Andina Sprince

@rtu.lv

Department of Structural Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering
Institute of Structural Engineering and Reconstruction, Riga Technical university



                                

https://researchid.co/sprincea

2020 – 2023 European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) project within Activity 1.1.1.2 “Post-doctoral Research Aid” of the Specific Aid Objective 1.1.1 “To increase the research and innovative capacity of scientific institutions of Latvia and the ability to attract external financing, investing in human resources and infrastructure” of the Operational Programme “Growth and Employment” ( senior researcher

2018 – 2020 Latvian Council of Science Fund (LZP-2018/2-0249) „Long-term properties of innovative cement composites in various stress-strain conditions”; senior researcher, chief executor

2017 – 2019 ERANET-LAC (ELAC2015/T02-0721) “Development of ecofriendly composite materials based on geopolymer matrix and reinforced with waste fibres”; researcher

2012 – 2013 IZM-RTU (ZP-2012/39) „Long-term Behaviour of Fibre Reinforced Cement Composites (FRCC)”; researcher
2010 – 2015 European Social Fund within the scope of the project “Support for the Implementatio

EDUCATION

2020 - PostDoctorate
2010 – 2015 PhD in Construction Materials and Technology, Structural Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Riga Technical University, Latvia
2006 – 2009 Civil engineer's qualification and Professional Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Riga Technical University, Latvia
2003 – 2006 Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, Riga Technical University, Latvia

RESEARCH INTERESTS

CEMENT COMPOSITE, CONCRETE, CREEP AND SHRINKAGE DEFORMATION, LONG-TERM DEFORMATION, DIGITAL IMAGE CORRELATION (DIC), IMAGE ANALYSIS, QUANTITATIVE IMAGE ANALYSIS (QIA), DIG, SEM MICROSCOPY, ELECTRON MICROSCOPY

30

Scopus Publications

345

Scholar Citations

11

Scholar h-index

14

Scholar i10-index

Scopus Publications

  • Cyclic Load Impact Assessment of Long-Term Properties in Compression to Steel and Polyvinyl Alcohol Fibre-Reinforced Geopolymer Composites
    Rihards Gailitis, Andina Sprince, Michał Łach, Pavels Gavrilovs, and Leonids Pakrastins

    MDPI AG
    This study investigates the cyclic load application impact on fly-ash-based geopolymer composites that are reinforced with a low amount of fibre reinforcement. For reinforcement purposes, polyvinyl alcohol and steel fibres are used. For testing purposes, four geopolymer composite mixes were made, three of which had fibre reinforcement. Simultaneously, specimens were tested for shrinkage, static-load-induced creep, and cyclic-load-induced creep. For static and cyclic creep testing, specimens were loaded with 20% of their strength. For cyclic creep testing, load application and release cycles were seven days long. When each cycle was introduced, the load was applied in steps. Necessary load application or unloading lasted for 5 min and consisted of four steps, each 25% of the necessary load. From the long-term static and cyclic creep tests, it was seen that only the plain specimens showed that static creep strains are within cyclic creep strains. For all the other specimens, the static load was higher than the cyclic-load-induced creep amplitude. Also, 1% polyvinyl alcohol fibre-reinforced specimens showed the most elastic characteristics under cyclic load, and 1% steel fibre-reinforced specimens appeared to be the most resistant to the cyclic load introduction.

  • Foamed geopolymers: a review of recent studies
    L Radina, A Sprince, L Pakrastins, R Gailitis, and G Sakale

    IOP Publishing
    Abstract Undoubtedly, current environmental trends force scientists to search for a way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the production process of building materials. Geopolymers have been called as a potential alternative to traditional concrete for decades, allowing us to obtain more sustainable and durable materials with good thermal and reasonable mechanical properties and solve the problems related to waste materials utilization. Despite the great interest of scientists and the many advantages both in the production process of geopolymers and in terms of material properties, this idea looks unattainable in the near future, so it is worth investigating alternative ways of geopolymer applications. Thereby this review paper summarizes the recent progress in the field of foamed geopolymer concrete, focusing on the different preparation methods, material base, as well as information about the obstacles and challenges that hinder the transition of foamed geopolymers from research laboratories to real application in the civil engineering. This report also describes the density, compressive strength, thermal conductivity, pore size and distribution. A random sampling method and descriptive analysis were used in the preparation of a review, taking into account the year of publication, used materials, availability and the number of citations.

