Fundamental Analysis of Aggregate Interlock

A model for aggregate interlock has been developed based on the behavior of micro scale. The relation between displacements and stresses across the crack faces are defined to be a function of deformation and sliding at particle level. This relation is derived for one particle projecting from one of the crack faces with an arbitrary diameter and an arbitrary embedment depth. The most probable distribution of aggregate particles, crossed by the plane of cracking and their positions with regard to this plane are assessed by a statistical analysis. The general relations between stresses and displacements for a unit crack area are obtained by integrating all particle contributions. The model proves to give adequate results, compared with experiments, carried out on several types of (cracked) concrete. Using this model, further analysis of the mechanism of aggregate interlock has been carried out, explaining tendencies observed in tests of other investigators.