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Historical structures are one of the most precious pieces of cultural accumulation. In this study, an interdisciplinary work was conducted to assess the structural condition of a historical masonry structure, Urla Kamanli Mosque in Izmir, Turkey. The structure is a member of group of structures, Yahsi Bey Complex, which includes a Turkish bath, a tomb, two fountains, and a primary school. The structure dates back to early 14th century to mid-15th century. History investigation, measurement survey, long-term settlement, and moisture observations were conducted. Nondestructive and destructive material tests were performed on stone, brick, and mortar. 3D finite-element model of the structure was used to investigate the critical locations of the structure under its self-weight, seismic load, and settlement load. Linear elastic and nonlinear settlement analyses were conducted to investigate the reason for massive cracks challenging the structural integrity. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)CF.1943-5509.0000111 CE Database subject headings: History; Masonry; Nondestructive tests; Settlement; Finite element method; Structural analysis; Turkey. Author keywords: Historical masonry; Nondestructive tests; Destructive tests; Settlement; Finite-element analyses.

Self-sensing cementitious composites can enable structures that are capable of carrying the loads applied on them while monitoring their condition. Most of earlier research has focused on the incorporation of nanofillers or microfibers into cement paste or mortar composites. However, there have been very limited number of studies on the development of steel-fiber-reinforced cementitious composites with self-sensing capabilities. This study explores strain sensitivity of concrete mixtures that include coarse aggregates up to 15 mm diameter and steel fibers with a length of 13 mm and a diameter of 0.25 mm. Five different concrete mixtures with steel fibers at 0%, 0.2%, 0.35%, 0.5%, and 0.8% volume ratios were fabricated. Compression tests with simultaneous measurement of strain and electrical resistance were conducted on the cubic specimens. Gauge factor and percent linearity that is a measure of error in strain sensing were calculated. Concrete mixtures with 0.5% steel fibers possess a strong linear relationship between applied strain and electrical resistance change with a gauge factor over 20 times larger than that of traditional metal strain gauges. Phenomenological models for different resistivity and gauge factors of cement paste/mortar with respect to concrete with large aggregates and short–long fiber cement composites were presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon wafers are sliced using wire saw in micro electronics and photo voltaic industries. Wire saw process occupies a great portion of silicon wafer production cost which affects the market directly. The process is also used to cut ceramics, concrete and rocks in civil engineering. The high cost of the process motivates researchers to develop models that will relate the process efficiency and quality with process parameters. In this study, an experimental parametric study was conducted to investigate the effect of process parameters on the wire bow angle, distributed wire load and surface roughness in wire saw cutting of alumina ceramic. The material removal and surface damage formation mechanisms are identified. Process design recommendations for increasing efficiency of the process while keeping the surface roughness constant, are presented. The surface roughness increases with increasing feed rate, decreases with wire speed and is independent of wire tension. The material is removed by trans-granular failure of the grains while inter-granular fractures of the grains affect the surface quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]