Strength and fracture toughness of heavy concrete with various iron aggregate inclusions

摘要

An extensive experimental study of the mechanical properties and fracture properties of heavy concrete used mostly in the construction of radiation shielding structures is presented. The mixtures considered herein are developed according to the one adapted in the Kuosheng nuclear power plant in Taiwan; tests of the basic mechanical characteristics properties conform to the ASTM and the fracture properties are determined by the method proposed by Karihaloo and Nallathambi [RILEM Report 5, Fracture Mechanics Test Methods for Concrete (1991) 1]. A crack analysis using pre-cracked specimens and a dye technique was also conducted to examine the crack fronts and the corresponding residual strengths of heavy concrete. Test results indicated that the elastic modulus of heavy concrete is higher than that of regular mortar and increase with iron ore content. The compressive strength of heavy concrete also increases with iron ore content, while the tensile strength declines. The concrete including 40% metallic aggregate content by volume performs higher compressive strength and fracture toughness in this study.