Tensile Strength Characteristics of GFRP Bars in Concrete Beams with Work Cracks under Sustained Loading and Severe Environments

To investigate the effect of different environmental conditions of GFRP bars in concrete beams with work cracks subjected to sustained loads, the beams were exposed in indoor, freeze/thaw cycles and immersed in alkaline solution at elevated temperature. The bars were carefully extracted from the beams and tested in order to evaluate residual tensile properties. The results show that the tensile strength decreased significantly in the highly aggressive conditions but not in the natural conditions. The effect of GFRP bars casting in concrete beams demonstrated approximately 2.5% decrease of tensile strength caused by pore water environment in concrete beams on basis of those of the original bars. The effect of sustained loading plus work cracks demonstrated about 10.5% tensile strength decrease on basis of those of the bars only casted in concrete beams. The effect of environments under sustained loading plus work cracks demonstrated about 17% tensile strength decrease caused by a saturated solution of Ca（OH）2 and 60-2 ℃ tap water （pH=12-13） and about 8% tensile strength decrease caused by freezing and thawing cycle （F/T）, both on basis of those of the bars of the indoor beams only under sustained loading plus work cracks. The results demonstrate the effects of the tensile strengths under different environmental conditions of GFRP bars in concrete beams with work cracks subjected to sustained loads.

Closing law and stress intensity factor of elliptical crack under compressive loading

The solution of surface displacement of an elliptical crack under compressive-shear loading was obtained by using the complex function method. The closing mode was established by analyzing the geometrical condition of closing crack, and the corresponding critical stress was solved. The result corrects the traditional viewpoint, in which there exist only open or close states for an elliptical crack, and points out that the local closing is also one of crack states. Based on them, the effect of the closed crack on stress intensity factor was discussed in detail, and its rational formulae are put forward.

THE PROBLEM OF AN EXTERNAL CIRCULAR CRACK UNDER ASYMMETRIC LOADINGS

Using the boundary integral equation method, the problem of an external circular crack in a three_dimensional infinite elastic body under asymmetric loadings is investigated. The two_dimensional singular boundary integral equations of the problem were reduced to a system of Abel integral equations by means of Fourier series and hypergeometric functions. The exact solutions of stress intensity factors are obtained for the problem of an external circular crack under asymmetric loadings, which are even more universal than the results obtained by the use of Hankel transform method. The results demonstrate that the boundary integral equation method has great potential as a new analytic method.

Limit Load Solution for Electron Beam Welded Joints with Single Edge Weld Center Crack in Tension

Limit loads are widely studied and several limit load solutions are proposed to some typical geometry of weldments.However,there are no limit load solutions exist for the single edge crack weldments in tension（SEC（T））,which is also a typical geometry in fracture analysis.The mis-matching limit load for thick plate with SEC（T） are investigated and the special limit load solutions are proposed based on the available mis-matching limit load solutions and systematic finite element analyses.The real weld configurations are simplified as a strip,and different weld strength mis-matching ratio M,crack depth/width ratio a/W and weld width 2H are in consideration.As a result,it is found that there exists excellent agreement between the limit load solutions and the FE results for almost all the mis-matching ration M,a/W and ligament-to-weld width ratio（W-a）/H.Moreover,useful recommendations are given for evaluating the limit loads of the EBW structure with SEC（T）.For the EBW joints with SEC（T）,the mis-matching limit loads can be obtained assuming that the components are wholly made of base metal,when M changing from 1.6 to 0.6.When M decreasing to 0.4,the mis-matching limit loads can be obtained assuming that the components are wholly made of base metal only for large value of（W-a）/H.The recommendations may be useful for evaluating the limit loads of the EBW structures with SEC（T）.The engineering simplifications are given for assessing the limit loads of electron beam welded structure with SEC（T）.

Effect of vertical load difference on cracking behaviors in multistory masonry buildings and numerical simulation

To investigate the causes of cracks in multistory masonry buildings,the effect of vertical load difference on cracking behaviors was investigated experimentally by testing and measuring the displacements at the testing points of a large sized real masonry U-shaped model. Additionally,the cracking behaviors in U-shaped model were analyzed with shear stress and numerical simulated with ANSYS software. The experimental results show that the deformation increases with the increase of the vertical load. The vertical load results in different deformation between the bearing wall and non-bearing wall,which leads to cracking on the non-bearing wall. The rapid deformation happens at 160 kN and cracks occur firstly at the top section of non-bearing wall near to the bearing wall. New cracks are observed and the previous cracks are enlarged and developed with the increase of vertical load. The maximum crack opening reaches 12 mm,and the non-bearing wall is about to collapse when the vertical load arrives at 380 kN. Theoretical analysis indicates that the shear stress reaches the maximum value at the top section of the non-bearing wall,and thus cracks tend to happen at the top section of the non-bearing wall. Numerical simulation results about the cracking behaviors are in good agreement with experiments results.

