Development of a Device to Evaluate the Cracking Potential of Concrete Mixtures.

摘要

Developments in material technology during past decades, including the introduction of a wide range of concrete mixtures, ingredients, and combinations, led to the development of high-performance concrete (HPC). However, despite advances in technology and practice, concrete bridge decks and pavement still crack often, causing the premature failure of concrete structure. It is important to understand the fundamental behavior of concrete mixtures, where mixture proportions, constituent materials, and environmental factors have decisive effects. This report addresses research conducted to explore the tensile characteristics of HPC, using an innovative, experimental device. Developing such an instrument will help understand HPC characteristics. This device restrains the concrete when the concrete starts to decrease in volume. The restraint inhibits the movement of the concrete, which induces uniform tensile stress in the concrete. Once the tensile capacity (strength or strain capacity) of the concrete has been exceeded, cracking happens. The procedure to conduct this experimental approach and compile its data is described. A pilot laboratory study has been performed and the feasibility of the device to evaluate concrete mixtures confirmed.