Publications

Chen, K, Liu, Q, Chen, B, Zhang, S, Ferrara, L & Li, W 2024, 'Effect of raw materials on the performance of 3D printing geopolymer: A review', Journal of Building Engineering, vol. 84, pp. 108501-108501.
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Chi, K, Li, J & Wu, C 2024, 'Behaviour of reinforced concrete panels under impact loading after cryogenic freeze-thaw cycles', Construction and Building Materials, vol. 414, pp. 135058-135058.
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Doan, S & Fatahi, B 2024, 'Simplified analytical solution for time dependent deformation of soft soil improved with pervious column considering load transfer between column and soil', Computers and Geotechnics, vol. 166, pp. 105988-105988.
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Dong, L, Yang, Y, Liu, Z, Yang, T, Xue, C, Shao, R & Wu, C 2024, 'Effect of chloride ion migration behaviour on the microstructure and mechanical properties of ultra-high performance concrete: A review', Journal of Building Engineering, vol. 82, pp. 108233-108233.
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Farooq, MA & Nimbalkar, S 2024, 'Monotonic and cyclic triaxial testing of untreated and polyurethane-treated soil and soil–rubber mixtures', Acta Geotechnica, vol. 19, no. 2, pp. 605-630.
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AbstractThe present research focuses on developing alternate sustainable base materials for a high-speed slab track. In this study, a series of monotonic triaxial, cyclic triaxial and permeability tests were conducted on four types of materials, viz. mix-A (gravel soil), mix-B (soil mixed with rubber), mix-C (polyurethane foam adhesive (PFA)-treated soil), and mix-D (PFA-treated soil–rubber mixture). The influence of cyclic loading frequency, effective confining pressure, drainage condition and relative density on the deformation, excess pore water pressure, resilient modulus and damping ratio of these different mixes is evaluated. The monotonic triaxial test results indicate that the PFA treatment of mix-A and mix-B increased their shear strength and critical state strength. In contrast, incorporating rubber into mix-A and mix-C helped enhance their ductility. The cyclic triaxial test results show that the PFA treatment of mix-A and mix-B significantly reduced the magnitude of deformation and generation of excess pore water pressure, which caused these untreated mixes to fail prematurely under lower confinement to which a typical base layer is subjected. The influence of cyclic loading frequency and effective confining pressure on the material's response differed for untreated and treated soil. The permeability test results indicate good drainage for mix-D comparable to mix-A.

Farooq, MA & Nimbalkar, S 2024, 'Static and cyclic performance of polyurethane foam adhesive bound soil–rubber mixtures under drained conditions', Acta Geotechnica, vol. 19, no. 2, pp. 561-589.
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AbstractThe major drawbacks of a railway track include noise, vibration, and aggravated track degradation. Resilient mats and asphalt have been increasingly used in recent years to mitigate this noise and vibration. However, these materials are quite expensive. Conventional asphalt is very stiff and brittle, making it more prone to cracking. The present work aims to develop a novel material that can be used as a base layer in ballasted and slab tracks. The current research proposes a sustainable and resilient base course layer comprising ground rubber (GR) and polyurethane foam adhesive (PFA). In this study, the performance of GR embedded in the sand is investigated. The use of PFA-treated sand with and without GR is then explored. The optimum dosage of PFA for soil and GR for treated and untreated soil is recommended based on static direct simple shear (SDSS) and cyclic direct simple shear (CDSS) tests. SDSS tests were performed to evaluate the monotonic performance of all mixtures. CDSS tests were performed to assess the long-term performance of these different mixes under repeated cyclic loading (50,000 load cycles) and varying cyclic shear stress amplitude. It is shown that PFA helps reduce the settlement and enhance soil shear strength, while GR increases the damping ratio of the soil. The optimum dosage of PFA is recommended 10%. The optimum GR content for untreated and PFA-treated soil is recommended 5 and 10%, respectively.

