A Finite Element Model to Study the Microscopic Behavior of Plain Concrete

Abstract

The object of this study is to develop a finite element model of non-homogeneous concrete, consisting of mortar and aggregate, for in-plane loading conditions. Linear elastic properties of aggregate and nonlinear properties of mortar are employed. Experimental strength criteria are used to represent the mortar-aggregate interface. Experimental results for monotonic biaxial loading and biaxial strength of mortar are combined with a previously developed numerical procedure to represent nonlinear mortar. The finite element study considers the simplified model of concrete suggested by Shah and Winter. Formation and propagation of interfacial and mortar cracks, and the load-deflection behavior of concrete as affected by the strength of the interface and linear and nonlinear representations of mortar are studied. The analytical load-deflection behavior of concrete is compared with the experimental results of Buyukozturk.