A deep learning framework based on improved self-supervised learning for ground-penetrating radar tunnel lining inspection

It is not practical to obtain a large number of labeled data to train a supervised learning network in tunnel lining nondestructive testing with ground-penetrating radar (GPR). To decrease the dependence of supervised learning on the number of labeled data, an improved self-supervised learning algorithm—self-attention dense contrastive...

Recycling of ferronickel slag tailing in cementitious materials: Activation and performance

As an industrial by-product containing pozzolanic components, recycled ferronickel slag (FNS) has the potential to be supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) to reduce the massive carbon footprint of the cement industry, however, the main limitation of ferronickel slag as SCMs is the low hydration rate at an early age. In this study, the...

Restraining effect of aggregates on autogenous shrinkage in cement mortar and concrete

Shrinkage-induced cracking can impair the durability of concrete structures. In the past few decades, this topic has drawn more and more attention. Shrinkage of mortar and concrete is actually the result of the interaction between the shrinking cement paste and the non-shrinking aggregates. In recent years, different models that consider the...

Effect of supplementary materials on the autogenous shrinkage of cement paste

In recent years more and more attention has been given to autogenous shrinkage due to the increasing use of high-performance concrete, which always contains supplementary materials. With the addition of supplementary materials-e.g., fly ash and blast furnace slag-internal relative humidity, chemical shrinkage and mechanical properties of...

Green synthesis of ultrapure La(OH)₃ nanoparticles by one-step method through spark ablation and electrospinning and its application to phosphate removal

La(OH)₃ metal engineered nanoparticles (MENPs) are efficient phosphate binders; however, complex synthesis procedures and purity as well as agglomeration issues impede their development and practical applications. Herein, a green and a one-step method in combination with the spark ablation aerosol technology and electrospinning is...