Structural effects and real strain-rate effects on compressive strength of sustainable concrete with crumb rubber in split Hopkinson pressure bar tests

The dynamic increase factor (DIF) of the concrete material strength, obtained using a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB), includes structural effects that do not precisely reflect the real strain-rate effect of concrete. To further clarify the real strain-rate effects of rubberised concrete (RC), an experimental investigation regarding the dynamic compressive response of ordinary concrete (NC) and RC with three rubber contents (10%, 20%, and 30%) was performed in this study. Additionally, based on a dynamic constitutive model, i.e., the Karagozian and Case (K&C) concrete model, numerical SHPB tests were conducted using the LS-DYNA software. According to the experimental results, all parameters of the K&C model were discussed, and the damage factors were modified to satisfy the mechanical properties of RC. After validating the numerical model, it was observed that the experimental DIF included the inertial enhancement and the real DIF. Moreover, because rubber particles effectively reduce the density and improve the deformation capacity of concrete, the real strain-rate effect of RC was found to be more rate-sensitive than that of NC by analysing the radial stress distribution. In addition to lateral inertia, another external source, namely, the interface friction between the specimen and bars, which can produce lateral confinement, was further studied. It was found that interface friction significantly contributes to lateral confinement; however, as the strain rate increased, the impact generally decreased. Finally, the mechanism of the strain-rate effect of RC was clarified.

Automated summary

This study investigates the real strain-rate effects of rubberised concrete (RC) through experimental and numerical simulations. The results show that rubber particles effectively reduce the density and improve the deformation capacity of concrete, making it more rate-sensitive. Additionally, interface friction significantly contributes to lateral confinement in concrete.