A THEORETICAL MODEL OF MATRIX CRACKING IN COMPOSITE LAMINATES UNDER THERMOMECHANICAL LOADING

A theoretical approach is presented for analyzing the ply crackingin general symmetric lami- nates subjected to any combination ofin-plane mechanical loading and uniform temperature changes. Theequivalent constraint model proposed by the authors in a previouswork is used to account for the cracking in- teraction betweenlaminae in the laminates. By using a superposition schemce and thestress field solutions the energy release rate for a ply cracking isexplicitly as a function of stiffness reduction parameters of thelaminates. The ratio of mode Ⅰ to mode Ⅱ is introduced formconstruction of the fracture criterion. The effects of the laminateparameters and the crack spacing on the energy release rate and themode mixity are illustrated. Finally, the model is used to predictthe thermomechanical load for the first-ply-cracking.

DYNAMIC STRESS INTENSITY FACTORS AROUND TWO CRACKS NEAR AN INTERFACE OF TWO DISSIMILAR ELASTIC HALF－PLANES UNDER IN－PLANE SHEAR IMPACT LOAD

Transient stresses around two collinear cracks which lie in parallel with theinterface of the two dissimilar half-planes are studied in this article.The surfaces ofthe cracks are sheared suddenly. Application of the Fourier and Laplace transforms technique reduces the problem to that of solving dual integrai equations.To solvethese,the differences of.the crack surface displacements are expanded in a series offunctions which are automatically zero outside of the cracks. The unknown coefficients accompanied in the series are determined by the Schmidt method. The stress intensity .factors are defined in the Laplace transform domain and these are inverted numerically in the physical space .As an example ,the dynamic stress intensity factors around two cracks in a ceramic and steel bonded composite are numerically calculated.

Crack initiation stress and strain of jointed rock containing multi-cracks under uniaxial compressive loading: A particle flow code approach

The ratio of crack initiation stress to the uniaxial compressive strength(SCI,B/SUC,B) and the ratio of axial strain at the crack initiation stress to the axial strain at the uniaxial compressive strength(B,UCB,CI,A,A/SSSS) were studied by performing numerical stress analysis on blocks having multi flaws at close spacing's under uniaxial loading using PFC3 D. The following findings are obtained: SCI,B/SUC,B has an average value of about 0.5 with a variability of ± 0.1. This range agrees quite well with the values obtained by former research. For joint inclination angle, β=90°,B,UCB,CI,A,A/SSSS is found to be around 0.48 irrespective of the value of joint continuity factor, k. No particular relation is found betweenB,UCB,CI,A,A/SSSS and β; however, the average B,UCB,CI,A,A/SSSS seems to slightly decrease with increasing k. The variability ofB,UCB,CI,A,A/SSSS is found to increase with k.Based on the cases studied in this work,B,UCB,CI,A,A/SSSS ranges between 0.3 and 0.5. This range is quite close to the range of 0.4to 0.6 obtained for SCI,B/SUC,B. The highest variability of ± 0.12 forB,UCB,CI,A,A/SSSS is obtained for k=0.8. For the remaining k values the variability ofB,UCB,CI,A,A/SSSS can be expressed within ± 0.05. This finding is very similar to the finding obtained for the variability of SCI,B/SUC,B.

THREE-DIMENSIONAL ELLIPTIC CRACK UNDER IMPACT LOADING

The dynamic stress intensity factor of a three-dimensionalelliptic crack under impact loading is determined with the finiteelement method. The computation results can take into account theinfluence of time and the ratio of the wave speeds on the stressintensity factor. The present method is suitable not only forthree-dimensional dynamic crack, but also for three-dimensionaldynamic contact.

