The fundamental mechanism of the compressive behav- ior of cylindrical concrete specimens reinforced by steel fibers is explained through a dual viewpoint of bifurcation and fracture. Asymptotic bifurcation theory is employed as a means to testify if the bifurcation that…
The fundamental mechanism of the compressive behav- ior of cylindrical concrete specimens reinforced by steel fibers is explained through a dual viewpoint of bifurcation and fracture. Asymptotic bifurcation theory is employed as a means to testify if the bifurcation that triggers the softening of the stress versus strain curves of specimens is taking place or not. These curves are classified into two categories: their peak loads are governed by (1) bifurcation and by (2) splitting or cracking. The curves governed by bifurcation are simulated well by means of the so-called bifurca- tion equation, whereas such are not the case for those undergoing splitting or cracking due to premature failure. The need of the dual viewpoint of bifurcation and fracture in the compressive behavior of concrete has thus been clearly demonstrated.