Holistic modelling approach for special concrete: from fresh- to hardened-state

Sergio H.P Cavalaro,Ricardo Pieralisi,Ana Blanco

doi:10.21809/rilemtechlett.2018.67

Sergio H.P Cavalaro, Ricardo Pieralisi + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.21809/rilemtechlett.2018.67

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Abstract

In the construction industry, the design of dimensions and material properties is generally separated from the design of material composition and of the production processes used. Such divide is enabled by robust construction materials (like concrete) little affected by production processes if minimum precautionary measures are in place. The same does not hold true for special concrete types; whose higher sensibility compels a shift towards more comprehensive approaches that assimilate the production process in a holistic design. The design driven by integrated numerical simulations encompassing from production to the long-term performance is already ordinary in the manufacturing of plastic and metallic parts. Nevertheless, it remains an alien to the construction industry. The objective of this paper is to review existing studies that might underpin this holistic design approach in construction and show some of its capabilities. Advanced modelling strategies available to simulate the behaviour from the fresh- to the hardened-state are discussed for the cases of pervious concrete and fibre reinforced concrete. This approach provides a deeper insight about the material behaviour and aids to a new level of numerical optimisation of their compositions and production processes, unlocking a potential transformation of the modus operandi of the construction industry.

Highlights

Since the birth of steel reinforced concrete as a building material in the 19th century, there has been a divide between design and construction
Fibre reinforced concrete (FRC) is an example of how processes occurring in the fresh‐state can significantly affect the performance in the hardened‐state
This paper describes holistic modelling approaches for special types of concrete highly influenced by their fresh‐state behaviour and the production process

Summary

Introduction

Since the birth of steel reinforced concrete as a building material in the 19th century, there has been a divide between design and construction. Widespread use of concrete comes from an implicit symbiosis between designers and constructors, combined with the robustness of a material not hugely affected by the production process if elements are properly cast and cured. In a well compacted column, a slight increase in energy of vibration should not induce massive changes in the final performance of the element. This does not hold true for all applications or types of concrete. The behaviour of hardened FRC is governed by the strength of the matrix and by fibre distribution and orientation, which depend on the rheological properties, the casting procedure and the geometry of the element produced. Changes of more than 100% on the mechanical residual strength have been reported in the literature depending on the direction of testing or the production process adopted [1,2,3,4]

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