Finite element analysis of elastic property of concrete composites with ITZ

For better estimation of elastic property of concrete composites, the effect of Interfacial Transition Zone (ITZ) has been found to be significant. Numerical concrete composites models have been introduced using Finite Element Method (FEM), where ITZ is modeled as a thin shell surrounding aggregate. Therefore, difficulties arise from the mesh generation. In this study, a numerical concrete composites model in 3D based on FEM and random unit cell method is proposed to calculate elastic modulus of concrete composites with ITZ. The validity of the model has been verified by comparing the calculated elastic modulus with those obtained from other analytical and numerical models.