Optical strain for monitoring of concrete failure mechanism with discontinuity

Finite-element-based digital image correlation (FEM-DIC) is one of the most widely used noncontact techniques in the field of experimental mechanics for measurement of deformation/strain. In this paper, the FEM-DIC method is refined by introducing the concept of multilevel extended digital image correlation (X-DIC), which also can capture deformation across discontinuity planes if they exist in images. Using regular and enhanced displacements at each node, strain tensors are estimated by applying the concept of smooth particle hydrodynamics (SPH). Numerical works are carried out to check the accuracy level of the developed algorithm by considering discrete discontinuity on the surface of a sample. Work is further extended to determine displacements and strains developed at the surface of several cubical concrete samples under uniaxial loading conditions. The tests are conducted until fractures are developed in the post-failure region. Using the concept of cumulative effective strain, a parameter is identified, which can be used as a precursor in the object failure process.