Measurements and Calculations of the Width of the Fracture Process Zones on the Surface of Notched Concrete Beams

Abstract

The paper presents the results of experimental and theoretical investigations of the width of the fracture process zone (FPZ) on the surface of notched concrete beams during quasi‐static three‐point bending. To measure two‐dimensional deformations on the surface of beams, a Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique was used. Laboratory tests were performed with different notched concrete beams. The experiments were simulated with two different isotropic continuum crack models under two‐dimensional conditions: an elasto‐plastic and a damage one with non‐local softening.

Modelling of concrete fracture at aggregate level using FEM and DEM based on X-ray μCT images of internal structure

“…2. The mesoscopic characteristic length was always assumed l m c = 1.5 mm, based on own experiments on concrete-beams using the digital image correlation technique DIC and FE analyses [38], [47]. With the assumed valued of l m c = 1.5 mm, the experimental width of a localized zone was realistically reproduced in FE-analyses at the aggregate level.…”

Experimental Study on Welded Headed Studs Used In Steel Plate-Concrete Composite Structures Compared with Contactless Method of Measuring Displacement

“…Moreover, it is relatively easy to use in micro scale for mechanical testing of materials such as steel [6], concrete [7], biomaterials [8] or composite structures [9]. This method is mainly used for pattern tracking.…”

Computational modelling of concrete behaviour under static and dynamic conditions

“…In turn, other researchers conclude that the characteristic length is not a constant and it depends on the type of the boundary value problem and the current level of damage [43]. Based on our both numerical simulations of concrete and reinforced concrete beams under bending and experiments using a digital image correlation DIC technique in order to measure the width of a localized zone on the concrete surface [44][45][46], the characteristic length l c of micro-structure was found to be about 5 mm in usual concrete (using the Gauss distribution function). A proper non-local transformation requires that a non-local field corresponding to a constant local field remains constant in the vicinity of a boundary.…”