A novel framework for modelling the 3D mesostructure of steel fibre reinforced concrete

Abstract

This paper presents a novel method for modelling the three-dimensional four-phase mesostructure of steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) consisting of coarse aggregates, mortar, interfacial transition zone and fibres, which provides several advanced features. It enables constructing various types of short discrete fibre like straight, spiral and hooked-end fibres with one-or three-dimensional elements while configuring their sizes and orientations. A key aspect of the approach is the capability of generating realistic-shaped aggregates with size-and shape-adjustability among fibres in a stochastic domain based on the relation of Voronoi and Delaunay structures. The mesostructure model is a powerful simulation tool for characterisation of such heterogenous materials because of the strong structural controllability, the algorithm's flexibility, the low computational cost and the productivity for many random samples in a statistical framework. To show the feasibility, the models were successfully implemented in a finite element case study to evaluate the elastic modulus of SFRC.

Diffusion model of sulfate ions in concrete based on pore change of cement mortar and its application in mesoscopic numerical simulation

“…The coarse aggregate used for pouring concrete in the project is usually irregular crushed stone. Naderi et al 74 and Sadouki et al 75 found that the aggregate shape significantly affects the performance of concrete, while existing studies mostly use random convex polygons to simulate coarse aggregates, which do not reflect the actual shape of coarse aggregates. Therefore, this article uses the equivalent convex polygon based on the actual shape of stone clasts to simulate the coarse aggregate.…”

Adaptive stochastic morphology simulation and mesh generation of high-quality 3D particulate composite microstructures with complex surface texture

“…Along this line, simplified approaches for the modeling of geo-microstructures have been developed in a number of research works (e.g., [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]). In addition, more advanced and sophisticated modeling approaches have also been reported (e.g., [14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30]). It is however noted that, in the aforementioned studies, interest has been placed in the simulation of the coarse-scale microstructures.…”