Computational thermal homogenization of concrete
Date
2013Source Title
Cement and Concrete Composites
Print ISSN
0958-9465
Volume
35
Issue
1
Pages
59 - 70
Language
English
Type
ArticleItem Usage Stats
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Abstract
Computational thermal homogenization is applied to the microscale and mesoscale of concrete sequentially. Microscale homogenization is based on a 3D micro-CT scan of hardened cement paste (HCP). Mesoscale homogenization is carried out through the analysis of aggregates which are randomly distributed in a homogenized matrix. The thermal conductivity of this matrix is delivered by the homogenization of HCP, thereby establishing the link between micro-mesoscale of concrete. This link is critical to capture the dependence of the overall conductivity of concrete on the internal relative humidity. Therefore, special emphasis is given to the effect of relative humidity changes in micropores on the thermal conductivity of HCP and concrete. Each step of homogenization is compared with available experimental data. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords
ConcreteMultiscale
Thermal homogenization
Hardened cement paste
Internal relative humidity
Mesoscale
Micro CT
Micro-scales
Micropores
Multiscales
Randomly distributed
Thermal homogenization
Computerized tomography
Concretes
Thermal conductivity