Title: Microcracking of High and Normal Strength Concretes Under Short and Long-Term Loadings

Author(s): Mohammed M. SmadiI and Floyd O. Slate

Publication: Materials Journal

Volume: 86

Issue: 2

Appears on pages(s): 117-127

Keywords: concretes; creep properties; deformation; stability; high-strength concretes; loads (forces); microcracking; shrinkage; strength; stresses; Materials Research

DOI: 10.14359/2264

Date: 3/1/1989

Abstract:
The effects of both monotonic and sustained uniaxial compressive stresses on the relationships among microcracking, strength, and deformation of high-strength concrete were studied using x-ray techniques and compared with those of low and medium strength concretes. The formation, propagation, and stability of microcracks and their contribution to the failure of concrete under both types of loadings are examined and discussed. The stress levels investigated ranged from 40 to 95 percent of ultimate for the three materials. High-strength concrete showed significantly smaller amounts of cracking at all stress levels than normal strength concretes. As a result, lesser inelastic deformations and higher creep-stress linearity limits were associated with the former than with the others.