Finite element modeling of the structure and deformation properties of cement concrete

The article is concerned with improving the methods of finite element modeling of the structure and operational properties of cement concrete. The relevance of the development is determined by the prospects for expanding the capabilities of finite element (FE) modeling in software packages for addressing the problem of predicting and regulating the deformation properties of cement concrete. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to create an adequate FE model of the structure of cement concrete, which allows for a reliable assessment of the stress-strain state and calculation of the modulus of elasticity. For this purpose, an analysis of the results of the authors' previous calculation of the modulus of elasticity of cement concrete under compression and structural mathematical modeling of its properties was carried out based on experimental data, as well as an analysis of various types of FE models using the previous experience of FE modeling of the structure of cement matrix. As a result, an adequate hinge-rod FE model of cement concrete was developed, which allows, taking into account the factors of the composition of the concrete mix, to predict the strength and modulus of elasticity of concrete with high accuracy. The prospects for the development of the obtained FE models and their application in predicting and regulating the elastic properties of cement concrete are determined.