Creep Characterization of Concrete Suffering Initial Damage

Abstract

This work studies the creep characteristics of concrete sustaining initial damage by considering both the initial damage to concrete and the damage caused by crack growth in the creep process. The damage state of concrete is characterized by the characteristics of the amplitude of ultrasonic waves. Creep tests on concrete prisms with different degrees of initial damage were carried out at loads of 40%, 50%, and 60% compressive strength. The results show that the initial damage to concrete significantly impacts its creep behavior. The modified creep curve of concrete, including the initial damage variable, is consistent with the creep curve of undamaged concrete at different stress levels, proving the applicability of the damage variable.