Experimental study of a macrocrack propagation in a concrete specimen subjected to creep loading

Abstract

Structures managers need a better prediction of the delayed failure of concrete structures, especially for very important structures like nuclear power plant encasement. Sustained loadings at high level (above 75% of loading capacity of the structure), can lead to structure failure after some time. In this study, a series of 4-point bending tests were performed in order to characterize the creep behaviour of pre-cracked beams under high load level. The specimens were made of normal strength concrete. A power law relationship is observed between the secondary deflection creep rate and the failure time. It is also shown that when crack propagation occurs during the creep loading, the creep deflection rate increases with the creep loading level and with the crack propagation rate. © Owned by the authors, published by EDP Sciences, 2013.