69. Mesolevel models for simulation of fracture behaviour of fibre reinforced concrete

Title: 69. Mesolevel models for simulation of fracture behaviour of fibre reinforced concrete
Author(s): J.P. de B. Leite, V. Slowik, H. Mihashi
Paper category : conference
Book title: 6th International RILEM Symposium on Fibre Reinforced Concretes
Editor(s): M. di Prisco, R. Felicetti and G.A. Plizzari
Print-ISBN: 2-912143-51-9
e-ISBN: 2912143748
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2004
Pages: 799 - 808
Total Pages: 10
Nb references: 5
Language: English

Abstract: Two different types of mesolevel models have been developed and implemented for computer simulations of the fracture processes of fibre reinforced concrete (FRC). The first model, based on linear-elastic fracture mechanics and referred to as particle model, was modified and extended for simulating the crack propagation in FRC at a mesoscopic level. The concrete structure consists of polygonal aggregate particles immersed into a homogeneous matrix. At interface zones, initial microcracks are placed to bring about the fracture process. The effect of fibre reinforcement was considered by applying pairs of crack closing forces to the crack surfaces. These forces are crack opening dependent according to a fibre bond-slip relation. For the alternative model, a composite concrete structure is generated in 3D space, with comparably high aggregate content and realistic distribution. The generation mechanism allows controlling aggregate shape and size distributions. Thereafter, the continuum is discretised into meshes of linear elements (truss structures). Fibre reinforcement is modelled by additional elements connecting distant mesh nodes on the matrix. A softening function was derived on basis of a bond-slip relation, in order to describe the behaviour of the elements representing fibres. Compression, direct tension and wedge-splitting tests were simulated. Simulation results realistically describe experimental observations.

Online publication: 2004-08-30
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00