  • Impact of Polypropylene, Steel, and PVA Fibre Reinforcement on Geopolymer Composite Creep and Shrinkage Deformations
    Rihards Gailitis, Andina Sprince, Tomass Kozlovksis, Leonids Pakrastins, and Viktorija Volkova

    IOP Publishing
    Abstract For the last 40 years, there has been increased interest in geopolymer composite development and its mechanical properties. In the last decades, there have been cases when geopolymer composites have been used for civil engineering purposes, such as buildings and infrastructure projects. The main benefit of geopolymer binder usage is that it has a smaller impact on the environment than the Portland cement binder. Emissions caused by geopolymer manufacturing are at least two times less than emissions caused by Portland cement manufacturing. As geopolymer polymerization requires elevated temperature, it also has a significant moisture evaporation effect that further increases shrinkage. It can lead to increased cracking and reduced service life of the structures. Due to this concern, for long-term strain reduction, such as plastic and drying shrinkage and creep, fibre reinforcement is added to constrain the development of stresses in the material. This research aims to determine how different fibre reinforcements would impact geopolymer composites creep and shrinkage strains. Specimens for long-term property testing purposes were prepared with 1% of steel fibres, 1% polypropylene fibres (PP), 0.5% steel and 0.5% polyvinyl alcohol fibres, 5% PP fibres, and without fibres (plain geopolymer). The lowest creep strains are 5% PP fibre specimens, followed by 1% PP fibre, plain, 0.5% steel fibre and 0.5% PVA fibre, and 1% steel fibre specimens. The lowest specific creep is to 5% PP fibre reinforced specimens closely followed by 1% PP fibre followed by 0.5% steel and 0.5% PVA fibre, plain and 1% steel fibre reinforced composites. Specimens with 0.5% steel and 0.5 PVA fibre showed the highest compressive strength, followed by 1% PP fibre specimens, plain specimens, 1% steel fibre, and 5% PP fibre reinforced specimens. Only specimens with 1% PP fibre and 0.5% steel, and a 0.5% PVA fibre inclusion showed improved mechanical properties. Geopolymer concrete mix with 1% PP fibre inclusion and 0.5% steel and 0.5% PVA fibre inclusion have a 4.7% and 11.3% higher compressive strength. All the other fibre inclusion into mixes showed significant decreases in mechanical properties.

  • Different Fiber Reinforcement Effects on Fly Ash-Based Geopolymer Long-Term Deflection in Three-Point Bending and Microstructure
    Rihards Gailitis, Leonids Pakrastins, Andina Sprince, Liga Radina, Gita Sakale, and Krzysztof Miernik

    MDPI AG
    This study investigated the effect of a low amount of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and steel fiber reinforcement on fly ash-based geopolymer composite long-term deflection and its microstructure. For testing purposes, specimens with different amounts and types of fiber reinforcement as well as plain (reference) were prepared. The long-term deflection test was performed by loading specimens with 40% of the ultimate flexural strength. A microstructure analysis was performed using polished section specimens, and images were acquired at 25-times magnification on a scanning electron microscope. The results of the flexural strength test show that all geopolymer composites with fiber reinforcement have lower flexural strength than plain geopolymer composites. The long-term deflection tests show that the highest deflections exhibit 1% PVA fiber-reinforced specimens. The lowest amount of deflection is for 1% steel fiber-reinforced specimens. Specific creep shows similar results to plain, and 1% steel fiber-reinforced specimens, while 1% PVA and 0.5% PVA/0.5% steel fiber-reinforced specimen exhibits the same properties. The quantitative microanalysis of the polished section further confirms the deflection results. Specimens with 1% PVA fiber reinforcement have significantly higher porosity than all other specimens. They are followed by plain specimens and 1% steel fiber, and 0.5% PVA/0.5 steel fiber-reinforced specimens have almost the same porosity level.

  • Properties of 3D Printed Concrete–Geopolymer Hybrids Reinforced with Aramid Roving
    Joanna Marczyk, Celina Ziejewska, Kinga Korniejenko, Michał Łach, Witold Marzec, Mateusz Góra, Paweł Dziura, Andina Sprince, Magdalena Szechyńska-Hebda, and Marek Hebda

    MDPI AG
    Three-dimensional concrete printing (3DCP) is an innovative technology that can lead to breakthrough modifications of production processes in the construction industry. The paper presents for the first time the possibility of 3D printing concrete–geopolymer hybrids reinforced with aramid roving. Reference concrete samples and concrete–geopolymer hybrids composed of 95% concrete and 5% geopolymer based on fly ash or metakaolin were produced. The properties of the samples without reinforcement and samples with 0.5% (wt.) aramid roving were compared. The frost resistance tests, UV radiation resistance, and thermal conductivity were evaluated for samples that were 3D-printed or produced by the conventional casting method. Compressive strength tests were carried out for each sample exposed to freeze–thaw cycles and UV radiation. It was observed that after the frost resistance test, the samples produced by the 3D printing technology had a minor decrease in strength properties compared to the samples made by casting. Moreover, the thermal conductivity coefficient was higher for concrete–geopolymer hybrids than concrete reinforced with aramid roving.

