Stress-Strain Curve Modeling and Length Effect of Polymer Concrete Subjected to Flexural Compressive Stress

Stress-strain relation, stress-block parameters, and length effect of polymer concrete flexural compression members were experimentally investigated. For these purposes, a series of C-shaped polymer concrete specimens subjected to a flexural compressive load were tested. On the basis of the test results, we proposed an equation to predict stress-strain relation of polymer concrete. In this model, we took account of the slope of descending branch beyond the peak stress point of a single curve. The proposed equation was numerically integrated to compute the rectangular stress-block parameters. Computed beta(1) was greater than the values prescribed in ACT 318 Code for cement concrete, and alpha(1) was about 0.85 that is similar to the value regulated in ACI. A series of C-shaped specimens were also tested to study the length effect. The test results were curve fitted to obtain parameters for the existing length effect equation. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 114: 3819-3826, 2009