Projects
Probabilistic formulation of the structural reliability of concrete structures subjected to fire in relation to risk-based desicion making and risk-transfer mechanisms Ghent University
A full-probabilistic methodology for calculating the safety level of concrete structures during and after fire will be developed, using numerical simulations. This enables to compare design or repair alternatives and assess the safety of existing concrete structures. Decision making strategies will be developed for cost optimization of structural design or strenthening alternatives. The responsibilities of different stakeholders and the ...
The Structural Behaviour of Corroded Reinforced Concrete Beams: Experimental and Numerical Studies for the Assessment of Corrosion-damaged Reinforced Concrete Beams KU Leuven
Assessing the structural performance of reinforced concrete (RC) structures damaged by chloride-induced corrosion is an important research topic with a high societal impact. Different models exist in the literature to predict the flexural capacity of corroded RC beams. These models incorporate corrosion damage according to damage relations calibrated on a specific set of data. The variety of approaches and relations in incorporating pitting ...
Structural safety, durability and robustness of complex concrete discontinuity regions under uncertainties Ghent University
The safety, durability and robustness of concrete structures largely depends on the ability to accurately predict their (time-dependent) structural response for which the development of appropriate modelling techniques is of paramount importance. However, in concrete discontinuity regions such as deep beams, half joints, corbels, nodes, etc., the strain distribution is significantly non-linear. Hence, for design and assessment typically limit ...
Structural behaviour of partly precast concrete members subjected to static, repetitive and accidental loading KU Leuven
Research into the structural behaviour of concrete structures concentrates mainly on structures cast in situ (according to Scopus 87%, with only 13% dedicated to precast). Therefore, in regulations there are often phrases such as: precast should behave like a structure poured on site. On the other hand, it has been shown repeatedly that the stability of concrete but also of steel-concrete structures, subjected to fluctuating and extreme ...
Characterization of the thermal exposure and material properties of concrete during the fire decay phase for performance-based structural fire engineering Ghent University
Safety and sustainability require designing buildings for the decay phase. To enable this, (i) models for the fire decay phase will be developed; (ii) decay phase properties of concrete will be determined; (iii) structural models will be developed and validated for decay phase performance; and (iv) uncertainties will be quantified and a reliability-based design approach developed.
ACB² - Application Center for Concrete and Construction - specific material for structural testing Hasselt University
Self-healing concrete to create durable and sustainable concrete structures Ghent University
In order to guarantee liquid tightness of concrete structures and enhance durability, smart concrete with self-healing properties is designed. Different healing agents and encapsulation techniques are tested and scaled up. Self-healing efficiency is evaluated in ( large) lab-scale tests and demonstrators. A life-cycle cost analysis shows the impact of the self-healing technologies on economy, society and environment.
Theoretical and Experimental Study of the Durability of Concrete Structures in Sulfate Environment Ghent University
Sulfate attack of concrete and concrete structures is an important durability problem in practice. This project aims at a theoretical and experimental study of the durability of concrete structures in sulfate environment. The aim of the project is to develop a model for the simulation of sulfate transport and sulfate attack in concrete, and for the prediction of the service life of concrete structures in sulfate environment.