Computer simulation of fracture processes of concrete using mesolevel models of lattice structures

Mesolevel simulations were used to describe fracture processes in concrete. A new stochastic-heuristic algorithm was developed for generating the composite structure of concrete in 3-D space, producing specimens with comparably high aggregate content and realistic distribution. Aggregate particles were described as ellipsoids, allowing control in shape and size distributions. The continuum was discretised into lattices of linear elements, in structural analyses. For 2-D analyses, slices from the 3-D specimen were idealised as planar trusses/frames, while for the 3-D analyses the specimens were idealised as space structures. Fibre-reinforced concrete (FRC) was also modelled by introducing additional linear elements interconnecting distant nodes of the lattice. Compression, direct tension and wedge-splitting tests were simulated. Parametrical study was carried out to investigate the effect of different material properties and proportions in concrete admixtures. Simulation results are in agreement with experimental observations. Applicability and enhancements for such models are discussed and future research directions are proposed