Static and fatigue fracture mechanics properties of self-compacting concrete using three-point bending tests and wedge-splitting tests

This paper compares the results of static and dynamic three-point bending tests and wedge-splitting tests on specimens, made from VC (vibrated concrete) and two types of SCC (self-compacting concrete). Different fracture parameters are derived from the experimentally obtained load–CMOD curves (load versus crack mouth opening displacement) and the softening curve is extracted, using inverse analysis. The outcome depends on the test setup, but SCC with equal compressive strength compared to VC, is generally the most brittle concrete type and performs worst in the cyclic experiments, whereas VC is the toughest and has the best fatigue resistance.