Fracture properties of Self Compacting Concrete for Notched and Un-notched Beams

Abstract

The aim of this research is to obtain the fracture characteristics of low and medium compressive strength notched and un-notched plain self compacting concrete (SCC) beams, using RILEM work of fracture (GF ) methods and compare with those of normal concrete (NC) and high performance concrete (HPC), which is useful in engineering practice. The effect of notch-depth ratio on fracture characteristics of SCC beams, in bending is investigated by measuring the fracture energy (GF ), critical stress intensity factor (KIC), critical energy release rate (Gc) and characteristic length (lch). The results show that: (i) GF increases with increase in compressive strength; (ii) The values of characteristic lengths of SCC (lch) are more when compared with HPC and NC and therefore may be concluded that the SCC with air-entraining admixture (AEA) is more ductile compared to HPC.