Title: Fracture Mechanics Considerations in the Assessment of Deteriorating Mechanisms in Concrete

Author(s): Jens Holm and Per Goltermann

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 128

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 323-338

Keywords: concretes; cracking (fracturing); deterioration; petrography; fracture properties; stresses; Materials Research

DOI: 10.14359/1958

Date: 11/1/1991

Abstract:
The manifestation of cracking in concrete has been considered. Using thin-section techniques, it is possible to analyze crack patterns in concrete. Based on classical mechanics theories, the crack patterns can be categorized according to the stress situation at the point of incipient cracking. Various deteriorating mechanisms in concrete cause different stress conditions in the hardened cement paste, in the aggregate, and at their interface. Combining the features of crack patterns in a given concrete with other data secured from petrographic analysis of thin sections and knowledge of the mechanisms of various deteriorating (or harmless) processes, it is possible to diagnose with increased accuracy the field performance of the concrete.