Piet Stroeven, Lambertus J. Sluys, Zhanqi Guo* and Martijn Stroeven
Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN, Delft, The Netherlands
*E-mail address: z.guo@tudelft.nl
(Received April 27, 2006; Accepted November 6, 2006)
Keywords: Virtual Concrete, Discrete Element Simulation, Concurrent Algorithm, Particle Configuration
Abstract. The impact the computer has on materials research in the concrete technology field is discussed. The making of virtual concrete for material research purposes is relatively new. Physical simulation by discrete element methods is the most common one among the developed approaches. This paper distinguishes these approaches in two categories, the first encompassing the systems based on random sequential addition algorithms, and the second on concurrent algorithms. The latter approach provides for more realistic configuration of particles of the virtual material. This paper deals with such approaches both on meso-level, where aggregates are studied, and on micro-level, where the cement paste forms the material component of interest. Potentials are optimum mixture design and (blended) cements, which allows approaching strength as well as durability issues. This paper presents some illustrative material on these topics.