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Simulation of fresh concrete flow using Discrete Element Method (DEM): theory and applications

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Abstract

This article provides an overview of the development and the contemporary state of research in the field of simulating fresh concrete flow using the Discrete Element Method (DEM). First, this work originating from TC 222-SCF simulation of fresh concrete flow, covers the mathematical methodology, the identification of the model parameters and the link between the rheological properties of fresh concrete and the parameters of DEM-based models. Various examples of the estimation of model parameters and calibration of the model were demonstrated, followed by verifications by comparing the numerical results and the corresponding predictions by analytical formula and laboratory experiments. Furthermore, software used in concrete engineering and existing industrial applications of the developed particle models were described, showing the potential of DEM.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Construction Materials, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany

    Viktor Mechtcherine & Sergiy Shyshko

  2. Swedish Cement and Concrete Research Institute, CBI, Stockholm, Sweden

    Annika Gram

  3. Institut für Angewandte Bauforschung Weimar gGmbH (Formerly Institut für Fertigteiltechnik und Fertigbau Weimar e.V.), Weimar, Germany

    Knut Krenzer

  4. University of Applied Science, Jena, Germany

    Jörg-Henry Schwabe

  5. Université Paris Est, IFSTTAR, Paris, France

    Nicolas Roussel

Authors
  1. Viktor Mechtcherine
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  2. Annika Gram
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  3. Knut Krenzer
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  4. Jörg-Henry Schwabe
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  5. Sergiy Shyshko
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  6. Nicolas Roussel
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Correspondence to Nicolas Roussel.

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Mechtcherine, V., Gram, A., Krenzer, K. et al. Simulation of fresh concrete flow using Discrete Element Method (DEM): theory and applications. Mater Struct 47, 615–630 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-013-0084-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-013-0084-7

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