ATLAS Lab Research Videos
Recorded presentations and demonstrations covering shape memory alloys, 3D concrete printing, computational mechanics, hydraulic fracture simulation, and FRP-concrete bond testing — research from the ATLAS Lab at KFUPM.
Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) are smart materials capable of recovering their original shape after deformation through the shape memory effect (SME) or exhibiting large recoverable strains through superelasticity (SE). These remarkable properties arise from a reversible phase transformation between martensite, which is stable at lower temperatures, and austenite, which is stable at higher temperatures. This video is part of our ongoing research on the use of iron-based shape memory alloys (Fe-SMAs) for strengthening and self-prestressing reinforced concrete (RC) structures. The project investigates the structural performance of Fe-SMA plates with a composition of Fe–17Mn–5Si–10Cr–4Ni–1VC (mass%) for both partial-length and full-length flexural strengthening of RC beams. The study examines the effectiveness of the strengthening system through experimental testing, with particular emphasis on anchorage performance, self-prestressing, failure mechanisms, load-carrying capacity, ductility, and analytical validation of the experimental results. Research Group: ATLAS Lab – Advanced Technologies Laboratory for Adaptive Structures Principal Investigator & ATLAS Lab Director: Dr. Faisal Mukhtar Related Publications: Mukhtar & Al-Adgham (2026), Construction and Building Materials, 528, 146446. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2026.146446
This study is part of our ongoing research exploring the potential of iron-based shape memory alloys (Fe-SMAs) to enhance the resilience, durability, and serviceability of reinforced concrete (RC) infrastructure. The research investigates the behavior of a shear-critical deep RC beam (shear span-to-depth ratio = 1.83) strengthened and self-prestressed externally using heat-activated Fe-SMA plates in web-anchored and wrapping configurations. Despite employing a relatively low external web reinforcement ratio, the proposed technique achieved substantial improvements: strength gains comparable to systems using nearly three times more reinforcement, delay in shear cracking onset by up to 37%, transformation of brittle shear failure into ductile flexural response, and a 380% increase in ductility. Research Group: ATLAS Lab – Advanced Technologies Laboratory for Adaptive Structures Principal Investigator & ATLAS Lab Director: Dr. Faisal Mukhtar Related Publications: Al-Adgham & Mukhtar (2026), Engineering Structures, 362, 123014. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2026.123014
This video documents the in-house conversion of a standard polymer 3D printer into a functional concrete printing system, developed within the ATLAS Lab. The project demonstrates the lab's capability to develop bespoke experimental platforms for 3D concrete printing research.
Computational simulation of the 3D concrete printing process with buildability analysis, developed within the ATLAS Lab research program on digital and automated construction.
High-fidelity multiphase computational modeling of self-compacting concrete (SCC) flow behavior, capturing the rheological properties and fresh-state performance critical to 3D concrete printing applications.
This work presents a 3-D Generalized/eXtended Finite Element Method (GFEM) simulation of hydraulic fracture by coupling solid/rock domain equations with fluid flow within the fracture. The GFEM, based on p-hierarchical FEM enrichments, is combined with mesh adaptivity for robust and computationally efficient simulation. Both h-refinement around the fracture front and p-enrichment in the analysis domain control discretization errors. Fluid flow is modeled using Reynolds' lubrication theory assuming a Newtonian fluid. A Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM) model based on Irwin's criterion is adopted for the solid domain. Fracture propagation direction is computed using Mode I, II, and III Stress Intensity Factors (SIFs) and Schöllmann's criterion.
The first phase critiques shortcomings of the improved double-lap bond shear tests regarding limited application to wet layup FRP and inapplicability to pultruded FRP laminates. The study provides evidence of high chances of undesirable fiber rupture that preclude reliable use for FRP-concrete bond-slip model interpretation. Proposed modifications design a convertible bond tester applicable to both wet layup and pultruded FRP laminates, enabling mixed-mode bond tests in addition to pure double shear. The second phase upgrades the apparatus to accommodate NSM FRP bars/strips, FRCM, and other strengthening system variants.
The lack of a standardized FRP-concrete bond test method leads to variations across single-lap shear, double-lap shear, beam, mixed-mode, and pull-off tests. This study pioneers their evaluation, offering a consistent dataset for informed decision-making. Single- and double-lap shear tests yield trilinear bond-slip responses; the single-lap test's asymmetry reduces bond strength by 15% vs the double-lap test. The beam test shows comparable average bond strength but is unsuitable for bond-slip modeling. The Universal Bond Tester (UBoT) was developed to convert to all FRP-concrete bond test types, addressing double-lap shear test limitations and presenting a modified ASTM D7958 beam and mixed-mode tests cost-effectively.