Title:
Predicting Fracture from Thermodynamic Modeling of Cementitious Systems
Author(s):
Y. Wang, K. Bharadwaj, H. S. Esmaeeli, P. Zavattieri, O. B. Isgor, and W. J. Weiss
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
120
Issue:
2
Appears on pages(s):
105-118
Keywords:
elastic modulus; finite element analysis (FEA); fracture; mechanics; porosity; tensile strength; thermodynamic modeling
DOI:
10.14359/51738493
Date:
3/1/2023
Abstract:
This paper describes an approach to predict the mechanical and fracture behavior of cement-based systems by combining thermodynamic and finite element analysis models. First, the reaction products in a hydrated cementitious paste are predicted using a thermodynamic model. Second, a pore partitioning model is used to segment the total porosity into porosity associated with gel pores and capillary pores. A property-porosity relationship is used to predict the elastic modulus, tensile strength, and fracture energy of the hardened cement paste. The paste’s modulus, fracture energy, and tensile strength, along with information on the aggregate properties
and interfacial transition zone properties, are used as inputs
to a finite element analysis model to predict the flexural strength and fracture response of mortars.