Resistance Analysis of Crack Propagation in Concrete Subjected to Hydraulic Pressure

Abstract

The KR resistance curve for hydraulic crack propagation in a concrete beam was determined and discussed. A semi-analytical method was introduced to calculate the hydraulic crack propagation in concrete. A series of concrete beams with various hydraulic pressures and initial crack depths were tested, and the hydraulic crack propagation in these beams was calculated. The calculated P-CMOD curves were first verified, and then the calculated KR resistance curve for hydraulic crack propagation was determined. Based on the test results and calculation results, the following conclusions can be drawn: The proposed analysis method can accurately predict the hydraulic crack propagation process in concrete. The KR resistance to hydraulic crack propagation in concrete decreases with the increase in hydraulic pressure but is less influenced by the initial crack depth of the test beams. In addition, the concrete beams collapse immediately under hydraulic fracturing once the KIw curve reaches the KR resistance curve. This indicates that the failure of concrete structures under hydraulic fracturing occurs immediately once the driving force of crack propagation, dominated by the hydraulic pressure in the crack, becomes significant.