Florida International University

Atorod Azizinamini

Samira Pouyanfar

Alireza Valikhani

Islam Mohamed Mantawy

Azadeh Jaberi Jahromi

Amer I Awwad

Systems and methods are provided to simulate, approximate, or replicate conditions similar to concrete elements being placed under pressures equivalent to several hundred feet of ocean water and to provide information useful to assess relative durability of concrete without coring or other destructive actions. The quality of concrete can be assessed by measuring the pressure drop of water or other liquid to ingress through the concrete surface under high pressure over time. A rapid assessment of quality of existing concrete is provided. Systems and methods can efficiently assess long term durability of existing concrete elements such as those used in midrise buildings, parking garages, bridge decks, and the like.

In situ rapid testing for assessing quality of concrete

The degree of concrete surface roughness contributes to the bond strength between two concrete surfaces for either new construction or repair and retrofitting of concrete structures. Provided are novel systems and methods with industrial application to quantify concrete surface roughness from images which may be obtained from basic cameras or smartphones. A digital image processing system and method with a new index for concrete surface roughness based on the aggregate area-to-total surface area is provided. A machine learning method applying a combination of advanced techniques, including data augmentation and transfer learning, is utilized to categorize images based on the classification given during the learning process. Both methods compared favorably to a well-established method of 3D laser scanning.

Systems and methods for quantifying concrete surface roughness

A modular railing system for on-site assembly of a railing system along a roadway is provided. The modular railing system can include a deck with an edge beam along one side and a railing that can be attached to the edge beam. Attachment of the railing to the edge beam raises the joint between the deck and the railing to inhibit water seepage into the joint. In a specific embodiment, UHPC can be used to attach the railing to the edge beam.

Modular railing for on-site construction

Methods for manufacturing a composite concrete structure are provided. A method can include utilizing a shell formwork with a displacement piece positioned therein. A first type of concrete can be placed in the shell formwork around the displacement piece. The displacement piece, when removed, leaves a void that is fillable with a second type of concrete for form the composite concrete structure. A reinforcement cage or reinforcement rods can be incorporated into the void prior to placement of the second type of concrete.

Composite construct and methods and devices for manufacturing the same

The subject invention provides materials and methods for repairing and/or improving the performance of concrete structures. In preferred embodiments, the methods comprise attaching a thin shell of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) over the area of interest, the shape of the shell substantially conforming to that of the area itself, and subsequently filling a cavity defined by the shell with UHPC.

High performing protective shell for concrete structures

Folded plate girders can be connected end to end to form a cambered girder, wherein a connector system including a peripheral connecting flange secures adjacent girders in series at the desired camber arc or angle.

Growing community of inventors

Miramar, FL, United States of America

Atorod Azizinamini