Concrete impact strength as a measure of the resistance of a structure to external destructive energy

This paper presents authors’ own tests of the impact strength of concrete. The impact tests were carried out using a pendulum ballistic hammer, two types of concrete with natural aggregate: with pebble (river) gravel aggregate and medium-grained crushed granite aggregate. The concretes were tested on cubic specimens with varying W/C ratios (0.40; 0.45; 0.50; 0.55). The surface roughness of the grains in the aggregates used for the concretes was measured using a profilometer. Concrete impact strength was determined by the energy absorbed by the specimen until failure. Concrete impact strength (EA) was compared with compressive strength (fc), tensile strength (fct) and stress intensity factor (K1c).