• Computers and Concrete
• /
• v.8 no.3
• /
• pp.243-278
• /
• 2011

The paper presents simulations of the Brazilian test using two numerical models. Both models are regularized in order to obtain results independent of discretization. The first one, called gradient damage, is refined by additional averaging equation which contains gradient terms and an internal length scale as localization limiter. In the second one, called viscoplastic consistency model, the yield function depends on the viscoplastic strain rate. In this model regularization properties are governed by the assumed strain rate. The two models are implemented in the FEAP finite element package and compared in this paper. Parameter studies of the split test are performed in order to point out the features of each model.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
• /
• v.12 no.6
• /
• pp.919-933
• /
• 2017

A series of Brazilian tests under diameter compression for disc specimens was carried out to investigate the strength and failure behavior by using acoustic emission (AE) and photography monitoring technique. On the basis of experimental results, load-displacement curves, AE counts, real-time crack evolution process, failure modes and strength property of granite specimens containing two pre-existing holes were analyzed in detail. Two typical types of load-displacement curves are identified, i.e., sudden instability (type I) and progressive failure (type II). In accordance with the two types of load-displacement curves, the AE events also have different responses. The present experiments on disc specimens containing two pre-existing holes under Brazilian test reveal four distinct failure modes, including diametrical splitting failure mode (mode I), one crack coalescence failure mode (mode II), two crack coalescences failure mode (mode III) and no crack coalescence failure mode (mode IV). Compared with intact granite specimen, the disc specimen containing two holes fails with lower strength, which is closely related to the bridge angle. The failure strength of pre-holed specimen first decreases and then increases with the bridge angle. Finally, a preliminary interpretation was proposed to explain the strength evolution law of granite specimen containing two holes based on the microscopic observation of fracture plane.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
• /
• v.10 no.6
• /
• pp.775-791
• /
• 2016

The indirect tensile strengths (ITSs) of different cemented paste backfill mixes with different curing times were determined by considering crack initiation and fracture toughness concepts under different loading conditions of steel loading arcs with various contact angles, flat platens and the standard Brazilian test jaw. Because contact area of the ITS test discs developes rapidly and varies in accordance with the deformability, ITSs of curing materials were not found convenient to determine under the loading apparatus with indefinite contact angle. ITS values increasing with an increase in contact angle can be measured to be excessively high because of the high contact angles resulted from the deformable characteristics of the soft paste backfill materials. As a result of the change of deformation characteristics with the change of curing time, discs have different contact conditions causing an important disadvantage to reflect the strength change due to the curing reactions. In addition to the experimental study, finite element analyses were performed on several types of disc models under various loading conditions. As a result, a comparison between all loading conditions was made to determine the best ITSs of the cemented paste backfill materials. Both experimental and numerical analyses concluded that loading arcs with definite contact angles gives better results than those obtained with the other loading apparatus without a definite contact angle. Loading arcs with the contact angle of $15^{\circ}$ was found the most convenient loading apparatus for the typical cemented paste backfill materials, although it should be used carefully considering the failure cracks for a valid test.

• Computers and Concrete
• /
• v.18 no.1
• /
• pp.39-51
• /
• 2016

This paper considers the tensile strength of concrete samples in direct, CTT, modified tension, splitting and ring tests using both of the experimental tests and numerical simulation (particle flow code 2D). It determined that which one of indirect tensile strength is close to direct tensile strength. Initially calibration of PFC was undertaken with respect to the data obtained from Brazilian laboratory tests to ensure the conformity of the simulated numerical models response. Furthermore, validation of the simulated models in four introduced tests was also cross checked with the results from experimental tests. By using numerical testing, the failure process was visually observed and failure patterns were watched to be reasonable in accordance with experimental results. Discrete element simulations demonstrated that the macro fractures in models are caused by microscopic tensile breakages on large numbers of bonded discs. Tensile strength of concrete in direct test was less than other tests results. Tensile strength resulted from modified tension test was close to direct test results. So modified tension test can be a proper test for determination of tensile strength of concrete in absence of direct test. Other advantages shown by modified tension tests are: (1) sample preparation is easy and (2) the use of a simple conventional compression press controlled by displacement compared with complicate device in other tests.

