A finite element model with discrete embedded elements for fibre reinforced composites

• Published in: Computers & structures Vol. 94-95; pp. 22 - 33
• Main Authors: Cunha, Vítor M.C.F., Barros, Joaquim A.O., Sena-Cruz, José M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01-03-2012; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Building structure; Buildings. Public works; Computer simulation; Construction (buildings and works); Embedded discrete element; Exact sciences and technology; FEM; Fibre; Fibre reinforced concrete; Fracture mechanics (crack, fatigue, damage...); Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Mathematical analysis; Mathematical models; Physics; Reinforced concrete; Reinforced concrete structure; Smeared crack model; Solid mechanics; Steel fibers; Steel-concrete composite structure; Strategy; Structural and continuum mechanics; Smeared crack model; Embedded discrete element; Fibre reinforced concrete; FEM; High performance; Pull out resistance; Fiber reinforced material; Discrete element method; Experimental study; Modeling; Composite material; Reinforced concrete; Finite element method; Composite construction; Steel fiber; Fiber orientation; Embedded transducer; Two phase medium; Steel concrete; Civil engineering; Crack
• ISSN: 0045-7949; 1879-2243
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compstruc.2011.12.005

► In this work the fibre reinforced composite, FRC, is assumed as a two phase material. ► The behaviour of FRC is modelled based upon the fibres’ micro-mechanical behaviour. ► The fibre phase was generated by a Monte-Carlo procedure. ► The numerical model results have a good agreement with the experimental test results.
This work presents a numerical approach to simulate the behaviour of steel fibre reinforced concrete, FRC. The adopted strategy comprises three main steps: (i) assessing the fibre pullout behaviour; (ii) generation of “virtual” fibre structures and (iii) modelling FRC as a two-phase material. The concrete phase is simulated with a smeared crack model, while the fibre’s positioning and orientation correspond to the fibre phase and are obtained from step ii. Finally, the fibre reinforcement mechanisms are modelled with the micro-mechanical behaviour laws obtained in step i. The agreement between the numerical and experimental results revealed the high predictive performance of the developed numerical strategy.