Experimental analysis of expansion and stress generation of the static cracking agent on supporting beam

Abstract

The static cracking agents play a significant role in resolving problems encountered during demolition, rock cutting, and mining. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the efficiency and expansion pressure of a static cracking agent with application to supporting beams. Additionally, Abaqus numerical simulations were used to simulate the displacement and stress fields of concrete under different hole arrangements. The expansion experiments were conducted under specific conditions, such as different water-agent ratios and temperatures, while the expansion pressure was studied using the strain gauge method on four steel pipes with different diameters. The results showed that the expansion process of the static cracking agent can be classified into four phases: hardening, crack propagation, rapid volume expansion, and steady decrease. The following volume expansion rates of agent ratios: 0.28, 0.30, 0.32, and 0.35 were analyzed, revealing that the agent ratio of 0.28 had the maximum volume expansion rate of 4.485. The results from the expansion pressure of a static cracking agent with a water-cement ratio of 0.28 applied on steel pipes with diameters of 30, 38, 42, and 45 mm are 26.243, 69.240, 113.75, and 55.09 MPa, respectively. The findings from the simulation demonstrate the spatial arrangement of stress and offer valuable understanding regarding the structural response to the static cracking agent. The results of this study make a valuable contribution to the enhancement of safety and sustainability in the domain of demolition practices, hence furthering the progress of urban construction and infrastructure development.