CHAPTER2.doc.doc

CIVL 111 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS CHAPTER 2 - MECHANICAL BEHAVIOUR OF MATERIALS 2.1 ELASTIC BEHAVIOUR 2.1.1 Introduction Under a small load, all materials behave in an elastic manner. When stress is applied, strain will be resulted. Once the stress is removed, the material returns to its original state (i.e., the strain goes back to zero). Moreover, before a certain critical state is reached, the stress and strain are linearly dependent on one another. Linear elastic behaviour is the basic assumption of many engineering analyses. In this section, we are going to investigate the physical basis of linear elastic behavior, define the Young’s modulus and describe how it affects structural design. Then, we will study the elastic behaviour of composite materials (i.e., when two or more materials are used in combination to carry the load). This will provide a foundation for the understanding of reinforced concrete design, which will be taught in another class. 2.1.2 Physical Basis of Elastic Behaviour To most of us, the first manifestation of elastic behaviour is perhaps the behavior of a spring. On loading, the deformation is clearly visible and on unloading, the spring returns to its original length. The elastic behaviour of all materials can be explained in terms of the simple spring. As we all know, materials consist of atoms that are held in equilibrium positions by bonds. Since the bond force is linearly dependent on interatomic distance, bonds can be considered as small springs placed between atoms (Fig.2.1). When loading is applied, the atoms will move relative to one another. The movement will stop once the bond force (resulting from change in interatomic distance) is in balance with the applied force. Once the loading is removed, the atoms will move back to the original equilibrium positions. The behaviour of the whole material is therefore linear elastic. In Fig.2.1, for simplicity, we have only considered the presence of bonds along the direc