A discrete-continuum coupled finite element modelling approach for fibre reinforced concrete. (April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, H.; Huang, Y.J.; Yang, Z.J.; Xu, S.L.; Chen, X.W.
• Is Part Of: Cement and concrete research. Volume 106(2018)
• Page Start: 130
• Page End: 143
• Publication Date: 2018-04
• Subjects: Fibre reinforced concrete -- Cohesive crack model -- Damaged plasticity model -- Damage and fracture -- Interfacial debonding -- Finite element model; Cement -- Periodicals; Cement -- Research -- Periodicals; Concrete -- Periodicals; Concrete -- Research -- Periodicals; Ciment -- Périodiques; Béton -- Périodiques; Cement; Concrete; Periodicals; 620.135
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cemconres.2018.01.010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0008-8846

Abstract

Abstract: Fibre reinforced concrete (FRC) exhibits complicated failure modes such as fibre breakage, mortar cracking, crushing and spalling, fibre-mortar interfacial debonding, depending on many material properties, geometric dimensions, boundary and loading conditions. Most existing numerical models are unable to reproduce these failure modes that may occur simultaneously or sequentially in a specimen, mainly due to difficulties in generating finite element meshes with a large number of randomly-oriented fibres. Herein we develop a discrete-continuum coupled finite element modelling approach for FRC materials capable of effectively simulating all the major failure modes. The continuum damaged plasticity model is used to simulate damage and fracture behaviour of the mortar, while debonding of fibre-mortar interfaces is modelled by nonlinear cohesive interfacial elements. Unique techniques are devised to generate conforming meshes between fibres and the surrounding mortar so that the randomly-oriented fibres are easily modelled. The modelling approach is validated by simulating single fibre pullout tests with different inclination angles, notched and non-notched direct tensile tests and three-point bending beam tests with randomly-distributed multiple fibres. Highlights: An easy-to-implement but effective meso-scale modelling approach is developed for FRC. It is capable of simulating and interpreting all main failure mechanisms in FRC. It is critically validated by experiments with single or multiple random fibres under various loading conditions. It can be used to optimise key design factors of FRC at meso/material scale by parametric studies.