A numerical approach for the design of multiscale fibre-reinforced cementitious composites

Abstract

In the present work, a numerical framework for the design of new multiscale fibre-reinforced cementitious composites is presented. This is accomplished by covering three different length scales, namely the micro-, meso- and macroscale. At the microscale (here defined as ~1 mm), an enhanced fibrereinforced lattice model is presented for the simulation of strain hardening cementitious composites. On the other hand, the analysis of fibre-reinforced concrete is performed at the mesoscale (~10 mm) by means of a novel latticeparticle model. The main variables in both models are the fibre dimensions (i.e. length and diameter), the fibre volume content and the fibre-matrix bond behaviour. Their contribution to the global mechanical properties is discussed in details. Finally, the structural characterisation of the fibre-reinforced cementitious composites (FRCC) is carried out by means of a hierarchical numerical homogenisation of the material behaviour, integrating the information obtained from lower scales into the macroscale problem (~1 m). The macroscopic response of the resulting material is characterised via three-point bending tests using a continuum damage plastic model. Although the described lattice models can be used independently as design tools in fibre cement-based composites at the micro- or mesoscale, the multiscale procedure described in this paper allows for the development of new types of FRCC by considering the effect of the multiple-scale fibre-reinforcement.