High Strain Rate Splitting Tensile Tests of Concrete and Numerical Simulation by Mesoscale Particle Elements

Splitting tensile experiments of concrete specimens with different strain rates are conducted by using the Split-Hopkinson pressure bar to verify a previously developed mesoscale dynamic particle element model. In addition, further study is accomplished on the mechanism of strain rate effects on concrete material. Different dynamic fracture patterns and failure modes at different strain rates are evident in the tests and the numerical simulation. The comparisons between the two methods are matched satisfactorily in terms of the complete force-displacement relationship and the fracture profiles of the ruptured specimens. It is concluded that the dispersed patterns of mesocracks under higher strain rates, which require higher frictional and kinetic energies, are the key factors of strain rate effects on concrete. Weibull distribution is also introduced in considering the heterogeneous properties of the three components of concrete and in studying the influence on strain rate effects.