Strain Rate Effects on the Tensile Strength of Concrete as Predicted by Thermodynamic and Fracture Mechanics Models

ABSTRACTModels are presented and discussed which predict the influence of stress rate or strain rate on the tensile strength of concrete. Three of them are based on linear fracture mechanics and two on thermodynamics. It is shown that four models are appropriate and useful in the low to medium stress rate whereas two can predict realistic values at high stress rates. Finally a proposal is made how to apply the knowledge to engineering practice.