A review of fracture propagation in concrete: fundamentals, experimental techniques, modelling and applications

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of fracture propagation in concrete, covering various aspects ranging from fundamentals to applications and future directions. The introduction section presents an overview of fracture propagation in concrete, emphasising its importance in understanding the behaviour of concrete structures. The fundamentals of fracture propagation are explored, including concrete as a composite material, crack initiation and propagation mechanisms, types of fractures and factors influencing fracture propagation. Experimental techniques for studying fracture propagation are discussed, encompassing both non-destructive and destructive testing methods, such as acoustic emission, ultrasonic testing, digital image correlation and advanced imaging techniques like X-ray tomography and scanning electron microscopy. Modelling approaches, including continuum damage mechanics, finite element method, discrete element method, lattice discrete particle model and hybrid modelling approaches, are reviewed for simulating and predicting fracture propagation behaviour. The applications of fracture propagation in concrete are highlighted, including structural health monitoring, design optimisation, failure analysis and repair and rehabilitation strategies. The research opportunities for further improvement are addressed. The paper serves as a valuable resource for researchers, engineers and professionals in the field, providing a comprehensive understanding of fracture propagation in concrete and guiding future research endeavours.