Finite Element Modeling of Compressive Characteristics of Concrete Containing Superplasticizing Chemical Admixtures

Abstract

Concrete is the main constituent material in many structures. This leads to difficulties in simulation and modeling of concrete structures. In this research a 3D model of a concrete cube is prepared using concrete damage plasticity approach. The validation of the model to the desired properties/characteristics under monotonic loading is then discussed. Concrete test of concrete containing Mega Flow SP1, Sikament NN, and SASplastSP60 superplasticizer chemical admixtures at a dosage of 0%,0.5%,1%,1.5%,2% and 2.5%, cubical specimen (15cm*15cm*15cm) was performed in a laboratory through each HRWRAs type. The results indicate by 2% dosage SASPlast SP60 and MegaFlow SP1almost the same increment but Sikament NN greater than the others, therefore Sikament NN HRWRAs is better designed for 2% dosage. The results indicate by 2% dosage SASPlast SP60 and MegaFlow SP1almost the same increment but Sikament NN greater than the others, therefore Sikament NN HRWRAs is better designed for 2% dosage The experimental results obtained were then used as input parameters for the numerical solution which were simulated using software. The strength of the concrete depends on a lot of factors including curing time, temperature, water cement ratio, moisture condition etc, and hence the modeling of the concrete specimen should be done carefully. Concrete damaged plasticity model available in ABAQUS software package was used to reflect the characteristics of the concrete model in compression as well as tension. Three dimensional non-linear finite element model was developed and analyzed by the Quasi-static technique using the ABAQUS standard model. Results show that the model simulated using Finite element method was able to predict the damage properties/characteristics of concrete specimen fairly accurately despite the variable nature of concrete. Hence, finite element analysis is an economical and time efficient method of advanced structural analysis that can be used to study the structural characteristics of concrete. Additionally, 2% superplasticizer admixture has been provided the optimum results on compressive strength of concrete of all the tested superplasticizer types. Finally finite element modeling with experimental validation results the results display a good correlation between these two approaches