A 2D mesoscale model for concrete fracture under dynamic loading

Abstract

In this paper, we present a 2D mesomechanical model for describing concrete fracture behavior under dynamic loading. The aggregate-mortar mesostructure of concrete is explicitly described, while the interfacial transition zone is represented as a weak zone of finite elements around the aggregates. Concrete failure is described by a damage-viscoplasticity model based on the Drucker–Prager yield criterion and the Rankine criterion as the tensile cut-off. For the viscoplastic part of the model, the consistency approach is adopted. In the damage model, separate scalar damage variables are applied for tensile and compressive stress regimes. Uniaxial compression and tension tests are simulated as the numerical examples. The model holds some promise because it reproduces the experimental failure modes in tension and compression, and in dynamic Brazilian disc test, and predicts a realistic compressive-to-tensile strength ratio as well as the strain-rate sensitivity effect for concrete.