We present here the results of experimental research on the speed of absorption of CO2 by Portland cement pastes and pure and additive mortars. The samples, introduced in a chamber, are exposed to a high concentration of CO2, simultaneously monitoring the temperature, relative humidity, pressure and concentration of CO2 present inside. The results show greater rapidity of carbonation both in cement pastes and in mortars when they are added with plasticizers, air incorporators or workability additives.

Wooden bars arranged in cantilever configuration are put in oscillation. LPG fiber grating is used to register the flexural movement of the bar as a function of time to obtain the bar material’s Young’s modulus.

This paper shows the application of LPG optical fiber sensors to the determination of the transmitted stress and deformation of a sample of confined soil subjected to surface loads. The transmitted stress was measured by a mechanical LPG pressure sensor and the curvature of the ground by permanent LPG sensors buried at depths of 0.1m; 0.2m; 0.4m and 0.6m. Clay-sandy soil characteristic of UNICAMP was deposited in a cylinder of 0.8m in length and 0.30m in diameter. The soil was lightly compacted in 0.2m layers and an LPG sensor was installed on each layer. Surface loads of up to 227 KPa were applied to the surface of the soil, measuring axial soil deformations of less than 3mm by our sensors with sensitivities of the order of 0.22 mm/dB. The values of the modulus of elasticity for this type of soil were determined from the fitting of the Boussinesq equations with the values measured by the buried LPG sensors. A Young's modulus of 5.40 MPa and a Poisson's coefficient ν = 0.52 were determined for this type of soil.

This paper shows the application of LPG optical fiber sensors to the determination of the transmitted stress and deformation of a sample of confined soil subjected to surface loads. The transmitted stress was measured by a mechanical LPG pressure sensor and the curvature of the ground by permanent LPG sensors buried at depths of 0.1m; 0.2m; 0.4m and 0.6m. Clay-sandy soil characteristic of UNICAMP was deposited in a cylinder of 0.8m in length and 0.30m in diameter. The soil was lightly compacted in 0.2m layers and an LPG sensor was installed on each layer. Surface loads of up to 227 KPa were applied to the surface of the soil, measuring axial soil deformations of less than 3mm by our sensors with sensitivities of the order of 0.22 mm/dB. The values of the modulus of elasticity for this type of soil were determined from the fitting of the Boussinesq equations with the values measured by the buried LPG sensors. A Young's modulus of 5.40 MPa and a Poisson's coefficient ν = 0.52 were determined for this type of soil.