Mesoscale modelling of concrete – A review of geometry generation, placing algorithms, constitutive relations and applications

Abstract

Concrete can be considered as a heterogeneous material at mesoscale comprising of several constituents such as aggregates, mortar and Interfacial Transition Zone (ITZ). Mechanical behavior as well as the durability characteristics of concrete is highly dependent on the mesostructure of concrete and investigating the complex phenomena surrounding concrete at mesoscale considering the heterogeneity presents an important tool to understand these complex mechanisms. Presenting the state-of-the-art developments in mesoscale modelling of concrete considering different analysis methods such as continuum Finite Element Modelling (FEM), Lattice Element Method (LEM), Rigid Body Spring Method (RBSM), Discrete Element Method (DEM) and Lattice Discrete Particle Method (LDPM) is the focus of this review paper. Effective methods to generate the geometry of consisting phases in the mesoscale models including different particle shapes and placing algorithms, selecting suitable material constitutive relations for the consisting phases are discussed for these different methods of mesoscale modelling. Potential applications including fracture mechanics and strengths and weaknesses of each technique are highlighted with possible methods to overcome the challenges of mesoscale modelling of concrete.