APPLICATION OF FRACTURE MECHANICS

The paper reviews the theory of fracture mechanics as applied to concrete based on the principles of Griffith's theory of the fracture of solids. Griffith's fracture criterion, which assumes the existance of cracks or flaws in a solid, when applied to an inelastic heterogenous composite such as concrete, requires modification for realistic representation. The flexural testing of cement and concrete notched beams carried out by a number of researchers is detailed. It is concluded that while Griffith's theory of fracture can be applied to the fracture of cement in flexure it is not clear whether application to the fracture of concrete can be completely dismissed as certain energy considerations appear to describe processes that are thought to occur. As it is possible to increase the flexural strength of concrete by using angular aggregates it is considered that the flexural strength of cement and concrete can be improved by considering Griffith's concepts. (Author/TRRL)

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00105317
• Corporate Authors:

  Cement and Concrete Association

  Wexham Spring
  Slough SL3 6PL, Buckinghamshire,   England 
• Authors:
  • Hillier, K
• Publication Date: 1982-6

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: p. 43-44
• Serial:
  • CONCRETE
  • Volume: 16
  • Issue Number: 6
  • Publisher: THE CONCRETE SOCIETY
  • ISSN: 0010-5317

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aggregates; Beams; Cement; Concrete; Cracking; Failure; Flexural strength; Flexure; Fracture mechanics; Mechanics; Shape; Strength of materials; Tests; Theory
• Uncontrolled Terms: Concrete beams; Concrete cracking; Fracture energy
• ITRD Terms: 4577: Aggregate; 4758: Cement; 4755: Concrete; 5586: Deflection; 5520: Failure; 5455: Mechanics; 9073: Shape; 5544: Strength (mater); 6255: Test; 9078: Theory
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Materials; Planning and Forecasting; I32: Concrete; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00367526
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 30 1982 12:00AM