Degradation mechanism of rock under impact loadings by integrated investigation on crack and damage development

Failure of rock under impact loadings involves complex micro-fracturing and progressive damage. Strength increase and splitting failure have been observed during dynamic tests of rock materials. However, the failure mechanism still remains unclear. In this work, based on laboratory tests, numerical simulations with the particle flow code(PFC) were carried out to reproduce the micro-fracturing process of granite specimens. Shear and tensile cracks were both recorded to investigate the failure mode of rocks under different loading conditions. At the same time, a dynamic damage model based on the Weibull distribution was established to predict the deformation and degradation behavior of specimens. It is found that micro-cracks play important roles in controlling the dynamic deformation and failure process of rock under impact loadings. The sharp increase in the number of cracks may be the reason for the strength increase of rock under high strain rates. Tensile cracks tend to be the key reason for splitting failure of specimens. Numerical simulation of crack propagation by PFC can give vivid description of the failure process. However, it is not enough for evaluation of material degradation. The dynamic damage model is able to predict the stress-strain relationship of specimens reasonably well, and can be used to explain the degradation of specimens under impact loadings at macro-scale. Crack and damage can describe material degradation at different scales and can be used together to reveal the failure mechanism of rocks.

Effect of Cyclic Loading on Cracking Behaviour of X-70 PipelineSteel in Near-Neutral pH Solutions

The cracking behaviour of X-70 pipeline steel in near-neutral pH solutions was studied under different modes of cyclic loading. The crack propagation process of X-70 pipeline steel under low frequency cyclic loading condition was controlled mainly by stress corrosion cracking （SCC） mechanism. Under mixed-mode cyclic loading, both higher tensile stress and shear stress made cracks easier to propagate. Applied cathodic potentials and high content of carbon dioxide in solutions also promoted the propagation of cracks. The propagation directions of cracks were different under different cyclic loading conditions. Under mode I （pure tensile stress） cyclic loading condition, cracks were straight and perpendicular to the tensile stress axis, while under mixed-mode 1/111 （tensile/shear stress） cyclic loading,cracks were sinuous and did not propagate in the direction perpendicular to the main tensile stress axis. Under the mixed-mode cyclic loading, cracks were much easier to propagate, suggesting that shear stress intensified the role of tensile stress. In addition, shear stress promoted the interaction between cracks, resulting in easier coalescence of cracks.

THE PROBLEM OF AN EXTERNAL CIRCULAR CRACK UNDER ASYMMETRIC LOADINGS

Using the boundary integral equation method, the problem of an external circular crack in a three-dimensional infinite elastic body under asymmetric loadings is investigated. The two-dimensional singular boundary integral equations of the problem were reduced to a system of Abel integral equations by means of Fourier series and hypergeometric functions. The exact solutions of stress intensity factors ore obtained for the problem of an external circular crack under asymmetric loadings, which are even more universal than the results obtained by the use of Hankel transform method. The results demonstrate that the boundary integral equation method has great potential as a new analytic method.

EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION ON FATIGUE CRACK PROPAGATION UNDER TENSION-TORSION LOADING

Various proportional and nonproportional tension-torsion fatigue tests are conducted on aeronautical material-LY12CZ aluminum alloy. The stress and strain states under tension-torsion loading are analyzed by an elastic-plastic finite element method. The relation between the orientation of crack propagation and each stress and strain component is investigated. Analytical results are compared with experimental data. Results demonstrate that the fatigue cracks tend to be propagated perpendicular to the direction of the largest principle strains under proportional loading, and grow alone one of the maximum shear strain planes under 45° and 90° out-of-phase loadings.

THE THREE-DIMENSIONAL STRESS INTENSITY FACTOR UNDER MOVING LOADS ON THE CRACK FACES

The dynamic stress intensity factor history for a half plane crack in an otherwise unbounded elastic body,with the crack faces subjected to a traction distribution consisting of two pairs of combined mode point loads that move in a direction perpendicular to the crack edge is considered.The analytic expression for the combined mode stress intensity factors as a function of time for any point along the crack edge is obtained.The method of solution is based on the application of integral transform together with the Wiener-Hopf technique and the Cagniard-de Hoop method. Some features of the solution are discussed and graphical results for various point load speeds are presented.

A HALF PLANE CRACK UNDER THREE-DIMENSIONAL COMBINED MODE IMPACT LOADING

The dynamic stress intensity factor history for a half plane crack in an otherwise unbounded elastic body, with the crack faces subjected to a traction distribution consisting of two pairs of suddenly-applied shear line loads is consid- ered. The analytic expression for the combined mode stress intensity factors as a function of time is obtained. The method of solution is based on the application of integral transforms and the Wiener-Hopf technique. Some features of the solutions are discussed and graphical numerical results are presented.

