ABSTRACT
Abstract In this paper a mixed mode fracture study for five different concretes is presented. Experimental results of four-point-shear tests are compared with the outcome of uniaxial tensile tests. It is found that even when the loading is shear the fracture growth takes place perpendicular to the maximum tensile strength. For comparing the fracture process in the different concretes it is important to be aware of differences in hardening and drying. Next to this also the differences in microstructure, which result in differences in mechanical and physical properties, lead to deviations in fracture behaviour. With a two dimensional lattice model the four-point-shear experiments are simulated for three concretes. Although the results look already promising, three dimensional simulations are needed to describe the observed fracture mechanisms correctly. Keywords: Mixed Mode Fracture, Concrete, High Strength Concrete, Lightweight Concrete, Fibre Concrete, Cement Paste, Lattice Model.
