Search results

The general concept of mesomechanical constitutive modeling developed by the first author is applied to the description of inelastic mechanical behavior of concrete under very complex loading in three orthogonal directions. Concrete is modeled as an isotropic heterogeneous medium consisting of elastic inclusions that are embedded in a plastically deforming and fracturing matrix. The fracturing process of the matrix results in cumulative damage, in changes of elastic moduli, and in volumetric expansion. It was the confrontation with the complex experimental data presented in this study that led us to a new version of the hypotheses on which our special model for concrete is based. Three kinds of deformation modes in different loading segments are differentiated: elastic‐plastic‐damaging deformation, elastic‐plastic deformation, and only elastic deformation. Criteria for distinguishing between these three kinds of deformation are newly formulated. The results of this isotropic mesoscale model are shown to agree reasonably well with the experimental data received for very complex loading paths.