This paper compares the results of the experimental compressive stress-induced microcracks and numerically simulated compressive microcracks in concrete under uniaxial and triaxial loading condition. An alloy with a low melting point was used to preserve the microcracks in concrete as…
This paper compares the results of the experimental compressive stress-induced microcracks and numerically simulated compressive microcracks in concrete under uniaxial and triaxial loading condition. An alloy with a low melting point was used to preserve the microcracks in concrete as they exist under load. Scanning electron microscope was used to capture images from the cross sections of concrete specimens. These images were then used to determine length, orientation, and density of the compressive stressed-induced microcracks in concrete specimens. A crack growth simulation model was used to generate and propagate microcracks for uniaxial and triaxial loading conditions. The crack growth simulation model revealed results similar to that obtained from the experiments.