A mathematical description of the strength properties of concrete under generalized stress

Abstract

Synopsis A mathematical description of the ultimate strength envelope of concrete under axisymmetric stress states has been derived by analysing experimental data obtained in previous investigations of the Concrete Materials Research Group at Imperial College. The derived equations, when combined with an proposed elsewhere for the description of the effect of the intermediate stress σ2 upon the ultimate strength level, define a surface in stress space which provides a simple mathematical representation of the ultimate strength of concrete under generalized short-term loading conditions. The resulting ultimate strength surface conforms with generally accepted shape requirements and has been found to provide a close fit for most biaxial and triaxial strength data published to date.