Title: Towards sustainable repairs: substrate-repair interface mode-I fracture analysis

Authors: Cristina Zanotti; Nemkumar Banthia; Giovanni Plizzari

Addresses: Department of Civil Engineering, University of British Columbia, 6250 Applied Science Lane, Vancouver (BC), V6T 1Z4, Canada ' Department of Civil Engineering, University of British Columbia, 6250 Applied Science Lane, Vancouver (BC), V6T 1Z4, Canada ' Department DICATAM, University of Brescia, via Branze 43, 25123 Brescia, Italy

Abstract: An experimental programme for the optimisation of concrete structural and non-structural repair was performed. The programme focused on the development of sustainable durable repairs throughout the enhancement of substrate-repair bond and compatibility, as well as the development of efficient solutions for crack control. As part of the programme, mode-I fracture characterisation of a substrate-repair interface was addressed. The repair material was a mortar reinforced with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibres. Experimental tests, crack growth resistance analysis and major results are presented and discussed in this paper. Mode-I crack growth resistance tests were performed by means of the contoured double cantilever beam (CDCB) test. Tensile fracture analysis was supported by splitting (indirect) tension tests.

Keywords: concrete structures; bond strength; adhesion; mode-I fracture; contoured double cantilever beam; CDCB test; fibre reinforced concrete; FRC; durability; cracking; crack kinking; crack growth resistance; splitting; sustainable repairs; substrate repair interface; fracture analysis; optimisation; mortar; polyvinyl alcohol; PVA fibres.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSMSS.2014.062768

International Journal of Sustainable Materials and Structural Systems, 2014 Vol.1 No.3, pp.265 - 281

Published online: 26 Jul 2014 *

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