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Fracture Mechanics of Cement and Concrete
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:13:45
Abstract
Recent development in fracture mechanics of cement and concrete, with emphasis on the design of new cement-based composites.
Objective
Improvement of basic understanding of the mechanical and fracture behaviour of cement-based materials, from micro- to macro-scale. In particular the relation between manufacuring, material structure and fracture properties is of interest, leading to new insights to development of cement-based composites with improved properties like tensile strength and ductility.
Content
Fracture mechanics principles from classical linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) to non-linear cohesive crack models will be explained. Experiments leading to new theories and new insights will be discussed, including the applied experimental methods for achieving stable fracture propagation and crack-detection methods. Application of novel numerical models is used to find ways to improve properties like strength and ductility of cement-based materials. Fibre-cement and hybrid fibre concrete are examples of recent developments that will be discussed in detail.
Resources
Lecture Notes
J.G.M. van Mier, Fracture Processes of Concrete, CRC Press (1997), plus additional literature provide during the lectures.
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 30 minutes
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Fracture Mechanics of Cement and Concrete |
|
2 h weekly |