Concrete impact strength as a measure of the resistance of a structure to external destructive energy

Abstract

This paper presents authors’ own tests of the impact strength of concrete. The impact tests were carried out using a pendulum ballistic hammer, two types of concrete with natural aggregate: with pebble (river) gravel aggregate and medium-grained crushed granite aggregate. The concretes were tested on cubic specimens with varying W/C ratios (0.40; 0.45; 0.50; 0.55). The surface roughness of the grains in the aggregates used for the concretes was measured using a profilometer. Concrete impact strength was determined by the energy absorbed by the specimen until failure. Concrete impact strength (E_A) was compared with compressive strength (f_c), tensile strength (f_ct) and stress intensity factor (K_1c).