Faculty of Engineering-Scopus

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Author: search.filters.author.Somarathna H.M.C.CHas files: Yes

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    Experimental Investigation on a Surface Treatment Technique to Enhance the Performance of Calicut Tile Aggregates
    (Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2025) Kishotharan S; Somarathna H.M.C.C; Kaashif M.M.M.; Johnkeshanth J
    The acceleration of urban development has noticeably escalated construction activities and the requisition for concrete, which predominantly depends on natural aggregates. In light of the finite access to these natural resources, investigative alternate materials that preserve the mechanical robustness of concrete is imperative. Scholarly investigations reveal that the incorporation of Calicut Tile Aggregates (CTA) as a renewable substitute for Natural Coarse Aggregates (NCA) in concrete compositions up to 40% of NCA is feasible with negligible detriment to performance. The objective of the present study is to enhance the properties of CTA through a surface treatment technique, specifically a cement sand coating, to amplify its compatibility and adhesion with the cement matrix. The methodology encompasses immersing the fragmented CTA in water for 24 hours, followed by the application of a coating of a mix of one part cement to two parts sand, and subsequently curing the coated aggregates for 28 days. The proposed treatment has been shown to enhance the physical and mechanical properties of CTA, endorsing its application as a sustainable construction aggregate. Experimental outcomes indicate that the processed CTA exhibits an enhanced specific gravity, diminished water absorption rate, and enhanced mechanical performance. Comparative analyses were conducted on concrete specimens utilizing various compositions: entirely NCA, untreated CTA and treated CTA, with partial substitutions at increments of 20% and 40%. These examinations disclosed that treated CTA showcased an improvement in compressive strength and energy absorption capacity. Consequently, the application of treated CTA addressed the intrinsic limitations of untreated CTA, potentially enhancing the ductility and resilience of the resultant composite material.
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    Uniaxial Compression Response of Concrete with Communication Cable Waste Under Varying Loads
    (Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2025) Nifal M.N.M; Somarathna H.M.C.C; Pithurjan I.; Satkunananthan K
    This investigation was designed to explore the uniaxial compressive behaviour of concrete integrated with communication cable waste across a range of loading conditions. The study sought to assess the viability of partially substituting coarse aggregate in concrete with a volume ratio of 10%. Specimens prepared according to these specifications were subjected to compressive testing under varied loading scenarios. The concrete specimens, having matured for 28 days, were tested across three distinct cross-head speeds, 1, 20, and 200 mm/min to induce varying strain rates reflective of diverse loading conditions. The ensuing stress versus strain profiles generated from these tests were examined and used to study the effects of different strain rates on key compressive properties, including ultimate stress, strain at ultimate strength, energy absorption at ultimate strength, and fracture energy. Notably, the investigation uncovered that the strain rate exerts a considerable influence on the compressive characteristics of both traditional and cable fibre-reinforced concrete. A trend was identified wherein enhancements in ultimate stress, energy absorption at ultimate strength, and fracture energy were observed associated with increasing strain rates. In contrast, the strain at ultimate strength exhibited a decline under these conditions. This pattern underscores the key role of fibre inclusion in enhancing specific mechanical properties while concurrently mitigating the propagation of cracks. The integration of a 10% fibre volume fraction enhances the dynamic compressive properties of the material, making it more adept for applications in pavement. Such findings underscore the potential of fibre-enriched concrete, particularly with the addition of communication cable waste, as a robust alternative in the construction of pavements, where dynamic load-bearing capacity is essential.