Education

Research Description

Dr. Pour-Ghaz studies the durability of reinforced concrete materials and structures, the long-term durability Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites for civil infrastructure, and electromagnetic sensors and sensing techniques. The overall goal of his research program is to contribute to the development of mechanistic service life prediction models that integrate measurement techniques (structural health monitoring and nondestructive testing) for model updating.

Publications

Critical Bending Strain and Mechanical Properties of Corroded Reinforcing Bars

Calderon, V., Pourghaz, M., & Kowalsky, M. (2023), ACI MATERIALS JOURNAL, 120(2), 77–86. https://doi.org/10.14359/51738461

Investigating the use of electrical capacitance tomography to image rapid transient moisture flow through cracks in concrete

Dalton, L. E., Rasanen, M., Voss, A., Seppanen, A., & Pourghaz, M. (2023), CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES, 140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2023.105070

A new monitoring approach for sustainability assessment of subsurface utilities gasket materials against gasoline and chlorinated solvents: Field evaluation and model development

Faeli, Z., Hosseini, P., Gabr, M. A., & Pour-Ghaz, M. (2022), JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, 323. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116217

Diffusion of benzene and tetrachloroethylene through saturated cement paste

Hosseini, P., McElroy, A., Knappe, D. R. U., Gabr, M., & Pour-Ghaz, M. (2022), CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS, 329. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.127196

Does ITZ Influence Moisture Transport in Concrete?

Dalton, L. E., LaManna, J. M., Jones, S., & Pour-Ghaz, M. (2022, July 24), TRANSPORT IN POROUS MEDIA. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11242-022-01826-z

Quantifying moisture damage in asphalt concrete using axisymmetric flexural vibration technique

Rashetnia, R., Kusam, A., Yadav, S., Pour-Ghaz, M., & Tayebali, A. (2022), INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PAVEMENT ENGINEERING, 23(3), 523–535. https://doi.org/10.1080/10298436.2020.1757671

Supercritical, liquid, and gas CO2 reactive transport and carbonate formation in portland cement mortar

Dalton, L. E., Crandall, D., & Pour-Ghaz, M. (2022), INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GREENHOUSE GAS CONTROL, 116. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijggc.2022.103632

Assessment of Mitigation Measures against Benzene Breakthrough into Subsurface Concrete Pipe

Alhomair, S., Faeli, Z., Hosseini, P., Gabr, M., Pour-Ghaz, M., & Parker, C. (2021), JOURNAL OF PIPELINE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AND PRACTICE, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)PS.1949-1204.0000512

Deep learning surrogate interacting Markov chain Monte Carlo based full wave inversion scheme for properties of materials quantification

Rashetnia, R., & Pour-Ghaz, M. (2021), JOURNAL OF SOUND AND VIBRATION, 497. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsv.2021.115934

Effects of MgSO4 on Calcium-Silicate-Hydrate

Jativa, F. W., Hosseini, P., Gabr, M., & Pour-Ghaz, M. (2021), ADVANCES IN CIVIL ENGINEERING MATERIALS, 10(1), 440–452. https://doi.org/10.1520/ACEM20210013

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Grants

Reinforced Concrete Repair by an Evolving Visualized Internal Vascular Ecosystem (RC-REVIVE)

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)(1/23/23 - 1/22/25)

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Reinforced Concrete Repair by an Evolving Visualized Internal Vascular Ecosystem (RC-REVIVE)

Sponsor: Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)

Start Date: 1/23/23

End Date: 1/22/25

Abstract

The goal of this project is to engineer a biomimetic healing vasculature that remediates multiple mechanisms of degradation (i.e., cracking, chloride-induced corrosion of rebar) and maintains such biomimietic function to extend the service life of reinforced concrete structures. DoD maintains aged concrete infrastructure in shoreside and terrestrial environments. Large volumes of aged, reinforced concrete used in silos and piers are cracking and showing signs of corrosion caused by years of service in extreme environments. Additionally, unreinforced concrete airfield pavements require logistically challenging rapid repairs. This project will develop a biomimetic vascular network within aged, reinforced concrete that can also be integrated into new airfield pavements, providing a viable bio-inspired approach to DoD’s concrete repair needs. The project will address the Strategic track for surface treatment of aged, reinforced concrete and the Tactical track for runway patch repairs. While the vascular methods will be developed for the terrestrial application of missile silos, metrics will also be assessed for shoreside pier environments in early project phases to highlight compatibility for both use cases.

