Rupture Strength and Irregularity of Fracture Surfaces

Abstract

Textural irregularities of fracture surfaces of cement-based materials seem to be an interesting source of information on some mechanical properties. Besides compressive strength, the flexural strength is strongly correlated with height irregularities (i.e. roughness) of fracture surfaces of hydrated cement pastes. This correlation has been a subject of experimental study. An analytical relation between flexural strength and height irregularities has been inferred. The formula contains height parameters, which represent basic descriptors of surface irregularities of fracture surfaces of cement pastes. These irregularities are governed by the capillary porosity of cement pastes with different water-to-cement ratios. The relation yields values that are in agreement with the empirical formula published in the technical literature.Textural irregularities of fracture surfaces of cement-based materials seem to be an interesting source of information on some mechanical properties. Besides compressive strength, the flexural strength is strongly correlated with height irregularities (i.e. roughness) of fracture surfaces of hydrated cement pastes. This correlation has been a subject of experimental study. An analytical relation between flexural strength and height irregularities has been inferred. The formula contains height parameters, which represent basic descriptors of surface irregularities of fracture surfaces of cement pastes. These irregularities are governed by the capillary porosity of cement pastes with different water-to-cement ratios. The relation yields values that are in agreement with the empirical formula published in the technical literature.