Development of TRC Plates and Angles for Compression Applications

Amid the growing concern surrounding the environmental impact and carbon footprint of concrete materials, reducing the carbon footprint of the matrix phase needs to be complemented with finding alternatives to steel rebars as the primary reinforcement. In this study, various plates and shapes were manufactured using TRC to explore its structural capabilities. These components were then subjected to compression testing to assess their performance under load. Additionally, the deformation and failure processes were meticulously recorded using Digital Image Correlation (DIC) techniques, allowing for a precise digital analysis of the material behavior under stress. The critical load—the maximum stress the material can withstand before failure—was a key focus of the investigation, providing valuable insights into the potential applications and limitations of TRC in construction. This comprehensive approach not only highlights the mechanical properties and performance of TRC but also reinforces its viability as an eco-friendly alternative in modern engineering solutions. The Finite Strip Method is a suitable technique for the buckling analysis of plates. By employing strips along the length of the specimen, the critical local buckling stress can be computed. Notably, the FSM is computationally efficient, as it avoids the need for the extensive use of small finite elements with numerous nodal points,. This paper aims to shed light on the manufacturing and optimizing TRCs for eventual compression applications such as truss members subjected to load reversals. The primary focus is to explore the modeling of structural sections in plates, stiffened members, panels, and trusses which may require load reversal, in both tension and compression zones. The study involves the testing of plate coupons and sections subjected under compression and comparing the experimental data and the compression behavior of angle shapes in TRC with the semi-analytical models.