FraMCoS 8 2013 Toledo, Spain

Dual-lattice-based Simulations of Coupled Fracture-flow in Reinforced Concrete

Although reinforced concrete design typically allows for non-critical cracking of the concrete, such cracking is known to increase the effective permeability of concrete, which can promote various forms of structural deterioration. Numerical modeling offers opportunities for the study of these…

First page of: Dual-lattice-based Simulations of Coupled Fracture-flow in Reinforced Concrete
Year 2013
File Size 1.8 MB
Download PDF (1.8 MB)

Abstract

Although reinforced concrete design typically allows for non-critical cracking of the concrete, such cracking is known to increase the effective permeability of concrete, which can promote various forms of structural deterioration. Numerical modeling offers opportunities for the study of these durability problems. In particular, lattice models are attractive for this purpose. The present work describes the fundamental concept and related recent developments of a dual-lattice model for coupled fracture-flow analyses of cementitious materials. The capabilities of this model are demonstrated by simulating water absorption in cracked reinforced concrete, the experiment of which was performed by Zhang et al. [24]. Comments are provided regarding more realistic simulations of reinforced concrete durability problems and potential future developments of this model.