This contribution aims at improving the finite element modeling of concrete’s damage- permeability coupling using continuous and elastic-based damage approaches. Accordingly, a review of existing laws is achieved showing how they lack physical representativeness in terms of (a) permeability evolution…
This contribution aims at improving the finite element modeling of concrete’s damage- permeability coupling using continuous and elastic-based damage approaches. Accordingly, a review of existing laws is achieved showing how they lack physical representativeness in terms of (a) permeability evolution from a microcracked (homogeneous) state towards a macrocracked (discrete) one and (b) permeability evolution considering mechanical loading-unloading paths. To resolve those issues, a new strain-based (rather than damage based) permeability law is suggested. The validation of this new law is achieved through two applications: (a) at the specimen scale and based on analytical developments where the permeability of the BIPEDE tensile test is considered for one loading-unloading cycle (b) at the structural scale and using FE analysis considering the permeability of a cracked VeRCoRs RSV (Representative Structural Volume of a 1:3 scale Containment Building) under pressurization-depressurization loads. The obtained results clearly demonstrate the enhancement of the permeability evaluation in concrete structures which should lead to a better assessment of the structural durability and serviceability. 1 Institute of Engineering Univ. Grenoble Alpes 1 10th International Conference on Fracture Mechanics of Concrete and Concrete Structures FraMCoS-X G. Pijaudier-Cabot, P. Grassl and C.