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Title: Predicting Fracture from Thermodynamic Modeling of Cementitious Systems

Author(s): Y. Wang, K. Bharadwaj, H. S. Esmaeeli, P. Zavattieri, O. B. Isgor, and W. J. Weiss

Publication: Materials Journal

Volume: 120

Issue: 2

Appears on pages(s): 105-118

Keywords: elastic modulus; finite element analysis (FEA); fracture; mechanics; porosity; tensile strength; thermodynamic modeling

DOI: 10.14359/51738493

Date: 3/1/2023

Abstract:
This paper describes an approach to predict the mechanical and fracture behavior of cement-based systems by combining thermodynamic and finite element analysis models. First, the reaction products in a hydrated cementitious paste are predicted using a thermodynamic model. Second, a pore partitioning model is used to segment the total porosity into porosity associated with gel pores and capillary pores. A property-porosity relationship is used to predict the elastic modulus, tensile strength, and fracture energy of the hardened cement paste. The paste’s modulus, fracture energy, and tensile strength, along with information on the aggregate properties and interfacial transition zone properties, are used as inputs to a finite element analysis model to predict the flexural strength and fracture response of mortars.