LAUSR

In the concrete foundations, materials come into contact with bedrocks. The surfaces of bedrocks are often covered by sharp protrusions called asperities. Although geotechnical engineers have developed a reliable theory for assessing the mechanical stability of rocky terrains, the stability of transition zones between concrete and sharp asperities remains unsolved. Due to the large pressures that exist in these transition zones, the invasive influence of sharp asperities on the integrity of the concrete raises a question about possible changes of the mechanical properties of concrete materials used in foundations. These circumstances have inspired experiments in which metallic needles of various lengths have been embedded into cement-based materials to assess the influence of the needles on the compressive strength. This influence has been quantified, and the critical limits identifying the changes of material integrity have been determined. It has been conjectured that sharp rock asperities or needle-like rods of steel reinforcement in concrete may cause similar changes of material integrity as the metallic needles used in the experiments performed.