Title: Mathematical Analysis of Shrinkage Stresses in a Model of Hardened Concrete

Author(s): Thomas T. C. HSU

Publication: Journal Proceedings

Volume: 60

Issue: 3

Appears on pages(s): 371-390

Keywords:

DOI: 10.14359/7860

Date: 3/1/1963

Abstract:
In an investigation, to be reported separately, it was found that micro-cracks exist at the interface between coarse aggregate and mortar in concrete before loading. To explain this fact, a model of hardened concrete was constructed consisting of rigid circular discs of aggregate, arranged in a square array and surrounded by mortar subjected to volume changesi these might be due to hydration, wetting and drying, or temperature change, etc. A numerical elastic stress analysis of this model by a point matching method showed that large tensile stresses exist at the interface between aggregate and mortar, when the clear distance between aggregate is small. It is believed that these tensile stresses cause the microcracks to appear.