| This thesis encompasses an investigation of the behaviour of high strength concrete under biaxial loading conditions, and a constitutive modelling study to enable numerical prediction, through the finite element method, of such a behaviour.; The experimental phase included the evaluation and design of the loading platens. A theoretical study using the finite element approach was conducted to investigate the effect of confinement on the displacement field in addition to the stress distribution in the loading direction. Three types of loading platens were examined: the dry solid platens, the brush support and teflon friction reducing pads. The results of the simulation indicated that the most homogeneous stress and displacement field are achieved through the brush platens. Based on the finite element investigation, the size and dimensions of the brush platens were recommended. They were used in the experimental study.; The test results were used to modify and calibrate a fracture energy-based non-associated model for high-strength concrete. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
