Fracture of model concrete

The paper presents experimental data that would serve to verify theoretical models of concrete fracture, particularly the effect of aggregate strength and mortar–aggregate interface on concrete strength, fracture paths, and deformation properties. Six types of concrete were designed and tested. All the concretes were made with the same matrix. We used two types of aggregates (spheres of the same diameter but of different strength) and three kinds of aggregate–matrix interfaces (debonded aggregates, strongly bonded, and intermediate bonded). Fracture behaviour was investigated by testing notched beams. All in all, 87 tests were performed. Detailed load–displacement and load–CMOD curves for the six types of concrete and two beam sizes are given. The different types of fracture—intergranular, through the matrix or the interface, or transgranular—are specified for the different aggregate–matrix interfaces. The properties of the matrix, aggregate, and interfaces needed to reproduce these tests numerically are provided in this paper, permitting others to check numerical models of concrete fracture.