Yangwei Chen

Dr. Yangwei Chen

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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9 December 2025 in Materials
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
XLXiao Li
Xiao Li
YZYing Zhang
Ying Zhang
YCYangwei Chen
Yangwei Chen
YYYing Yuan
Ying Yuan
JFJili Feng
Jili Feng
ZLZhiguang Li
Zhiguang Li
This study examines how coarse aggregate volume fraction (Va) affects the double-K fracture toughness and fundamental mechanical properties of concrete. Wedge-splitting tests were conducted on specimens with six different Va values: 19%, 25%, 31%, 37%, 43%, and 50%. The results indicate that compressive strength (fc) and elastic modulus (E) consistently increase with Va, reaching 59.8 MPa and 37.9 GPa at Va = 50%, respectively. Conversely, tensile strength (ft), double-K fracture toughness (including initiation toughness KICini and unstable toughness KICun), and fracture energy (GIF) initially increase before decreasing, peaking at an optimal Va of 37%. Specifically, KICini, KICun, and GIF reached their maximum values of 0.54 MPa·m1/2, 1.20 MPa·m1/2, and 225.0 N/m at Va = 37%. The tortuosity of crack paths follows a similar trend, becoming more pronounced up to Va = 37% before diminishing. Furthermore, quantitative exponential relationships were established between ft and KICini, KICun, and GIF. A safety warning parameter (δ), derived from the double-K fracture toughness, was proposed to quantitatively assess the pre-peak ductility, with values ranging from 0.88 to 0.72 in this study. The findings offer valuable guidance for optimizing concrete mix design, suggesting that a Va range of 25% to 31% provides an optimal balance between high crack initiation resistance and adequate safety warning capacity for critical engineering structures.