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Mesoscopic numerical simulations on the influence of needle-like malformed aggregates on the mechanical properties of concrete

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Abstract

Aggregate is an important component of concrete and determines the performance of concrete. Needle-like malformed aggregates significantly reduce the fluidity and strength of concrete, thereby affecting the safety of buildings. In the present study, numerical simulations on the damage and cracking process of concrete with needle-like malformed aggregates were conducted at a mesoscopic level using the cohesive zone model. The obtained results are consistent with those from previous experimental studies, indicating that the used method is feasible. In addition, the effects of the aspect ratio (Ck), proportion (Zb), and gradation (Jp) of the needle-like malformed aggregates on the mechanical properties and fracture characteristics of concrete under uniaxial tension and compression were investigated. The stress–strain curves, which reflect the whole process of loading failure and the characteristics of each damage evolution stage, were also obtained. The results show that the tensile strength and compressive strength of concrete containing malformed aggregates decrease with the increase of Ck, Zb, and Jp. The greater Ck, the higher Zb, and the smaller Jp, the greater the possibility of aggregate breakage in the concrete interior; the influence of Ck on concrete strength is the greatest followed by that of Jp and finally that of Zb.

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Acknowledgements

This research work is supported by Guangxi Natural Science Foundation (No. 2018GXNSFBA138060). We strongly thank the reviewers and editors for their valuable and instructive suggestions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi, China

    Jian Wu, Xiaofei Zhang, Yu Tian, Jianqing Jiang, Tianpei Xiao & Danni Luo

  2. Guangxi Zhuwei Nanning Design and Survey Institute, Nanning, 530007, Guangxi, China

    Yunyuan Cen

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Correspondence to Xiaofei Zhang.

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Wu, J., Zhang, X., Cen, Y. et al. Mesoscopic numerical simulations on the influence of needle-like malformed aggregates on the mechanical properties of concrete. Mater Struct 55, 126 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-022-01967-z

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