Examination of Concrete Canvas under Quasi-Realistic Loading by Computed Tomography

Abstract

The current paper concerns the investigation of CC (Concrete Canvas), a unique building material from the GCCM (geosynthetic cementitious composite mat) product group. The material is suitable for trench lining, trench paving, or even military construction activities, while the authors’ purpose is to investigate the application of the material to road and railway substructure improvement. This research was carried out to verify the material’s suitability for transport infrastructure and its beneficial effects. The authors’ previous study reported that the primary measurements were puncture, compression, and the parameters evaluated in four-point bending (laboratory) tests. However, based on the results, finite element modeling was not feasible because the testing of the composite material in a single layer did not provide an accurate indication. For this reason, the material characteristics required for modeling were investigated. A unique, novel testing procedure and assembly were performed, wherein the material was loaded under quasi-realistic conditions with a crushed stone ballast sample and other continuous particle size distribution samples in a closed polyethylene tube. In addition, the deformation of the material following deformed bonding was measured by computed tomography scanning, and the results were evaluated.

Advantages of using CONCRETE CANVAS materials in railway track construction

“…In [19], it was proved that the CC layer is not punctured in this layer structure under this amount of loading (Fig. 3).…”

“…On the other hand, this GCCM technology could also ensure increasing ballast stability. In [19], the authors showed that ballast under loading can be pressed into the CC material, which means that the bottom layer of ballast is cemented into the layer which increases the inner shear resistance, as well as the case when geogrids are used. From this aspect, one of the aims of this article is to compare the behaviors and technical effects of geogrids in railway track structures.…”

“…In [19], the hypothesis was that the CC deforms under loading, and the ballast particles are penetrated into the CC. This hypothesis has been confirmed, so the interlocking effect was successfully observed.…”

“…So, while in the first part, the CC specimens were loaded beyond their (self) weight by 100 kN for a week, new tests in [19] show that minimal time of loadings is enough for the cementation of the ballast particles.…”

Influence of Matrix and the Fibre Orientation on the Mechanical Performance and Slope Protection of Three Dimensional Geosynthetic Cementitious Composite Mats

“…Additionally, this prevents the necessity for conventional procedures such as blending, molding, and extracting (Li et al, 2019). The applications of this material vary from in atable tents and ditch lining to slope protection, building restoration, and reinforcement (Ding et al,2020;Jafari et al, 2020;Ding et al,2022;Liu et al, 2023;Eller et al, 2023;Xiang et al, 2023. In comparison to traditional materials used for slope protection layers, such as shotcrete layers, GCCMs offers easier, and more costeffective installation process, providing substantial bene ts like reduced environmental impact, shortened construction periods, and lower labor costs. Furthermore, it is effectiveness in rapidly constructing slope protection, such as emergency slope protection or heavy rainfall (Li et al 2016;Zhang 2020).…”