Fractals, Fractures, and Size Effects in Concrete
Publication: Journal of Engineering Mechanics
Volume 120, Issue 4
Abstract
Correlation between fractal dimensions and fracture properties in cementitious material is reported. Wedge splitting tests of specimens as much as 1.52 m (5 ft) long and having 7.62‐cm (3‐in.) maximum size aggregate were first performed to determine fracture toughness and fracture energy . Subsequently, one of the split parts was mapped using a profilometer to provide detailed one‐dimensional profiles. Finally, the fractal dimension of the profiles was determined by a specially developed computer program. The fracture surfaces are fractal over the measured range of scales, and the fractal dimension is independent of crack trajectory. There is a weak correlation between the fracture properties and the fractal dimensions. The implications of the fractal nature of the cracked surfaces on the fracture energy are discussed, as is the relationship between a fractal analysis and the size effect law.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Engineering Mechanics
Volume 120 • Issue 4 • April 1994
Pages: 835 - 854
Copyright
Copyright © 1994 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 2, 1992
Published online: Apr 1, 1994
Published in print: Apr 1994
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