Abstract. Preconditioned conjugate gradient methods based on two-level overlapping Schwarz methods often perform quite well. Such a preconditioner combines a coarse space solver with local components which are defined in terms of subregions which form an overlapping covering of the region on which the elliptic problem is defined. Precise bounds on the rate of convergence of such iterative metho...

Semi-circular Bending (SCB) test has been widely used to evaluate the fracture performance of asphalt mixtures, but its potential in evaluating low-temperature mixtures at mortar scale seldom investigated. This study aims explore feasibility and SCB tests mortar. To quantify influence crushing local creep top samples on testing results, Digital Image Correlation (DIC) method was characterize di...

This paper is concerned with the convergence of mortar methods applied to linear elasticity. We prove that the conventional meshdependent norms used in the analysis of mortar methods are bounded below by the BV norm. When combined with standard results, this bound establishes a decomposition-independent and mesh-independent proof of the convergence of mortar methods in linear elasticity. 2005 E...

Repair mortar is commonly used to rehabilitate reinforced concrete structures or components that exhibit a relatively high level of distresses. Yet, the repair mortar can be contaminated by salt from its service environment. This work employs a two-dimensional finite element model to investigate the non-stationary transport behavior of ionic species in salt-contaminated and water-saturated repa...

The mucus layer continuously covering the gastric mucosa consists of a loosely adherent layer that can be easily removed by suction, leaving a firmly adherent mucus layer attached to the epithelium. These two layers exhibit different gastroprotective roles; therefore, individual regulation of thickness and mucin composition were studied. Mucus thickness was measured in vivo with micropipettes i...

This paper describes the design optimization of ferrocement-laminated plate made up of reinforcing steel wire mesh(es) and cement mortar. For the improvement of the designing process, the plate is modeled as a multi-layer medium, dividing the ferrocement plate into layers of mortar and ferrocement. The mortar layers are assumed to be isotropic in nature and the ferrocement layers are assumed to...

The size dependence of flexural properties of cement mortar and concrete beams is investigated. Bazant's size effect law and modified size effect law by Kim and Eo give a very good fit to the flexural strength of both cement mortar and concrete. As observed in the test results, a strong size effect in flexural strength is found in cement mortar than in concrete. A modification has been suggeste...

Balancing business strategy and operations between electronic commerce and brick and mortar channels (‘clicks and mortar’) is an ongoing challenge for many businesses. A group of traditional ‘brick and mortar’ firms were examined in order to understand how they balance strategy and operations between electronic commerce and traditional (brick and mortar) business channels. Results of the study ...

Due to the pozzolanic reactivity, rice husk ash (RHA) is used as supplementary cementing material in mortar and concrete and has demonstrated significant influence in improving the mechanical and durability properties of mortar and concrete. It has economical and technical advantages to use in concrete. In this paper, a critical review on the influences of RHA on the strength of mortar and conc...

Customers often evaluate products at brick-and-mortar stores to identify their “best fit” product, but end up buying this product not at the store but at a competing online retailer to take advantage of lower prices. This free-riding behavior by customers is referred to as “showrooming.” We analyze three strategies to counter the effect of showrooming that may improve profits for the brick-and-...