A model for cementitious composite materials based on micro-mechanical solutions and damage-contact theory

A model for simulating micro cracking in cementitious composite materials is presented The model employs micro-mechanical solutions of a material with a matrix phase spherical inclusions and penny-shaped cracks as well as a rough crack contact component The model follows from that of Reference [Jefferson AD Bennett T Micro-mechanical damage and rough crack closure in cementitious composite materials Int J Numer Anal Methods Geomech 2007 31 133-46] but now a two phase composite is used in place of a homogenous material and the matrix stresses are employed in the evaluation of the micro-cracking Single point compression and tension strain path examples show that the new formulation improves the accuracy of the model when Judged against material data from concrete and mortar specimens (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved