Dublin Core
Title
Concrete studies 2018
Abstract
We love concrete! We love it because it is concrete. We love it because it is reliable. We love it for it is steady and durable. We love it because it is mysterious. We would like to discover some of its mysteries and share them with you! That is why the “Concrete Studies“! Actually, this is a continuation of “Concrete Studies 2015-2016“ and hopefully predecessor of some other future concrete studies. Again, we present you with the additional three studies conducted at the International BURCH University Sarajevo and University of Bihać in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The first study is “Comparison of Fire Resistance of RC Slabs Determined according to Different Methods“. We construct our buildings and facilities to last 50, 100 or even 200 years. There is a high probability that fire will eventually occur during the service life of practically every structure. Fire can happen anytime and anywhere. This study explores fire resistance of RC slabs that are the most sensitive concrete elements in fire situation. We compared the results of determination of fire resistance according to four different methods. We got some conclusions, but also opened an area for new research on fire resistance of some other concrete elements. Concrete is principal construction material in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is very common. However, concrete of high compression strength is almost unknown in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The study of “High-Strength Concrete (HSC) and Possibilities for Production in Bosnia and Herzegovina“ discusses the recent history, advantages and disadvantages, application and benefits of it, as well as the constituent materials, mix design and proportioning and properties of high strength concrete. Experimental part of this study proves that it is feasible to produce highstrength concrete of slightly modified ordinary concrete mix improved by domestic admixtures and additives at minimal cost. This study aims to encourage concrete factories to produce it and engineers to apply it in their designs and actual construction. In his book “Advanced Concrete Technology“1 , Dr. Zongjin Li said: “Fresh concrete requires considerable care, just like a baby.” With 28 days of age, we consider concrete to be mature. However, to get concrete quality as required by design after 28 days, the curing procedure requires a whole set of steps, controls and tests. Unfortunately, concrete quality control in Bosnia and Herzegovina is usually related just to testing of concrete compression strength. The study of “Concrete Quality 1 Li, Zongjin, 2011, “Advanced Concrete Technology“, (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey, USA ISBN 978-0-470-90239-4 (ebk), 8 Control according to European Standards –Case Study– Construction of the Waste Treatment Plant in Bihać“ presents a unique example of Quality Assurance Program for construction project in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but with particular attention to concrete works in details. Testing of fresh concrete, testing of hardened concrete, and testing of steel reinforcement were integral parts of the QA Program during the implementation of the project. The approach presented in this study and implemented in the actual project could serve as a model, or at least for concrete quality control according to European Standards for other large construction projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Lessons learned from this project are important and experiences are tremendous. We believe that engineers, architects, designers, construction and project managers, contractors, clients and students can gain and find useful some of our experiences based upon the critical approach and thinking, and also keeping in mind that knowledge, same as seed, cannot be just transplanted anywhere without a detailed analysis of each piece of the land, climate, and many other factors - and in this case any individual project. We do hope that findings from these studies can serve as a reference for your future endeavors. We use this opportunity to thank our reviewers for their remarks, recommendations and suggestions. We’d also like to thank Ms. Dijana Misaljević for English proofreading that made this text better and Mr. Elmir Halebić for the design of the book cover. We also appreciate any effort and support by everyone who has in any way contributed to the process of publishing this book.
Keywords
Book
PeerReviewed
PeerReviewed
Publisher
International Burch University
Date
2018
Extent
3733