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Performance of Materials and Methods for Concrete Crack Sealants

NC Department of Transportation(8/01/22 - 1/31/24)

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Performance of Materials and Methods for Concrete Crack Sealants

Sponsor: NC Department of Transportation

Start Date: 8/01/22

End Date: 1/31/24

Abstract

Cracks are ubiquitous in concrete and reinforced concrete structures and are generally caused by the material volume instability (e.g., shrinkage), mechanical or environmental loading. To mitigate the effects of cracks, they are commonly sealed using a sealant. A variety of sealants with different chemistry are commercially available; however, their relative performance against each other is largely unknown since field experience with some of them is limited. In addition, with the recent supply chain interruptions, there is a need for alternative sealants that can deliver satisfactory performance to avoid increased cost and delay of projects. The goal of the present proposal is to address these challenges. The objectives of the present study include: (i) Literature review and survey, (ii) Evaluation of NCDOT specification and (iii) Data synthesis and recommendations. A product of this research will be an updated NCDOT specification for materials and methods of concrete crack sealant. We also envision that the product of this research will include a table (or Excel file) that provides a list of commercially available sealants with identifiers for appropriate type of application (horizontal, vertical, or overhead), their effectiveness for different crack width sealing, minimum cure time, best recommended use, their expected performance with respect to other products, and other relevant information that can help selecting the sealant.

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Condition Dependent Performance-Based Seismic Design – Phase 1

State of Alaska, Department of Transportation(1/05/22 - 6/30/25)

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Condition Dependent Performance-Based Seismic Design – Phase 1

Sponsor: State of Alaska, Department of Transportation

Start Date: 1/05/22

End Date: 6/30/25

Abstract

This proposal addresses the impact of bridge condition on behavior within the context of performance-based seismic design. Bridge engineers design structures assuming that their properties on day one remain constant throughout the life of the bridge. However, due to material degradation and lifetime transient loadings (including those from small earthquakes), the response of a structure to an extreme event such as an earthquake at some point in the future may be different from what the engineer calculates during the design phase. The research described in this proposal will assess the sensitivity of condition-dependent bridge response to inputs described below. There are five components to this research question. The interactions between these components are shown in Fig. 1 and described further to set the stage for the research that will be conducted in this multi-phase program.

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Harkers Island Bridge Replacement: Material Characterization and Structural Performance

NC Department of Transportation(8/01/21 - 7/31/24)

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Harkers Island Bridge Replacement: Material Characterization and Structural Performance

Sponsor: NC Department of Transportation

Start Date: 8/01/21

End Date: 7/31/24

Abstract

The NCDOT has previously funded FRP related research projects through NC State University. RP2014-09 consisted of material characterization of Glass FRP reinforcing bars and Carbon FRP prestressing strand (of the same type to be used in the Harkers Island Bridge replacement), and the design, construction and destructive testing of full-scale 45 ft. long hollow core slabs commonly used throughout North Carolina. The design was consistent with the then current ACI440 and AASHTO design guide documents. The test results demonstrated that the flexural and shear performance of the all FRP-reinforced cored slabs was “equivalent” to that of traditional steel-reinforced cored slabs designed to current NCDOT standards. More recently, RP2018-16 developed an innovative rapid repair solution suitable for common prestressed concrete bridge elements, including cored-slabs and C-channel beams. The system is comprised of a prestressed mechanically-fastened FRP plate that restores lost prestress force in deteriorated bridge beams such that inventory and operating load rating restrictions may be removed enabling the bridge to remain in service until replacement is scheduled. In April 2019 this repair system was implemented on Bridge No. 380080 in Franklin County, and a second application was installed on Bridge No. 810003 in Sampson County in November 2020. While there are applications of FRP materials and systems in the repair or strengthening of existing concrete bridges in North Carolina, the Harkers Island Bridge replacement will be the first to fully replace all internal reinforcing and prestressing steel with FRP alternatives in a new construction. The Harkers Island Bridge will be among the largest applications of FRP in a fully FRP-reinforced new concrete bridge in the United States. The experience and long-term performance data collected from this bridge will contribute to the validation and future editions of ASTM standards, material and construction specifications, and design codes including those from AASHTO and ACI. Ultimately, the outcomes of this research project will lead to improved NCDOT design and construction of durable bridge infrastructure resulting in reduced maintenance and repair, longer service life, and cost-savings.

