Microcracking and engineering properties of high-strength concrete
Abstract
The differences in mechanical properties between high strength and normal strength concretes are established and those differences are explained in terms of differences in observed internal microcracking in concrete at different stages of loading. Concretes made using gravel and crushed limestone coarse aggregates at each of three different strength levels ranging from 4,000 psi to 11,000 psi were studied. The results of the microcracking study and the study of the mechanical properties are presented. A criterion for definition of failure in uniaxial compression for the concretes tested is presented. Failure is considered to occur at the discontinuity point defined as that point when a self propagating microcracking mechanism is developed eventually causing disruptive failure with time. The predicted stress and strain ratios at discontinuity based on the microcracking study are compared to those at which sudden changes occur in the Poisson's ratio and volume change curves.
- Publication:
-
Ph.D. Thesis
- Pub Date:
- March 1980
- Bibcode:
- 1980PhDT........67C
- Keywords:
-
- Concretes;
- Failure Modes;
- Mechanical Properties;
- Microcracks;
- Crack Propagation;
- Loads (Forces);
- Engineering (General)