Meso And Macromechanic Approches For Rate Dependent Analysis of Concrete Behavior

Abstract

In this work, different strategies are considered to simulate rate-dependent uniaxial tensile behavior of concrete at meso- and macromechanic levels of observation. The first one is analyzed by means of continuum Perzyna-based elastoviscoplastic interface models representing the rate dependent influence of both mortar-aggregate interfaces and mortar. The rate-dependency of this material is modeled in two different forms. On the one hand, by means of interface elements which are incorporated in the discretization of the mortar, following the approach by Carol, Lopez & Roa 1. On the other hand, by means of a continuous elastoviscoplastic model, the continuum Perzyna-based Extended Leon Model, see 2 and 3, which includes a volumetric non-associated flow rule and an isotropic softening law, embedded in a rate-dependent fracture energy formulation. The mesomechanic results are compared with those obtained from macromechanic computational analysis in which the concrete material is entirely modeled with the continuum model previously indicated. The comparative analyses lead to conclusions regarding the capabilities and features of different strategies and levels of observation to predict rate-dependent tensile failure behavior of quasi-brittle materials like concrete by means of interface and continuum models. The results in this work are part of a comprehensive research program by the authors to analyze different aspects of concrete ratedependency under monotonic and cyclic loadings.