• International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials
• /
• v.11 no.2
• /
• pp.343-363
• /
• 2017

The objective of this work was finding out the most advisable testing conditions for an effective and robust characterization of the tensile strength (TS) of concrete disks. The independent variables were the loading geometry, the angle subtended by the contact area, disk diameter and thickness, maximum aggregate size, and the sample compression strength (CS). The effect of the independent variables was studied in a three groups of experiments using a factorial design with two levels and four factors. The likeliest location where failure beginning was calculated using the equations that account for the stress-strain field developed within the disk. The theoretical outcome shows that for failure beginning at the geometric center of the sample, it is necessary for the contact angle in the loading setup to be larger than or equal to a threshold value. Nevertheless, the measured indirect tensile strength must be adjusted to get a close estimate of the uniaxial TS of the material. The correction depends on the loading geometry, and we got their mathematical expression and cross-validated them with the reported in the literature. The experimental results show that a loading geometry with a curved contact area, uniform load distribution over the contact area, loads projected parallel to one another within the disk, and a contact angle bigger of $12^{\circ}$ is the most advisable and robust setup for implementation of BT on concrete disks. This work provides a description of the BT carries on concrete disks and put forward a characterization technique to study costly samples of cement based material that have been enabled to display new and improved properties with nanomaterials.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
• /
• v.39 no.4
• /
• pp.357-368
• /
• 2024

The pressurized water conditions of goafs weaken the support of remaining coal and rocks, which causes instability, failure, and sudden ground collapse. The impact of pressure-bearing water and CO₂ on the tensile properties of residual coal pillars was explored in old goafs. Coal was analyzed using a pressure-water soaking device, electronic scanning microscope, and 3D full-field strain measurement system. Besides, Brazilian splitting tests were performed. The failure characteristics and energy evolution law of the macro-microscopic structure of coal specimens were analyzed under different soaking conditions-desiccation (DC), CO₂ soaking (CS), water-CO₂ soaking (WCS), and water soaking (WS). The peak stress of coal specimens and time to reach the peak decreased with varying soaking environments. Stress concentration initially occurred at the water end under the WCS condition, indicating that coal specimens deteriorated more under the pressure-bearing WCS condition compared with the CS condition. Fractures of coal specimens exhibited the highest development under the WS condition. Besides, dissolution was observed at the fractures of coal specimens, with severe failure to their internal microstructures. In conclusion, the instability failure of residual coal pillars is significant in studying the old goafs.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
• /
• v.31 no.3
• /
• pp.5-16
• /
• 2015

The characteristics of tensile strength of fiber-reinforced grouting (cement paste) injected into rocks or soils were studied. A tensile strength of such materials utilized in civil engineering has been commonly tested by an indirect splitting tensile test (Brazilian test). In this study, a direct tensile testing method was developed with built-in cylinder inside a cylindrical specimen with 15 cm in diameter and 30 cm in height. The testing specimen was prepared with 0%, 0.5%, or 1% (by weight) of a PVA or steel fiber reinforced mortar. A specimen with 5 cm in diameter and 10 cm in height was also prepared and tested for the splitting tensile test. Each specimen was air cured for 7 days or 28 days before testing. The tensile strength of built-in cylinder test showed 96%-290% higher than that of splitting tensile test. The 3D finite element analyses on these tensile tests showed that the tensile strength from built-in cylinder test had was 3 times higher than that of splitting tensile test. It is similar to experimental result. As an amount of fiber increased from 0% to 1%, its tensile strength increased by 119%-190% or 23%-131% for 7 days or 28 days-cured specimens, respectively. As a curing period increased from 7 days to 28 days, its strength decreased. Most specimens reinforced with PVA fiber showed tensile strength 14%-38% higher than that of steel fiber reinforced specimens.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
• /
• v.14 no.1
• /
• pp.9-17
• /
• 2018

Brazilian splitting tests, uniaxial compression tests and triaxial compression tests are carried out on the coal samples cored from Shanxi group $II_1$ coal seam of Jiaozuo coal mine, Henan province, China, to obtain their property parameters. Considering the bedding has notable effect on the property parameter of coal, the samples with different bedding angles are prepared. The effects of bedding on the anisotropic characteristics of the coal seam are investigated. A geological geomechanical model is built based on the geology characteristics of the Jiaozuo coal mine target reservoir to study the effects of bedding on the fracture propagations during hydraulic fracturing. The effects of injection pressure, well completion method, in-situ stress difference coefficient, and fracturing fluid displacement on the fracture propagations are investigated. Results show bedding has notable effects on the property parameters of coal, which is the key factor affecting the anisotropy of coal. The hydraulic cracks trends to bifurcate and swerve at the bedding due to its low strength. Induced fractures are produced easily at the locations around the bedding. The bedding is beneficial to form a complicated fracture network. Experimental and numerical simulations can help to understand the effects of bedding on hydraulic fracturing in coalbed methane reservoirs.