La tesis se enmarca en la caracterización, a nivel material, de la fractura del hormigón reforzado con fibras de acero (SFRC) bajo solicitaciones de tracción y cortante, y sobre la determinación de parámetros que representan la tenacidad del material sometido a esos dos modos de carga. Asimismo, se han realizado ensayos hasta rotura por cortante de elementos estructurales a escala real, los cuales se han analizado utilizando formulaciones existentes en distintos códigos de diseño.El comportamiento a tracción uniaxial del hormigón reforzado con fibras de acero se caracteriza utilizando cilindros entallados, elaborados con hormigones de resistencia normal y alta, con y sin fibras de acero. La metodología se extiende también para testigos extraídos de elementos de mayor tamaño. Los resultados se utilizan para definir parámetros de tenacidad y resistencia equivalentes de post-pico utilizables para representar el comportamiento del material y para un posible diseño estructural. Además, se desarrolla un estudio paramétrico experimental, que considera diferentes variables del ensayo y forma de probetas, para definir una configuración confiable del ensayo. Se analizan los modos de rotura observados y se evalúa la respuesta tensión-ancho de fisura. Asimismo, se propone una relación tensión-apertura de fisura característica para el diseño y análisis estructural. El comportamiento a tracción uniaxial se compara también con el de flexión y tracción por compresión diametral.La fractura por cortante se estudia a nivel material, en hormigones de resistencia normal y alta, con y sin fibras de acero, utilizando la configuración de cortante directo denominada push-off. Se analizan el modo de rotura y la respuesta tensión-desplazamiento. Además, se definen parámetros basados en la tenacidad y tensiones equivalentes de cortante para una posible utilización en el diseño estructural.Con el fin de obtener resultados que validen la utilización de las fibras de acero como refuerzo de cortante y al mismo tiempo estudiar la fractura por cortante a nivel estructural, se han realizado ensayos a escala real sobre vigas de sección rectangular y en T. Se analizan las respuestas carga-flecha y carga-ancho de fisura de vigas rectangulares de hormigón reforzado con fibras de acero variando su altura y de vigas T variando las dimensiones del ala. Los resultados obtenidos experimentalmente se utilizan para verificar la aplicabilidad de los métodos de diseño existentes en el caso del hormigón reforzado con fibras de acero. Además, se presenta una propuesta para el diseño a cortante basada en la respuesta tensión-desplazamiento relativo obtenida a partir del ensayo push-off de cortante directo. / The thesis deals with the characterization of the failure of steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) in tension and shear, on the material level, and the determination of parameters that represent the toughness in these two modes of failure. Tests have been performed on large-scale beams failing under shear failure, which have been analyzed using existing design code formulas. The toughness parameters determined from the material are used in the design against such failure.The uniaxial tensile behavior of SFRC is characterized using notched cylinders of normal and high strength concretes, with and without steel fibers. The methodology is also extended to cores extracted from large elements. Results are used to define toughness parameters and equivalent post-peak strengths to be used for representing the material behavior and for possible structural design. Furthermore, a parametric study considering different test variables and specimen shape is carried out in order to define a reliable test configuration. The observed modes of failure are analyzed and the stress-crack width response is evaluated. Also, a characteristic stress-crack width response is proposed for structural analysis and design. The uniaxial tension behavior is also compared with that of flexural and splitting-tension.The shear failure is studied using the direct shear push-off test configuration, in normal and high strength concretes with and without steel fibers. The mode of failure and the stress-slip and stress-crack opening responses are analyzed. Toughness parameters and equivalent shear strengths based on the test results are defined for structural design.In order to provide results for validating the use of steel fibers as shear reinforcement and for studying shear failure at the structural level, full-scale tests on rectangular and T-beams were performed. The load-deflection and load-crack width responses are analyzed and compared with results of plain concrete beam tests. The experimentally-obtained results are used to evaluate the applicability of existing design methods for steel fiber reinforced concrete. Furthermore, a proposal for shear design based on the shear stress versus slip relationship from the push-off shear test is presented.

