Title:
Mathematical Analysis of Shrinkage Stresses in a Model of Hardened Concrete
Author(s):
Thomas T. C. HSU
Publication:
Journal Proceedings
Volume:
60
Issue:
3
Appears on pages(s):
371-390
Keywords:
DOI:
10.14359/7860
Date:
3/1/1963
Abstract:
In an investigation, to be reported separately, it was found that micro-cracks exist at the interface between coarse aggregate and mortar in concrete before loading. To explain this fact, a model of hardened concrete was constructed consisting of rigid circular discs of aggregate, arranged in a square array and surrounded by mortar subjected to volume changesi these might be due to hydration, wetting and drying, or temperature change, etc. A numerical elastic stress analysis of this model by a point matching method showed that large tensile stresses exist at the interface between aggregate and mortar, when the clear distance between aggregate is small. It is believed that these tensile stresses cause the microcracks to appear.