Work

SEM- and DGFM-based evaluation of fracture parameters in self-compacting concrete incorporating silica fume and nano-silica

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study is an experimental investigation that compares the fracture parameters of self-compacting concrete (SCC) containing silica fume (SF) and nano-silica (NS), utilizing the size effect model (SEM) and the double-G fracture model (DGFM). In total, eight mix designs were evaluated, each with different percentages of SF and NS, while maintaining a water-to-cement ratio (W/C) of 0.35. Three-point bending tests were conducted on a total of 120 notched beams. The results indicated that the most significant increase in the G f value occurred when 10% SF and 3% NS were added to the control sample. This addition resulted in a 22.96% increase in the G f value using the SEM method and a 21.40% increase with the DGFM method, compared to the control sample. Furthermore, the findings of this study showed that the values of G f , K Ic , and the critical crack tip opening displacement (CTOD c ) obtained using both the SEM and DGFM methods varied by 7.12%, 3.63%, and 8.14%, respectively.

Source: Engineering Fracture Mechanics

DOI: 10.1016/j.engfracmech.2026.112137

Authors: Gholamreza Kargariyan Marvasty, Moosa Mazloom, Seyed Hassan Ahmadi

Institution: Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University

Language: English

Topic: Innovative concrete reinforcement materials

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,120