Statistical analysis of the compressive strength of concrete using 2D DIP technology and Finite Element Method

Abstract

Finite element models for studying concrete usually consider materials homogeneous, while concrete heterogeneously consists of aggregates, cement paste, and air voids. In this study, based on the 2D models of concrete with real heterogeneous behavior, the compressive strength of concrete was evaluated using digital image processing (DIP) techniques. It was attempted to create 2D models in Abaqus software for two concrete cubes under the conditions of the actual model of aggregates, cement paste, and air voids to achieve force-displacement curves. In this study, statistical analyses were performed to find out which slice leads to accurate results, and the variation coefficient of maximum forces corresponding to concrete compressive strength through specimens was obtained accordingly. The standard deviation obtained from the middle one-third of concrete cubes was about 3–10 %. According to nearly 100 % saving in processing time by analyzing 2D images, this study can be an auxiliary alternative for destructive methods or maybe for non-destructive testing methods in the near future.