3D lattice type fracture model for concrete

A 3D beam lattice model is used for simulating fracture processes in concrete, which is schematized as a three-phase material (aggregate, interfacial transition zone and matrix). Numerical experiments are conducted varying the particle density. The obtained results show that, with increasing particle density, the peak-load decreases and the response is more ductile. This appears to be related to the amount of de-bonding. As a matter of fact, when the strength of the interface transition zone is set equal to the strength of the matrix, neither the peak-load nor the ductility of the lattice response are influenced by the particle density.