A review on the application of the theory of critical distance towards concrete

Abstract

Theory of Critical Distance (TCD) is one of Fracture Mechanics numerical model that has gone through tremendous laboratory works and validation. Hence, it has been proven to be precise in broad perspectives in the field. Recently, TCD research related to fracture, especially fatigue on concrete are growing but the depth of study is still shallow and deficient compared to metal and steel. Thus, this made the fracture assessment in concrete obscures and governs by uncertainties. Previous efforts have managed to optimize TCD but the results only valid if the water-cement ratio of a concrete specimen in its optimum level. When the water-cement ratio is adjusted to a higher or lower from its optimum level, the output errors showed inconsistency as reported by Luca Susmel (2016). Therefore, this research aims to optimize the Theory of Critical Distance (TCD) by incorporating water-cement ratio and the interaction of microstructure matrix. The optimization involves few stages and finite element. If Theory of Critical Distance (TCD) can be improved by considering concrete's additional element in its mathematical expression, it will definitely contribute to betterment in assessing concrete infrastructure around the globe.