Non-linear material modelling strategy for conventional and high-performance concrete assisted by testing

Abstract

Concrete is associated with highly non-linear material behaviour leading to significant complications within numerical modelling. Simplifications, such as the assumption of a linear-elastic stress-strain relationship are only justified to a limited extent. Furthermore, solely relying on predefined material models within software that considers the non-linear material behaviour requires detailed prior knowledge by the user. The aim of this study is to outline a non-linear material modelling strategy assisted by hardened concrete testing, serving as a guide for independent implementation. More than 230 hardened concrete experiments were carried out on four fine-grained concrete types, which are normal strength, high performance and ultra-high performance concrete with and without fibres. The obtained numerical load-displacement curves show excellent agreement with the experiments. One key finding was that the influence of the experimental setup on the results has to be considered. Finally, the proposed strategy was successfully put to test on high performance concrete T-beams.