Title: Effects of Flexural Strain Gradients on Microcracking and Stress-Strain Behavior of Concrete

Author(s): Gerald M. Sturman, Surendra P. Shah, and George Winter

Publication: Journal Proceedings

Volume: 62

Issue: 7

Appears on pages(s): 805-822

Keywords: concentric compression, cracking, eccentric compression, flexural strain gradient, microcracking, plain concrete, research, stress-strain curve.

DOI: 10.14359/7725

Date: 7/1/1965

Abstract:
To investigate the influence of flexural strain gradients on microcracking and the stress-strain behavior of plain concrete, eccentrically and concentrically loaded specimens were compared. It was found that a flexural strain gradient retards microcracking, especially mortar cracking as compared to cracking at the same strain in axial compression. The stress-strain curve for eccentric compression, which was computed by an experimental statistical approach, was found to differ materially from that for concentric compression. The peak of the flexural curve was located at a strain about 50 percent higher and at a stress about 20 percent larger than the peak of the curve for concentric compression. Structural implications of these findings are discussed briefly.