Stochastic fracture of concrete composites

A mesoscale methodology

authored by: Hui Zhang, Qing hua Li, Xin Zhang, Yun shan Han, Yu jie Huang, Lu Hai, Xiao ying Zhuang
Abstract: The accurate prediction of concrete composites’ fracture behaviour requires precise meso-structural characterization, appropriate fracture modelling, and pivotal uncertainty assessment. Towards this goal, we adopt a dynamics approach with CT images to generate numerical concrete models using real aggregates with 30%-60% contents. An image slicing method is then developed to obtain a large number of realistic models in 2D, whose heterogeneity is characterised by aggregates, mortar and interfaces. Monte Carlo simulations of uniaxial tension are performed, incorporating cross-scale fracture evolution through a phase-field cohesive zone model. Statistical analyses reveal that the stochasticity of crack patterns and stress-displacement curves, especially post-peak softening responses, is inherently dependent on the random meso-structures. It is observed that increasing aggregate content accelerates the deterioration rate of peak stress, decreases the softening curve, and leads to more tortuous crack paths, considering the ITZ crack channels. On the other hand, the tensile strength of mortar has significant impacts on the load-carrying capacity, while the fracture energy primarily influences the ductility and has negligible effects on the peak stress and the pre-peak nonlinear part. Besides, the ratios of mortar-ITZ tensile strength and fracture energy are found to affect the crack paths. The proposed numerical framework holds promise to reveal complex fracture mechanisms of concrete with more insights into other loading or environmental conditions.
Organisation(s): Institute of Photonics
External Organisation(s): North University of China
Zhejiang University (ZJU)
Ocean University of China
Type: Article
Journal: Engineering fracture mechanics
Volume: 306
No. of pages: 27
ISSN: 0013-7944
Publication date: 05.08.2024
Publication status: Published
Peer reviewed: Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas: General Materials Science, Mechanics of Materials, Mechanical Engineering
Electronic version(s): https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engfracmech.2024.110234 (Access: Closed)
: Details in the research portal "Research@Leibniz University"

BibTeX

@article{36bd2975afbe4139abf14a04e23a3d69,
title = "Stochastic fracture of concrete composites: A mesoscale methodology",
abstract = "The accurate prediction of concrete composites{\textquoteright} fracture behaviour requires precise meso-structural characterization, appropriate fracture modelling, and pivotal uncertainty assessment. Towards this goal, we adopt a dynamics approach with CT images to generate numerical concrete models using real aggregates with 30%-60% contents. An image slicing method is then developed to obtain a large number of realistic models in 2D, whose heterogeneity is characterised by aggregates, mortar and interfaces. Monte Carlo simulations of uniaxial tension are performed, incorporating cross-scale fracture evolution through a phase-field cohesive zone model. Statistical analyses reveal that the stochasticity of crack patterns and stress-displacement curves, especially post-peak softening responses, is inherently dependent on the random meso-structures. It is observed that increasing aggregate content accelerates the deterioration rate of peak stress, decreases the softening curve, and leads to more tortuous crack paths, considering the ITZ crack channels. On the other hand, the tensile strength of mortar has significant impacts on the load-carrying capacity, while the fracture energy primarily influences the ductility and has negligible effects on the peak stress and the pre-peak nonlinear part. Besides, the ratios of mortar-ITZ tensile strength and fracture energy are found to affect the crack paths. The proposed numerical framework holds promise to reveal complex fracture mechanisms of concrete with more insights into other loading or environmental conditions.",
keywords = "Computer tomography (CT), Interfacial transition zone (ITZ), Mesoscale concrete, Phase-field model, Stochastic fracture",
author = "Hui Zhang and Li, {Qing hua} and Xin Zhang and Han, {Yun shan} and Huang, {Yu jie} and Lu Hai and Zhuang, {Xiao ying}",
note = "Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2024 Elsevier Ltd",
year = "2024",
month = aug,
day = "5",
doi = "10.1016/j.engfracmech.2024.110234",
language = "English",
volume = "306",
journal = "Engineering fracture mechanics",
issn = "0013-7944",
publisher = "Elsevier BV",
}

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