Title: Nonlinear Model for Mode I Fracture of Fiber Reinforced Concrete

Author(s): J. C. Chern, C. H. Young, and K. C. Wu

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 118

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 91-112

Keywords: composite materials; crack propagation; fiber reinforced concretes; fracture properties; plain concrete; Structural Research

DOI: 10.14359/2928

Date: 1/1/1990

Abstract:
Conventional concrete and mortar are both major construction materials because of their advantages in durability, economy, and comparably good mechanical properties. However, brittleness and low tensile strength are weak constitutions of these materials. Therefore, they provide less resistance to the propagation of cracks. Fibers can resist against the propagation of cracks due to the contribution of traction, resulting from the fibers-matrix bond mechanism, on the crack face. Some exact mathematical formulations to express thestress intensity factor and the crack opening displacement are proposed in this research to interpret the fracture behavior of fiber reinforced cementitious composites. Using these formulations, two fracture criteria can be performed to evaluate the tendency of crack propagation of this composite material. These two criteria are stress intensity factor and crack tip opening displacement. To achieve a more reasonable solution, the couple effect between the crack opening displacement and the fiber bridging traction is also considered. From the numerical results shown in this study, it is concluded that the fiber reinforced concrete provides higher resistance against the propagation of cracks than ordinary plain concrete, and one can clearly understand the resistance ability of fibers for the fracture behavior of concrete.