Multiscale Characterization of Strain-Hardening Cementitious Composites

Abstract

This research involves the multiscale characterization of strain-hardening cementitious composites under tensile loading. The sensitivity of cracking behavior to fiber dispersion is studied using three-dimensional lattice models, in which each fiber is explicitly represented. It is shown that the nonlocal modeling of fiber bridging forces is essential for obtaining realistic patterns of crack development. Crack count and crack size are simulated for progressively larger levels of tensile strain. The influence of fiber dispersion is clearly evident: regions with significantly fewer fibers act as defects, reducing strength and strain capacity of the material.