FRACTURE BEHAVIOR CHARACTERIZATION OF NORMAL AND HIGH-STRENGTH CONCRETE USING SIZE EFFECT LAW AND FINITE ELEMENT MODELLING
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55766/sujst11072Keywords:
Finite Element Modelling, Fracture Mechanics, High-Strength Concrete, Size Effect Method, Stress Intensity FactorAbstract
This study investigates the fracture behavior of normal and high-strength concrete through experimental analysis, theoretical models, and finite element simulations. A series of notched concrete beam specimens with varying notch-depth ratios were subjected to three-point bending tests to evaluate fracture parameters, including fracture energy (Gf), fracture toughness (K_IC), fracture process zone length (FPZ), and characteristic length (l_ch). The size effect method developed by Bažant was employed to assess the dependency of the fracture parameters on the specimen geometry and notch ratio. The results reveal a significant influence of the notch-depth ratio on brittleness, energy dissipation, and crack propagation. Additionally, finite element modelling (FEM) using ANSYS was used to validate the stress intensity factors and deformation characteristics observed experimentally. A comparative analysis between normal and high-strength concrete confirmed that high-strength concrete exhibits a more brittle response with higher fracture energy but reduced fracture process zone length. This comprehensive evaluation highlights the applicability of nonlinear fracture mechanics for quasi-brittle materials such as concrete and supports the incorporation of fracture-based parameters into advanced design codes.
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