Two-dimensional simulations of concrete fracture at aggregate level with cohesive elements based on X-ray μCT images

The paper presents results of two-dimensional meso-scale simulations of fracture in notched concrete beams subjected to three-point bending test. Concrete was assumed as a 4-phase material composed of aggregate grains placed in the cement matrix, interfacial transitional zones (ITZs) and macro-voids. The particle distribution was taken from real concrete beams on the basis of X-ray mu CT images. Comprehensive numerical analyses were carried out using the 2D meso-scale finite element method (FEM) with cohesive elements located in the cement matrix and along the ITZs. In addition, parametric studies were carried out for different material constants. The effect of the shape, content and density of aggregate packing was also investigated. A satisfactory agreement with respect to the load-displacement and crack geometry was achieved between FE analyses and experiments. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.