The dynamic fracture energy of concrete: Review of test methods and data comparison

Abstract

Data on the dynamic fracture energy of concrete are scarce and also not consistent due to different test methods, data analyses and definitions. This paper intends to facilitate the discussion on dynamic fracture energy and start the standardization process for dynamic tensile testing. The response and failure mechanisms in statics and dynamics are addressed. Definitions of the fracture process zone, the fracture zone and the fracture energy are recalled. Test methods to derive strength and, especially fracture energy data for concrete in tension are summarized and reviewed. For dynamics, the uniaxial set-ups are the most suitable. To illustrate the dependency of Gf data to the applied diagnostics and data analysis, a comparison of two data sets for loading rates in the order of 1000 GPa/s is given. The paper ends with an overview of recommended test methods for uniaxial dynamic tensile testing.Structural EngineeringCivil Engineering and Geoscience