Computers and Concrete
Volume 15, Number 4, 2015, pages 673-686
DOI: 10.12989/cac.2015.15.4.673
On geometry dependent R-curve from size effect law for concrete-like quasibrittle materials
Yan-hua Zhao, Jian-mei Chang and Hong-bo Gao
Abstract
R-curve based on the size effect law previously developed for geometrically similar specimens (geometry type III) is extended to geometries with variable depth (geometry type I) as well as with variable notch (geometry type II), where the R-curve is defined as the envelope of the family of critical strain energy release rates from specimens of different sizes. The results show that the extended R-curve for type I tends to be the same for different specimen configurations, while it is greatly dependent on specimen geometry in terms of the initial crack length. Furthermore, the predicted load-deflection responses from the suggested R-curve are found to agree well with the testing results on concrete and rock materials. Besides, maximum loads for type II specimen are predicted well from the extended R-curve.
Key Words
fracture mechanics; size effect law; energy release rate; R-curve
Address
Yan-hua Zhao and Jian-mei Chang: State Key Laboratory of Coastal and Offshore Engineering,
Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China 116024
Jian-mei Chang : Transportation Institute, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China 010070
Hong-bo Gao: College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Hainan University, Haikou, China 570228