Nonlinear Concurrent Multiscale Modeling of Concrete

Abstract

In this work a concurrent multiscale analysis of concrete is presented, in which two distinct scales are considered: the mesoscale, where the concrete is modeled as a heterogeneous material and the macroscale that treats the concrete as a homogeneous material. The mesostructure heterogeneities are idealized as three phase materials composed by the coarse aggregates, mortar matrix and the interfacial transition zone (ITZ). Special continuum finite elements with high aspect ratio with a damage constitutive model are used to describe the complex nonlinear behavior due to propagation of cracks, which is conducted by crack initiation in the ITZ and propagation to the mortar matrix until macro-crack formation. The numerical simulation of an L-shaped panel is performed to show the ability of the proposed method to predict the behavior of cracks initiation and propagation in the tensile region of the concrete. The numerical results are compared with the experimental ones.