Synopsis
A mathematical description of the deformational behaviour of concrete under any type of short-term static loading is developed, using a model material with the same strength characteristics. The mechanical properties of the model are defined by analysing experimental data obtained at Imperial College from tests on concrete under various states of multiaxial stress. The testing techniques used have been validated by comparing the results obtained with those produced by other institutions investigating the behaviour of concrete under similar stress conditions but with different apparatus. In the analysis, each stress and strain state is resolved into a hydrostatic and a deviatoric component and it is assumed that any non-linear material behaviour is dictated mainly by fracture processes occurring under increasing stress.
