Elastic Property of Hardened Concrete

Elastic Property of Hardened Concrete

Key Concepts

• Elasticity in Concrete

  • The ability of hardened concrete to deform and return to its original shape when a load is applied and then removed.

• Young's Modulus (E)

  • A measure of the stiffness of concrete, indicating how much it will deform under stress.
  • Higher Young's Modulus means the concrete is stiffer.
  • Typically ranges from 25 to 35 GPa for normal concrete.

• Poisson's Ratio (ν)

  • Defines the ratio of lateral strain to axial strain in concrete.
  • Generally ranges from 0.1 to 0.2 in hardened concrete.

• Factors Affecting Elastic Properties

  • Aggregate Type and Quality: Higher quality aggregates improve elasticity.
  • Mix Proportions: The ratio of cement, aggregate, and water can alter elasticity.
  • Curing Conditions: Proper curing increases strength and elasticity.
  • Age of Concrete: Elasticity generally improves with age as concrete continues to cure and harden.

• Stress-Strain Relationship

  • Stress is directly proportional to strain up to the proportional limit.
  • Beyond this limit, concrete will begin to show plastic deformation.

• Modulus of Rupture

  • A measure of the tensile strength of concrete.
  • Important for understanding the bending and cracking behavior of concrete structures.

Practical Implications

• Design Considerations

  • Engineers must consider the elastic properties in the design phase to ensure structural integrity.

• Quality Control

  • Regular testing to ensure materials used meet the required elastic properties.

• Maintenance and Durability

  • Monitoring and maintaining the concrete to prevent degradation over time.

This summary captures the essence of how the elastic properties of hardened concrete are crucial for structural performance, the factors impacting these properties, and their practical implications.