On the relative use of micro-mechanical lattice analysis of 3-phase particle composites

In this paper results obtained from analyses made using a beam lattice model are presented and discussed. The material system studied is a 3-phase particle composite where stiff and strong aggregate particles are embedded in a weaker and softer cement matrix. A third phase exists between these two phases, namely a thin zone enveloping the aggregate particles. This thin zone of extremely weak material is the interfacial transition zone (ITZ). In the composite either the ITZ phase or the matrix phase may percolate. It is shown that the macroscopic behavior of the composite differs significantly when the internal material geometry varies, either by changing the particle density or by varying the ITZ thickness. The results from these analyses could, after an extensive verification/falsification experimental phase, help to construct realistic macroscopic fracture models, [Van Mier JGM. Reality behind fictitious cracks? In: Li VC, Leung CKY, Willam KJ, Billington SL, editors. Proceedings of the 5th international conference on ‘Fracture of concrete and concrete structures’ (FraMCoS-V). Evanston, (IL): IA-FraMCoS; 2004. p.11–30], and might point towards new ways to improve the material.