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Integration of Repair and Remediation Methods into Pipe Material Selection Approach

NC Department of Transportation(8/01/21 - 7/31/23)

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Integration of Repair and Remediation Methods into Pipe Material Selection Approach

Sponsor: NC Department of Transportation

Start Date: 8/01/21

End Date: 7/31/23

Abstract

In a recent research project a pipe material selection software was developed. This software enables estimation of the service life of pipes made from different materials based on their anticipated exposure conditions. The linked GIS database is used to automatically compute the anticipated exposure condition corresponding with GPS coordinates input by the user for a given project. The culvert pipe materials commonly used by NCDOT have been included in the software: reinforced concrete, galvanized steel, aluminized steel, cast iron, mild steel, aluminum alloy, and polymeric pipes. Based on conversations with NCDOT, additional scope for the software is desired and identified as follows: i. The developed software selection guide only considers material type and exposure condition in the selection process. It is desirable to integrate NCDOT’s structural requirements into the selection process such that NCDOT engineers can use a single software to select pipe materials based on both durability and structural requirements. ii. The current software does not provide an estimate of how service life can be extended by repair and rehabilitation. It is desirable to upgrade the software to account for the additional service life expected from various rehabilitation measures, and to develop a comparative analysis of possible repair methods in terms of expected impact on service life. iii. The current software does not account for the effects of approaches to mitigate adverse subsurface exposure on the service life of installed pipes. Addressing the effects of mitigation is desirable since in many projects, backfill soil is different from native soil. The work proposed herein aims to update the current software to include: (i) An upgraded pipe selection guide software that integrates structural requirements, repair and rehabilitation methods, and mitigation strategies into a unified pipe selection guide, and (ii) provisions accounting for the effects of various repair and rehabilitation methods on the service life of the pipe materials.

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Repair Strategies for Waste Transfer Station Concrete Overlays

Environmental Research & Education Foundation(3/01/20 - 7/31/23)

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Repair Strategies for Waste Transfer Station Concrete Overlays

Sponsor: Environmental Research & Education Foundation

Start Date: 3/01/20

End Date: 7/31/23

Abstract

Recently, it has been shown that the premature deterioration of concrete overlays in waste transfer stations is a result of simultaneous exposure to leachate (organic acids) and mechanical abrasion by waste handling equipment. In our previous research, we developed a material design guide and specification that owners can use for design or bidding. There are however, important limitations to the developed guide in that it: (1) does not address repair strategies and repair material selection, (2) is limited to portland cement concrete, (3) does not cover the use of unconventional concretes such as iron aggregate and epoxy matrix, (4) applies to slabs with a minimum of 6-inch thickness and does not cover thin precast and prestressed overlays, and (5) does not include provisions for the use chemical or mineral admixtures that can increase the acid resistance of concrete. The industry is in need of low cost and effective repair strategies for existing concrete overlays. The goal of the proposed research is to develop a guideline for repair strategies and repair material selection that can be (1) used by owners and operators of waste transfer stations and (2) adopted and implemented by contractors without the need for specialized equipment and labor.

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Understanding the FOG deposit adhesion mechanism on different sewer line surfaces

NCSU Water Resources Research Institute(3/01/20 - 12/31/21)

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Understanding the FOG deposit adhesion mechanism on different sewer line surfaces

Sponsor: NCSU Water Resources Research Institute

Start Date: 3/01/20

End Date: 12/31/21

Abstract

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), around 23,000 to 75,000 Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs) occur annually and approximately 25% of these SSOs are due to sewer line blockages related to the deposition of insoluble calcium salts of fat, oil and grease (FOG). Prior research studies have quantified the chemical and rheological properties of the FOG deposits along with its formation mechanism (Keener et al. 2008; He et al. 2011, 2013; Williams et al. 2012; Gross et al. 2017). Research performed by the PI and Co-PI on the project entitled “Evaluation of Alternative Binder Material to Reduce Sewer Collection System Infrastructure Maintenance and Enhance Sustainability” funded by WRRI, investigated the substitution of Fly Ash (FA) in concrete to reduce the formation and adhesion of FOG deposit on sewer line surfaces. Although exciting results from this project revealed a significant reduction in FOG formation and adhesion on FA replaced concrete surfaces, its mechanism for reduced FOG deposition at the interface is unknown. An interesting observation from these prior adhesion studies is that FOG deposits do not form or adhere on the concrete coarse aggregate (granite) surface. Understanding this unique and previously unknown phenomenon could lead to new strategies on treating pipe surfaces that would not allow any FOG deposit adhesion. The objectives of this proposed research are to: 1) understand the FOG adhesion mechanism on different sewer pipe surfaces and 2) evaluate the factors affecting FOG adhesion on different sewer surfaces. Successful completion of this project will help to determine the adhesion mechanism of FOG deposits on sewer collection system and develop new strategies during construction or the maintenance of sewer pipes that will change the surface characteristics to reduce the adhesion of FOG deposits. We anticipate that results will eliminate or significantly retard the accumulation of FOG deposits in sewer lines leading to a reduction in the maintenance cost and the occurrence of FOG related SSOs especially in “Hot Spot” regions known for the persistent accumulation of these solids.