Fatahi, B 2024, 'Uncertainty, modeling, and decision making in geotechnics Uncertainty, modeling, and decision making in geotechnics , edited by Kok-Kwang Phoon, Takayuki Shuku, and Jianye Ching, Boca Raton, CRC Press, 2024, 502 pp., ISBN: 978-1-032-36749-1 (hbk), ISBN: 978-1-032-36750-7 (pbk), ISBN: 978-1-003-33358-6 (ebk), $315 hardback, doi:10.1201/9781003333586', Georisk: Assessment and Management of Risk for Engineered Systems and Geohazards, vol. 18, no. 1, pp. 314-316.
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Habaraduwa Peellage, W, Fatahi, B & Rasekh, H 2024, 'Stiffness and damping characteristics of jointed rocks under cyclic triaxial loading subjected to prolonged cyclic loading', International Journal of Fatigue, vol. 181, pp. 108121-108121.
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Haddad, H, Fatahi, B, Khabbaz, H, Hsi, J & Li, I 2024, 'Effects of stress history on compressibility characteristics of undisturbed landfill waste material', Construction and Building Materials, vol. 422, pp. 135725-135725.
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Hassani, S, Dackermann, U, Mousavi, M & Li, J 2024, 'A systematic review of data fusion techniques for optimized structural health monitoring', Information Fusion, vol. 103, pp. 102136-102136.
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Hassani, S, Dackermann, U, Mousavi, M & Li, J 2024, 'Enhanced damage detection for noisy input signals using improved reptile search algorithm and data analytics techniques', Computers & Structures, vol. 296, pp. 107293-107293.
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Karki, D, Far, H & Nejadi, S 2024, 'Structural Behaviour of Prefabricated Composite Cold-Formed Steel and Timber Flooring Systems', Journal of Structural Engineering, vol. 150, no. 4.
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In this study, structural performance of a new type of lightweight composite cold-formed steel and timber (CFST) flooring system has been investigated by conducting four-point bending tests on thirteen specimens. A bare cold-formed steel system without timber sheathing was also tested to provide a benchmark response to which the strength and stiffness of the composite system were compared. This paper presents key findings on the flooring system’s structural behaviour and performance parameters, such as ultimate bending capacity, load-deflection response, load-slip response and failure modes, by categorising thirteen specimens into four sub-groups based on shear connector types and spacings. In the proposed composite CFST flooring system, 45mm thick structural plywood panels were connected to the 2.4mm thick cold-formed steel C-section joist using self-drilling screws, coach screws, and nuts and bolts. The performance of different types of shear connectors on the composite action is experimentally investigated and compared with the theoretical plastic section. Furthermore, the load-carrying capacity, effective bending stiffness, and deflection of composite CFST beams were computed theoretical using elastic theory and compared to experimental results, which showed good agreement.

Lei, B, Yang, W, Guo, Y, Wang, X, Xiong, Q, Wang, K & Li, W 2024, 'Interfacial adhesion between recycled aggregate and asphalt mastic filled with recycled concrete powder', Case Studies in Construction Materials, vol. 20, pp. e02721-e02721.
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Recycled aggregate (RA) and recycled concrete powder (RCP) hold significant potential as environmentally sustainable raw materials for asphalt mixtures. In this study, a comprehensive investigation was conducted on the bonding properties between RA and RCP-filled asphalt mastic (RCPAM). This investigation utilized an image processing-assisted modified water boiling test, binder bond strength (BBS) tests, and the surface free energy (SFE) method. The results indicate that the boiling water test method, even with the assistance of 2D image processing analysis, cannot adequately evaluate the adhesive characteristics of the RA-RCPAM interface. This limitation could be attributed to the relatively small number of samples tested and the significant variation in surface properties of RA. Increasing both the filler-to-asphalt (F/A) ratio and RCP replacement ratio adversely affected the interfacial bond strength of the RA-RCPAM interface. On the other hand, an increase in RA surface roughness contributed to a higher bond strength. Based on the experimental results, a best-fit multivariate mixed model was proposed to predict the interfacial bond strength between RCP-filled asphalt mastic and recycled aggregate within a given range of RCP replacement ratio, surface roughness, and filler-to-asphalt (F/A) ratios. The analysis of SFE suggested that moisture damage to RCPAM was caused by both cohesive and adhesive failure. Additionally, the minimal impact of adhesion work in wet condition with increasing RCP content suggested that adhesion failure energy was only marginally affected by the inclusion of RCP, even in the presence of moisture. These findings are expected to enhance the understanding of interfacial adhesion characteristics and moisture susceptibility of the RA-RCPAM interface.

