Abstract
The applicability of linear elastic fracture mechanics to a composite material such as concrete has always been questioned. Recently, a new approach to describe failure of concrete has been developed. In this context a material is characterized by its fracture energy and the shape of the descending branch of the strain softening diagram. So far little work has been done to determine experimentally major influences on these material parameters. In this contribution results of test series to study the influence of age of loading, water-cement ratio, and rate of loading are presented. It is shown that a detailed evaluation of the test data necessitates appropriate computer programs. Essentials of these modules are briefly described. It is shown that failure of a beam under three-point bending mode can be predicted in a realistic way if valid material parameters are incorporated in a numerical analysis. Finally, it is pointed out that further studies are needed before a general application of the new approach can be recommended.
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Wittmann, F.H., Roelfstra, P.E., Mihashi, H. et al. Influence of age of loading, water-cement ratio and rate of loading on fracture energy of concrete. Materials and Structures 20, 103–110 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02472745
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02472745