Title: Non-contact strain measurement of loading-unloading splitting test on concrete

Authors: Ismail Bello; George Wardeh; Belen González-Fonteboa; Fernando Martínez-Abella

Addresses: Department of Civil Engineering, CY Cergy Paris University, 5 Mail Gay Lussa's, 95031 Neuville sur Oise, France; Department of Construction Technology, University of A Coruna, ETS Emener de Camiños C e P Campus Elviña 15071, A Coruña, Spain ' Department of Civil Engineering, CY Cergy Paris University, 5 Mail Gay Lussa's, 95031 Neuville sur Oise, France ' Department of Construction Technology, University of A Coruna, ETS Emener de Camiños C e P Campus Elviña 15071, A Coruña, Spain ' Department of Construction Technology, University of A Coruna, ETS Emener de Camiños C e P Campus Elviña 15071, A Coruña, Spain

Abstract: The exact modelling of reinforced concrete structures necessitates a thorough control of post-cracking behaviour and the evolution of plastic deformations of concrete during loading-unloading cycles. Conducting a direct tensile test is more complex than the other tests, like the splitting test. This study investigates using the splitting test with digital image correlation (DIC) technique to analyse concrete deformation. By filming and processing images of splitting cylindrical specimens using GOM Correlate software, full stress-strain curves up to failure are obtained. Strain gauges are also employed for comparison. Results are validated against an analytical model, showing good agreement between stress-strain curves from both methods. The study concludes that DIC offers several advantages over conventional methods, including enhanced post-peak data acquisition and the ability to monitor cracks individually, regardless of their location on the surface. This approach improves the understanding of post-cracking behaviour and the evolution of plastic deformation in concrete structures.

Keywords: concrete; splitting test; digital image correlation; DIC; stress-strain analysis; analytical modelling.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMRI.2025.146257

International Journal of Masonry Research and Innovation, 2025 Vol.10 No.3/4/5, pp.458 - 472

Received: 09 Oct 2023
Accepted: 19 Dec 2023
Published online: 14 May 2025 *

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