Lei, B, Yu, L, Guo, Y, Xue, H, Wang, X, Zhang, Y, Dong, W, Dehn, F & Li, W 2024, 'Triaxial mechanical behaviours and life cycle assessment of sustainable multi-recycled aggregate concrete', Science of The Total Environment, vol. 923, pp. 171381-171381.
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Leng, D, Lv, P, Zhu, Z, Li, Y & Liu, G 2024, 'Experimental study on semi-active magnetorheological elastomer based isolation system for offshore platform using wave tank', Ocean Engineering, vol. 292, pp. 116467-116467.
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Li, L, Mortazavi, M, Far, H, El-Sherbeeny, AM & Ahmadian Fard Fini, A 2024, 'Simulation and modeling of polymer concrete panels using deep neural networks', Case Studies in Construction Materials, vol. 20, pp. e02912-e02912.
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Li, W, Guo, Y, Zhang, X, Dong, W, Li, X, Yu, T & Wang, K 2024, 'Development of self-sensing ultra-high-performance concrete using hybrid carbon black and carbon nanofibers', Cement and Concrete Composites, vol. 148, pp. 105466-105466.
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Li, Y, Zhao, H, Hu, Y, Qu, F, Zhu, D, Wang, K & Li, W 2024, 'Effect of pore water pressure on mechanical performance of recycled aggregate concrete under triaxial compression', Cement and Concrete Composites, vol. 146, pp. 105402-105402.
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Liu, J, Wei, J, Li, J, Su, Y & Wu, C 2024, 'A comprehensive review of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) behaviour under blast loads', Cement and Concrete Composites, vol. 148, pp. 105449-105449.
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Liu, Q, Cheng, S, Sun, C, Chen, K, Li, W & Tam, VWY 2024, 'Steel cable bonding in fresh mortar and 3D printed beam flexural behavior', Automation in Construction, vol. 158, pp. 105165-105165.
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Nguyen, LV, Le, TH, Nguyen, TD, Kwok, NM & Ha, QP 2024, 'Monorail bridge inspection using digitally-twinned UAVs', E3S Web of Conferences, vol. 496, pp. 04004-04004.
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This paper introduces a comprehensive approach to monorail bridge inspection utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and digital twin technology. The autonomous UAV-based inspection design encompasses UAV dynamics, tracking control, path planning, and task execution. A dedicated digital twin platform is developed to facilitate rigorous testing and verification of UAV control, mitigating the necessity for extensive physical testing. Methodology validation is achieved through a combination of simulations and real-world experiments, affirming its efficacy in authentic scenarios and demonstrating the potential for advancing infrastructure inspection practices.

Nimbalkar, S & Basack, S 2024, 'Pile group in clay subjected to cyclic lateral load: Numerical modelling and design recommendation', Marine Georesources & Geotechnology, vol. 42, no. 1, pp. 67-87.
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Pan, Y, Zong, Z, Li, J, Qian, H & Wu, C 2024, 'Investigating the dynamic response of a double-box utility tunnel buried in calcareous sand against ground surface explosion', Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, vol. 146, pp. 105636-105636.
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Qu, K, Liu, J, Zhang, J & Wu, C 2024, 'Three-dimensional meso-scale modelling of geopolymer-based ultra-high performance concrete (G-UHPC) with ceramic ball coarse aggregates under projectile impact', Structures, vol. 61, pp. 105935-105935.
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Rao, P, Feng, W, Ouyang, P, Cui, J, Nimbalkar, S & Chen, Q 2024, 'Formation of plasma channel under high-voltage electric pulse and simulation of rock-breaking process', Physica Scripta, vol. 99, no. 1, pp. 015604-015604.
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Abstract In the context of rock fragmentation, the application of high voltage electric pulses results in the transfer of electrical energy onto the surface of the rock material, leading to a rapid electrical breakdown and the formation of a plasma channel. The ionized plasma expands at a fast velocity, generating a shock wave that causes significant damage to the rock’s integrity. In this study, we develope a numerical model that couples electrical, thermal, and mechanical forces to simulate the formation of plasma channels within rocks due to high-voltage electric pulses. The model’s accuracy is verified through field tests, and the results indicate that the configuration of the high-voltage pulse waveform, electrode spacing, and conductor particles within the rock impact the pathway of plasma channel formation. Prior to the formation of the plasma channel, minimal changes are observed in temperature and stress levels, with the majority of electric pulse energy dedicated to the creation of the plasma channel. Following the establishment of the plasma channel, the application of the electric pulse continues, resulting in notable alterations in temperature and stress levels. When the duration of the action reaches 105 ns, the temperature and stress levels surpass 104 K and 50 MPa, respectively, leading to fracture and extensive damage to the rock. The outcomes derived from the numerical model’s calculations can help to facilitate the cross-integration between physics and civil engineering and contribute to a deeper understanding of the rock fragmentation process under high voltage electric pulses.

Rao, P, Meng, J, Cui, J & Nimbalkar, S 2024, 'Field Study on Rectangular Inclined Deep Foundation Excavation in Soft Soils', Geotechnical and Geological Engineering, vol. 42, no. 3, pp. 2151-2168.
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Stuart, B, Guan, J, Collins, S, Thomas, P & Ueland, M 2024, 'A preliminary study of non-woven fabrics for forensic identification purposes', Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences, vol. 56, no. 2, pp. 144-153.
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While traditional woven textiles have been the subject of many forensic investigations, non-woven fabrics have received minimal attention thus far. Given the expansion of commercial applications of non-woven fabrics, a preliminary investigation of household wipes has been carried out to characterize the compositions of these widely available non-woven fabrics. Infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis were employed to identify the fibre type and additives of three types of commercial wipes. Polyester and/or viscose fibres were found to be the main components and, along with the identification of binders, enable source types to be differentiated. The predicted different sensitivities of the fibre types to biodeterioration highlights the importance of future environmental studies for the correct characterization of non-woven fabrics in evidence.

