Influence of relaxation and cyclic loading on the tensile material properties of plastic concrete

Author(s): M Y Khan, J T Kolawole, W P Boshoff and R Combrinck
Paper category: Proceedings
Book title: Proceedings of the 2nd International RILEM/COST Conference on Early Age Cracking and Serviceability in Cement-based Materials and Structures Volume 1
Editor(s): Stéphanie Staquet and Dimitrios Aggelis
ISBN:978-2-35158-199-5
e-ISBN:978-2-35158-198-8
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2017
Pages: 379-384
Total Pages: 6
Language : English

Abstract: The cracking of plastic concrete remains a problem for concrete elements with large exposed surfaces. This form of cracking is likely to develop when high evaporation rates cause the concrete to shrink before significant strength is reached. Concrete, especially in the plastic state, has a low tensile resistance and is therefore prone to cracking. These cracks are often prevented by curing, which can relieve the pressure build up due to evaporation by using for example a fog spray. This paper investigates the influence of relaxation on the tensile properties of plastic concrete, using a direct tensile uniaxial test setup. Relaxation can be explained as the decrease in stress, as observed in response to a constant
strain. The tests are conducted as early as 1 hour after casting, up until the final setting time of the concrete. In addition, this paper also considers the influence of cyclic loading on plastic concrete in an attempt to mimic curing procedures. This research is needed to further increase the fundamental understanding of the cracking in plastic concrete.

Online publication : 2017
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros) : 0.00