Residual fracture mechanical properties of quartz and expanded clay aggregate concrete subjected to elevated temperature

Abstract

Our paper analysed the residual fracture mechanical properties (fracture energy, KIC critical stress intensity factor) of normal and lightweight concrete subjected to elevated temperature. Sand and quartz aggregate were used for normal concretes (NC), and two types of expanded clay aggregates (ECA) with different densities were used for lightweight concretes (LWCs). Crack mouth opening displacement (CMOD) controlled three point bending tests (3PBT) were executed and extended by measurements of body density, apparent porosity and compressive strength. Besides normal temperature (20 °C), the specimens were subjected to 7 different heat load steps: 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 800 °C.