We investigated the effects of hygrothermal aging on the tension–tension fatigue behavior of unidirectional (UD) glass/polydicyclopentadiene (pDCPD) composites. Samples were immersed in deionized (DI) water and salt water, and glass/epoxy composites were used as a benchmark for comparison. Composites of pDCPD showed less water uptake and superior fatigue performance compared to similarly aged e...

Link slabs designed for macroscopically crack free concrete bridge decks system were experimentally tested. The property requirements of the link slab material were considered. Special focus was placed on the fatigue and durability performance. Introduction of a ductile Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) material is proposed for its ability to control crack width and to exhibit high ductil...

Mechanisms for fatigue crack closure under plane strain conditions have recently been identified at very low (near-threshold) stress intensities in terms of effects of excess corrosion deposits or fracture surface roughness in promoting premature closure of the crack. In the present paper, a geometric model is presented for crack closure induced by fracture surface roughness. This model specifi...

The strength and fatigue properties of cast iron samples taken from water distribution mains have been investigated. Specimens were sourced from three sections of pipe which had experienced varying amounts of corrosion in service, enabling the variable of pipe condition to be incorporated within the study. The strengths in four-point flexure of small specimens from the pipes examined were descr...