Coupled lattice discrete particle model for the simulation of water and chloride transport in cracked concrete members

Abstract

A novel coupled mechanical and mass transport lattice discrete particle model is developed to quantitatively assess the impact of cracks on the mass transport properties in concrete members subjected to short‐ and long‐term loading conditions. In the developed approach, two sets of dual lattice networks are generated: one to resolve the mechanical response and another for mass transport analysis. The cracks simulated by the mechanical lattice are mapped onto the transport elements to investigate the effect of cracks on the global transport properties in concrete members. A new quantitative relationship is proposed for the estimation of the diffusion coefficient based on local crack information, and the developed model is capable of describing both convection and diffusion mechanisms. Moreover, creep behavior is incorporated to account for the influence of cracks induced by long‐term loading conditions. Numerical results, in the form of dynamic changes in cumulative water and chloride contents in concrete members under tension, compression, and bending with various stress levels show remarkable accuracy when compared to available experimental observations. The developed model provides an effective means for incorporating mesoscale information in simulations of water and chloride transport in concrete members under varying short‐ and long‐term loading conditions.