Abstract
This contribution focuses on the evolution of the fracture energy of concrete at early ages. It is examined whether the degree of hydration can be used as the parameter for the description of the softening behaviour of early-age concrete submitted to tensile forces. For the experimental investigation of the evolution of the fracture energy during hardening, three-point bending tests are performed on unnotched prisms whose age ranges from 1 to 28 days. Three different cement types are considered. The development of fracture energy during hardening can be described by a degree of hydration-based formulation. This confirms once more the fundamental character of the degree of hydration.
Résumé
Cette contribution étudie l'évolution de l'énergie de rupture du béton en cours de durcissement. On y examine si le degré d'hydratation est un paramètre fondamental en ce qui concerne le comportement au-delà de la charge maximale d'un béton soumis à la traction. Sur la base de plusieurs essais en flexion effectués sur trois différents types de béton pendant leur phase d'hydratation (1 jour jusqu'à 28 jours), on peut conclure que le développement de l'énergie de rupture peut effectivement être relié au degré d'hydratation. Ceci confirme de nouveau le caractère fondamental du degré d'hydratation pendant la phase de durcissement du béton.
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Editorial note Prof. Dr. Ir. L. Taerwe is a RILEM Senior Member. He was awarded the Robert l'Hermite Medal for 1988.
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De Schutter, G., Taerwe, L. Fracture energy of concrete at early ages. Mat. Struct. 30, 67–71 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02486306
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02486306