Quantification of dynamic tensile behavior of cement-based materials

• Dynamic tensile tests were conducted using a modified Kolsky bar.
• Pulse shaper helps to achieve dynamic equilibrium in the test specimen.
• A numerical analysis was conducted to verify the experimental data.
• Results of the strain rate sensitivity of cement-based materials are presented.
• A tensile constitutive model with strain rate effects was modified.

The modified split Hopkinson pressure bar testing method was used to quantify the dynamic tensile behavior of cement mortar using flattened Brazilian disc specimens. Experimental procedure for testing dynamic behavior of cement-based materials under high loading rate is presented. Employing a proper pulse shaper in the conventional split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) test helps to achieve dynamic equilibrium in the test specimen. Strain histories from strain gauges offer comprehensive information to evaluate the stress equilibrium of specimen under dynamic loading. A numerical analysis was conducted to verify the experimental data. In addition, the results of the strain rate sensitivity of cement mortar are analyzed. Based on the experimental results and an existing quasi-static model, a tensile constitutive model with strain rate effects was formulated. This model provides a good description of dynamic experimental results for cement mortar.