Numerical and experimental investigation of mixed-mode fracture of cement paste and interface under three-point bending test

Abstract

This paper shows 2D simulations of crack propagation in mode I and mixed mode (I and II) in a cementitious material at the material scale (known as loca scalel). There are two types of three-point bending tests modeled: eccentric loading on pre-notched cement paste samples and centered loading on three configurations of composite samples (cement paste linked to siliceous aggregate). These simulations, which were based on Cohesive Zone Models, were effective in forecasting fracture propagation and damage progression at the local scale.