Campos, Eliana Silva; (1994) Theory of plasticity applied to the slant shear test. Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

This thesis provides a critical analysis of the use of the theory of plasticity in the interpretation of Slant Shear Test (SST) results. The SST is a testing method of evaluating efficacy of bonding systems used both in new structures and in repair services. Among other similar tests, the SST is considered as the most appropriate when structural performance is important. Nevertheless, a theoretically supported analysis of SST results is still necessary. The theory of plasticity, originally derived for ductile materials such as metal, has also been applied to concrete which behaves almost like a brittle material. Hence, this work concisely describes features of ductile and brittle materials and applicable failure criteria. Principal theorems of limit analysis and basic concepts such as plastic potential flow are likewise presented. The upper bound method applied to the SST is examined fully in this thesis. This study covers missing points found in previous work, such as, restrictions regarding the flow vector direction, by providing alternative solutions. However, theoretical approaches were unable to make predictions matching the reported data. This outcome led to further investigations into material performance. An experimental investigation was carried out using specially designed specimens and apparatus to encourage and to monitor plastic response. Experimental results though, demonstrated virtually no plasticity. In order to identify whether ductility is required for redistribution of stress within SST specimens, lower bound analyses were considered by using finite element methods. Resulting stress profiles showed large differences of stress over failure zones which would require great ductility to allow a fully developed plastic mechanism. In conclusion, plastic upper bound methods are shown inadequate for the analysis of the Slant Shear Test. Recommendations are therefore made for further work in two areas: empirical bases for assessing SST results and appropriate failure criterion for brittle materials.

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