Abstract
The dynamic behaviour of concrete involves both material and structural aspects. Concerning the material level, the Laboratoire Central des Ponts et Chaussees has cooperated with Delft University of Technology within the framework of a European project. Two problems were studied: the influence of free water in the concrete pores on the rate effects (dynamic strength and static strength) observed in the mechanical behaviour of the material, and the influence of the water/cement ratio on these rate effects. It was found that the rate effects are due to the influence of free water in the hydrate pores. Also, the rate effects depend on the water/cement ratio. They decrease with increasing ratio, but are independent of the absolute value (dynamic strength—static strength). Concerning the structural level, the LCPC has cooperated with LEA (Shelter Testing Laboratory) to carry out a study on the shock behaviour of concrete slabs using a shock tube. At a structural level, the rate effects on the mechanical behaviour of the slabs seem to be due to the presence of water in the material. It was further found that there is a change of failure mechanism in the slabs, i.e., a transition from a bending failure mechanism to a shear failure mechanism, with increasing loading rate and with decreasing water/cement ratio.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
