A method for modeling the damage behavior of concrete with a three-phase mesostructure

Study on the mechanical response and damage behavior of concrete, especially its mesostructural failure mechanism, still remains an important issue in civil engineering and material science. In this paper, a method for modeling the damage behavior of concrete with a three-phase mesostructure consisting of coarse aggregates, homogeneous mortar matrix and the Interfacial Transition Zone (ITZ), is presented. Mechanical responses and damage deterioration of these phases within concrete are modeled by the elasto-viscoplastic damage model. The proposed method is then validated against experimental data with respect to its effectiveness. Numerical simulation tests have been further carried out to model the uniaxial behaviors of concrete in compression and tension. The simulation results show that the multiphase distribution in the mesostructure remarkably affects the mechanical response and damage behavior of concrete.