Modeling mesoscale uncertainty for concrete in tension

Nathan Tregger , David Corr , Lori Graham-Brady , Surendra Shah

Abstract

Due to heterogeneities at all scales, concrete exhibits significant variability in mechanical behavior from sample to sample. An understanding of the fundamental mechanical performance of concrete must therefore be embedded in a stochastic framework. The current work attempts to address the connection between a two-dimensional concrete mesostructure and the random local material properties associated within that mesostructure. This work builds on previous work that has focused on the random configuration of concrete mesostructures. This was accomplished by developing an understanding of the effects of variations in the mortar strength and the mortar-aggregate interfacial strength in given deterministic mesostructural configurations. The results are assessed through direct tension tests that are validated by comparing experimental results of two different, pre-arranged mesostructures, with the intent of isolating the effect of local variations in strength. Agreement is shown both in mechanical property values as well as the qualitative nature of crack initiation and propagation.

Key Words

stochastic modeling; concrete; generalized method of cells; aggregate-mortar interface; fracture mechanics

Address

Nathan Tregger; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208-3109, USA David Corr; Exponent Failure Analysis Associates Inc., 185 Hansen Court, Suite 100, Wood Dale, IL, 60191, USA Lori Graham-Brady; Department of Civil Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218-2608, USA Surendra Shah; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208-3109, USA

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