Towards multifield discrete element modeling of concrete structures

Abstract

AbstractConcrete structures are built extensively all over the world. The prediction of the lifetime of a structure is very important in terms of costs and usability. A numerical modeling concept is presented that can describe concrete on the mesoscale. The focus of the model development is on the coupling of mechanics, heat conduction and chemical reactions. The Discrete Element Method (DEM) is used to describe the aggregates with spherical bonded particles. A voronoi tessellation provides access to the free space between the aggregates and leads to a pore network model (PNM) approach accounting for transport phenomena. Chemical reactions are handled within a processzone which couples the DEM and PNM. In the scope of this framework the sulfate attack on concrete is modeled and computed. The local deterioration in the concrete matrix is directly captured and the impact on the macroscopic behavior is presented.