Damage of Concrete in Fatigue

Abstract

Three‐point bending fatigue tests are performed on two types of concrete using two different R ratios. The maximum strain is recorded during the tests. A damage mechanics model for the fatigue of concrete is proposed. It is based on a damage parameter proportional to the irreversible increment per cycle of the largest principal positive strain. This model predicts both the evolution of the strain as a function of the number of cycles and the fatigue life based on the initial strain and the strain increments. Comparisons of our experimental results are made with the model. Results reported by Holmen for compression fatigue tests are also used for comparison.