EFFECT OF NON-PROPORTIONAL OVERLOADING ON FATIGUE CRACK GROWTH

The effect of proportional and non-proportional overloading on mode l fatigue crack growth have been studied,and the influences of crack tip plastic zone,crack tip blunting as well as crack closure were discussed.Proportional(model I)overloading may cause more serious crack growth retardation than non-proportional(mixed mode)overloading.Therefore,for estimating the fatigue life of engineering structures to simplify a real overload which may of- ten be non-proportional as a proportional one is not always safe.

Crack propagation mechanism of compression-shear rock under static-dynamic loading and seepage water pressure

To reveal the water inrush mechanics of underground deep rock mass subjected to dynamic disturbance such as blasting, compression-shear rock crack initiation rule and the evolution of crack tip stress intensity factor are analyzed under static-dynamic loading and seepage water pressure on the basis of theoretical deduction and experimental research. It is shown that the major influence factors of the crack tip stress intensity factor are seepage pressure, dynamic load, static stress and crack angle. The existence of seepage water pressure aggravates propagation of branch cracks. With the seepage pressure increasing, the branch crack experiences unstable extension from stable propagation. The dynamic load in the direction of maximum main stress increases type I crack tip stress intensity factor and its influence on type II crack intensity factor is related with crack angle and material property. Crack initiation angle changes with the dynamic load. The initial crack initiation angle of type I dynamic crack fracture is 70.5°. The compression-shear crack initial strength is related to seepage pressure, confining pressure, and dynamic load. Experimental results verify that the initial crack strength increases with the confining pressure increasing, and decreases with the seepage pressure increasing.

SEMI-ELLIPTIC SURFACE CRACK IN AN ELASTIC SOLID WITH FINITE SIZE UNDER IMPACT LOADING

In this paper a semi-elliptic surface crack problem in an elastic solid of finite size under impact loading is investigated. An analysis is performed by means of fracture dynamics and the finite element method, and a three-dimensional finite element program is developed to compute the dynamic stress intensity factor. The results reveal that the effects of the solid＇s boundary surface, crack surface, material inertia and stress wave interactions play significant roles in dynamic fracture.

Crack Propagation Path in Two-Directionally Graded Composites Subjected to Mixed-Mode Ⅰ+Ⅱ Loading

Crack propagation path in two-directionally graded composites was investigated by the finite element method.A graded extended finite element method(XFEM)was employed to calculate displacement and stress fields in cracked graded structures.And a post-processing subroutine of interaction energy integral was implemented to extract the mixed-mode stress intensity factors(SIFs).The maximum hoop stress(MHS)criterion was adopted to predict crack growth direction based on the assumption of local homogenization of asymptotic crack-tip fields in graded materials.Effects of material nonhomogeneous parameters on crack propagation paths were also discussed in detail.It is shown that the present method can provide relatively accurate predictions of crack paths in two-directionally graded composites.Crack propagates in the decreasing direction of effective Young′s modulus.The shape and steepness of property gradient perpendicular to the crack surface have great influences on crack paths.Through redesigning material property reasonably,crack growth in graded material can be changed to improve mechanical behaviours of cracked structures.

Effects of water intrusion and loading rate on mechanical properties of and crack propagation in coal–rock combinations

Tackling the problems of underground water storage in collieries in arid regions requires knowledge of the effect of water intrusion and loading rate on the mechanical properties of and crack development in coal–rock combinations. Fifty-four coal–rock combinations were prepared and split equally into groups containing different moisture contents(dry, natural moisture and saturated) to conduct acoustic emission testing under uniaxial compression with loading rates ranging from 0.1 mm/min to 0.6 mm/min. The results show that the peak stress and strength-softening modulus, elastic modulus, strain-softening modulus, and post-peak modulus partly decrease with increasing moisture content and loading rate. In contrast, peak strain increases with increasing moisture content and fluctuates with rising loading rate. More significantly, the relationship between stiffness and stress, combined with accumulated counts of acoustic emission, can be used to precisely predict all phases of crack propagation. This is helpful in studying the impact of moisture content and loading rate on crack propagation and accurately calculating mechanical properties. We also determined that the stress thresholds of crack closure, crack initiation, and crack damage do not vary with changes of moisture content and loading rate, constituting 15.22%, 32.20%, and 80.98% of peak stress, respectively. These outcomes assist in developing approaches to water storage in coal mines, determining the necessary width of waterproof coal–rock pillars, and methods of supporting water-enriched roadways, while also advances understanding the mechanical properties of coal–rock combinations and laws of crack propagation.