DUGi

Implementation of fracture test of concrete to determine fracture properties

http://dugi.udg.edu/item/http:@@@@hdl.handle.net@@2072@@259649

This master thesis aims at implementing a three-point-bending test for concrete where thefracture energy can be deduced. The test will also try to record the softening curve ofconcrete after cracking. The Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique will also be applied,for the most interesting case, in order to determine the strain field along the test. For thispurpose, test procedures have to be studied along with acquiring detailed knowledge on thefracture energy GF. Multiple tests will be performed to assess data and to interpret results, soconclusions could be formed.The main goal of this thesis is carrying out a three-point-bending test for concrete where thefracture energy can be derived. Therefore, a state-of-the-art review concerning fracturemechanics of concrete is first needed. Correct results for the fracture energy and bilinearsoftening curve of concrete are what are aimed for. Although the AMADE research group hasprecious experience in fracture mechanics of composite materials, it was the first time thistest was performed for concrete at the UdG. Like all research where little in that specific fieldis known, a lot can go wrong. Failure of tests, incorrect or unusable data, adaptations to testsetups, unclear instructions… Solutions to all those complications must be found beforereaching correct results. Whenever it is clear why these correct results cannot be obtained,and a probable solution to the problem can be presented, and using/analysing the DIC (DigitalImage Correlation) technique is comprehended, the goal of this thesis is reached