Experimental study on tensile behavior of cement paste, mortar and concrete under high strain rates

Abstract

Effects of the strain rate on cement paste, mortar and concrete were studied. A modified SHPB testing technique with flattened Brazilian disc (FBD) specimen was developed to measure the dynamic tensile stress-strain curve of materials. A pulse-shaped split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) was employed to determine the dynamic tensile mechanical responses and failure behavior of materials under valid dynamic testing conditions. Quasi-static experiments were conducted to study material strain rate sensitivity. Strain rate sensitivity of the materials was measured in terms of the stress-strain curve, elastic modulus, tensile strength and critical strain at peak stress. Empirical relations between dynamic increase factor (DIF) and the material properties were derived and presented.