Considerações sobre o uso de conceitos da mecânica da fratura para o projeto de pavimentos de concreto de cimento

Abstract

The tensile strength used in the design of concrete structures, such as concrete pavement systems, has typically been determined based on small test specimens. It is well known that strength values obtained from geometrically different specimens can be largely different. Naturally, one must question the applicability of strength values obtained from these conventional specimens to an actual structure. This deficiency is encompassed within effects of specimen (or structure) size and geometry on thestrength. Given that fracture parameters can be used to determie concrete strength, a simplified tension test method, based on the fracture mechanics theory, is presented to determine concrete fracture parameters. Applications of the method to determine concrete fracture resistance are also discussed as they apply to concrete pavement sawcut depth requirements.