The construction industry is one of the world's most important and evolving industries. With the increasing demand for sustainability and longevity, researchers are constantly looking for innovative solutions and technologies to improve the industry. One of such scientists is Dr. Alinda Dey, who came from India to study at the Faculty of Civil Engineering of Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH).
Created a new model
This autumn, A. Dey defended his doctoral dissertation at VILNIUS TECH University, where he researched the interaction of reinforcement and concrete. According to him, such analysis is important because these are the two most popular construction tools in the world. However, because we cannot see the processes happening inside them, we cannot predict the behaviour of concrete, which can later lead to cracks or deformation.
"My goal was to create a mathematical model that examines the relationship between stress and strain, the phenomenon of concrete and reinforcement connection. The model I developed will help predict when this will happen, where cracks may appear, their size, the distance between two cracks, and whether the structure will become unstable.This is the priority of my work – to predict the problems," explains Dr. A. Dey, summarizing the essence of his scientific work.
Dr. A. Dey used a variety of sensors and devices to investigate what was happening inside the reinforcement.
"It's very delicate because you have to cut the reinforcement, install the devices, which have their own wear and tear, glue them together, cast them and put the concrete inside. Once the concrete has hardened, it has to be immersed in water. This must be done very carefully to prevent the devices from getting wet, as the gap cannot receive moisture. It is then placed in the device, a load is applied to it and the devices provide data because they are connected to computers and adaptors that record everything," the VILNIUS TECH researcher details the process.
New tool to help designers create safer structures
The model and findings of Dr. A. Dey's work can change the way buildings are designed in the future. Although a number of other models already exist, they are not sufficiently accurate or precise, so as a doctoral student, together with his supervisor, Prof. habil. Gintaras Kaklauskis, Dr. A. Dey saw the need to develop a new model that could be used by a wide range of companies and organizations, thus creating a significant tool for designers and contributing to safer construction.
"My model anticipates problems, which will help people to make creative decisions in a timely manner to prevent cracks, reduce vibrations and ensure structural stability. These problems can be avoided if the design is based on our proposed model, which is also very cost-effective. Such a project is relevant to society – it would ensure more economical, safer, and longer-lasting construction. The lifetime of the structure could be extended by 50-100 years," says Dr. A. Dey.
Interviewed and photographed by Milda Mockūnaitė-Vitkienė, Internal Communication Project Manager.
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