SpringerLink
Log in

Discrete element analysis of the rheological characteristics of self-compacting concrete with irregularly shaped aggregate

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Arabian Journal of Geosciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Concrete is a heterogeneous, multiphase, composite material, and the size and shape of the coarse aggregate used have an important influence on the rheological properties of the concrete. The aggregate is usually simulated with spherical particles in the discrete element method (DEM). However, the shape of real aggregates is uncontrolled and polytropic. Therefore, spherical particles hardly reflect the actual situation. To comprehensively analyze the rheological characteristics of self-compacting concrete (SCC), experimental and simulated tests of slump-flow and L-box tests of different performative SCC are investigated. An efficient and fast random polyhedron particle generation method is proposed to simulate the real shape of the coarse aggregate, which is close to the actual state. The slump-flow and L-box tests of SCC are simulated by using the established discrete element model and the irregular generating particle method. The slump-flow test shows that the generation method could effectively simulate the flow state of concrete, and the L-box test evaluates the passing ability of SCC. The rheological characteristics of the yield stress τ0 and plastic viscosity η are verified as Bingham model parameters, and the numerical results are perfectly consistent with the experimental results.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
EUR 32.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or Ebook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Fig. 14
Fig. 15
Fig. 16

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Badry F, Kulasegaram S, Karihaloo BL (2014) Estimation of the yield stress and distribution of large aggregates from slump flow test of self-compacting concrete mixes using smooth particle hydrodynamics simulation. J Sustain Cem Based Mater 5(3):117–134

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Berzins M, Kirby RM (2008) Examination and analysis of implementation choices within the material point method (MPM). Cmes Comp Model Eng 31(2):107–127

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen SG, Sun QC, Feng J, Liu JG (2014) Simulations of Bingham plastic flows with the multiple-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann model. Sci China Phys Mech 57(3):532–540

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chidiac SE, Mahmoodzadeh F (2009) Plastic viscosity of fresh concrete—a critical review of predictions methods. Cem Conc Comp 31(8):535–544

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cui Y, Nouri A, Chan D, Rahmati E (2016) A new approach to DEM simulation of sand production. J Pet Sci Eng 147:56–67

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cui Y, Chan D, Nouri A (2017) Coupling of solid deformation and pore pressure for undrained deformation—a discrete element method approach. Int J Numer Anal Met 41(18):1943–1961

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cui Y, Choi CE, Liu H, Ng CWW (2018) Effects of particle size of mono-disperse granular flows impacting a rigid barrier. Nat Hazards 91(3):1179–1201

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dellino P, Dioguardi F, Doronzo DM, Mele D (2018) The rate of sedimentation from turbulent suspension: an experimental model with application to pyroclastic density currents and discussion on the grain-size dependence of flow runout. Sedimentology

  • Dhaheer MS, Kulasegaram S, Karihaloo BL (2016) Simulation of self-compacting concrete flow in the J-ring test using smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH). Cement Conc Res 89:27–34

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ding W, Xu W (2018) Study on the multiphase fluid-solid interaction in granular materials based on an LBM-DEM coupled method. Powder Technol 335:301–314

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Doronzo DM, Martí J, Dellino P, Giordano G, Sulpizio R (2016) Dust storms, volcanic ash hurricanes, and turbidity currents: physical similarities and differences with emphasis on flow temperature. Arab J Geosci 9(4):1–9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • European Federation of Specialist Construction Chemicals and Concrete Systems (EFNARC) (2005) The European guidelines for self-compacting concrete—specification, production and use

    Google Scholar 

  • Ferellec JF, Mcdowell GR (2010) A method to model realistic particle shape and inertia in DEM. Granul Matter 12(5):459–467

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ferraris CF, Larrard FD (1998) Modified slump test to measure rheological parameters of fresh concrete. Cement Concre Aggregates 20(2):241–247

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gu X, Lu L, Qian J (2017) Discrete element modeling of the effect of particle size distribution on the small strain stiffness of granular soils. Particuology 32:21–29

