Trotsek, Dylan

The objective of this research is to determine if the deflection equations currently adopted in ACI
440.1r-15 and previously ACI 440.1r-06 accurately reflect the flexural behavior of an overreinforced
Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymer (BFRP) concrete beam. This was accomplished with
experimental, analytical and numerical models. The experiment consisted of two beams doublyreinforced
with BFRP rebar. A three-point flexural test on beams with a 30 in. clear span was
performed and the deflections were recorded with a dial gauge and LVDT system. This data was
compared to the equations from ACI 440.1r-06, ACI 440.1r-15, Branson’s equation and a
numerical model created in ANSYS Mechanical APDL.
Experimental results show a stiffer beam than expected when compared to the four predictive
models for deflection. This can be due to the level of over-reinforcement and the small clear-span
to depth ratio. Further research should be conducted to determine the cause for the additional
stiffness.

Construction workers are exposed to fine particulate inhalation hazards during stucco removal. The ultimate goal of this research is to test a new chemical-assisted method that will reduce workers’ exposures to safer levels. To that end, the minimum specimen size must be determined that will replicate this hazardous work environment. Samples of concrete stucco surfacing material (CSSM) of various sizes ranging from 1-in×1-in. to 8-in.×16-in. were applied to masonry blocks. These specimens were tested to determine the minimum size needed to produce 150-mg/m3 (one order of magnitude larger than the OSHA exposure limit of 15-mg/m3) of airborne particulate in a 1-m3 test chamber when removed with a chipping hammer. Testing results revealed that 5-in.× 5-in. specimen size yielded on average 180-mg/m3 of particulates.