Dynamic splitting tensile behaviors of ceramic aggregate concrete: An experimental and mesoscopic study

This paper presents an experimental and numerical study on the dynamic splitting tensile properties of ceramic aggregate concrete (CAC) that is composed of ceramic aggregates and mortar matrix. The maximum ceramic aggregate diameter includes 0.3, 0.6, and 0.9 cm. A series of split-tension tests of CAC specimens were conducted first. Parametric studies such as the effects of aggregate size and strain rate, on the splitting tensile behaviors of CAC were presented in terms of tensile strength, stress-strain curve, failure patterns, and so on. Subsequently, we developed a three-dimensional two-phase mesoscale model for CAC, where the random distribution and size characteristics of ceramic aggregates in concrete were fully considered. Employing the developed mesoscopic model, systematic mesoscopic simulations were performed to investigate the mesoscopic responses of CAC under dynamic split-tension loadings. Results indicated that the mechanic properties and cracking behaviors of CAC are associated with many factors, such as aggregate diameter, aggregate distribution and strain rate. Besides, there was a good agreement between the tested and numerical results, demonstrating that the developed mesoscale model has a significant reliability and potential in simulating the mechanical properties of CAC.