Simulation of self-compacting concrete in an L-box using smooth particle hydrodynamics

The three-dimensional Lagrangian-particle-based smooth particle hydrodynamics methodology was used to simulate the flow characteristics of self-compacting concrete (SCC) mixes in an L-box test. A Bingham-type constitutive model was coupled with the Lagrangian momentum and continuity equations to simulate the flow. The simulations of SCC focused on the flow times, the free-surface profile and the distribution of large aggregates (larger than or equal to 8 mm) during the flow. The numerical simulation results were compared with actual L-box tests carried out on several SCC mixes. The comparison revealed that the methodology is very well suited to predicting the flow behaviour of SCC in terms of passing and filling abilities and the distribution of large aggregates