Numerical Discrete-Element Method Investigation on Failure Process of Recycled Aggregate Concrete
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 31, Issue 1
Abstract
This study numerically investigates the failure processes of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) and natural aggregate concrete (NAC). A two-dimensional simulation based on a discrete-element method (DEM) is conducted with a universal distinct-element code (UDEC) program. RAC is modeled by a combination of rigid Voronoi blocks cemented to each other using contacts for interfaces. The determination procedure of contact microparameters is analyzed, and a series of microscopic contact parameters in different components of modeled recycled aggregate concrete (MRAC) is calibrated using nanoindentation results. The complete stress-strain curves, fracture process, and failure pattern of numerical model are verified by experimental results, proving its accuracy and validation. The initiation, propagation, and coalescence of microcracks and subsequent nonlinear deformation behaviors of cement mortar, modeled natural aggregate, and recycled aggregate concrete are captured through DEM numerical simulations and compared with digital image correlation (DIC) results. It is found that both the new interfacial transition zone and the old interfacial transition zone are the weak links in RAC, where most microcracks initiate and propagate into the cement mortar region. The failure behaviors of MRAC revealed by both experimental and numerical results can effectively provide insights into the failure mechanism and enhancement of RAC.
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Acknowledgments
The authors acknowledge the research funds from the Australian Research Council (DE150101751 and IH150100006) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (51508181 and 51408210). The authors also thank the research support from the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2015M570679).
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Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 31 • Issue 1 • January 2019
Copyright
©2018 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Dec 13, 2017
Accepted: Jul 10, 2018
Published online: Nov 2, 2018
Published in print: Jan 1, 2019
Discussion open until: Apr 2, 2019
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