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Höhner D, Wirtz S, Scherer V (2012) A numerical study on the influence of particle shape on hopper discharge within the polyhedral and multi-sphere discrete element method. Powder Technol 226(8):16–28

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kurokawa Y (1994) Study on slump test and slump-flow test of fresh concrete. Trans Japan Concrete Institute 16:25–32

    Google Scholar 

  • Larrard FD, Szitkar JC, Hu C, Joly M (1994) Design of a rheometer for fluid concretes. Int RILEM Workshop Special Concr: WorkabilityMixing 27:201–208

    Google Scholar 

  • Larrard FD, Ferraris CF, Sedran T (1998) Fresh concrete: a Herschel-Bulkley material. Mater Struct 31(7):494–498

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li YW, Bao L, Zhou **ao J, Gou WC (2015a) Variation in grain size distribution in debris flow. J Mt Sci-engl 12(3):682–688

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li CQ, Xu WJ, Meng QS (2015b) Multi-sphere approximation of real particles for DEM simulation based on a modified greedy heuristic algorithm. Powder Technol 286:478–487

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li Z, Cao G, Tan Y (2016) Prediction of time-dependent flow behaviors of fresh concrete. Constr Build Mater 125:510–519

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu C, Sun Q, ** F, Zhou GD (2017) A fully coupled hydro-mechanical material point method for saturated dense granular materials. Powder Technol 314(S1):110–120

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lu G, Third JR, Müller CR (2015) Discrete element models for non-spherical particle systems: from theoretical developments to applications. Chem Eng Sci 127:425–465

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ma H, Li Y, Li Y (2016) Random aggregate model for mesoscopic structures and mechanical analysis of fully-graded concrete. Pergamon Press, Inc 177:103–113

    Google Scholar 

  • Marks B, Valaulta A, Puzrin A, Einav I (2013) Design of protection structures: the role of the grainsize distribution. American Institute of Physics 1542:658–666

  • Mast CM, Arduino P, Miller GR, Mackenzie-Helnwein P (2014) Avalanche and landslide simulation using the material point method: flow dynamics and force interaction with structures. Comput Geosci 18(5):817–830

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mechtcherine V, Shyshko S (2015) Simulating the behaviour of fresh concrete with the distinct element method—deriving model parameters related to the yield stress. Cement Concrete Comp 55:81–90

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mechtcherine V, Gram A, Krenzer K, Schwabe JH, Shyshko S, Roussel N (2014) Simulation of fresh concrete flow using discrete element method (DEM): theory and applications. Mater Struct 47(4):615–630

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mirghasemi AA, Rothenburg L, Matyas EL (2002) Influence of particle shape on engineering properties of assemblies of two-dimensional polygon-shaped particles. Géotechnique 52(52):209–217

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Noor MA, Uomoto T (1999) Three-dimensional discrete element model for fresh concrete. Numer Simul Fresh Concrete IIS J 51(4):25–28

    Google Scholar 

  • Ohta M, Nakamura T, Yoshida Y, Matsukuma Y (2011) Lattice Boltzmann simulations of viscoplastic fluid flows through complex flow channels. J Non-Newton Fluid 166(7):404–412

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pieralisi R, Aguado A (2016) Discrete element modelling of the fresh state behavior of pervious concrete. Cement Concrete Res 90:6–18

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Potyondy DO, Cundall PA (2004) A bonded-particle model for rock. Int J Rock Mech Min 41(8):1329–1364

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pournin L, Weber M, Tsukahara M, Ferrez JA, Ramaioli M, Liebling TM (2005) Three-dimensional distinct element simulation of spherocylinder crystallization. Granul Matter 7(2–3):119–126

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qian Z, Garboczi EJ, Ye G, Schlangen E (2016) Anm: a geometrical model for the composite structure of mortar and concrete using real-shape particles. Mater Struct 49(1–2):149–158

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Remond S, Pizette P (2014) A DEM hard-core soft-shell model for the simulation of concrete flow. Cement Concrete Res 58(15):169–178

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Roussel N, Coussot P (2005) “Fifty-cent rheometer” for yield stress measurements: from slump to spreading flow. J Rheol 49(3):705–718

