FraMCoS 2 1995 Zurich, Switzerland

Use of the Confocal Microscope to Study Pre-Existing Microcracks and Crack Growth in Concrete

The possibility of using the confocal microscope to study some aspects of concrete fracture mechanic have been explored. Observations of crack initiation and propagation have been made on cementitious materials at various locations at micro level on specimens having a…

First page of: Use of the Confocal Microscope to Study Pre-Existing Microcracks and Crack Growth in Concrete
Year 1995
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Abstract

The possibility of using the confocal microscope to study some aspects of concrete fracture mechanic have been explored. Observations of crack initiation and propagation have been made on cementitious materials at various locations at micro level on specimens having a representative volume. The size and distribution of surface cracks prior to loading have been determined. The morphology of propagating cracks under stable and unstable conditions obtained through the use of a specially-developed loading device has been characterised. Finally, the aspect of the fracture surfaces has been observed and their fractal dimensions determined.