Influence of chlorides on the fracture toughness and fracture resistance under the mixed mode I/II of high-performance concrete

Abstract

This experimental study shows the conjunction of fracture mechanics with the ability of high-performance concrete (HPC) to resist an aggressive chloride environment. Moreover, the influence of a chloride-contaminated environment on the fracture toughness and fracture resistance under the mixed mode I/II is presented. The experimental study was performed considering different aggressivity levels of the environment, water, and fully saturated sodium chloride solution (NaCl-). The experimental tests were performed on a Brazilian disc specimens to test the indirect tensile strength f(t) and on a Brazilian disc with a central notch to evaluate the fracture toughness K-IC and the fracture resistance under the mixed mode I/II. The mixed mode I/II fracture resistance was evaluated by the generalised maximum tangential stress (GMTS) criterion. The level of chloride contamination present and its boundary in the concrete was estimated by the colorimetric method using silver nitrate (AgNO3).