Paper Title
Stress Determination In A Cracked Bi-Material Element Using The LEFM Energy Approach
Abstract
Polymer concretes containing recycled concrete components and non-saturated polymer resins fabricated from
recycled plastics waist are new energy-saving high-strength structural materials. The incorporation of polymer waists in
concrete is a good solution to the preservation of environment and storage of natural resources. Yet, being almost
indestructible under natural conditions, they can cause serious troubles such as soil, air and water pollution if not properly
recycled and deposited. The present work focuses on the study of recycled polymer concrete (pursuant to the European
Directive for Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (NZEBs)) and more specifically – on the determination of the Energy Release
Rate (ERR) in a cracked bi-material structural element, fabricated from recycled polymer and concrete. Stress and strain
distribution in a specific structural element is studied analytically using the Energy Approach (G-approach) of the Fracture
Mechanics, and employing the J-integral techniques and the ANSYS code. Different ERR values are calculated for different
initial cracks and external loads. Critical crack dimensions and displacements are also found applying subsequent critical
loads. The results of the two methods are compared, analysed and discussed.
Keywords - FE and Analytical Analysis, Err And Sif, Fracture Energy, Edge Crack.