Pore space and brittle damage evolution in concrete

A novel lattice model is proposed for linking experimentally measured porosity of concrete to damage evolution and the emergent macroscopic behaviour. Pore sizes are resolved by X-ray CT and distributed at lattice bonds. The mechanical behaviour of bonds is elastic-brittle with failure criterion dependent on local forces and pore sizes. Bond failures provide the only non-linear effect on the macroscopic response. Results are compared to several experimental load cases. They show good agreement of stress–strain response at lower stress levels and expected differences at peak stresses. The framework allows for future development of models with plasticity and time-dependent effects.