Graphical analysis-based calculation method of concrete strength

Abstract

This study established a three-dimensional random spherical aggregate model of concrete. Models with various volume contents of coarse aggregate were sliced, and slice areas were statistically analyzed. To study the effects of the coarse aggregate volume content and the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) strength on concrete’s compressive strength, a concrete strength calculation method based on graphical analysis was proposed. The ratio of crown area B to sectional area A of the spherical aggregate model was found to be close to 1.5. At the ITZ strength below 70% of the mortar strength, the increased volume content of coarse aggregate reduced the compressive strength of concrete, with the opposite trend observed at the ITZ strength exceeding 70% of the mortar strength.