Multi-axial performance of high strength fine-grained concrete for carbon reinforced concrete applications

High-strength fine-grained concretes have been developed for carbon concrete structures whose uniaxial behaviour has been extensively investigated. In contrast, little is known about the material behaviour under multi-axial loading. In this paper the biaxial capacity of one of these fine-grained concretes is investigated under different loading conditions and compared with the behaviour of other biaxially loaded high-strength concretes. The influence of specimen geometry is also discussed, with tests carried out on both cubic and disc-shaped concrete specimens. Finally, the influence of the production process, in particular the laminating process typical of carbon concrete construction, is examined in more detail. These investigations serve as a basis for future studies on the biaxial compressive strength of carbon concrete.