The characterization of concrete on macrostructure based evaluation using the numerical techniques is
still limited because modeling the concrete as a single-phase material. Therefore, misunderstanding the actual
behavior of the concrete elements is the end result. On the other hand, microstructural analysis are still qualitative
technique and very difficult to be used to assess the mechanical characteristics of the concrete. The foregoing
difficulties motivated researchers to seek new concepts to maximize the benefits from using the finite element
analysis. The Digital Image Analysis has been used to identify aggregate quality and gradation. Recently, attempts
are carried out torelate the output of the digital image processing to the numerical analysis. Concrete cylindrical
specimens of different mixes that manually or mechanically compacted were used to implement the experimental
program. The concrete specimens were saw cut and photographed using digital camera. The photos were treated
using computer software to be transferred to the AUTOCAD program as two layers; cement mortar and aggregate.
Then, the AUTOCAD files were exported to the finite element analysis software SAP2000 to verify the influence of
the aggregate type and the method of compaction on the quality and the mechanical properties of the concrete mixes.
The results showed that linking the output data of the digital image processing to the finite element analysis led to
identify the concrete as a multiphase layers system and consequently, the finite element program succeeded to
predict the location of failure inside the system ( in the cement mortar, the aggregate, or at the interface). Also, the
finite element analysis succeeded to distinguish among concrete mixes that contained gravel or dolomite aggregates
which were compacted using manual or mechanical compaction. |
