Vibrated concrete vs. self-compacting concrete: Comparison of fracture mechanics properties

Abstract

This study focuses on the fracture mechanics aspect of self-compacting concrete, compared to vibrated concrete. The most commonly used experiments to investigate the toughness and cracking behaviour of concrete are the three-point bending test (3PBT) on small, notched beams, and the wedge-splitting test (WST) on cubic samples with guiding groove and starter notch. From the resulting P-CMOD curves (applied load versus crack mouth opening displacement), different fracture parameters, such as fracture energy and fracture toughness, can be extracted. Moreover, using inverse analysis, the ω-w relationship (tensile stress versus crack width) can be derived. This paper lists the results of a series of tests on samples, made of VC, SCC of equal strength, and SCC with identical w/c factor. Subsequently, a comparison of the mechanical characteristics is made, revealing important differences regarding several fracture parameters. Copyright © 2014 Trans Tech Publications Ltd, Switzerland.