The influence of crack on the fracture parameters of concrete based on digital image correlation technology

Abstract

This paper studies the method of determining the fracture parameters of pre-notched concrete beams with horizontal pre-set cracks and the influence of fracture intersection on fracture characteristics of concrete based on the three-point bending test. Pre-notched concrete beams with horizontal pre-set cracks were designed as 13 groups according to the different positions, lengths and widths of horizontal pre-set cracks. The fracture toughness was calculated on the basis of the cohesive force model of concrete, and the crack opening displacement obtained by using the digital image correlation technique. The study's results indicate that the distance between the pre-set crack and the notch tip as well as the pre-set crack length and width have various influences on the fracture propagation of edge mode I crack, the bearing capacity and unstable fracture toughness of concrete beams owing to varying degrees of loss of cohesion in the fracture process zone (FPZ). The study also finds that a large lack of cohesion in the FPZ indicates a high possibility of a reduction in the bearing capacity and unstable fracture toughness of concrete beams.