Influence of primary cracks on static and fatigue compressive behavior of concrete under water

In this study, the impact of a primary crack on the static and fatigue compressive behavior of concrete under water is experimentally evaluated. In a static loading test, the effects of the primary crack and water are found to reduce the compressive strength. A model of the compressive strength reduction due to a primary crack is modified and its applicability confirmed. In a cyclic loading test, the fatigue life drastically decreased because of the effects of water and the crack. Consequently, a simplified estimation method is proposed for the fatigue life of cracked concrete under water, with the modified design code considering the reduction of stress amplitude due to the crack.

Automated summary

The presence of a primary crack significantly reduces the compressive strength of concrete under water, leading to a drastic decrease in fatigue life. A modified model and design code are proposed to address the reduction in stress amplitude due to the crack.