  • Creep and shrinkage behaviour of disintegrated and non-disintegrated cement mortar
    Rihards Gailitis, Beata Figiela, Kalvis Abelkalns, Andina Sprince, Genadijs Sahmenko, Marta Choinska, and Martin Duarte Guigou

    MDPI AG
    One way to prevent cement from ending up in landfills after its shelf life is to regain its activity and reuse it as a binder. As has been discovered, milling by planetary ball mill is not effective. Grinding by collision is considered a more efficient way to refine brittle material and, in the case of cement, to regain its activity. There has been considerable research regarding the partial replacement of cement using disintegrated cement in mortar or concrete in the past few decades. This article determines and compares the creep and shrinkage properties of cement mortar specimens made from old disintegrated, old non-disintegrated, and new non-disintegrated Portland cement. The tests show that the creep strains for old disintegrated and old non-disintegrated cement mortars are close, within a 2% margin of each other. However, the creep strains for new non-disintegrated cement mortar are 30% lower. Shrinkage for old disintegrated and non-disintegrated cement mortar is 20% lower than for new non-disintegrated cement mortar. The research shows that disintegration is a viable procedure to make old cement suitable for structural application from a long-term property standpoint. Additionally, it increases cement mortar compressive strength by 49% if the cement is disintegrated together with sand.

  • Tensile creep of cement and concrete composites: Monitoring by means of 2D-digital image correlation
    Andina Sprince, Tomass Kozlovskis, Rihards Gailitis, Juozas Valivonis, Kinga Korniejenko, and Arnaud Castel

    MDPI AG
    Creep and shrinkage of Cement and Concrete Composites (CCC) are significant properties that need to be considered to use these materials in practice. Many previous scientific studies revealed CCC creep characteristics under sustained compression and shrinkage, using traditional test methods from design standards. Because of the complexity of experimental procedures, CCC creep in tension has not been studied as close. Furthermore, there is no unified standard that proposes applicable testing methods or specific testing apparatus. This study examines the suitability of 2D—Digital Image Correlation (DIC) to observe the creep deformations of specimens under tension. Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) mortar with 1% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibres has been investigated in the research. Compact tension (CT) specimens 150 × 150 × 12 mm (with a notch) were used. Creep deformations under sustained uniaxial tension (applied loading corresponding to 60% of the ultimate strength) were measured. DIC images were captured using an entry/mid-level DSLR camera. Results show that DIC is suitable for studying uniaxial tensile creep of cement and concrete composites. Deformation of specimens in tension was similar to that measured using the conventional method (using surface-attached gauges).


  • Long-term properties of cement mortar under compression, tension, and 3-point bending
    N. Vatin, A. Sprince, R. Gailitis, L. Pakrastins and T. Kozlovskis


    Cement composite long-term property assessment usually is limited to the compression strain state due to the difficulty of performing long-term tests in tension and 3-point bending. This paper shows the difference in long-term properties in compression, tension, and 3-point bending for plain ordinary Portland cement mortar (OPC). The obtained results were compared to reinforced specimen results to determine whether the PVA refibres improve the long-term properties of OPC mortar in various stress-strain conditions. Cylinders, compact tension specimens (CT), and beams – plates were prepared to evaluate material properties and the role of fibre reinforcement in these different stress states. Additionally, to conventional surface-attached strain gauges, 2D-DIC was employed to observe the creep strain of specimens in tension. This paper aim to determine long-term property differences in compression, tension and 3-point bending and, also, to see if low amount PVA fibre incorporation improve long-term properties in previously stated stress-strain states. It was determined that the usage of 1 % of PVA fibres increases creep strains in compression on average by 15 % and reduced by 7 % in tension. It reduces shrinkage strain by 18 % in compression and 8 % in tension. The long-term deflection for the PVA fibre-reinforced specimens are, on average by 55 % higher than for plain OPC mortar specimens in 3-point bending.

