Comparison of Finite Element Method Models for Predicting Concrete Compression and Flexural Strength

Abstract

The utilization of hybrid concrete has experienced rapid growth in today’s context, as it offers sustainable construction solutions. In light of this development, the present research focuses on investigating the viability of incorporating waste quarry dust obtained from Kotre, Gandaki Province, in Nepal as a partial replacement for fine aggregates in traditional concrete. To achieve this, a simulation based on Finite Element Method (FEM) is employed to compare the compressive and flexural strength of concrete specimens determined through laboratory testing. The study evaluates the accuracy and reliability of this simulation approach in predicting the hardened properties of concrete. Initially, the mechanical properties of the concrete specimens are examined under laboratory conditions to establish a baseline. Subsequently, computational modeling is utilized to predict the strengths of identical specimens. By contrasting the simulation’s outcomes with the actual data from the lab, the accuracy of the models in forecasting specimen strengths is assessed. The outcomes of this research carry significant implications for the adoption of hybrid concrete in sustainable structures and underscore the importance of numerical simulations in designing and analyzing concrete constructions.