Method of meshing ITZ structure in 3D meso-level finite element analysis for concrete
Aggregate-expansion method is proposed to generate realistic meshes for ITZ in concrete. 50m thick wedge meshes generated by AEM are close to ITZs real thickness. Total number of ITZ meshes generated by AEM is small and acceptable in FEA. Effects of ITZ on stress/strain/displacement distribution of concrete are studied. Tensile stressstrain response of concrete is predicted and validated with experiments.
meso-level finite element analysis concrete aggregate-expansion method itz meshes stressstrain response microcracking