Strain-Rate-Dependent Constitutive Equations for Concrete

This paper summarizes the results of a comprehensive experimental study to quantify the effects of strain rate on concrete compressive and tensile strengths. Direct compression and splitting tensile tests were conducted at quasi-static rates (between 10−7/s and 10−5/s) in a standard MTS machine to establish the “static” properties. These same tests were conducted at high strain rates (between 10−1/s and 103/s) on a split-Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) to determine the dynamic material properties. A statistical analysis was performed on the data and strain-rate-dependent constitutive equations, both for compression and tension, were developed. These constitutive equations were subsequently employed to modify an existing quasi-static, nonlinear concrete material model.