Fracture mechanisms of concrete under compressive loads

Abstract

The nature of progressive crack growth in plain concrete under compressive loads was investigated. A conceptual model was formulated to describe crack extension at a given stress as well as the manner in which ultimate failure of concrete takes place. Compression tests were performed on concrete prisms to investigate the nature of crack growth at the macroscopic level. In addition, analytical and experimental model studies were conducted using fracture mechanics concepts in which the behavior of isolated cracks under compressive loads was studied. © 1973.