Influence of Pore Structure on Mechanical Behavior of Concrete under High Strain Rates

Abstract

Properties of a porous material such as concrete are strongly dependent on its pore structure features. This study deals with developing an understanding of the material structure-compressive response relationships in concrete under high strain rates. Concrete specimens with different pore structures were proportioned and subjected to quasi-static and dynamic compression tests. This experimental investigation uses split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) to achieve high strain rates. A mercury-intrusion porosimetry (MIP) investigation was carried out to examine the pore structure of concrete. Experiments indicate that the compressive behavior of concrete varies with strain rate and pore structure. The compressive stress-strain response of concrete under high strain rates, a model to predict the stress-strain response, and its relationship to pore structure features are outlined.