Influence of static pre-loading on the dynamic bending strength of concrete with particle element modeling

Experimental tests show that static pre-loading has a significant effect on the dynamic strength of concrete. Based on me- so-scale particle element model, numerical simulations of dynamic bending tests with pre-loading are performed. Complete stress-strain relationships are then obtained. Significant increase in dynamic strength is found when the pre-loadings are im- posed within the elastic limit of concrete. However, when the imposition of pre-loadings reaches the plastic or softening range, dynamic strengths may gradually decrease along with the increase in pre-loadings. The distribution of energy components and the failure modes are discussed to explain the mechanisms of the phenomena.