Composite models for concrete

Concrete is a three-phase material consisting of cement
paste matrix, discrete inclusions of rock (aggregate), and an interfacial transition zone between the matrix and the inclusions. We model the material as a composite formed by a matrix with embedded spherical particles; each surrounded by a concentric spherical shell. Effective elastic moduli of this composite are evaluated on the basis of the generalized self-consistent scheme (GSCS). This formulation is used to solve the inverse problem of
determining the elastic moduli of the interfacial transition zone from experimentally known elastic properties of the composite.

The presence of ITZ porosity gradients on the bulk modulus of mortar were also modeled.

References:

M. P. Lutz , P.J.M. Monteiro, and R. W. Zimmerman)Inhomogeneous Interfacial Transition Zone Model for the Bulk Modulus of Mortar , CCR journal, JUL, V27 N7:1113-1122 (1997).

P.J.M. Monteiro, The elastic moduli of concrete, Handbook of Elastic Properties of Solids, Liquids and Gases edited by Levy, Bass, and Stern, Volume II: Elastic Properties of Solids: Theory, Elements, and Compounds, Novel Materials, Technological Materials, Alloys, and Building Materials, Academic Press, pp. 393-411, (2001)

Z. Hashin and P.J.M. Monteiro, An Inverse Method to Determine the Elastic Properties of the Interphase Between Aggregate Particles and Cement Paste Matrix , CCR (in press)..