ASSESSMENT OF CONCRETE ANISOTROPY IN RELATION TO THE DIRECTION OF CASTING

Abstract

In numerical predictions of both static and dynamic response of concrete structures, the usual assumption of global isotropic behavior is usually accepted, constituting standard practice in structural analysis and design. It has been recognized, however, that in situ concrete compressive strength of drilled cores in the direction normal to the direction of casting is somewhat smaller than the strength in the vertical direction. Since the consideration of this factor may reduce model error in numerical schemes that assume isotropic behavior, experimental studies were conducted in order to quantify the degree of anisotropy that may be expected in concrete structures. These initial studies suggest that the effect may result in errors as high as 10% in the estimated carrying capacity, deserving in consequence additional research.