Geometrical Inclusion - Matrix Modeling of Concrete

Recent experiments and analytical investigations have shown that the mechanical behavior of concrete is strongly dependent on its microstructure. However, the concrete behavior is composed of three phases as grains, cement paste and interfacial transition zone. The grains type, size and distribution of aggregate affect the concrete's characteristics. Because of the random distribution and size variation of aggregate in concrete, the modeling of concrete's behavior based on component in meso structure is difficult and so we must use simple assumption. In this paper, through mixing design and grading curve, a simple method was developed to replace real aggregate with equivalent sphere aggregate with effective diameter. So we can use simple methods instead of complex numeral and randomness or X ray methods to find effective diameter and to determine two arrangements with maximum and minimum aggregate volume as a repeatable basical element. As a result, we can use this element for modeling the behavior of sample concrete in meso scale and three phases.