Mesoscale modelling of concrete – A review of geometry generation, placing algorithms, constitutive relations and applications

• Published in: Engineering fracture mechanics Vol. 231; p. 106974
• Main Authors: Thilakarathna, P.S.M., Kristombu Baduge, K.S., Mendis, P., Vimonsatit, V., Lee, H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Elsevier Ltd 15.05.2020; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Algorithms; Concrete; Constitutive relationships; Discrete element method; Finite element analysis; Finite element method; Fracture mechanics; Heterogeneity; Lattice discrete particle method; Lattice element method; Mathematical models; Mechanical properties; Mesoscale modelling; Mesoscale phenomena; Methods; Modelling; Mortars (material); Rigid body spring method; Rigid structures; Mesoscale modelling; Lattice element method; Rigid body spring method; Lattice discrete particle method; Discrete element method; Finite element analysis
• ISSN: 0013-7944; 1873-7315
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engfracmech.2020.106974

•Methods of meso scale modelling are discussed with challenges and possible remedies.•Continuum analysis methods and discrete analysis methods are discussed.•Geometry generation, placing algorithms and material constitutive laws are discussed.•Applications of mesoscale modelling in fracture and durability are investigated. Concrete can be considered as a heterogeneous material at mesoscale comprising of several constituents such as aggregates, mortar and Interfacial Transition Zone (ITZ). Mechanical behavior as well as the durability characteristics of concrete is highly dependent on the mesostructure of concrete and investigating the complex phenomena surrounding concrete at mesoscale considering the heterogeneity presents an important tool to understand these complex mechanisms. Presenting the state-of-the-art developments in mesoscale modelling of concrete considering different analysis methods such as continuum Finite Element Modelling (FEM), Lattice Element Method (LEM), Rigid Body Spring Method (RBSM), Discrete Element Method (DEM) and Lattice Discrete Particle Method (LDPM) is the focus of this review paper. Effective methods to generate the geometry of consisting phases in the mesoscale models including different particle shapes and placing algorithms, selecting suitable material constitutive relations for the consisting phases are discussed for these different methods of mesoscale modelling. Potential applications including fracture mechanics and strengths and weaknesses of each technique are highlighted with possible methods to overcome the challenges of mesoscale modelling of concrete.