IPS Journal of Engineering and Technology

Comparative Strength of Concrete Made with Stone Dust Sourced as Fine Aggregate from Abakaliki Ebonyi State and Nkwelle Ezunaka in Anambra State

2025-01-27T02:08:09-07:00

This study examines the use of stone dust in concrete production as a partial substitute for fine aggregates, using a water-to-cement ratio of 0.6 and a mix ratio of 1:1.5:3. In this study, concrete samples from Nkwelle and Abakaliki will be evaluated for the impact of stone dust on their workability and compressive strength. To assess the concrete's performance at different curing phases, important tests are slump and compressive strength tests. The slump test results showed that the concrete mix had good workability, with a value of 85 mm. We tested compressive strength at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. At each interval, the Abakaliki samples showed exceptional performance, obtaining compressive strengths of 16.75 N/mm², 20.70 N/mm², 15.40 N/mm², and 16.55 N/mm², respectively. The Nkwelle samples, in contrast, showed strengths of 10.70 N/mm², 12.30 N/mm², 12.20 N/mm², and 13.30 N/mm² throughout the same periods. The increased cement-aggregate bonding and particle size distribution in the Abakaliki samples are responsible for their higher compressive strength. On the other hand, the Nkwelle samples had a more gradual and slower growth of strength, which could be attributed to variations in curing conditions and aggregate qualities. According to the study's findings, especially in places with scarce sand supplies, stone dust can be a practical and sustainable substitute for natural sand in the manufacturing of concrete. However, the final compressive strength is greatly influenced by elements like the quality of the material and the curing conditions. To maximise the potential of stone dust in concrete applications and encourage sustainable building practices, the research suggests further optimisation of the mix design and curing procedures.

Structural simulation analysis of the developed hybrid of Momordica angustisepala fiber and Breadfruit seed-shell particles composites Bolted Flanges

2025-01-10T01:42:12-07:00

Abstract

In order to examine the mechanical behavior of a natural composite bolted flange made of Momordica angustisepala fiber (MAF) and breadfruit seed-shell particles (BFSAp), this study suggested a multiscale finite element (FE) analytical technique. Based on their properties which includes, light weight, superior strength-to-weight ratio, improved fracture toughness, fatigue and tensile properties, increased corrosion resistance in harsh environments, and other qualities, composite materials are always desired and widely used in the manufacturing sector. Based on the experimental findings, it was observed that The linear structural analysis of the developed bolted flange with sustainable materials shows that the high values of the Von Misses stress of 85.9355 MPa and 42.9677 MPa obtained in this study at 5.1 MPa and 10.2MPa internal pressure applied was attributed to the stiffness and strength obtained in this composite which resulted to high toughness obtained by the reinforcement that give a minimum factor of safety of 2.99318 ul and 1.49659 ul at 5.1 MPa and 10.2MPa internal pressure applied respectively. The tensile strength and factor of safety obtained are within the recommended standard for bolted flange application

Effects of Groove Angles and Quenchants on the Structural Integrity of a Single-Vee Butt Welded Joint of AISI 1024 Carbon Steel Weldment

2025-01-10T02:01:43-07:00

The high failure rate of welded structures has made it necessary to investigate some welding parameters that may be involved in these failures, such as groove angles, quenchants, welding current, welding voltage, and weld pass speed. This investigation aimed to investigate the impact of quenchants and groove angle on the structural integrity of a Single-V butt welded joint, using AISI 1024 steel. Nine samples, each measuring 150 x 80 mm, were cut from an 8 mm thick AISI 1024 steel plate. The findings of the study showed that, in comparison to oil and kerosene-quenched samples, the weldments cooled with natural air had significantly greater impact strength for the corresponding groove angles of 30°-130J, 45°-128J, and 60°-122J. Furthermore, out of all the groove angles taken into consideration in this study, the weldments of the samples that were cooled naturally had the highest hardness value; the maximum value of 188HBW was obtained with a groove angle of 60°. At groove angles of 45° and 60°, respectively, Mobil oil quenchant produced greater hardness values of 150HBW and 159HBW than kerosene, but at a groove angle of 30°, kerosene produced a larger hardness value of 152HBW than Mobil oil Although the observed mechanical qualities varied across all samples due to the changes in the quantities of cementite and pearlite present in the samples, the microstructural inspection studies showed phases of cementite and pearlite structures on all samples. The study's conclusions will help structural industries achieve the best possible weldment performance for AISI 1024 carbon steel