Impact of Particle Packing Method of Design Mix on Fracture Behavior of Concrete: Critical Analysis

Abstract

This paper discusses the effect of the particle packing method (PPM) of mix design on the fracture behavior of concrete. A three-point bending (TPB) test was performed on single-edge notched beam for three different sizes. The fracture energy is estimated from the load (P)–crack mouth opening displacement (CMOD) relationship obtained from the TPB test. By truncating the end of the P–CMOD curve at different lengths, the sensitivity of fracture energy is analyzed, and eventually it is recommended to be at 2% of the depth of the beam. The fracture toughness parameters are calculated analytically using a double-K fracture model. The size effect on the fracture energy and fracture toughness parameters is studied. The PPM mix design provides improved fracture energy and fracture toughness parameters of concrete with respect to the conventional mix design approach.