Papers by Author: Erik Schlangen

Abstract: This study aims to develop computer models, with a microstructure representative of the PGA graphite, to contribute to the understanding of the relationship between the amount of porosity, the load-displacement behaviour and crack propagation. The project is in two linked parts, the first provides a model of the porous graphite which is then introduced into a lattice type finite element model to provide the load-displacement and crack propagation predictions. Microstructures consisting of matrix and pores with added aligned filler particles, typical of needle coke, were studied. The purpose was to isolate the effect of filler particles on fracture strength and the fracture path. In the paper crack paths and fracture mechanisms are discussed for different amounts of porosity and various filler particle arrangements.

Abstract: The lattice fracture model is presented in this paper, which is intended to simulate the fracture processes in multiphase materials to obtain the mechanical behavior in terms of load-displacement diagram and the cracks propagation. The basic procedures of lattice fracture analysis is that imposing a prescribed displacement on a lattice structure, finding the critical lattice element with the highest stress/strength ratio, removing it from the system and repeating until the system fails globally. One of the challenges in computer implementation of 3D lattice fracture model is the huge demand for computer memory. Matrix free technique is adopted to solve this problem.

Abstract: The fracture processes in cement paste at microscale are simulated by the 3D lattice fracture model based on the microstructure of hydrating cement paste. The uniaxial tensile test simulation is carried out to obtain the load-displacement diagram and microcracks propagation for a Portland cement paste specimen in the size of 100×100×100 µm3 at the degree of hydration 69%. The Young's modulus, tensile strength, strain at peak load and fracture energy are computed on the basis of the load-displacement diagram.

Abstract: This study is focused on examining the effect of cracks on chloride penetration into concrete. In order to get reliable results, short-term and long term experiments were set up and chloride penetration behaviour through cracks was examined. It was noticed that chloride penetration through cracks tends to decrease with time. One of the explanations is crack-healing. Especially, this trend was obvious in concrete samples with larger crack width. However, measuring the border between chloride contaminated zone and healthy zone was clear in concrete of short-term experiment, while it was ambiguous in long term experiment.

Abstract: It is well known that asphalt concrete is a self healing material: immediately after both faces of a crack are in contact, the diffusion of molecules from one face to the other starts. If there are no more loads, this process takes place until the crack has completely disappeared and the material has recovered its original resistance [1]. To increase this healing rate two methods are proposed. The first one is a passive self-healing mechanism. Embedded encapsulated chemicals are used in the binder. When microcracks start appearing in the binder due to the combination of ageing and accumulated damage, they break the capsules and the chemicals enter the binder by diffusion. These chemicals repair the material, decreasing the stiffness and increasing the healing rates of bitumen. The second approach makes use of an active self healing mechanism. Local heating inside the material is used to repair the binder and to improve the properties again. This is realized by adding conductive particles to the binder and using induction energy to increase the temperature. These methods are a fairly new concept in the asphalt industry.

Abstract: In this paper a micromechanics-based design is proposed for the development of a material with enhanced ductility and flexural strength combined with low production cost. The composite performance is described by 11 micromechanical properties of the system consisting of cement matrix, fibres and fibre-matrix interface. Most of these properties are defined through laboratory tests. A strain-hardening behaviour with multiple microcracks prior to failure is is the goal for the composite with enhanced ductility. The amount and size of the fibres needed for bridging the microcracks as well as the composition of the cement matrix will be determined in order to achieve this behaviour.

Abstract: In a companion paper in this conference [1] an experimental study is presented that deals with measuring fracture properties and obtaining 3D images of the particle structure in heterogeneous materials as mortars and concrete. The fracture mechanisms observed in the tests are modelled with a 3D lattice model. The heterogeneity of the model is directly implemented from the 3D images obtained in a CT-scanner. With this method realistic crack patterns can be obtained.

Abstract: This paper describes a method to measure the 3D-microstructure of a material which can be used to perform fracture simulations. A model concrete is made and the 3D structure is obtained with a CTscanner. Uni-axial tensile tests are performed on cylindrical specimens of the model concrete a regular concrete and of a mortar. The model concrete shows more micro-cracking, a more tortuous crack path, a lower tensile load and a less brittle behaviour compared to the mortar and the regular concrete. Furthermore it is found that the opening of the crack is more uniform when the material is more heterogeneous, which results in a more stable fracture.

Abstract: In the present study the damage mechanism of Alkali-Silica-Reaction (ASR) in concrete bearing reactive volcanic rock is investigated. A combined numerical and experimental research is presented. The mechanism of ASR is investigated on a concrete microbar specimen by using various microscopy techniques. A meso mechanical model based on lattice theories is used as a starting point. Variables in the model are the properties of the concrete components on the meso-level, like mechanical properties of cement paste, aggregates, dissolved aggregate, bond properties and finally the properties of the gel. It is found that current numerical model is able to simulate ASR cracks similar to the experimental observations.

Abstract: This study is focused on examining the effect of critical crack width in combination with crack depth on chloride penetration into concrete. Because concrete structures have to meet a minimum service-life, critical crack width has become an important parameter. Specimens with different crack width / crack length have been subjected to rapid chloride migration testing (RCM). The results of this study show a critical crack width of about 0.012 mm. Cracks smaller than this critical crack width are considered not to have a significant influence on the rate of chloride transport inwards, while chloride penetration does proceed faster above this critical crack width.