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In this study involving cementitious matrix composites, the influence of the water/cement (w/c) ratio variation (0.48, 0.60, 0.70 and 0.75) was analyzed in its open pore structure and in the carbonation front advancing. Test specimens were molded in cylindrical dimensions of (5x10) cm and (2x4) cm for each mix proportions, and subjected into accelerated carbonation tests, at controlled exposure conditions. The open porosity of the material was obtained by using a helium pycnometer. A model based on Fick's second law was used to fit an equation to the curve of progress of the carbonation front over time. The results show that the water/cement ratio can highly influence the analyzed properties; the mathematical model used provided an excellent approximation of the advancing carbonation front trend, allowing a good evaluation of the carbonation coefficient (K) associated to each mixture proportioning.

The useful life of concrete is associated with the penetrative ability of aggressive agents on their structures. Structural parameters such as porosity, pore distribution and connectivity have great influence on the properties of mass transport in porous solids. In the present study, the effect of varying the workability of concrete in fresh state, produced through the use of additives, on pore structure and on the mechanical compressive strength of hardened concrete was assessed. The pore structure was analyzed with the aid of X-ray microtomography, and the results obtained were compared to the total pore volume calculated from data derived from helium and mercury pycnometry tests. A good approximation between the porosity values obtained through the two techniques was observed, and it was found that, regardless of concrete consistency, the samples from the surface of the specimens showed a percentage of pores higher than those taken from the more inner layers.

The purpose of this paper is to present the main aspects and results of an experimental study to determine the bond strength between the concrete of a column of an existing structure (old concrete) and the concrete that will be used in its strengthening project (new concrete). For the bond strength tests, a specimen was conceived, called Double Sleeve specimen. The bond strength results obtained from the tests using Double Sleeve specimens, called Double Sleeve Tests, were compared to the results obtained from using the Slant Shear Test. The values for the bond strength between the two concretes, obtained from the Double Sleeve Tests, were either below or above the values obtained from linear regression of the Slant Shear Test results, depending on the sleeve diameter and the ratio of transverse reinforcement used. This fact, enabled concludes that the Double Sleeve Test is the most appropriate test to evaluate the bond strength between concretes of columns strengthened.

The goal is to determine the mechanisms of soil-cement interlocked brick plus wood fibers under compressive loading. For this we used experimental stress analysis techniques. Horizontal deformations (εx) and vertical (εy) of bricks were obtained with extensometers, in the configuration of five rosettes. From the values of these deformations and using the equations of the theory of elasticity, Poisson coefficients were determined and elasticity modules, and calculated the corresponding voltages each escutcheon according to the equations of the State of plane stress. To determine the trajectory of the rupture voltage-loading graphics were made of each rosette. Knowing this trajectory determined the tensions related to the modification of the brick break mechanism. The appearance of a premature cracking or excessive is parameter used to determine the State limit of use of bricks.