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Field Evaluation of Hardening Methods for Subsurface Utilities and Drainage Pipes

NC Department of Transportation(8/01/19 - 12/31/21)

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Field Evaluation of Hardening Methods for Subsurface Utilities and Drainage Pipes

Sponsor: NC Department of Transportation

Start Date: 8/01/19

End Date: 12/31/21

Abstract

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) routinely performs road improvement projects where a portion of the right-of-way might be contaminated. Based on the field evaluations carried out by NCDOT, at times subsurface utilities including water and/or drainage pipes are present, or need to be installed, in environments where soil and groundwater contamination exists. The currently funded project (RP 2017-08 with end date on July 31, 2019), is focused on the laboratory evaluation of contaminant migration through concrete pipes, as well as evaluation of the effect of contaminants on the mechanical performance of PVC pipe and three gasket materials (Neoprene, Buna-N, and Viton) when exposed to contaminated water. In addition, modeling of hardening methods and evaluating their efficacy is conducted as a part of the ongoing project.

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Fiber Reinforcement for Latex Modified Concrete Overlays

NC Department of Transportation(8/01/19 - 4/30/22)

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Fiber Reinforcement for Latex Modified Concrete Overlays

Sponsor: NC Department of Transportation

Start Date: 8/01/19

End Date: 4/30/22

Abstract

A large number of bridge deck rehabilitations are performed each year in North Carolina. Latex Modified Concrete (LMC) and LMC–Very Early Strength (LMC-VES) are frequently used in these rehabilitations because these materials provide reasonable installed performance and allow for a rapid return to service. Over the last 5 years, the NCDOT has completed an average of about 25 overlays per year using LMC or LMC-VES materials. The vast majority of these projects are highly successful. However, despite comprehensive NCDOT guidelines and specifications (such as PSP003 and PSP004), substantial cracking is sometimes observed in these overlays shortly after installation. Prior research funded by NCDOT has indicated that if placement and curing follows proper construction procedures, then the primary causes of cracking (such as shrinkage and plastic shrinkage) in LMC and LMC-VES materials are unlikely to develop. However, other secondary mechanisms can potentially cause cracking, including vibration of the structure during casting and curing, temperature changes during casting, and slight differential settlement/deflection of supporting decks as overlay placement progresses across a bridge. These suspected secondary causes of cracking are difficult (or impossible) to mitigate in practice. In practice, it can also be difficult to completely enforce proper construction procedure, which can lead to some shrinkage cracking. For example, fogging above fresh LMC-VES is allowable, but allowing water to accumulate on the material during placement and finishing is not – the distinction is sometimes difficult to monitor and enforce in the field.

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Durability of Pipe Materials in Soils

NC Department of Transportation(8/01/19 - 12/31/21)

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Durability of Pipe Materials in Soils

Sponsor: NC Department of Transportation

Start Date: 8/01/19

End Date: 12/31/21

Abstract

A large number culvert pipes are installed every year in North Carolina. While the loading and structural requirements for these pipes are considered during the selection process, the exposure condition of these culverts receives less attention. Many pipe choices exist including reinforced concrete, galvanized steel, aluminum, aluminized, and various types of plastic. Choosing the right pipe for the right installation is a non-trivial task that carries significant financial impact. Factors such as structural capacity, environmental durability, anticipated life-span, required pipe size, site conditions, and available construction expertise are all important when selecting a pipe. Existing NCDOT selection tables provide some limited guidance, but often result in highly-conservative selections being made, particularly from the perspective of matching pipe materials to site environmental conditions. Selection of the wrong pipe material (or an overly-conservative pipe material) can result in significant excess cost. If materials degrade too quickly, costly re-work is required, and additional costs and risks may be incurred due to reduced performance of the degraded pipe. If high-cost and high-performance materials are selected in areas where they are not needed, then initial construction costs can increase dramatically. For example, in many situations, aluminized corrugated steel pipe can likely provide the same useful service life as corrugated aluminum pipe at a dramatically reduced cost. Aluminum pipe may be justified in regions with salt-water exposure, however, it is likely an over-conservative choice for regions where contact with salt will be incidental. Accounts from NCDOT personnel have indicated widespread use of aluminum pipe in regions where it is likely not needed (i.e., regions with limited salt exposure).

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