Finite Element Analysis of Concrete Beam under Flexural Stresses Using Meso-Scale Model

Two dimensional meso-scale concrete modeling was used in finite element analysis of plain concrete beam subjected tobending. The plane stress 4-noded quadrilateral elements were utilized to model coarse aggregate, cement mortar. Theeffect of aggregate fraction distribution, and pores percent of the total area – resulting from air voids entrapped in concreteduring placement on the behavior of plain concrete beam in flexural was detected. Aggregate size fractions were randomlydistributed across the profile area of the beam. Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM) was employed to treat thediscontinuities problems result from double phases of concrete and cracking that faced during the finite element analysisof concrete beam. Cracking was initiated at a small notch located at the middle of the bottom face of the concrete beam.The response of plain concrete beam subjected to pure bending via two point load application was detected using (XFEM)analysis of meso-scale concrete model. Assuming full bond between aggregate particles, and mortar at interfacial zone, theflexural strength of plain concrete beam is increased when aggregate particles size is increased, so that bending and shearstress were affected by void percentage and aggregate particles distribution. The maximum deflection at midspan wasincreased when the aggregate particles size decreases.

Keywords:

Meso-Scale Modeling , Extended Finite Element , Fracture Mechanics , Concrete Flexural Strength