Explanation of size effect in concrete fracture using non-uniform energy distribution

Title: Explanation of size effect in concrete fracture using non-uniform energy distribution
Author(s): K. Duan, X. Z. Hu, F. H. Wittmann
Paper category : journal
Serial title: Materials and Structures
Abreviated Serial title: Mater. Struct.
ISSN: 1359-5997
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Volume: 35
Issue: 250
Issue date: 2002-07-01
Publication year: 2002
Pages: 326 - 331
Total Pages: 6
Nb references: 37
Language: English

Abstract: A local fracture energy model originally proposed to explain the influence of fracture process zone (FPZ)on fracture energy of cementitious materials is further developed in this study.
By assuming a bilinear distribution for the fracture energy distribution,the ligament-dependent fracture energy G(f) is obtained.
The analytical expression of G(f) contains two important parameters:the intrinsic size-independent fracture energy G(F) and a reference ligament size a(l)* * which determines the intersection of the two linear fracture energy functions.
It is shown that the ligament-dependent G(f) approaches the size-independent G(F) asymptotically.
As a result,G(F) can be determined from the ligament-dependent G(f) results.
It is also found that while the reference ligament size a(l)* is influenced by the specimen geometry,size and loading conditions,the derived fracture energy G(F) is virtually constant.
The present local fracture energy distribution model is also discussed and compared with the original local fracture energy model.

Online publication: 2002-05-27
Classification: Scientific Reports
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00
doi: 10.1617/13715