2026 Vol.9 Aug.N04

• Title: A Finite Element Simulation Method for Microscopic Crack Propagation in Concrete Considering Random Aggregate Distribution
• Name: Rui Guo
• Company: Jilin Jianzhu University,Changchun,130119,China
• Abstract:

   【Objective】 To systematically investigate the influence of aggregate volume fraction and the strength of the interface transition zone on the entire process of microcrack initiation and propagation in concrete, and to reveal the intrinsic micro-mechanisms of crack arrestation through the interlocking of random polyhedral aggregates and crack initiation induced by interface weakening.【Methods】 Based on an 8.6 km municipal elevated C40 cast-in-place box girder, a standard 100 mm × 100 mm × 400 mm three-point bending micro-beam finite element model was established. A layered placement combined with an interference verification algorithm was used to generate four sets of non-overlapping, three-grade, polyhedral random aggregates with volume fractions of 30%, 35%, 40%, and 45%.with a 0.05 mm thin interface layer generated on the outer surface of the aggregates; a 2 mm base mesh and a 0.5 mm interface refinement mesh were defined; three sets of interface strength reduction gradients (0.4, 0.6, and 0.8) were set; four sets of material and fracture control equations were introduced; and extended finite element analysis was employed to conduct static displacement loading simulations.【Results】 When the interface reduction coefficient was fixed at 0.6, increasing the aggregate volume fraction from 30% to 45% resulted in a 1.29 kN increase in the cracking load (a 41.3% increase) and a 40.1 mm reduction in the ultimate crack length (a 31.7% decrease). The rate of improvement in fracture performance slowed significantly once the aggregate content exceeded 40%;When the aggregate volume fraction was fixed at 40%, the interfacial reduction coefficient decreased from 0.8 to 0.4, the average damage factor across the entire region increased by 214.2%, the proportion of cracks originating at the interface rose from 38.1% to 94.7%, and the width of the main crack expanded by 198.5%.【Conclusion】 Increasing the aggregate volume fraction can significantly improve the concrete’s fracture resistance through aggregate interlocking, but the aggregate volume fraction should not exceed 40%. The interface transition zone is a vulnerable area where cracks preferentially initiate; enhancing interface strength can alter the crack propagation path and substantially reduce the overall damage level of the member.

• Keyword: Random aggregate distribution; Concrete; Cracks; Finite element simulation;
• DOI: 10.12250/jpciams2026090801
• Citation form: Rui Guo.A Finite Element Simulation Method for Microscopic Crack Propagation in Concrete Considering Random Aggregate Distribution[J]. Computer Informatization and Mechanical System,2026,Vol.9,pp.

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