Low-cycle compression fatigue of reinforced concrete structures

Paper reports on experiments performed in the low-cycle compression fatigue domain, considering two relatively high upper load levels and several lower ones. Two frequency levels were emphasized, i.e. 17.5 Hz and 0.175 Hz. An overview is given of characteristics of mechanical behaviour and of the state of damage close to fracture. Particular attention is given to the larger amplitude case of 17.5 Hz because of an order of magnitude drop in the number of cycles to fracture. The normal process of damage evolution is sketched as well as the process for this specific case, where damage evolution due to stress release is initiating premature fracture. Underlying mechanisms are outlined.