Evaluation of the Resistance to Crack Propagation of High-Performance Concretes by the Wedge Splitting Test Method

Abstract

This paper describes the key elements of the results of investigations on the resistance to crack propagation carried out as part of a large-scale project to develop high-performance concretes (HPCs) for the secondary lining of a low and intermediate-level waste disposal shaft. Four HPCs were investigated, in which the quantity of the binder component and the proportions of the two cements and the silica fume in it were varied. We have also added steel fibers to one HPC. The wedgesplitting test method was used to determine the resistance to crack propagation. The results obtained show that all the HPC investigated achieve good resistance to crack propagation. The addition of steel fibers further improves this resistance.

Keywords

• resistance to crack propagation
• high-performance concrete
• wedge splitting test