HOLISTIC MESOSCALE MODELLING OF CONCRETE - RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Modelling of concrete at the mesoscale is needed in many applications, but developing a realistic mesoscale model for the analysis of concrete behaviour under general loading conditions is challenging. This paper presents an overview of the development of mesoscale modelling of concrete within a finite element framework for both quasi-static and high strain rate applications. A 2D mesoscale model incorporating random aggregates and equivalent interfacial transition zones enables examination into the effects of random aggregate structure and the sub-scale non-homogeneity within the mortar matrix on the macroscopic behaviour of concrete. In applications where multi-axial stresses and confinement effects are significant, such as under high-strain rate loading where the inertial confinement plays an important role, a realistic representation of the multi-axial stress condition becomes necessary, and this requires 3D mesoscale model. Two types of 3D mesoscale concrete model have been developed, namely a pseudo-3D mesoscale model and a full 3D mesoscale model. For the explicit representation of the fracture process, a cohesive-contact approach has been implemented, at present in a 2D mesoscale framework. Illustrative examples are given to demonstrate the performance of the mesoscale models and the results are discussed.