  • Plain and PVA fibre-reinforced geopolymer compact tension specimen critical area surface composition assessment
    Rihards Gailītis, Andina Sprince, Leonids Pakrastins, Patrycja Bazan, and Kinga Koniejenko

    Rezekne Academy of Technologies
    For more than 40 years, low calcium alkali-activated cement composite, or in other words, geopolymer, has been around. In recent years there has been increased interest in this material and its properties. It is mainly due to the claim that geopolymer is the cement of the future. This claim is based on environmental factors. For instance, the CO2 emissions for geopolymer binder can be up to 6 less than for Portland cement binder. Most of the researches regarding geopolymer composite properties examine only mechanical and long-term properties in compression. There has been a lack of long-term tests in tension due to difficulties in performing them. As the tensile stresses are an essential part of structure assessment, it is necessary to evaluate new material properties as thoroughly as possible. Due to the nature of geopolymer specimen hardening (polymerisation), there is a difference in modulus of elasticity development and shrinkage caused by binding that could have factors that regular Portland cement specimens do not.This article aims to evaluate the surface composition of plain and 1% PVA reinforced geopolymer compact tension specimens that have been subjected to creep and shrinkage tests. Specimen cross-section images were acquired using the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Using the quantitative image analysis method, amounts of cross-section composition elements are determined. Furthermore, the amount of cracks is determined and compared between plain and PVA fiber-reinforced specimens.It has been determined that even though 1% of PVA fibre-reinforced specimens have lower tensile strength, their creep and shrinkage strains are lower, and the number of microcracks at the notch base of the specimen. Still, it has to be acknowledged that the amount of air voids in all analysed specimens is relatively high.  

  • Plain Geopolymer Concrete Cross-Section Surface Analysis After Creep and Shrinkage Tests in Compression and Tension
    Rihards Gailitis, Andina Sprince, Leonids Pakrastins, Kinga Korniejenko, and Tomass Kozlovskis

    Springer International Publishing

  • Comparison of the long-term properties of foamed concrete and geopolymer concrete in compression
    Rihards Gailitis, Kinga Korniejenko, Andina Sprince, and Leonids Pakrastins

    AIP Publishing

  • Long-Term Deformation Properties of a Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Alkali-Activated Cement Composite
    R. Gailitis, J. Sliseris, K. Korniejenko, J. Mikuła, M. Łach, L. Pakrastins, and A. Sprince

    Springer Science and Business Media LLC


  • Long-Term Parameters of New Cement Composites
    Andina Sprince, Leonids Pakrastins, and Rihards Gailitis

    Springer International Publishing


  • Long-term properties of foamed concrete
    Rihards Gailitis, Andina Sprince, Leonids Pakrastins, Genadijs Shakhmenko, Tomass Kozlovskis, and Liga Radina

    Vilnius Gediminas Technical University
    Foamed concrete has been used as a building material since the early 1920s. In the beginning, it was used as an insulation material with very low density. Since then there have been attempts to improve the structural properties in order to increase materials load-bearing capacity. In the present-day foamed concrete is being used in soil reinforcement, manufacturing of building blocks and other sorts of construction materials (Mugahed Amran, Farzadnia, & Abang Ali, 2015). The aim of this article is to determine the behaviour and long-term properties of foamed concrete. Cylindrical specimens (Ø46×190 mm) were used for creep and shrinkage testing. The creep properties of the specimens were determined by loading them with 20% and 60% of the ultimate compressive stress value (Sprince, 2015). The compressive strength, creep, shrinkage and specific creep of the material were examined. It was determined that during 90 days of creep testing the non-linear creep deformations (specimens loaded with 60% of the ultimate stress) are 4 times larger than linear creep deformations (specimens loaded with 20% of the ultimate stress). Also, changes in the modulus of elasticity of foamed concrete were researched over time. Foamed concrete modulus of elasticity reached 12.21 GPa on the 28th day, 12.49 GPa on the 62nd and 14.23 GPa on the 144th day since the specimens were made.

  • Comparison of the long-term properties in compression of different size foamed concrete
    Rihards Gailītis, Andina Sprince, Leonids Pakrastins, Genadijs Shakhmenko, and Tomass Kozlovskis

    Rezekne Academy of Technologies
    Foamed concrete has been used as a building material since the early 1920s. In the beginning, it was used as an insulation material with very low density. Since then there have been attempts to make this material more load-bearing and structural. In the present-day foamed concrete is being used in soil reinforcement, manufacturing of building blocks and other sorts of construction materials. [1] The aim of this article is to determine long-term properties and strength of foamed concrete specimens as well as compare the results between two differently sized foamed concrete specimens. The size of creep and shrinkage specimens were Ø46x190 mm and Ø75x180 mm. The creep properties of the specimens were determined by loading them with 20% of the ultimate stress value. [2] The compressive strength, creep and specific creep of specimens were determined as well as specimen size factor to creep deformations.