Les Bétons Fibrés à Ultra hautes Performances (BFUP) se caractérisent par une résistance en compression bien supérieure à celle des BTHP couverts par la normalisation, une excellente durabilité et l'emploi d'un assez fort taux de fibres métalliques modifiant le recours habituel aux armatures. Ils sont notamment marqués par une résistance à la traction élevée. Cependant, selon le pourcentage volumique et le(s) type(s) de fibres initialement prévus dans la formulation et l’orientation réelle des fibres dans la structure vis-à-vis des directions principales de traction, leur comportement en traction peut être adoucissant ou écrouissant. Ces deux comportements nécessitent une approche différente pour assurer la sécurité du dimensionnement. Dans un premier temps, des méthodes de caractérisation du comportement en traction des BFUP ont été mises au point de manière à déterminer quel comportement va se mettre en place pour un BFUP et un élément structurel donné, en s’appuyant sur l’essai de flexion quatre points réalisé sur éprouvette non-entaillée. Cet essai nécessite l’utilisation d’une analyse inverse afin d’obtenir la loi de comportement « contrainte-déformation » (dans le cas d’un BFUP écrouissant en traction directe) ou « contrainte-ouverture de fissure » (dans le cas d’un BFUP adoucissant en traction directe). La configuration de l’essai de flexion quatre points pouvant entraîner des artefacts, elle nécessite un raccordement avec l’essai de traction directe. Pour valider ce raccordement, une méthode d’essai permettant de tester des corps d’épreuve de dimensions identiques en flexion et en traction directe a été mise au point. Les résultats de l’analyse inverse des essais de flexion ont été comparés à ceux des essais de traction directe. La comparaison a notamment permis de démontrer la robustesse des méthodes d’analyse proposées en particulier vis-à-vis de la cohérence de la discrimination écrouissant/adoucissant à partir du relevé de fissures sur chaque éprouvette. Dans un second temps, des méthodes de calcul adaptées à une approche type « contrainte – ouverture de fissure » ou « contrainte – déformation » ont été testées ou développées afin de prédire la résistance ou le comportement des poutres en BFUP soumises à des sollicitations concomitantes de flexion et d’effort tranchant. Cette configuration de sollicitation fait en effet intervenir de façon critique le comportement en traction du matériau. Pour valider ces méthodes de calculs, onze poutres en BFUP armé ou précontraint, avec ou sans armatures transversales et avec ou sans fibres (métalliques ou organiques) ont été testées sous une configuration de flexion conduisant à une rupture par effort tranchant. La caractérisation simultanée du comportement mécanique des BFUP à l’échelle du matériau en prenant en compte l’orientation réelle des fibres au sein des poutres, qui constitue une originalité de ce programme, s’est avérée particulièrement importante pour constater l’interaction entre le matériau, la géométrie de la structure et le procédé de mise en œuvre du BFUP sur l’orientation des fibres. Les méthodes d’analyse des essais de flexion quatre points mises au point ont permis d’évaluer quantitativement l’influence de la structure sur les paramètres caractérisant le comportement en traction du BFUP, notamment la déformation correspondant à la localisation de la fissure et marquant la fin du comportement global « pseudo-plastique ». Les conditions de synergie d’éventuelles armatures transversales et du BFUP vis-à-vis de la résistance à l’effort tranchant, ont pu être mises en évidence. Pour étendre l’analyse, la capacité de l’approche en « contrainte – ouverture de fissure » à prédire la résistance de poutres soumises à des sollicitations concomitantes de flexion et d’effort tranchant a été testée. L’approche en « contrainte – déformation » a également été appliquée, contribuant au développement et à la validation de méthodes élastoplastiques adaptées aux BFUP / Ultra High Performance Fiber Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC) are characterized by a compressive strength much higher than Very High Performance Concrete (VHPC) currently considered by standardisation, an excellent durability and the use of relatively high content of fibers. In particular, their tensile strength is quite important. Nevertheless, depending on fibers ratio and fibers types forecasted in the initial mix design and the real orientation of fibers in the structure compared with the main tensile directions, UHPFRC can exhibit either strain-softening or strain-hardening tensile behaviour. Each considered behaviour needs specific approaches in order to ensure a safe design. In a first time, characterization methods of UHPFRC tensile behaviour have been developed in order to determine which type of behaviour will occur considering a given UHPFRC and structure. These methods are based on the four point bending test. An inverse analysis of the results of this experimental method permits to deduce the “stress – strain” relationship (in the case of hardening UHPFRC) or “stress – crack opening” relationship (in the case of softening UHPFRC). The results depend on assumptions assumed during the inverse analysis. Thus, we have developed analysis methods which minimize the number of hypothesis in order to predict the most realistic behaviour law. The four point bending test configuration can involve artefacts. A comparison with direct tensile test is then necessary. In order to conduct this comparison, a direct tensile test method has been developed. It permits to use specimens with the same cross-section for direct traction and for the four point bending configuration. The results obtained from four point