Effect of the interfacial transition zone and the nature of the matrix-aggregate interface on the overall elastic and inelastic behaviour of concrete under compression: a 3D numerical study

Abstract

A 3D numerical model is developed to study the elastic and inelastic behaviour of concrete with consideration of the interfacial transition zone and the nature of the matrix – aggregate interface. Concrete is represented as a bi-phasic or tri-phasic material, consisting of spherical aggregates embedded in a matrix (mortar) surrounded or not by a transition zone. The matrix–aggregates interface is modelled taking into account a perfect contact and a sliding one. Numerical elastic modelling results are in a good agreement with those obtained by Hashin and Monteiro analytical model. Numerical results of the overall behaviour modelling show a slight influence of the transition zone on the mechanical behaviour of concrete. In contrast, a significant influence of the nature of the matrix – aggregate contact is demonstrated and explained based on local analysis of stress distribution in the material.