Analysis of cracking of cellular concrete block (thermostone)‎

Abstract EN

This research deals with a problem that exists during manufacturing of thermo stone blocks which are produced in a company for insulation building material.

Micro and macro cracks are some of those problems which reduce the resistance to fracture under loads, or causing damage to the product during manufacturing processes.

The research applies practical -theoretical method to determine the mechanism of fracture, depending on taking two images, one is a stereo microscope with suitable magnification, so that all different phases can be seen as possible, the second one is a video image to show pores and cracks.

A numerical solution (finite element method) was applied on the images.

Chemical composition and percentage of elements and their effect on fracture behavior have been studied also.