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Fatigue and microcracking of concrete

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Abstract

The direct and indirect methods of examining microcracks are reviewed. It is concluded that the discontinuity stress is a fundamental property of concrete. It signifies (1) the end of the quasi-elastic behavior of concrete (2) the long time sustained strength of concrete, (3) the point at which the Poisson's ratio starts to increase, and (4) the point at which mortar cracks begin to develop extensively. However, a logical and measurable definition of discontinuity stress has not yet been found. This paper suggests a new approach to define discontinuity stress based on fatigue tests. The fatigue interactions surface is derived, which reveals a measurable “kink”. This “kink” represents the discontinuity stress. Below this “kink” in the high cycle region, microcracks are developing as bond cracks in a slow gradual process. Above the “kink” in the low cycle region, mortar cracks are forming continuous networks.

Résumé

On revoit les méthodes directes et indirectes d'examen des microfissures. On en conclut que la discontinuité des contraintes est une propriété fondamentale du béton. Cela implique (1) la fin du comportement quasi-élastique du béton; (2) la résistance à long terme du béton; (3) le point auquel le coefficient de Poisson commence à croître; (4) le point auquel les fissures du mortier commencent à se propager largement. On n'a cependant pas encore trouvé une définition logique et quantifiable de la discontinuité de contrainte. On suggère ici une nouvelle approche pour définir la discontinuité de contrainte d'après les essais de fatigue. On déduit la surface d'interaction de fatigue qui laisse voir une «singularité» mesurable. Cette «singularité» représente la discontinuité de contrainte. En deçà de cette «singularité», dans la zone des grands nombres de cycles, les microfissures se propagent en tant que fissures d'adhérence selon un processus lent et graduel. Au-delà de la «singularité» dans la zone oligo-cyclique les fissures du mortier forment des réseaux continus.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. of Civil Engineering, University of Houston, 77004, Houston, Texas, USA

    Thomas T. C. Hsu (Professor and Chairman)

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  1. Thomas T. C. Hsu
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Hsu, T.T.C. Fatigue and microcracking of concrete. Mat. Constr. 17, 51–54 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02474056

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