ADVANCES IN PRODUCTION AND PERFORMANCE OF FUNCTIONALLY GRADED CONCRETE BEAMS: A REVIEW
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55766/sujst3893Keywords:
Continuously Graded Concrete, Layered Concrete, Functionally Graded Concrete, Flexural Behavior, Impact Behavior, Compressive StrengthAbstract
Functionally graded concrete is becoming increasingly popular due to the need to minimize global carbon emissions and advancements in automation. Functionally graded concrete varies material composition to fulfill different performance objectives across a structural part. This has tremendous possibilities for reducing cement usage. This paper explores recent advancements in the production and performance of functionally graded concrete (FGC) beams. Advanced production techniques like 3D printing and gradient casting allow for precise control over material composition, leading to complex, high-consistency structures. This reduces material usage, especially in high-demand regions, and contributes to lower carbon emissions. FGC’s mechanical properties show improvements in tensile and compressive strength, crack resistance, and thermal resistance, making them suitable for energy-efficient designs. Computational modeling plays a crucial role in optimizing design for maximum structural efficiency. FGC beams show significant improvements in mechanical properties, including enhanced strength, better fracture resistance, and superior thermal performance compared to conventional homogeneous concrete. The performance of compressive strength in functionally-graded Preplaced Aggregate Fibrous Concrete (FPAFC) has been reported to reach 57 MPa, while its impact ductility index is 11.8%, demonstrating robust balance between strength and toughness. Moreover, an ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) layer integrated with headed studs has shown an impressive modulus of elasticity of 42.1 GPa, significantly enhancing the fatigue properties of the overall structure. The cracking behavior in asphalt concrete using a cohesive zone model (CZM), revealing a crack propagation threshold at 3.5 mm. Thus, the advancements in the production and performance of functionally graded concrete demonstrate its potential to deliver superior strength, durability, and sustainability in construction.
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