Analysis of Damage Mechanisms and Evolution in Recycled Aggregate Concrete Considering the Effects of Water–Cement Ratio and Pore Water.
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| Title: | Analysis of Damage Mechanisms and Evolution in Recycled Aggregate Concrete Considering the Effects of Water–Cement Ratio and Pore Water. |
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| Authors: | Cao, Wei1 (AUTHOR) caowei@emails.bjut.edu.cn, Peng, Yijiang2 (AUTHOR) pengyijiang@bjut.edu.cn |
| Source: | Journal of Engineering Mechanics. Jul2026, Vol. 152 Issue 7, p1-11. 11p. |
| Subjects: | Pore fluids, Mechanical behavior of materials, Monte Carlo method, Fracture mechanics, Finite element method, Recycled concrete aggregates |
| Abstract: | To study the effect of water–cement (w / c) ratio and pore water on the mesomechanical properties of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC), a computational model of RAC that takes into account various w / c ratios (0.3, 0.36, 0.4, 0.41, 0.49, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7) and porosities (3%, 6%, 8%, 10%, 12%) is established using the Monte Carlo approach. The base face element method (BFEM), an innovative finite element approach derived from complementary energy principle, is applied to calculate the stress and flexibility matrix of each element in a precise description while avoiding the Gauss calculus. The effects of w / c ratio and pore water on stress–strain curves, compressive strength, tensile strength, elastic modulus, and damage modes are investigated. The simulation results show that the compressive strength, tensile strength, and compressive modulus of elasticity gradually decreased while the w / c ratio increased from 0.3 to 0.7. The extended path of damage cracks gradually shifts from the old interfacial transition zone (ITZ) and interior of the old cement mortar to the new ITZ and new cement mortar between the localized cracks. Damage cracks are mainly found in the new cement mortar surrounding the dense area of aggregates. Pore water must be taken into account in the analysis because it significantly affects the tensile mechanical properties of RAC. Practical Applications: The physical properties of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) are particularly valuable in engineering and building, and its application offers substantial advantages in both the environment and the economy. One crucial factor in the RAC mix design is the water–cement (w / c) ratio. In addition, the mechanical properties of wet concrete is different from those of dry concrete. This study suggests that when establishing the mix design of RAC, the variety of microfailure mechanisms should be taken into account in addition to the changes in its load-bearing capacity, for example, with alterations in fracture failure modes, morphological changes after structural collapse, etc. For concrete structures with low strength, the degree of damage caused by internal cracks is often more severe. In addition, to maintain the service life of these hydraulic structures that are frequently exposed to dampness and water, it is also vital to take into account the effect of pore water on the bearing capacity of recycled concrete structures that have been exposed to a humid environment for an extended period of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Engineering Source |
| Abstract: | To study the effect of water–cement (w / c) ratio and pore water on the mesomechanical properties of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC), a computational model of RAC that takes into account various w / c ratios (0.3, 0.36, 0.4, 0.41, 0.49, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7) and porosities (3%, 6%, 8%, 10%, 12%) is established using the Monte Carlo approach. The base face element method (BFEM), an innovative finite element approach derived from complementary energy principle, is applied to calculate the stress and flexibility matrix of each element in a precise description while avoiding the Gauss calculus. The effects of w / c ratio and pore water on stress–strain curves, compressive strength, tensile strength, elastic modulus, and damage modes are investigated. The simulation results show that the compressive strength, tensile strength, and compressive modulus of elasticity gradually decreased while the w / c ratio increased from 0.3 to 0.7. The extended path of damage cracks gradually shifts from the old interfacial transition zone (ITZ) and interior of the old cement mortar to the new ITZ and new cement mortar between the localized cracks. Damage cracks are mainly found in the new cement mortar surrounding the dense area of aggregates. Pore water must be taken into account in the analysis because it significantly affects the tensile mechanical properties of RAC. Practical Applications: The physical properties of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) are particularly valuable in engineering and building, and its application offers substantial advantages in both the environment and the economy. One crucial factor in the RAC mix design is the water–cement (w / c) ratio. In addition, the mechanical properties of wet concrete is different from those of dry concrete. This study suggests that when establishing the mix design of RAC, the variety of microfailure mechanisms should be taken into account in addition to the changes in its load-bearing capacity, for example, with alterations in fracture failure modes, morphological changes after structural collapse, etc. For concrete structures with low strength, the degree of damage caused by internal cracks is often more severe. In addition, to maintain the service life of these hydraulic structures that are frequently exposed to dampness and water, it is also vital to take into account the effect of pore water on the bearing capacity of recycled concrete structures that have been exposed to a humid environment for an extended period of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 07339399 |
| DOI: | 10.1061/JENMDT.EMENG-8635 |
