Computer Simulation and Percolation Theory Applied to Concrete.
Computer Simulation and Percolation Theory Applied to
Concrete.
(3068 K)
Garboczi, E. J.; Bentz, D. P.
Annual Reviews of Computational Physics. Volume VII,
World Scientific Publishing Co., River Edge, NJ,
Stauffer, D., Editor, 85-123 p., 1999.
Keywords:
concretes; computer simulation
Abstract:
Concrete is a multilength scale composite material. From
the nanometer to the millimeter scale, it is a random
composite, and a different random composite at each
length scale. Percolation processes play a key role in
the microstucture of concrete, and help to describe the
overall dependence of transport properties like ionic
diffusivity on the microstructure. Computer models have
been developed to describe the microstructure and
transport properties, as the randomness of the material
precludes most (but not all) analytical formulations.
The overall description of concrete, over six orders of
magnitude of length scales, in terms of computer models,
percolation theory, and composite ideas should be of
interest to those studying other random materials ss
well, like ceramics and rocks. This report is written to
present the ideas for concrete in such a way so as to be
accessible to the noncement researcher. It is hoped that
these idess will prove to be useful in other materials.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899