Job Description

The expansion of concrete due to alkali-silica reaction (ASR) is a material-wide expansion mechanism that negatively affects several mechanical properties. Although some researchers have observed a reduction in the shear strength of reinforced concrete members without stirrups and affected by ASR, others observed a higher shear strength. However, this contradiction is difficult to interpret due to the complex in-situ condition caused by the reinforcement (concrete confinement, chemical prestressing, non-uniformity of expansion and cracking) and their effects on the shear strength mechanisms.

This thesis aims to better understand the effect of ASR on the shear resistance mechanisms in order to determine the structural capacity in shear of ASR affected concrete beams and slabs without stirrups.

This study will consist in individually study the influence of prestressing, confinement and damage caused by ASR on the shear strength mechanisms using mechanical tests (direct shear and beam loading). Subsequently, the tested members will be numerically modeled to better understand the effect of these parameters on the shear resistance mechanisms and to extend the range of analyzed parameters. Laboratory tests previously carried out by the research team will also be used. The results will then be used to develop a shear strength calculation model adapted to the real conditions of beams with RAS (cracking, confinement and prestressing). This model will finally be proposed for implementation in structural design standards.

This thesis will be mainly carried out in the research facilities of the Universite du Quebec a Chicoutimi ( ) of the research center of concrete infrastructures ( ). The project's supervisory team will consist of professors Mathieu Fiset ( ), Josee Bastien ( ) and Benoit Fournier ( ). These three researchers have complementary expertise in normative (ACI, fib, CSA), experimental and numerical aspects. The team expertise is also complementary in terms of ASR effect, at the concrete scale, prestressing and shear behavior at the structural scale.

There is a possibility to start in January or May 2023. The project will be realised in a both English and French speaking research laboratory.

Funding category: Financement public/prive

This project is fully funded (about 7000 / semester). International students pay tuition fee equivalent to local students (about 1500 / semester).

PHD title: Doctorat en ingenierie

PHD Country: Canada

More Information

Offer Requirements

Specific Requirements

The candidate must have interest in structural design, concrete structures, experimental tests, and numerical analysis. Having knowledge about American or fib standards, shear in concrete structures, finite element modelling and ASR in concrete is an asset.

The candidate must have the equivalence of a Canadian master's degree in civil or structural engineering