Skip to main content
Log in

Multi-scale numerical model for simulating concrete material based on fractal theory

  • Published:
Acta Mechanica Solida Sinica Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

A new multi-scale numerical model is presented using the fractal theory and adopting FEM to simulate the failure of concrete. The relation between the fractal box dimension in large scale and the damage to concrete in small scale is deduced. And the evolutionary process of elastic modulus and strength in small scale is given. Consequently, the multi-scale numerical model is proposed to describe the constitutive relation of concrete between small scale and large scale. A two-dimensional static analysis of a concrete block is performed by using this model and the calculation result is discussed. The propagation of cracks of the concrete block is also studied.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Wittmann, F.H., Structure of Concrete with Respect to Crack Formation. Netherlands: Elsevier Science Publishers, 1989: 43–74.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Li, Y.C., Ma, H.F. and Chen, X., Analysis of concrete 3-D meso-mechanical model. Journal of Shandong Institute of Commerce and Technolog, 2007, 7(3): 98–101.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Li, Y.C, Ma, H.F., Chen, H.Q. and Xu, X., Approach to generation of random convex polyhedral aggregate model and plotting for concrete meso-mechanics. Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, 2006, 5: 588–592.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Alberto, C., Bernardino, C. and Pietro, C., On the mechanics of quasi-brittle materials with a fractal microstructure. Engineering Fracture Mechanics, 2003, 70: 2321–2349.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Gianluca, C., Zdenek, P., Bazant, F. and Luigi, C., Confinement-shear lattice model for concrete damage in tension and compression: I. Theory. Journal of Engineering Mechanics, 2003, 129(12): 1439–1448.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Zdenek, P., Ferhun, C., Ignacio, C., Mark, D. and Stephen, A., Microplane model m4 for concrete: I. formulation with work-conjugate deviatoric stress. Journal of Engineering Mechanics, 2000, 9: 944–953.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Zdenek, P., Ferhun, C., Mark, D.Y. and Stephen, A., Fracturing rate effect and creep in microplane model for dynamics. Journal of Engineering Mechanics, 2000, 9: 962–970.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Wei, J.X., Yu, Q.J., Zeng, X.X. and Bai, R.Y., Fractal dimension of pore structure of concrete. Journal of South China University of Technology (Natural Science Edition), 2007, 35 (2): 121–124.

    Google Scholar 

  9. Schlangen, E. and Garboczi, E.J., Fracture simulations of concrete using lattice model: computational aspects. Engineering Fracture Mechanics, 1997, 57(2–3): 319–332.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Schlangen, E. and Garboczi, E.J., New method for simulating fracture using an elastically uniform random geometry lattice. International Journal of Engineering Science, 1996, 34(10): 1131–1144.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Bazant, Z.P., Tabbara, M.R., Kazemi, M.T., et al. Random particle models for fracture of aggregate or fiber composites. Journal of Engineering Mechanics, 1990, 116(8): 1686–1705.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Xing, J.B. and Yu, L.Q., Study of fracture behavior particle composites with beam-aggregate model. Journal of Basic Science and Engineering, 1997, 5(2): 193–198.

    Google Scholar 

  13. Gao, H.J. and Klein, P., Numerical simulation of crack growth in an isotropic solid with randomized internal cohesive bond. Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids, 1998, 46(2): 187–218.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Zhang, Z.N. and Ge, X.R., A new quasi-continuum constitutive model for crack growth in an isotropic solid. European Journal of Mechanics-A/Solids, 2005, 24(2): 243–252.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Zhang, Z.N. and Ge, X.R., Micromechanical consideration of tensile crack behavior based on virtual internal bond in contrast to cohesive stress. Theoretical and Applied Fracture Mechanics, 2005, 43(3): 342–359.

    Article  MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  16. Tang, C.A., Numerical simulation of rock failure and associated seismicity. Int. J Rock Mech Min. Sci, 1997, 34: 249–262.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Li, J., Research on the stochastic damage mechanics for concrete materials and structures. Journal of Tongji University, 2004, 32(1): 75–85.

    MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  18. Hoeksema, R.C. and Gordon, R.B., Optical detection of crack patterns in the opening-mode fracture of marble. Inter. Journal of Rock Mech Min Sci, 1987, 24: 135–144.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Botsis, J. and Kunin, B., On self-similarity of crack layer. Inter. of Fracture, 1987, 35: 51–56.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Xie, H.P. and Ju, Y., A study of damage mechanics theory in fractional dimensional space. Acta Mechanica Sinica, 1999, 31(3): 300–310.

    Google Scholar 

  21. Carpinteri, A., Cornetti, P. and Puzzi, S. Scaling laws and multiscale approach in the mechanics of heterogeneous and disordered materials. Applied Mechanics Reviews, 2006, 59: 283–305.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Carpinteri, A. and Chiaia, B., Crack-resistance behavior as a consequence of self-similar fracture topologies. International Journal of Fracture, 1996, 76(4): 327–340.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. De, S.G. and Taerwe, L., Random particle model for concrete based on delaunay triangulation. Materials and Structures, 1993, 26(156): 67–73.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Qiang Xu.

Additional information

Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 51109029, 51178081, 51138001 and 51009020) and the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (No. 20110491535).

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Xu, Q., Chen, J., Li, J. et al. Multi-scale numerical model for simulating concrete material based on fractal theory. Acta Mech. Solida Sin. 26, 344–352 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1016/S0894-9166(13)60031-2

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0894-9166(13)60031-2

Key Words

Navigation