Title:
Water Fracture Interaction in Concrete--Part II: Hydrostatic Pressure in Cracks
Author(s):
Eugene Bruhwiler and Victor E. Saouma
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
92
Issue:
4
Appears on pages(s):
383-390
Keywords:
concretes; cracking (fracturing); hydrostatic pressure; water; Materials Research
DOI:
10.14359/973
Date:
7/1/1995
Abstract:
Current stability analysis of cracked concrete dams assumes full uplift pressure along the crack. Given the stress continuity known to prevail in the fracture process zone, it is postulated that internal uplift pressure is also a function of crack opening displacement (COD). To assess this assumption, fracture experiments in which hydrostatic pressure is applied during crack formation and growth are presented. Results indicate that there is a gradual transition from zero to full hydrostatic pressure along the fracture process zone, and that it is independent of the concrete mix and specimen size; however, it is a function of both the COD and hydrostatic pressure applied at the crack mouth. Simplified models are presented to facilitate the use of these results for the stability analysis of a cracked concrete dam.