Time-dependent constitutive model of solidifying concrete based on thermodynamic state of moisture in fine pores

Abstract

An enhanced multi-chemo-physical model for the time-dependent deformation of concrete is proposed based on thermodynamic state of moisture in micro-pores. The moisture migration mechanism is divided into 1) moisture transport through CSH gel grains and 2) water in motion within the inter-particle spaces of hydrate micro-products. The new kinematic model makes it possible to simulate both long- and short-term concrete creep. An enhanced mechanistic law of stress path dependency is introduced to cope with a wide variety of stress and ambient histories as well. Time-dependency at elevated temperature is also investigated with current high-accuracy thermo-hygro dynamics. The instantaneous plasticity in direct connection with evaporating moisture from CSH crystal inter-layers is incorporated into the predictive system. Although some mechanisms remain unverified, drying shrinkage and creep at high temperature are fairly simulated. Copyright © 2006 Japan Concrete Institute.