Effect of mix design on the size-independent fracture energy of normal- and
high-strength self-compacting concrete
H. Cifuentes*, J.D. Ríos, E. J. Gómez
Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (Il.) (2018). Materiales de
construcción 68 (329). Madrid, Editorial CSIC Consejo Superior de Investigaciones
Científicas.
ABSTRACT: Self-compacting concrete has a characteristic microstructure inherent
to its specific composition. The higher content of fine particles in self-compacting
concrete relative to the equivalent vibrated concrete produces a different fracture
behavior that affects the main fracture parameters. In this work, a comprehensive
experimental investigation of the fracture behavior of self-compacting concrete has
been carried out. Twelve different self-compacting concrete mixes with compressive
strength ranging from 39 to 124 MPa (wider range than in other studies) have been
subjected to three-point bending tests in order to determine the specific fracture
energy. The influence of the mix design and its composition (coarse aggregate
fraction, the water to binder ratio and the paste to solids ratio) on its fracture behavior
has been analyzed. Moreover, further evidence of the objectivity of the sizeindependent fracture energy results, obtained by the two most commonly used
methods, has been provided on the self-compacting concrete mixes.
KEYWORDS: Concrete; Mechanical properties; Microstructure; Mixture proportion;
Characterization
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GLOSARIO
Self-compacting: It refers to the process in which something or someone becomes compact.
that is to say, the parts that compose it join themselves without the intervention of a third party.
Has: Indicates possession, belonging or inclusion with the person or thing designated by the
subject.
Higher: It is a comparison of the physical characteristic of two or more objects or subjects.
Has been carried: It refers to the fact that a subject or object has been transported from one
place to another by a third party.
Have been subjected: It refers to the fact that several subjects or objects are used as a sample
to obtain some previously requested result; Example: they have been subjected to laboratory
tests.
Its: This word is used to express possession or ownership of an object or process said by a subject
Has been analyzed: It is a term used to announce that a sample analysis process has
already been performed.
Two most commonly used: It refers to two subjects or objects that are used more frequently
compared to the rest.
Has been provided: Expression that refers to the fact that during a process something has
been increased to obtain a different result.
LH