Numerical simulation of concrete swelling using mesoscale detailed 2D particle models taking into account aging viscoelasticity and damage

Abstract

Concrete swelling due to internal expansion reactions (IER) concerns both physical and chemical phenomena which can have strong interactions as the swelling process evolves. Modelling the effects of swelling on the mechanical behaviour of concrete is of the most importance in order to predict the development of the deterioration, to assess structural safety and to determine the efficiency of rehabilitation techniques to reduce the negative impact of swelling. Mesoscale models are being used for the study of the behaviour of concrete focusing on the interactions between aggregates and the maturing cement paste in order to evaluate development of the main mechanical properties. These types of models are particularly relevant for the study of swelling since the aggregate structure of concrete and the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) are explicitly taken into account. This paper refers to the numerical simulation of concrete swelling using detailed 2D particle models in which the particles representing the coarse aggregates and the binding mortar define the concrete mesostructure. In the particle model, swelling is represented by a change in the normal contact force due to a change in the inter-particle relative displacement caused by the progressive particle area growth. Since the swelling reactions occur relatively slow over a large period of time, creep and relaxation properties of concrete are taken into account. The paper evaluates the effect of aging viscoelasticity on the development of stress inside the concrete and for predicting the progress of damage over time.