Lattice Discrete Particle Modeling of MSFRC material

Fiber Reinforced Concrete (FRC) is an innovative composite material whose important capabilities are currently investigated both experimentally and numerically. The development of a reliable predictive numerical model requires the careful consideration of concrete heterogeneity and random or oriented arrangement of fibres reinforcement. Among the most validated theories, the Lattice Particle Discrete Model (LDPM) effectively simulates the concrete composite behaviour derived from the interaction of aggregates: the meso-structure of the quasi-brittle material is designed with polyhedral particles reflecting the actual coarse aggregate distribution. The LDPM theory was previously extended to account for the fibers crack-bridging effect, typical of FRCs. In this first step of a larger study, the short-term capabilities of the model are studied before investigating the sustained load response. Experimental results from FRC with 8 kg/m3 of polypropylene (PP) macrofibres are used to calibrate the numerical model, presenting many considerations preliminary the model validation.