Title: Experimental and Numerical Analysis of High Strain Rate Splitting-Tensile Tests

Author(s): Joseph W. Tedesco and C. Allen Ross

Publication: Materials Journal

Volume: 90

Issue: 2

Appears on pages(s): 162-169

Keywords: concretes; cracking (fracturing); dynamic loads; tensile strength; splitting tensile strength; strains; Materials Research

DOI: 10.14359/4013

Date: 3/1/1993

Abstract:
Splitting-tensile concrete specimens were tested at strain rates of 10 -7/sec to 10 2 in a low-speed material test and in a 50.8-mm (2-in.) diameter split-Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). A comprehensive finite element method (FEM) analysis was conducted on these same test specimens. A high-speed framing camera (10,000 frames/sec) was used to record the gross deformation and cracking during the fracture process in the SHPB tests. In addition, an ultra- high-speed image converter camera with equivalent framing rates of 10,000 to 1,000,000 frames/sec was used to record some of the early crack formations during the fracture process in the SHPB tests. Results of tensile strength versus strain-rate are presented and compared with compressive strength at similar strain-rates. These same tensile data are compared with strength data obtained using a fracture mechanics model. Computer-generated crack patterns are presented and compared to experimentally observed crack patterns in the fracture of concrete at high strain-rates.