bending tests associated with the inverse analysis have been compared to those obtained with direct tensile tests. This comparison has been achieved using results of an experimental campaign considering different specimens sizes and two UHPFRC. Such comparison allows to highlight the effectiveness of the proposed method and particularly, its capability to deduce a strain-hardening or strain-softening behaviour of the material from observed crack patterns. In a second time, calculation methods adapted for « stress – crack opening » or « stress – strain » approaches have been tested or developed in order to predict the ultimate capacity or behaviour of UHPFRC beams submitted to a coupled shear and bending loading. Indeed, for this loading configuration, the tensile behaviour of the material is a main parameter. In order to validate the proposed calculation methods, eleven beams made of reinforced or prestressed UHPFRC, with or without stirrups and with or without fibers (metalics organics) have been tested in bending conducting to shear failure. The concomitant characterization of the UHPFRC mechanical behaviour at the “material scale”, taking into account the real orientation of fibers within the beams, constitutes an originality of this program. It has been useful to analyze the interaction between material, structure configuration and casting method on the orientation of fibers. Moreover, developed analysis methods of four point bending tests have been used to evaluate the influence of the structure (real orientation of fibres, influence of an eventual prestress or the structure configuration) on the parameters characterizing the tensile behaviour of the UHPFRC, in particular the strain corresponding to the localization of a critical crack. The conditions of additional contribution of UHPFRC and eventual stirrups in the shear capacity of the beam have been described. In order to extend the analysis, the approach based on the “stress – crack opening” relationship has been tested in order to predict the shear capacity of beams. The approach based on “stress – strain” relationship has also been applied, participating to the development and the validation of elastoplastic methods adapted to UHPFRC

Teeth trauma has become one of the most serious physical problems that people are suffering from in the past years. Early diagnosis and management are desperately needed to improve tooth survival, functionality and avoid the tooth loss. However, the diagnosis of cracked tooth could be challenging due to the small size of the crack. Therefore, a mechanics understanding of the tooth fracture is demanding from the perspective of developing a framework for failure prediction in clinical research and bio-mimetic restorative materials. This study focuses on characterising the anisotropic fracture behaviour and the crack shielding mechanisms in elephant dentin. This is often used as a structural analogue for human dentin due to the similarities in microstructure and chemical composition, in order to avoid the test-piece size restrictions, given the larger size of ivory than human teeth. Compact tension test-pieces were extracted from different locations on the ivory tusk so as to have different crack growth directions relative to the microstructure to inspect the fracture anisotropies. The fracture toughness as a function of the crack extension was assessed in terms of fracture resistance curves (R-curve). The accumulative crack-tip strain fields were also measured for the first time in dentin using digital image correlation technique (DIC) to investigate the capability of crack-tip elastic/plastic deformation before material failure. Investigation of crack morphologies, the interaction between crack and the microstructures, the fracture surfaces using both 2-D and 3-D techniques could provide with insights into extrinsic shielding mechanisms. Surface and volume crack opening displacement (COD) were measured for the first time optically and by X-ray computed tomography to investigate the effect of extrinsic crack-tip shielding. The displacement fields around the crack-tip obtained by DIC were fitted using Westergaard’s analytical solution to extract the effective stress intensity factor, by comparing this to the applied load, the efficiency of the crack-tip shielding could be evaluated. A novel cohesive element model (traction-separation law) was then established based on the COD results to simulate the physical process of crack-tip shielding. It is the first time the cohesive model has been adapted to studying the direct crack behaviour measured by in-situ experiment to predict the crack growth. This model was then validated using the crack-tip strain field and R-curve obtained from the experiment measurement.

Main extrinsic and intrinsic modifiers factors of crack growth rate in AA7050-T7451 were assessed in order to provide tools for aeronautical structures designers. These tools cover most necessary information to project aircraft\'s structures using the studied alloy, under damage tolerance philosophy. The experimental methodology consisted of use CT specimens, on TL and LT rolling direction to test its behavior under different conditions of stress ratio, force waveform, and the environment. The stress ratio values were 0.1 and 0.5, the force waveform used were sine and trapezoidal or Dwell under normal air laboratory conditions and salt fog 3.5%NaCl weight in order to simulate the marine environment. In Dwell tests, results were checked with the electrical potential drop technique (DCPD) in addition to the crack opening displacement (COD) method. Using the Walker coefficients, calculated on the present research, could be projected accurately the crack propagation