Modelling of the influence of water-cement ratio on early age (micro-)cracking

Title: Modelling of the influence of water-cement ratio on early age (micro-)cracking
Author(s): E. Schlangen, E.A.B. Koenders
Paper category : conference
Book title: International RILEM Symposium on Concrete Science and Engineering: A Tribute to Arnon Bentur
Editor(s): J. Weiss, K. Kovler, J. Marchand, and S. Mindess
Print-ISBN: None
e-ISBN: 2912143926
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2004
Nb references: 14
Language: English

Abstract: A difference in water-cement ratio results in a difference in microstructure, in mechanical and physical properties and also in eigen-stresses and (micro-)cracks for the components in the concrete (particle, matrix and interfacial zone). In this paper numerical modelling on the micro and meso-level of concrete is presented. The formation of the microstructure, including the matrix and the interfacial transition zones between aggregate particles is modelled explicitly on the micro-level. The outcome of these simulations are used in a meso-level model (lattice model) to study the formation of (micro-)cracking in concrete consisting of particles embedded in a matrix. Three concrete mixes with different water-cement ratio are investigated. A lower w/c shows more autogenous shrinkage, higher eigenstresses and thus a higher tendency for cracking. From the simulations it is found that eigenstresses caused by autogenous shrinkage reduce the tensile strength of the concrete. However, it is also concluded that the local material properties are very important and influence the outcome of the simulations to a large extent.

Online publication: 2004-03-25
Classification: Microstructure
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00
doi: 10.1617/2912143926.005