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Description / Abstract:
This report considers issues related to the fracture of concrete
materials and structures subjected to dynamic loading from impact,
explosions, and earthquakes. Experimental evidence on rate effects
is described in Chapter 2, including mixed mode effects associated
with shearing action and bond effects. Analytical modeling of
strain-rate effects is discussed in Chapter 3. Models based on
micromechanics considerations, damage models that incorporate
microcracking phenomena, and strain-ratedependent fracture models
are described. Computational modeling of localized failure under
dynamic loading is discussed in Chapter 4.
Although still the subject of speculation, rate effects on
strength are considered to originate in the rate dependence of bond
breakage in the mortar at a microscopic crack and in local inertia
effects. Indirect evidence is presented suggesting that, at high
loading rates, the cement-aggregate bond strength increases to the
point that it is no longer the weakest link in the concrete.
Another possible explanation, however, is that the large amount of
energy per unit time available at high loading rates does not force
failure at the weakest link.
No increase in bond strength between concrete and smooth wires
is found at high loading rates (Yan and Mindess 1994; Vos and
Reinhardt 1982). The bond between concrete and deformed bars,
however, is greater at high loading rates than low rates because
the bond strength depends on two effects: shear and microfracture
within the concrete; and bearing between the concrete and the
deformations of the bar. The strength of concrete in both the shear
and bearing modes increases with increased loading rate. This
effect of enhanced bond strength often also leads to reductions in
failure ductility for reinforced concrete elements.
This report is one of a series of four state-of-the-art reports
on fracture of concrete prepared by ACI Committee 446 over the past
decade. Two reports, titled "Fracture Mechanics of Concrete:
Concepts, Models and Determination of Material Properties (ACI
446.1R-91)" and "Finite Element Analyses of Fracture in Concrete
Structures: State-of-the-Art (ACI 446.3R-97)," respectively, are
published in the ACI Manual of Concrete Practice. The
third report, "Fracture Mechanics Applications and the Code" was at
one time published in the ACI Manual of Concrete Practice
but was withdrawn in 1998.