, we found a substantial improvement in compressive and flexural strength in the glass fiber reinforced sections after seven and twenty- eight days. By adding 3.0 percent glass fiber to the concrete, optimum results were achieved. Our analysis proposes reinforcing concrete with glass fiber with the ability to optimize concrete properties.

Research Paper

Evaluation and Comparison on Performance Evaluation of Polymer Brick Utilizing Plastic Waste with Local Sourced Burnt Bricks

Bibek Adhikari * , Amit Shrestha**, Aavash Bhandari***, Aashish Kumar Sah****, Jenisha G. C.*****, Amrita Belbase******, Satish Paudel*******
*-******* Department of Civil Engineering, National College of Engineering, Lalitpur, Nepal.
Adhikari, B., Shrestha, A., Bhandari, A., Sah, A. K., Jenisha, G. C., Belbase, A., and Paudel, S. (2023). Evaluation and Comparison on Performance Evaluation of Polymer Brick Utilizing Plastic Waste with Local Sourced Burnt Bricks. i-manager’s Journal on Structural Engineering, 12(2), 23-35. https://doi.org/10.26634/jste.12.2.20230

Abstract

This research delves into a comprehensive analysis comparing the mechanical properties of plastic sand bricks against the conventional burnt bricks. The study focuses on conducting experiments to evaluate the mechanical characteristics of both brick types, which are formulated using a blend of sand and plastic materials. Diverse ratios of plastic sand bricks were subjected to rigorous testing, encompassing assessments of moisture content and compressive strength. These findings were juxtaposed with those obtained from locally procured traditional bricks. The primary objective of this research is to address the pivotal concept of sustainability, placing significant emphasis on exploring viable strategies to counter the burgeoning global issue of plastic pollution. The study's results offer critical insights into the potential of plastic sand bricks as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional burnt bricks, highlighting their mechanical competence and their potential to mitigate plastic waste while contributing to sustainable construction practices. The outcomes of this investigation contribute to the ongoing discourse on sustainable materials, offering promising avenues for addressing environmental challenges and fostering more eco-conscious construction methodologies.

Case Study

Traffic Safety and Vulnerable Road Users – A Case Study in Hyderabad

V. V. Pattabhiram Yegulla* , P. Sravana**
*-** Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad, India.
Yegulla, V. V. P., and Sravana, P. (2023). Traffic Safety and Vulnerable Road Users – A Case Study in Hyderabad. i-manager’s Journal on Structural Engineering, 12(2), 36-46. https://doi.org/10.26634/jste.12.2.20151

Abstract

Vulnerable Road Users (VRU) refers to individuals who are most at risk in traffic. This category mainly includes pedestrians and two-wheelers who lack the protection of an outside shield and face a greater risk of injury in any collision with a vehicle. Consequently, they are in dire need of protection against such collisions. According to the World Health Organization's Global Status Report on Road Safety, Vulnerable Road Users account for 47% of fatalities in India. This group encompasses motorized two-wheelers and three-wheelers (Auto Rickshaws). Over the past few decades, road "improvement" schemes have become common in urban areas. However, "improvement" often translates to road widening, raising concerns about the safety of such projects. Are they taking into account the needs of vulnerable road users? Furthermore, where have the footpaths gone that used to be on both sides of the road? It's concerning that public buildings such as schools, cinemas, and shopping malls, which attract many pedestrians, have direct access to main roads without any drop-off areas. Additionally, there are no speed-calming measures in place. Recent modifications in many of the city's junctions removed four-arm intersections, diverting traffic through U-turns. While this may work well for vehicular traffic, what about pedestrians? When the U-turn is located close to the junction, traffic from the approaching road has to weave through 3 or 4-lane traffic to reach the U-turn facility. How safe are these junctions when there is insufficient weaving distance? This paper focuses on the traffic safety challenges faced by pedestrians, considered vulnerable road users, in the Indian context. Specifically, it discusses recent developments in Hyderabad aimed at improving pedestrian safety, laws applicable to pedestrians, issues with enforcement, and recommendations based on IRC guidelines.