Advanced Structures & Composites Center

Published: 2013

Publication Name: Proceedings of the 8th International Conference of Concrete and Concrete Structures

Publication URL: https://framcos.org/FraMCoS-8/p426.pdf

Abstract:

The key to successful nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of complex heterogeneous materials is to focus not only on the interrogation technique, but how the measurement is related to the desired performance property. In this work, the focus is on key microstructural features that can be directly measured, and how we can use those measurements to predict performance of heterogeneous civil engineering materials. Not surprisingly, the key is to focus on microstructure, and to appropriately match the interrogation techniques with the models that can predict strength, toughness, durability, and other properties of interest. We find that numerical models developed to directly mimic micro-mechanical phenomena offer great promise for making a robust nondestructive measurement-performance link. As examples, particle-based and lattice-based models allow incorporation of measurable microstructural features such as porosity and pore size distribution, phase distribution, as well as other spatially varying properties such as moisture. Examples are presented where x-ray tomography is used to produce 3D images of concrete microstructure, and how that information is can be incorporated into spatially matched numerical models to predict performance. The argument is made that physically based models for micromechanical phenomena represent the next step towards a viable NDE system for complex civil engineering materials.