Mechanics of Damage and Constitutive Relationships for High-Strength Concrete in Triaxial Compression

Abstract

A constitutive relationship for high-strength concrete (6 to 15 ksi) is developed based on the continuum damage mechanics. The bounding surface concept was employed in the formulations of the theoretical model. A comprehensive experimental program was undertaken in order to establish a database for high-strength concrete under triaxial compression. The stress-strain response of high-strength concrete subjected to triaxial compression was acquired through laboratory experiments. The testing program included three strength categories—6, 10, and 15 ksi (42, 70, and 105 MPa) concretes. The confining pressures (σ1) employed in the experiments ranged from 1.2 to 12 ksi (8.3–82 MPa). A series of uniaxial tension and compression tests were performed in order to develop the necessary data for the establishment of the failure criterion. Comparison of the stress-strain results indicated good agreement between the theoretical model and the experimental data.