CFD simulations of self-compacting concrete with discrete phase modeling

Abstract

Self-compacting concrete (SCC), is a special type of concrete with high compaction ability in the formwork with its own weight and compacted without any vibration. The main important advantage of SCC is the stability of its cohesion and homogeneity with higher workability structural material behavior in densely reinforced and narrow cross-section structural members with least amount of segregation, bleeding, and pores. This study aims to simulate the workability behavior of SCC by numerical modeling. The numerical model is based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Discrete Phase Model (DPM). The data derived from V-funnel, L-box and rheometer tests were used for assessing the flow characteristics of SCC. One advantage of numerical modeling is the ability to characterize better the blockage risk and segregation of aggregates in the fresh concrete. As seen from test results the constructed CFD model showed a proper relation with the workability of SCC.