Meso-crack propagation process of concrete based on macro-fracture parameters: Numerical and experimental

Abstract

Formation and propagation of cracks along mortar-aggregate interfaces or penetration of cracks into aggregates highly influences the mechanical performance of concrete composites. This paper presents a numerical model to calculate the meso-crack propagation process of concrete based on the macro-material and interfacial parameters that can be directly measured by basic mechanical experiments. In the model, the issue of aggregate crack penetration versus interface crack propagation has been addressed by employing the stress intensity factor (SIF)-based criteria for crack propagation. After the validity of the numerical model is verified by test results on three-point bending concrete beams with single embedded cylindrical aggregate, the applicability of the model to meso-crack propagation in concrete with various geometrical dimensions, interfacial properties, and aggregate gradations is discussed through a series of numerical experiments. The results show that the proposed numerical model is capable of predicting the meso-crack propagation process of concrete with reasonable accuracy.