  • Crack Formation in Cement-Based Composites
    A Sprince, L Pakrastinsh, and N Vatin

    IOP Publishing

  • Crack development research in extra fine aggregate cement composites
    Andina Sprince, Leonids Pakrastinsh, Bruno Baskers, and Liga Gaile

    Rezekne Academy of Technologies
    <p class="R-AbstractKeywords"><span lang="EN-US">The cracking properties in cement-based composites widely influences mechanical behavior of construction structures. The challenge of present investigation is to evaluate the crack propagation near the crack tip. During experiments the tension strength and crack mouth opening displacement of several types of concrete compositions was determined. For each composition the Compact Tension (CT) specimens were prepared with dimensions 150x150x12mm. Specimens were subjected to a tensile load. Deformations and crack mouth opening displacement were measured with extensometers. Cracks initiation and propagation were analyzed using a digital image analysis technique. The formation and propagation of the tensile cracks was traced on the surface of the specimens using a high resolution digital camera with 60 mm focal length. Images were captured during testing with a time interval of one second. The obtained experimental curve shows the stages of crack development.</span></p>

  • Crack propagation in concrete with silica particles
    Andina Sprince, Gregor Fischer, Leonids Pakrastinsh, and Aleksandr Korjakins

    Trans Tech Publications, Ltd.
    The propagation of cracking in concrete is a mechanism governing many physical and mechanical properties of the material. The aim of this study was to experimentally investigate the crack propagation of new concrete compositions using image analysis. Several concrete mixes containing microsilica and nanosilica were made. For each composition, Compact Tension (CT) specimens were prepared with dimensions 150x150x12mm. Specimens were subjected to a tensile load. The formation and propagation of the tensile cracks was traced on the surface of the specimens using a high resolution digital camera with 60 mm focal length. Images were captured during testing with a time interval of one second. The compression strength and modulus of elasticity were also determined for reference. The results obtained with this method have shown that it is possible to monitor relatively small displacements on the specimen surface regardless of the scale of the representative area of interest and to evaluate the influence of filler on the cracking properties of concrete.

  • Time-dependent behavior of high performance fiber-reinforced concrete
    Andina Sprince, Aleksandrs Korjakins, and Leonids Pakrastinsh

    Trans Tech Publications, Ltd.
    This research deals with experimentally studied time-dependent deformations of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber reinforced high performance concrete (HPFRC). The creep in compression and crack propagation of the new concrete compositions were determined. Several kind of concrete mixes adding microsilica and nanosilica have been made. For each composition cylinders with dimensions 190x47mm and Compact Tension (CT) specimens with dimensions 150x150x12mm were prepared. Concrete specimens were tested in a controlled constant temperature and with a constant level of moisture. Creep specimens were put into a creep lever test stand and subjected to a uniform, constant compressive load but CT specimens were subjected to a tension load. Deformations and crack mouth opening displacements were measured with extensometers. The compression strength and modulus of elasticity also were determined. The results have shown that nanosilica dont have significant influence on the high performance fiber reinforced concrete time-dependent behavior.

RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Cyclic Load Impact Assessment of Long-Term Properties in Compression to Steel and Polyvinyl Alcohol Fibre-Reinforced Geopolymer Composites
    R Gailitis, A Sprince, M Łach, P Gavrilovs, L Pakrastins
    Materials 16 (18), 6128 2023

  • Cyclic Load Impact Assessment on Long-Term Properties to Steel and PVA Fibre Reinforced Geopolymer Composites
    R Gailitis, A Sprince, M Łach, P Gavrilovs, L Pakrastins
    Preprints 2023

  • Early-Age Creep and Shrinkage Properties of Printed and Cast Cement Composite
    R Gailitis, P Pudans, K Ziemelis, G Bumanis, A Sprince
    Materials Proceedings 13 (1), 35 2023

  • Potential use of construction waste for the production of geopolymers: a review
    L Radina, A Sprince, L Pakrastins, R Gailitis, G Sakale
    Materials Proceedings 13 (1), 2 2023

  • Early-Age Creep and Shrinkage Properties of Printed and Cast Cement Composite. Mater. Proc. 2023, 13, 35
    R Gailitis, P Pudans, K Ziemelis, G Bumanis, A Sprince
    2023

  • Foamed geopolymers: A review of recent studies
    L Radina, A Sprince, L Pakrastins, R Gailitis, G Sakale
    Journal of Physics: Conference Series 2423 (1), 012032 2023

