Analysis of quasi-brittle fracture and critical ctod of high volume flyash concrete notched beams

Emission of CO2 into atmosphere has been the main reason behind global warming. Production of one tonne of cement approximately emits one tonne of CO2, the Greenhouse gas and major culprit for global warming, into atmosphere. Global warming is a great concern to humankind, and Scientists throughout the world do extensive researches to find out alternate green materials that could help in reducing the effect of global warming. Fly ash, once considered a waste material, has found usefulness in replacing cement up to 60% and experiments are conducted to determine the fracture parameter of plain cement concrete (OPC) and high volume fly ash concrete (HVFAC). The Beams of size 1200mm long × 100mm wide × 200mm deep are cast for the experiment. The critical Crack Tip Opening Displacement for plain cement concrete (OPC) and high volume fly ash concrete (HVFAC) are determined. Four numbers of M30 grade concrete notched beam specimens are cast with OPC concrete as reference specimens and four specimens each for 50% and 60% replacement of cement with fly ash are also cast. All the beams are tested under three point loading until failure. The parametric study of notch to depth ratio is kept as 0.2 and 0.3. From the test results, the rupture load of the specimens decreased with the increase in fly ash content.