Study on Axial Compression Damage Characteristics of Graphene Oxide Modified Solid Waste Concrete Using Acoustic Emission

This study explores the reinforcing effects of different graphene oxide (GO) contents on cement-based materials (GSC). It monitors acoustic emission (AE) signals during the uniaxial compression failure process of GSC specimens at a loading rate of 0.5 mm/min, investigates the characteristics of AE ring counts, crack patterns and b-value changes throughout the entire compression damage process, and establishes a GSC axial compression damage evolution model based on the cumulative number of AE rings. Results show performance is optimal at 0.05% GO dosage: the 28-day compressive strength reaches 39.4 MPa, 32.2% higher than the non-dosage group’s 29.8 MPa, confirming appropriate GO improves GSC’s compressive strength and toughness. Based on AE parameters, GSC’s axial compression damage is divided into three stages: elastic compaction, crack development and near-peak failure. GSC has a higher initial b-value than traditional concrete (indicating more initial defects); the b-value declines as specimens approach stage III and hits a minimum at test end, a precursor to unstable failure. This study provides a scientific basis for optimizing GSC mix design and evaluating its compression damage behavior in engineering applications.