Abstract
Two dimensional meso-scale concrete modeling was used in finite element analysis of plain concrete beam subjected to bending. The plane stress 4-noded quadrilateral elements were utilized to model coarse aggregate, cement mortar. The effect of aggregate fraction distribution, and pores percent of the total area – resulting from air voids entrapped in concrete during placement on the behavior of plain concrete beam in flexural was detected. Aggregate size fractions were randomly distributed across the profile area of the beam. Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM) was employed to treat the discontinuities problems result from double phases of concrete and cracking that faced during the finite element analysis of concrete beam. Cracking was initiated at a small notch located at the middle of the bottom face of the concrete beam. The response of plain concrete beam subjected to pure bending via two point load application was detected using (XFEM) analysis of meso-scale concrete model. Assuming full bond between aggregate particles, and mortar at interfacial zone, the flexural strength of plain concrete beam is increased when aggregate particles size is increased, so that bending and shear stress were affected by void percentage and aggregate particles distribution. The maximum deflection at midspan was increased when the aggregate particles size decreases.
Highlights
Concrete is a heterogeneous composite material that in general consists of cement mortar, aggregate, and pores
Huang [18] used three point loading test for mortar specimen with different thickness. He used the XFEM for the crack propagation and failure representation in mortar numerical models. He conclude that the XFEM is able for the representation of the crack propagation and failure of mortar specimens, the results show that the thickness, and the water cement ratio of test specimens affect the crack performance
The stress magnitudes are increased in some aggregate particles, this is due to the high strength of the aggregate
Summary
Concrete is a heterogeneous composite material that in general consists of cement mortar, aggregate, and pores. For better understanding mechanical behavior of concrete subjected to various loading conditions a new scale studies were developed. The approximation of considering concrete as a homogeneous material can be accepted when it is within the elastic range. In this stage, dissipation of energy in the form of plastic behavior and/or surface separation during micro cracking Wang [5]. As the energy is dissipated occurred concrete is no longer in the elastic range and cannot be considered as homogenous continuum, and its behavior will be governed by the sub-material of the composite concrete and a new scale of analysis is required to overcome this problem. A meso-scale analysis was conducted to a plain concrete beam subjected to flexural loading
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
