Self-healing characteristics of prestressed small beams in third-point loading

Author(s): M. R. Hansen, A. Norberg, H. Fitzgerald
Paper category: Proceedings
Book title: Proceedings of the Seventh International Conference on Concrete under Severe Conditions – Environment and Loading
Editor(s): Z.J. Li, W. Sun, C.W. Miao, K.Sakai, O.E. Gjørv, N.Banthia
ISBN: 978-2-35158-124-7
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-134-6
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2013
Pages: 66-73
Total Pages: 8
Language : English

Abstract: Concrete exhibits certain self-healing characteristics, which allows it to regain strength after cracking due to the continued hydration of cement particles. This study investigates the self-healing properties of rectangular prestressed 4” x 8” x 32” concrete beams subjected to third point flexural loading as defined by ASTM C 78. The beams were made with a general Type I/II cement with a water-cement ratio of 0.44. Three of the test specimens were allowed to cure for 28 days and then were loaded such that they exhibited no cracks greater than .5 mm and then were allowed to heal for an additional 28 days in a moisture controlled environment. The specimens were retested in third point loading to establish the percent of the original beam strength regained by healing. Three additional “control beams” were also tested to gauge the strength regained by the healing as a percent of the control beam strength. Previous studies conducted at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology have examined the self-healing properties of rectangular reinforced 4” x 8” x 32” concrete beams. Results from these studies suggest that nearly 100% strength is regained with reinforced concrete beams and that there may be similar strengths regained for prestressed flexural beam specimens.

Online publication : 2013
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros) : 0.00