Two-Step Fracture Mechanics–Based Approach to Assess Early-Age Delamination Distress

Abstract

The development of a comprehensive, early-age delamination model requires an integration of interfacial strength of the aggregate–mortar interface and environmental, materials, and construction effects. Previous research has led to the establishment of the model's mechanism that can be characterized with engineering mechanics. However, fracture mechanics theory, which is more suitable to represent the delamination process, has not been widely applied to concrete pavement analysis. A two-step fracture mechanics–based model was developed to predict the occurrence potential of delamination in continuously reinforced concrete pavements. The model is based on the comparison between the stress intensity factor (K_I) and fracture toughness (K_IC). The development of the K_I of concrete at an early age was simulated through a two-step numerical analysis, including (a) a coupled thermal–hygro analysis to predict the temperature and moisture profiles and the associated material properties and (b) a coupled hygro–mechanical stress analysis to predict the differential drying shrinkage-induced stress. This model addressed the integration of effects of environment, materials, and construction factors through key parameters that included moisture diffusivity, shrinkage strain gradient, pavement thickness, and elastic modulus of concrete.

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