behavior on Paris region and do fatigue life predictions using da/dN and S-N diagrams for different stress ratio values. The corrosion environment increases both crack growth rate and ΔKth due to oxides formation on the crack path that generates a crack closure effect. Dwell carrying makes decrease the crack growth rate by decreasing the slope of the Paris line on log (da/dN) versus log (ΔK) curve, instead of shifting down the line as occurs on titanium alloys. Rolling direction change from LT to TL increase the FCG rate in both threshold and Paris region, where the rate change use to be small. / Os principais fatores modificadores extrínsecos e intrínsecos da taxa de propagação de trincas na liga AA7050-T7451 foram avaliados para fornecer subsídios para projetistas de estruturas aeronáuticas, com base na filosofía de tolerância ao dano. A metodologia experimental consistiu em ensaiar corpos de prova do tipo compact tension (CT) da liga nas direções de laminação TL e LT, para verificar seu comportamento sob diferentes razões de tensões, forma de onda e condição ambiente. Os valores de razão de tensão estudados foram 0,1 e 0,5, as formas de onda foram senoidal e trapezoidal ou de Dwell, em condições normais de laboratório, ao ar, e névoa salina 3,5% NaCl, em massa, para simular um ambiente marinho. No caso dos ensaios Dwell, os resultados foram conferidos pelo método de queda de potencial eléctrico (QPE), além do método de flexibilidade elástica. Usando os coeficientes de Walker calculados a partir dos resultados obtidos, pôde-se projetar com precisão o comportamento da propagação de trinca na região de Paris e prever a vida em fadiga usando os diagramas da/dN e S-N para diferentes valores da razão de tensões. O ambiente corrosivo aumenta tanto a taxa de propagação de trinca, quanto o valor de ΔKth por causa da formação de óxidos na trajetória da trinca, que geram um efeito de fechamento sobre a mesma. Quanto à forma de onda, verificou-se que o carregamento Dwell diminui a taxa de propagação de trinca, diminuindo a inclinação das curvas log (da/dN) versus log (ΔK) na região de Paris, ao invés de deslocá-la paralelamente como ocorre com ligas de titânio. A mudança da direção de laminação de LT para TL aumenta a taxa de propagação de trinca por fadiga (PTF) tanto na região de threshold, quanto na região de Paris, onde a mudança de taxa é pequena.

Main extrinsic and intrinsic modifiers factors of crack growth rate in AA7050-T7451 were assessed in order to provide tools for aeronautical structures designers. These tools cover most necessary information to project aircraft\'s structures using the studied alloy, under damage tolerance philosophy. The experimental methodology consisted of use CT specimens, on TL and LT rolling direction to test its behavior under different conditions of stress ratio, force waveform, and the environment. The stress ratio values were 0.1 and 0.5, the force waveform used were sine and trapezoidal or Dwell under normal air laboratory conditions and salt fog 3.5%NaCl weight in order to simulate the marine environment. In Dwell tests, results were checked with the electrical potential drop technique (DCPD) in addition to the crack opening displacement (COD) method. Using the Walker coefficients, calculated on the present research, could be projected accurately the crack propagation behavior on Paris region and do fatigue life predictions using da/dN and S-N diagrams for different stress ratio values. The corrosion environment increases both crack growth rate and ΔKth due to oxides formation on the crack path that generates a crack closure effect. Dwell carrying makes decrease the crack growth rate by decreasing the slope of the Paris line on log (da/dN) versus log (ΔK) curve, instead of shifting down the line as occurs on titanium alloys. Rolling direction change from LT to TL increase the FCG rate in both threshold and Paris region, where the rate change use to be small. / Os principais fatores modificadores extrínsecos e intrínsecos da taxa de propagação de trincas na liga AA7050-T7451 foram avaliados para fornecer subsídios para projetistas de estruturas aeronáuticas, com base na filosofía de tolerância ao dano. A metodologia experimental consistiu em ensaiar corpos de prova do tipo compact tension (CT) da liga nas direções de laminação TL e LT, para verificar seu comportamento sob diferentes razões de tensões, forma de onda e condição ambiente. Os valores de razão de tensão estudados foram 0,1 e 0,5, as formas de onda foram senoidal e trapezoidal ou de Dwell, em condições normais de laboratório, ao ar, e névoa salina 3,5% NaCl, em massa, para simular um ambiente marinho. No caso dos ensaios Dwell, os resultados foram conferidos pelo método de queda de potencial eléctrico (QPE), além do método de flexibilidade elástica. Usando os coeficientes de Walker calculados a partir dos resultados obtidos, pôde-se projetar com precisão o comportamento da propagação de trinca na região de Paris e prever a vida em fadiga usando os diagramas da/dN e S-N para diferentes valores da razão de tensões. O ambiente corrosivo aumenta tanto a taxa de propagação de trinca, quanto o valor de ΔKth por causa da formação de óxidos na trajetória da trinca, que geram um efeito de fechamento sobre a mesma. Quanto à forma de onda, verificou-se que o carregamento Dwell diminui a taxa de propagação de trinca, diminuindo a inclinação das curvas log (da/dN) versus log (ΔK) na região de Paris, ao invés de deslocá-la paralelamente como ocorre com ligas de titânio. A mudança da direção de laminação de LT para TL aumenta a taxa de propagação de trinca por fadiga (PTF) tanto na região de threshold, quanto na região de Paris, onde a mudança de taxa é pequena.