Analysis of mechanical properties of concrete cores using statistical approach

The lack of verification of statements concerning the random variations of mechanical behaviour of concrete cores, supported with statistical approaches, is important. Statistically significant data sets under such conditions are very rare. In this study, the issue is addressed by exploring the mechanical behaviour of cores using probabilistic concepts. Two-parameter Weibull, normal and log-normal distributions are used to fit the test data (strength, elastic modulus and strain at peak stress) of concrete specimens. The Weibull distributions most accurately describe the experimentally measured data. A basic theory of damage mechanics is introduced to deal with stress–strain behaviour of cores. In this theory, a statistical method is used to describe mechanical properties on a mesoscopic scale in order to generate realistic behaviour at a macroscopic scale. It is shown that there is a relatively good coincidence between the theoretical results and the measured data.