Assessment of the toughness of fibre-reinforced concrete using the R-curve approach

Abstract

The fracture response of brittle materials like concrete can be characterised using modified linear elastic fracture mechanics models, such as the rising resistance curve (R-curve). In this study, the R-curve, determined by utilising the experimental response in the notched beam test with mode I fracture, is proposed as a measure of the toughness of fibre-reinforced concretes (FRCs). The unambiguity of the R-curve obtained is assessed by comparing the predicted flexural response of specimens of different geometries with experimental data. The variation in the R-curves with the dosage of steel and polymer fibres is also discussed.