ABSTRACT
By contrast to that, satisfactory results were obtained with the multiscale approach for both the damage zone shape (figure 6b) and the maximum load values (511cN). The proposed approach allows to describe in a successful way the splitting test which involves a complex (multiaxial) stress state. On the other hand, using the splitting test to estimate the concrete's ultimate tensile strength seems to be unsuitable. As a matter of fact, the maximum uniaxial tension resistance ft deduced from the model is about f t = 3,8 MPa, while from the maximum load value and equation (8) we can deduce a = 2,5 MPa. The tension-compression triaxial stress state accelerates the damage evolution (Dt and Dc are coupled) and diminishes the macroscopic strength. Further numerical and experimental work is needed to assess the results presented above.
