This work presents a lattice–particle model for the analysis of steel fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC). In this approach, fibers are explicitly modeled and connected to the concrete matrix lattice via interface elements. The interface behavior was calibrated by means of pullout tests and a range for the bond properties is proposed. The model was validated with analytical and experimental results under uniaxial tension and compression, demonstrating the ability of the model to correctly describe the effect of fiber volume fraction and distribution on fracture properties of SFRC. The lattice–particle model was integrated into a hierarchical homogenization-based scheme in which macroscopic material parameters are obtained from mesoscale simulations. Moreover, a representative volume element (RVE) analysis was carried out and the results shows that such an RVE does exist in the post-peak regime and until localization takes place. Finally, the multiscale upscaling strategy was successfully validated with three-point bending tests.

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PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine the representative volume element (RVE) size for quasi‐brittle materials using a discrete approach, namely a lattice‐particle model.Design/methodology/approachDifferent material samples are generated and subjected to study regarding its size, maximum aggregate size and boundary conditions. In order to determine the mechanical properties such as the elastic modulus, Poisson's ratio or tensile strength, several tension tests are carried out. For this purpose, a lattice‐particle approach is used to model concrete's fracturing behavior. The information provided by the previous simulations is implemented in a statistical analysis to determine the size of the RVE.FindingsThe determination of the RVE size for quasi‐brittle materials is successfully achieved by means of a lattice‐particle model. Computed results show a good agreement with other results reported in the bibliography.Originality/valueWithin a general multiscale framework, the determination of the RVE size is of great interest and some studies have been performed for random heterogeneous materials. However, these analyses are mainly continuum‐based. The estimation of the RVE size is important for correctly predicting the mechanical properties and can be used in different multiscale schemes.

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