A multiscale finite element model for prediction of tensile strength of concrete

Concrete is a highly heterogeneous composite material on the microscopic length scale (10-6 m) to the mesoscopic length scale (10-1 m). The heterogeneous structure of concrete influences its macro mechanical properties. The multiscale approach is an effective method to analyze the mechanical properties of composite material and support the design of material. In this paper, a 3D multiscale model for prediction of tensile strength of concrete is presented. The microstructure of Hydrated Cement Paste (HCP) is generated by the HYMOSTURC and exported to the Abaqus by using Python program. The local background grid method is used to directly generate the meso-scale models of mortar and concrete. An uncoupled multiscale method is applied to transfer parameters from a smaller scale to a larger scale model. In the case of scale overlapping, parameter transfer is carried out through a simplified uncoupled averaging method. Finally, the multiscale model is verified by flexural test of mortar and splitting tensile test of concrete.

Automated summary

This paper presents a 3D multiscale model for predicting the tensile strength of concrete. The microstructure of Hydrated Cement Paste (HCP) is generated and exported to Abaqus using a Python program. The local background grid method is used to directly generate the meso-scale models of mortar and concrete, and an uncoupled multiscale method is applied to transfer parameters between different scale models. The accuracy of the multiscale model is verified through experimental tests.