  • Impact of polypropylene, steel, and PVA fibre reinforcement on geopolymer composite creep and shrinkage deformations
    R Gailitis, A Sprince, T Kozlovksis, L Pakrastins, V Volkova
    Journal of Physics: Conference Series 2423 (1), 012030 2023

  • Different Fiber Reinforcement Effects on Fly Ash-Based Geopolymer Long-Term Deflection in Three-Point Bending and Microstructure
    R Gailitis, L Pakrastins, A Sprince, L Radina, G Sakale, K Miernik
    Materials 15 (23), 8512 2022

  • Properties of 3D printed concrete–geopolymer hybrids reinforced with aramid roving
    J Marczyk, C Ziejewska, K Korniejenko, M Łach, W Marzec, M Gra, ...
    Materials 15 (17), 6132 2022

  • Creep and shrinkage behaviour of disintegrated and non-disintegrated cement mortar
    R Gailitis, B Figiela, K Abelkalns, A Sprince, G Sahmenko, M Choinska, ...
    Materials 14 (24), 7510 2021

  • Tribo-mechanical behavior of geopolymer composites with wasted flax fibers
    P Bazan, B Kozub, K Korniejenko, R Gailitis, A Sprince
    IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering 1190 (1), 012030 2021

  • Tensile creep of cement and concrete composites: Monitoring by means of 2D-digital image correlation
    A Sprince, T Kozlovskis, R Gailitis, J Valivonis, K Korniejenko, A Castel
    Applied Sciences 11 (18), 8334 2021

  • Long-term properties of different fiber reinforcement effect on fly ash-based geopolymer composite
    R Gailitis, A Sprince, T Kozlovskis, L Radina, L Pakrastins, N Vatin
    Crystals 11 (7), 760 2021

  • Plain and PVA fibre-reinforced geopolymer compact tension specimen critical area surface composition assessment
    R Gailitis, A Sprince, L Pakrastins, P Bazan, K Korniejenko
    ENVIRONMENT. TECHNOLOGIES. RESOURCES. Proceedings of the International 2021

  • Plain Geopolymer Concrete Cross-Section Surface Analysis after Creep and Shrinkage Tests in Compression and Tension
    R Gailitis, A Sprince, L Pakrastins, K Korniejenko, T Kozlovskis
    International RILEM Conference on Early-age and Long-term Cracking in RC 2021

  • MICROSTRUCTURAL INVESTIGATION OF PHOSPHOGYPSUM BASED TERNARY SYSTEM BINDER
    G Bumanis, J Zorica, R Gailitis, A Sprince, D Bajare
    1st electronic revised edition 2021

  • Creep and Shrinkage Behaviour of Disintegrated and Non-Disintegrated Cement Mortar. Materials 2021, 14, 7510
    R Gailitis, B Figiela, K Abelkalns, A Sprince, G Sahmenko, M Choinska, ...
    s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published 2021

  • Long-term properties of cement mortar under compression, tension, and 3-point bending
    A Sprince, R Gailitis, L Pakrastins, T Kozlovskis, N Vatin
    Magazine of Civil Engineering 105 (5), 10511-10511 2021

  • Paņēmiens betonu un cementa kompozītu ilglaicīgo īpašību noteikšanai dažādos sprieguma stāvokļos/ Method for Determining the Long-Term Properties of Concrete and Cement
    RL Sprince A., Pakrastins L., Gailitis R., Kozlovskis T.
    LV Patent LVP2020000096 // P4,170 2021

  • Reinforced and plain geopolymer concrete specimen cross-section composition influence on creep strains
    R Gailitis, A Sprince, L Pakrastins, K Korniejenko, T Kozlovskis
    The 4th International RILEM conference Microstructure Related Durability of 2021

MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Crack propagation in concrete with silica particles
    A Sprince, G Fischer, L Pakrastinsh, A Korjakins
    Advanced Materials Research 842, 470-476 2014
    Citations: 30

  • Helical pile behaviour and load transfer mechanism in different soils
    A Sprince, L Pakrastinsh
    Modern Building Materials, Structures and Techniques. Proceedings of the 2010
    Citations: 28

  • Long-term properties of different fiber reinforcement effect on fly ash-based geopolymer composite
    R Gailitis, A Sprince, T Kozlovskis, L Radina, L Pakrastins, N Vatin
    Crystals 11 (7), 760 2021
    Citations: 22

  • Efficiency of activation of mineral binders in vortex-layer devices
    RA Ibragimov, EV Korolev, RA Kayumov, TR Deberdeev, VV Leksin, ...
    Magazine of Civil Engineering, 191-198 2018
    Citations: 22

  • Crack formation in cement-based composites
    A Sprince, L Pakrastinsh, N Vatin
    IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering 123 (1), 012050 2016
    Citations: 21

  • Experimental study on creep of new concrete mixtures
    A Sprince, L Pakrastinsh, A Korjakins
    Civil engineering 35, 36 2011
    Citations: 20

  • Time-dependent behavior of high performance fiber-reinforced concrete
    A Sprince, A Korjakins, L Pakrastinsh
    Advanced materials research 705, 75-80 2013
    Citations: 17

  • Comparison of the long-term properties of foamed concrete and geopolymer concrete in compression
    R Gailitis, K Korniejenko, A Sprince, L Pakrastins
    AIP Conference Proceedings 2239 (1) 2020
    Citations: 16

  • Long-term deformation properties of a carbon-fiber-reinforced alkali-activated cement composite
    R Gailitis, J Sliseris, K Korniejenko, J Mikuła, M Łach, L Pakrastins, ...
    Mechanics of Composite Materials 56, 85-92 2020
    Citations: 16

  • Specific challenges of adopting Eurocodes in Latvia
    L Gaile, A Sprince, L Pakrastinsh
    Procedia Engineering 57, 294-301 2013
    Citations: 12

  • Helical pile behaviour analysis in different soils
    A Sprince, L Pakrastinsh
    Leonids Pakrastinsh 2009
    Citations: 12

  • Long-term parameters of new cement composites
    A Sprince, L Pakrastins, R Gailitis
    3rd International Conference on the Application of Superabsorbent Polymers 2020
    Citations: 11

  • Crack development research in extra fine aggregate cement composites
    A Sprince, L Pakrastinsh, B Baskers, L Gaile
    ENVIRONMENT. TECHNOLOGIES. RESOURCES. Proceedings of the International 2015
    Citations: 10

  • Creep behaviour of concrete with glass waste microfiller
    A Sprince, A Korjakins, L Pakrastinsh
    ENVIRONMENT. TECHNOLOGIES. RESOURCES. Proceedings of the International 2011
    Citations: 10

  • Analytical determination of thermal expansion of rocks and concrete aggregates
    AV Denisov, A Sprince
    Magazine of Civil Engineering, 151-170 2018
    Citations: 9

  • Properties of 3D printed concrete–geopolymer hybrids reinforced with aramid roving
    J Marczyk, C Ziejewska, K Korniejenko, M Łach, W Marzec, M Gra, ...
    Materials 15 (17), 6132 2022
    Citations: 7

  • Tribo-mechanical behavior of geopolymer composites with wasted flax fibers
    P Bazan, B Kozub, K Korniejenko, R Gailitis, A Sprince
    IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering 1190 (1), 012030 2021
    Citations: 7

  • Bearing capacity of facade systems fixing to sandwich panels
    AV Galyamichev, VA Kirikova, EN Gerasimova, A Sprince
    Magazine of Civil Engineering, 30-46 2018
    Citations: 7

  • Helical pile behaviour and load transfer mechanism in different soils
    S Andina, P Leonids
    Journal of Riga Technical University 10 (10), 121-130 2010
    Citations: 7

  • Drying Shrinkage Deformation Comparison Between Foam Concrete, Geopolymer Concrete, Disintegrated, and Non-disintegrated Cement Mortar
    R Gailitis, A Sprince, L Pakrastins, G Sahmenko, T Kozlovskis
    IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering 660 (1), 012036 2019
    Citations: 6

Publications

Doctoral Thesis/ Summary of the Doctoral Thesis
1. Sprince A. Methodology for determination of long-term properties and crack development research in extra fine aggregate cement composites. Doctoral Thesis. – Riga: RTU, 2015. – 172 p.
2. Sprince A. Methodology for determination of long-term properties and crack development research in extra fine aggregate cement composites. Summary of the doctoral thesis. – Riga: RTU, 2015. – 108 p. UDK 691.54(043), Sp 920 m

Preparation with reports in methodological conferences:
1. Methodological conference “Cooperation as a goal and method,” organized by Riga Technical University, Riga Latvia, April 16 2019. (Sprince A. “Allowed study aids – filled lecture notes;’ Approach “Student checks student”), Certificate

