Title: Moisture and Strain Rate Effects on Concrete Strength

Author(s): C. Allen Ross, David M. Jerome, Joseph W. Tedesco, and Mary L. Hughes

Publication: Materials Journal

Volume: 93

Issue: 3

Appears on pages(s): 293-300

Keywords: compressive strength; concretes; moisture content (of aggre-gate, hardened concrete, etc.); strains; tensile strength.

DOI: 10.14359/9814

Date: 5/1/1996

Abstract:
The effects of strain rate and the coupled effects of moisture content and strain rate on concrete strength are experimentally investigated. Dry concrete exhibits clearly defined strain rate transition regions for both tension and compression. Significant strength increases in dry concrete are observed only at strain rates above the transition regions. Wet concrete, however; experiences appreciable increases in strength at strain rates both below and above the dry concrete transition region. An analytical expression has been derived that accurately predicts the tensile fracture strength of dry concrete. This expression can be modijed to account for moisture content in concrete.