Creep strain versus residual strain of a concrete loaded under various levels of compressive stress

An experimental study of the impact of microcracking of creep behaviour of concrete is presented in this article. Creep and residual strain results (after unloading) observed on specimens loaded in compression at various stress levels (30, 50, and 70% of the compression strength of the studied concrete) are presented for both sealed and unsealed (drying) specimens. The principal conclusion of this experimental study is the following: the residual strain is a linear function of the creep strain. This function is independent of hygral exchange conditions, sealed or unsealed specimens. This conclusion is explained by the assumption of a physical mechanism related to the presence of microcracking during creep.