GRANT DETAILS

2020 – 2023 European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) project within Activity 1.1.1.2 “Post-doctoral Research Aid” of the Specific Aid Objective 1.1.1 “To increase the research and innovative capacity of scientific institutions of Latvia and the ability to attract external financing, investing in human resources and infrastructure” of the Operational Programme “Growth and Employment” ( senior researcher
2018 – 2020 Latvian Council of Science Fund (LZP-2018/2-0249) „Long-term properties of innovative cement composites in various stress-strain conditions” Senior Researcher, Chief Executor
2017 – 2019 ERANET-LAC (ELAC2015/T02-0721) “Development of ecofriendly composite materials based on geopolymer matrix and reinforced with waste fibres” Researcher
2012 – 2013 IZM-RTU (ZP-2012/39) „Long-term Behaviour of Fibre Reinforced Cement Composites (FRCC)”, Researcher
2010 – 2015 European Social Fund within the scope of the project “Support for the Implementation of Doctoral Studies at Riga Technical University” (No: 2009/0144/1DP/1.1.2.1.2/09/IPIA/VIAA/005), Researcher

RESEARCH OUTPUTS (PATENTS, SOFTWARE, PUBLICATIONS, PRODUCTS)

Sprince A., Pakrastins L., Gailitis R., Kozlovskis T., Radina L., Paņēmiens betonu un cementa kompozītu ilglaicīgo īpašību noteikšanai dažādos sprieguma stāvokļos/ Method for Determining the Long-Term Properties of Concrete and Cement Composites in Various Stress-strain Conditions/ Latvian patent application No. LVP2020000096 // P4170 (Submitted)

CONSULTANCY

• Expert of Latvian Council of Science in the field of Civil and Transportation Engineering
• Member of the editorial board of the peer-reviewed scientific journal “Construction of Unique Building and Structures” (ISSN 2304-6295) Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, Since 2012,
• Member of the editorial board of the peer-reviewed scientific journal “Naukovyi Visnyk Natsionalnoho Hirnychoho Universytetu” (ISSN (print) 2071-2227, ISSN (online) 2223-2362) Naukovyi Visnyk Natsionalnoho Hirnychoho Universytetu, Since 1998;

Industry, Institute, or Organisation Collaboration

1.2011.. (6 months) The Technical University of Denmark, Department of Civil Engineering, Denmark, Byg Brovej, Building 118, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby. Crack formation and development of cement composite structures. Ctrl. prof. G.Fischers. SEDA durability program "Erasmus" (European Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students).
2.2021.February (1 – month virtual mobility) The Cracow University of Technology, Faculty of Materials Engineering and Physics, Participation in preparing the application of scientific research, multidisciplinary research ( Call 2021). Virtual mobility partner's representative Senior Researcher Korniejenko.
3.2021.april – 2012.may (1 – month virtual mobility) The Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Learn the program GOM Aramis and/or GOM Correlate and processing of digital image data which are obtained in creep experiments, data analysis and preparation of a joint scientific publication. Virtual mobility partner's representative Prof. Dr. Juozas Valivonis, Head of Department of Reinforced Concrete Construction structures and Geotechnics
4.2021.august (3 weeks mobility) The Cracow University of Technology (CTU), Faculty of Materials Engineering and Physics. Mobilities aim is to learn and gain practice from CTU researchers about geopolymer concrete composite preparation, production and also application of SEM in the research of cement and concrete composites. Mobility partner's representative Senior Re

INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

2007 – 2008 Project manager and civil engineer, Ltd. „dwg,” Latvia
2006 – 2007 Structural engineer, Ltd. „dwg,” Latvia
2004 – 2006 Structural engineer, the designing company “Ierosme,” Latvia

SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, or ACADEMIC BENEFITS

Popular-science activities:
1. Participation in the Riga Technical University (RTU) social media project (2021) "Get to know RTU scientists!"
2. Participation in the annual career educational event for schools youth, organized by the most extensive educational organization Junior Achievement Latvia “SHADOW DAY 2020,” February 12, 2020 (4 “shadows”)
23 TVnet video cycle project “ #Hand in Hand for Science,” Sprince A. and Bazbauers G. About the opportunities for Latvian scientists, December 12, 2019 (Available at
4. ”New scientists of RTU are testing new cement composite material”. Article about research, made of A.Sprince and G.Bazbauers. Journal “New engineer” and university’s study portal “ORTUS,” December 12, 2019.

Participation in the scientific and academic commissions
1. Secretary of the State Final Defense Examination Committee of the RTU, Faculty of Civil Engineering.
2. Member of the State Final Defense Examination Committee of the RTU, Faculty of Architecture.

Supervised doctoral thesis, master’s and bachelor’s thesis:
Doctoral’s thesis – 1 (~70% completion); Master’s theses – 3; Bachelor’s theses – 6 and 4 new Bachelor theses (~50% completion), the topics of which are related to the long-term properties of the different concrete and cement composite material