Strain-Rate-Dependent Constitutive Equations for Concrete

Abstract

This paper summarizes the results of a comprehensive experimental study to quantify the effects of strain rate on concrete compressive and tensile strengths. Direct compression and splitting tensile tests were conducted at quasi-static rates (between 10−7 /s and 10−5 /s) in a standard MTS machine to establish the “static” properties. These same tests were conducted at high strain rates (between 10−1 /s and 103 /s) on a split-Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) to determine the dynamic material properties. A statistical analysis was performed on the data and strain-rate-dependent constitutive equations, both for compression and tension, were developed. These constitutive equations were subsequently employed to modify an existing quasi-static, nonlinear concrete material model.