Session: 12-02-02: Modeling of the Fracture, Failure, and Fatigue in Solids

Paper Number: 112962

112962 - A Numerical and Experimental Analysis of Compression-Induced Cracking in Epoxy Composite Grout Under Thermo-Mechanical Loading 

Grouts are constructional composite materials used for sealing and filling gaps between tiles, walls, and other voids in between crane rails, machine bedding plates, anchors, starting bars, bridge bearing, etc. It is often composed of cement, sand, and other materials that contribute to its performance and toughness. Grouts are designed to withstand high loads while also resisting water, high temperatures, chemicals, and other factors. They are commonly employed in a variety of practical structural applications due to their desirable attributes such as excellent bonding, rapid strength development, ease of preparation and free-flow ability. Much study has recently been conducted into the replacement of traditional cementitious grout with polymer composites. During their operational lifetime, most grout structures are subjected to compressive loads and large temperature variations. As a result, it is critical to consider how the variation in thermo-mechanical loading impacts the performance of polymer grouting materials. The study presents experimental and numerical analysis of fracture behavior of epoxy polymer grout under compressive loads and at different temperatures. The primary fracture mechanism considered in this study will be compressive fracture on an inclined through-crack. XFEM is used to simulate cracking in the epoxy grout at 25 ⁰C and 65 ⁰C, while the cementitious samples are only modeled at 25 ⁰C. Experiments are performed for benchmarking the compression problem and its results are used to validate the XFEM simulation. The cementitious samples possess very low compressive strength. The epoxy grout material can endure very high load at 25 ⁰C. However, the compressive strength of the epoxy grout significantly decreases with an increase in temperature. This is due to the weakening of the epoxy polymeric chain, interface debonding and the formation of voids at high temperatures. The presence of multiple flaws of different sizes and shapes has a significant impact on fracture behavior of epoxy grout as confirmed by the XFEM simulations. The XFEM model developed is successful in capturing the thermo-mechanical effects on crack growth for newly developed epoxy grout composites. Smaller sized flaws exhibit a higher possibility of cracking due to the high stress concentrations. Therefore, the epoxy grout is incapable of withstanding high load at elevated temperatures. Cracking under these conditions causes the material to break down into small fine powders which is responsible for the reduction in compressive strength of the grout. Much needs to be done to enhance the load-bearing ability of epoxy grout for high temperature applications.

Presenting Author: Nahri S. Waseetuddin King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia

Presenting Author Biography: SYED WASEETUDDIN NAHRI is a master's student at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) in Saudi Arabia. In his home country, India, the student completed his Bachelor's degree in Mechanical engineering with honors. He is completing his thesis on a topic which relates to cracking in solid materials. He is also interested in working in areas related to fracture mechanics in solid, crack pattern investigation in solid materials including composites, 3D printed materials etc.

Authors:

Nahri S. Waseetuddin King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia
Abba A. Abubakar King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
Khaled S. Al-Athel King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
Syed S. Akhtar King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals