Fatigue behaviour of self-compacting concrete

Author(s): S. Korte, V. Boel, W. De Corte, G. De Schutter
Paper category: Conference
Book title: Concrete Repair, Rehabilitation and Retrofitting III (ICCRRR)
Editor(s): M.G. Alexander, H.-D. Beushausen, F. Dehn, P. Moyo
Print ISBN: 978-0-415-89952-9
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Group
Pages: 492- 494
Total Pages: 3
Language: English

Abstract: 
It is well known that many civil engineering constructions, such as roads, bridges, beam cranes, marine and off-shore structures may experience fatigue loading which can cause failure at a stress level much lower than in case of a single static load. Continuous degradation of the concrete during the loading process, due to propagation of microscopic cracks in the cement matrix and consequent strength decrease, may lead to extreme deformation and excessive crack widths, followed by structural collapse. This phenomenon is extensively documented in literature for normal, Vibrated Concrete (VC), whereas this is not so for Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC). Since both concrete types have a substantially different composition, it is unsure whether their mechanical properties regarding fracture behaviour and fatigue resistance are similar or not. In this paper the results of static and dynamic four point bending loading tests (with stress levels from 0.10fcc to 0.80fcc) on reinforced concrete beams are reported. For comparison purposes 50% of the specimens is made from VC and 50% from SCC. During the static and fatigue tests, deflection, strain, crack width evolution and failure mechanism are observed. Subsequently, further analysis is carried out and both types of concrete are compared. The results determine that differences in deflection, strain, and crack pattern are present. Definite conclusions regarding the number of cycles to failure, however, cannot be drawn, given the scatter on these results. For that, further research will be needed.

Online publication: 2014
Publication Type: abstract_only
Public price (Euros): 0.00