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Interaction and Multiscale Mechanics Volume 3, Number 1, March 2010, pages 23-37 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.12989/imm.2010.3.1.023 |
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 open accessMesoscopic numerical analysis of reinforced concrete beams using a modified micro truss model |
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Praveen Nagarajan, U.B. Jayadeep and T.M. Madhavan Pillai
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| Abstract | ||
| Concrete is a heterogeneous material consisting of coarse aggregate, mortar matrix and interfacial zones at the meso level. Though studies have been done to interpret the fracture process in concrete using meso level models, not much work has been done for simulating the macroscopic behaviour of reinforced concrete structures using the meso level models. This paper presents a procedure for the mesoscopic analysis of reinforced concrete beams using a modified micro truss model. The micro truss model is derived based on the framework method and uses the lattice meshes for representing the coarse aggregate (CA), mortar matrix, interfacial zones and reinforcement bars. A simple procedure for generating a random aggregate structure is developed using the constitutive model at meso level. The study reveals the potential of the mesoscopic numerical simulation using a modified micro truss model to predict the nonlinear response of reinforced concrete structures. The modified micro truss model correctly predicts the load-deflection behaviour, crack pattern and ultimate load of reinforced concrete beams failing under different failure modes. | ||
| Key Words | ||
| mesoscopic analysis; micro truss; reinforced concrete; framework method. | ||
| Address | ||
| Praveen Nagarajan: Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology Calicut, NIT Campus P.O., Calicut, Kerala 673601, India U.B. Jayadeep: Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Calicut, NIT Campus P.O., Calicut, Kerala 673601, India T.M. Madhavan Pillai: Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology Calicut, NIT Campus P.O., Calicut, Kerala 673601, India | ||