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Roussel N, Stefani C, Leroy R (2005) From mini-cone test to Abrams cone test: measurement of cement-based materials yield stress using slump tests. Cement Concrete Res 35(5):817–822

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Roussel N, Nguyen TLH, Yazoghli O, Coussot P (2009) Passing ability of fresh concrete: a probabilistic approach. Cement Concrete Res 39(3):227–232

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Roussel N, Gram A, Cremonesi M, Ferrara L, Krenzer K, Mechtcherine V (2016) Numerical simulations of concrete flow: a benchmark comparison. Cement Concrete Res 79:265–271

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shyshko S, Mechtcherine V (2008) Simulating the workability of fresh concrete. Mater Struct 43:173–181

    Google Scholar 

  • Shyshko S, Mechtcherine V (2013) Develo** a discrete element model for simulating fresh concrete: experimental investigation and modelling of interactions between discrete aggregate particles with fine mortar between them. Constr Build Mater 47(5):601–615

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sonebi, Grünewald, Walraven (2007) Filling ability and passing ability of self-consolidating concrete. ACI Mater J 104(2):162–170

  • Stroeven P, He H, Stroeven M (2011) Discrete element modelling approach to assessment of granular properties in concrete. J Zhejiang Univ-Sc A 12(5):335–344

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Subramaniam N, Al-Sudairawi M, Al-Dousari A (2015) Probability distribution and extreme value analysis of total suspended particulate matter in Kuwait. Arab J Geosci 8:11329–11344

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Taghavi R (2011) Automatic clump generation based on mid-surface. Continuum and Distinct Element Numer Model Geomechs 14:135–141

    Google Scholar 

  • Tan LI (2011) Approach to generation of random polyhedral aggregate model for concrete. Structural Engineers

  • Thomas PA, Bray JD (1999) Capturing nonspherical shape of granular media with disk clusters. J Geotech Geoenviron 125(3):169–178

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ting JM, Meachum L, Rowell JD (1995) Effect of particle shape on the strength and deformation mechanisms of ellipse-shaped granular assemblages. Eng Comput 12(2):99–108

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vasilic K, Meng B, Kühne HC, Roussel N (2011) Flow of fresh concrete through steel bars: a porous medium analogy. Cem Conc Res 41(5):496–503

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vasilic K, Schmidt W, Kühne HC, Haamkens F, Mechtcherine V, Roussel N (2016) Flow of fresh concrete through reinforced elements: experimental validation of the porous analogy numerical method. Cem Conc Res 88:1–6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang L, Park JY, Fu Y (2007) Representation of real particles for DEM simulation using X-ray tomography. Constr Build Mater 21(2):338–346

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang Z, Zhang X, Qiu H, Daddow M (2016) Dynamic characteristics of track-ballast-silty clay with irregular vibration levels generated by high-speed train based on DEM. Constr Build Mater 125:564–573

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang Z, Song X, Liu Y, Wu D, Song C (2017) Three-dimensional mesoscale modelling of concrete composites by using random walking algorithm. Compos Sci Technol 149:235–245

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang Z, Cui Y, Chan D, Taslagyan K (2018a) DEM simulation of shear vibrational fluidization of granular material. Granul Matter 20. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10035-018-0844-8

  • Zhang Z, Zhang X, Tang Y, Cui Y (2018b) Discrete element analysis of a cross-river tunnel under random vibration levels induced by trains operating during the flood season. J Zhejiang Univ-Sc A 19(5):346–366

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Funding

The project was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NO. 51708433) and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (2017-YB-014; WUT: 2017IVB079).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Transportation, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430063, China

    Xuan Zhang, Zhida Li, Zhihua Zhang & Yunyu Li

Authors
  1. Xuan Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Zhida Li
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Zhihua Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Yunyu Li
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Zhihua Zhang.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Zhang, X., Li, Z., Zhang, Z. et al. Discrete element analysis of the rheological characteristics of self-compacting concrete with irregularly shaped aggregate. Arab J Geosci 11, 597 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-018-3960-1

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-018-3960-1

Keywords

Search

Navigation