Tao, M, Yang, Z, Zhao, Y, Wu, X & Wu, C 2024, 'Failure characteristics of microwave heat-treated stressed sandstone: Implications for deep rock breakage using TBM cutting', Energy, vol. 292, pp. 130489-130489.
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Wang, H, Xue, S, Qian, K, Li, Y & Wang, J 2024, 'Magnetic field-dependent dynamic behavior of magnetorheological grease composite in a wide temperature range: Experiment and modeling', Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, vol. 686, pp. 133468-133468.
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Wang, X, Li, W, Guo, Y, Kashani, A, Wang, K, Ferrara, L & Agudelo, I 2024, 'Concrete 3D printing technology for sustainable construction: A review on raw material, concrete type and performance', Developments in the Built Environment, vol. 17, pp. 100378-100378.
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Wu, Y, Li, S, Zhang, J, Li, Y, Li, Y & Zhang, Y 2024, 'Dual attention transformer network for pixel-level concrete crack segmentation considering camera placement', Automation in Construction, vol. 157, pp. 105166-105166.
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Pixel-level crack segmentation remains a challenging task due to the trade-off between computational cost and accuracy, as well as the small size of real-world cracks, typically submillimeter in width, resulting in limited pixels for analysis. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a Pixel Crack Transformer Network (PCTNet) to investigate the impact of different camera placements on network performance. PCTNet adopts a hierarchical structure with Cross-Scale PatchEmbedding Layer and Dual Attention Transformer Block, enabling the generation of multi-scale feature maps and the fusion of global and local features. PCTNet achieves a reduction of up to 64% in computational cost compared to transformer networks while outperforming both convolutional and transformer networks, achieving 95.89% precision, 93.77% recall, 94.8% F1-score, and 90.53% mIoU. Furthermore, this work introduces Crack-R dataset, which encompasses crack images captured at varying distances, facilitating the evaluation of segmentation accuracy in real-world scenarios with different crack-to-pixel ratios.

Wu, Z, Rao, P, Cui, J, Chen, Q & Nimbalkar, S 2024, 'Lateral Response Evaluation of Existing Pile by Adjacent Pile Driving in Claye Slope', Geotechnical and Geological Engineering, vol. 42, no. 2, pp. 1313-1337.
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Xiang, G, Tao, M, Zhao, R, Zhao, H, Memon, MB & Wu, C 2024, 'Dynamic response of water-rich tunnel subjected to plane P wave considering excavation induced damage zone', Underground Space, vol. 15, pp. 113-130.
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Xu, S, Zeng, H, Yuan, P, Liu, J, Yang, T, Shao, R, Su, Y & Wu, C 2024, 'Experimental and numerical study of G-HPC slabs rapidly repaired by G-HPC canvas and G-UHPC under contact detonations', Engineering Structures, vol. 306, pp. 117877-117877.
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Zhan, P, Wang, J, Zhao, H, Li, W, Shah, SP & Xu, J 2024, 'Impact of synthetic C-S-H seeds on early hydration and pore structure evolution of cement pastes: A study by 1H low-field NMR and path analysis', Cement and Concrete Research, vol. 175, pp. 107376-107376.
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Zhao, H, Hu, Y, Li, Y, Wang, K, Dehn, F & Li, W 2024, 'Triaxial compressive performance of recycled aggregate/glass sand concrete: Experimental study and mechanism analysis', Journal of Cleaner Production, vol. 442, pp. 141006-141006.
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Zhao, H, Li, W, Gan, Y, Mahmood, AH, Zhao, X & Wang, K 2024, 'Nano- and Microscopic Investigation on the Strengthening Mechanism of ITZs Using Waste Glass Powder in Modeled Aggregate Concrete', Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, vol. 36, no. 4.
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Le, TH, Nguyen, HAD, Barthelemy, X, Nguyen, TT, Ha, QP, Jiang, N, Duc, H, Azzi, M & Riley, M 1970, 'Visualization Platform for Multi-Scale Air Pollution Monitoring and Forecast', 2024 IEEE/SICE International Symposium on System Integration (SII), 2024 IEEE/SICE International Symposium on System Integration (SII), IEEE.
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Nguyen, LV, Le, TH & Ha, QP 1970, 'Grey Wolf Optimization-Based Path Planning for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Bridge Inspection', 2024 IEEE/SICE International Symposium on System Integration (SII), 2024 IEEE/SICE International Symposium on System Integration (SII), IEEE.
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