In this paper, a two dimensional lattice type model is used for simulating the load-displacement response of a notched beam made of Steel Fibre Reinforced Concrete (SFRC) and subjected to four-point bending. The material is modelled as a lattice of…
In this paper, a two dimensional lattice type model is used for simulating the load-displacement response of a notched beam made of Steel Fibre Reinforced Concrete (SFRC) and subjected to four-point bending. The material is modelled as a lattice of brittle breaking beam elements. According to a generated grain structure of the concrete, different material properties are assigned to the beam elements. Fibres are inserted in the mesh, surrounded by interfacial elements that allow for transfer of both normal and shear stresses. The stress in the elements is determined from a linear elastic analysis. Fracture is realised by removing those elements from the mesh, that exceed their tensile strength. The model is very attractive, given the small number of parameters needed. By varying the interfacial fibre-matrix strength and stiffness, a qualitative study of its influence on the mechanical behaviour of SFRC can be carried out. The results of the simulation for one set of parameters are given and compared with experiments.