STRUCTURAL APPROACH FOR NUMERICAL INTERNAL STRAIN MODELLING OF CONGLOMERATE STRUCTURES

The paper defines the principles for structure-simulation modelling of conglomerate material properties by an example of cement compositions. The constitutive essence of the principles consists in generation of hierarchical models of individual structural levels (including a sub-microstructural level) based on material structure data. Parameters of properties, determined for models of the previous structural level, are used as input data of continuum environment, which forms a matrix element for models of the following level. Detailed development of a general model for a composition makes it possible to correlate structural features at the level of a nanometer with material macro properties. Algorithms simulating physical and mechanical processes and phenomena, typical of cement systems individual properties (dry shrinkage, straining under load), are implemented based on the finite element method by determination of corresponding external and internal loads. Application of the finite element method makes it possible to completely maintain geometrical and physical “reality” of the model describing specific features of the structure under study; and enables solutioning, with a high degree of confidence, of theoretical and practical issues related to determination of quantitative effect of structure discrete parameters on various material properties