Modelling of autogenous healing for regular concrete via a discrete model

Abstract

In this paper a numerical model for autogenous healing of normal strength concrete is presented in detail, along with preliminary results of its validation, which is planned to be achieved by comparing the results of numerical analyses with those of a dedicated experimental campaign. Recently the SMM (Solidification-Microprestress-Microplane model M4) model for concrete, which makes use of a modified microplane model M4 and the solidification-microprestress theory, has been extended to incorporate the autogenous healing effects. The moisture and heat fields, as well as the hydration degree, are obtained from the solution of a hygro-thermo-chemical problem, which is coupled with the SMM model. The updated model can also simulate the effects of cracking on the permeability and the restoring effect of the self-healing on the mechanical constitutive laws, i.e. the microplane model. In this work, the same approach is introduced into a discrete model, namely the Lattice Discrete Particle Model (LDPM). A numerical example is presented to validate the proposed computational model employing experimental data from a recent test series undertaken at Politecnico di Milano.