Computers and Concrete
Volume 9, Number 1, 2012, pages 35-50
DOI: 10.12989/cac.2012.9.1.035
Determination of representative volume element in concrete under tensile deformation
L. Skarzynski and J. Tejchman
Abstract
The 2D representative volume element (RVE) for softening quasi-brittle materials like concrete is determined. Two alternative methods are presented to determine a size of RVE in concrete subjected to uniaxial tension by taking into account strain localization. Concrete is described as a heterogeneous threephase material composed of aggregate, cement matrix and bond. The plane strain FE calculations of strain localization at meso-scale are carried out with an isotropic damage model with non-local softening.
Key Words
characteristic length; concrete; heterogeneous material; representative volume element (RVE); damage mechanics; softening; strain localization.
Address
L. Skarzynski and J. Tejchman : Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Gdansk University of Technology, Gdansk, Poland