An Empirical Formula for Mode-II Fracture Energy of Concrete

Abstract

This paper presents an experimental investigation to understand the influence of Maximum Size of the Aggregate (MSA) and compressive strength of concrete on the Mode-II fracture parameters (Fracture energy (GIIf) and Brittleness number) of normal and high strength of concrete. An empirical formula for Mode-II fracture energy (GIIf) based on the Bazant’s size effect law is developed in terms of maximum size of aggregate and the compressive strength of concrete. A linear constitutive relationship between shear stress and slip i.e., the linear softening curve for Mode-II fracture of concrete is presented by conducting experiments on the double edge notched specimen. The experimental results indicated that increase in the grade of concrete (compressive strength) increases the brittleness of the member and Mode-II fracture energy and also increase in the maximum size of aggregate increases the Mode-II fracture energy.